bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Co-Composting of Brewers’ Spent Grain with Animal Manures and Wheat Straw: Influence of Two Composting Strategies on Compost Quality
Authors: Assandri Davide , Pampuro Niccolò , Zara Giacomo , Bianco Angela , Cavallo Eugenio , Budroni Marilena
Published: July 2021

The main challenge of this work is to identify a novel approach to reuse and valorize brewers’ spent grain (BSG) to produce a new source of income for the brewers in terms of self-consumption or selling goods. Therefore, this study explored the composting behavior of BSG mixed with different organic materials: wheat straw with pig slurry solid fraction and wheat straw with sheep manure, MIX1 and MIX2, respectively. The composting process was carried out in bins by comparing two different composting strategies: manual turning (MT) and static composting xxx– without turning operations (ST). During the experimental trial, BSG mixtures were chemically analyzed for pH, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, ammoniacal nitrogen, nitrate-nitrogen, total organic carbon, volatile solids, carbon to nitrogen ratio, and moisture content. Furthermore, the final composted materials were evaluated according to the physicochemical and biological limits fixed by the European regulation (2019/1009) and the Italian law (D.Lgs 75/2010). At the end of the composting process, the C/N ratio ranged from 11.6 to 15.5, the humification ratio ranged from 12.4 to 13.8 and the NH4+-N/NO3−-N ratio was lower than 0.5 indicating, in all investigated treatments, a good degree of maturation. However, as evidenced by the high pH values and low Germination Index, the sheep manure, as starting material, proved less effective than the solid fraction of pig slurry, probably due to excessive trampling and slow litter change. Finally, concerning the two composting strategies investigated, the obtained results highlighted that the composting strategy did not affect the final compost quality.
Volume Rate Adjustment for Pesticide Applications against Aonidiella aurantii in Citrus: Validation of CitrusVol in the Growers’ Practice
Authors: Fonte Alberto , Garcerá Cruz , Tena Alejandro , Chueca Patricia
Published: July 2021

Aonidiella aurantii is one of the most damaging armored scales in citrus crops worldwide. To control this pest, high water volume rates are conventionally used. In order to rationalize the pesticide applications in citrus, IVIA developed CitrusVol, a tool that recommends the optimal volume rate based on the vegetation, the pest or disease and the active ingredient. In this study the objectives were: (i) validate CitrusVol as a tool to adjust the spray volume to control A. aurantii and (ii) quantify its environmental and economical advantages. For this, the spray volume adjusted with CitrusVol was compared with the one conventionally used by farmers in 18 applications in seven orchards during two years. The following parameters were evaluated: (i) spray distribution in the canopy, (ii) A. aurantii males trapped per day, and (iii) number of scales per fruit at harvest. CitrusVol reduced the spray volume and the amount of pesticide by 35% on average. Despite this reduction, a satisfactory spray distribution was achieved, and the volume was found to control the pest in a comparable way to the conventional volume. Moreover, CitrusVol saved per application and on average 31.25 h/100 ha of spray operating time, 241.83 L/100 ha of fuel consumption and consequently, the reduction of emissions of CO2 was 631.18 kg/100 ha. Therefore, CitrusVol allows for efficient, low-input and low-impact pesticide applications.
Role of Policies, Stakeholder Programs and Interventions in Agricultural Diversification among Smallholder Farmers: A Case of Lilongwe District in Malawi
Authors: Fatch Paul , Masangano Charles , Hilger Thomas , Jordan Irmgard , Kamoto Judith Francesca Mangani , Mambo Isaac , Kalimbira Alexander , Chiutsi-Phiri Gabriella , Nuppenau Ernst-August
Published: July 2021

Globally, governments and agricultural organizations implement policies and programs reflected in interventions such as input subsidies, extension services for modern inputs and training, which either enable or hinder agricultural diversification. A study was carried out from 2016 to 2019 in Lilongwe district, Malawi, to determine the influence of policies, programs and interventions on agricultural diversification. The study was using a mixed-method sequential explanatory design. It involved a literature review, interviews with 424 male and female smallholder farmers, 35 demonstration plots on agricultural diversification, 27 focus group discussions with farmers, and 17 key informant interviews with stakeholder representatives. The literature review showed that the 2016 Malawi agricultural policy already prioritized agricultural diversification as it included a policy statement and policy objective on agricultural diversification. This study found that stakeholders, namely the Ministry of Agriculture, Total Land Care, National Smallholder Farmers Association of Malawi, School of Agriculture for Family Independence, and Trustees of Agriculture Promotion Program, were promoting agricultural diversification. They did it by (i) organizing farmers into groups for agricultural diversification activities, (ii) provision of extension advice, and (iii) providing inputs for different crops as well as livestock either for free, on pass-on, or through loans. However, interventions were on small scale, had not fully addressed hindrances to agricultural diversification, were mostly supply-driven, and the interventions themselves faced sustainability-threatening problems such as failure to pass on livestock and seeds. The agricultural policy was thus not sufficiently translated into widespread programs and interventions to foster improvement in agricultural diversification. As such, we suggest re-channeling of funding from promoting mono-cropping to agricultural diversification by broadening the crop and livestock focus of advisory services, enabling farmer organization initiatives and community engagement for farmers to solve most diversification challenges on their own.
Self-Configuring CVS to Discriminate Rocket Leaves According to Cultivation Practices and to Correctly Attribute Visual Quality Level
Authors: Palumbo Michela , Pace Bernardo , Cefola Maria , Montesano Francesco Fabiano , Serio Francesco , Colelli Giancarlo , Attolico Giovanni
Published: July 2021

