bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MU R-CNN: A Two-Dimensional Code Instance Segmentation Network Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Yuan Baoxi , Li Yang , Jiang Fan , Xu Xiaojie , Guo Yingxia , Zhao Jianhua , Zhang Deyue , Guo Jianxin , Shen Xiaoli
Published: September 2019

In the context of Industry 4.0, the most popular way to identify and track objects is to add tags, and currently most companies still use cheap quick response (QR) tags, which can be positioned by computer vision (CV) technology. In CV, instance segmentation (IS) can detect the position of tags while also segmenting each instance. Currently, the mask region-based convolutional neural network (Mask R-CNN) method is used to realize IS, but the completeness of the instance mask cannot be guaranteed. Furthermore, due to the rich texture of QR tags, low-quality images can lower intersection-over-union (IoU) significantly, disabling it from accurately measuring the completeness of the instance mask. In order to optimize the IoU of the instance mask, a QR tag IS method named the mask UNet region-based convolutional neural network (MU R-CNN) is proposed. We utilize the UNet branch to reduce the impact of low image quality on IoU through texture segmentation. The UNet branch does not depend on the features of the Mask R-CNN branch so its training process can be carried out independently. The pre-trained optimal UNet model can ensure that the loss of MU R-CNN is accurate from the beginning of the end-to-end training. Experimental results show that the proposed MU R-CNN is applicable to both high- and low-quality images, and thus more suitable for Industry 4.0.
The First Highly Contiguous Genome Assembly of Pikeperch (Sander lucioperca), an Emerging Aquaculture Species in Europe
Authors: Nguinkal Julien Alban , Brunner Ronald Marco , Verleih Marieke , Rebl Alexander , Ríos-Pérez Lidia de los , Schäfer Nadine , Hadlich Frieder , Stüeken Marcus , Wittenburg Dörte , Goldammer Tom
Published: September 2019

The pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) is a fresh and brackish water Percid fish natively inhabiting the northern hemisphere. This species is emerging as a promising candidate for intensive aquaculture production in Europe. Specific traits like cannibalism, growth rate and meat quality require genomics based understanding, for an optimal husbandry and domestication process. Still, the aquaculture community is lacking an annotated genome sequence to facilitate genome-wide studies on pikeperch. Here, we report the first highly contiguous draft genome assembly of Sander lucioperca. In total, 413 and 66 giga base pairs of DNA sequencing raw data were generated with the Illumina platform and PacBio Sequel System, respectively. The PacBio data were assembled into a final assembly size of ~900 Mb covering 89% of the 1,014 Mb estimated genome size. The draft genome consisted of 1966 contigs ordered into 1,313 scaffolds. The contig and scaffold N50 lengths are 3.0 Mb and 4.9 Mb, respectively. The identified repetitive structures accounted for 39% of the genome. We utilized homologies to other ray-finned fishes, and ab initio gene prediction methods to predict 21,249 protein-coding genes in the Sander lucioperca genome, of which 88% were functionally annotated by either sequence homology or protein domains and signatures search. The assembled genome spans 97.6% and 96.3% of Vertebrate and Actinopterygii single-copy orthologs, respectively. The outstanding mapping rate (99.9%) of genomic PE-reads on the assembly suggests an accurate and nearly complete genome reconstruction. This draft genome sequence is the first genomic resource for this promising aquaculture species. It will provide an impetus for genomic-based breeding studies targeting phenotypic and performance traits of captive pikeperch.
Molecular Alterations in Thyroid Cancer: From Bench to Clinical Practice
Authors: Tirrò Elena , Martorana Federica , Romano Chiara , Vitale Silvia Rita , Motta Gianmarco , Di Gregorio Sandra , Massimino Michele , Pennisi Maria Stella , Stella Stefania , Puma Adriana , Gianì Fiorenza , Russo Marco , Manzella Livia , Vigneri Paolo
Published: September 2019

Thyroid cancer comprises different clinical and histological entities. Whereas differentiated (DTCs) malignancies are sensitive to radioiodine therapy, anaplastic (ATCs) and medullary (MTCs) tumors do not uptake radioactive iodine and display aggressive features associated with a poor prognosis. Moreover, in a majority of DTCs, disease evolution leads to the progressive loss of iodine sensitivity. Hence, iodine-refractory DTCs, along with ATCs and MTCs, require alternative treatments reflective of their different tumor biology. In the last decade, the molecular mechanisms promoting thyroid cancer development and progression have been extensively studied. This has led to a better understanding of the genomic landscape, displayed by thyroid malignancies, and to the identification of novel therapeutic targets. Indeed, several pharmacological compounds have been developed for iodine-refractory tumors, with four multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitors already available for DTCs (sorafenib and lenvatinib) and MTCs (cabozantib and vandetanib), and a plethora of drugs currently being evaluated in clinical trials. In this review, we will describe the genomic alterations and biological processes intertwined with thyroid cancer development, also providing a thorough overview of targeted drugs already tested or under investigation for these tumors. Furthermore, given the existing preclinical evidence, we will briefly discuss the potential role of immunotherapy as an additional therapeutic strategy for the treatment of thyroid cancer.
The Pros and Cons of the Prediction Game: The Never-ending Debate of Mortality in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Fuchs Piotr A. , Czech Iwona J. , Krzych Łukasz J.
Published: September 2019

