bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Narrative Reflections on Masculinity and Fatherhood during Covid-19 Confinement in Spain
Authors: González-Calvo Gustavo
Published: June 2020

This article explores the intersectionalities of masculinity, corporal identity, fatherhood, relationships, and bodily experiences in relation to a person who is living in a period of home confinement. In so doing, I draw on autobiographical narratives to delve into how embodied subjectivities are constructed to advance knowledge on an embodied way of being a man in the context of a health world crisis. In the telling, I attempt to engage the reader by communicating the subjectivity of different moments in a provocative, fragmented, physical, and emotional manner. The results suggest that narratives, such as those presented in this article, contribute to understanding the continuous process of change of life and body projects due to the health crisis pandemic, and serve as a corporeal resource to challenge some of the (self-)imposed tyrannies around the body.
Similarities of Minoan and Indus Valley Hydro-Technologies
Authors: Khan S. , Dialynas E. , Kasaraneni V. K. , Angelakis A. N.
Published: June 2020

This review evaluates Minoan and Indus Valley hydro-technologies in southeastern Greece and Indus Valley Pakistan, respectively. The Minoan civilization first inhabited Crete and several Aegean islands shortly after the Late Neolithic times and flourished during the Bronze Age (ca 3200–1100 BC). At that time, the Minoan civilization developed fundamental technologies and reached its pinnacle as the first and most important European culture. Concurrently, the Indus Valley civilization populated the eastern bank of the Indus River, its tributaries in Pakistan, and the Ganges plains in India and Nadia (Bangladesh), spreading over an area of about one million km2. Its total population was unknown; however, an estimated 43,000 people resided at Harappa. The urban hydro-technologies, characteristics of a civilization can be determined by two specific aspects, the natural and the social environment. These two aspects cover a variety of factors, such as climate and social conditions, type of terrain, water supply, agriculture, water logging, sanitation and sewerage, hygienic conditions of communities, and racial features of the population. Therefore, these factors were used to understand the water resources management practices in early civilizations (e.g., Minoan and Indus Valley) and similarities, despite the large geographic distance between places of origin. Also discussed are the basic principles and characteristics of water management sustainability in both civilizations and a comparison of basic water supply and sanitation practices through the long history of the two civilizations. Finally, sustainability issues and lessons learned are considered.
Assessing Resilience to Energy Poverty in Europe through a Multi-Criteria Analysis Framework
Authors: Arsenopoulos Apostolos , Marinakis Vangelis , Koasidis Konstantinos , Stavrakaki Andriana , Psarras John
Published: June 2020

This study introduces a framework for assessing the resilience of different European countries against the problem of energy poverty. The proposed framework is established upon two major implementation pillars: capturing stakeholder knowledge and employing a multi-criteria analysis framework in order to provide valuable insights and objective results. The implicated evaluation criteria have been identified by the group of stakeholders and incorporate several socio-economic aspects of the problem beyond the energy dimension. The proposed methodology is largely dependent on the engaged stakeholders’ assessments, thus introducing nuggets of subjectivity into the whole analysis. However, it significantly differs from other energy poverty-based approaches, its novelty lying in that it directly attempts to evaluate a country according to its potential to deal with the problem as a whole, rather than deconstructing it in components and partial indicators. The proposed framework is demonstrated in countries in both Southern/Eastern and Northern/Western Europe (Austria, Belgium, Croatia, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, the Netherlands, Romania, Spain), exploiting diversities and particularities associated with their context.
People’s Knowledge of Illegal Chinese Pangolin Trade Routes in Central Nepal
Authors: Sharma Sandhya , Sharma Hari Prasad , Katuwal Hem Bahadur , Chaulagain Chanda , Belant Jerrold L.
Published: June 2020

Chinese pangolin populations are declining globally due to illegal wildlife trades in its range countries, especially China and Vietnam, where the largest markets for this species exist. Identifying the trade routes is crucial for developing conservation plans for the pangolin and understanding the attributes of the individuals involved in the illegal trade. We aimed to identify local trade routes and the socio-economic status of people involved in pangolin trades from the Gaurishankar Conservation Area [a Protected Area (PA)] and the Ramechhap district [a non-Protected Area (non-PA)] of Nepal. We found that pangolin traders were typically poor, illiterate, unemployed, male, and of working age (17–40 years old). Confiscation rates of pangolin parts were higher in non-PAs than Pas as the illegal trade routes seemed to differ between the PAs and non-PAs. From 2014 to 2018, the prices of pangolin scales in PAs and non-PAs increased by 50% and 67%, respectively. Our results highlight locals facilitating the trade of pangolins, therefore we recommend the need for other income generating sources such as ecotourism or providing incentives to promote local industries as well as to establish Community Based Anti-Poaching Units among range countries and trade route countries to control the trade of this globally threatened species.
Social TV Engagement for Increasing and Sustaining Social TV Viewers
Authors: Odunaiya Odukorede , Agoyi Mary , Osemeahon Oseyenbhin Sunday
Published: June 2020

