bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical and Simulation Analysis on Fabrication of Micro-Textured Surface under Intermittent Cutting Condition by One-Dimensional Ultrasonic Vibration-Assisted Turning
Authors: Liu Xianfu , Zhang Jianhua , Li Li , Huang Weimin
Published: February 2022

Fabricating micro-textures with specific parameters (size, shape, and distribution) on the surface of mechanical components has the potential to improve the tribological performance. When the ultrasonic vibration is applied to depth direction of turning, the micro-textured surfaces with specific dimples can be generated in a simple and effective way. Under the intermittent cutting condition, the generation mechanism of the micro-textured surface, processed by this one-dimensional ultrasonic vibration-assisted turning (1D UVAT), was further carried out. A novel theoretical model was firstly proposed from the perspective of geometric kinematics, which can reveal the influence of three intersection states between the flank face and cutting trace (η1 < tan α, η1 > tan α > η2 and η2 > tan α) on the size, shape, and distribution of micro-dimples, generated under intermittent cutting conditions. Then, a simulation model was built to predict the surface topography and dimple profile under different processing parameters. The results show that the processing parameters, including clearance angle, spindle speed, and vibration amplitude, have an important influence on the intersection state. By choosing the proper clearance angle, spindle speed, or vibration amplitude, the different intersection states can be realized, and the corresponding size, shape, and distribution of micro-dimples will be changed accordingly. With the increase of the nose radius and feed rate, the dimple width and distance between adjacent dimples along feed direction can both increase accordingly. The simulation results not only confirm the feasibility of the proposed theoretical model, but also show that the discrete or continuous micro-dimples, with different sizes and specific shapes, can be controllably generated on cylindrical surface by 1D UVAT under intermittent cutting conditions.
Complex Periodic Mixed-Mode Oscillation Patterns in a Filippov System
Authors: Zhang Chun , Tang Qiaoxia
Published: February 2022

The main task of this article is to study the patterns of mixed-mode oscillations and non-smooth behaviors in a Filippov system with external excitation. Different types of periodic spiral crossing mixed-mode oscillation patterns, i.e., “cusp-F−/fold-F−” oscillation, “cusp-F−/two-fold/two-fold/fold-F−” oscillation and “two-fold/fold-F−” oscillation, are explored. Based on the analysis of the equilibrium and tangential singularities of the fast subsystem, spiral crossing oscillation around the tangential singularities is investigated. Meanwhile, by combining the fast and slow analysis methods, we can observe that the cusp, two-fold and fold-cusp singularities play an important role in generating all kinds of complex mixed-mode oscillations.
Statistical Analysis of the Lifetime Distribution with Bathtub-Shaped Hazard Function under Lagged-Effect Step-Stress Model
Authors: Zhang Zihui , Gui Wenhao
Published: February 2022

In survival analysis, applying stress is often used to accelerate an experiment. Stress can be discontinuous, and the step-stress model is applied widely due to its flexibility. However, in reality, when new stress is applied, it often does not take effect immediately, but there will be a lagged effect. Under the lagged-effect step-stress model, the statistical inference of the Chen distribution is discussed. The Chen distribution is an important life distribution as its risk function is bathtub-shaped with certain parameters. In this paper, the maximum likelihood estimators are presented and the Newton–Raphson algorithm is used. According to the form of risk function under this model, the explicit expressions of least squares estimators are obtained. The calculation methods of asymptotic confidence intervals and coverage probabilities are proposed by using the observed Fisher matrix. Finally, to evaluate the performance of the above estimation methods, a Monte Carlo simulation study is provided.
Analysis and Consequences on Some Aggregation Functions of PRISM (Partial Risk Map) Risk Assessment Method
Authors: Bognár Ferenc , Hegedűs Csaba
Published: February 2022

The PRISM (partial risk map) methodology is a novel risk assessment method developed as the combination of the failure mode and effect analysis and risk matrix risk assessment methods. Based on the concept of partial risks, three different aggregation functions are presented for assessing incident risks. Since the different aggregation functions give different properties to the obtained PRISM numbers and threshold surfaces (convex, concave, linear), the description of these properties is carried out. Similarity analyses based on the sum of ranking differences (SRD) method and rank correlation are performed and robustness tests are applied related to the changes of the assessment scale lengths. The PRISM method provides a solution for the systematically criticized problem of the FMEA, i.e., it is not able to deal with hidden risks behind the aggregated RPN number, while the method results in an expressive tool for risk management. Applying new aggregation functions, proactive assessment can be executed, and predictions can be given related to the incidents based on the nature of their hidden risk. The method can be suggested for safety science environments where human safety, environmental protection, sustainable production, etc., are highly required.
Two-in-One Secret Image Sharing Scheme with Higher Visual Quality of the Previewed Image
Authors: Wang Xin , Li Peng , Ren Zihan
Published: February 2022

