bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Optimal Compensation Agency Model for Sustainability under the Risk Aversion Utility Perspective
Authors: Lin Tyrone T. , Liu Tsai-Ling
Published: March 2021

This paper explores how to construct a fair and optimal compensation system between the principal and the agent in the face of financial compensation agency problems during a limited period in relation to the concept of sustainability. In the construction of the principal’s compensation system, the agent’s degree of operational financial effort will affect the overall revenue function for reaching sustainability. Both the principal and the agent have a maximum expected utility in the negative exponential pattern of the general hyperbolic absolute risk aversion (HARA) utility function that satisfies their respective objective functions. The proposed model and numerical example analysis results prove that the compensation system for sustainability can provide a fair and optimal financial system, from a sustainability perspective. The main contribution of this study is the construction and development of an optimal compensation agency model for risk management, which is derived by considering the effect of risk aversion utility on revenue. The proposed model can provide a fair and feasible approach within the issue of compensation, from the viewpoint of sustainability, for an optimal compensation agency problem.
Information Entropy of Regular Dendrimer Aggregates and Irregular Intermediate Structures
Authors: Sabirov Denis , Tukhbatullina Alina , Shepelevich Igor
Published: March 2021

Dendrimer molecules and aggregates are chemical structures with regular branching that underlies their physicochemical properties. Regular dendrimers have been studied both theoretically and experimentally, but the irregular intermediate structures between the dendrimers of neighboring generations have not. In the present work, dendrimer aggregates, both regular and intermediate, are investigated in terms of the information entropy approach. As found, the information entropy of the regular dendrimer asymptotically increases with the generation number; herewith, its maximal value equals 2. The intermediate structures have been studied for the growing dendrimer G1 → G2 → G3 → G4 with the tricoordinated building block. The plot of the information entropy of the growing dendrimer on the size has the frontier consisting of the lowest values that correspond to the regular and irregular structures described with the symmetrical graphs. Other intermediate structures have information entropies higher than the regular dendrimers. Thus, to move the system from one informationally stable state to another, its information capacity must be temporarily increased.
The Threat of Multiple Liver Carcinogens in the Population of Laos: A Review
Authors: Sitbounlang Philavanh , Marchio Agnès , Deharo Eric , Paboriboune Phimpha , Pineau Pascal
Published: March 2021

Laos is a landlocked country in South East Asia, ranking fifth for primary liver cancer incidence worldwide. Risk factors that might explain this worrying situation are poorly known. We conducted a review of the literature concerning the etiologies of terminal liver diseases in Laos. A double infectious burden with hepatitis B and C viruses and the liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini seems to be the main cause of the high liver cancer incidence. Moreover, it was also suggested that mutagenic substances frequently found in tobacco, alcoholic beverages, fermented fish, and mold-contaminated cereals or nuts, which are all substances heavily consumed by Lao people, lead to the accumulation of DNA mutations in the liver cell genome causing tumor processes. However, the respective proportions of liver cancer cases attributable to each category of infections and substances consumed, as well as the histological nature of the neoplasia are still not precisely documented in Laos. The international medical and scientific communities as well as public health stakeholders should urgently consider the alarming situation of liver health in Laos to stimulate both research and subsequent implementation of prevention policies.
Utilization of Rice Husk Ash in the Preparation of Graphene-Oxide-Based Mesoporous Nanocomposites with Excellent Adsorption Performance
Authors: Liou Tzong-Horng , Liou Yuan Hao
Published: March 2021

Rice husk is an agricultural biomass waste. Burning rice husks in an oxygenic atmosphere releases thermal energy and produces ash that is rich in silica. Rice husk ash (RHA) can be used as a sustainable source of silica for producing high-value-added products. In this study, mesostructural graphene oxide (GO)/SBA-15, a graphene-based hybrid material, was synthesized from RHA. The materials are inspected by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, Raman spectrometer, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, surface area analyzer, and X-ray diffraction analyzer. Studies have revealed that GO/SBA-15 possesses various oxygen functional groups that are helpful for dye adsorption. The material consisted of high pore volume of 0.901 cm3/g, wide pores of diameter 11.67 nm, and high surface area of 499 m2/g. Analysis of the methylene blue (MB) adsorption behavior of GO/SBA-15 composites revealed that their adsorption capacity depended on the gelation pH, GO content, adsorbent dosage, and initial dye (MB) concentration. The highest adsorption capacity of GO/SBA-15 was 632.9 mg/g. Furthermore, the adsorption isotherms and kinetics of GO/SBA-15 were investigated. This study demonstrated the great advantage of treated RHA and the potential of this material for use in organic dye adsorption.
On the Application of the Generalized Means to Construct Multiresolution Schemes Satisfying Certain Inequalities Proving Stability
Authors: Amat Sergio , Magreñan Alberto , Ruiz Juan , Trillo Juan Carlos , Yañez Dionisio F.
Published: March 2021