With little known about how social TV (STV) strategies can be harnessed by the broadcasting industry in order to increase and sustain their viewers, this study brings new insight to the social TV phenomenon by investigating the effect of game uncertainty and social media use (SMU) on social TV engagement in generating network loyalty (NL). The study also analyzed the mediating effect of severity between game uncertainty and social media use with social TV engagement. SmartPLS 3 was used to analyze the survey data of 364 participants for the proposed model, and the findings from the study revealed that game uncertainty and social media use have a positive effect on social TV engagement, which positively influences network loyalty. In addition, it was seen that severity mediates the relationship between game uncertainty and social media use with social TV engagement.
Do German Student Biology Teachers Intend to Eat Sustainably? Extending the Theory of Planned Behavior with Nature Relatedness and Environmental Concern
Authors: Weber Alina , Büssing Alexander Georg , Jarzyna Raphael , Fiebelkorn Florian
Published: June 2020

Non-sustainable food choices are responsible for many global challenges, such as biodiversity loss and climate change. To achieve a transformation toward sustainable nutrition, it is crucial to implement education for sustainable development (ESD), with the key issue “nutrition”, in schools and teacher training. Biology teachers are crucial for promoting ESD competences. Thus, the main aim of the study is to investigate the social and environmental psychological factors that may affect the intention of student biology teachers to eat sustainably as an integral part of their action competence needed for teaching this topic effectively. We conducted a paper-pencil questionnaire (N = 270, Mage = 22.9; SD = 2.8) based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and expanded the model by integrating environmental concern and nature relatedness. A path model is reported to show the relationships between the variables. The results show that the extended TPB model is suitable for predicting the intention to eat sustainably. Nature relatedness and altruistic concern positively predict attitudes and the intention to eat sustainably. This study suggests further research on the importance of (student) teachers’ nutritional behavior, as a possible determinant of the intention to teach this topic in their future school career.
Conceptual Framework for the Research on Quality of Life
Authors: Rodrigues José , Chicau Borrego Carla , Ruivo Paula , Sobreiro Pedro , Catela David , Amendoeira José , Matos Rui
Published: June 2020

The article presents the reference framework for multidisciplinary research at the Life Quality Research Centre (LQRC). The research paradigm about the citizens’ quality of life in society imposes a multifaceted and complex analysis. At the LQRC we address this as thematically divided into six scientific areas: education and training; physical activity and healthy lifestyles; food production and technology on food behaviors; organizational dynamics; motor behavior; and individual and community health. These areas are clearly related to the concept of quality of life. They fit the goals and dynamics of the research center. In each section, the authors develop the themes of research projects and the challenges that characterize research in the area of quality of life. It is clear that there is an agreement and understanding that ensures that quality of life research is on the agenda of the world organizations related to scientific research and human development. This is a real challenge for scientific research centers, since multidisciplinary paradigms are the foundation of our collective organization, and the evolution of research on quality of life could fulfil current needs and lead to the improvement of citizen lives.
Income or Assets—What Determines the Approach to the Environment among Farmers in A Region in Poland?
Authors: Grzelak Aleksander , Staniszewski Jakub , Borychowski Michał
Published: June 2020

The theory about the impact of farm size, income and assets on the environmental approach of farmers is ambiguous. We contribute to the existing discussion in two ways. Firstly, we look for the determinants of the environmental approach. Secondly, we treat farm size as a heterogeneous factor, affected not only by the value of assets but also flows of incomes. The main objective of the article is, therefore, to recognize the impact of assets and income on the environmental approach of agricultural producers. We analyze the results of surveys carried out in 2020 on a group of 120 farms from the Wielkopolska region (Poland), using structural equation modelling (generalized structural equation modelling (GSEM)-multiple indicators and multiple causes (MIMIC) model). Our results indicate that both the income and assets of the agricultural producers have a positive impact on their approach to the environment. However, to a greater extent, the farmer’s approach to the environment is influenced more by income than by assets. This may be influenced by the capitalization of subsidies in the price of agricultural land, which makes this element of farm assets detached from real processes. It is easier for farms with a higher income and assets to realize the orientation towards sustainability.
Applying Distributed Manufacturing to Product-Service System Design: A Set of Near-Future Scenarios and a Design Tool
Authors: Petrulaityte Aine , Ceschin Fabrizio , Pei Eujin , Harrison David
Published: June 2020

Product-Service Systems (PSS), if properly designed and implemented, represent a promising approach to sustainability. However, there is a number of organisational, cultural and regulatory barriers that hinder the widespread PSS implementation. In this paper, the authors investigated Distributed Manufacturing (DM) as a promising production model which can be applied to PSS to address some of its implementation barriers and improve its sustainability. To that end, existing PSS implementation barriers were collected and coupled with systematically analysed favourable DM features to describe a set of PSS+DM near-future scenarios, addressing the complete PSS lifecycle. Scenarios were then integrated into the PSS+DM Design Tool aiming to support idea generation for PSS implementation. The tool was tested with students, PSS and/or DM experts, manufacturing companies and design practitioners through two rounds of workshops in order to evaluate its completeness, effectiveness and usability and define recommendations for improvements. Based on the results, the improved final version of the PSS+DM Design Tool was developed, presenting the potential to support idea generation to improve sustainable PSS implementation through integrating DM features in each PSS lifecycle stage.
In Situ Study of Graphene Oxide Quantum Dot-MoSx Nanohybrids as Hydrogen Evolution Catalysts
Authors: Favaro Marco , Cattelan Mattia , Price Stephen W. T. , Russell Andrea E. , Calvillo Laura , Agnoli Stefano , Granozzi Gaetano
Published: June 2020