Secret image sharing (SIS) scheme is a secret image encoding and decoding scheme that reconstructs the secret image only if the number of participants is sufficient. In contrast, inadequate participants gain no information about the secret image. Two-in-one secret image sharing (TiOSIS) scheme is a kind of SIS scheme with two decoding options, quick preview without computation and accurate recovery with computer. For higher decoding speed, Li et al. proposed an improved two-in-one secret image sharing scheme, utilizing Boolean operation for less computational complexity, where the visual quality of the previewed image is deteriorated. In this paper, we use q-bit gray visual cryptography to build a mathematical model for better visual quality of the previewed image based on Li et al.’s TiOSIS scheme. The black sub-pixels of shadows corresponding to a black secret pixel are replaced by a q-bit grayscale value rather than an 8-bit grayscale value where q is a positive integer smaller than 8. The theoretical analysis and experiments are exhibited to guarantee feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Estimates of Mild Solutions of Navier–Stokes Equations in Weak Herz-Type Besov–Morrey Spaces
Authors: Abdulkadirov Ruslan , Lyakhov Pavel
Published: February 2022

The main goal of this article is to provide estimates of mild solutions of Navier–Stokes equations with arbitrary external forces in Rn for n≥2 on proposed weak Herz-type Besov–Morrey spaces. These spaces are larger than known Besov–Morrey and Herz spaces considered in known works on Navier–Stokes equations. Morrey–Sobolev and Besov–Morrey spaces based on weak-Herz space denoted as WK˙p,qαMμs and WK˙p,qαN˙μ,rs, respectively, represent new properties and interpolations. This class of spaces and its developed properties could also be employed to study elliptic, parabolic, and conservation-law type PDEs.
Meshless Computational Strategy for Higher Order Strain Gradient Plate Models
Authors: Fabbrocino Francesco , Saitta Serena , Vescovini Riccardo , Fantuzzi Nicholas , Luciano Raimondo
Published: February 2022

The present research focuses on the use of a meshless method for the solution of nanoplates by considering strain gradient thin plate theory. Unlike the most common finite element method, meshless methods do not rely on a domain decomposition. In the present approach approximating functions at collocation nodes are obtained by using radial basis functions which depend on shape parameters. The selection of such parameters can strongly influences the accuracy of the numerical technique. Therefore the authors are presenting some numerical benchmarks which involve the solution of nanoplates by employing an optimization approach for the evaluation of the undetermined shape parameters. Stability is discussed as well as numerical reliability against solutions taken for the existing literature.
Characterization of the Dual Functions of LvCrustinVII from Litopenaeus vannamei as Antimicrobial Peptide and Opsonin
Authors: Hu Jie , Li Shihao , Lv Qian , Miao Miao , Li Xuechun , Li Fuhua
Published: February 2022

Crustin are a family of antimicrobial peptides that play an important role in protecting against pathogens infection in the innate immune system of crustaceans. Previously, we identified several novel types of crustins, including type VI and type VII crustins. However, their immune functions were still unclear. In the present study, the immune function of type VII crustin LvCrustinVII were investigated in Litopenaeus vannamei. LvCrustinVII was wildly expressed in all tested tissues, with relatively high expression levels in hepatopancreas, epidermis and lymphoid organ. Upon Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection, LvCrustinVII was significantly upregulated in hepatopancreas. Recombinant LvCrustinVII (rLvCrustinVII) showed strong inhibitory activities against Gram-negative bacteria Vibrio harveyi and V. parahaemolyticus, while weak activities against the Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. Binding assay showed that rLvCrustinVII could bind strongly to V. harveyi and V. parahaemolyticus, as well as the cell wall components Glu, LPS and PGN. In the presence of Ca2+, rLvCrustinVII could agglutinate V. parahaemolyticus and enhance hemocyte phagocytosis. The present data partially illustrate the immune function of LvCrustinVII, which enrich our understanding on the functional mechanisms of crustins and provide useful information for application of this kind of antimicrobial peptides.
A Rare Case of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Osler-Weber-Rendu Syndrome
Authors: Jargielo Anna , Rycyk Anna , Kasztelan-Szczerbinska Beata , Cichoz-Lach Halina
Published: February 2022

Osler-Weber-Rendu disease, also known as hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), is a rare, autosomal dominant condition that affects approximately 1 in 5000 patients causing abnormal blood vessel formation. HHT patients have mucocutaneous telangiectasias and arteriovenous malformations in various organs. The most prominent symptom of HHT is epistaxis, which, together with gastrointestinal bleeding, may cause iron deficiency anemia. This study is a case report of a 62-year-old patient who was admitted to the Department of Gastroenterology due to acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding and a history of recurrent epistaxis and melena for 4 days, which was confirmed in digital rectal examination. Urgent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed active bleeding from multiple angioectatic spots with bright-looking salmon-colored patches in the antrum and the body suggestive of HHT. The bleeding from two angioectatic spots was stopped by argon plasma coagulation, and four clips were placed to provide good hemostasis. The patient was treated with a proton pomp inhibitor infusion and iron infusion. She was discharged with no signs of GI bleeding, normalized iron levels and a diagnosis of HHT. She was referred to further genetic testing, including evaluation of first-degree relatives. She also had performed unenhanced thin-cut computed tomography (CT) with angiography to exclude the presence of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs). Due to the fact that the patient did not manifest any other HHT-related symptoms and that the instrumental screening discloses no silent AVMs in other organs, the “watch-and-wait strategy” was applied. Although, Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome is widely described in the medical literature, effective treatment of gastrointestinal telangiectasias is not always available and still lacks standardization to date, which makes the management of gastroenterological involvement still a challenging issue.
Application of Bacteriophages for Human Health: An Old Approach against Contemporary “Bad Bugs”
Authors: Henrici De Angelis Lucia , Ponsecchi Greta , Fraziano Maurizio , D’Andrea Marco Maria
Published: February 2022