Multiresolution representations of data are known to be powerful tools in data analysis and processing, and they are particularly interesting for data compression. In order to obtain a proper definition of the edges, a good option is to use nonlinear reconstructions. These nonlinear reconstruction are the heart of the prediction processes which appear in the definition of the nonlinear subdivision and multiresolution schemes. We define and study some nonlinear reconstructions based on the use of nonlinear means, more in concrete the so-called Generalized means. These means have two interesting properties that will allow us to get associated reconstruction operators adapted to the presence of discontinuities, and having the maximum possible order of approximation in smooth areas. Once we have these nonlinear reconstruction operators defined, we can build the related nonlinear subdivision and multiresolution schemes and prove more accurate inequalities regarding the contractivity of the scheme for the first differences and in turn the results about stability. In this paper, we also define a new nonlinear two-dimensional multiresolution scheme as non-separable, i.e., not based on tensor product. We then present the study of the stability issues for the scheme and numerical experiments reinforcing the proven theoretical results and showing the usefulness of the algorithm.
Application of the Oriented Fuzzy Numbers in Credit Risk Assessment
Authors: Wójcicka-Wójtowicz Aleksandra , Piasecki Krzysztof
Published: March 2021

Over the years, banks have faced many difficulties, related mainly to lax credit standards for borrowers and counterparties. The goal of credit risk management is to maintain the volume of credit risk at acceptable level as it is a vital feature in risk management. Credit analysts take into consideration factors of a wider spectrum, e.g., the prospects of the line of business, the experience of board members, credibility of suppliers, etc. Those factors are often considered on the linguistic scale, which includes such imprecise and inaccurate phrases, for instance, such as: more/less experienced, better/worse prospects, etc., which, for the experts and decision makers, are justified and result from their personal experience, preferences and human nature. The paper presents the approach of supporting methods in the credit risk decision-making process. It presents evaluation scales of imprecise phrases commonly used during the process of credit risk assessment based on experts’ preferences. Due to the imprecision, the oriented fuzzy numbers are a useful tool. For such described evaluation scales, we use a scoring function determined with the use of an adapted Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) method.
High-Precision Kriging Modeling Method Based on Hybrid Sampling Criteria
Authors: Shi Junjun , Shen Jingfang , Li Yaohui
Published: March 2021

Finding new valuable sampling points and making these points better distributed in the design space is the key to determining the approximate effect of Kriging. To this end, a high-precision Kriging modeling method based on hybrid sampling criteria (HKM-HS) is proposed to solve this problem. In the HKM-HS method, two infilling sampling strategies based on MSE (Mean Square Error) are optimized to obtain new candidate points. By maximizing MSE (MMSE) of Kriging model, it can generate the first candidate point that is likely to appear in a sparse area. To avoid the ill-conditioned correlation matrix caused by the too close distance between any two sampling points, the MC (MSE and Correlation function) criterion formed by combining the MSE and the correlation function through multiplication and division is minimized to generate the second candidate point. Furthermore, a new screening method is used to select the final expensive evaluation point from the two candidate points. Finally, the test results of sixteen benchmark functions and a house heating case show that the HKM-HS method can effectively enhance the modeling accuracy and stability of Kriging in contrast with other approximate modeling methods.
Riccati PDEs That Imply Curvature-Flatness
Authors: Hirica Iulia , Udriste Constantin , Pripoae Gabriel , Tevy Ionel
Published: March 2021

In this paper the following three goals are addressed. The first goal is to study some strong partial differential equations (PDEs) that imply curvature-flatness, in the cases of both symmetric and non-symmetric connection. Although the curvature-flatness idea is classic for symmetric connection, our main theorems about flatness solutions are completely new, leaving for a while the point of view of differential geometry and entering that of PDEs. The second goal is to introduce and study some strong partial differential relations associated to curvature-flatness. The third goal is to introduce and analyze some vector spaces of exotic objects that change the meaning of a generalized Kronecker delta projection operator, in order to discover new PDEs implying curvature-flatness. Significant examples clarify some ideas.
A Block Coordinate Descent-Based Projected Gradient Algorithm for Orthogonal Non-Negative Matrix Factorization
Authors: Asadi Soodabeh , Povh Janez
Published: March 2021

This article uses the projected gradient method (PG) for a non-negative matrix factorization problem (NMF), where one or both matrix factors must have orthonormal columns or rows. We penalize the orthonormality constraints and apply the PG method via a block coordinate descent approach. This means that at a certain time one matrix factor is fixed and the other is updated by moving along the steepest descent direction computed from the penalized objective function and projecting onto the space of non-negative matrices. Our method is tested on two sets of synthetic data for various values of penalty parameters. The performance is compared to the well-known multiplicative update (MU) method from Ding (2006), and with a modified global convergent variant of the MU algorithm recently proposed by Mirzal (2014). We provide extensive numerical results coupled with appropriate visualizations, which demonstrate that our method is very competitive and usually outperforms the other two methods.
An Optimal Derivative Free Family of Chebyshev–Halley’s Method for Multiple Zeros
Authors: Behl Ramandeep , Bhalla Sonia , Magreñán Ángel Alberto , Moysi Alejandro
Published: March 2021