Graphene quantum dots (GOQDs)-MoSx nanohybrids with different MoSx stoichiometries (x = 2 and 3) were prepared in order to investigate their chemical stability under hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) conditions. Combined photoemission/electrochemical (XPS/EC) measurements and operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) were employed to determine the chemical changes induced on the MoSx-based materials as a function of the applied potential. This in situ characterization indicates that both MoS2 and MoS3 materials are stable under operating conditions, although sulfur terminal sites in the MoS3 nanoparticles are converted from S-dimer (S22−) to S-monomer (S2−), which constitute the first sites where the hydrogen atoms are adsorbed for their subsequent evolution. In order to complete the characterization of the GOQDs-MoSx nanohybrids, the composition and particle size were determined by X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy; whereas the HER activity was studied by conventional electrochemical techniques.
Using Deep Time Delay Neural Network for Slot Filling in Spoken Language Understanding
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Huang Hao , Wang Kai
Published: June 2020

Modeling the context of a target word is of fundamental importance in predicting the semantic label for slot filling task in Spoken Language Understanding (SLU). Although Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) has shown to successfully achieve the state-of-the-art results for SLU, and Bidirectional RNN is capable of obtaining further improvement by modeling information not only from the past, but also from the future, they only consider limited contextual information of the target word. In order to make the network deeper and hence obtain longer contextual information, we propose to use a multi-layer Time Delay Neural Network (TDNN), which is prevalent in current large vocabulary continuous speech recognition tasks. In particular, we use a TDNN with symmetric time delay offset. To make the stacked TDNN easily trained, residual structures and skip concatenation are adopted. In addition, we further improve the model by introducing ResTDNN-BiLSTM, which combines the advantages of both the residual TDNN and BiLSTM. Experiments on slot filling tasks on the Air Travel Information System (ATIS) and Snips benchmark datasets show the proposed SC-TDNN-C achieves state-of-the-art results without any additional knowledge and data resources. Finally, we review and compare slot filling results by using a variety of existing models and methods.
The Effects of Age, Gender, and Control Device in a Virtual Reality Driving Simulation
Authors: Chang Wen-Te
Published: June 2020

The application of virtual reality in a driving simulation is not novel, yet little is known about the use of this technology by senior populations. The effects of age, gender, control device (joystick or handlebar), and task type on wayfinding proficiency using a virtual reality (VR) driving simulation were explored. The driving experiment model involved 96 randomly recruited participants, namely, 48 young people and 48 seniors (split evenly by gender in each group). Experiment results and statistical analyses indicated that, in a VR driving scenario, task type significantly affected VR driving performance. Navigational scores were significantly higher for the straight (easy/symmetrical straight route) task than those for the curved (difficult/asymmetrical curved route) task. The aging effect was the main reason for the significant and interacting effects of gender and control device. Interactions between age and gender difference indicated that the young group exhibited better wayfinding performance than the senior group did, and in the young group, males had better performance than that of females. Similarly, interactions between age and control device indicated that the handlebar control-device type resulted in better performance than the joystick device did in the young group, but no difference was found in the senior group due to age or learning effects. Findings provide an understanding of the evaluation of the interface designs of navigational-support systems, taking into consideration any effects of age, gender, control device, and task type within three-dimensional VR games and driving systems. With a VR driving simulator, seniors can test-drive inaccessible products such as electric bicycles or cars by using a computer at home.
Cross-Sectional Performance of Hollow Square Prisms with Rounded Edges
Authors: Shima Hiroyuki , Furukawa Nao , Kameyama Yuhei , Inoue Akio , Sato Motohiro
Published: June 2020

Hollow-section columns are one of the mechanically superior structures with high buckling resistance and high bending stiffness. The mechanical properties of the column are strongly influenced by the cross-sectional shape. Therefore, when evaluating the stability of a column against external forces, it is necessary to reproduce the cross-sectional shape accurately. In this study, we propose a mathematical method to describe a polygonal section with rounded edges and vertices. This mathematical model would be quite useful for analyzing the mechanical properties of plants and designing plant-mimicking functional structures, since the cross-sections of the actual plant culms and stems often show rounded polygons.
Implicit Extragradient-Like Method for Fixed Point Problems and Variational Inclusion Problems in a Banach Space
Authors: Cho Sun Young
Published: June 2020