Computer Vision Systems (CVS) represent a contactless and non-destructive tool to evaluate and monitor the quality of fruits and vegetables. This research paper proposes an innovative CVS, using a Random Forest model to automatically select the relevant features for classification, thereby avoiding their choice through a cumbersome and error-prone work of human designers. Moreover, three color correction techniques were evaluated and compared, in terms of classification performance to identify the best solution to provide consistent color measurements. The proposed CVS was applied to fresh-cut rocket, produced under greenhouse soilless cultivation conditions differing for the irrigation management strategy and the fertilization level. The first aim of this study was to objectively estimate the quality levels (QL) occurring during storage. The second aim was to non-destructively, and in a contactless manner, identify the cultivation approach using the digital images of the obtained product. The proposed CVS achieved an accuracy of about 95% in QL assessment and about 65–70% in the discrimination of the cultivation approach.
Effects of Dietary Valine Levels on Production Performance, Egg Quality, Antioxidant Capacity, Immunity, and Intestinal Amino Acid Absorption of Laying Hens during the Peak Lay Period
Authors: Jian Huafeng , Miao Sasa , Liu Yating , Li Huaiyu , Zhou Wenting , Wang Xiaoming , Dong Xinyang , Zou Xiaoting
Published: July 2021

The present study aimed to assess the impact of dietary valine levels on layer production performance, egg quality, immunity, and intestinal amino acid absorption of laying hens during the peak lay period. For this purpose, a total of 960 33-week-old Fengda No.1 laying hens were randomly divided into five experimental groups and fed with valine at the following different levels in a feeding trial that lasted 8 weeks: 0.59, 0.64, 0.69, 0.74, and 0.79%, respectively. Productive performances were recorded throughout the whole rearing cycle and the egg quality, serum indexes, and small intestine transporters expression were assessed at the end of the experiment after slaughter (41 weeks) on 12 hens per group. Statistical analysis was conducted by one-way ANOVA followed by LSD multiple comparison tests with SPSS 20.0 (SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA). The linear and quadratic effects were tested by SPSS 20.0. Egg mass, laying rate, broken egg rate, and feed conversion ratio were significantly improved with increasing dietary valine levels. However, the egg weight, eggshell thickness, albumen height, Haugh unit, and egg yolk color were significantly decreased with increasing dietary valine levels. Serum catalase (CAT), immunoglobulin A (IgA) and IgM levels, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were negative responses to valine-treated laying hens. Dietary supplemented valine enhanced the trypsin activity of duodenum chime and promoted the mRNA expression levels of ATB0,+, and LAT4 in the jejunum and corresponding serum free Ile, Lys, Phe, Val, and Tyr level. However, valine treatment significantly downregulated the mRNA expression levels of PePT1, B0AT1, LAT1, and SNAT2 in the small intestines and corresponding serum free Arg, His, Met, Thr, Ala, Asp, Glu, Gly, and Ser level. Our results suggest that 0.79% valine dietary supplementation can improve production performance by promoting amino acid nutrient uptake and utilization, and suggest a supplement of 0.79% valine to diet.
A Modified Flotation Density Gradient Centrifugation Technique Improves the Semen Quality of Stallions with a High DNA Fragmentation Index
Authors: Umair Muhammad , Henning Heiko , Stout Tom A. E. , Claes Anthony
Published: July 2021

Sperm DNA fragmentation compromises fertilization and early embryo development. Since spermatozoa lack the machinery to repair DNA damage, to improve the likelihood of establishing a healthy pregnancy, it is preferable to process ejaculates of stallions with a high sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) before artificial insemination or intracytoplasmic sperm injection. The aim of this study was to examine a modified flotation density gradient centrifugation (DGC) technique in which semen was diluted with a colloid solution (Opti-prepTM) to increase its density prior to layering between colloid layers of lower and higher density. The optimal Opti-prepTM solution (20–60%) for use as the bottom/cushion layer was first determined, followed by a comparison between a modified sedimentation DGC and the modified flotation DGC technique, using different Opti-prepTM solutions (20%, 25% and 30%) as the top layer. Finally, the most efficient DGC technique was selected to process ejaculates from Friesian stallions (n = 3) with high sperm DFI (>20%). The optimal Opti-prepTM solution for the cushion layer was 40%. The modified sedimentation technique resulted in two different sperm populations, whereas the modified flotation technique yielded three populations. Among the variants tested, the modified flotation DGC using 20% Opti-prepTM as the top layer yielded the best results; the average sperm recovery was 57%; the DFI decreased significantly (from 12% to 4%) and the other sperm quality parameters, including progressive and total motility, percentages of spermatozoa with normal morphology and viable spermatozoa with an intact acrosome, all increased (p < 0.05). In Friesian stallions with high sperm DFI, the modified flotation DGC markedly decreased the DFI (from 31% to 5%) and significantly improved the other semen quality parameters, although sperm recovery was low (approximately 20%). In conclusion, stallion sperm DFI and other sperm quality parameters can be markedly improved using a modified flotation DGC technique employing a 40% Opti-prepTM cushion and a 20% top layer.
A Standard Scale to Measure Equine Keeper Status and the Effect of Metabolic Tendency on Gut Microbiome Structure
Authors: Johnson Alexa C. B. , Biddle Amy S.
Published: July 2021

