bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Induction of Secondary Metabolite Biosynthesis by Deleting the Histone Deacetylase HdaA in the Marine-Derived Fungus Aspergillus terreus RA2905
Authors: Zheng Yao-Yao , Ma Zhong-Lian , Wu Jing-Shuai , Shao Chang-Lun , Yao Guang-Shan , Wang Chang-Yun
Published: September 2022

Aspergillus terreus is well-known for its ability to biosynthesize valuable pharmaceuticals as well as structurally unique secondary metabolites. However, numerous promising cryptic secondary metabolites in this strain regulated by silent gene clusters remain unidentified. In this study, to further explore the secondary metabolite potential of A. terreus, the essential histone deacetylase hdaA gene was deleted in the marine-derived A. terreus RA2905. The results showed that HdaA plays a vital and negative regulatory role in both conidiation and secondary metabolism. Loss of HdaA in A. terreus RA2905 not only resulted in the improvement in butyrolactone production, but also activated the biosynthesis of new azaphilone derivatives. After scaled fermentation, two new azaphilones, asperterilones A and B (1 and 2), were isolated from ΔhdaA mutant. The planar structures of compounds 1 and 2 were undoubtedly characterized by NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry analysis. Their absolute configurations were assigned by circular dichroism spectra analysis and proposed biosynthesis pathway. Compounds 1 and 2 displayed moderate anti-Candida activities with the MIC values ranging from 18.0 to 47.9 μM, and compound 1 exhibited significant cytotoxic activity against human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. This study provides novel evidence that hdaA plays essential and global roles in repressing secondary metabolite gene expression in fungi, and its deletion represents an efficient strategy to mine new compounds from A. terreus and other available marine-derived fungi.
Gramiketides, Novel Polyketide Derivatives of Fusarium graminearum, Are Produced during the Infection of Wheat
Authors: Seidl Bernhard , Rehak Katrin , Bueschl Christoph , Parich Alexandra , Buathong Raveevatoo , Wolf Bernhard , Doppler Maria , Mitterbauer Rudolf , Adam Gerhard , Khewkhom Netnapis , Wiesenberger Gerlinde , Schuhmacher Rainer
Published: September 2022

The plant pathogen Fusarium graminearum is a proficient producer of mycotoxins and other in part still unknown secondary metabolites, some of which might act as virulence factors on wheat. The PKS15 gene is expressed only in planta, so far hampering the identification of an associated metabolite. Here we combined the activation of silent gene clusters by chromatin manipulation (kmt6) with blocking the metabolic flow into the competing biosynthesis of the two major mycotoxins deoxynivalenol and zearalenone. Using an untargeted metabolomics approach, two closely related metabolites were found in triple mutants (kmt6 tri5 pks4,13) deficient in production of the major mycotoxins deoxynivalenol and zearalenone, but not in strains with an additional deletion in PKS15 (kmt6 tri5 pks4,13 pks15). Characterization of the metabolites, by LC-HRMS/MS in combination with a stable isotope-assisted tracer approach, revealed that they are likely hybrid polyketides comprising a polyketide part consisting of malonate-derived acetate units and a structurally deviating part. We propose the names gramiketide A and B for the two metabolites. In a biological experiment, both gramiketides were formed during infection of wheat ears with wild-type but not with pks15 mutants. The formation of the two gramiketides during infection correlated with that of the well-known virulence factor deoxynivalenol, suggesting that they might play a role in virulence.
Real-World Analysis of the Aging Effects on Visual Field Reliability Indices in Central 10-2 Tests
Authors: Shirakami Tomoki , Omura Tetsuro , Fukuda Hiroki , Asaoka Ryo , Tanito Masaki
Published: September 2022

We investigated the influence of aging on the reliability indices of visual field (VF) testing using a large dataset of central 10-2 program tests, including 6674 VF tests, which consisted of 1782 eyes of 1094 Japanese subjects (the mean age ± standard deviation was 66.6 ± 14.1 years). All of the combinations for each parameter, except for the pairs between age and fixation losses (FLs) or false positives (FPs) and between pattern standard deviation (PSD) and FPs, had significant correlations (p < 0.0001). Among the reliability indices, the false negatives (FNs) had the strongest correlation against age (the correlation coefficient was ρ = 0.21). Each reliability index changes differently with aging. The FLs were the highest in the first 10 s and remained constant after 20 s. The FNs remained constant for 60 s and rose steeply after 70 s. The FPs reached their highest value in 10 s and remained constant after 40 s. In mixed-effect regression analyses in 40-year-old or older subjects, older age was significantly associated with higher FNs (p < 0.0001) but not with FLs (p = 0.9014) and FPs (p = 0.9267). Compared to central 30-2 VF testing, central 10-2 VF tests were associated with smaller FLs (p < 0.0001) and FPs (p < 0.0001). In central 10-2 testing, age-related deterioration was seen in FNs but not in FLs and FPs. Choosing the 10-2 program over the 30-2 program can be effective in reducing the FL, especially in older cases with severe VF loss. This study highlighted the relationships between age and each reliability index in central 10-2 VF testing.
A Systematic Review of Radio Frequency Threats in IoMT
Authors: Jayaraj Irrai Anbu , Shanmugam Bharanidharan , Azam Sami , Samy Ganthan Narayana
Published: September 2022