In a uniformly convex and q-uniformly smooth Banach space with q ∈ ( 1 , 2 ] , one use VIP to indicate a variational inclusion problem involving two accretive mappings and CFPP to denote the common fixed-point problem of an infinite family of strict pseudocontractions of order q. In this paper, we introduce a composite extragradient implicit method for solving a general symmetric system of variational inclusions (GSVI) with certain VI and CFPP. We then investigate its convergence analysis under some weak conditions. Finally, we consider the celebrated LASSO problem in Hilbert spaces.
Analytical Solutions to the Singular Problem for a System of Nonlinear Parabolic Equations of the Reaction-Diffusion Type
Authors: Kazakov Alexander , Kuznetsov Pavel , Lempert Anna
Published: June 2020

The paper deals with a system of two nonlinear second-order parabolic equations. Similar systems, also known as reaction-diffusion systems, describe different chemical processes. In particular, two unknown functions can represent concentrations of effectors (the activator and the inhibitor respectively), which participate in the reaction. Diffusion waves propagating over zero background with finite velocity form an essential class of solutions of these systems. The existence of such solutions is possible because the parabolic type of equations degenerates if unknown functions are equal to zero. We study the analytic solvability of a boundary value problem with the degeneration for the reaction-diffusion system. The diffusion wave front is known. We prove the theorem of existence of the analytic solution in the general case. We construct a solution in the form of power series and suggest recurrent formulas for coefficients. Since, generally speaking, the solution is not unique, we consider some cases not covered by the proved theorem and present the example similar to the classic example of S.V. Kovalevskaya.
Informationally Complete Characters for Quark and Lepton Mixings
Authors: Planat Michel , Aschheim Raymond , Amaral Marcelo M. , Irwin Klee
Published: June 2020

A popular account of the mixing patterns for the three generations of quarks and leptons is through the characters κ of a finite group G. Here, we introduce a d-dimensional Hilbert space with d = c c ( G ) , the number of conjugacy classes of G. Groups under consideration should follow two rules, (a) the character table contains both two- and three-dimensional representations with at least one of them faithful and (b) there are minimal informationally complete measurements under the action of a d-dimensional Pauli group over the characters of these representations. Groups with small d that satisfy these rules coincide in a large part with viable ones derived so far for reproducing simultaneously the CKM (quark) and PNMS (lepton) mixing matrices.
Sources of Asymmetry and the Concept of Nonregularity of n-Dimensional Density Matrices
Authors: Gil José J.
Published: June 2020

The information contained in an n-dimensional (nD) density matrix ρ is parametrized and interpreted in terms of its asymmetry properties through the introduction of a family of components of purity that are invariant with respect to arbitrary rotations of the nD Cartesian reference frame and that are composed of two categories of meaningful parameters of different physical nature: the indices of population asymmetry and the intrinsic coherences. It is found that the components of purity coincide, up to respective simple coefficients, with the intrinsic Stokes parameters, which are also introduced in this work, and that determine two complementary sources of purity, namely the population asymmetry and the correlation asymmetry, whose weighted square average equals the overall degree of purity of ρ. A discriminating decomposition of ρ as a convex sum of three density matrices, viz. the pure, the fully random (maximally mixed) and the discriminating component, is introduced, which allows for the definition of the degree of nonregularity of ρ as the distance from ρ to a density matrix of a system composed of a pure component and a set of 2D, 3D,… and nD maximally mixed components. The chiral properties of a state ρ are analyzed and characterized from its intimate link to the degree of correlation asymmetry. The results presented constitute a generalization to nD systems of those established and exploited for polarization density matrices in a series of previous works.
Correction: Surowiak, A.K.; Lochyński, S.; Strub, D.J. Unsubstituted Oximes as Potential Therapeutic Agents. Symmetry 2020, 12, 575
Authors: Surowiak Alicja K. , Lochyński Stanisław , Strub Daniel J.
Published: June 2020

Oximes, which are highly bioactive molecules, have versatile uses in the medical sector and have been indicated to possess biological activity. Certain oximes exist in nature in plants and animals, but they are also obtained by chemical synthesis. Oximes are known for their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer activities. Moreover, they are therapeutic agents against organophosphate (OP) poisoning. Two oximes are already commonly used in therapy. Due to these abilities, new oxime compounds have been synthesized, and their biological activity has been verified. Often, modification of carbonyl compounds into oximes leads to increased activity. Nevertheless, in some cases, oxime activity is connected to the activity of the substrate. Recent works have revealed that new oxime compounds can demonstrate such functions and thus are considered to be potential drugs for pathogenic diseases, as adjuvant therapy in various types of cancer and inflammation and as potential next-generation drugs against OP poisoning.
Hypnotizability-Related Asymmetries: A Review
Authors: De Pascalis Vilfredo , Santarcangelo Enrica Laura
Published: June 2020