Thriftiness in horses has been associated with more efficient nutrient harvesting in digestion, absorption and/or utilization, but the relative contribution of the gut microbiome to host metabolic tendency is not well understood. Recognizing the unreliability of owner reported assignment of keeper status, this research describes a novel tool for calculating whether a horse is an easy (EK) or hard (HK) keeper and then characterizes microbiome differences in these groups. The Equine Keeper Status Scale (EKSS) was developed and validated based on data gathered from 240 horses. Estimates of dietary energy intakes and requirements to achieve the optimal BCS score of 5 were used in EKSS assignments. Sixty percent of owners’ characterizations disagreed with EKSS identified keeper assignments. Equine fecal 16S rRNA profiles (n = 73) revealed differences in α and β diversities and taxa abundances based on EKSS assignments. EK communities had more Planctomycetes and fewer Euryarcheaota, Spirochaetes and Proteobacteria than HK indicating functional differences in nutrient harvesting between groups. Differences in the gut microbiomes of horses based on keeper assignment point to host/microbial interactions that may underlie some differences in metabolic tendency. The EKSS enables robust, repeatable determination of keeper status which can be used by researchers and horse owners.
Benzothiazole-Containing Analogues of Triclocarban with Potent Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Catalano Alessia , Rosato Antonio , Salvagno Lara , Iacopetta Domenico , Ceramella Jessica , Fracchiolla Giuseppe , Sinicropi Maria Stefania , Franchini Carlo
Published: July 2021

Triclocarban (TCC) is a polychlorinated, aromatic, antimicrobial agent commercially used since the 1950s in personal care products for the prevention of spoilage and infections. Humans are frequently exposed to TCC due to its widespread use, leading to its substantial release into the aquatic environment. With the recent ban of TCC from some personal care products, implemented in 2016, many replacement antimicrobial compounds have been studied by researchers. Herein, we report the synthesis and biological activity of a series of diarylureas, analogues of TCC that bear the benzothiazole nucleus as one of the two aryl moieties. Among the studied compounds, 2bF and 2eC showed the highest antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, being also more active than TCC, with MIC values of 8 µg/mL versus 16 µg/mL of TCC. Moreover, compound 2bB was much more active than TCC against Enterococcus faecalis, a Gram-positive bacterium that is, unfortunately, strongly responsible for nosocomial infections. Finally, interesting results were found for compound 2bG that, even though less active than the others, exerts an interesting bactericidal action.
Advanced Crystal Plasticity Modeling of Multi-Phase Steels: Work-Hardening, Strain Rate Sensitivity and Formability
Authors: Galán-López Jesús , Shakerifard Behnam , Ochoa-Avendaño Jhon , Kestens Leo A. I.
Published: July 2021

This work presents an advanced crystal plasticity model for the simulation of the mechanical behavior of multiphase advanced high-strength steels. The model is based on the Visco-Plastic Self-Consistent (VPSC) model and uses information about the material’s crystallographic texture and grain morphology together with a grain constitutive law. The law used here, based on the work of Pantleon, considers how dislocations are created and annihilated, as well as how they interact with obstacles such as grain boundaries and inclusions (carbides). Additionally, strain rate sensitivity is implemented using a phenomenological expression derived from literature data that does not require any fitting parameter. The model is applied to the study of two bainitic steels obtained by applying different heat treatments. After fitting the required parameters using tensile experiments in different directions at quasi-static and high strain rates, formability properties are determined using the model for the performance of virtual experiments: uniaxial tests are used to determine r-values and stress levels and biaxial tests are used for the calculation of yield surfaces and forming limit curves.
Experimental Validation of Formula for Calculation Thermal Diffusivity in Superlattices Performed Using a Combination of Two Frequency-Domain Methods: Photothermal Infrared Radiometry and Thermoreflectance
Authors: Pawlak Michał , Kruck Timo , Spitzer Nikolai , Dziczek Dariusz , Ludwig Arne , Wieck Andreas D.
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we validate two theoretical formula used to characterize thermal transport of superlattices at different temperatures. These formulas are used to measure cross-plane thermal conductivity and thermal boundary resistance, when it is not possible to obtain heat capacity or thermal diffusivity and in-plane thermal conductivity. We find that the most common formula for calculating thermal diffusivity and heat capacity (and density) can be used in a temperature range of −50 °C to 50 °C. This confirms that the heat capacity in the very thin silicon membranes is the same as in bulk silicon, as was preliminary investigated using an elastic continuum model. Based on the obtained thermal parameters, we can fully characterize the sample using a new procedure for characterization of the in-plane and cross-plane thermal transport properties of thin-layer and superlattice semiconductor samples.
Site Response Evaluation in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt Based on HVSR from Ambient Noise and Regional Seismicity
Authors: Pérez-Moreno L. Francisco , Rodríguez-Pérez Quetzalcoatl , Zúñiga F. Ramón , Horta-Rangel Jaime , Pérez-Rea M. de la Luz , Pérez-Lara Miguel A.
Published: July 2021

The Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt (TMVB), located in central Mexico, is an area for which low to moderate seismic risk is considered. This is based on the limited instrumental data available, even though large historical earthquakes have damaged some urban centers in the past. However, site effects is an aspect that must be considered in estimating risk, because there are some instances of important amplifications that have been documented with serious effects. In this work, ambient noise and earthquake records from 90 seismic permanent and temporary stations are used to analyze site response in the TMVB. The results obtained show a heterogeneous range in the value of the fundamental frequency. When possible, a comparison was made of the results obtained from ambient noise and earthquake records. In almost all these comparisons, no significant differences were observed in terms of the fundamental frequency. However, there were some stations with a flat average HVSR ambient noise curve that contradicted earthquake data results, which showed peaks at some frequencies. Our results are a first step towards categorizing the different site responses in the TMVB but in order to provide finer details, it is necessary to improve the actual monitoring conditions.
The Clean Label Concept: Novel Approaches in Gluten-Free Breadmaking
Authors: Kajzer Monika , Diowksz Anna
Published: July 2021

The commonly used term of “clean label” refers to food products that do not contain additives (E numbers). Although there is not always a scientific reason for believing that additive-free products are healthier, clean label products are becoming more popular. The growing market for gluten-free foods represents an important target group of consumers, who could be interested in products meeting clean label standards. However, manufacturing gluten-free baked goods according to the clean label concept is extremely difficult, as gluten-free raw materials demonstrate poor baking properties. Additives are required to simulate the texturing properties of gluten, few of are suitable for clean label products. This paper discusses the possibility of replacing the hydrocolloids most commonly used in gluten-free baked goods with β-glucan, psyllium, or transglutaminase.
Valuable Nutrients from Ulva rigida: Modulation by Seasonal and Cultivation Factors
Authors: Queirós Ana S. , Circuncisão Ana R. , Pereira Eduarda , Válega Mónica , Abreu Maria H. , Silva Artur M. S. , Cardoso Susana M.
Published: July 2021

Ulva macroalgae species are recognized to be an underexploited source of key nutrients, including proteins, fibers and minerals. The present work evaluated the nutritional value protein, ash, mineral composition, fat, fatty acid profile and dietary fiber of the green macroalgae Ulva rigida produced in an open land-based integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) system, over four seasons. Overall, protein and fat content of the farmed algae ranged between 7.6 and 25.8% DW and between 0.2 and 1.3% DW, respectively, reaching the highest levels during autumn/winter seasons. In turn, total dietary fiber and ashes showed a contrary seasonal tendency, reaching maximum levels in spring (40.9–58.3% DW and 25.5–38.8% DW, respectively). Notably, the latter were particularly characterized by their richness in potassium, magnesium and iron, and a sodium/potassium ratio bellow 1.7. Variable cultivation conditions of stocking density (Sd) and flow rate (Fr) were also tested, allowing to confirm that manipulation of cultivation conditions in an IMTA system may help to improve the nutritional value of this macroalga and to boost its market value through its use as a functional food ingredient.
Evaluation of Natural Airfield Pavements Condition Based on the Airfield Pavement Condition Index (APCI)
Authors: Wesolowski Mariusz , Iwanowski Pawel
Published: July 2021

Natural pavements are an important element of flights. Among other things, they allow the plane to be safely slowed down after it has exited the runway. For this reason, load bearing capacity of natural airfield pavements and strength of turf layer at a specified level are required. Currently used testing methods, such as CBR (Californian Bearing Ratio) tests or turf probe test, separately do not give a full image of pavement technical condition. The authors presented the methodology for assessing the technical condition of natural airfield surfaces based on the APCI (Airfield Pavement Condition Index). The index is based at the same time on the load bearing capacity of the surface layer up to 0.85 m and turf layer strength. The mathematical model and the classification of airfield pavements in terms of the APCI indicator are presented. The article also presents an example of using the APCI method to assess shoulders and end safety areas of the runway at one of the operating airport facilities.
A Survey on Change Detection and Time Series Analysis with Applications
Authors: Ghaderpour Ebrahim , Pagiatakis Spiros D. , Hassan Quazi K.
Published: July 2021

With the advent of the digital computer, time series analysis has gained wide attention and is being applied to many fields of science. This paper reviews many traditional and recent techniques for time series analysis and change detection, including spectral and wavelet analyses with their advantages and weaknesses. First, Fourier and least-squares-based spectral analysis methods and spectral leakage attenuation methods are reviewed. Second, several time-frequency decomposition methods are described in detail. Third, several change or breakpoints detection methods are briefly reviewed. Finally, some of the applications of the methods in various fields, such as geodesy, geophysics, remote sensing, astronomy, hydrology, finance, and medicine, are listed in a table. The main focus of this paper is reviewing the most recent methods for analyzing non-stationary time series that may not be sampled at equally spaced time intervals without the need for any interpolation prior to the analysis. Understanding the methods presented herein is worthwhile to further develop and apply them for unraveling our universe.
The Performance Modeling of Modified Asbuton and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Mixture Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM)
Authors: Lapian Franky E. P. , Ramli M. Isran , Pasra Mubassirang , Arsyad Ardy
Published: July 2021

