bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arabidopsis Plant Natriuretic Peptide Is a Novel Interactor of Rubisco Activase
Authors: Turek Ilona , Gehring Chris , Irving Helen
Published: December 2020

Plant natriuretic peptides (PNPs) are a group of systemically acting peptidic hormones affecting solute and solvent homeostasis and responses to biotrophic pathogens. Although an increasing body of evidence suggests PNPs modulate plant responses to biotic and abiotic stress, which could lead to their potential biotechnological application by conferring increased stress tolerance to plants, the exact mode of PNPs action is still elusive. In order to gain insight into PNP-dependent signalling, we set out to identify interactors of PNP present in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, termed AtPNP-A. Here, we report identification of rubisco activase (RCA), a central regulator of photosynthesis converting Rubisco catalytic sites from a closed to an open conformation, as an interactor of AtPNP-A through affinity isolation followed by mass spectrometric identification. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analyses reveals that the full-length recombinant AtPNP-A and the biologically active fragment of AtPNP-A bind specifically to RCA, whereas a biologically inactive scrambled peptide fails to bind. These results are considered in the light of known functions of PNPs, PNP-like proteins, and RCA in biotic and abiotic stress responses.
Special Issue: Smart Nanomaterials for Environmental Remediation
Authors: Choi Won San
Published: December 2020

Nanomaterials that can be reversibly or irreversibly changed in structures and properties by the influence of external chemical and physical stimuli are defined as smart nanomaterials [...]
Influence of High-Temperature Oxidation and Test Conditions on the Dynamic Mechanical Properties of 2.5D SiCf/SiCm Composites
Authors: Yang Chenxi , Wu Jiejie , Ditta Allah , Wu Sujun , Zhao Zihua
Published: December 2020

The influence of microstructure evolution on the dynamic mechanical properties, including storage modulus and internal friction, of the 2.5D SiCf/SiCm composites after high-temperature treatment (800 °C and 1400 °C) in the air was investigated by three-point bending vibration test. The effects of test frequency and amplitude on storage modulus and internal friction were also evaluated. The results show that as-prepared samples have maximum storage modulus and internal friction. However, the composites treated at 800 °C in the air have the minimum storage modulus due to a large number of defects produced within the composite structure, and the composites treated at 1400 °C have the minimum internal friction due to the formation of α-cristobalite in the interface between the matrix and fibers, resulting in stronger interface bonding. With regard to test conditions, the storage modulus is sensitive to amplitude but not frequency; however, the internal friction is sensitive to both frequency because of anelasticity and amplitude due to the static hysteresis.
An Improved Asphalt Penetration Test Method
Authors: Ye Zhoujing , Ren Wenjuan , Yang Hailu , Miao Yinghao , Sun Fengyan , Wang Linbing
Published: December 2020

A traditional penetration test only measures the total penetration within 5 s. The penetration process is not monitored, and therefore, a large amount of information on the deformation properties of asphalt is not used. This paper documents a study to use a high-speed camera to quantify the entire penetration process and use the Finite Element Method (FEM) to interpret the penetration process using a viscoelastic model. The penetration–time relationships of several asphalt binders (70#, 90#, a rubber modified binder, and a styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) modified binder) have been acquired using the new method, and the FEM modeling of the penetration processes is performed. The results show that both stress relaxation and creep appear during the penetration process. The results indicate that the improved test method and its data interpretation procedure may better characterize the properties of asphalt binder, which may extend the applications of the traditional penetration test.
Human Fresh Fibrin Membrane with Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 (BMP-2) Induces Bone Formation in the Subcutaneous Tissues of Nude Mice
Authors: Onji Keiko , Kabir Md. Arafat , Zhu Bowen , Yokozeki Kenji , Saito Takashi , Akazawa Toshiyuki , Murata Masaru
Published: December 2020

Autologous blood-derived fibrin glue with platelets, called the concentrated growth factor (CGF), can be prepared immediately by only the decided centrifuge without the addition of coagulation factors. Collagen materials combined with recombinant human BMP-2 have been commercially available for clinical use. The fresh CGF is auto-clot with wettability and elasticity, while most collagen membranes are derived from the cow or pig. The fresh CGF has wettability and elasticity, while collagen membranes are dry materials without elasticity. The aim of this study was to observe the microstructures of human CGF membrane and evaluate its behavior as a delivery scaffold of rhBMP-2 in the subcutaneous tissues of nude mice. Twenty-four nude mice (5-week-old, male) were used for the assessment of in vivo ectopic bone formation. Mice were received the CGF membrane as the controls and the CGF/rhBMP-2 membrane as the experimental group in the subcutaneous tissues, and harvested at 7, 10, and 14 days after the graft. Harvested samples were evaluated for the histological examination and the histomorphometric measurement was conducted to compare the residue of the CGF, as well as the new bone. Mature fibrin fibers assembled from multiple fibrillary elements and platelets with the rhBMP-2 membrane induced several bony islands and cartilage without residues of CGF at 14 days, while the CGF membrane alone was almost absorbed at 10 days and failed to induce bone formation at 14 days. These results demonstrated that the fresh, human CGF membrane could contribute to a short-term, sticky fibrin matrix for the delivery of rhBMP-2.
Effects of Saturation Levels on the Ultrasonic Pulse Velocities and Mechanical Properties of Concrete
Authors: Candelaria Ma. Doreen Esplana , Kee Seong-Hoon , Yee Jurng-Jae , Lee Jin-Wook
Published: December 2020