In this manuscript, we introduce the higher-order optimal derivative-free family of Chebyshev–Halley’s iterative technique to solve the nonlinear equation having the multiple roots. The designed scheme makes use of the weight function and one parameter α to achieve the fourth-order of convergence. Initially, the convergence analysis is performed for particular values of multiple roots. Afterward, it concludes in general. Moreover, the effectiveness of the presented methods are certified on some applications of nonlinear equations and compared with the earlier derivative and derivative-free schemes. The obtained results depict better performance than the existing methods.
Regression Methods Based on Nearest Neighbors with Adaptive Distance Metrics Applied to a Polymerization Process
Authors: Curteanu Silvia , Leon Florin , Mircea-Vicoveanu Andra-Maria , Logofătu Doina
Published: March 2021

Empirical models based on sampled data can be useful for complex chemical engineering processes such as the free radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate achieved in a batch bulk process. In this case, the goal is to predict the monomer conversion, the numerical average molecular weight and the gravimetrical average molecular weight. This process is characterized by non-linear gel and glass effects caused by the sharp increase in the viscosity as the reaction progresses. To increase accuracy, one needs more samples in the areas with higher variation and this is achieved with adaptive sampling. An extensive comparative study is performed between three regression algorithms for this chemical process. The first two are based on the concept of a large margin, typical of support vector machines, but used for regression, in conjunction with an instance-based method. The learning of problem-specific distance metrics can be performed by means of either an evolutionary algorithm or an approximate differential approach. Having a set of prototypes with different distance metrics is especially useful when a large number of instances should be handled. Another original regression method is based on the idea of denoising autoencoders, i.e., the prototype weights and positions are set in such a way as to minimize the mean square error on a slightly corrupted version of the training set, where the instances inputs are slightly changed with a small random quantity. Several combinations of parameters and ways of splitting the data into training and testing sets are used in order to assess the performance of the algorithms in different scenarios.
Unsteady MHD Mixed Convection Flow in Hybrid Nanofluid at Three-Dimensional Stagnation Point
Authors: Zainal Nurul Amira , Nazar Roslinda , Naganthran Kohilavani , Pop Ioan
Published: March 2021

There has been significant interest in exploring a stagnation point flow due to its numerous potential uses in engineering applications such as cooling of nuclear reactors. Hence, this study proposed a numerical analysis on the unsteady magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) mixed convection at three-dimensional stagnation point flow in Al2O3–Cu/H2O hybrid nanofluid over a permeable sheet. The ordinary differential equations are accomplished by simplifying the governing partial differential equations through suitable similarity transformation. The numerical computation is established by the MATLAB system software using the bvp4c technique. The bvp4c procedure is excellent in providing more than one solution once sufficient predictions are visible. The influence of certain functioning parameters is inspected, and notable results exposed that the rate of heat transfer is exaggerated along with the skin friction coefficient while the suction/injection and magnetic parameters are intensified. The results also signified that the rise in the volume fraction of the nanoparticle and the decline of the unsteadiness parameter demonstrates a downward attribution towards the heat transfer performance and skin friction coefficient. Conclusively, the observations are confirmed to have multiple solutions, which eventually contribute to an investigation of the analysis of the solution stability, thereby justifying the viability of the first solution.
Assessing Environmental Factors within the One Health Approach
Authors: Humboldt-Dachroeden Sarah , Mantovani Alberto
Published: March 2021

Background: One Health is a comprehensive and multisectoral approach to assess and examine the health of animals, humans and the environment. However, while the One Health approach gains increasing momentum, its practical application meets hindrances. This paper investigates the environmental pillar of the One Health approach, using two case studies to highlight the integration of environmental considerations. The first case study pertains to the Danish monitoring and surveillance programme for antimicrobial resistance, DANMAP. The second case illustrates the occurrence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in milk in dairy-producing ruminants in Italian regions. Method: A scientific literature search was conducted in PubMed and Web of Science to locate articles informing the two cases. Grey literature was gathered to describe the cases as well as their contexts. Results: 19 articles and 10 reports were reviewed and informed the two cases. The cases show how the environmental component influences the apparent impacts for human and animal health. The DANMAP highlights the two approaches One Health and farm to fork. The literature provides information on the comprehensiveness of the DANMAP, but highlights some shortcomings in terms of environmental considerations. The AFM1 case, the milk metabolite of the carcinogenic mycotoxin aflatoxin B1, shows that dairy products are heavily impacted by changes of the climate as well as by economic drivers. Conclusions: The two cases show that environmental conditions directly influence the onset and diffusion of hazardous factors. Climate change, treatment of soils, water and standards in slaughterhouses as well as farms can have a great impact on the health of animals, humans and the environment. Hence, it is important to include environmental considerations, for example, via engaging environmental experts and sharing data. Further case studies will help to better define the roles of environment in One Health scenarios.
Fibrilar Polymorphism of the Bacterial Extracellular Matrix Protein TasA
Authors: Ghrayeb Mnar , Hayet Shahar , Lester-Zer Neta , Levi-Kalisman Yael , Chai Liraz
Published: March 2021