Background: The Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS) II, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II, and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scales are scoring systems used in intensive care units (ICUs) worldwide. We aimed to investigate their usefulness in predicting short- and long-term prognosis in the local ICU. Methods: This single-center observational study covered 905 patients admitted from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2017 to a tertiary mixed ICU. SAPS II, APACHE II, and SOFA scores were calculated based on the worst values from the first 24 h post-admission. Patients were divided into surgical (SP) and nonsurgical (NSP) subjects. Unadjusted ICU and post-ICU discharge mortality rates were considered the outcomes. Results: Baseline SAPS II, APACHE II, and SOFA scores were 41.1 ± 20.34, 14.07 ± 8.73, and 6.33 ± 4.12 points, respectively. All scores were significantly lower among SP compared to NSP (p < 0.05). ICU mortality reached 35.4% and was significantly lower for SP (25.3%) than NSP (57.9%) (p < 0.001). The areas under the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were 0.826, 0.836, and 0.788 for SAPS II, APACHE II, and SOFA scales, respectively, for predicting ICU prognosis, and 0.708, 0.709, and 0.661 for SAPS II, APACHE II, and SOFA, respectively, for post-ICU prognosis. Conclusions: Although APACHE II and SAPS II are good predictors of ICU mortality, they failed to predict survival after discharge. Surgical patients had a better prognosis than medical ICU patients.
Liability Determination of School Sports Injury Accidents: An Analysis Framework Based on Evolutionary Game
Authors: Lan Qing , Li Xiaojun
Published: September 2019

In recent years, the outbreak of many school sports injury accidents aroused widespread public concern about liability determination of accident. Previous studies have examined the legal application of the liability principles from a law perspective, but few kinds of research attempted to analyze the progress of liability determination from the perspective of “law economics”. To fill this research gap, we introduce the evolutionary game model, as an important theoretical tool of “law economics”, to investigate how various factors influence the strategy selection of the parties, as well as examine what liability principle can effectively treat school sports injury accidents. The results indicate that the strategic selection of the subject of liability is significantly related to the accident compensation cost and the prevention cost of both parties. Moreover, we also find that both strict and proportional liability rules can play key roles in dealing with the issue of liability determination of school sports injury accidents, but the two liability rules have different effects on the strategic selection of parties. More specifically, compared to the strict liability principle, the proportional liability principle can motivate both the school and the students to adopt the active strategy of “appropriate caution” to prevent occurring sports injury accidents in schools.
Comparative Transcriptomic and Lipidomic Analyses of Human Male and Female Meibomian Glands Reveal Common Signature Genes of Meibogenesis
Authors: Butovich Igor A. , Bhat Nita , Wojtowicz Jadwiga C.
Published: September 2019

Meibum is a lipid secretion that is produced by holocrine Meibomian glands (MGs). MGs are a specialized type of sebaceous glands that are embedded in the human eyelids. Chemically, meibum and sebum are different. A detailed characterization of lipidome and transcriptome of MG is required to deconvolute a complex and poorly characterized array of biosynthetic reactions (termed meibogenesis) that lead to formation of meibum. Changes in the composition and quality of meibum have been linked to various ocular disorders, some of which are more prevalent in males, while others in females. To establish the role of gender in meibogenesis in humans, we characterized MG transcriptomes and lipidomes of females and males, and identified signature genes of meibogenesis in both genders. Specimens of MG tissues were subjected to mRNA microarray analyses. Chemical composition of meibum samples was assessed chromatographically and mass spectrometrically. Both targeted and untargeted approaches were used. About 290 signature genes of meibogenesis were identified. The analyses of their expression patterns demonstrated no major differences between the genders. Lipid profiling of major classes of meibomian lipids, such as wax esters, cholesteryl esters, free cholesterol, (O)-acylated omega-hydroxy fatty acids (OAHFA), cholesteryl esters of OAHFA, and triacylglycerols, also demonstrated only minor (and random) differences in these lipids. The results of transcriptomic analyses correlated well with lipidomic data. Taken together, our data imply that in males and females, meibogenesis proceeds in a similar fashion, yielding secretions with similar, highly conserved, compositions. This finding is important for designing novel, gender-independent diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to various MG-related diseases and pathological conditions.
Comparative Analysis of Proteomics and Transcriptomics during Fertility Transition in a Two-Line Hybrid Rice Line Wuxiang S
Authors: Chen Hao , Jin Jing , Zhang Hongyuan , Wang Ying , Li Qian , Zou Yu , Huang Xingguo , Zhou Baojin , Zhou Ruo , Ding Yi
Published: September 2019

The two-line hybrid rice is an important factor of a global crop, but its fertility transition mechanism is unclear. Here, a comparative proteomics and transcriptomics analysis was completed on the two-line hybrid rice line Wuxiang S (WXS) to explore its molecular mechanism and protein regulation during fertility transition. A total of 340 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) were identified using iTRAQ between the pollen mother cell formation stage (P2) and the meiosis stage (P3). There were 3541 and 4247 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in P2 and P3 between WXS (Sterile, S)-WXS(S) and WXS (Fertile, F)-WXS(F), respectively, of which 92 and 71 DEGs had corresponding DAPs. Among the DAPs and DEGs, 65 (SP2 vs. FP2) and 55 (SP3 vs. FP3) corresponding DEGs and DAPs (cor-DEGs-DAPs) showed the same expression trend, indicating the cor-DEGs-DAPs genes might play vital roles in WXS fertility transition. Further analysis indicated that cor-DEGs-DAPs proteins were related to energy metabolism-related proteins in anther development and were accompanied by the activation of the stress response pathway and modifications to the cell wall, which ultimately affected the fertility transition of the PTGMS rice line WXS.
Connecting Main-Group Metals (Al, Ga, In) and Tungsten(0) Carbonyls via the N2S2 Metallo-Ligand Strategy
Authors: Yang Xuemei , Lunsford Allen , Darensbourg Marcetta Y.
Published: September 2019