Hypnotizability is a dispositional trait reflecting the individual ability to modify perception, memory and behavior according to imaginative suggestions. It is measured by validated scales that classify the general population in high (highs), medium (mediums) and low (lows) hypnotizable persons, predicts the individual proneness to respond to suggestions, and is particularly popular in the field of the cognitive control of pain and anxiety. Different hypnotizability levels, however, have been associated with specific brain morpho-functional characteristics and with peculiarities in the cognitive, sensorimotor and cardiovascular domains also in the ordinary state of consciousness and in the absence of specific suggestions. The present scoping review was undertaken to summarize the asymmetries observed in the phenomenology and physiological correlates of hypnosis and hypnotizability as possible indices of related hemispheric prevalence. It presents the findings of 137 papers published between 1974 and 2019. In summary, in the ordinary state of consciousness, behavioral, neurophysiological and neuroimaging investigations have revealed hypnotizability related asymmetries mainly consisting of pre-eminent left hemisphere information processing/activation in highs, and no asymmetries or opposite directions of them in lows. The described asymmetries are discussed in relation to the current theories of hypnotizability and hypnosis.
New Uniform Motion and Fermi–Walker Derivative of Normal Magnetic Biharmonic Particles in Heisenberg Space
Authors: Körpinar Talat , Körpinar Zeliha , Chu Yu-Ming , Akinlar Mehmet Ali , Inc Mustafa
Published: June 2020

In the present paper, we firstly discuss the normal biharmonic magnetic particles in the Heisenberg space. We express new uniform motions and its properties in the Heisenberg space. Moreover, we obtain a new uniform motion of Fermi–Walker derivative of normal magnetic biharmonic particles in the Heisenberg space. Finally, we investigate uniformly accelerated motion (UAM), the unchanged direction motion (UDM), and the uniformly circular motion (UCM) of the moving normal magnetic biharmonic particles in Heisenberg space.
Generalized Dual-Root Lattice Transforms of Affine Weyl Groups
Authors: Czyżycki Tomasz , Hrivnák Jiří , Motlochová Lenka
Published: June 2020

Discrete transforms of Weyl orbit functions on finite fragments of shifted dual root lattices are established. The congruence classes of the dual weight lattices intersected with the fundamental domains of the affine Weyl groups constitute the point sets of the transforms. The shifted weight lattices intersected with the fundamental domains of the extended dual affine Weyl groups form the sets of labels of Weyl orbit functions. The coinciding cardinality of the point and label sets and corresponding discrete orthogonality relations of Weyl orbit functions are demonstrated. The explicit counting formulas for the numbers of elements contained in the point and label sets are calculated. The forward and backward discrete Fourier-Weyl transforms, together with the associated interpolation and Plancherel formulas, are presented. The unitary transform matrices of the discrete transforms are exemplified for the case A 2 .
Genes Encoding the Virulence and the Antimicrobial Resistance in Enterotoxigenic and Shiga-toxigenic E. coli Isolated from Diarrheic Calves
Authors: Algammal Abdelazeem M. , El-Kholy Ali , Riad Emad M. , Mohamed Hossam E. , Elhaig Mahmoud M. , Yousef Sulaiman A. Al , Hozzein Wael N. , Ghobashy Madeha O. I.
Published: June 2020

Calf diarrhea is one of the considerable infectious diseases in calves, which results in tremendous economic losses globally. To determine the prevalence of Shiga-toxigenic E. coli (STEC) and Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) incriminated in calf diarrhea, with special reference to Shiga- toxins genes (stx1 and stx2) and enterotoxins genes (lt and sta) that govern their pathogenesis, as well as the virulence genes; eaeA (intimin) and f41(fimbrial adhesion), and the screening of their antibiogram and antimicrobial resistance genes; aadB, sul1, and bla-TEM, a total of 274 fecal samples were collected (April 2018–Feb 2019) from diarrheic calves at different farms in El-Sharqia Governorate, Egypt. The bacteriological examination revealed that the prevalence of E. coli in diarrheic calves was 28.8%. The serotyping of the isolated E. coli revealed 7 serogroups; O26, O128, O111, O125, O45, O119 and O91. Furthermore, the Congo red binding test was carried out, where 89.8% of the examined strains (n = 71) were positive. The antibiogram of the isolated strains was investigated; the majority of E. coli serotypes exhibit multidrug resistance (MDR) to four antimicrobial agents; neomycin, gentamycin, streptomycin, and amikacin. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect the prevalence of the virulence genes; stx1, stx2 lt, sta, f41 and eaeA, as well as the antimicrobial resistance genes; aadB, sul1, and bla-TEM. The prevalence of STEC was 20.2% (n = 16), while the prevalence of ETEC was 30.4% (n = 24). Briefly, the Shiga toxins genes; stx1 and stx2, are the most prevalent virulence genes associated with STEC, which are responsible for the pathogenesis of the disease and helped by the intimin gene (eaeA). In addition, the lt gene is the most prevalent enterotoxin gene accompanied by the ETEC strains, either alone or in combination with sta and/or f41 genes. The majority of pathogenic E. coli incriminated in calf diarrhea possesses the aadB resistance gene, followed by the sul1 gene. Enrofloxacin, florfenicol, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, and ampicillin-sulbactam, are the most effective antimicrobial agents against the isolated STEC and ETEC strains.
Signatures of TRI5, TRI8 and TRI11 Protein Sequences of Fusarium incarnatum-equiseti Species Complex (FIESC) Indicate Differential Trichothecene Analogue Production
Authors: Villafana Ria T. , Rampersad Sephra N.
Published: June 2020