The breadth of the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) problem exposes humankind to serious threats, which could lead, in the near future, to a worrisome raising of mortality and morbidity rates due to infections by “bad bugs” [...]
Norepinephrine and Serotonin Can Modulate the Behavior of the Probiotic Enterococcus faecium NCIMB10415 towards the Host: Is a Putative Surface Sensor Involved?
Authors: Scardaci Rossella , Bietto Francesca , Racine Pierre-Jean , Boukerb Amine M. , Lesouhaitier Olivier , Feuilloley Marc G. J. , Scutera Sara , Musso Tiziana , Connil Nathalie , Pessione Enrica
Published: February 2022

The human gut microbiota has co-evolved with humans by exchanging bidirectional signals. This study aims at deepening the knowledge of this crucial relationship by analyzing phenotypic and interactive responses of the probiotic Enterococcus faecium NCIMB10415 (E. faecium SF68) to the top-down signals norepinephrine (NE) and serotonin (5HT), two neuroactive molecules abundant in the gut. We treated E. faecium NCIMB10415 with 100 µM NE and 50 µM 5HT and tested its ability to form static biofilm (Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy), adhere to the Caco-2/TC7 monolayer, affect the epithelial barrier function (Transepithelial Electrical Resistance) and human dendritic cells (DC) maturation, differentiation, and cytokines production. Finally, we evaluated the presence of a putative hormone sensor through in silico (whole genome sequence and protein modelling) and in vitro (Micro-Scale Thermophoresis) analyses. The hormone treatments increase biofilm formation and adhesion on Caco-2/TC7, as well as the epithelial barrier function. No differences concerning DC differentiation and maturation between stimulated and control bacteria were detected, while an enhanced TNF-α production was observed in NE-treated bacteria. Investigations on the sensor support the hypothesis that a two-component system on the bacterial surface can sense 5HT and NE. Overall, the data demonstrate that E. faecium NCIMB10415 can sense both NE and 5HT and respond accordingly.
Detection of Potential Zoonotic Bartonella Species in African Giant Rats (Cricetomys gambianus) and Fleas from an Urban Area in Senegal
Authors: Demoncheaux Jean-Paul , Medkour Hacene , Louni Meriem , Laugier Laurie , Pasqualini Christelle , Fenollar Florence , Davoust Bernard , Mediannikov Oleg
Published: February 2022

Bartonellae are bacteria associated with mammals and their ectoparasites. Rodents often host different species of Bartonella. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of Bartonella spp. in African giant pouched rats (Cricetomys gambianus) and their ectoparasites in Dakar, Senegal. In 2012, 20 rats were caught, and their fleas were identified. DNA was extracted from 170 selected fleas and qPCR was carried out to detect Bartonella spp. Subsequently, a Bartonella culture was performed from the rat blood samples and the isolated strains (16S rRNA, rpoB, ftsZ and ITS3) were genotyped. A total of 1117 fleas were collected from 19 rats and identified as Xenopsylla cheopis, the tropical rat flea. Bartonella DNA was detected in 148 of 170 selected fleas (87.1%). In addition, Bartonella strains were isolated from the blood of 17 rats (85%). According to Bartonella gene-sequence-based criteria for species definition, the isolated strains were identified as B. massiliensis (four strains) and two potential new species related to the zoonotic B. elizabethae. In this paper, these potentially new species are provisionally called Candidatus Bartonella militaris (11 strains) and Candidatus Bartonella affinis (two strains) until their description has been completed. Cricetomys gambianus and its fleas could constitute a public health risk in Dakar due to the high prevalence of Bartonella infection reported.
Production of Bioactive Compounds with Broad Spectrum Bactericidal Action, Bio-Film Inhibition and Antilarval Potential by the Secondary Metabolites of the Endophytic Fungus Cochliobolus sp. APS1 Isolated from the Indian Medicinal Herb Andrographis paniculata
Authors: Santra Hiran Kanti , Maity Santanu , Banerjee Debdulal
Published: February 2022