The main objective of this research is to investigate the effect of water content in concrete on the velocities of ultrasonic waves (P- and S-waves) and mechanical properties (elastic modulus and compressive strength) of concrete. For this study, concrete specimens (100 mm × 200 mm cylinders) were fabricated with three different water-to-binder ratios (0.52, 0.35, and 0.26). These cylinders were then submerged in water to be saturated in different degrees from 25% to 100% with an interval of 25% saturation. Another set of cylinders was also oven-dried to represent the dry condition. The dynamic properties of concrete were then assessed using a measurement of elastic wave accordance with ASTM C597-16 and using resonance tests following ASTM C215-19, before and after immersion in water. The static properties of saturated concrete were also assessed by the uniaxial compressive testing according to ASTM C39/C39M-20 and ASTM C469/C469M-14. It was observed that the saturation level of concrete affected the two ultrasonic wave velocities and the two static mechanical properties of concrete in various ways. The relationship between P-wave velocity and compressive strength of concrete was highly sensitive to saturation condition of concrete. In contrast, S-wave velocity of concrete was closely correlated with compressive strength of concrete, which was much less sensitive to water saturation level compared to P-wave velocity of concrete. Finally, it was noticed that water saturation condition only little affects the relationship between the dynamic and elastic moduli of elasticity of concrete studies in this study.
Mechanical Properties of Mortars Reinforced with Amazon Rainforest Natural Fibers
Authors: da Fonseca Régis Pamponet , Rocha Janaíde Cavalcante , Cheriaf Malik
Published: December 2020

The addition of natural fibers used as reinforcement has great appeal in the construction materials industry since natural fibers are cheaper, biodegradable, and easily available. In this work, we analyzed the feasibility of using the fibers of piassava, tucum palm, razor grass, and jute from the Amazon rainforest as reinforcement in mortars, exploiting the mechanical properties of compressive and flexural strength of samples with 1.5%, 3.0%, and 4.5% mass addition of the composite binder (50% Portland cement + 40% metakaolin + 10% fly ash). The mortars were reinforced with untreated (natural) and treated (hot water treatment, hornification, 8% NaOH solution, and hybridization) fibers, submitted to two types of curing (submerged in water, and inflated with CO2 in a pressurized autoclave) for 28 days. Mortars without fibers were used as a reference. For the durability study, the samples were submitted to 20 drying/wetting cycles. The fibers improved the flexural strength of the mortars and prevented the abrupt rupture of the samples, in contrast to the fragile behavior of the reference samples. The autoclave cure increased the compressive strength of the piassava and tucum palm samples with 4.5% of fibers.
Electrical and Optical Properties of Co75Si15B10 Metallic Glass Nanometric Thin Films
Authors: Shauyenova Danagul , Jung Sol , Yang Haneul , Yim Haein , Ju Heongkyu
Published: December 2020

Co-based (Co75Si15B10) thin-film metallic glass (TFMG) with nanometric thicknesses (100~300 nm) was investigated for its structural, electrical, and optical properties. The TFMG structure was examined using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, while electrical properties were examined using inductance/capacitance/resistance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and Hall effect measurements. In addition, optical absorption/reflection/transmittance measurements were performed to examine optical properties. Results revealed that Co-based TFMGs, which have an amorphous structure without surface defects, behave like a dielectric material, with higher resistivity and much lower carrier concentration than pure cobalt (Co) thin films of the same thickness, despite its mobility being modestly larger than its Co counterparts. Meanwhile, the optical investigation of TFMG enabled us to determine the complex relative permittivity (complex relative dielectric constant) ϵr˜ at a visible wavelength (632.8 nm). Moreover, unlike normal metals, TFMGs exhibited a large positive value of the real part of ϵr˜, while exhibiting properties of substantial absorption of light (absorption coefficient α). It was also found that the Co-based TFMG gained optical transparency for thicknesses less than 5 nm. TFMGs demonstrated the nearly thickness-independent properties of the electrical and optical parameters probed, a feature of high-index, dielectric-like material with negligible size effects, which may have applications in micrometer-scaled optoelectronic and magneto-optical devices.
Environmental Impact of Nanoparticles’ Application as an Emerging Technology: A Review
Authors: Martínez Guillermo , Merinero Manuel , Pérez-Aranda María , Pérez-Soriano Eva , Ortiz Tamara , Villamor Eduardo , Begines Belén , Alcudia Ana
Published: December 2020