The variability and phylogeny among TRI5, TRI8 and TRI11 nucleotide and translated protein sequences of isolates from Trinidad belonging to Fusarium incarnatum-equiseti species complex (FIESC) were compared with FIESC reference sequences. Taxa appeared to be more divergent when DNA sequences were analyzed compared to protein sequences. Neutral and non-neutral mutations in TRI protein sequences that may correspond to variability in the function and structure of the selected TRI proteins were identified. TRI5p had the lowest amino acid diversity with zero predicted non-neutral mutations. TRI5p had potentially three protein disorder regions compared to TRI8p with five protein disorder regions. The deduced TRI11p was more conserved than TRI8p of the same strains. Amino acid substitutions that may be non-neutral to protein function were only detected in diacetoxyscirpenol (DAS) and fusarenon-X (FUS-X) producers of the reference sequence subset for TRI8p and TRI11p. The deduced TRI5 and TRI8 amino acid sequences were mapped to known 3D-structure models and indicated that variations in specific protein order/disorder regions exist in these sequences which affect the overall structural conservation of TRI proteins. Assigning single or combination non-neutral mutations to a particular toxicogenic phenotype may be more representative of potential compared to using genotypic data alone, especially in the absence of wet-lab, experimental validation.
OnabotulinumtoxinA Displays Greater Biological Activity Compared to IncobotulinumtoxinA, Demonstrating Non-Interchangeability in Both In Vitro and In Vivo Assays
Authors: Rupp David , Nicholson Greg , Canty David , Wang Joanne , Rhéaume Catherine , Le Linh , Steward Lance E. , Washburn Mark , Jacky Birgitte P. , Broide Ron S. , Philipp-Dormston Wolfgang G. , Brin Mitchell F. , Brideau-Andersen Amy
Published: June 2020

Differences in botulinum neurotoxin manufacturing, formulation, and potency evaluation can impact dose and biological activity, which ultimately affect duration of action. The potency of different labeled vials of incobotulinumtoxinA (Xeomin®; 50 U, 100 U, or 200 U vials; incobotA) versus onabotulinumtoxinA (BOTOX®; 100 U vial; onabotA) were compared on a unit-to-unit basis to assess biological activity using in vitro (light-chain activity high-performance liquid chromatography (LCA-HPLC) and cell-based potency assay (CBPA)) and in vivo (rat compound muscle action potential (CMAP) and mouse digit abduction score (DAS)) assays. Using LCA-HPLC, incobotA units displayed approximately 54% of the protease activity of label-stated equivalent onabotA units. Lower potency, reflected by higher EC50, ID50, and ED50 values (pooled mean ± SEM), was displayed by incobotA compared to onabotA in the CBPA (EC50: incobotA 7.6 ± 0.7 U/mL; onabotA 5.9 ± 0.5 U/mL), CMAP (ID50: incobotA 0.078 ± 0.005 U/rat; onabotA 0.053 ± 0.004 U/rat), and DAS (ED50: incobotA 14.2 ± 0.5 U/kg; onabotA 8.7 ± 0.3 U/kg) assays. Lastly, in the DAS assay, onabotA had a longer duration of action compared to incobotA when dosed at label-stated equivalent units. In summary, onabotA consistently displayed greater biological activity than incobotA in two in vitro and two in vivo assays. Differences in the assay results do not support dose interchangeability between the two products.
Chemical and Pharmacological Screening of Rhinella icterica (Spix 1824) Toad Parotoid Secretion in Avian Preparations
Authors: Oliveira Raquel Soares , Borges Bruna Trindade , Leal Allan Pinto , Lailowski Manuela Merlin , Bordon Karla de Castro Figueiredo , Souza Velci Queiróz de , Vinadé Lúcia , Santos Tiago Gomes dos , Hyslop Stephen , Moura Sidnei , Arantes Eliane Candiani , Corrado Alexandre Pinto , Dal Belo Cháriston A.
Published: June 2020