We often use the plastics daily, containing of polyethylene plastic polymers which recently can be utilized as additional material for road pavements. Several studies have attempted to find the optimum proportion of an asphalt mixture using modified Asbuton which is local bitumen abundantly deposited in Buton Island Indonesia, added with plastic waste. The optimum proportion of the asphalt mixture is influenced by many factors, such as the interactions of the material component in the asphalt mixture. To obtain the optimum proportion based a single factor, many studies employ statistical methods. This study aims to determine the optimum proportion for the asphalt mixture of the modified Asbuton with PET plastic waste by using a Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The employed RSM is the Expert Version 12 design (Stat-Ease, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA, 2020), in which the statistical modeling based on Box Behnken Design (BBD) and three factorial levels. The results obtained in this study show that the RSM optimization could achieve the asphalt mixtures characteristics including the stability, Marshall Quotient (MQ), Void in MIX (VIM), Void Mineral Aggregate (VMA) and density, in the level of satisfying the specification requirements of Ministry of Public Works of Indonesia. The optimum stability is at 2002.72 kg, fulfilled the minimum density of 800 kg. For the MQ, the optimal point of MQ is 500.68 kg/mm, satisfied the minimum the MQ standard minimum of 250 kg/mm. In addition, the optimal VIM is at 3.40%, satisfying the VIM specifications in the range of 3–5%. The optimal VMA response is at 21.65%, which is also satisfied the VMA specification, 15%.
Vibrational and Acoustical Characteristics of Ear Pinna Simulators That Differ in Hardness
Authors: Shimokura Ryota , Nishimura Tadashi , Hosoi Hiroshi
Published: July 2021

Because cartilage conduction—the transmission of sound via the aural cartilage—has different auditory pathways from well-known air and bone conduction, how the output volume in the external auditory canal is stimulated remains unknown. To develop a simulator approximating the conduction of sound in ear cartilage, the vibrations of the pinna and sound in the external auditory canal were measured using pinna simulators made of silicon rubbers of different hardness (A40, A20, A10, A5, A0) as measured by a durometer. The same procedure, as well as a current calibration method for air conduction devices, was applied to an existing pinna simulator, the Head and Torso Simulator (hardness A5). The levels for vibration acceleration and sound pressure from these pinna simulators show spectral peaks at dominant frequencies (below 1.5 kHz) for the conduction of sound in cartilage. These peaks were likely to move to lower frequencies as hardness decreases. On approaching the hardness of actual aural cartilage (A10 to A20), the simulated levels for vibration acceleration and sound pressure approximated the measurements of human ears. The adjustment of the hardness used in pinna simulators is an important factor in simulating accurately the conduction of sound in cartilage.
Transcatheter Heart Valve Implantation in Bicuspid Patients with Self-Expanding Device
Authors: Pasta Salvatore , Cannata Stefano , Gentile Giovanni , Agnese Valentina , Raffa Giuseppe Maria , Pilato Michele , Gandolfo Caterina
Published: July 2021

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) patients are conventionally not treated by transcathether aortic valve implantation (TAVI) because of anatomic constraint with unfavorable outcome. Patient-specific numerical simulation of TAVI in BAV may predict important clinical insights to assess the conformability of the transcathether heart valves (THV) implanted on the aortic root of members of this challenging patient population. We aimed to develop a computational approach and virtually simulate TAVI in a group of n.6 stenotic BAV patients using the self-expanding Evolut Pro THV. Specifically, the structural mechanics were evaluated by a finite-element model to estimate the deformed THV configuration in the oval bicuspid anatomy. Then, a fluid–solid interaction analysis based on the smoothed-particle hydrodynamics (SPH) technique was adopted to quantify the blood-flow patterns as well as the regions at high risk of paravalvular leakage (PVL). Simulations demonstrated a slight asymmetric and elliptical expansion of the THV stent frame in the BAV anatomy. The contact pressure between the luminal aortic root surface and the THV stent frame was determined to quantify the device anchoring force at the level of the aortic annulus and mid-ascending aorta. At late diastole, PVL was found in the gap between the aortic wall and THV stent frame. Though the modeling framework was not validated by clinical data, this study could be considered a further step towards the use of numerical simulations for the assessment of TAVI in BAV, aiming at understanding patients not suitable for device implantation on an anatomic basis.
Targeting of Protein Kinase CK2 in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells Using the Clinical-Grade Synthetic-Peptide CIGB-300
Authors: Rosales Mauro , Pérez George V. , Ramón Ailyn C. , Cruz Yiliam , Rodríguez-Ulloa Arielis , Besada Vladimir , Ramos Yassel , Vázquez-Blomquist Dania , Caballero Evelin , Aguilar Daylen , González Luis J. , Zettl Katharina , Wiśniewski Jacek R. , Yang Ke , Perera Yasser , Perea Silvio E.
Published: July 2021