In evolving technology, attacks on medical devices are optimized due to the driving force of AI, computer vision, mixed reality, and the internet of things (IoT). Optimizing cybersecurity on the internet of medical things (IoMT) and building cyber resiliency against crime-as-a-service (CaaS) in the healthcare ecosystem are challenging due to various attacks, including spectrum-level threats at the physical layer. Therefore, we conducted a systematic literature review to identify the research gaps and propose potential solutions to spectrum threats on IoMT devices. The purpose of this study is to provide an overview of the literature on wireless spectrum attacks. The papers we reviewed covered cyber impacts, layered attacks, attacks on protocols, sniffing attacks, field experimentation with cybersecurity testbeds, radiofrequency machine learning, and data collection. In the final section, we discuss future directions, including the sniffing attack mitigation framework in IoMT devices operating under a machine implantable communication system (MICS). To analyze the research papers about physical attacks against IoT in health care, we followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) guidelines. Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched for peer-reviewed articles, and we conducted a thorough search using these resources. The search on Scopus containing the terms “jamming attack” and “health” yielded 330 rows, and the investigation on WoS yielded 17 rows. The search terms “replay attack” and “health” yielded 372 rows in Scopus, while PubMed yielded 23 rows, and WoS yielded 50 articles. The search terms “side-channel attack” and “health” yielded 447 rows in Scopus, WoS yielded 30 articles, and the search terms “sniffing attack” and “health” yielded 18 rows in Scopus, while PubMed yielded 1 row, and WoS yielded 0 articles. The terms “spoofing attack” and “health” yielded 316 rows in Scopus, while PubMed yielded 5 rows, and WoS yielded 23 articles. Finally, the search terms “tampering attack” and “health” yielded 25 rows in Scopus, PubMed yielded 14 rows, and WoS yielded 46 rows. The search time frame was from 2003 to June 2022. The findings show a research gap in sniffing, tampering, and replay attacks on the IoMT. We have listed the items that were included and excluded and provided a detailed summary of SLR. A thorough analysis of potential gaps has been identified, and the results are visualized for ease of understanding.
Soil Organic Carbon Storage in Australian Wheat Cropping Systems in Response to Climate Change from 1990 to 2060
Authors: Li Qiang , Gao Maofang , Li Zhao-Liang
Published: September 2022

It is important to examine the effects of climate change on temporal variations in SOC storage, in order to optimize management practices for sustainable grain production. Using the denitrification–decomposition (DNDC) model to simulate biogeochemical processes in agro-ecosystems, SOC variability was evaluated in the Australian wheat cropping system from 1990 to 2060, under the Representative Concentration Pathway 85 (RCP85) climate change scenario. We analyzed the impacts of temperature and precipitation on SOC variability and further simulated six management scenarios for wheat cultivation over 71 years, which included wheat cropping under common nitrogen fertilizer (N-fertilizer) application rate (12 kg N/ha), adequate N-fertilizer application rate (50 kg N/ha), and legume–wheat rotation with N fertilizer application rates at 0, 12, and 50 kg N/ha. The results indicated that the DNDC model provided a good simulation of biogeochemical processes associated with wheat growth; the normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) of wheat yield was 15.16%, and the NRMSE of SOC was 13.21%. The SOC (0–30 cm) decreased from 3994.1 kg C/ha in 1990 to 2848.0 kg C/ha in 2060, an average decrease of 0.4% per year. Temperature and precipitation were the important factors affecting SOC storage, with contributions of 13% and 12%, respectively. Furthermore, adding a legume phase increased SOC and wheat yield in the low N-fertilizer scenario. In contrast, adding a legume phase in the adequate N-fertilizer scenario decreased SOC and wheat yield.
Language Contact and Borders among Pontic Greek and Cypriot Greek in Karpasia, Cyprus: Yours Don’t Match with Ours
Authors: Ioannidou Elena
Published: September 2022

The current paper explores language contact between two Greek varieties, Pontic Greek and Cypriot Greek, in the northern part of Cyprus. After the de facto partition of Cyprus in 1974, several Pontic Greek-speaking communities were transplanted from their homeland in Trabzon to the peninsula of Karpasia in northern Cyprus. These “newcomers” or “immigrants” or “settlers” were brought from Turkey after the displacement of the Greek Cypriot population living in the north. Hence, from 1976 another Greek linguistic variety emerged in the area, Pontic Greek or Romeyka or Rumca, which was the home variety of the newcomers. Although Greek Cypriots were forced to leave the area, Cypriot Greek retained a strong presence in Karpasia, spoken by Turkish Cypriot Romeika speakers and by Greek Cypriots who remained “enclaved” in some villages of the peninsula. Hence, a dynamic and multifacet sociolinguistic context has been created where two main non-standard varieties of the Greek language, Cypriot Greek and Pontic Greek, are in contact and are spoken by different groups of speakers and where Turkish remains the dominant and official language. Within this context, the current paper explores instances of language contact between Pontic Greek and Cypriot Greek, focusing on the narratives produced by Pontic Greek speakers. The paper employs ethnographic methods for approaching these communities and for understanding issues of language use and language values within a heavily politicized context. The theoretical constructs of space and border are used to interpret the data and provide a deeper understanding of language contact, daily practices, and wider ideologies.
Radiomics Nomogram Based on High-b-Value Diffusion-Weighted Imaging for Distinguishing the Grade of Bladder Cancer
Authors: Feng Cui , Zhou Ziling , Huang Qiuhan , Meng Xiaoyan , Li Zhen , Wang Yanchun
Published: September 2022