The biological activity of Rhinella icterica parotoid secretion (RIPS) and some of its chromatographic fractions (RI18, RI19, RI23, and RI24) was evaluated in the current study. Mass spectrometry of these fractions indicated the presence of sarmentogenin, argentinogenin, (5β,12β)-12,14-dihydroxy-11-oxobufa-3,20,22-trienolide, marinobufagin, bufogenin B, 11α,19-dihydroxy-telocinobufagin, bufotalin, monohydroxylbufotalin, 19-oxo-cinobufagin, 3α,12β,25,26-tetrahydroxy-7-oxo-5β-cholestane-26-O-sulfate, and cinobufagin-3-hemisuberate that were identified as alkaloid and steroid compounds, in addition to marinoic acid and N-methyl-5-hydroxy-tryptamine. In chick brain slices, all fractions caused a slight decrease in cell viability, as also seen with the highest concentration of RIPS tested. In chick biventer cervicis neuromuscular preparations, RIPS and all four fractions significantly inhibited junctional acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. In this preparation, only fraction RI23 completely mimicked the pharmacological profile of RIPS, which included a transient facilitation in the amplitude of muscle twitches followed by progressive and complete neuromuscular blockade. Mass spectrometric analysis showed that RI23 consisted predominantly of bufogenins, a class of steroidal compounds known for their cardiotonic activity mediated by a digoxin- or ouabain-like action and the blockade of voltage-dependent L-type calcium channels. These findings indicate that the pharmacological activities of RI23 (and RIPS) are probably mediated by: (1) inhibition of AChE activity that increases the junctional content of Ach; (2) inhibition of neuronal Na+/K+-ATPase, leading to facilitation followed by neuromuscular blockade; and (3) blockade of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels, leading to stabilization of the motor endplate membrane.
Semiquantitation of Paralytic Shellfish Toxins by Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Using Relative Molar Response Factors
Authors: Qiu Jiangbing , Wright Elliott J. , Thomas Krista , Li Aifeng , McCarron Pearse , Beach Daniel G.
Published: June 2020

Paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) are a complex class of analogs of the potent neurotoxin saxitoxin (STX). Since calibration standards are not available for many PSTs, including C-11 hydroxyl analogs called M-toxins, accurate quantitation by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) can be challenging. In the absence of standards, PSTs are often semiquantitated using standards of a different analog (e.g., STX), an approach with a high degree of uncertainty due to the highly variable sensitivity between analytes in electrospray ionization. Here, relative molar response factors (RMRs) were investigated for a broad range of PSTs using common LC-MS approaches in order to improve the quantitation of PSTs for which standards are unavailable. First, several M-toxins (M1-M6, M9 and dcM6) were semipurified from shellfish using preparative gel filtration chromatography and quantitated using LC-charged aerosol detection (LC-CAD). The RMRs of PST certified reference materials (CRMs) and M-toxins were then determined using selective reaction monitoring LC-MS/MS and full scan LC-high-resolution MS (LC-HRMS) methods in positive and negative electrospray ionization. In general, RMRs for PSTs with similar chemical structures were comparable, but varied significantly between subclasses, with M-toxins showing the lowest sensitivity. For example, STX showed a greater than 50-fold higher RMR than M4 and M6 by LC-HRMS. The MS instrument, scan mode and polarity also had significant impacts on RMRs and should be carefully considered when semiquantitating PSTs by LC-MS. As a demonstration of their utility, the RMRs determined were applied to the semiquantitation of PSTs in contaminated mussels, showing good agreement with results from calibration with CRMs.
In Vitro Assessment of Biocontrol Effects on Fusarium Head Blight and Deoxynivalenol (DON) Accumulation by DON-Degrading Bacteria
Authors: Morimura Hiroyuki , Ito Michihiro , Yoshida Shigenobu , Koitabashi Motoo , Tsushima Seiya , Camagna Maurizio , Chiba Sotaro , Takemoto Daigo , Kawakita Kazuhito , Sato Ikuo
Published: June 2020

Fusarium head blight (FHB) of cereals is a severe disease caused by the Fusarium graminearum species complex. It leads to the accumulation of the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) in grains and other plant tissues and causes substantial economic losses throughout the world. DON is one of the most troublesome mycotoxins because it is a virulence factor to host plants, including wheat, and exhibits toxicity to plants and animals. To control both FHB and DON accumulation, a biological control approach using DON-degrading bacteria (DDBs) is promising. Here, we performed a disease control assay using an in vitro petri dish test composed of germinated wheat seeds inoculated with F. graminearum (Fg) and DDBs. Determination of both grown leaf lengths and hyphal lesion lengths as a measure of disease severity showed that the inoculation of seeds with the DDBs Devosia sp. strain NKJ1 and Nocardioides spp. strains SS3 or SS4 were protective against the leaf growth inhibition caused by Fg. Furthermore, it was as effective against DON accumulation. The inoculation with strains SS3 or SS4 also reduced the inhibitory effect on leaves treated with 10 µg mL−1 DON solution (without Fg). These results indicate that the DDBs partially suppress the disease by degrading DON.
Comments on P. Jordan’s Cosmological Model
Authors: Dubois Eve-Aline , Füzfa André
Published: June 2020

We analyse the original cosmology of P. Jordan through his 1939 key paper entitled “Bemerkungen zur Kosmologie” or “Comments on cosmology”. In this almost forgotten work, the author introduced a model of dynamical cosmology with spontaneous creation of matter, based on the Large Numbers study, initiated by Eddington and further developed by Dirac. Jordan’s will to explore heuristically all possible cosmological models in order to be prepared in case of surprising future astronomical data is very compelling in this article. Since we think it is wise to learn from our predecessors and from the unsuccessful theories that were later left behind, the present article also offers an overview of Jordan’s work during the 1930s through the analysis of a series of some of his other original pieces. An English translation of Jordan’s key paper can be found in the appendix.
Revisiting the Classification of Percid Perhabdoviruses Using New Full-Length Genomes
Authors: Pallandre Laurane , Luo Dongsheng , Feuvrier Claudette , Lieffrig François , Pozet Françoise , Dacheux Laurent , Bigarré Laurent
Published: June 2020