Endophytes, being the co-evolution partners of green host plants, are factories of pharmaceutically valuable novel natural products. Cochliobolus sp. APS1, an endophyte of Andrographis paniculata (Green Chiretta), produces a plethora of natural bioactive compounds and the multipotent alkaloid Aziridine, 1-(2-aminoethyl)-, is the prime one among them. The isolate exhibited antibacterial, anti-biofilm, and antilarval potency. The MIC and MBC values of the ethyl-acetate culture extract ranged from 15.62 to 250 µg/mL against ten pathogenic microorganisms (including MRSA and VRSA). Killing kinetics data along with the leakage of macromolecules into the extracellular environment supports the cidal activity of the antibacterial principles. The broad spectrum antibacterial activity of Aziridine, 1-(2-aminoethyl)-, was optimized by a one-variable-at-a-time system coupled with response surface methodology, which led to a 45% enhancement of the antibacterial activity. The maximum response (22.81 ± 0.16 mm of zone of inhibition against MRSA) was marked in 250 mL Erlenmeyer flask containing 90 mL potato dextrose broth supplemented with (g%/L) glucose, 9.7; urea concentration, 0.74; with medium pH 6.48; after 8.76 days of incubation at 26 °C. APS1 strongly inhibited biofilm formation in the tested pathogenic microorganisms and acts as a larvicidal agent against the Dengue-vector Aedes aegypti. This is probably the first report of Aziridine, 1-(2-aminoethyl)-, from any endophytic source. Cochliobolus sp. APS1 possesses industrial importance for the production of bioactive alkaloids.
Microwave-Assisted Conversion of Carbohydrates
Authors: Kustov Leonid M. , Kustov Alexander L. , Salmi Tapio
Published: February 2022

Catalytic conversion of carbohydrates into value-added products and platform chemicals became a trend in recent years. Microwave activation used in the processes of carbohydrate conversion coupled with the proper choice of catalysts makes it possible to enhance dramatically the efficiency and sometimes the selectivity of catalysts. This mini-review presents a brief literature survey related to state-of-the-art methods developed recently by the world research community to solve the problem of rational conversion of carbohydrates, mostly produced from natural resources and wastes (forestry and agriculture wastes) including production of hydrogen, synthesis gas, furanics, and alcohols. The focus is made on microwave technologies used for processing carbohydrates. Of particular interest is the use of heterogeneous catalysts and hybrid materials in processing carbohydrates.
Anti-Biofilm and Anti-Hemolysis Activities of 10-Hydroxy-2-decenoic Acid against Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Gao Kuankuan , Su Bei , Dai Jing , Li Piwu , Wang Ruiming , Yang Xiaohui
Published: February 2022

Persistent infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus biofilms pose a major threat to global public health. 10-Hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA), a main fatty acid in royal jelly, has been shown to possess various biological activities. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of 10-HDA on the biofilms and virulence of S. aureus and its potential molecular mechanism. Quantitative crystal violet staining indicated that 10-HDA significantly reduced the biofilm biomass at sub-minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) levels (1/32MIC to 1/2MIC). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations demonstrated that 10-HDA inhibited the secretion of extracellular polymeric substances, decreased bacterial adhesion and aggregation, and disrupted biofilm architecture. Moreover, 10-HDA could significantly decrease the biofilm viability and effectively eradicated the mature biofilms. It was also found that the hemolytic activity of S. aureus was significantly inhibited by 10-HDA. qRT-PCR analyses revealed that the expressions of global regulators sarA, agrA, and α-hemolysin gene hla were downregulated by 10-HDA. These results indicate that 10-HDA could be used as a potential natural antimicrobial agent to control the biofilm formation and virulence of S. aureus.
Identification of Molecular Fragments in Equilibrium with Polysiloxane Ultrasmall Nanoparticles
Authors: Rocchi Paul , Labied Lucie , Doussineau Tristan , Julien Michel , Giroud Barbara , Vulliet Emmanuelle , Randon Jérôme , Tillement Olivier , Hagège Agnès , Lux François
Published: February 2022

During recent decades, ultrasmall inorganic nanoparticles have attracted considerable interest due to their favorable biodistribution, pharmacokinetics and theranostic properties. In particular, AGuIX nanoparticles made of polysiloxane and gadolinium chelates were successfully translated to the clinics. In an aqueous medium, these nanoparticles are in dynamic equilibrium with polysiloxane fragments due to the hydrolysis of Si–O–Si bonds. Thanks to high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, all these fragments were separated and identified.
Wettability Improvement in Oil–Water Separation by Nano-Pillar ZnO Texturing
Authors: Liu Xiaoyan , Feng Shaotong , Wang Caihua , Yan Dayun , Chen Lei , Wang Bao
Published: February 2022

The nanostructure-based surface texturing can be used to improve the materials wettability. Regarding oil–water separation, designing a surface with special wettability is as an important approach to improve the separation efficiency. Herein, a ZnO nanostructure was prepared by a two-step process for sol–gel process and crystal growth from the liquid phase to achieve both a superhydrophobicity in oil and a superoleophobic property in water. It is found that the filter material with nanostructures presented an excellent wettability. ZnO-coated stainless-steel metal fiber felt had a static underwater oil contact angle of 151.4° ± 0.8° and an underoil water contact angle of 152.7° ± 0.6°. Furthermore, to achieve water/oil separation, the emulsified impurities in both water-in-oil and oil-in-water emulsion were effectively intercepted. Our filter materials with a small pore (~5 μm diameter) could separate diverse water-in-oil and oil-in-water emulsions with a high efficiency (>98%). Finally, the efficacy of filtering quantity on separation performance was also investigated. Our preliminary results showed that the filtration flux decreased with the collection of emulsified impurities. However, the filtration flux could restore after cleaning and drying, suggesting the recyclable nature of our method. Our nanostructured filter material is a promising candidate for both water-in-oil and oil-in-water separation in industry.
Community Pharmacy Services in Malanje City, Angola: A Survey of Practices, Facilities, Equipment, and Staff
Authors: Chimbuco Bernardo Nicodemo , Ferreira Mateus Alfredo , Sacomboio Euclides Nenga Manuel , Ekundi-Valentim Eduardo
Published: February 2022