Background: The aim was to evaluate the feasibility of radiomics features based on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) at high b-values for grading bladder cancer and to compare the possible advantages of high-b-value DWI over the standard b-value DWI. Methods: Seventy-four participants with bladder cancer were included in this study. DWI sequences using a 3 T MRI with b-values of 1000, 1700, and 3000 s/mm2 were acquired, and the corresponding ADC maps were generated, followed with feature extraction. Patients were randomly divided into training and testing cohorts with a ratio of 8:2. The radiomics features acquired from the ADC1000, ADC1700, and ADC3000 maps were compared between low- and high-grade bladder cancers by using the Wilcox analysis, and only the radiomics features with significant differences were selected. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator method and a logistic regression were performed for the feature selection and establishing the radiomics model. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was conducted to assess the diagnostic performance of the radiomics models. Results: In the training cohorts, the AUCs of the ADC1000, ADC1700, and ADC3000 model for discriminating between low- from high-grade bladder cancer were 0.901, 0.920, and 0.901, respectively. In the testing cohorts, the AUCs of ADC1000, ADC1700, and ADC3000 were 0.582, 0.745, and 0.745, respectively. Conclusions: The radiomics features extracted from the ADC1700 maps could improve the diagnostic accuracy over those extracted from the conventional ADC1000 maps.
Immune Cell Reaction Associated with Coenurus cerebralis Infection in Sheep with Particular Reference to ELISA as a Diagnostic Tool
Authors: Soliman Soliman M. , Aljahdali Nesreen H. , Majrashi Kamlah Ali , El-Gameel Sohila M. , Ismael Elshaimaa , Salem Heba M. , Mahmoud Mahmoud A. , Albaqami Najah M. , Mahjoub Haifaa A. , El-Saadony Mohamed T. , Attia Marwa M.
Published: September 2022

Sturdy is a disease caused by Coenurus cerebralis (C. cerebralis) that typically affects the brain and spinal cord of sheep. So, this study aimed to detect the pathological, hematological and immunological changes caused by C. cerebralis in sheep. On examination, a total of 17 sheep out of 30 sheep (56.7%) from various regions in Egypt were found infected with C. cerebralis from May to August 2019. Each cyst was extracted from the sheep brain; in addition, tissue specimens were taken from the brain tissues for histopathological examination. The hematological profile was analyzed. Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay’s (ELISA) specificity and sensitivity were evaluated using cystic fluid and protoscolices antigens (Ag). The cell-mediated immunity against the C. cerebralis cyst was also assessed via quantitative Real Time—Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) to show alterations in mRNA expression of the Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) and gamma Interferon (IFN-γ) cytokines qRT-PCR. In histopathological sections, cerebral tissue showed an areolar cyst wall with many protoscolices attached to the tissue. The affected part showed prominent necrosis together with inflammatory cells’ aggregation. Hyperplastic proliferation of the ependymal cells was a common finding. The infected sheep exhibited significantly lower total erythrocyte numbers (ER), hemoglobin levels (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), platelet numbers (PN) and segmented cell numbers compared to apparently healthy sheep. Despite the sensitivity for the indirect ELISA being 100% for both of the Ags (fluid and scolex), the evaluation of ELISA specificity using the two antigen (Ag) preparations showed specificities of 46.2% and 38.5% for fluid and scolex Ag, respectively. Meanwhile accuracy ranged from 76.7% and 73.3% for the fluid and scolex Ags, respectively, that showed the priority was directed to the fluid to be used as an ideal sample type for ELISA. Levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ were significantly elevated in infected sheep compared to non-infected control ones. In conclusion, C. cerebralis is a serious disease infecting sheep in Egypt revealing economic losses. Although this investigation supports preliminary information about the prevalence, pathological and serological characterization of C. cerebralis, further sequencing and phylogenetic analysis is needed to understand better the T. multiceps epidemiology in ruminants and canines in Egypt.
Thermodynamic Modeling of Mineral Scaling in High-Temperature and High-Pressure Aqueous Environments
Authors: Hall Derek M. , Lvov Serguei N. , Gamwo Isaac K.
Published: September 2022

Methods of predicting mineral scale formation have evolved over the years from simple empirical fittings to sophisticated computational programs. Though best practices can now solve complex multi-phase, multi-component systems, they are largely restricted to temperatures below 300 °C. This review examines critical gaps in existing mineral scale modeling approaches as well as strategies to overcome them. Above 300 °C, the most widely used model of standard thermodynamic functions for aqueous species fails when fluid densities are below 0.7 g cm−3. This failure occurs due to the model’s reliance on an empirical form of the Born equation which is unable to capture the trends observed in these high temperature, low density regimes. However, new models based on molecular solvent-solute interactions offer a pathway to overcome some of the deficiencies currently limiting high-temperature and high-pressure mineral scale predictions. Examples of the most common scale prediction methods are presented, and their advantages and disadvantages are discussed.
Solid-State Self-Assembly of a Linear Hexanuclear Copper(II) Oxamate Complex with Alternating Antiferro- and Ferromagnetic Coupling
Authors: Lage Ana Luísa A. , Ribeiro Luísa A. , Doriguetto Antônio C. , Pinheiro Carlos B. , Nunes Wallace C. , Pedroso Emerson F. , Pereira Cynthia L. M.
Published: September 2022