The unique properties that nanoparticles exhibit, due to their small size, are the principal reason for their numerous applications, but at the same time, this might be a massive menace to the environment. The number of studies that assess the possible ecotoxicity of nanomaterials has been increasing over the last decade to determine if, despite the positive aspects, they should be considered a potential health risk. To evaluate their potential toxicity, models are used in all types of organisms, from unicellular bacteria to complex animal species. In order to better understand the environmental consequences of nanotechnology, this literature review aims to describe and classify nanoparticles, evaluating their life cycle, their environmental releasing capacity and the type of impact, particularly on living beings, highlighting the need to develop more severe and detailed legislation. Due to their diversity, nanoparticles will be discussed in generic terms focusing on the impact of a great variety of them, highlighting the most interesting ones for the industry.
Assessment of Variability in Irregularly Sampled Time Series: Applications to Mental Healthcare
Authors: Bonilla-Escribano Pablo , Ramírez David , Porras-Segovia Alejandro , Artés-Rodríguez Antonio
Published: December 2020

Variability is defined as the propensity at which a given signal is likely to change. There are many choices for measuring variability, and it is not generally known which ones offer better properties. This paper compares different variability metrics applied to irregularly (nonuniformly) sampled time series, which have important clinical applications, particularly in mental healthcare. Using both synthetic and real patient data, we identify the most robust and interpretable variability measures out of a set 21 candidates. Some of these candidates are also proposed in this work based on the absolute slopes of the time series. An additional synthetic data experiment shows that when the complete time series is unknown, as it happens with real data, a non-negligible bias that favors normalized and/or metrics based on the raw observations of the series appears. Therefore, only the results of the synthetic experiments, which have access to the full series, should be used to draw conclusions. Accordingly, the median absolute deviation of the absolute value of the successive slopes of the data is the best way of measuring variability for this kind of time series.
Multivariate Classes of GB2 Distributions with Applications
Authors: Sarabia José María , Jordá Vanesa , Prieto Faustino , Guillén Montserrat
Published: December 2020

The general beta of the second kind distribution (GB2) is a flexible distribution which includes several relevant parametric families of distributions. This distribution has important applications in earnings and income distributions, finance and insurance. In this paper, several multivariate classes of the GB2 distribution are proposed. The different multivariate versions are based on two simple univariate representations of the GB2 distribution. The first type of multivariate distributions are constructed from a stochastic dependent representations defined in terms of gamma random variables. Using this representation and beginning by two particular multivariate GB2 distributions, multivariate Singh–Maddala and Dagum income distributions are presented and several properties are obtained. Then, a general multivariate GB2 distribution is introduced. The second type of multivariate distributions are based on a generalization of the distribution of the order statistics, which gives place to multivariate GB2 distribution with support above the diagonal. We discuss the role of these families in modeling bivariate income distributions. Finally, an empirical application is given, where we show that a multivariate GB2 distribution can be useful for modeling compound precipitation and wind events in the whole range.
Bivariate Mixed Poisson and Normal Generalised Linear Models with Sarmanov Dependence—An Application to Model Claim Frequency and Optimal Transformed Average Severity
Authors: Alemany Ramon , Bolancé Catalina , Rodrigo Roberto , Vernic Raluca
Published: December 2020

The aim of this paper is to introduce dependence between the claim frequency and the average severity of a policyholder or of an insurance portfolio using a bivariate Sarmanov distribution, that allows to join variables of different types and with different distributions, thus being a good candidate for modeling the dependence between the two previously mentioned random variables. To model the claim frequency, a generalized linear model based on a mixed Poisson distribution -like for example, the Negative Binomial (NB), usually works. However, finding a distribution for the claim severity is not that easy. In practice, the Lognormal distribution fits well in many cases. Since the natural logarithm of a Lognormal variable is Normal distributed, this relation is generalised using the Box-Cox transformation to model the average claim severity. Therefore, we propose a bivariate Sarmanov model having as marginals a Negative Binomial and a Normal Generalized Linear Models (GLMs), also depending on the parameters of the Box-Cox transformation. We apply this model to the analysis of the frequency-severity bivariate distribution associated to a pay-as-you-drive motor insurance portfolio with explanatory telematic variables.
Optimal Portfolios for Different Anticipating Integrals under Insider Information
Authors: Escudero Carlos , Ranilla-Cortina Sandra
Published: December 2020

We consider the non-adapted version of a simple problem of portfolio optimization in a financial market that results from the presence of insider information. We analyze it via anticipating stochastic calculus and compare the results obtained by means of the Russo-Vallois forward, the Ayed-Kuo, and the Hitsuda-Skorokhod integrals. We compute the optimal portfolio for each of these cases with the aim of establishing a comparison between these integrals in order to clarify their potential use in this type of problem. Our results give a partial indication that, while the forward integral yields a portfolio that is financially meaningful, the Ayed-Kuo and the Hitsuda-Skorokhod integrals do not provide an appropriate investment strategy for this problem.
Multiple Comparisons for Exponential Median Lifetimes with the Control Based on Doubly Censored Samples
Authors: Wu Shu-Fei
Published: December 2020