Perhabdoviruses are a threat to some freshwater fish species raised in aquaculture farms in Europe. Although the genetic diversity of these viruses is suspected to be high, the classification of isolates is still in its infancy, with just one full-length genome available and only partial sequences for a limited number of others. Here, we characterized a series of viruses isolated from percids in France from 1999 to 2009 by sequencing the nucleoprotein (N) gene. Four main clusters were distinguished, all related at varying levels of similarity to one of the two already-recognized species, namely Perch perhabdovirus and Sea trout perhabdovirus. Furthermore, we obtained the complete genome of five isolates, including one belonging to Sea trout rhabdovirus. The analysis of the complete L genes and the concatenated open reading frames confirmed the existence of four main genetic clusters, sharing 69 to 74% similarity. We propose the assignation of all these viral isolates into four species, including two new ones: Perch perhabdovirus 1, Perch perhabdovirus 2, Sea trout perhabdovirus 1 and Sea trout perhabdovirus 2. In addition, we developed new primers to readily amplify specific portions of the N gene of any isolate of each species by conventional PCR. The presence of such genetically diverse viruses in France is likely due to divergent viral populations maintained in the wild and then introduced to experimental facilities or farms, as well as via trade between farms across the European continent. It is now urgent to improve the identification tools for this large group of viruses to prevent their unchecked dissemination.
Correction: miR29a and miR378b Influence CpG-Stimulated Dendritic Cells and Regulate cGAS/STING Pathway
Authors: Shah Abid Ullah , Cao Yanan , Siddique Naila , Lin Jian , Yang Qian
Published: June 2020

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [...]
E. coli-Produced Monophosphoryl Lipid a Significantly Enhances Protective Immunity of Pandemic H1N1 Vaccine
Authors: Nguyen Quyen Thi , Kim Eunjin , Yang Jihyun , Lee Chankyu , Ha Da Hui , Lee Choon Geun , Lee Ye Ram , Poo Haryoung
Published: June 2020

Emerging influenza viruses pose an extreme global risk to human health, resulting in an urgent need for effective vaccination against influenza infection. Adjuvants are vital components that can improve vaccine efficacy, yet only a few adjuvants have been licensed in human vaccines. Here, we investigate the adjuvant effects of Escherichia coli-produced monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL), named EcML, in enhancing the immunogenicity and efficacy of an influenza vaccine. Similar to MPL, EcML activated dendritic cells and enhanced the antigen processing of cells in vitro. Using ovalbumin (OVA) as a model antigen, EcML increased OVA-specific antibody production, cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity. The safety of EcML was demonstrated as being similar to that of MPL by showing not significant in vitro cell cytotoxicity but transient systemic inflammatory responses within 24 h in OVA immunized mice. Importantly, mice vaccinated with pandemic H1N1 (pH1N1) vaccine antigen, combined with EcML, were fully protected from pH1N1 virus infection by enhanced influenza-specific antibody titers, hemagglutination inhibition titers, and IFN-γ- secreting cells. Taken together, our results strongly suggest that EcML might be a promising vaccine adjuvant for preventing influenza virus infection.
Immunogenicity and Efficacy of Zika Virus Envelope Domain III in DNA, Protein, and ChAdOx1 Adenoviral-Vectored Vaccines
Authors: López-Camacho César , De Lorenzo Giuditta , Slon-Campos Jose Luis , Dowall Stuart , Abbink Peter , Larocca Rafael A. , Kim Young Chan , Poggianella Monica , Graham Victoria , Findlay-Wilson Stephen , Rayner Emma , Carmichael Jennifer , Dejnirattisai Wanwisa , Boyd Michael , Hewson Roger , Mongkolsapaya Juthathip , Screaton Gavin R. , Barouch Dan H. , Burrone Oscar R. , Patel Arvind H. , Reyes-Sandoval Arturo
Published: June 2020

The flavivirus envelope protein domain III (EDIII) was an effective immunogen against dengue virus (DENV) and other related flaviviruses. Whether this can be applied to the Zika virus (ZIKV) vaccinology remains an open question. Here, we tested the efficacy of ZIKV-EDIII against ZIKV infection, using several vaccine platforms that present the antigen in various ways. We provide data demonstrating that mice vaccinated with a ZIKV-EDIII as DNA or protein-based vaccines failed to raise fully neutralizing antibodies and did not control viremia, following a ZIKV challenge, despite eliciting robust antibody responses. Furthermore, we showed that ZIKV-EDIII encoded in replication-deficient Chimpanzee adenovirus (ChAdOx1-EDIII) elicited anti-ZIKV envelope antibodies in vaccinated mice but also provided limited protection against ZIKV in two physiologically different mouse challenge models. Taken together, our data indicate that contrary to what was shown for other flaviviruses like the dengue virus, which has close similarities with ZIKV-EDIII, this antigen might not be a suitable vaccine candidate for the correct induction of protective immune responses against ZIKV.