Tetradentate N2S2 ligands (such as bismercaptoethanediazacycloheptane in this study) have seen extensive use in combination with transition metals. Well-oriented N2S2 binding sites are ideal for d8 transition metals with square planar preferences, especially NiII, but also as a square pyramidal base for those metals with pentacoordinate preferences, such as [V≡O]2+, [Fe(NO)]2+, and [Co(NO)]2+. Further reactivity at the thiolate sulfurs generates diverse bi, tri, and tetra/heterometallic compounds. Few N2S2 ligands have been explored to investigate the possibility of binding to main group metals, especially group III (MIII) metals, and their utility as synthons for main group/transition metal bimetallic complexes. To open up this area of chemistry, we synthesized three new five-coordinate main group XMN2S2 complexes with methyl as the fifth binding ligand for M = Al, and chloride for M = Ga and In. The seven-membered diazacycle, dach, was engaged as a rigid stabilized connector between the terminal thiolate sulfurs. The pentacoordinate XMN2S2 complexes were characterized by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, +ESI-Mass spectra, and X-ray diffraction. Their stabilities and reactivities were probed by adding NiII sources and W(CO)5(THF). The former replaces the main group metals in all cases in the N2S2 coordination environment, demonstrating the weak coordinate bonds of MIII–N/S. The reaction of XMN2S2 (XM = ClGaIII or ClInIII) with the labile ligand W(0) complex W(CO)5(THF) resulted in Ga/In–W bimetallic complexes with a thiolate S-bridge. The synthesis of XMN2S2 complexes provide examples of MIII–S coordination, especially Al–S, which is relatively rare. The bimetallic Ga/In–S–W complex formation indicates that the nucleophilic ability of sulfur is retained in MIII–S–R, resulting in the ability of main group MIII–N2S2 complexes to serve as metalloligands.
Baseline D-Dimer Levels as a Risk Assessment Biomarker for Recurrent Stroke in Patients with Combined Atrial Fibrillation and Atherosclerosis
Authors: Choi Kang-Ho , Seo Woo-Keun , Park Man-Seok , Kim Joon-Tae , Chung Jong-Won , Bang Oh Young , Kim Geong-Moon , Song Tae-Jin , Kim Bum Joon , Heo Sung Hyuk , Jung Jin-Man , Oh Kyungmi , Kim Chi Kyung , Yu Sungwook , Park Kwang Yeol , Kim Jeong-Min , Park Jong-Ho , Choi Jay Chol , Hwang Yang-Ha , Kim Yong-Jae
Published: September 2019

Background: We investigated the effect of D-dimer levels and efficacy of different antithrombotic therapies according to the baseline D-dimer levels on recurrent stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF)-related stroke and atherosclerosis. Methods: We enrolled 1441 patients with AF-related stroke and atherosclerosis in this nationwide multicenter study. The primary outcome measure was the occurrence of recurrent ischemic stroke over a 3-year period. Results: High D-dimer levels (≥2 μg/mL) were significantly associated with higher risk of recurrent ischemic stroke (adjusted hazard ratio (HR), 1.80; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.13–2.84; p = 0.012). The risk of recurrent stroke was similar between the anticoagulant and the antiplatelet groups in all subjects (adjusted HR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.46–1.32; p = 0.369). However, in patients with high D-dimer levels (≥2 μg/mL), risk of recurrent stroke was significantly lower in the anticoagulant group than in the antiplatelet group (adjusted HR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.18–0.87; p = 0.022). Conclusion: Our findings suggested that baseline D-dimer levels could be used as a risk assessment biomarker of recurrent stroke in patients with AF-related stroke and atherosclerosis. High D-dimer levels would facilitate the identification of patients who are more likely to benefit from anticoagulants to ensure secondary prevention of stroke.
Exercise Training in Patients with Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Are Cardiovascular Comorbidities and Outcomes Taken into Account?—A Systematic Review
Authors: Machado Ana , Quadflieg Kirsten , Oliveira Ana , Keytsman Charly , Marques Alda , Hansen Dominique , Burtin Chris
Published: September 2019