A community pharmacy, also known as a retail pharmacy, is the most common type of pharmacy that allows the public access to their medications and advice about their health. The conditions existing in the community pharmacy, as well as the qualification of the staff who work there, are fundamental for the compliance of good pharmacy practices. Objective: To assess the practices, facilities, equipment, and personnel of community pharmacies in the Municipality of Malanje. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study with a quantitative and qualitative approach. Through a simple random sampling technique, 20 pharmacies were selected from a universe of 73 reported by official authorities. Results: no pharmacist was acting in the local pharmacies, and their activity was supported by other professionals, particularly intermediate nursing technicians (57%). Most pharmacies were in the peri-urban area, and their functional areas, equipment, and utilities were not in accordance with Angolan law. In addition, the distribution of some drugs that are not over-the-counter was observed. Conclusion: community pharmacies in Malanje develop their activity in disregard of the law, constituting a considerable weakness that affects the observance of pharmacy service standards.
Short-Term Peripheral Contrast Reduction Affects Central Chromatic and Achromatic Contrast Sensitivity
Authors: Neumann Antonia , Leube Alexander , Nabawi Najma , Sauer Yannick , Essig Peter , Breher Katharina , Wahl Siegfried
Published: February 2022

Peripheral retinal contrast reduction is suggested as a potential myopia control strategy. However, the underlying mechanism is yet unknown. Therefore, this study investigated the influence of peripheral contrast reduction on central chromatic and achromatic contrast sensitivity (CS). A total of 19 participants were included. Peripheral contrast reduction was induced via Bangerter foils of 0.4 and 0.8 density, each with a clear central zone of 8.0 mm diameter. Central achromatic and chromatic (for S-, M-, and L-cone types) CS was measured at 3 and 12 cpd in a 2-IFC psychophysical procedure. CS was tested monocularly at 0, 30, and 90 min of adaptation time, while the fellow eye was covered by an infrared filter. With the filter in place, pupil size was controlled to be smaller than the clear central aperture. Data were analyzed using linear mixed models. Cone-type CS showed significant differences among each other (all p < 0.05), except for the achromatic and L-cone type (p = 0.87). The minimum sensitivity was found with the S-cone type and the maximum with the M-cone type. Central achromatic and chromatic CS were equally affected by diffusion. The level of peripheral diffusion also influenced CS, while the 0.8 Bangerter foil led to a higher reduction in CS compared to the 0.4 Bangerter foil (p = 0.0008) and the control condition (p = 0.05). A significant reduction in CS occurred between 30 and 90 min of adaptation time (p < 0.0001). The current study found that peripheral contrast reduction impacted central achromatic and chromatic CS equally. It further showed that the amplitude of reduction was influenced by the level of diffusion, with the reduction becoming more pronounced over time.
Comparisons of Anatomical Characteristics and Transcriptomic Differences between Heterografts and Homografts in Pyrus L.
Authors: Ji Piyu , Liang Chenglin , Yang Yingjie , Wang Ran , Wang Yue , Yuan Meitong , Qiu Zhiyun , Cheng Yuanyuan , Liu Jianlong , Li Dingli
Published: February 2022

Pear (Pyrus L.) is an important temperate fruit worldwide, and grafting is widely used in pear vegetative propagation. However, the mechanisms of graft healing or incompatibility remain poorly understood in Pyrus. To study the differences in graft healing in Pyrus, the homograft “Qingzhen D1/Qingzhen D1” and the heterograft “QAUP-1/Qingzhen D1” as compatibility and incompatibility combinations were compared. Anatomical differences indicated the healing process was faster in homografts than in heterografts. During the healing process, four critical stages in graft union formation were identified in the two types of grafts. The expression of the genes associated with hormone signaling (auxin and cytokinins), and lignin biosynthesis was delayed in the healing process of heterografts. In addition, the PbBglu13 gene, encoded β-glucosidase, was more highly up-regulated in heterografts than in homografts to promote healing. Meanwhile, the most of DEGs related starch and sucrose metabolism were found to be up-regulated in heterografts; those results indicated that cellulose and sugar signals were also involved in graft healing. The results of this study improved the understanding of the differences in the mechanisms of graft healing between homografts and heterografts.
Growth Promoting Activity of Annona muricata L. Leaf Extracts on Lactobacillus casei
Authors: Meza-Gutiérrez Nimcy Noemí , Magallón-Servín Paola , Balois-Morales Rosendo , Pérez-Ramírez Iza Fernanda , López-Guzmán Graciela Guadalupe , Berumen-Varela Guillermo , Bautista-Rosales Pedro Ulises
Published: February 2022