Functional amyloid proteins often appear as fibers in extracellular matrices of microbial soft colonies. In contrast to disease-related amyloid structures, they serve a functional goal that benefits the organism that secretes them, which is the reason for the title “functional”. Biofilms are a specific example of a microbial community in which functional amyloid fibers play a role. Functional amyloid proteins contribute to the mechanical stability of biofilms and mediate the adhesion of the cells to themselves as well as to surfaces. Recently, it has been shown that functional amyloid proteins also play a regulatory role in biofilm development. TasA is the major proteinaceous fibrilar component of the extracellular matrix of biofilms made of the soil bacterium and Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis. We have previously shown, as later corroborated by others, that in acidic solutions, TasA forms compact aggregates that are composed of tangled fibers. Here, we show that in a neutral pH and above a certain TasA concentration, the fibers of TasA are elongated and straight and that they bundle up in highly concentrated salt solutions. TasA fibers resemble the canonic amyloid morphology; however, these fibers also bear an interesting nm-scale periodicity along the fiber axis. At the molecular level, TasA fibers contain a twisted β-sheet structure, as indicated by circular dichroism measurements. Our study shows that the morphology of TasA fibers depends on the environmental conditions. Different fibrilar morphologies may be related with different functional roles in biofilms, ranging from granting biofilms with a mechanical support to acting as antibiotic agents.
Molecular Characterization of Coxsackievirus A24v from Feces and Conjunctiva Reveals Epidemiological Links
Authors: Fonseca Magilé C. , Pupo-Meriño Mario , García-González Luis A. , Muné Mayra , Resik Sonia , Norder Heléne , Sarmiento Luis
Published: March 2021

Coxsackievirus A24 variant (CVA24v), the main causative agent of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC), can be isolated from both the eyes and lower alimentary tract. However, the molecular features of CVA24v in feces is not well-documented. In this study, we compared the VP1 and 3C sequences of CVA24v strains isolated from feces during AHC epidemics in Cuba in 1997, 2003, and 2008–2009 with those obtained from conjunctival swabs during the same epidemic period. The sequence analyses of the 3C and VP1 region of stool isolates from the three epidemics showed a high degree of nucleotide identity (ranging from 97.3–100%) to the corresponding conjunctival isolates. The phylogenetic analysis showed that fecal CVA24v isolates from the 1997 and 2003 Cuban outbreaks formed a clade with CVA24v strains isolated from conjunctival swabs in Cuba and other countries during the same period. There were three amino acid changes (3C region) and one amino acid change (VP1 region) in seven CVA24v strains isolated sequentially over 20 days from fecal samples of one patient, suggesting viral replication in the intestine. Despite these substitutions, the virus from the conjunctival swab and fecal samples were genetically very similar. Therefore, fecal samples should be considered as a reliable alternative sample type for the routine molecular diagnosis and molecular epidemiology of CVA24v, also during outbreaks of AHC.
Modelling the Radial Growth of Geotrichum candidum: Effects of Temperature and Water Activity
Authors: Koňuchová Martina , Valík Ľubomír
Published: March 2021

Modelling the growth of microorganisms in relation to environmental factors provides quantitative knowledge that can be used to predict their behaviour in foods. For this reason, the effects of temperature and water activity (aw) adjusted with NaCl on the surface growth of two isolates and one culture strain of Geotrichum candidum were studied. A dataset of growth parameters obtained from almost 600 growth curves was employed for secondary modelling with cardinal models (CMs). The theoretical minimal temperature resulting from the modelling of the mycelium proliferation rate ranged from −5.2 to −0.4 °C. Optimal and maximal temperatures were calculated and found to have narrow ranges of 25.4 to 28.0 °C and 34.2 to 37.6 °C, respectively. Cardinal aw values associated with radial growth (awmin from 0.948–0.960 and awopt from 0.992–0.993) confirmed the salt sensitivity of the species. Model goodness-of-fit was evaluated by the coefficient of determination R2, which ranged from 0.954 to 0.985, and RMSE, which ranged from 0.28 to 0.42. Substantially higher variability accompanied the lag time for growth modelling than the radial growth rate modelling despite the square root transformation of the reciprocal lag phase data (R2 = 0.685 to 0.808). Nevertheless, the findings demonstrate that the outputs of growth modelling can be applied to the quantitative evaluation of the roles of G. candidum in fresh cheese spoilage as well as the ripening of Camembert-type cheeses or various artisanal cheeses. Along with validation, the interactions with lactic acid bacteria can be included to improve the predictions of G. candidum in the future.
Molecular Epidemiology of Xanthomonas euvesicatoria Strains from the Balkan Peninsula Revealed by a New Multiple-Locus Variable-Number Tandem-Repeat Analysis Scheme
Authors: Vancheva Taca , Bogatzevska Nevena , Moncheva Penka , Mitrev Sasa , Vernière Christian , Koebnik Ralf
Published: March 2021