In this work, we describe the synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic properties of the neutral hexacopper(II) complex of formula {[Cubpca)]2[Cu(dmopba)(H2O)]}2·4H2O (1), where Hbpca = bis(2-pyridylcarbonyl)-amide and dmopba = 4,5-dimethyl-1,2-phenylenebis(oxamato). Single crystals of 1 were obtained from the stoichiometric reaction (1:2 molar ratio) of the mononuclear copper(II) complexes (n-Bu4N)2[Cu(dmpba)] and [Cu(bpca)(H2O)2]NO3·2H2O through slow diffusion techniques in water as a solvent. The crystal structure of 1 shows that two neutral {[Cu(bpca)]2[Cu(dmopba)(H2O)]} trinuclear units are connected through double out-of-plane copper to outer carboxylate oxygen atoms resulting in a unique oxamate-bridged linear hexanuclear complex. Hydrogen bonds among adjacent entities involving the non-coordinated water molecules result in a supramolecular 3D network. Magnetic measurements on 1 show the occurrence of moderate antiferromagnetic intratrinuclear interactions between the copper(II) ions from the [Cu(bpca)]+ and [Cu(dmopba)(H2O)]2− fragments across the oxamate bridge and a weak intertrinuclear ferromagnetic interaction between the copper(II) ions that occurs between the two central [Cu(bpca)]+ fragments mediated by the carboxylate groups from the oxamate bridge [J = −31.96(2) cm−1 and J′ = +1.34(2) cm−1; H = J (S1·S2 + S2·S3 + S1′·S2′ + S2′·S3′) + J′ (S1·S1′)].
A Heterogeneous Federated Transfer Learning Approach with Extreme Aggregation and Speed
Authors: Berghout Tarek , Bentrcia Toufik , Ferrag Mohamed Amine , Benbouzid Mohamed
Published: September 2022

Federated learning (FL) is a data-privacy-preserving, decentralized process that allows local edge devices of smart infrastructures to train a collaborative model independently while keeping data localized. FL algorithms, encompassing a well-structured average of the training parameters (e.g., the weights and biases resulting from training-based stochastic gradient descent variants), are subject to many challenges, namely expensive communication, systems heterogeneity, statistical heterogeneity, and privacy concerns. In this context, our paper targets the four aforementioned challenges while focusing on reducing communication and computational costs by involving recursive least squares (RLS) training rules. Accordingly, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that the RLS algorithm is modified to completely accommodate non-independent and identically distributed data (non-IID) for federated transfer learning (FTL). Furthermore, this paper also introduces a newly generated dataset capable of emulating such real conditions and of making data investigation available on ordinary commercial computers with quad-core microprocessors and less need for higher computing hardware. Applications of FTL-RLS on the generated data under different levels of complexity closely related to different levels of cardinality lead to a variety of conclusions supporting its performance for future uses.
Study on Vibration Friction Reducing Mechanism of Materials
Authors: Teng Yunnan , Wen Quan , Xie Liyang , Wen Bangchun
Published: September 2022

Friction has a vital role in studying materials’ and systems’ behavior. The friction between two objects and the inner friction of materials under the condition of vibration usually can present different characteristics. These characteristics are different from the conventional conditions. It is shown in practice that vibration can reduce the friction coefficient and friction force between two objects. Vibration can lighten abrasion of objects and reduce energy consumption. All of these can give great efficiency, but, until now, the vibration friction-reducing mechanism has not been fully revealed. In this manuscript, the friction-reducing mechanism of materials under arbitrary vibration forces is investigated. The results show that the effective friction coefficient of materials under arbitrary vibration forces is always the minimum. The relationship between the effective friction coefficient and the negative gradient is investigated in this research. When the vibration force direction projects are in the first and the third quadrants, the negative gradient of the effective friction coefficient gets larger slowly, and then it becomes stable. When the vibration force direction projects are in the second and the fourth quadrants, the negative gradient of the effective friction coefficient decays to zero at the initial stage and then increases rapidly.
Cross-Section Dimension Measurement of Construction Steel Pipe Based on Machine Vision
Authors: Yu Fuxing , Qin Zhihu , Li Ruina , Ji Zhanlin
Published: September 2022

Currently, the on-site measuring of the size of a steel pipe cross-section for scaffold construction relies on manual measurement tools, which is a time-consuming process with poor accuracy. Therefore, this paper proposes a new method for steel pipe size measurements that is based on edge extraction and image processing. Our primary aim is to solve the problems of poor accuracy and waste of labor in practical applications of construction steel pipe inspection. Therefore, the developed method utilizes a convolutional neural network and image processing technology to find an optimum solution. Our experiment revealed that the edge image that is proposed in the existing convolutional neural network technology is relatively rough and is unable to calculate the steel pipe’s cross-sectional size. Thus, the suggested network model optimizes the current technology and combines it with image processing technology. The results demonstrate that compared with the richer convolutional features (RCF) network, the optimal dataset scale (ODS) is improved by 3%, and the optimal image scale (OIS) is improved by 2.2%. At the same time, the error value of the Hough transform can be effectively reduced after improving the Hough algorithm.
Implementation of Voltage Sag Relative Location and Fault Type Identification Algorithm Using Real-Time Distribution System Data
Authors: Yalman Yunus , Uyanık Tayfun , Tan Adnan , Bayındır Kamil Çağatay , Terriche Yacine , Su Chun-Lien , Guerrero Josep M.
Published: September 2022

