bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human Fecal Metabolome Reflects Differences in Body Mass Index, Physical Fitness, and Blood Lipoproteins in Healthy Older Adults
Authors: Cui Mengni , Trimigno Alessia , Castro-Mejía Josue L. , Reitelseder Søren , Bülow Jacob , Bechshøft Rasmus Leidesdorff , Nielsen Dennis Sandris , Holm Lars , Engelsen Søren Balling , Khakimov Bekzod
Published: October 2021

This study investigated how body mass index (BMI), physical fitness, and blood plasma lipoprotein levels are related to the fecal metabolome in older adults. The fecal metabolome data were acquired using proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry on 163 healthy older adults (65–80 years old, 80 females and 83 males). Overweight and obese subjects (BMI ≥ 27) showed higher levels of fecal amino acids (AAs) (valine, alanine, and phenylalanine) compared to normal-weight subjects (BMI ≤ 23.5). Adults classified in the high-fitness group displayed slightly lower concentrations of fecal short-chain fatty acids, propionic acid, and AAs (methionine, leucine, glutamic acid, and threonine) compared to the low-fitness group. Subjects with lower levels of cholesterol in low-density lipoprotein particles (LDLchol, ≤2.6 mmol/L) displayed higher fecal levels of valine, glutamic acid, phenylalanine, and lactic acid, while subjects with a higher level of cholesterol in high-density lipoprotein particles (HDLchol, ≥2.1 mmol/L) showed lower fecal concentration of isovaleric acid. The results from this study suggest that the human fecal metabolome, which primarily represents undigested food waste and metabolites produced by the gut microbiome, carries important information about human health and should be closely integrated to other omics data for a better understanding of the role of the gut microbiome and diet on human health and metabolism.
Borehole-Based Monitoring of Mining-Induced Movement in Ultrathick-and-Hard Sandstone Strata of the Luohe Formation
Authors: Wang Xiaozhen , Zhu Weibing , Xie Jianlin , Han Hongkai , Xu Jingmin , Tang Zhongyi , Xu Jialin
Published: October 2021

Water outbursts and rock bursts often occur during the mining of coal seams under water-rich sandstone strata with thicknesses exceeding 50 m, otherwise called ultrathick-and-hard strata (UTHS), which are common throughout the mining areas of northwestern China. It is important to understand the behaviors of their movement and the evolution of their internal fractures to inform the formulation of effective disaster prevention. Due to the presence of the Luohe Formation UTHS in the overburden of the Tingnan Coal Mine in the Binchang mining area and the powerful mining-induced pressure (MIP) events that occurred during the excavation of Panel #2, the internal strata movement of the overburden and the evolution of its fractures were monitored in situ by fiber optic and multipoint borehole extensometers (MPBX) during the excavation of Working Face #207. It was found that a large number of ring-shaped fractures were observed at 24.8–81 m above the lower boundary of the Luohe Formation—in areas above the goaf of Working Face #206—before Working Face #207 was mined. When Working Face #207 was mined, the fractures that were originally located in the deep strata of the Luohe Formation started to close and migrate towards shallow strata. Crack closure and migration were also observed during the monitoring of internal strata movement. Furthermore, the final displacements of Y1-1-1#, Y1-2-2#, and Y1-2-3# relative to the surface were 77, 248, and 134 mm, which were very small relative to the surface subsidence of 1380 mm. It was found that mining-induced perturbations caused the Luohe Formation UTHS to subside continuously and no risk of a large and sudden break would occur in the Luohe Formation UTHS during the mining of Working Face #207. The results of this study provide important data for the safety of mining operations at Working Face #207, which were validated by microseismic monitoring during the mining of it.
Applying Active Learning to the Screening of Molecular Oxygen Evolution Catalysts
Authors: Craig Michael John , García-Melchor Max
Published: October 2021

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) can enable green hydrogen production; however, the state-of-the-art catalysts for this reaction are composed of prohibitively expensive materials. In addition, cheap catalysts have associated overpotentials that render the reaction inefficient. This impels the search to discover novel catalysts for this reaction computationally. In this communication, we present machine learning algorithms to enhance the hypothetical screening of molecular OER catalysts. By predicting calculated binding energies using Gaussian process regression (GPR) models and applying active learning schemes, we provide evidence that our algorithm can improve computational efficiency by guiding simulations towards candidates with promising OER descriptor values. Furthermore, we derive an acquisition function that, when maximized, can identify catalysts that can exhibit theoretical overpotentials that circumvent the constraints imposed by linear scaling relations by attempting to enforce a specific mechanism. Finally, we provide a brief perspective on the appropriate sets of molecules to consider when screening complexes that could be stable and active for this reaction.
Nano Milk Protein-Mucilage Complexes: Characterization and Anticancer Effect
Authors: El-Maksoud Ahmed Ali Abd , Makhlouf Amal I. A. , Altemimi Ammar B. , El-Ghany Ismail H. Abd , Nassrallah Amr , Cacciola Francesco , Abedelmaksoud Tarek Gamal
Published: October 2021