Under doubly censoring, the one-stage multiple comparison procedures with the control in terms of exponential median lifetimes are presented. The uniformly minimum variance unbiased estimator for median lifetime is found. The upper bounds, lower bounds and two-sided confidence intervals for the difference between each median lifetimes and the median lifetime of the control population are developed. Statistical tables of critical values are constructed for the practical use of our proposed procedures. Users can use these simultaneous confidence intervals to determine whether the performance of treatment populations is better than or worse than the control population in agriculture and pharmaceutical industries. At last, one practical example is provided to illustrate the proposed procedures.
Monte Carlo Simulation of a Modified Chi Distribution with Unequal Variances in the Generating Gaussians. A Discrete Methodology to Study Collective Response Times
Authors: Castro-Palacio Juan Carlos , Isidro J. M. , Navarro-Pardo Esperanza , Velázquez-Abad Luisberis , Fernández-de-Córdoba Pedro
Published: December 2020

The Chi distribution is a continuous probability distribution of a random variable obtained from the positive square root of the sum of k squared variables, each coming from a standard Normal distribution (mean = 0 and variance = 1). The variable k indicates the degrees of freedom. The usual expression for the Chi distribution can be generalised to include a parameter which is the variance (which can take any value) of the generating Gaussians. For instance, for k = 3, we have the case of the Maxwell-Boltzmann (MB) distribution of the particle velocities in the Ideal Gas model of Physics. In this work, we analyse the case of unequal variances in the generating Gaussians whose distribution we will still represent approximately in terms of a Chi distribution. We perform a Monte Carlo simulation to generate a random variable which is obtained from the positive square root of the sum of k squared variables, but this time coming from non-standard Normal distributions, where the variances can take any positive value. Then, we determine the boundaries of what to expect when we start from a set of unequal variances in the generating Gaussians. In the second part of the article, we present a discrete model to calculate the parameter of the Chi distribution in an approximate way for this case (unequal variances). We also comment on the application of this simple discrete model to calculate the parameter of the MB distribution (Chi of k = 3) when it is used to represent the reaction times to visual stimuli of a collective of individuals in the framework of a Physics inspired model we have published in a previous work.
On the Numerical Simulation of HPDEs Using θ-Weighted Scheme and the Galerkin Method
Authors: Bin Jebreen Haifa , Tchier Fairouz
Published: December 2020

Herein, an efficient algorithm is proposed to solve a one-dimensional hyperbolic partial differential equation. To reach an approximate solution, we employ the θ-weighted scheme to discretize the time interval into a finite number of time steps. In each step, we have a linear ordinary differential equation. Applying the Galerkin method based on interpolating scaling functions, we can solve this ODE. Therefore, in each time step, the solution can be found as a continuous function. Stability, consistency, and convergence of the proposed method are investigated. Several numerical examples are devoted to show the accuracy and efficiency of the method and guarantee the validity of the stability, consistency, and convergence analysis.
Weak Dependence Notions and Their Mutual Relationships
Authors: Navarro Jorge , Pellerey Franco , Sordo Miguel A.
Published: December 2020

New weak notions of positive dependence between the components X and Y of a random pair (X,Y) have been considered in recent papers that deal with the effects of dependence on conditional residual lifetimes and conditional inactivity times. The purpose of this paper is to provide a structured framework for the definition and description of these notions, and other new ones, and to describe their mutual relationships. An exhaustive review of some well-know notions of dependence, with a complete description of the equivalent definitions and reciprocal relationships, some of them expressed in terms of the properties of the copula or survival copula of (X,Y), is also provided.
Elicitation of the Factors Affecting Electricity Distribution Efficiency Using the Fuzzy AHP Method
Authors: Yiğit Vecihi , Demir Nazlı Nisa , Alidrisi Hisham , Aydin Mehmet Emin
Published: December 2020

Efficient and uninterrupted energy supply plays a crucial role in the quality of modern daily life, while it is obvious that the efficiency and performance of energy supply companies has a significant impact on energy supply itself and on determining and finetuning the future roadmap of the sector. In this study, the performance and efficiency of energy supply companies with respect to productivity is investigated with reference to a case study of an electricity distribution company in Turkey. The factors affecting the company’s performance and their corresponding weight have been determined and obtained using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and the Fuzzy AHP methods, two well-known multi-criteria decision-making methods, which are widely used in the literature. The results help demonstrate that the criteria obtained to evaluate the company’s energy supply performance play a crucial role in developing strategies, policies and action plans to achieve continuous improvement and consistent development.
COVID-19: Test, Test and Test
Authors: Saleh Fatima A , Sleem Aleen
Published: December 2020

A new virus was identified in late December 2019 when China reported the first cases of pneumonia in Wuhan, and a global COVID-19 pandemic followed. The world was not late to respond, with a number of sweeping measures ranging from social distancing protocols, stringent hygienic practices, and nation-wide lockdowns, as well as COVID-19 testing campaigns in an attempt to prevent the transmission of the disease and contain the pandemic. Currently, different types of diagnostic testing have been adopted globally, such as nucleic acid detection tests, immunological tests and imaging approaches; however, real-time reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) remains the “gold standard” for detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Pre-analytical factors, such as specimen selection and collection, are crucial for RT-PCR, and any suboptimal collection may contribute to false-negative results. Herein, we address some of the specimen types that have been used in molecular detection methods for COVID-19. However, the pandemic is still evolving, and information might change as more studies are conducted.
Electrospun PCL Patches with Controlled Fiber Morphology and Mechanical Performance for Skin Moisturization via Long-Term Release of Hemp Oil for Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Metwally Sara , Ura Daniel P. , Krysiak Zuzanna J. , Kaniuk Łukasz , Szewczyk Piotr K. , Stachewicz Urszula
Published: December 2020