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma and interstitial lung diseases (ILD) frequently suffer from cardiovascular comorbidities (CVC). Exercise training is a cornerstone intervention for the management of these conditions, however recommendations on tailoring programmes to patients suffering from respiratory diseases and CVC are scarce. This systematic review aimed to identify the eligibility criteria used to select patients with COPD, asthma or ILD and CVC to exercise programmes; assess the impact of exercise on cardiovascular outcomes; and identify how exercise programmes were tailored to CVC. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane were searched. Three reviewers extracted the data and two reviewers independently assessed the quality of studies with the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies. MetaXL 5.3 was used to calculate the individual and pooled effect sizes (ES). Most studies (58.9%) excluded patients with both stable and unstable CVC. In total, 26/42 studies reported cardiovascular outcomes. Resting heart rate was the most reported outcome measure (n = 13) and a small statistically significant effect (ES = −0.23) of exercise training on resting heart rate of patients with COPD was found. No specific adjustments to exercise prescription were described. Few studies have included patients with CVC. There was a lack of tailoring of exercise programmes and limited effects were found. Future studies should explore the effect of tailored exercise programmes on relevant outcome measures in respiratory patients with CVC.
Application of FTIR Method for the Assessment of Immobilization of Active Substances in the Matrix of Biomedical Materials
Authors: Kowalczuk Dorota , Pitucha Monika
Published: September 2019

Background: The purpose of the study was to demonstrate the usefulness of the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) method for the evaluation of the modification process of biomaterials with the participation of active substances. Methods: Modified catheter samples were prepared by activating the matrix with an acid, iodine, or bromine, and then immobilizing the active molecules. To carry out the modification process, the Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) method was used. Results: FTIR analysis indicated the presence of the immobilized substances in the catheter matrix and site-specific reactions. Conclusion: We surmise that the infrared spectroscopic technique is an ideal tool for the assessment of the drug immobilization and the changes occurring in the course of the modification process.
Parameters of Oxidative and Inflammatory Status in a Three-Month Observation of Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Coronary Angioplasty—A Preliminary Study
Authors: Żurawska-Płaksej Ewa , Płaczkowska Sylwia , Pawlik-Sobecka Lilla , Czapor-Irzabek Hanna , Stachurska Aneta , Mysiak Andrzej , Sebzda Tadeusz , Gburek Jakub , Piwowar Agnieszka
Published: September 2019

Background and Objectives: Patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) are usually treated with percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), which is burdened with a risk of postoperative complications, often accompanied by biochemical disturbances. The aim of our study was to evaluate a set of selected parameters of oxidative and inflammatory status, which could be useful in the management of post-procedural care in MI patients after PTCA. Materials and Methods: In this preliminary study, ischemia modified albumin (IMA), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), thiol groups (SH), total antioxidant status (TAS), insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1), presepsin (PSP), and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) were chosen as candidate biomarkers, and were determined in patients with MI who underwent PTCA at two time points: During cardiac episodes (at admission to the hospital, T0) and 3 months later (T3). Results: Most of the examined parameters were significantly different between patients and control subjects (except for IMA and TAS), but only hsCRP changed significantly during the time of observation (T0 vs. T3). Discriminant analysis created a model composed of AOPP, hsCRP, PSP, and TMAO, which differentiated male subjects into a group with MI and a control (without cardiovascular diseases). Conclusion: This set of parameters seems useful in evaluating inflammatory and oxidative status in MI patients after PTCA.
Cognitive Function and Atrial Fibrillation: From the Strength of Relationship to the Dark Side of Prevention. Is There a Contribution from Sinus Rhythm Restoration and Maintenance?
Authors: Gallinoro Emanuele , D’Elia Saverio , Prozzo Dario , Lioncino Michele , Natale Francesco , Golino Paolo , Cimmino Giovanni
Published: September 2019

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common chronic cardiac arrhythmia with an increasing prevalence over time mainly because of population aging. It is well established that the presence of AF increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, sudden death, and cardiovascular morbidity. In the last two decades several reports have shown an association between AF and cognitive function, ranging from impairment to dementia. Ischemic stroke linked to AF is a well-known risk factor and predictor of cognitive decline. In this clinical scenario, the risk of stroke might be reduced by oral anticoagulation. However, recent data suggest that AF may be a predictor of cognitive impairment and dementia also in the absence of stroke. Cerebral hypoperfusion, reduced brain volume, microbleeds, white matter hyperintensity, neuroinflammation, and genetic factors have been considered as potential mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of AF-related cognitive dysfunction. However, a cause-effect relationship remains still controversial. Consequently, no therapeutic strategies are available to prevent AF-related cognitive decline in stroke-free patients. This review will analyze the potential mechanisms leading to cognitive dysfunction in AF patients and examine the available data on the impact of a sinus rhythm restoration and maintenance strategy in reducing the risk of cognitive decline.
High Prevalence of Antimicrobial Resistance Among Gram-Negative Isolated Bacilli in Intensive Care Units at a Tertiary-Care Hospital in Yucatán Mexico
Authors: Uc-Cachón Andrés H. , Gracida-Osorno Carlos , Luna-Chi Iván G. , Jiménez-Guillermo Jonathan G. , Molina-Salinas Gloria M.
Published: September 2019