The anticancer activity of natural compounds has recently attracted multidisciplinary research. In this study, the complexation of milk proteins (MP) with Isabgol husk mucilage (IHM) and Ziziphus spina-christi mucilage (NabM) was investigated. In this context, the physicochemical properties of milk protein mucilage complexes (MPMC) including pH, Carr’s index, water solubility, and water absorption indices were measured, and the flow behavior was studied. In addition, the amino acid profile, protein digestibility, and phenolic and flavonoids content of MPMC were explored, and the microstructure of the complexes was visualized using transmission electron microscopy. The antioxidant and anticancer potencies of MPMC against two cancerous cell lines, human liver cancer HEPG-2 and breast cancer MCF-7, in comparison with two normal cell lines, namely, Bj-1 and MCF-12F, were tested using neutral red uptake assay. The results revealed that MPMC had scavenging activity against DPPH, ABTS, and HS radicals. Moreover, MPMC has the potential to prevent DNA damage induced by oxidative stress in Type-Fenton’s reaction. The results of the neutral red assay showed significant growth inhibition of both HEPG-2, MCF-7, whereas no significant cytotoxic effect was detected against Bj-1 and MCF-12F. RT-qPCR results indicated MPMC stimulated apoptosis as revealed by the upregulation of the pro-apoptosis gene markers Casepase-3, p53, Bax. Meanwhile, the anti-apoptosis Bcl-2 gene was downregulated. However, no significant difference was observed in normal cell lines treated with MPMC. In conclusion, MPMC can be considered as a promising anticancer entity that can be used in the development of novel cancer therapeutics with comparable activity and minimal side effects compared to conventional cancer chemotherapies.
Qualitative Analysis and Componential Differences of Chemical Constituents in Taxilli Herba from Different Hosts by UFLC-Triple TOF-MS/MS
Authors: Yuan Jiahuan , Li Li , Cai Zhichen , Wu Nan , Chen Cuihua , Yin Shengxin , Liu Shengjin , Wang Wenxin , Mei Yuqi , Wei Lifang , Liu Xunhong , Zou Lisi , Chen Haijie
Published: October 2021

Taxilli Herba (TH) is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with a wide range of clinical application. However, there is a lack of comprehensive research on its chemical composition in recent years. At the same time, Taxillus chinensis (DC) Danser is a semi parasitic plant with abundant hosts, and its chemical constituents varies due to hosts. In this study, the characterization of chemical constituents in TH was analyzed by ultra-fast liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole-time of flight tandem mass spectrometry (UFLC-Triple TOF-MS/MS). Moreover, partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was applied to reveal the differential constituents in TH from different hosts based on the qualitative information of the chemical constituents. Results showed that 73 constituents in TH were identified or tentatively presumed, including flavonoids, phenolic acids and glycosides, and others; meanwhile, the fragmentation pathways of different types of compounds were preliminarily deduced by the fragmentation behavior of the major constituents. In addition, 23 differential characteristic constituents were screened based on variable importance in projection (VIP) and p-value. Among them, quercetin 3-O-β-D-glucuronide, quercitrin and hyperoside were common differential constituents. Our research will contribute to comprehensive evaluation and intrinsic quality control of TH, and provide a scientific basis for the variety identification of medicinal materials from different hosts.
Excellent Room-Temperature Thermoelectricity of 2D GeP3: Mexican-Hat-Shaped Band Dispersion and Ultralow Lattice Thermal Conductivity
Authors: Wang Cong , Xu Zhiyuan , Xu Ke , Gao Guoying
Published: October 2021

Although some atomically thin 2D semiconductors have been found to possess good thermoelectric performance due to the quantum confinement effect, most of their behaviors occur at a higher temperature. Searching for promising thermoelectric materials at room temperature is meaningful and challenging. Inspired by the finding of moderate band gap and high carrier mobility in monolayer GeP3, we investigated the thermoelectric properties by using semi-classical Boltzmann transport theory and first-principles calculations. The results show that the room-temperature lattice thermal conductivity of monolayer GeP3 is only 0.43 Wm−1K−1 because of the low group velocity and the strong anharmonic phonon scattering resulting from the disordered phonon vibrations with out-of-plane and in-plane directions. Simultaneously, the Mexican-hat-shaped dispersion and the orbital degeneracy of the valence bands result in a large p-type power factor. Combining this superior power factor with the ultralow lattice thermal conductivity, a high p-type thermoelectric figure of merit of 3.33 is achieved with a moderate carrier concentration at 300 K. The present work highlights the potential applications of 2D GeP3 as an excellent room-temperature thermoelectric material.
The Synthesis and Properties of TIPA-Dominated Porous Metal-Organic Frameworks
Authors: Fu Hongru , Jiang Yuying , Wang Fei , Zhang Jian
Published: October 2021

Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) as a class of crystalline materials are constructed using metal nodes and organic spacers. Polydentate N-donor ligands play a mainstay-type role in the construction of metal−organic frameworks, especially cationic MOFs. Highly stable cationic MOFs with high porosity and open channels exhibit distinct advantages, they can act as a powerful ion exchange platform for the capture of toxic heavy-metal oxoanions through a Single-Crystal to Single-Crystal (SC-SC) pattern. Porous luminescent MOFs can act as nano-sized containers to encapsulate guest emitters and construct multi-emitter materials for chemical sensing. This feature article reviews the synthesis and application of porous Metal-Organic Frameworks based on tridentate ligand tris (4-(1H-imidazol-1-yl) phenyl) amine (TIPA) and focuses on design strategies for the synthesis of TIPA-dominated Metal-Organic Frameworks with high porosity and stability. The design strategies are integrated into four types: small organic molecule as auxiliaries, inorganic oxyanion as auxiliaries, small organic molecule as secondary linkers, and metal clusters as nodes. The applications of ratiometric sensing, the adsorption of oxyanions contaminants from water, and small molecule gas storage are summarized. We hope to provide experience and inspiration in the design and construction of highly porous MOFs base on polydentate N-donor ligands.
Nanomedicine for Immunotherapy Targeting Hematological Malignancies: Current Approaches and Perspective
Authors: Allegra Alessandro , Gioacchino Mario Di , Tonacci Alessandro , Petrarca Claudia , Gangemi Sebastiano
Published: October 2021