Bacterial spot of pepper and tomato is caused by at least three species of Xanthomonas, among them two pathovars of Xanthomonas euvesicatoria, which are responsible for significant yield losses on all continents. In order to trace back the spread of bacterial spot pathogens within and among countries, we developed the first multilocus variable number of tandem repeat analyses (MLVA) scheme for pepper- and tomato-pathogenic strains of X. euvesicatoria. In this work, we assessed the repeat numbers by DNA sequencing of 16 tandem repeat loci and applied this new tool to analyse a representative set of 88 X. euvesicatoria pepper strains from Bulgaria and North Macedonia. The MLVA-16 scheme resulted in a Hunter–Gaston Discriminatory Index (HGDI) score of 0.944 and allowed to resolve 36 MLVA haplotypes (MTs), thus demonstrating its suitability for high-resolution molecular typing. Strains from the different regions of Bulgaria and North Macedonia were found to be widespread in genetically distant clonal complexes or singletons. Sequence types of the variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) amplicons revealed cases of size homoplasy and suggested the coexistence of different populations and different introduction events. The large geographical distribution of MTs and the existence of epidemiologically closely related strains in different regions and countries suggest long dispersal of strains on pepper in this area.
High Prevalence of Carbapenemase-Producing Acinetobacter baumannii in Wound Infections, Ghana, 2017/2018
Authors: Monnheimer Mathieu , Cooper Paul , Amegbletor Harold K. , Pellio Theresia , Groß Uwe , Pfeifer Yvonne , Schulze Marco H.
Published: March 2021

Three years after a prospective study on wound infections in a rural hospital in Ghana revealed no emergence of carbapenem-resistant bacteria we initiated a new study to assess the prevalence of multidrug-resistant pathogens. Three hundred and one samples of patients with wound infections were analysed for the presence of resistant bacteria in the period August 2017 till March 2018. Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter (A.) baumannii were further characterized by resistance gene sequencing, PCR-based bacterial strain typing, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST “Oxford scheme”). A. baumanni was detected in wound infections of 45 patients (15%); 22 isolates were carbapenem-resistant. Carbapenemases NDM-1 and/or OXA-23 were detected in all isolates; two isolates harboured additionally OXA-420. PFGE and MLST analyses confirmed the presence of one A. baumannii strain in 17 patients that was assigned to the worldwide spread sequence type ST231 and carried NDM-1 and OXA-23. Furthermore, two new A. baumannii STs (ST2145 and ST2146) were detected in two and three patients, respectively. Within three years the prevalence of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii increased dramatically in the hospital. The early detection of multidrug-resistant bacteria and prevention of their further spread are only possible if continuous surveillance and molecular typing will be implemented.
Antifungal Activity of New Diterpenoid Alkaloids Isolated by Different Chromatographic Methods from Delphinium peregrinum L. var. eriocarpum Boiss
Authors: Alhilal Mohammad , Sulaiman Yaser , Alhilal Suzan , Gomha Sobhi , Ouf Salama
Published: March 2021

This paper aimed to investigate the potential antifungal influences of new alkaloids from Delphinium peregrinum L. var. eriocarpum Boiss. New Diterpenoid alkaloids Delcarpum (1), Hydrodavisine (4) and known alkaloids Peregrine (2), Delphitisine (3) were isolated by different chromatographic methods from the aerial parts of D. Peregrinum eriocarpum Boiss, which grows in Syria. The structures of alkaloids were proposed based on 1D NMR spectroscopy 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, DEPT-135, DEPT-90, 2D NMR spectroscopy DQF-COSY, HMQC, EI-Ms mass spectrum, and IR spectroscopic measurements. The antifungal activity of the isolated alkaloids was evaluated against different dermatophyte fungal isolates compared with fluconazole. In the case of Peregrine (2) the minimum inhibitory concentrations(MICs) recorded 128–256, 32–64, and 32 for Epidermophyton floccosum, Microsporum canis, and Trichophyton rubrum, respectively, compared to 32–64, 16, and 32 μg/mL in the case of fluconazole, respectively. The MICs recorded on application of the four alkaloids mixture were 64, 32, and 16 in the case of E. floccosum, M. canis, and T. rubrum, respectively, which were significantly lower than that measured for each of the individual alkaloid and were compatible for fluconazole. In conclusion, MICs of the tested alkaloids showed a variable potential effect on the investigated fungal isolates. Peregrine (2) was the most effective alkaloid, however, the application of the mixture of alkaloids induced significant synergistic activity that was more pronounced than the application of individual ones.
Bioactivity Profiles of Cytoprotective Short-Chain Quinones
Authors: Feng Zikai , Nadikudi Monila , Woolley Krystel L. , Hemasa Ayman L. , Chear Sueanne , Smith Jason A. , Gueven Nuri
Published: March 2021