Background and Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is increasing worldwide and imposes significant life-threatening risks to several different populations, especially to those in intensive care units (ICU). The most commonly isolated organisms in ICU comprise gram-negative bacilli (GNB), and these represent a leading cause of serious infections. This study was conducted to describe the prevalence of resistance in GNB isolated from patients in adults, pediatric, and neonatal ICU in a tertiary-care hospital in Mérida, Mexico. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was done on samples collected in Neonatal (NICU), Pediatric (PICU) and Adult (AICU) ICU of Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social in Mérida, México. The identification of isolates and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were performed using an automated system. Results: A total of 517 GNB strains were isolated. The most common positive culture was bronchial secretions. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the prevalent pathogen in NICU and PICU, whereas Escherichia coli was common in the AICU. Overall, GNB exhibited a high resistance rates for Ampicillin (95.85%), Cefuroxime (84.17%), Piperacillin (82.93%), Cefotaxime (78.07%), Ceftriaxone (77.41%), Aztreonam (75.23%), Cefazolin (75.00%), and Ceftazidime (73.19%). There are significant differences in the resistance rates of GNB from different ICUs for penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems and fluoroquinolones drugs. Escherichia coli (multidrug-resistant [MDR] = 91.57%, highly resistant microorganisms [HRMO] = 90.36%) and Acinetobacter baumannii (MDR = 86.79%, HRMO = 83.02%) exhibited the highest percentage of MDR and HRMO profiles. The prevalence of the extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL)-producing isolates was 83.13% in E. coli, 78.84% in Klebsiella pneumoniae, and 66.67% in Proteus mirabilis, respectively. Conclusions: The high resistance rates to drugs were exhibited by our GNB isolates. Continuous surveillance and control of the use of antimicrobials are urgently needed to reduce the emergence and spreading of MDR, HRMO, and/or ESBL-producing bacilli.
Thermoelectric Behavior of BaZr0.9Y0.1O3−d Proton Conducting Electrolyte
Authors: Tsvetkov Dmitry , Ivanov Ivan , Malyshkin Dmitry , Sereda Vladimir , Zuev Andrey
Published: September 2019

BaZr0.9Y0.1O3-δ (BZY10), a promising proton conducting material, exhibits p-type conduction under oxidative conditions. Holes in BZY10 are of the small polaron type. However, there is no clear understanding at which places in the lattice they are localized. The main objectives of this work were, therefore, to discuss the nature of electronic defects in BZY10 on the basis of the combined measurements of the thermo-EMF and conductivity. Total electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient of BZY10 were simultaneously studied depending on partial pressures of oxygen (pO2), water (pH2O) and temperature (T). The model equation for total conductivity and Seebeck coefficient derived on the basis of the proposed defect chemical approach was successfully fitted to the experimental data. Transference numbers of all the charge carriers in BZY10 were calculated. The heat of transport of oxide ions was found to be about one half the activation energy of their mobility, while that of protons was almost equal to the activation energy of their mobility. The results of the Seebeck coefficient modeling indicate that cation impurities, rather than oxygen sites, should be considered as a place of hole localization.
Comparative Evaluation of Six Traditional Fermented Soybean Products in East Asia: A Metabolomics Approach
Authors: Kwon Yong Sung , Lee Sunmin , Lee Seung Hwa , Kim Hae Jin , Lee Choong Hwan
Published: September 2019

Many ethnic fermented soybean products (FSPs) have long been consumed as seasoning and protein sources in East Asia. To evaluate the quality of various FSPs in East Asia, non-targeted metabolite profiling with multivariate analysis of six traditional FSPs (Natto; NT, Cheonggukjang; CG, Doenjang; DJ, Miso; MS, Doubanjiang; DB, Tianmianjiang; TM) was performed. Six FSPs could be clearly distinguished by principle component analysis (PCA) and partial least square-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). Amino acid contents were relatively higher in NT and CG, sugar and sugar alcohol contents were relatively higher in MS and TM, isoflavone glycoside contents were relatively highest in CG, isoflavone aglycon contents were the highest in DJ, and soyasaponin contents were the highest in CG. Antioxidant activity and physicochemical properties were determined to examine the relationships between the FSPs and their antioxidant activities. We observed a negative correlation between isoflavone aglycon contents and 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) activity. Furthermore, the order of ABTS activity of FSPs has a positive correlation with the order of soybean content in the six FSPs. Herein it was found that primary metabolites were affected by the main ingredients and secondary metabolites were most influenced by the fermentation time, and that soybean content contributed more to antioxidant activity than fermentation time.
Manipulation of Magnetic Beads with Thin Film Microelectromagnet Traps
Authors: Silverio Vania , Amaral Miguel , Gaspar João , Cardoso Susana , Freitas Paulo
Published: September 2019

Integration of point-of-care assays can be facilitated with the use of actuated magnetic beads (MB) to perform testing in less expensive settings to enable the delivery of cost-effective care. In this paper we present six different designs of planar microelectromagnets traps (MEMT) with four external coils in series and one central coil connected for an opposite direction of manipulation of MB in microfluidic flows. The development of a simulation tool facilitated the rapid and efficient optimization of designs by presenting the influence of system variables on real time concentrations of MB. Real time experiments are in good agreement with the simulations and showed that the design enabled synchronous concentration and dispersion of MB on the same MEMT. The yield of local concentration is seen to be highly dependent on coil design. Additional coil turns between the central and external coils (inter-windings) doubled magnetic concentration and repulsion with no significant electrical resistance increase. The assemblage of a copper microchannel closed loop cooling system to the coils successfully eliminated the thermal drift promoted by joule heating generated by applied current.
Application of Improved Wavelet Thresholding Method and an RBF Network in the Error Compensating of an MEMS Gyroscope
Authors: Sheng Guangrun , Gao Guowei , Zhang Boyuan
Published: September 2019