Conventional chemotherapy has partial therapeutic effects against hematological malignancies and is correlated with serious side effects and great risk of relapse. Recently, immunotherapeutic drugs have provided encouraging results in the treatment of hematological malignancies. Several immunotherapeutic antibodies and cell therapeutics are in dynamic development such as immune checkpoint blockades and CAR-T treatment. However, numerous problems restrain the therapeutic effectiveness of tumor immunotherapy as an insufficient anti-tumor immune response, the interference of an immune-suppressive bone marrow, or tumoral milieu with the discharge of immunosuppressive components, access of myeloid-derived suppressor cells, monocyte intrusion, macrophage modifications, all factors facilitating the tumor to escape the anti-cancer immune response, finally reducing the efficiency of the immunotherapy. Nanotechnology can be employed to overcome each of these aspects, therefore having the possibility to successfully produce anti-cancer immune responses. Here, we review recent findings on the use of biomaterial-based nanoparticles in hematological malignancies immunotherapy. In the future, a deeper understanding of tumor immunology and of the implications of nanomedicine will allow nanoparticles to revolutionize tumor immunotherapy, and nanomedicine approaches will reveal their great potential for clinical translation.
Sex Differences in Early Programming by Maternal High Fat Diet Induced-Obesity and Fish Oil Supplementation in Mice
Authors: Ramalingam Latha , Menikdiwela Kalhara R. , Spainhour Stephani , Eboh Tochi , Moustaid-Moussa Naima
Published: October 2021

Pre-pregnancy obesity is a contributing factor for impairments in offspring metabolic health. Interventional strategies during pregnancy are a potential approach to alleviate and/or prevent obesity and obesity related metabolic alterations in the offspring. Fish oil (FO), rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) exerts metabolic health benefits. However, the role of FO in early life remains still unknown. Hence, this study objective was to determine the effect of FO supplementation in mice from pre-pregnancy through lactation, and to study the post-natal metabolic health effects in gonadal fat and liver of offspring fed high fat (HF) diet with or without FO. Female C57BL6J mice aged 4–5 weeks were fed a HF (45% fat) diet supplemented with or without FO (30 g/kg of diet) and low fat (LF; 10% fat) pre-pregnancy through lactation. After weaning, offspring (male and female) from HF or FO dams either continued the same diet (HF-HF and FO-FO) or switched to the other diet (HF-FO and FO-HF) for 13 weeks, creating four groups of treatment, and LF-LF was used as a control group. Serum, gonadal fat and liver tissue were collected at termination for metabolic analyses. Offspring of both sexes fed HF with or without fish oil gained (p < 0.05) more weight post weaning, compared to LF-LF-fed mice. All the female offspring groups supplemented with FO had reduced body weight compared to the respective male groups. Further, FO-FO supplementation in both sexes (p < 0.05) improved glucose clearance and insulin sensitivity compared to HF-HF. All FO-FO fed mice had significantly reduced adipocyte size compared to HF-HF group in both male and females. Inflammation, measured by mRNA levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (Mcp1), was reduced (p < 0.05) with FO supplementation in both sexes in gonadal fat and in the liver. Markers of fatty acid synthesis, fatty acid synthase (Fasn) showed no sex specific differences in gonadal fat and liver of mice supplemented with HF. Female mice had lower liver triglycerides than male counterparts. Supplementation of FO in mice improved metabolic health of offspring by lowering markers of lipid synthesis and inflammation.
Pediatric Obesity-Related Asthma: The Role of Nutrition and Nutrients in Prevention and Treatment
Authors: Calcaterra Valeria , Verduci Elvira , Ghezzi Michele , Cena Hellas , Pascuzzi Martina Chiara , Regalbuto Corrado , Lamberti Rossella , Rossi Virginia , Manuelli Matteo , Bosetti Alessandra , Zuccotti Gian Vincenzo
Published: October 2021

Childhood obesity rates have dramatically risen in numerous countries worldwide. Obesity is likely a factor in increased asthma risk, which is already one of the most widespread chronic respiratory pathologies. The pathogenic mechanism of asthma risk has still not yet been fully elucidated. Moreover, the role of obesity-related inflammation and pulmonary overreaction to environmental triggers, which ultimately result in asthma-like symptoms, and the importance of dietary characteristics is well recognized. Diet is an important adjustable element in the asthma development. Food-specific composition of the diet, in particular fat, sugar, and low-quality nutrients, is likely to promote the chronic inflammatory state seen in asthmatic patients with obesity. An unbalanced diet or supplementation as a way to control asthma more efficiently has been described. A personalized dietary intervention may improve respiratory symptoms and signs and therapeutic response. In this narrative review, we presented and discussed more recent literature on asthma associated with obesity among children, focusing on the risk of asthma among children with obesity, asthma as a result of obesity focusing on the role of adipose tissue as a mediator of systemic and local airway inflammation implicated in asthma regulation, and the impact of nutrition and nutrients in the development and treatment of asthma. Appropriate early nutritional intervention could possibly be critical in preventing and managing asthma associated with obesity among children.
Attitudes towards Olive Oil Usage, Domestic Storage, and Knowledge of Quality: A Consumers’ Survey in Greece
Authors: Marakis Georgios , Gaitis Fragiskos , Mila Spyridoula , Papadimitriou Dimitra , Tsigarida Eirini , Mousia Zoe , Karpouza Aggeliki , Magriplis Emmanuella , Zampelas Antonios
Published: October 2021