Short-chain quinones (SCQs) have been investigated as potential therapeutic candidates against mitochondrial dysfunction, which was largely thought to be associated with the reversible redox characteristics of their active quinone core. We recently reported a library of SCQs, some of which showed potent cytoprotective activity against the mitochondrial complex I inhibitor rotenone in the human hepatocarcinoma cell line HepG2. To better characterize the cytoprotection of SCQs at a molecular level, a bioactivity profile for 103 SCQs with different compound chemistries was generated that included metabolism related markers, redox activity, expression of cytoprotective proteins and oxidative damage. Of all the tested endpoints, a positive correlation with cytoprotection by SCQs in the presence of rotenone was only observed for the NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1)-dependent reduction of SCQs, which also correlated with an acute rescue of ATP levels. The results of this study suggest an unexpected mode of action for SCQs that appears to involve a modification of NQO1-dependent signaling rather than a protective effect by the reduced quinone itself. This finding presents a new selection strategy to identify and develop the most promising compounds towards their clinical use.
A Comprehensive Analysis Using Colorimetry, Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry and Bioassays for the Assessment of Indole Related Compounds Produced by Endophytes of Selected Wheat Cultivars
Authors: Kuźniar Agnieszka , Włodarczyk Kinga , Sadok Ilona , Staniszewska Magdalena , Woźniak Małgorzata , Furtak Karolina , Grządziel Jarosław , Gałązka Anna , Skórzyńska-Polit Ewa , Wolińska Agnieszka
Published: March 2021

Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS), colorimetry, and bioassays were employed for the evaluation of the ability of endophytic bacterial strains to synthesize indole-related compounds (IRCs) and in particular indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). A total of 54 endophytic strains belonging to seven bacterial genera isolated from tissues of common and spelt wheat cultivars were studied. The endophytic bacteria isolated from different tissues of the tested wheat types were capable of IRCs production, including IAA, which constituted from 1.75% to 52.68% of all IRCs, in in vitro conditions via the tryptophan dependent pathway. The selected post-culture medium was also examined using a plant bioassay. Substantial growth of wheat coleoptile segments treated with the bacterial post-culture medium was observed in several cases. Our data suggest that the studied endophytic bacteria produce auxin-type compounds to support plant development. Summarizing, our approach to use three complementary methods for estimation of IRCs in different endophytic strains provides a comprehensive picture of their effect on wheat growth.
Spreading of Oil Droplets Containing Surfactants and Pesticides on Water Surface Based on the Marangoni Effect
Authors: Liu Jiangyu , Guo Xinyu , Xu Yong , Wu Xuemin
Published: March 2021

Oil droplets containing surfactants and pesticides are expected to spread on a water surface, under the Marangoni effect, depending on the surfactant. Pesticides are transported into water through this phenomenon. A high-speed video camera was used to measure the movement of Marangoni ridges. Gas chromatography with an electron capture detector was used to analyze the concentration of the pesticide in water at different times. Oil droplets containing the surfactant and pesticide spread quickly on the water surface by Marangoni flow, forming an oil film and promoting emulsification of the oil–water interface, which enabled even transport of the pesticide into water, where it was then absorbed by weeds. Surfactants can decrease the surface tension of the water subphase after deposition, thereby enhancing the Marangoni effect in pesticide-containing oil droplets. The time and labor required for applying pesticides in rice fields can be greatly reduced by using the Marangoni effect to transport pesticides to the target.
Unusual Spin Exchanges Mediated by the Molecular Anion P2S64−: Theoretical Analyses of the Magnetic Ground States, Magnetic Anisotropy and Spin Exchanges of MPS3 (M = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni)
Authors: Koo Hyun-Joo , Kremer Reinhard , Whangbo Myung-Hwan
Published: March 2021

We examined the magnetic ground states, the preferred spin orientations and the spin exchanges of four layered phases MPS3 (M = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni) by first principles density functional theory plus onsite repulsion (DFT + U) calculations. The magnetic ground states predicted for MPS3 by DFT + U calculations using their optimized crystal structures are in agreement with experiment for M = Mn, Co and Ni, but not for FePS3. DFT + U calculations including spin-orbit coupling correctly predict the observed spin orientations for FePS3, CoPS3 and NiPS3, but not for MnPS3. Further analyses suggest that the ||z spin direction observed for the Mn2+ ions of MnPS3 is caused by the magnetic dipole–dipole interaction in its magnetic ground state. Noting that the spin exchanges are determined by the ligand p-orbital tails of magnetic orbitals, we formulated qualitative rules governing spin exchanges as the guidelines for discussing and estimating the spin exchanges of magnetic solids. Use of these rules allowed us to recognize several unusual exchanges of MPS3, which are mediated by the symmetry-adapted group orbitals of P2S64− and exhibit unusual features unknown from other types of spin exchanges.
The Impact of Immune Checkpoint-Inhibitors Therapy in Urinary Bladder Cancer
Authors: Silva Ana Lúcia , Abreu-Mendes Pedro , Martins Diana , Mendes Fernando
Published: March 2021