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition, caused by wide genetic, environmental, or immunologic factors. AD is very common in children but can occur at any age. The lack of long-term treatments forces the development of new strategies for skin regeneration. Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a well-developed, tissue-compatible biomaterial showing also good mechanical properties. In our study, we designed the electrospun PCL patches with controlled architecture and topography for long-term release in time. Hemp oil shows anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, increasing also the skin moisture without clogging the pores. It can be used as an alternative cure for patients that do not respond to traditional treatments. In the study, we tested the mechanical properties of PCL fibers, and the hemp oil spreading together with the release in time measured on skin model and human skin. The PCL membranes are suitable material as patches or bandages, characterized by good mechanical properties and high permeability. Importantly, PCL patches showed release of hemp oil up to 55% within 6 h, increasing also the skin moisture up to 25%. Our results confirmed that electrospun PCL patches are great material as oil carriers indicating a high potential to be used as skin patches for AD skin treatment.
Exploring the Strain Hardening Mechanisms of Ultrafine Grained Nickel Processed by Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Cruz Lucía García de la , Celis Mayerling Martinez , Keller Clément , Hug Eric
Published: December 2020

Ultrafine grained (UFG) materials in the bigger grain size range (0.5–1) µm display a good combination of strength and ductility, unlike smaller size UFG and nanostructured metals, which usually exhibit high strength but low ductility. Such difference can be attributed to a change in plasticity mechanisms that modifies their strain hardening capability. The purpose of this work is to investigate the work hardening mechanisms of UFG nickel considering samples with grain sizes ranging from 0.82 to 25 µm. Specimens processed combining ball milling and spark plasma sintering were subjected to monotonous tensile testing up to fracture. Then, microstructural observations of the deformed state of the samples were carried out by electron backscattered diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. A lower strain hardening capability is observed with decreasing grain size. Samples in the submicrometric range display the three characteristic stages of strain hardening with a short second stage and the third stage beginning soon after yielding. Microstructural observations display a low fraction of low angle grain boundaries and dislocation density for the sample with d = 0.82 µm, suggesting changes in plasticity mechanisms early in the UFG range.
Experimental Analysis and Optimization to Maximize Ultimate Tensile Strength and Ultimate Elongation of Friction Stir Welded AA6082 Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Simoncini Michela , Costa Antonio , Fichera Sergio , Forcellese Archimede
Published: December 2020

Friction stir welding (FSW) is a well-established welding technique, which allows joining abutting surfaces by generating heating through a rotating and translating tool specifically shaped. Differently from the conventional techniques, continuous welding processes can be executed by FSW, thus supporting the economy of scales objectives. This paper deals with the selection of the optimal process parameters for the FSW of the AA6082 aluminum alloy. Three welding parameters, namely tool plunging, rotational speed and welding speed, have been handled as independent variables for developing two mathematical models by means of a non-linear regression-based approach, with the aim of predicting both ultimate tensile strength and ultimate elongation of the welded joints. A set of additional experimental tests has been used to validate the mentioned metamodels and finally three different metaheuristic algorithms have been implemented for selecting the best process parameters able to maximize the aforementioned mechanical properties. A comparison analysis based on further experimental tests confirmed the accuracy of the predicting metamodels and the quality of solutions yielded by the proposed optimization approaches.
Characterization of Volatile Organic Compounds in Mango Ginger (Curcuma amada Roxb.) from Myanmar
Authors: Chen Yanhang , Shukurova Musavvara Kh. , Asikin Yonathan , Kusano Miyako , Watanabe Kazuo N.
Published: December 2020

Curcuma amada Roxb. (Zingiberaceae), commonly known as mango ginger because its rhizome and foliar parts have a similar aroma to mango. The rhizome has been widely used in food industries and alternative medicines to treat a variety of internal diseases such as cough, bronchitis, indigestion, colic, loss of appetite, hiccups, and constipation. The composition of the volatile constituents in a fresh rhizome of C. amada is not reported in detail. The present study aimed to screen and characterize the composition of volatile organic compound (VOC) in a fresh rhizome of three C. amada (ZO45, ZO89, and ZO114) and one C. longa (ZO138) accessions originated from Myanmar. The analysis was carried out by means of headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) coupled with gas chromatography-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (GC-TOF-MS). As a result, 122 VOCs were tentatively identified from the extracted 373 mass spectra. The following compounds were the ten most highly abundant and broadly present ones: ar-turmerone, α-zingiberene, α-santalene, (E)-γ-atlantone, cuparene, β-bisabolene, teresantalol, β-sesquiphellandrene, trans-α-bergamotene, γ-curcumene. The intensity of ar-turmerone, the sesquiterpene which is mainly characterized in C. longa essential oil (up to 15.5–27.5%), was significantly higher in C. amada accession ZO89 (15.707 ± 5.78a) compared to C. longa accession ZO138 (0.300 ± 0.08b). Cis-α-bergamotene was not detected in two C. amada accessions ZO45 and ZO89. The study revealed between-species variation regarding identified VOCs in the fresh rhizome of C. amada and C. longa.
Recent Advances in Single Crystal Diamond Device Fabrication for Photonics, Sensing and Nanomechanics
Authors: Rani Dipti , Opaluch Oliver , Neu Elke
Published: December 2020