Protein kinase CK2 has emerged as an attractive therapeutic target in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), an advent that becomes particularly relevant since the treatment of this hematological neoplasia remains challenging. Here we explored for the first time the effect of the clinical-grade peptide-based CK2 inhibitor CIGB-300 on AML cells proliferation and viability. CIGB-300 internalization and subcellular distribution were also studied, and the role of B23/nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1), a major target for the peptide in solid tumors, was addressed by knock-down in model cell lines. Finally, pull-down experiments and phosphoproteomic analysis were performed to study CIGB-interacting proteins and identify the array of CK2 substrates differentially modulated after treatment with the peptide. Importantly, CIGB-300 elicited a potent anti-proliferative and proapoptotic effect in AML cells, with more than 80% of peptide transduced cells within three minutes. Unlike solid tumor cells, NPM1 did not appear to be a major target for CIGB-300 in AML cells. However, in vivo pull-down experiments and phosphoproteomic analysis evidenced that CIGB-300 targeted the CK2α catalytic subunit, different ribosomal proteins, and inhibited the phosphorylation of a common CK2 substrates array among both AML backgrounds. Remarkably, our results not only provide cellular and molecular insights unveiling the complexity of the CIGB-300 anti-leukemic effect in AML cells but also reinforce the rationale behind the pharmacologic blockade of protein kinase CK2 for AML-targeted therapy.
Selective Molecular Recognition of Low Density Lipoprotein Based on β-Cyclodextrin Coated Electrochemical Biosensor
Authors: Wu Huimin , Fang Fei , Wang Chengcheng , Hong Xiao , Chen Dajing , Huang Xiaojun
Published: July 2021

The excess of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) strongly promotes the accumulation of cholesterol on the arterial wall, which can easily lead to the atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ACDs). It is a challenge on how to recognize and quantify the LDL with a simple and sensitive analytical technology. Herein, β-cyclodextrins (β-CDs), acting as molecular receptors, can bind with LDL to form stable inclusion complexes via the multiple interactions, including electrostatic, van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. With the combination of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) and β-CDs, we developed an electrochemical sensor providing an excellent molecular recognition and sensing performance towards LDL detection. The LDL dynamic adsorption behavior on the surface of the β-CD-Au electrode was explored by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), displaying that the electron-transfer resistance (Ret) values were proportional to the LDL (positively charged apolipoprotein B-100) concentrations. The β-CD-Au modified sensor exhibited a high selectivity and sensitivity (978 kΩ·µM−1) toward LDL, especially in ultra-low concentrations compared with the common interferers HDL and HSA. Due to its excellent molecular recognition performance, β-CD-Au can be used as a sensing material to monitor LDL in human blood for preventing ACDs in the future.
Pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors Induce Oxidative Stress in Patient-Derived Glioblastoma Cells
Authors: Kostić Ana , Jovanović Stojanov Sofija , Podolski-Renić Ana , Nešović Marija , Dragoj Miodrag , Nikolić Igor , Tasić Goran , Schenone Silvia , Pešić Milica , Dinić Jelena
Published: July 2021

Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) highly expresses Src tyrosine kinase involved in survival, proliferation, angiogenesis and invasiveness of tumor cells. Src activation also reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, whereas Src inhibitors are able to increase cellular ROS levels. Methods: Pro-oxidative effects of two pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine derivatives—Src tyrosine kinase inhibitors, Si306 and its prodrug pro-Si306—were investigated in human GBM cells U87 and patient-derived GBM-6. ROS production and changes in mitochondrial membrane potential were assessed by flow cytometry. The expression levels of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) and 2 (SOD2) were studied by Western blot. DNA damage, cell death induction and senescence were also examined in GBM-6 cells. Results: Si306 and pro-Si306 more prominently triggered ROS production and expression of antioxidant enzymes in primary GBM cells. These effects were followed by mitochondrial membrane potential disruption, double-strand DNA breaks and senescence that eventually led to necrosis. Conclusion: Src kinase inhibitors, Si306 and pro-Si306, showed significant pro-oxidative potential in patient-derived GBM cells. This feature contributes to the already demonstrated anti-glioblastoma properties of these compounds in vitro and in vivo and encourages clinical investigations.
Brain Activity-Based Metrics for Assessing Learning States in VR under Stress among Firefighters: An Explorative Machine Learning Approach in Neuroergonomics
Authors: Abujelala Maher , Karthikeyan Rohith , Tyagi Oshin , Du Jing , Mehta Ranjana K.
Published: July 2021

The nature of firefighters’ duties requires them to work for long periods under unfavorable conditions. To perform their jobs effectively, they are required to endure long hours of extensive, stressful training. Creating such training environments is very expensive and it is difficult to guarantee trainees’ safety. In this study, firefighters are trained in a virtual environment that includes virtual perturbations such as fires, alarms, and smoke. The objective of this paper is to use machine learning methods to discern encoding and retrieval states in firefighters during a visuospatial episodic memory task and explore which regions of the brain provide suitable signals to solve this classification problem. Our results show that the Random Forest algorithm could be used to distinguish between information encoding and retrieval using features extracted from fNIRS data. Our algorithm achieved an F-1 score of 0.844 and an accuracy of 79.10% if the training and testing data are obtained at similar environmental conditions. However, the algorithm’s performance dropped to an F-1 score of 0.723 and accuracy of 60.61% when evaluated on data collected under different environmental conditions than the training data. We also found that if the training and evaluation data were recorded under the same environmental conditions, the RPM, LDLPFC, RDLPFC were the most relevant brain regions under non-stressful, stressful, and a mix of stressful and non-stressful conditions, respectively.
Rekindling Action Language: A Neuromodulatory Study on Parkinson’s Disease Patients
Authors: Suárez-García Diana M. A. , Birba Agustina , Zimerman Máximo , Diazgranados Jesús A. , Lopes da Cunha Pamela , Ibáñez Agustín , Grisales-Cárdenas Johan S. , Cardona Juan Felipe , García Adolfo M.
Published: July 2021