Bladder cancer (BC) is one of the most common cancers in the world. From an early age, it was observed that chronic inflammation is associated with conditions favorable to the development of tumors, as well as the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, regulating tumor progression also interferes with the therapy’s response. The interaction between the tumor and the immune system led to the development of new immune therapies, the immune checkpoint inhibitors. Immunotherapy has shown a better safety profile, survival, and tolerance compared to standard chemotherapy. This therapy offers an effective alternative to patients who are ineligible for cisplatin and patients with advanced disease progression after platinum-based therapy. The first immunotherapy approved for BC was intravesical instillation with Bacillus Calmette–Guérin, for tumors at early stages. Later, immunotherapy focused on immune checkpoint inhibitors, namely, anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1), anti-programmed cell death protein ligand 1(PD-L1), and anti-antigen 4 associated with cytotoxic T cells (CTLA-4). Currently, five immune checkpoint inhibitors for advanced BC are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Atezolizumab, Durvalumab, Avelumab, Pembrolizumab, and Nivolumab. This review addresses the correlation between inflammation, tumor microenvironment, and cancer; various studies regarding immune checkpoint inhibitors, either in monotherapy or in combination therapy, are also addressed.
Calendula officinalis Triterpenoid Saponins Impact the Immune Recognition of Proteins in Parasitic Nematodes
Authors: Doligalska Maria , Jóźwicka Kinga , Szewczak Ludmiła , Nowakowska Julita , Brodaczewska Klaudia , Goździk Katarzyna , Pączkowski Cezary , Szakiel Anna
Published: March 2021

The influence of triterpenoid saponins on subcellular morphological changes in the cells of parasitic nematodes remains poorly understood. Our study examines the effect of oleanolic acid glucuronides from marigold (Calendula officinalis) on the possible modification of immunogenic proteins from infective Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri larvae (L3). Our findings indicate that the triterpenoid saponins alter the subcellular morphology of the larvae and prevent recognition of nematode-specific proteins by rabbit immune-IgG. TEM ultrastructure and HPLC analysis showed that microtubule and cytoskeleton fibres were fragmented by saponin treatment. MASCOT bioinformatic analysis revealed that in larvae exposed to saponins, the immune epitopes of their proteins altered. Several mitochondrial and cytoskeleton proteins involved in signalling and cellular processes were downregulated or degraded. As possible candidates, the following set of recognised proteins may play a key role in the immunogenicity of larvae: beta-tubulin isotype, alpha-tubulin, myosin, paramyosin isoform-1, actin, disorganized muscle protein-1, ATP-synthase, beta subunit, carboxyl transferase domain protein, glutamate dehydrogenase, enolase (phosphopyruvate hydratase), fructose-bisphosphate aldolase 2, tropomyosin, arginine kinase or putative chaperone protein DnaK, and galactoside-binding lectin. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD024205.
The Role of Lipid Metabolism in Influenza A Virus Infection
Authors: Zhou Yong , Pu Juan , Wu Yuping
Published: March 2021

Influenza A virus (IAV) is an important zoonotic pathogen that can cause disease in animals such as poultry and pigs, and it can cause infection and even death in humans, posing a serious threat to public health. IAV is an enveloped virus that relies on host cell metabolic systems, especially lipid metabolism systems, to complete its life cycle in host cells. On the other side, host cells regulate their metabolic processes to prevent IAV replication and maintain their normal physiological functions. This review summarizes the roles of fatty acid, cholesterol, phospholipid and glycolipid metabolism in IAV infection, proposes future research challenges, and looks forward to the prospective application of lipid metabolism modification to limit IAV infection, which will provide new directions for the development of anti-influenza drugs.
Zoonotic Risk: One More Good Reason Why Cats Should Be Kept Away from Bats
Authors: Salinas-Ramos Valeria B. , Mori Emiliano , Bosso Luciano , Ancillotto Leonardo , Russo Danilo
Published: March 2021

Bats are often unfairly depicted as the direct culprit in the current COVID-19 pandemic, yet the real causes of this and other zoonotic spillover events should be sought in the human impact on the environment, including the spread of domestic animals. Here, we discuss bat predation by cats as a phenomenon bringing about zoonotic risks and illustrate cases of observed, suspected or hypothesized pathogen transmission from bats to cats, certainly or likely following predation episodes. In addition to well-known cases of bat rabies, we review other diseases that affect humans and might eventually reach them through cats that prey on bats. We also examine the potential transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the causal agent of COVID-19, from domestic cats to bats, which, although unlikely, might generate a novel wildlife reservoir in these mammals, and identify research and management directions to achieve more effective risk assessment, mitigation or prevention. Overall, not only does bat killing by cats represent a potentially serious threat to biodiversity conservation, but it also bears zoonotic implications that can no longer be neglected.
What Do Young Adults Think about the Safety of Over-the-Counter Analgesics? Findings from a Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Duyster Tahlia , McMillan Sara S. , Whately Ella , Kelly Fiona S.
Published: March 2021

Analgesics are commonly used over-the-counter (OTC) medicines readily available for purchase, sometimes without advice of a health professional. However, analgesics can cause harm even when taken according to dosing recommendations. Young adults may be more vulnerable to harm if they perceive low risk with OTC analgesic use, or struggle to interpret dosing instructions. This study aimed to explore factors affecting how young adults use OTC analgesics and associated perceptions of safety. An online survey was distributed to school-leavers and university students (17 to 25 years), in South-East Queensland, Australia, in the period November–December 2019. Most of the 302 respondents (school-leavers n = 147, university students n = 155) did not use analgesics frequently. School-leavers deferred to parents for analgesic information, while university students preferred the internet. The majority of respondents appeared safety conscious and did not take outside indicated use or instructions. However, a small proportion reported taking analgesics for an inappropriate indication. The difference in preferred source of analgesic information may reflect experience with analgesic use, increasing autonomy or decreased parental influence. Whilst it is encouraging that the majority of young adults appeared safety conscious, greater insight is needed into factors influencing decision making on OTC use, e.g., medicines knowledge, and changes with increasing age.
Potential Plant–Plant Communication Induced by Infochemical Methyl Jasmonate in Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor)
Authors: Yamashita Felipe , Rodrigues Angélica Lino , Rodrigues Tatiane Maria , Palermo Fernanda Helena , Baluška František , Almeida Luiz Fernando Rolim de
Published: March 2021