One of the common power quality (PQ) problems in transmission and distribution systems is the voltage sag that affects the sensitive loads. Losses and problems caused by the voltage sag in the power system can be reduced by correctly determining the relative location of the voltage sag. This paper proposes a novel algorithm to classify voltage sag relative location and fault type, which is the main root cause of voltage sag, based on the actual voltage and current data before and during the voltage sag. The performance of the algorithm is investigated by performing a numerical simulation utilizing MATLAB/Simulink. Moreover, the proposed algorithm is integrated into the power quality monitoring system (PQMS) of the real distribution system and tested. The results show that the performance of the proposed method is satisfactory.
Identifying the Exact Value of the Metric Dimension and Edge Dimension of Unicyclic Graphs
Authors: Zhu Enqiang , Peng Shaoxiang , Liu Chanjuan
Published: September 2022

Given a simple connected graph G, the metric dimension dim(G) (and edge metric dimension edim(G)) is defined as the cardinality of a smallest vertex subset S⊆V(G) for which every two distinct vertices (and edges) in G have distinct distances to a vertex of S. It is an interesting topic to discuss the relation between these two dimensions for some class of graphs. This paper settles two open problems on this topic for unicyclic graphs. We recently learned that Sedlar and Škrekovski settled these problems, but our work presents the results in a completely different way. By introducing four classes of subgraphs, we characterize the structure of a unicyclic graph G such that dim(G) and edim(G) are equal to the cardinality of any minimum branch-resolving set for unicyclic graphs. This generates an approach to determine the exact value of the metric dimension (and edge metric dimension) for a unicyclic graph.
Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Shoe Soles via Binocular Vision Based on Improved Matching Cost
Authors: Wang Rui , Wei Lisheng , Gu Zhengyan , Liu Xiaohui
Published: September 2022

Aiming at the problem that the toe cap and upper part of the sole of a shoe easily appear missing when using binocular vision to reconstruct the shoe sole in the industrial production process, an improved matching cost calculation method is proposed to reconstruct shoe soles in three dimensions. Firstly, a binocular vision platform is built, and Zhang’s calibration method is used to obtain the calibration parameters. Secondly, the method of fusing Census and BT costs is used to calculate the matching cost of the image, so that the matching cost calculation result is more accurate. On this basis, 4-path aggregation is performed on the obtained cost, and the optimal matching cost is selected in combination with the WTA algorithm. Finally, left–right consistency detection and median filtering are used to optimize the disparity map and combine the camera calibration parameters to reconstruct the shoe sole in three dimensions. The experimental results show that the average mismatch rate of the four images on the Middlebury website in this method is about 6.57%, the reconstructed sole point cloud contour information is complete, and there is no material missing at the toe and heel.
Estimation of Pulmonary Arterial Pressure Using Simulated Non-Invasive Measurements and Gradient-Based Optimization Techniques
Authors: Laubscher Ryno , Van Der Merwe Johan , Herbst Philip G. , Liebenberg Jacques
Published: September 2022

Reliable quantification of pulmonary arterial pressure is essential in the diagnostic and prognostic assessment of a range of cardiovascular pathologies, including rheumatic heart disease, yet an accurate and routinely available method for its quantification remains elusive. This work proposes an approach to infer pulmonary arterial pressure based on scientific machine learning techniques and non-invasive, clinically available measurements. A 0D multicompartment model of the cardiovascular system was optimized using several optimization algorithms subject to forward-mode automatic differentiation. Measurement data were synthesized from known parameters to represent the healthy, mitral regurgitant, aortic stenosed, and combined valvular disease situations with and without pulmonary hypertension. Eleven model parameters were selected for optimization based on 95% explained variation in mean pulmonary arterial pressure. A hybrid Adam and limited-memory Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno optimizer yielded the best results with input data including valvular flow rates, heart chamber volume changes, and systematic arterial pressure. Mean absolute percentage errors ranged from 1.8% to 3.78% over the simulated test cases. The model was able to capture pressure dynamics under hypertensive conditions with pulmonary arterial systole, diastole, and mean pressure average percentage errors of 1.12%, 2.49%, and 2.14%, respectively. The low errors highlight the potential of the proposed model to determine pulmonary pressure for diseased heart valves and pulmonary hypertensive conditions.
Sex Difference in Cutoff and Prevalence of Sarcopenia among 300,090 Urban Korean Population: Association with Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Park Chul-Hyun , Do Jong Geol , Lee Yong-Taek , Yoon Kyung Jae
Published: September 2022