The large random errors in Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) gyros are one of the major factors that affect the precision of inertial navigation systems. Based on the indoor inertial navigation system, an improved wavelet threshold de-noising method was proposed and combined with a gradient radial basis function (RBF) neural network to better compensate errors. We analyzed the random errors in an MEMS gyroscope by using Allan variance, and introduced the traditional wavelet threshold methods. Then, we improved the methods and proposed a new threshold function. The new method can be used more effectively to detach white noise and drift error in the error model. Finally, the drift data was modeled and analyzed in combination with the RBF neural network. Experimental results indicate that the method is effective, and this is of great significance for improving the accuracy of indoor inertial navigation based on MEMS gyroscopes.
Microbiota Composition and Functional Profiling Throughout the Gastrointestinal Tract of Commercial Weaning Piglets
Authors: Gresse Raphaële , Chaucheyras Durand Frédérique , Dunière Lysiane , Blanquet-Diot Stéphanie , Forano Evelyne
Published: September 2019

Dietary, environmental, and social stresses induced by weaning transition in pig production are associated with alterations of gut microbiota, diarrhea, and enteric infections. With the boom of -omic technologies, numerous studies have investigated the dynamics of fecal bacterial communities of piglets throughout weaning but much less research has been focused on the composition and functional properties of microbial communities inhabiting other gastrointestinal segments. The objective of the present study was to bring additional information about the piglet bacterial and archaeal microbiota throughout the entire digestive tract, both at the structural level by using quantitative PCR and high-throughput sequencing, and on functionality by measurement of short-chain fatty acids and predictions using Tax4Fun tool. Our results highlighted strong structural and functional differences between microbial communities inhabiting the fore and the lower gut as well as a quantitatively important archaeal community in the hindgut. The presence of opportunistic pathogens was also noticed throughout the entire digestive tract and could trigger infection emergence. Understanding the role of the intestinal piglet microbiota at weaning could provide further information about the etiology of post-weaning infections and lead to the development of effective preventive solutions.
Disparate Entry of Adenoviruses Dictates Differential Innate Immune Responses on the Ocular Surface
Authors: Pennington Matthew R. , Saha Amrita , Painter David F. , Gavazzi Christina , Ismail Ashrafali M. , Zhou Xiaohong , Chodosh James , Rajaiya Jaya
Published: September 2019

Human adenovirus infection of the ocular surface is associated with severe keratoconjunctivitis and the formation of subepithelial corneal infiltrates, which may persist and impair vision for months to years following infection. Long term pathology persists well beyond the resolution of viral replication, indicating that the prolonged immune response is not virus-mediated. However, it is not clear how these responses are sustained or even initiated following infection. This review discusses recent work from our laboratory and others which demonstrates different entry pathways specific to both adenovirus and cell type. These findings suggest that adenoviruses may stimulate specific pattern recognition receptors in an entry/trafficking-dependent manner, leading to distinct immune responses dependent on the virus/cell type combination. Additional work is needed to understand the specific connections between adenoviral entry and the stimulation of innate immune responses by the various cell types present on the ocular surface.
Novel MIPs-Parabens based SPE Stationary Phases Characterization and Application
Authors: Tartaglia Angela , Kabir Abuzar , Ulusoy Songul , Ulusoy Halil Ibrahim , Merone Giuseppe Maria , Savini Fabio , D’Ovidio Cristian , de Grazia Ugo , Gabrielli Serena , Maroni Fabio , Bruni Pantaleone , Croce Fausto , Melucci Dora , Furton Kenneth G. , Locatelli Marcello
Published: September 2019

In this work, the synthesis, characterization, and application of novel parabens imprinted polymers as highly selective solid-phase extraction (SPE) sorbents have been reported. The imprinted polymers were created using sol–gel molecular imprinting process. All the seven parabens were considered herein in order to check the phase selectivity. By means of a validated HPLC-photodiode array detector (PDA) method all seven parabens were resolved in a single chromatographic run of 25 min. These SPE sorbents, in-house packed in SPE empty cartridges, were first characterized in terms of extraction capability, breakthrough volume, retention volume, hold-up volume, number of theoretical plates, and retention factor. Finally, the device was applied to a real urine sample to check the method feasibility on a very complex matrix. The new paraben imprinted SPE sorbents, not yet present in the literature, potentially encourage the development of novel molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) to enhance the extraction efficiency, and consequently the overall analytical performances, when the trace quantification is required.
Phytochemical Investigation of Tradescantia Albiflora and Anti-Inflammatory Butenolide Derivatives
Authors: Tu Ping-Chen , Tseng Han-Chun , Liang Yu-Chia , Huang Guan-Jhong , Lu Te-Ling , Kuo Tzong-Fu , Kuo Yueh-Hsiung
Published: September 2019

Phytochemical investigation of the whole plant of Tradescantia albiflora Kunth led to the isolation and characterization of a butanolide, rosmarinosin B (1), that was isolated from natural sources for the first time, a new butenolide, 5-O-acetyl bracteanolide A (2), and a new apocarotenoid, 2β-hydroxyisololiolide (11), together with 25 known compounds (compounds 3–10 and 12–28). The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by analysis of their spectroscopic data, including MS, 1D, and 2D NMR experiments, and comparison with literature data of known compounds. Furthermore, four butenolides 4a–4d were synthesized as novel derivatives of bracteanolide A. The isolates and the synthesized derivatives were evaluated for their preliminary anti-inflammatory activity against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW 264.7 cells. Among them, the synthesized butenolide derivative n-butyl bracteanolide A (4d) showed enhanced NO inhibitory activity compared to the original compound, with an IC50 value of 4.32 ± 0.09 μg/mL.
Synthesis and Intramolecular Energy- and Electron-Transfer of 3D-Conformeric Tris(fluorenyl-[60]fullerenylfluorene) Derivatives
Authors: Yin He , Wang Min , Tan Loon-Seng , Chiang Long Y.
Published: September 2019