In the last two decades, the use of diamond as a material for applications in nanophotonics, optomechanics, quantum information, and sensors tremendously increased due to its outstanding mechanical properties, wide optical transparency, and biocompatibility. This has been possible owing to advances in methods for growth of high-quality single crystal diamond (SCD), nanofabrication methods and controlled incorporation of optically active point defects (e.g., nitrogen vacancy centers) in SCD. This paper reviews the recent advances in SCD nano-structuring methods for realization of micro- and nano-structures. Novel fabrication methods are discussed and the different nano-structures realized for a wide range of applications are summarized. Moreover, the methods for color center incorporation in SCD and surface treatment methods to enhance their properties are described. Challenges in the upscaling of SCD nano-structure fabrication, their commercial applications and future prospects are discussed.
Development of Real-Time Transendothelial Electrical Resistance Monitoring for an In Vitro Blood-Brain Barrier System
Authors: Tu Kai-Hong , Yu Ling-Shan , Sie Zong-Han , Hsu Han-Yi , Al-Jamal Khuloud T. , Wang Julie Tzu-Wen , Chiang Ya-Yu
Published: December 2020

Three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures and organs-on-a-chip have been developed to construct microenvironments that resemble the environment within the human body and to provide a platform that enables clear observation and accurate assessments of cell behavior. However, direct observation of transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) has been challenging. To improve the efficiency in monitoring the cell development in organs-on-a-chip, in this study, we designed and integrated commercially available TEER measurement electrodes into an in vitro blood-brain barrier (BBB)-on-chip system to quantify TEER variation. Moreover, a flowing culture medium was added to the monolayered cells to simulate the promotion of continuous shear stress on cerebrovascular cells. Compared with static 3D cell culture, the proposed BBB-on-chip integrated with electrodes could measure TEER in a real-time manner over a long period. It also allowed cell growth angle measurement, providing instant reports of cell growth information online. Overall, the results demonstrated that the developed system can aid in the quantification of the continuous cell-pattern variations for future studies in drug testing.
Fusarium Head Blight: Effect of Infection Timing on Spread of Fusarium graminearum and Spatial Distribution of Deoxynivalenol within Wheat Spikes
Authors: Alisaac Elias , Rathgeb Anna , Karlovsky Petr , Mahlein Anne-Katrin
Published: December 2020

Most studies of Fusarium head blight (FHB) focused on wheat infection at anthesis. Less is known about infections at later stages. In this study, the effect of infection timing on the development of FHB and the distribution of fungal biomass and deoxynivalenol (DON) along wheat spikes was investigated. Under greenhouse conditions, two wheat varieties were point-inoculated with Fusarium graminearum starting from anthesis until 25 days after anthesis. The fungus and fungal DNA were isolated from the centers and the bases of all the spikes but not from the tips for all inoculation times and both varieties. In each variety, the amount of fungal DNA and the content of DON and deoxynivalenol-3-glucoside (DON-3-G) were higher in the center than in the base for all inoculation times. A positive correlation was found between the content of fungal DNA and DON in the centers as well as the bases of both varieties. This study showed that F. graminearum grows downward within infected wheat spikes and that the accumulation of DON is largely confined to the colonized tissue. Moreover, F. graminearum was able to infect wheat kernels and cause contamination with mycotoxins even when inoculated 25 days after anthesis.
Regulation of Serum Exosomal MicroRNAs in Mice Infected with Orientia tsutsugamushi
Authors: Jiang Le , Belinskaya Tatyana , Zhang Zhiwen , Chan Teik-Chye , Ching Wei-Mei , Chao Chien-Chung
Published: December 2020

Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles that carry proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. They are circulated in many body fluids and play an important role in intercellular communications. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), as major components of exosomes, are often regulated in many diseases including bacterial and viral infections. Functionally, exosome-carried miRNAs interact with various immune cells and affect their behavior. Little is known whether exosomal miRNAs are regulated during scrub typhus, a potentially lethal infection caused by intracellular bacteria, Orientiatsutsugamushi. In the present study, we utilized a scrub typhus mouse model and collected serum at various time points post infection. A custom quantitative PCR array covering 92 murine miRNAs was used to profile serum exosomal miRNAs. A total of 12 miRNAs were found to be significantly up- or down-regulated at least at one time point post infection when compared to uninfected animals. Further analysis identified multiple miRNAs in the let-7 family that were consistently down-regulated at early and late phase of infection. Functionally, serum exosomes isolated from infected mice displayed strong proinflammatory effect when incubated with bone marrow-derived macrophages. Our data revealed dynamic regulations of serum exosomal miRNA during scrub typhus infection, which could significantly influence host immune responses and disease outcome.
Topography and Expansion Patterns at the Biofilm-Agar Interface in Bacillus subtilis Biofilms
Authors: Gingichashvili Sarah , Feuerstein Osnat , Steinberg Doron
Published: December 2020