Soursop leaves are a source of phytochemical compounds, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, hydrolyzable tannins, and acetogenins. These compounds can have several types of biological activities. Lactic acid bacteria can uptake phenolic compounds present in plants or fruits. The aim of the present work was to investigate the in vitro effect of hexane, acetone, methanolic, and aqueous extracts of soursop leaves (Annona muricata L.) on the growth, motility, and biofilm formation of Lactobacillus casei, and to determine compounds related to growth. The minimum concentration promoting growth, motility (swimming, swarming, and twitching), and biofilm-forming capacity (crystal violet) were evaluated. The results showed the growth-promoting capacity of acetone and aqueous extracts at low doses 25–50 mg/L, and an inhibition in the four extracts at higher doses of 100 mg/L. The L. casei growth is related to ellagic acid, quercetin rhamnoside, kaempferol dihexoside, quercetin hexoside, secoisolariciresinol, and kaempferol hexoside-rhamnoside. Hexane extract increased the three types of motility, while aqueous maintained swimming and twitching motility similar to control. The four extracts inhibited the biofilm formation capacity.
Brocchia cinerea (Delile) Vis. Essential Oil Antimicrobial Activity and Crop Protection against Cowpea Weevil Callosobruchus maculatus (Fab.)
Authors: Agour Abdelkrim , Mssillou Ibrahim , Mechchate Hamza , Es-safi Imane , Allali Aimad , Barnossi Azeddin El , Al Kamaly Omkulthom , Alshawwa Samar Zuhair , El Moussaoui Abdelfattah , Bari Amina , Lyoussi Badiaa , Derwich Elhoussine
Published: February 2022

Antibiotics and synthetic pesticides are now playing a role in the spread of resistant pathogens. They continue to have negative consequences for animal and plant health. The goal of this work is to identify the chemical composition of Brocchia cinerea (Delile) Vis. essential oil (EO) using GC-MS(Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer), evaluate its antimicrobial properties, and investigate its insecticidal and repellent effectiveness against Callosobruchus maculatus (C. maculatus). The GC-MS indicated the presence of 21 chemicals, with thujone (24.9%), lyratyl acetate (24.32%), camphor (13.55%), and 1,8-cineole (10.81%) being the most prominent. For the antimicrobial assay, the yeast Candida albicans was very sensitive to the EO with a growth inhibition diameter of (42.33 mm), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (31.33 mm). Fusarium oxysporum is the mycelia strain that appeared to be extremely sensitive to the utilized EO (88.44%) compared to the two species of Aspergillus (A. flavus (48.44%); A. niger (36.55%)). The results obtained in the microdilution method show that Pseudomonas aeruginosa was very sensitive to the EO, inhibited by a very low dose (0.0018 mg/mL). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) results were between 0.0149 and 0.06 mg/mL. B. cinerea EO also demonstrated a potent insecticidal effect and a medium repulsive effect against C. maculatus. Thus, the LC50 value in the contact test was 0.61 μL/L of air, lower than that observed in the inhalation test (0.72 μL/L of air). The present study reveals that B. cinerea EO has the potential to be an antimicrobial and insecticidal agent with a better performance against several pathogenic microorganisms.
Salt Stress Induced Changes in Photosynthesis and Metabolic Profiles of One Tolerant (‘Bonica’) and One Sensitive (‘Black Beauty’) Eggplant Cultivars (Solanum melongena L.)
Authors: Hannachi Sami , Steppe Kathy , Eloudi Mabrouka , Mechi Lassaad , Bahrini Insaf , Van Labeke Marie-Christine
Published: February 2022

The impact of salinity on the physiological and biochemical parameters of tolerant (‘Bonica’) and susceptible (‘Black Beauty’) eggplant varieties (Solanum melongena L.) was determined. The results revealed that the increase in salinity contributes to a significant decline in net photosynthesis (An) in both varieties; however, at the highest salt concentration (160 mM NaCl), the decrease in photorespiration (Rl) was less pronounced in the tolerant cultivar ‘Bonica’. Stomatal conductance (gs) was significantly reduced in ‘Black Beauty’ following exposure to 40 mM NaCl. However, gs of ‘Bonica’ was only substantially reduced at the highest level of NaCl (160 mM). In addition, a significant decrease in Chla, Chlb, total Chl, Chla/b and carotenoids (p > 0.05) was found in ‘Black Beauty’, and soluble carbohydrates accumulation and electrolyte leakage (EL) were more pronounced in ‘Black Beauty’ than in ‘Bonica’. The total phenols increase in ‘Bonica’ was 65% higher than in ‘Black Beauty’. In ‘Bonica’, the roots displayed the highest enzyme scavenging activity compared to the leaves. Salt stress contributes to a significant augmentation of root catalase and guaiacol peroxidase activities. In ‘Bonica’, the Na concentration was higher in roots than in leaves, whereas in ‘Black Beauty‘, the leaves accumulated more Na. Salt stress significantly boosted the Na/K ratio in ‘Black Beauty’, while no significant change occurred in ‘Bonica’. ACC deaminase activity was significantly higher in ‘Bonica’ than in ‘Black Beauty’.
Development and Characterization of Arrowroot Starch Films Incorporated with Grape Pomace Extract
Authors: Nogueira Gislaine Ferreira , Soares Isabela Helena Bratfischer Tagliari , Soares Cyntia Trevisan , Fakhouri Farayde Matta , de Oliveira Rafael Augustus
Published: February 2022