Impairments of action semantics (a cognitive domain that critically engages motor brain networks) are pervasive in early Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, no study has examined whether action semantic skills in persons with this disease can be influenced by non-invasive neuromodulation. Here, we recruited 22 PD patients and performed a five-day randomized, blinded, sham-controlled study to assess whether anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (atDCS) over the primary motor cortex, combined with cognitive training, can boost action–concept processing. On day 1, participants completed a picture–word association (PWA) task involving action-verb and object-noun conditions. They were then randomly assigned to either an atDCS (n = 11, 2 mA for 20 m) or a sham tDCS (n = 11, 2 mA for 30 s) group and performed an online PWA practice over three days. On day 5, they repeated the initial protocol. Relative to sham tDCS, the atDCS group exhibited faster reaction times for action (as opposed to object) concepts in the post-stimulation test. This result was exclusive to the atDCS group and held irrespective of the subjects’ cognitive, executive, and motor skills, further attesting to its specificity. Our findings suggest that action-concept deficits in PD are distinctively grounded in motor networks and might be countered by direct neuromodulation of such circuits. Moreover, they provide new evidence for neurosemantic models and inform a thriving agenda in the embodied cognition framework.
Multimodal Approach to Predict Neurological Outcome after Cardiac Arrest: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Peluso Lorenzo , Boisdenghien Thomas , Attanasio Laila , Annoni Filippo , Mateus Sanabria Lili , Severgnini Paolo , Legros Benjamin , Gouvêa Bogossian Elisa , Vincent Jean-Louis , Creteur Jacques , Oddo Mauro , Gaspard Nicolas , Taccone Fabio Silvio
Published: July 2021

Introduction: The aims of this study were to assess the concordance of different tools and to describe the accuracy of a multimodal approach to predict unfavorable neurological outcome (UO) in cardiac arrest patients. Methods: Retrospective study of adult (>18 years) cardiac arrest patients who underwent multimodal monitoring; UO was defined as cerebral performance category 3–5 at 3 months. Predictors of UO were neurological pupillary index (NPi) ≤ 2 at 24 h; highly malignant patterns on EEG (HMp) within 48 h; bilateral absence of N20 waves on somato-sensory evoked potentials; and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) > 75 μg/L. Time-dependent decisional tree (i.e., NPi on day 1; HMp on day 1–2; absent N20 on day 2–3; highest NSE) and classification and regression tree (CART) analysis were used to assess the prediction of UO. Results: Of 137 patients, 104 (73%) had UO. Abnormal NPi, HMp on day 1 or 2, the bilateral absence of N20 or NSE >75 mcg/L had a specificity of 100% to predict UO. The presence of abnormal NPi was highly concordant with HMp and high NSE, and absence of N20 or high NSE with HMp. However, HMp had weak to moderate concordance with other predictors. The time-dependent decisional tree approach identified 73/103 patients (70%) with UO, showing a sensitivity of 71% and a specificity of 100%. Using the CART approach, HMp on EEG was the only variable significantly associated with UO. Conclusions: This study suggests that patients with UO had often at least two predictors of UO, except for HMp. A multimodal time-dependent approach may be helpful in the prediction of UO after CA. EEG should be included in all multimodal prognostic models.
Load-Carrying Capacity of Compressed Wall-Like RC Columns Strengthened with FRP
Authors: Avossa Alberto , Picozzi Vincenzo , Ricciardelli Francesco
Published: July 2021

The analytical prediction of the effectiveness of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) in the confinement of a rectangular reinforced concrete (RC) column with a high aspect ratio (wall-like) still has an uncertain solution. In this paper, a numerical investigation of the axial response of RC wall-like columns strengthened with FRP systems was developed. Analytical solutions proposed in the literature for the assessment of the axial load capacity were presented and compared with each other and with the available experimental results. Moreover, non-linear finite element analysis was carried out, and the results were discussed, providing a simple model for the assessment of the axial compressive strength of wall-like RC columns strengthened with FRP.
Fibroblast Activation Protein Expressing Mesenchymal Cells Promote Glioblastoma Angiogenesis
Authors: Balaziova Eva , Vymola Petr , Hrabal Petr , Mateu Rosana , Zubal Michal , Tomas Robert , Netuka David , Kramar Filip , Zemanova Zuzana , Svobodova Karla , Brabec Marek , Sedo Aleksi , Busek Petr
Published: July 2021

Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is a membrane-bound protease that is upregulated in a wide range of tumours and viewed as a marker of tumour-promoting stroma. Previously, we demonstrated increased FAP expression in glioblastomas and described its localisation in cancer and stromal cells. In this study, we show that FAP+ stromal cells are mostly localised in the vicinity of activated CD105+ endothelial cells and their quantity positively correlates with glioblastoma vascularisation. FAP+ mesenchymal cells derived from human glioblastomas are non-tumorigenic and mostly lack the cytogenetic aberrations characteristic of glioblastomas. Conditioned media from these cells induce angiogenic sprouting and chemotaxis of endothelial cells and promote migration and growth of glioma cells. In a chorioallantoic membrane assay, co-application of FAP+ mesenchymal cells with glioma cells was associated with enhanced abnormal angiogenesis, as evidenced by an increased number of erythrocytes in vessel-like structures and higher occurrence of haemorrhages. FAP+ mesenchymal cells express proangiogenic factors, but in comparison to normal pericytes exhibit decreased levels of antiangiogenic molecules and an increased Angiopoietin 2/1 ratio. Our results show that FAP+ mesenchymal cells promote angiogenesis and glioma cell migration and growth by paracrine communication and in this manner, they may thus contribute to glioblastoma progression.
Novel Insights into YB-1 Signaling and Cell Death Decisions
Authors: Shah Aneri , Lindquist Jonathan A. , Rosendahl Lars , Schmitz Ingo , Mertens Peter R.
Published: July 2021