Bacterial biofilms are complex microbial communities which are formed on various natural and synthetic surfaces. In contrast to bacteria in their planktonic form, biofilms are characterized by their relatively low susceptibility to anti-microbial treatments, in part due to limited diffusion throughout the biofilm and the complex distribution of bacterial cells within. The virulence of biofilms is therefore a combination of structural properties and patterns of adhesion that anchor them to their host surface. In this paper, we analyze the topographical properties of Bacillus subtilis’ biofilm-agar interface across different growth conditions. B. subtilis colonies were grown to maturity on biofilm-promoting agar-based media (LBGM), under standard and stress-inducing growth conditions. The biofilm-agar interface of the colony type biofilms was modeled using confocal microscopy and computational analysis. Profilometry data was obtained from the macrocolonies and used for the analysis of surface topography as it relates to the adhesion modes present at the biofilm-agar interface. Fluorescent microspheres were utilized to monitor the expansion patterns present at the interface between the macrocolonies and the solid growth medium. Contact surface analysis reveals topographical changes that could have a direct effect on the adhesion strength of the biofilm to its host surface, thus affecting its potential susceptibility to anti-microbial agents. The topographical characteristics of the biofilm-agar interface partially define the macrocolony structure and may have significant effects on bacterial survival and virulence.
Fit-for-Purpose VSI Modelling Framework for Process Simulation
Authors: Grunditz Simon , Asbjörnsson Gauti , Hulthén Erik , Evertsson Magnus
Published: December 2020

The worldwide shortage of natural sand has created a need for improved methods to create a replacement product. The use of vertical shaft impact (VSI) crushers is one possible solution, since VSI crushers can create particles with a good aspect ratio and smooth surfaces for use in different applications such as in construction. To evaluate the impact a VSI crusher has on the process performance, a more fit-for-purpose model is needed for process simulations. This paper aims to present a modelling framework to improve particle breakage prediction in VSI crushers. The model is based on the theory of energy-based breakage behavior. Particle collision energy data are extracted from discrete element method (DEM) simulations with particle velocities, i.e., rotor speed, as the input. A selection–breakage approach is then used to create the particle size distribution (PSD). For each site, the model is trained with two datasets for the PSDs at different VSI rotor tip speeds. This allows the model to predict the product output for different rotor tip speeds beyond the experimental configurations. A dataset from 24 different sites in Sweden is used for training and validating the model to showcase the robustness of the model. The model presented in this paper has a low barrier for implementation suitable for trying different speeds at existing sites and can be used as a replacement to a manual testing approach.
Origin of Qinxi Silver Polymetallic Deposit in Southeast Coast, China: Evidences from H–O–S–Pb Isotopes and Mineral Rb–Sr Geochronology
Authors: Zhong Senfang , Liu Wenhao , Zhang Jun , Gan Qiuling
Published: December 2020

The Qinxi silver deposit is located in eastern Fujian Province, South China. It is hosted in the late Jurassic Nanyuan volcanic unit and controlled spatially by structural alteration zone. The origins of the deposit are understood poorly. In this study, systematic field geology, precise sulfide geochronology, and H–O–S–Pb isotope analyses were carried out. The symbiotic minerals and ore assemblages are interpreted as evidence that Qinxi ore is a typical middle to low temperature hydrothermal deposit. Galena and sphalerite from the ore yield a Rb–Sr isochronal age of 130 ± 2.0 Ma (MSWD = 1.7), and single galena samples yield a Rb–Sr isochronal age of 130 ± 7.1 Ma (MSWD = 2) and are evidence that the ore was formed in the early Cretaceous period. The silver-bearing quartz vein has O:H and 18O:16O ratios intermediately between magmatic and meteoric water (δ18 Owater-smow from −2.50‰ to −0.1‰ and δDv-smow from −73.6‰ to −60.7‰). The δ34 S values of metal sulfide are close to the primitive mantle sulfur values (δ34S = −1.7 to 7.1‰, avg. = 0.92‰). The Pb isotopic compositions from the ore are similar to those of the hosted volcanic unit, with a value between the upper crust and mantle isotope composition (206Pb/204Pb = 18.421~18.605, 207Pb/204Pb = 15.580~15.772, 208Pb/204Pb = 38.591~39.183). Lead–zinc sulfides have mature crustal-derived Sr isotopic features ((87Sr/86Sr)i = 0.7103). Thus, the metallogenic source materials mainly came from the crust. Moreover, regional geological studies suggest that the Qinxi ore deposit was likely formed in an extensional terrane.
Application of microRNA Database Mining in Biomarker Discovery and Identification of Therapeutic Targets for Complex Disease
Authors: Major Jennifer L. , Bagchi Rushita A. , Pires da Silva Julie
Published: December 2020