Background and Objectives: The study aimed to establish the threshold values and prevalence of sarcopenia and to investigate the association of sarcopenia with metabolic syndrome in an urban Korean population. Materials and Methods: The study included 300,090 adults who underwent anthropometric analyses by bioelectrical impedance analyzer. Sarcopenia was defined as: (1) class I, skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) within −1 to −2 standard deviations (SDs); (2) or class II, <−2 SD of SMI in a young population. Results: Low SMI threshold levels for class I and class II sarcopenia were 39.8 and 36.7% in men, and 35.5 and 32.3% in women. Among all age groups, the prevalence rates of sarcopenia were highest in the age group 80–89 years. Following adjustment for possible confounders including age, sex, height, metabolic and health behavioral factors, adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for the risk of metabolic syndrome were 2.43 (2.33–2.54) for class I and 2.69 (2.49–2.91) for class II sarcopenia, compared with the normal reference. Sarcopenia was more strongly associated with metabolic syndrome in women than men (p for interaction < 0.01). The threshold values and prevalence of sarcopenia were demonstrated in a large Korean urban population. Conclusions: This study identified that sarcopenia was associated with increased risk of metabolic syndrome, showing itself to be significantly higher in women than men.
Magnesium Potentiates the Vortioxetine’s Effects on Physical Performances and Biological Changes in Exercise-Induced Stress in Rats
Authors: Fotache Paula Alina , Mititelu-Tartau Liliana , Bogdan Maria , Buca Beatrice Rozalina , Pavel Liliana Lacramioara , Pelin Ana-Maria , Meca Andreea-Daniela , Tartau Cosmin-Gabriel , Popa Gratiela Eliza
Published: September 2022

Background and objectives: Vortioxetine (VRT) is a relatively new selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant and serotonin receptor modulator, approved for the treatment of major depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Depression has been linked with psychomotor disengagement, oxidative stress burden and decreased blood levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). In our study we performed the experimental investigation of VRT, magnesium and of their association on the rats’ endurance capacity, motor behavior and blood biological disturbances in rats subjected to forced exercise in treadmill test. Materials and Methods: The substances were administered orally for 14 consecutive days, as follows: group 1 (control): distilled water 0.3 mL/100 g body; group 2 (Mg): magnesium chloride 200 mg/kg body; group 3 (VRT): VRT 20 mg/kg body; group 4 (VRT+Mg): VRT 20 mg/kg body + magnesium chloride 200 mg/kg body. Magnesium was used as positive control substance with known effects in treadmill test. The consequences of VRT treatment on glucose, cortisol, BDNF and oxidative stress biomarkers (superoxide-dismutase, malondialdehyde, glutathione-peroxidase, lactate dehydrogenase) were also assessed. Results and conclusions: The use of VRT resulted in an improvement in motor capacity and an increase of the rats’ endurance to physical effort. The administration of VRT increased the serum BDNF levels and reduced the oxidative stress in rats subjected to physical effort. The association of magnesium potentiated the effects of VRT on physical performances, the antioxidant activity and the decreasing in serum stress markers in treadmill test in rats.
Polyelectrolyte Membrane Nanocoatings Aimed at Personal Protective and Medical Equipment Surfaces to Reduce Coronavirus Spreading
Authors: Grzeczkowicz Anna , Lipko Agata , Kwiatkowska Angelika , Strawski Marcin , Bącal Paweł , Więckowska Agnieszka , Granicka Ludomira H.
Published: September 2022

The study of the surface of membrane coatings constructed with adsorbed coronavirus (COV) was described to test their suitability for the antiviral activity for application in personal protective and medical equipment. The nanocoating based on polyethyleneimine (PEI) or polystyrene sulfonate (PSS) with metallic nanoparticles incorporated was investigated using the AFM technique. Moreover, the functioning of human lung cells in a configuration with the prepared material with the adsorbed coronavirus was studied using microscopic techniques and flow cytometry. The mean values of the percentage share of viable cells compared with the control differed by a maximum of 22%. The results showed that PEI and PSS membrane layer coatings, modified with chosen metallic nanoparticles (AuNPs, AgNPs, CuNPs, FeNPs) that absorb COV, could support lung cells’ function, despite the different distribution patterns of COV on designed surfaces as well as immobilized lung cells. Therefore, the developed membrane nanocoatings can be recommended as material for biomedical applications, e.g., medical equipment surfaces to reduce coronavirus spreading, as they adsorb COV and simultaneously maintain the functioning of the eukaryotic cells.
Novel Side-Chain Type Sulfonated Poly(phenylquinoxaline) Proton Exchange Membranes for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells
Authors: Liang Dongxia , Wu Qin , Shi Daxin , Zhang Yaoyuan , Li Hansheng , Chen Kangcheng
Published: September 2022

Side-chain type sulfonated poly(phenylquinoxaline) (SPPQ)-based proton exchange membranes (PEMs) with different ionic exchange capacity (IEC) were successfully synthesized by copolymerization from 4,4′-bis (2-diphenyletherethylenedione) diphenyl ether, 4,4′-bis (2-phenylethylenedione) diphenyl ether and 3,3′,4,4′-tetraaminobiphenyl, and post-sulfonation process. The sulfonic acid groups were precisely grafted onto the p-position of phenoxy groups in the side chain of PPQ after the convenient condition of the post-sulfonation process, which was confirmed by 1H NMR spectra and FTIR. The sulfonic acid groups of side-chain type SPPQ degraded at around 325 °C, and their maximum stress was higher than 47 MPa, indicating great thermal and mechanical stability. The water uptake increased with the increasing IEC and temperature. The size change in their plane direction was shown to be lower than 6%, indicating the stability of membrane electrode assembly. The SPPQ PEMs displayed higher proton conductivity than that of main chain. In the single cell test, the maximum power density of side-chain type SPPQ-5 was 63.8 mW cm−2 at 20 wt% methanol solution and O2 at 60 °C, which is largely higher than 18.4 mW cm−2 of NR212 under the same conditions. The SPPQ PEMs showed high performance (62.8 mW cm−2) even when the methanol concentration was as high as 30 wt%.
Difference in Intestinal Flora and Characteristics of Plasma Metabonomics in Pneumoconiosis Patients
Authors: Li Yingdi , Xiao Kun , Xiao Shuyu , Wang Miaomiao , Pei Shasha , Liu Heliang , Bai Yuping , Jin Yulan , Li Jinlong , Li Xiaoming , Xia Qingan , Shen Fuhai
Published: September 2022