YB-1 belongs to the evolutionarily conserved cold-shock domain protein family of RNA binding proteins. YB-1 is a well-known transcriptional and translational regulator, involved in cell cycle progression, DNA damage repair, RNA splicing, and stress responses. Cell stress occurs in many forms, e.g., radiation, hyperthermia, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) produced by bacteria, and interferons released in response to viral infection. Binding of the latter factors to their receptors induces kinase activation, which results in the phosphorylation of YB-1. These pathways also activate the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), a well-known transcription factor. NF-κB is upregulated following cellular stress and orchestrates inflammatory responses, cell proliferation, and differentiation. Inflammation and cancer are known to share common mechanisms, such as the recruitment of infiltrating macrophages and development of an inflammatory microenvironment. Several recent papers elaborate the role of YB-1 in activating NF-κB and signaling cell survival. Depleting YB-1 may tip the balance from survival to enhanced apoptosis. Therefore, strategies that target YB-1 might be a viable therapeutic option to treat inflammatory diseases and improve tumor therapy.
High Efficient and Cost Effective Titanium Doped Tin Dioxide Based Photocatalysts Synthesized via Co-precipitation Approach
Authors: Letifi Hanen , Dridi Donia , Litaiem Yousra , Ammar Salah , Dimassi Wissem , Chtourou Radhouane
Published: July 2021

High efficient and large surface area of titanium doped tin dioxide (SnO2) based photocatalysts with various titanium doping contents varying from 0 to 4 mol% have been successfully prepared via a facile, low cost and eco-friendly co-precipitation method. Structural, morphological, textural, microstructural and optical properties of the prepared Ti-SnO2 nanoparticles (NPs) have been investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), the Brunauer–Emmett-Teller (BET) method, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), UV-Vis spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. It was found that both undoped and Ti doped SnO2 NPs were crystallized in tetragonal structure and the crystallite sizes have been reduced from 19.9 nm for undoped SnO2 NPs to 13.1 nm for SnO2: Ti 4%. As compared to pure SnO2, a decrease in size and a uniform distribution of spherical aggregates for 4% Ti doped SnO2 sample have been noticed. Nitrogen (N2) adsorption-desorption isotherms of all synthesized NPs indicate that each nanopowder showed a IV type- isotherm with a hysteresis loop resulted in a typical porous materials containing macropores and mesopores. The raman spectra was marked with the appearance of three well resolved peaks including one intense peak centered at 633 cm−1 and two other peaks at about 475 cm−1 and 772 cm−1 which might be ascribed to the characteristic modes of of the SnO2 rutile-type. FTIR spectra of Ti doped SnO2 NPs show a broad band situated in the region from 630 cm−1 to 625 cm−1 for all Ti–SnO2 samples which could be assigned to the stretching vibrations of Sn–O–Sn. Optical studies revealed that the absorption edge of SnO2: Ti NPs showed a redshift with rising titanium concentration. This redshift resulted in a decrease in the optical band gap from 3.31 eV for pure SnO2 to 2.87 eV for 4% Ti doped SnO2 nanoparticles respectively. Rhodamine B dye (RhB) has been adopted to study the photocatalytic degradation of all synthesized Ti–SnO2 NPs. Pure SnO2 NPs has an intrinsic large band gap and it was sensitive to UV light. Thus, pure SnO2 NPs display higher UV photocatalytic performance for decomposing the RhB. Titanium incorporation into SnO2 has widely improved its photocatalytic performance towards RhB photodegradation under UV and Visible light irradiations. Precisely, the 4% Ti–SnO2 based photocatalyst display the highest photacatalytic activity and can degrade both of 95% and 52% of RhB dye within 120 min respectively under UV and visible light irradiations. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of the 4% doped SnO2 photocatalyst was further proved with the minimum PL intensity. The homogeneous incorporation of low Ti contents into the SnO2 matrix allow to a significant reduce in the band gap leading to an efficient separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs and consequently improves the absorption capability in the visible light.
A Review of Recent Developments in Molecular Dynamics Simulations of the Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting Process
Authors: Goga Nicolae , Mayrhofer Leonhard , Tranca Ionut , Nedea Silvia , Heijmans Koen , Ponnuchamy Veerapandian , Vasilateanu Andrei
Published: July 2021

In this review, we provide a short overview of the Molecular Dynamics (MD) method and how it can be used to model the water splitting process in photoelectrochemical hydrogen production. We cover classical non-reactive and reactive MD techniques as well as multiscale extensions combining classical MD with quantum chemical and continuum methods. Selected examples of MD investigations of various aqueous semiconductor interfaces with a special focus on TiO2 are discussed. Finally, we identify gaps in the current state-of-the-art where further developments will be needed for better utilization of MD techniques in the field of water splitting.