Consumption of unbranded olive oil obtained in bulk has previously been reported to be very high in Greece, underlining the need to investigate knowledge regarding its health attributes and storage practices, two areas that can affect oil quality. This study aimed to investigate Greek consumers’ use and choice of olive oil, their knowledge about its quality, as well as domestic storage practices of olive oil. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a representative sample of 857 Greek households that consume olive oil, using a previously validated questionnaire. Most participating households use olive oil produced by themselves or by their extended family or friends (60.3%), and only 27.4% purchase branded olive oil, while 57% reported using extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). Only 38.4% of the respondents reported optimal domestic storage practices to maintain olive oil quality, with a significant greater percentage of non-producers group compared to olive oil producers. In all areas of Greece, the higher the knowledge of olive oil quality, the higher the probability of consumers selecting EVOO and perceiving olive oil price as low. The present survey highlights the need to heighten consumers’ knowledge of olive oil attributes and correct storage practices and awareness about branded EVOO and its superior quality.
Effects of Maternal Nightshift Work on Evening Energy Intake, Diet Quality and Meal Timing in the Family: An Observational Study
Authors: Flanagan Alan , Lowson Elizabeth , Griffin Bruce A. , Skene Debra J.
Published: October 2021

The percentage of women working regular nightshift work has increased in the past decade. While nightshift work has the potential to exert adverse effects on dietary habits, little is known about the impact of a parent working nightshifts on dietary habits in the family. We analysed energy intake, meal timing, and diet quality among dependent children and male partners of 20 female UK National Health Service (NHS) nurses working rotational nightshifts. Comparing nightshift against non-nightshift conditions, we hypothesised that maternal nightshift work would affect the evening energy intake, diet quality and time of eating of dependent children and adult partners. Primary outcomes were absolute energy intake and the proportion of daily energy intake consumed in the evening (16:00–23:59 h). Our results show that in pre-teen children aged 8–12 years (n = 13, mean ± SD, 9.9 ± 1.6 yrs; 9 males), the proportion of total daily energy intake consumed during periods of nightshift work was significantly greater compared to periods of non-nightshifts (45.7% ± 8.8% vs. 39.7% ± 7.0%, mean ± SD, p = 0.012). There was no effect of nightshift work on dietary habits in teenage children or partners. The finding of a greater proportion of daily energy consumed in the evening period in pre-teen children is noteworthy, as it suggests that pre-teen children more dependent than older teenage children may be more vulnerable to disruptions to dietary patterns associated with maternal nightshift work.
Relationship between Saliva and Sublingual Immunotherapy
Authors: Oka Aiko , Okano Mitsuhiro
Published: October 2021

The demand for allergen specific immunotherapy (AIT), especially sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), is increasing because of its efficacy in inducing clinical remission of allergic diseases and its low risk of side effects. Since not all patients that undergo SLIT demonstrate an improvement in allergic symptoms, the development of biomarkers to predict the outcome and adjuvants for SLIT is desired. Saliva is the first target with which tablets used in SLIT come into contact, and salivary pH, chemical properties or microbiome composition are reported to possibly be associated with the outcome of SLIT. Antibodies such as IgG4 and IgA not only in the serum but also in the saliva are increased after SLIT and may also be associated with the efficacy of SLIT. The development of the metagenomic sequencing technique makes it possible to determine the microbiome composition and ratio of each bacterium, and researchers can investigate the relationships between specific bacteria and the immune response. Some bacteria are reported to improve the SLIT outcome and have the potential to be used as biomarkers for the selection of patients and as adjuvants in SLIT. Here, we introduce biomarkers for SLIT and present recent findings regarding the relationship between saliva and SLIT.
The Toxicity of Wiped Dust and Airborne Microbes in Individual Classrooms Increase the Risk of Teachers’ Work-Related Symptoms: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Salin Janne , Ohtonen Pasi , Andersson Maria A. , Syrjälä Hannu
Published: October 2021

Background: The causes and pathophysiological mechanisms of building-related symptoms (BRS) remain open. Objective: We aimed to investigate the association between teachers’ individual work-related symptoms and intrinsic in vitro toxicity in classrooms. This is a further analysis of a previously published dataset. Methods: Teachers from 15 Finnish schools in Helsinki responded to the symptom survey. The boar sperm motility inhibition assay, a sensitive indicator of mitochondrial dysfunction, was used to measure the toxicity of wiped dust and cultured microbial fallout samples collected from the teachers’ classrooms. Results: 231 teachers whose classroom toxicity data had been collected responded to the questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, gender, smoking, and atopy showed that classroom dust intrinsic toxicity was statistically significantly associated with the following 12 symptoms reported by teachers (adjusted ORs in parentheses): nose stuffiness (4.1), runny nose (6.9), hoarseness (6.4), globus sensation (9.0), throat mucus (7.6), throat itching (4.4), shortness of breath (12.2), dry cough (4.7), wet eyes (12.7), hypersensitivity to sound (7.9), difficulty falling asleep (7.6), and increased need for sleep (7.7). Toxicity of cultured microbes was found to be associated with nine symptoms (adjusted ORs in parentheses): headache (2.3), nose stuffiness (2.2), nose dryness (2.2), mouth dryness (2.8), hoarseness (2.2), sore throat (2.8), throat mucus (2.3), eye discharge (10.2), and increased need for sleep (3.5). Conclusions: The toxicity of classroom dust and airborne microbes in boar sperm motility inhibition assay significantly increased teachers’ risk of work-related respiratory and ocular symptoms. Potential pathophysiological mechanisms of BRS are discussed.
Targeting the Gut Mucosal Immune System Using Nanomaterials
Authors: McCright Jacob , Ramirez Ann , Amosu Mayowa , Sinha Arnav , Bogseth Amanda , Maisel Katharina
Published: October 2021