Despite the fact that they are sessile organisms, plants actively move their organs and also use these movements to manipulate the surrounding biotic and abiotic environments. Plants maintain communication with neighboring plants, herbivores, and predators through the emission of diverse chemical compounds by their shoots and roots. These infochemicals modify the environment occupied by plants. Moreover, some infochemicals may induce morphophysiological changes of neighboring plants. We have used methyl-jasmonate (MeJa), a plant natural infochemical, to trigger communication between emitters and receivers Sorghum bicolor plants. The split roots of two plants were allocated to three different pots, with the middle pot containing the roots of both plants. We scored low stomatal conductance (gS) and low CO2 net assimilation (A) using the plants that had contact with the infochemical for the first time. During the second contact, these parameters showed no significant differences, indicating a memory effect. We also observed that the plants that had direct leaf contact with MeJa transmitted sensory information through their roots to neighboring plants. This resulted in higher maximum fluorescence (FM) and structural changes in root anatomy. In conclusion, MeJa emerges as possible trigger for communication between neighboring sorghum plants, in response to the environmental challenges.
Elevated Atmospheric CO2 Concentration Improved C4 Xero-Halophyte Kochia prostrata Physiological Performance under Saline Conditions
Authors: Rakhmankulova Zulfira , Shuyskaya Elena , Toderich Kristina , Voronin Pavel
Published: March 2021

A significant increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration and associated climate aridization and soil salinity are factors affecting the growth, development, productivity, and stress responses of plants. In this study, the effect of ambient (400 ppm) and elevated (800 ppm) CO2 concentrations were evaluated on the C4 xero-halophyte Kochia prostrata treated with moderate salinity (200 mM NaCl) and polyethylene glycol (PEG)-induced osmotic stress. Our results indicated that plants grown at elevated CO2 concentration had different responses to osmotic stress and salinity. The synergistic effect of elevated CO2 and osmotic stress increased proline accumulation, but elevated CO2 did not mitigate the negative effects of osmotic stress on dark respiration intensity and photosystem II (PSII) efficiency. This indicates a stressful state, which is accompanied by a decrease in the efficiency of light reactions of photosynthesis and significant dissipative respiratory losses, thereby resulting in growth inhibition. Plants grown at elevated CO2 concentration and salinity showed high Na+ and proline contents, high water-use efficiency and time required to reach the maximum P700 oxidation level (PSI), and low dark respiration. Maintaining stable water balance, the efficient functioning of cyclic transport of PSI, and the reduction of dissipation costs contributed to an increase in dry shoot biomass (2-fold, compared with salinity at 400 ppm CO2). The obtained experimental data and PCA showed that elevated CO2 concentration improved the physiological parameters of K. prostrata under salinity.
Allelopathic Effect of Serphidium kaschgaricum (Krasch.) Poljak. Volatiles on Selected Species
Authors: Zhou Shixing , Zokir Toshmatov , Mei Yu , Lei Lijing , Shi Kai , Zou Ting , Zhang Chi , Shao Hua
Published: March 2021

The chemical profile and allelopathic effect of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by a dominant shrub Serphidium kaschgaricum (Krasch.) Poljak. growing in northwestern China was investigated for the first time. Serphidium kaschgaricu was found to release volatile compounds into the surroundings to affect other plants’ growth, with its VOCs suppressing root elongation of Amaranthus retroflexus L. and Poa annua L. by 65.47% and 60.37% at 10 g/1.5 L treatment, respectively. Meanwhile, volatile oils produced by stems, leaves, flowers and flowering shoots exhibited phytotoxic activity against A. retroflexus and P. annua. At 0.5 mg/mL, stem, leaf and flower oils significantly reduced seedling growth of the receiver plants, and 1.5 mg/mL oils nearly completely prohibited seed germination of both species. GC/MS analysis revealed that among the total 37 identified compounds in the oils, 19 of them were common, with eucalyptol (43.00%, 36.66%, 19.52%, and 38.68% in stem, leaf, flower and flowering shoot oils, respectively) and camphor (21.55%, 24.91%, 21.64%, and 23.35%, respectively) consistently being the dominant constituents in all oils. Eucalyptol, camphor and their mixture exhibited much weaker phytotoxicity compared with the volatile oils, implying that less abundant compounds in the volatile oil might contribute significantly to the oils’ activity. Our results suggested that S. kaschgaricum was capable of synthesizing and releasing allelopathic volatile compounds into the surroundings to affect neighboring plants’ growth, which might improve its competitiveness thus facilitate the establishment of dominance.