From the two perspectives of intestinal flora and plasma metabolomics, the mechanism of occurrence and development of pneumoconiosis was explored to provide a new target for the prevention and treatment of pneumoconiosis. In this study, 16S ribosome DNA (16SrDNA) gene sequencing technology was used to analyze the differences in intestinal flora of each research group through operational taxonomic units (OUT) analysis, cluster analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and other analytical methods were used to analyze the differences in plasma metabolites between the study groups. Metabonomics analysis showed that the plasma metabolites of pneumoconiosis patients were significantly different from those of normal people. Fold change > 2; vip > 1; p < 0.05 were the screening criteria. In the positive and negative mode, we screened ten types of differential metabolites. These ten metabolites were upregulated to varying degrees in the pneumoconiosis patients. Seven metabolic pathways were obtained by analyzing the metabolic pathways of different metabolites. Among them, the aminoacyl tRNA biosynthesis pathway changed most obviously. The α diversity of two groups of intestinal flora was analyzed using the 16SrDNA technique. The results showed that there was no significant difference in ACE, Chao1, Shannon, or Simpson in the two groups (p > 0.05). Beta diversity analysis showed that there were differences in microbial communities. In pneumoconiosis patients, the abundance of Prevotellaceae increased, and the other nine species decreased. Compared to the control group, the abundance of Prevotellaceae in the intestinal flora of pneumoconiosis increased, and the abundance of the other nine species decreased. Compared to controls, ten substances in the plasma metabolites of pneumoconiosis patients were upregulated. Seven metabolic pathways were obtained by analyzing the metabolic pathways of different metabolites. Among them, the aminoacyl tRNA biosynthesis pathway changed most significantly. This provided a theoretical basis for further study on the pathogenesis, early prevention, and treatment of pneumoconiosis.
Initial-Value vs. Model-Induced Forecast Error: A New Perspective
Authors: Jankov Isidora , Toth Zoltan , Feng Jie
Published: September 2022

Numerical models of the atmosphere are based on the best theory available. Understandably, the theoretical assessment of errors induced by the use of such models is confounding. Without clear theoretical guidance, the experimental separation of the model-induced part of the total forecast error is also challenging. In this study, the forecast error and ensemble perturbation variances were decomposed. Smaller- and larger-scale components, separated as a function of the lead time, were independent. They were associated with features with completely vs. only partially lost skill, respectively. For their phenomenological description, the larger-scale variance was further decomposed orthogonally into positional and structural components. An analysis of the various components revealed that chaotically amplifying initial perturbation and error predominantly led to positional differences in forecasts, while structural differences were interpreted as an indicator of the model-induced error. Model-induced errors were found to be relatively small. These results confirmed earlier assumptions and limited empirical evidence that numerical models of the atmosphere may be near perfect on the scales they well resolve.
Clinical Effects of Streptococcus salivarius K12 in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients: Results of a Preliminary Study
Authors: Di Pierro Francesco , Iqtadar Somia , Mumtaz Sami Ullah , Bertuccioli Alexander , Recchia Martino , Zerbinati Nicola , Khan Amjad
Published: September 2022

Anatomical and physiological considerations indicate that the oral cavity is a primary source of the lung microbiota community, and recent studies have shown that the microbiota in the lungs contributes to immunological homeostasis, potentially altering the organ’s susceptibility to viral infection, including SARS-CoV-2. It has been proposed that, in the case of viral infection, lung Gram-negative bacteria could promote the cytokine cascade with a better performance than a microbiota mainly constituted by Gram-positive bacteria. Recent observations also suggest that Prevotella-rich oral microbiotas would dominate the oral cavity of SARS-CoV-2-infected patients. In comparison, Streptococcus-rich microbiotas would dominate the oral cavity of healthy people. To verify if the modulation of the oral microbiota could have an impact on the current coronavirus disease, we administered for 14 days a well-recognized and oral-colonizing probiotic (S. salivarius K12) to hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The preliminary results of our randomized and controlled trial seem to prove the potential role of this oral strain in improving the course of the main markers of pathology, as well as its ability to apparently reduce the death rate from COVID-19. Although in a preliminary and only circumstantial way, our results seem to confirm the hypothesis of a direct involvement of the oral microbiota in the construction of a lung microbiota whose taxonomic structure could modulate the inflammatory processes generated at the pulmonary and systemic level by a viral infection.
An Investigation into the Effects of Grinding Medium on Interface Characteristics and Flotation Performance of Sphalerite in Cyanide System
Authors: Zhao Qianfei , Yang Hongying , Tong Linlin , Ma Pengcheng , Jin Ruipeng , Zhang Qin
Published: September 2022