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is one the biggest mucosal surface in the body and one of the primary targets for the delivery of therapeutics, including immunotherapies. GI diseases, including, e.g., inflammatory bowel disease and intestinal infections such as cholera, pose a significant public health burden and are on the rise. Many of these diseases involve inflammatory processes that can be targeted by immune modulatory therapeutics. However, nonspecific targeting of inflammation systemically can lead to significant side effects. This can be avoided by locally targeting therapeutics to the GI tract and its mucosal immune system. In this review, we discuss nanomaterial-based strategies targeting the GI mucosal immune system, including gut-associated lymphoid tissues, tissue resident immune cells, as well as GI lymph nodes, to modulate GI inflammation and disease outcomes, as well as take advantage of some of the primary mechanisms of GI immunity such as oral tolerance.
Use of an In Vitro Skin Parallel Artificial Membrane Assay (Skin-PAMPA) as a Screening Tool to Compare Transdermal Permeability of Model Compound 4-Phenylethyl-Resorcinol Dissolved in Different Solvents
Authors: Sinkó Bálint , Bárdos Vivien , Vesztergombi Dániel , Kádár Szabina , Malcsiner Petra , Moustie Anne , Jouy Chantal , Takács-Novák Krisztina , Grégoire Sebastien
Published: October 2021

Absorption through the skin of topically applied chemicals is relevant for both formulation development and safety assessment, especially in the early stages of development. However, the supply of human skin is limited, and the traditional in vitro methods are of low throughput. As an alternative, an artificial membrane-based Skin Parallel Artificial Membrane Permeability Assay (Skin-PAMPA) has been developed to mimic the permeability through the stratum corneum. In this study, this assay was used to measure the permeability of a model compound, 4-phenylethyl-resorcinol (PER), dissolved in 13 different solvents that are commonly used in cosmetic formulation development. The study was performed at concentrations close to the saturated solution of PER in each solvent to investigate the maximum thermodynamic potential of the solvents. The permeability of PER in selected solvents was also measured on ex vivo pig skin for comparison. Pig ear skin is an accepted alternative model of human skin. The permeability coefficient, which is independent of the concentration of the applied solution, showed a good correlation (R2 = 0.844) between the Skin-PAMPA and the pig skin permeation data. Our results support the use of the Skin-PAMPA to screen the suitability of different solvents for non-polar compounds at an early stage of formulation development.
Recent Advances in Combined Photothermal and Photodynamic Therapies against Cancer Using Carbon Nanomaterial Platforms for In Vivo Studies
Authors: Dias Lucas D. , Buzzá Hilde H. , Stringasci Mirian D. , Bagnato Vanderlei S.
Published: October 2021

Cancer is considered one of the major public health problems worldwide. Among the therapeutic approaches investigated and used so far, the combined use of photothermal (PTT) and photodynamic (PDT) therapies have shown promising results for in vivo studies. The mechanisms of actions of both therapies are based on use of a chemical entity and a source light with an appropriate wavelength, and, in PDTs case, also molecular oxygen (O2). Moreover, the combined use of PTT and PDT may present a synergic effect on the elimination of solid tumor and metastasis. Herein, we review the past 5 years (2016–2020) regarding the combined use of PTT and PDT and carbon nanomaterial platforms as photosensitizers and photothermal agents against cancer (in vivo evaluation). We intend to highlight the most important and illustrative examples for this period. Additionally, we report the mechanisms of action of PTT and PTT and the general physical/chemical properties of carbon nanomaterial platforms used for this therapeutic approach.
Detection and Verification of QTL for Salinity Tolerance at Germination and Seedling Stages Using Wild Barley Introgression Lines
Authors: Sayed Mohammed Abdelaziz , Tarawneh Rasha , Youssef Helmy Mohamed , Pillen Klaus , Börner Andreas
Published: October 2021