Grape processing residues are a good source of bioactive and nutritional compounds. The incorporation of grape pomace extract (GPE) in starch films can be a strategy for the elaboration of new food packaging products for applications such as edible films or fruit strips. In this context, the objective of this research was to analyze the effect of incorporation and variation of concentration of GPE (0, 20, 30, and 40% mass/mass starch solids) on the physical chemical properties of arrowroot starch edible films created by casting. The GPE was characterized for moisture content, pH, total titratable acidity, total soluble solids, and anthocyanin content. Starch films with and without GPE were evaluated by analyzing their visual appearance, water activity, water content, thickness, water solubility, and water vapor permeability. The GPE had high water content, acidity, and anthocyanins content. The films with GPE showed a noticeable reddish color, similar to observed for the GPE. Increasing the concentration of GPE in the film resulted in significantly increased (p < 0.05) thickness (from 0.060 to 0.106 mm), water content (from 8.17 to 12.48%), solubility in water (from 13.33 to 33.32%), and water vapor permeability (from 3.72 to 6.65 g.mm/m2 day kPa). GPE increased the hydrophilic portion of the film, in addition to acting as a plasticizer, decreasing the molecular interactions of the polymer chain, and favoring its solubilization, which is desirable for applications such as edible films. The elaboration of arrowroot starch films with the incorporation of grape pomace is a good alternative for the reduction of by-products of grape processing.
Celastrol with a Knockdown of miR-9-2, miR-17 and miR-19 Causes Cell Cycle Changes and Induces Apoptosis and Autophagy in Glioblastoma Multiforme Cells
Authors: Paul-Samojedny Monika , Liduk Emilia , Borkowska Paulina , Zielińska Aleksandra , Kowalczyk Małgorzata , Suchanek-Raif Renata , Kowalski Jan Alojzy
Published: February 2022

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a cancer with extremely high aggressiveness, malignancy and mortality. Because of all of the poor prognosis features of GBM, new methods should be sought that will effectively cure it. We examined the efficacy of a combination of celastrol and a knockdown of the miR-9-2, miR-17 and miR-19 genes in the human glioblastoma U251MG cell line. U251MG cells were transfected with specific siRNA and exposed to celastrol. The effect of the knockdown of the miRs genes in combination with exposure to celastrol on the cell cycle (flow cytometry) and the expression of selected genes related to its regulation (RT-qPCR) and the regulation of apoptosis and autophagy was investigated. We found a significant reduction in cell viability and proliferation, an accumulation of the subG1-phase cells and a decreased population of cells in the S and G2/M phases, as well as the induction of apoptosis and autophagy. The observed changes were not identical in the case of the silencing of each of the tested miRNAs, which indicates a different mechanism of action of miR9-2, miR-17, miR-19 silencing on GBM cells in combination with celastrol. The multidirectional effects of the silencing of the genes encoding miR-9-2, miR-17 and miR-19 in combination with exposure to celastrol is possible. The studied strategy of silencing the miR overexpressed in GBM could be important in developing more effective treatments for glioblastoma. Additional studies are necessary in order to obtain a more detailed interpretation of the obtained results. The siRNA-induced miR-9-2, miR-17 and miR-19 mRNA knockdowns in combination with celastrol could offer a novel therapeutic strategy to more effectively control the growth of human GBM cells.
Rapid Quantitative Determination of Multiple Pesticide Residues in Mango Fruits by Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Pham Uyen Thu , Phan Quynh Huong Thi , Nguyen Linh Phuong , Luu Phuong Duc , Doan Tien Duy , Trinh Ha Thu , Dinh Cuc Thi , Nguyen Tai Van , Tran Toan Quoc , Le Duy Xuan , Pham Tri Nhut , Le Truong Dang , Nguyen Duong Thanh
Published: February 2022