New 3D conformers were synthesized to show a nanomolecular configuration with geometrically branched 2-diphenylaminofluorene (DPAF-C2M) chromophores using a symmetrical 1,3,5-triaminobenzene ring as the center core for the connection of three fused DPAF-C2M moieties. The design led to a class of cis-cup-tris[(DPAF-C2M)-C60(>DPAF-C9)] 3D conformers with three bisadduct-analogous  cages per nanomolecule facing at the same side of the geometrical molecular cis-cup-shape structure. A sequential synthetic route was described to afford this 3D configurated conformer in a high yield with various spectroscopic characterizations. In principle, a nanostructure with a non-coplanar 3D configuration in design should minimize the direct contact or π-stacking of fluorene rings with each other during molecular packing to the formation of fullerosome array. It may also prevent the self-quenching effect of its photoexcited states in solids. Photophysical properties of this cis-cup-conformer were also investigated.
Hybrid Advanced Oxidation Processes Involving Ultrasound: An Overview
Authors: Madhavan Jagannathan , Theerthagiri Jayaraman , Balaji Dhandapani , Sunitha Salla , Choi Myong Yong , Ashokkumar Muthupandian
Published: September 2019

Sonochemical oxidation of organic pollutants in an aqueous environment is considered to be a green process. This mode of degradation of organic pollutants in an aqueous environment is considered to render reputable outcomes in terms of minimal chemical utilization and no need of extreme physical conditions. Indiscriminate discharge of toxic organic pollutants in an aqueous environment by anthropogenic activities has posed major health implications for both human and aquatic lives. Hence, numerous research endeavours are in progress to improve the efficiency of degradation and mineralization of organic contaminants. Being an extensively used advanced oxidation process, ultrasonic irradiation can be utilized for complete mineralization of persistent organic pollutants by coupling/integrating it with homogeneous and heterogeneous photocatalytic processes. In this regard, scientists have reported on sonophotocatalysis as an effective strategy towards the degradation of many toxic environmental pollutants. The combined effect of sonolysis and photocatalysis has been proved to enhance the production of high reactive-free radicals in aqueous medium which aid in the complete mineralization of organic pollutants. In this manuscript, we provide an overview on the ultrasound-based hybrid technologies for the degradation of organic pollutants in an aqueous environment.
Effects of Ultrasound on Zinc Oxide/Vermiculite/Chlorhexidine Nanocomposite Preparation and Their Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Čech Barabaszová Karla , Holešová Sylva , Šulcová Kateřina , Hundáková Marianna , Thomasová Barbora
Published: September 2019

Microbial infection and biofilm formation are both problems associated with medical implants and devices. In recent years, hybrid organic-inorganic nanocomposites based on clay minerals have attracted significant attention due to their application potential in the field of antimicrobial materials. Organic drug/metal oxide hybrids exhibit improved antimicrobial activity, and intercalating the above materials into the interlayer of clay endows a long-term and controlled-release behavior. Since antimicrobial activity is strongly related to the structure of the material, ultrasonic treatment appears to be a suitable method for the synthesis of these materials as it can well control particle size distribution and morphology. This study aims to prepare novel, structurally stable, and highly antimicrobial nanocomposites based on zinc oxide/vermiculite/chlorhexidine. The influence of ultrasonic treatment at different time intervals and under different intercalation conditions (ultrasonic action in a breaker or in a Roset’s vessel) on the structure, morphology, and particle size of prepared hybrid nanocomposite materials was evaluated by the following methods: scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, carbon phase analysis, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, specific surface area measurement, particle size analysis, and Zeta potential analysis. Particle size analyses confirmed that the ultrasonic method contributes to the reduction of particle size, and to their homogenization/arrangement. Further, X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed that ultrasound intercalation in a beaker helps to more efficiently intercalate chlorhexidine dihydrochloride (CH) into the vermiculite interlayer space, while a Roset’s vessel contributed to the attachment of the CH molecules to the vermiculite surface. The antibacterial activity of hybrid nanocomposite materials was investigated on Gram negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis) bacterial strains by finding the minimum inhibitory concentration. All hybrid nanocomposite materials prepared by ultrasound methods showed high antimicrobial activity after 30 min, with a long-lasting effect and without being affected by the concentration of the antibacterial components zinc oxide (ZnO) and CH. The benefits of the samples prepared by ultrasonic methods are the rapid onset of an antimicrobial effect and its long-term duration.
Mg Doped CuCrO2 as Efficient Hole Transport Layers for Organic and Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Boya , Thampy Sampreetha , Dunlap-Shohl Wiley A. , Xu Weijie , Zheng Yangzi , Cao Fong-Yi , Cheng Yen-Ju , Malko Anton V. , Mitzi David B. , Hsu Julia W. P.
Published: September 2019