Salinity is one of the major environmental factors that negatively affect crop development, particularly at the early growth stage of a plant and consequently the final yield. Therefore, a set of 50 wild barley (Hordeum vulgare ssp. spontaneum, Hsp) introgression lines (ILs) was used to detect QTL alleles improving germination and seedling growth under control, 75 mM, and 150 mM NaCl conditions. Large variation was observed for germination and seedling growth related traits that were highly heritable under salinity stress. In addition, highly significant differences were obtained for five salinity tolerance indices and between treatments as well. A total of 90 and 35 significant QTL were identified for ten investigated traits and for tolerance indices, respectively. The Hsp introgression alleles are involved in improving salinity tolerance at forty (43.9%) out of 90 QTL including introgression lines S42IL-109 (2H), S42IL-116 (4H), S42IL-132 (6H), S42IL-133 (7H), S42IL-148 (6H), and S42IL-176 (5H). Interestingly, seven exotic QTL alleles were successfully validated in the wild barley ILs including S42IL-127 (5H), 139 (7H), 125 (5H), 117 (4H), 118 (4H), 121 (4H), and 137 (7H). We conclude that the barley introgression lines contain numerous germination and seedling growth-improving novel QTL alleles, which are effective under salinity conditions.
Wheat Biocomposite Extraction, Structure, Properties and Characterization: A Review
Authors: Mohammed Abdulrahman A. B. A. , Omran Abdoulhdi A. Borhana , Hasan Zaimah , Ilyas R. A. , Sapuan S. M.
Published: October 2021

Biocomposite materials create a huge opportunity for a healthy and safe environment by replacing artificial plastic and materials with natural ingredients in a variety of applications. Furniture, construction materials, insulation, and packaging, as well as medical devices, can all benefit from biocomposite materials. Wheat is one of the world’s most widely cultivated crops. Due to its mechanical and physical properties, wheat starch, gluten, and fiber are vital in the biopolymer industry. Glycerol as a plasticizer considerably increased the elongation and water vapor permeability of wheat films. Wheat fiber developed mechanical and thermal properties as a result of various matrices; wheat gluten is water insoluble, elastic, non-toxic, and biodegradable, making it useful in biocomposite materials. This study looked at the feasibility of using wheat plant components such as wheat, gluten, and fiber in the biocomposite material industry.
Validating Poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) Polystyrene Sulfonate-Based Textile Electroencephalography Electrodes by a Textile-Based Head Phantom
Authors: Tseghai Granch Berhe , Malengier Benny , Fante Kinde Anlay , Van Langenhove Lieva
Published: October 2021

It is important to go through a validation process when developing new electroencephalography (EEG) electrodes, but it is impossible to keep the human mind constant, making the process difficult. It is also very difficult to identify noise and signals as the input signal is unknown. In this work, we have validated textile-based EEG electrodes constructed from a poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate:/polydimethylsiloxane coated cotton fabric using a textile-based head phantom. The performance of the textile-based electrode has also been compared against a commercial dry electrode. The textile electrodes collected a signal to a smaller skin-to-electrode impedance (−18.9%) and a higher signal-to-noise ratio (+3.45%) than Ag/AgCl dry electrodes. From an EEGLAB, it was observed that the inter-trial coherence and event-related spectral perturbation graphs of the textile-based electrodes were identical to the Ag/AgCl electrodes. Thus, these textile-based electrodes can be a potential alternative to monitor brain activity.
High-Density Patterned Array Bonding through Void-Free Divinyl Siloxane Bis-Benzocyclobutene Bonding Process
Authors: Kim Nam Woon , Choe Hyeonjeong , Shah Muhammad Ali , Lee Duck-Gyu , Hur Shin
Published: October 2021

Divinylsiloxane-bis-benzocyclobutene (DVS-BCB) has attracted significant attention as an intermediate bonding material, owing to its excellent properties. However, its applications are limited, due to damage to peripheral devices at high curing temperatures and unoptimized compressive pressure. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the compressive pressure condition for DVS-BCB bonding. This study demonstrates an optimization process for void-free DVS-BCB bonding. The process for obtaining void-free DVS-BCB bonding is a vacuum condition of 0.03 Torr, compressive pressure of 0.6 N/mm2, and curing temperature of 250 °C for 1 h. Herein, we define two factors affecting the DVS-BCB bonding quality through the DVS-BCB bonding mechanism. For strong DVS-BCB bonding, void-free and high-density chemical bonds are required. Therefore, we observed the DVS-BCB bonding under various compressive pressure conditions at a relatively low temperature (250 °C). The presence of voids and high-density crosslinking density was examined through near-infrared confocal laser microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared microscopy. We also evaluated the adhesion of the DVS-BCB bonding, using a universal testing machine. The results suggest that the good adhesion with no voids and high crosslinking density was obtained at the compressive pressure condition of 0.6 N/mm2. We believe that the proposed process will be of great significance for applications in semiconductor and device packaging technologies.
Surface Functionalization of Black Phosphorus via Amine Compounds and Its Impacts on the Flame Retardancy and Thermal Decomposition Behaviors of Epoxy Resin
Authors: Lin Shaoling , Tao Boqing , Zhao Xiaomin , Chen Guohua , Wang De-Yi
Published: October 2021

Recently, lots of effort has been placed into stabilizing black phosphorus (BP) in the air to improve its compatibility with polymers. Herein, BP was chemically functionalized by aliphatic amine (DETA), aromatic amine (PPDA) and cyclamine (Pid) via a nucleophilic substitution reaction, aiming to develop an intensively reactive BP flame retardant for epoxy resin (EP). The -NH2 group on BP-DETA, BP-PPDA and BP-Pid reacted with the epoxide group at different temperatures. The lowest temperature was about 150 °C for BP-DETA. The impacts of three BP-NH2 were compared on the flame retardancy and thermal decomposition of EP. At 5 wt% loading, EP/BP-NH2 all passed UL 94 V 0 rating. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) of EP/BP-PPDA was as high as 32.3%. The heat release rate (HRR) of EP/BP-DETA greatly decreased by 46% and char residue increased by 73.8%, whereas HRR of EP/BP-Pid decreased by 11.5% and char residue increased by 50.8%, compared with EP. Average effective heat of combustion (av-EHC) of EP/BP-Pid was lower than that of EP/BP-DETA and EP/BP-PPDA. In view of the flame-retardant mechanism, BP nanosheets functionalized with aliphatic amine and aromatic amine played a dominant role in the condensed phase, while BP functionalized with cyclamine was more effective in the gas phase.
The Potential of Micromammals for the Stratigraphy and the Timing of Human Occupations at La Roche-à-Pierrot (Saint-Césaire, France)
Authors: Lebreton Loïc , Morin Eugène , Gravina Brad , Michel Alexandre , Bachellerie François , Beauval Cédric , Flas Damien , Laroulandie Véronique , Marot Josserand , Rougier Hélène , Tartar Elise , Todisco Dominique , Crevecoeur Isabelle
Published: October 2021