Over the past two decades, it has become increasingly evident that microRNAs (miRNA) play a major role in human diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, their easy detection in circulation has made them a tantalizing target for biomarkers of disease. This surge in interest has led to the accumulation of a vast amount of miRNA expression data, prediction tools, and repositories. We used the Human microRNA Disease Database (HMDD) to discover miRNAs which shared expression patterns in the related diseases of ischemia/reperfusion injury, coronary artery disease, stroke, and obesity as a model to identify miRNA candidates for biomarker and/or therapeutic intervention in complex human diseases. Our analysis identified a single miRNA, hsa-miR-21, which was casually linked to all four pathologies, and numerous others which have been detected in the circulation in more than one of the diseases. Target analysis revealed that hsa-miR-21 can regulate a number of genes related to inflammation and cell growth/death which are major underlying mechanisms of these related diseases. Our study demonstrates a model for researchers to use HMDD in combination with gene analysis tools to identify miRNAs which could serve as biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets of complex human diseases.
Effects of GrandFusion Diet on Cognitive Impairment in Transgenic Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Yu Jin , Zhu Hong , Taheri Saeid , Mondy William , Perry Stephen , Kirstein Cheryl , Kindy Mark S.
Published: December 2020

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the result of the deposition of amyloid β (Aβ) peptide into amyloid fibrils and tau into neurofibrillary tangles. At the present time, there are no possible treatments for the disease. We have recently shown that diets enriched in phytonutrients show protection or limit the extent of damage in a number of neurological disorders. GrandFusion (GF) diets have attenuated the outcomes in animal models of traumatic brain injury, cerebral ischemia, and chronic traumatic encephalopathy. In this study, we investigated the effect of GF diets in a mouse model of AD prior to the development of amyloid plaques to show how this treatment paradigm would alter the accumulation of Aβ peptide and related pathologic changes (i.e., inflammation, cathepsin B, and memory impairment). Administration of GF diets (2–4%) over a period of four months in APP/ΔPS1 double-transgenic mice resulted in attenuation in Aβ peptide levels, reduction of amyloid load, and inflammation, increased cathepsin B expression, and improved spatial orientation. Additionally, treatment with GF diets increased nerve growth factor (NGF) levels in the brain and tempered the memory impairment in the animal model. These data suggest that GF diets may alter the development and progression of the mechanisms associated with the disease process to effectively modify AD pathogenesis.
Effects of Experimental Ocean Acidification on the Larval Morphology and Metabolism of a Temperate Sparid, Chrysoblephus laticeps
Authors: Muller Cuen , Childs Amber-Robyn , James Nicola C. , Potts Warren M.
Published: December 2020

Ocean acidification is predicted to have widespread impacts on marine species. The early life stages of fishes, being particularly sensitive to environmental deviations, represent a critical bottleneck to recruitment. We investigated the effects of ocean acidification (∆pH = −0.4) on the oxygen consumption and morphometry during the early ontogeny of a commercially important seabream, Chrysoblephus laticeps, up until flexion. Hatchlings appeared to be tolerant to hypercapnic conditions, exhibiting no difference in oxygen consumption or morphometry between treatments, although the yolk reserves were marginally reduced in the low-pH treatment. The preflexion stages appeared to undergo metabolic depression, exhibiting lower metabolic rates along with lower growth metrics in hypercapnic conditions. However, although the sample sizes were low, the flexion-stage larvae exhibited greater rates of metabolic and growth metric increases in hypercapnic conditions. This study shows that the effects of OA may be stage specific during early ontogeny and potentially related to the development of crucial organs, such as the gills. Future studies investigating the effects of climate change on fish larvae should endeavour to include multiple developmental stages in order to make more accurate predictions on recruitment dynamics for the coming decades.
Epidemiology and Clinical Presentation of West Nile Virus Infection in Horses in South Africa, 2016–2017
Authors: Bertram Freude-Marié , Thompson Peter N. , Venter Marietjie
Published: December 2020

Although West Nile virus (WNV) is endemic to South Africa (RSA), it has only become recognized as a significant cause of neurological disease in humans and horses locally in the past 2 decades, as it emerged globally. This article describes the epidemiological and clinical presentation of WNV in horses across RSA during 2016–2017. In total, 54 WNV-positive cases were identified by passive surveillance in horses with febrile and/or neurological signs at the Centre for Viral Zoonoses, University of Pretoria. They were followed up and compared to 120 randomly selected WNV-negative controls with the same case definition and during the same time period. Of the WNV-positive cases, 52% had fever, 92% displayed neurological signs, and 39% experienced mortality. Cases occurred mostly in WNV-unvaccinated horses <5 years old, during late summer and autumn after heavy rain, in the temperate to warm eastern parts of RSA. WNV-positive cases that had only neurological signs without fever were more likely to die. In the multivariable analysis, the odds of WNV infection were associated with season (late summer), higher altitude, more highly purebred animals, younger age, and failure to vaccinate against WNV. Vaccination is currently the most effective prophylactic measure to reduce WNV morbidity and mortality in horses.