The electrical and optical properties of the hole transport layer (HTL) are critical for organic and halide perovskite solar cell (OSC and PSC, respectively) performance. In this work, we studied the effect of Mg doping on CuCrO2 (CCO) nanoparticles and their performance as HTLs in OSCs and PSCs. CCO and Mg doped CCO (Mg:CCO) nanoparticles were hydrothermally synthesized. The nanoparticles were characterized by various experimental techniques to study the effect of Mg doping on structural, chemical, morphological, optical, and electronic properties of CCO. We found that Mg doping increases work function and decreases particle size. We demonstrate CCO and Mg:CCO as efficient HTLs in a variety of OSCs, including the first demonstration of a non-fullerene acceptor bulk heterojunction, and CH3NH3PbI3 PSCs. A small improvement of average short-circuit current density with Mg doping was found in all systems.
A Systematic Review on Socioeconomic Differences in the Association between the Food Environment and Dietary Behaviors
Authors: Mackenbach Joreintje D. , Nelissen Kyra G. M. , Dijkstra S. Coosje , Poelman Maartje P. , Daams Joost G. , Leijssen Julianna B. , Nicolaou Mary
Published: September 2019

Little is known about socioeconomic differences in the association between the food environment and dietary behavior. We systematically reviewed four databases for original studies conducted in adolescents and adults. Food environments were defined as all objective and perceived aspects of the physical and economic food environment outside the home. The 43 included studies were diverse in the measures used to define the food environment, socioeconomic position (SEP) and dietary behavior, as well as in their results. Based on studies investigating the economic (n = 6) and school food environment (n = 4), somewhat consistent evidence suggests that low SEP individuals are more responsive to changes in food prices and benefit more from healthy options in the school food environment. Evidence for different effects of availability of foods and objectively measured access, proximity and quality of food stores on dietary behavior across SEP groups was inconsistent. In conclusion, there was no clear evidence for socioeconomic differences in the association between food environments and dietary behavior, although a limited number of studies focusing on economic and school food environments generally observed stronger associations in low SEP populations. (Prospero registration: CRD42017073587)
Glycemic Index and Insulinemic Index of Foods: An Interlaboratory Study Using the ISO 2010 Method
Authors: Wolever Thomas M.S. , Meynier Alexandra , Jenkins Alexandra L. , Brand-Miller Jennie C. , Atkinson Fiona S. , Gendre David , Leuillet Sébastien , Cazaubiel Murielle , Housez Béatrice , Vinoy Sophie
Published: September 2019

An official method for determining food glycemic index (GI) was published by the Organization for International Standardization (ISO) in 2010, but its performance has not been assessed. Therefore, we aimed to determine the intra- and inter-laboratory variation of food GI values measured using the 2010 ISO method. Three laboratories (Australia, Canada and France) determined the GI and insulinemic-index (II) of six foods in groups of 13–15 participants using the 2010 ISO method and intra- and inter-laboratory Standard Deviations (SDs) were calculated. Overall mean food GIs varied from 47 to 86 (p < 0.0001) with no significant difference among labs (p = 0.57) and no food × laboratory interaction (p = 0.20). Within-laboratory SD was similar among foods (range, 17.8–22.5; p = 0.49) but varied among laboratories (range 17.5–23.1; p = 0.047). Between-laboratory SD of mean food GI values ranged from 1.6 to 6.7 (mean, 5.1). Mean glucose and insulin responses varied among foods (p < 0.001) with insulin (p = 0.0037), but not glucose (p = 0.054), varying significantly among labs. Mean II varied among foods (p < 0.001) but not among labs (p = 0.94). In conclusion, we found that using the 2010 ISO method, the mean between-laboratory SD of GI was 5.1. This suggests that the ISO method is sufficiently precise to distinguish a mean GI = 55 from a mean GI ≥ 70 with 97–99% probability.
Molecularly Imprinted Nanoparticles Assay (MINA) in Pseudo ELISA: An Alternative to Detect and Quantify Octopamine in Water and Human Urine Samples
Authors: Moczko Ewa , Díaz Richard , Rivas Bernabé , García Camilo , Pereira Eduardo , Piletsky Sergey , Cáceres César
Published: September 2019

In 2004, octopamine was added to the list of drugs banned by the world anti-doping agency (WADA) and prohibited in any sport competition. This work aims to develop a new analytical method to detect octopamine in water and human urine samples. We proposed a pseudo-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (pseudo-ELISA) by replacing traditional monoclonal antibodies with molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles (nanoMIPs). NanoMIPs were synthesised by a solid-phase approach using a persulfate initiated polymerisation in water. Their performance was analysed in pseudo competitive ELISA based on the competition between free octopamine and octopamine-HRP conjugated. The final assay was able to detect octopamine in water within the range 1 nmol·L−1–0.1 mol·L−1 with a detection limit of 0.047 ± 0.00231 µg·mL−1 and in human urine samples within the range 1 nmol·L−1–0.0001 mol·L−1 with a detection limit of 0.059 ± 0.00281 µg·mL−1. In all experiments, nanoMIPs presented high affinity to the target molecules and almost no cross-reactivity with analogues of octopamine such as pseudophedrine or l-Tyrosine. Only slight interference was observed from the human urine matrix. The high affinity and specificity of nanoMIPs and no need to maintain a cold chain logistics makes the nanoMIPs a competitive alternative to antibodies. Furthermore, this work is the first attempt to use nanoMIPs in pseudo-ELISA assays to detect octopamine.