As micromammals are highly sensitive to changes in their habitat, variations in species representation are often used to reconstruct local environmental conditions. However, taphonomic aspects of micromammals are often overlooked, despite the fact that they can provide important information for our understanding of archaeological sites. La Roche-à-Pierrot, Saint-Césaire, is a major archaeological site for our understanding of the Middle-to-Upper Palaeolithic transition in Western Europe. Clearly documenting site formation processes, the post-depositional reworking of deposits and the sequence of human occupations is fundamental for providing a secure archaeostratigraphic context of the site. The exceptionally large accumulation of micromammals from recently excavated stratigraphic units at the site makes it possible to track variations in the density of micromammals across the stratigraphic sequence. The taphonomic analysis of micromammals demonstrates these variations are not related to a change in the main accumulation agent or post-depositional phenomena. A negative correlation between small mammal remains and archaeological material suggests that peaks in micromammal densities can potentially be correlated with periods when the site was abandoned or when human occupation was less intense, and therefore provide new data for interpreting the Saint-Césaire stratigraphic sequence.
The Role of NMDAR and BDNF in Cognitive Dysfunction Induced by Different Microwave Radiation Conditions in Rats
Authors: Liao Shiyao , Liu Zonghuan , Zhi Weijia , Ma Lizhen , Zhou Hongmei , Peng Ruiyun , Hu Xiangjun , Zou Yong , Wang Lifeng
Published: October 2021

Background: To investigate the effects of different levels of microwave radiation on learning and memory in Wistar rats and explore the underlying mechanisms of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR/NR) and Brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF); Methods: A total of 140 Wistar rats were exposed to microwave radiation levels of 0, 10, 30 or 50 mW/cm2 for 6 min. Morris Water Maze Test, high-performance liquid chromatography, Transmission Electron Microscope and Western blotting were used; Results: The 30 and 50 mW/cm2 groups exhibited longer average escape latencies and fewer platform crossings than the 0 mW/cm2 group from 6 h to 3 d after microwave radiation. Alterations in the amino acid neurotransmitters of the hippocampi were shown at 6 h, 3 d and 7 d after exposure to 10, 30 or 50 mW/cm2 microwave radiation. The length and width of the Postsynaptic density were increased. The expression of NR1, NR2A and NR2B increased from day 1 to day 7; Postsynaptic density protein-95 and cortactin expression increased from day 3 to day 7; BDNF and Tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) expression increased between 6 h and 1 d after 30 mW/cm2 microwave radiation exposure, but they decreased after 50mW/cm2 exposure. Conclusions: Microwave exposure (30 or 50 mW/cm2, for 6 min) may cause abnormalities in neurotransmitter release and synaptic structures, resulting in impaired learning and memory; BDNF and NMDAR-related signaling molecules might contribute differently to these alterations.
Quasi Geoid and Geoid Modeling with the Use of Terrestrial and Airborne Gravity Data by the GGI Method—A Case Study in the Mountainous Area of Colorado
Authors: Trojanowicz Marek , Owczarek-Wesołowska Magdalena , Wang Yan Ming , Jamroz Olgierd
Published: October 2021

This article concerns the development of gravimetric quasigeoid and geoid models using the geophysical gravity data inversion technique (the GGI method). This research work was carried out on the basis of the data used in the Colorado geoid experiment, and the mean quasigeoid (ζm) and mean geoid (Nm) heights, determined by the approaches used in the Colorado geoid experiment, were used as a reference. Three versions of the quasigeoid GGI models depending on gravity data were analyzed: terrestrial-only, airborne-only, and combined (using airborne and terrestrial datasets). For the combined version, which was the most accurate, a model in the form of a 1′×1′ grid was calculated in the same area as the models determined in the Colorado geoid experiment. For the same grid, the geoid–quasigeoid separation was determined, which was used to build the geoid model. The agreement (in terms of the standard deviation of the differences) of the determined models, with ζm and Nm values for the GSVS17 profile points, was ±0.9 cm for the quasigeoid and ±1.2 cm for the geoid model. The analogous values, determined on the basis of all 1′×1′ grid points, were ±2.3 cm and ±2.6 cm for the quasigeoid and geoid models, respectively.
Camera Self-Calibration with GNSS Constrained Bundle Adjustment for Weakly Structured Long Corridor UAV Images
Authors: Huang Wei , Jiang San , Jiang Wanshou
Published: October 2021