The strong contamination of the interface is the main problem that results in low flotation efficiency of sphalerite in cyanide tailings. However, the consumption of cyanide and dissolved oxygen, as well as the concentration of ions including Zn2+ and SCN− in the leaching solution, decreased with the use of ceramic ball medium. The conclusions obtained from SEM–EDS indicated that the use of ceramic ball medium avoided the excessive surface oxidation caused by the galvanic couple actions between the iron ball medium and the sphalerite. XPS analysis also proved that the chemical environment on the surface of sphalerite was optimized by porcelain ball medium compared with iron ball medium, avoiding the formation of Fe–OOH and Fe–O hydrophilic substances, especially [Fe(CN)6]3−, thus increasing the adsorption of the collector on the surface of sphalerite. Therefore, grinding with ceramic ball medium exhibited excellent performance in terms of the cyanide process, which was approximately 5–10% higher than that obtained by grinding with iron ball media in the flotation test.
The Evaluation of Carrageenan as a Novel and Environmentally Friendly Molybdenite Depressant
Authors: Zhao Zhiqiang , Hu Yangjia , Chen Jianhua , Zhu Yangge , Lu Liang , Xiong Wei , Luo Sigang
Published: September 2022

In order to achieve the effective separation of copper-molybdenum in the presence of xanthate and kerosene, carrageenan was explored as a novel environmentally friendly molybdenite depressant in this work. The flotation behavior of molybdenite was studied by micro-flotation tests, and the depression mechanism was investigated through zeta potential, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and atomic force microscope (AFM) analysis. The flotation results showed that molybdenite was significantly depressed by carrageenan in the pH range of 6–12 even in the presence of xanthate and kerosene. Zeta potential, FTIR and AFM measurement demonstrated that carrageenan could adsorb strongly on the molybdenite surface and change the surface wettability of molybdenite, thus significantly reducing the floatability of molybdenite.
Microflotation of Fine Rutile and Garnet with Different Particle Size Fractions
Authors: Zhang Zheyi , Ren Liuyi , Zhang Yimin , Bao Shenxu
Published: September 2022

In this paper, −10 μm rutile and −30 μm garnet particles were selected as samples. The effects of different reagents on the flotation of rutile and garnet single minerals were studied, and the mechanism was analyzed by the contact angle, zeta potential, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) measurements. The flotation results show that an optimal recovery is obtained with benzohydroxamic acid (BHA) as the collector for rutile and sodium silicofluoride (SSF) as the inhibitor for garnet. Even with BHA having a good collecting performance for both rutile and garnet, there are still some differences. BHA greatly improves the hydrophobicity of rutile and garnet, and changes the chemical environment of rutile but not garnet. SSF significantly reduces the hydrophobicity of rutile and garnet, and slightly affects the environment in which BHA interacts with rutile. However, the above reagents and combinations have little effect on the surface chemical environment of garnet.
Recombinant Thaumatin-Like Protein (rTLP) and Chitinase (rCHI) from Vitis vinifera as Models for Wine Haze Formation
Authors: Albuquerque Wendell , Sturm Pia , Schneider Quintus , Ghezellou Parviz , Seidel Leif , Bakonyi Daniel , Will Frank , Spengler Bernhard , Zorn Holger , Gand Martin
Published: September 2022

Cross-linking net aggregates of thermolabile thaumatin-like proteins (TLPs) and chitinases (CHIs) are the primary source of haze in white wines. Although bentonite fining is still routinely used in winemaking, alternative methods to selectively remove haze proteins without affecting wine organoleptic properties are needed. The availability of pure TLPs and CHIs would facilitate the research for the identification of such technological advances. Therefore, we proposed the usage of recombinant TLP (rTLP) and CHI (rCHI), expressed by Komagataella phaffii, as haze-protein models, since they showed similar characteristics (aggregation potential, melting point, functionality, glycosylation levels and bentonite adsorption) to the native-haze proteins from Vitis vinifera. Hence, rTLP and rCHI can be applied to study haze formation mechanisms on a molecular level and to explore alternative fining methods by screening proteolytic enzymes and ideal adsorptive resins.
Visible Light Photoelectrochemical Sensor for Dopamine: Determination Using Iron Vanadate Modified Electrode
Authors: Camargo Luan Pereira , da Silva Pelissari Marcelo Rodrigues , da Silva Paulo Rogério Catarini , Batagin-Neto Augusto , Medeiros Roberta Antigo , Dias Marcos Antônio , Dall’Antonia Luiz Henrique
Published: September 2022

This study reports a facile approach for constructing low-cost and remarkable electroactivity iron vanadate (Fe-V-O) semiconductor material to be used as a photoelectrochemical sensor for dopamine detection. The structure and morphology of the iron vanadate obtained by the Successive Ionic Adsorption and Reaction process were critically characterized, and the photoelectrochemical characterization showed a high photoelectroactivity of the photoanode in visible light irradiation. Under best conditions, dopamine was detected by chronoamperometry at +0.35 V vs. Ag/AgCl, achieving two linear response ranges (between 1.21 and 30.32 μmol L−1, and between 30.32 and 72.77 μmol L−1). The limits of detection and quantification were 0.34 and 1.12 μmol L−1, respectively. Besides, the accuracy of the proposed electrode was assessed by determining dopamine in artificial cerebrospinal fluid, obtaining recovery values ranging from 98.7 to 102.4%. The selectivity was also evaluated by dopamine detection against several interferent species, demonstrating good precision and promising application for the proposed method. Furthermore, DFT-based electronic structure calculations were also conducted to help the interpretation. The dominant dopamine species were determined according to the experimental conditions, and their interaction with the iron vanadate photoanode was proposed. The improved light-induced DOP detection was likewise evaluated regarding the charge transfer process.