Camera self-calibration determines the precision and robustness of AT (aerial triangulation) for UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) images. The UAV images collected from long transmission line corridors are critical configurations, which may lead to the “bowl effect” with camera self-calibration. To solve such problems, traditional methods rely on more than three GCPs (ground control points), while this study designs a new self-calibration method with only one GCP. First, existing camera distortion models are grouped into two categories, i.e., physical and mathematical models, and their mathematical formulas are exploited in detail. Second, within an incremental SfM (Structure from Motion) framework, a camera self-calibration method is designed, which combines the strategies for initializing camera distortion parameters and fusing high-precision GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) observations. The former is achieved by using an iterative optimization algorithm that progressively optimizes camera parameters; the latter is implemented through inequality constrained BA (bundle adjustment). Finally, by using four UAV datasets collected from two sites with two data acquisition modes, the proposed algorithm is comprehensively analyzed and verified, and the experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can dramatically alleviate the “bowl effect” of self-calibration for weakly structured long corridor UAV images, and the horizontal and vertical accuracy can reach 0.04 m and 0.05 m, respectively, when using one GCP. In addition, compared with open-source and commercial software, the proposed method achieves competitive or better performance.
Possibilities of Estimating F2 Layer Peak Plasma Frequency Using HF Radiation from High Apogee Satellites over Arctic Region
Authors: Krasheninnikov Igor , Givishvili Givi
Published: October 2021

Based on the results of mathematical modeling, we consider the possibility to estimate the plasma frequency F2 layer maximum of the polar ionosphere (critical frequency, foF2) using frequency-sweeping radiation from a highly elliptical spacecraft orbit in the Arctic zone. Our modeling concerning the energy problem of radio sensing consisted of analyzing wave field parameters, received field strength, and SNR on two radio paths with the distances 1900 and 2500 km along the earth’s surface, with the satellite height varying from 10,000 to 30,000 km. Radio path orientations were selected to be close to the classical limit cases of radio wave propagation in the anisotropic ionospheric plasma: quasi-longitudinal approximation and, to a large extent, the quasi-transversal one for the quiet midday and midnight conditions. As a result of these simulations and following specific spacecraft conditions, working with an optimal probing signal was proposed for the appropriate emission power for the onboard transmitter. In the inverse problem of radio sounding of an ionized media, common mathematical inaccuracy in foF2 calculated from the transionogram, frequency dependence of the probing signals magneto-ionic group delay, was estimated. Considering and founding a possible realization of the method, physical prerequisites are discussed based on the experimental data of radio waves passing the 16,000 km long radio path for Moscow–Antarctica (UAS Vernadsky).
Connectivity Analysis Applied to Mesoscale Eddies in the Western Mediterranean Basin
Authors: Cotroneo Yuri , Celentano Paolo , Aulicino Giuseppe , Perilli Angelo , Olita Antonio , Falco Pierpaolo , Sorgente Roberto , Ribotti Alberto , Budillon Giorgio , Fusco Giannetta , Pessini Federica
Published: October 2021

The Western Mediterranean basin (WMED) is characterized by the presence of energetic and dynamic mesoscale cyclonic and anticyclonic eddies. They mainly originate along the Algerian and the Northern currents and have a large influence on the basin circulation. Eddies can last for months, with longer lifetimes associated with the anticyclones, which can move far from their areas of origin. As they partially isolate and transfer water masses, they also have an impact on water properties (physical, chemical and biological), pollutant’s dispersion and transport of eggs, larvae and planktonic organisms. In this study, a connectivity analysis method is applied to the anticyclonic eddies (AEs) identified by an automated hybrid detection and tracking algorithm south of 42°N in the WMED. The same methodology is also applied to the trajectories of Lagrangian surface drifters available in the study area. The purpose is to highlight the connections between different areas of the basin linked to eddy activities in addition to the connectivity due to the mean surface circulation. Drifter data analysis showed that all the WMED sub-basins are strongly interconnected, with the mean surface circulation allowing a shortcut connection among many areas of the basin. The connectivity analysis of the AEs tracks shows that although AEs are ubiquitous in the WMED, their connectivity is limited to well-defined regions, depending on their origin location. Three main regions: the south-western, the south-eastern and the northern parts of the basin are characterized by AEs recirculation, with sporadic export of eddies to the other WMED zones.
Strip-Map SAR Image Formulation Based on the Modified Alternating Split Bregman Method
Authors: Shen Fangfang , Chen Xuyang , Liu Yanming , Xie Yaocong , Li Xiaoping
Published: October 2021

Conventional compressive sensing (CS)-based imaging methods allow images to be reconstructed from a small amount of data, while they suffer from high computational burden even for a moderate scene. To address this problem, this paper presents a novel two-dimensional (2D) CS imaging algorithm for strip-map synthetic aperture radars (SARs) with zero squint angle. By introducing a 2D separable formulation to model the physical procedure of the SAR imaging, we separate the large measurement matrix into two small ones, and then the induced algorithm can deal with 2D signal directly instead of converting it into 1D vector. As a result, the computational load can be reduced significantly. Furthermore, thanks to its superior performance in maintaining contour information, the gradient space of the SAR image is exploited and the total variation (TV) constraint is incorporated to improve resolution performance. Due to the non-differentiable property of the TV regularizer, it is difficult to directly solve the induced TV regularization problem. To overcome this problem, an improved split Bregman method is presented by formulating the TV minimization problem into a sequence of unconstrained optimization problem and Bregman updates. It yields an accurate and simple solution. Finally, the synthesis and real experiment results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm remains competitive in terms of high resolution and high computational efficiency.