Imidacloprid, acephate, and carbaryl are common insecticides that are extensively used in planting mango, a well-known fruit in Vietnam, to ease mango hopper issues. The accurate detection of pesticide residues is critical for mango export to meet quality criteria. This study developed a novel SERS platform by using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to simulate the rose petal structure incorporated with a silver coating layer and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to detect imidacloprid, acephate, and carbaryl in mango fruits. In this paper, the rose petal PDMS/Ag-AgNPs replica was considered the most efficient substrate for SERS measurement with an EF of 4.7 × 107. The Raman spectra of the three insecticides obtained from the PDMS/Ag-AgNPs substrate were clearly observed with their characteristic peaks of 1105 cm−1 for imidacloprid, 1083 cm−1, and 1579 cm−1 for acephate, and 727 cm−1 and 1378 cm−1 for carbaryl. The application of PDMS/Ag-AgNPs substrate in quantitative analysis of the three pesticides in mango fruit was evaluated. As a result, the limit of detection was 0.02 mg/kg for imidacloprid, 5 × 10−5 mg/kg for acephate, and 5 × 10−3 mg/kg for carbaryl. The SERS result also revealed that the pesticide residues in the mango sample were within an acceptable limit. This suggested the possibility of the rose petal PDMS/Ag-AgNPs replica for rapid quantification of pesticide residues not only in mango fruit but also in many other agricultural products.
Assessing Variations in Water Use Efficiency and Linkages with Land-Use Changes Using Three Different Data Sources: A Case Study of the Yellow River, China
Authors: Sun Huaiwei , Chen Lin , Yang Yong , Lu Mengge , Qin Hui , Zhao Bingqian , Lu Mengtian , Xue Jie , Yan Dong
Published: February 2022

The dependence of water use efficiency (WUE) on changes in land cover types is crucial for understanding of long-term water availability and assessment of water-saving strategies. Investigating the impact of land cover types on ecosystem WUE has important implications when revealing water dynamics and land management. However, the determination of WUE and its dominant factors have always been subject to high data dependency and large calculation consumption within large basins. This paper proposes a framework for processing actual evapotranspiration (AET) and WUE calculation by coupling the Maximum Entropy Production (MEP) method with the Google Earth Engine (GEE). By employing the proposed framework and three data sources available in the GEE platform, results for actual ET and WUE from 2001 to 2020 were obtained in the Yellow River Basin (YRB). The results show that the proposed framework provides an acceptable estimation of actual ET via validation with Eddy Covariance flux sites in the YRB. The calculated WUE values varied greatly in different sub-basins within the YRB, indicating a cumulative growth rate of about 56% during the past 20 years. The dominant factor that led to these changes was the transition from Grasslands into other land-use types. Our results suggest that the use of the GEE platform coupled with the MEP method offers new possibilities for advancing understanding of water exchange and water resource management.
Assessment of Contemporary Antarctic GIA Models Using High-Precision GPS Time Series
Authors: Li Wenhao , Li Fei , Shum C.K. , Shu Chanfang , Ming Feng , Zhang Shengkai , Zhang Qingchuan , Chen Wei
Published: February 2022

Past redistributions of the Earth’s mass resulting from the Earth’s viscoelastic response to the cycle of deglaciation and glaciation reflect the process known as glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA). GPS data are effective at constraining GIA velocities, provided that these data are accurate, have adequate spatial coverage, and account for competing geophysical processes, including the elastic loading of ice/snow ablation/accumulation. GPS solutions are significantly affected by common mode errors (CMEs) and the choice of optimal noise model, and they are contaminated by other geophysical signals due primarily to the Earth’s elastic response. Here, independent component analysis is used to remove the CMEs, and the Akaike information criterion is used to determine the optimal noise model for 79 GPS stations in Antarctica, primarily distributed across West Antarctica and the Antarctic Peninsula. Next, a high-resolution surface mass variation model is used to correct for elastic deformation. Finally, we use the improved GPS solution to assess the accuracy of seven contemporary GIA forward models in Antarctica. The results show that the maximal GPS crustal displacement velocity deviations reach 4.0 mm yr−1, and the mean variation is 0.4 mm yr−1 after removing CMEs and implementing the noise analysis. All GIA model-predicted velocities are found to systematically underestimate the GPS-observed velocities in the Amundsen Sea Embayment. Additionally, the GPS vertical velocities on the North Antarctic Peninsula are larger than those on the South Antarctic Peninsula, and most of the forward models underestimate the GIA impact on the Antarctic Peninsula.
A Three Stages Detail Injection Network for Remote Sensing Images Pansharpening
Authors: Wu Yuanyuan , Feng Siling , Lin Cong , Zhou Haijie , Huang Mengxing
Published: February 2022

Multispectral (MS) pansharpening is crucial to improve the spatial resolution of MS images. MS pansharpening has the potential to provide images with high spatial and spectral resolutions. Pansharpening technique based on deep learning is a topical issue to deal with the distortion of spatio-spectral information. To improve the preservation of spatio-spectral information, we propose a novel three-stage detail injection pansharpening network (TDPNet) for remote sensing images. First, we put forward a dual-branch multiscale feature extraction block, which extracts four scale details of panchromatic (PAN) images and the difference between duplicated PAN and MS images. Next, cascade cross-scale fusion (CCSF) employs fine-scale fusion information as prior knowledge for the coarse-scale fusion to compensate for the lost information during downsampling and retain high-frequency details. CCSF combines the fine-scale and coarse-scale fusion based on residual learning and prior information of four scales. Last, we design a multiscale detail compensation mechanism and a multiscale skip connection block to reconstruct injecting details, which strengthen spatial details and reduce parameters. Abundant experiments implemented on three satellite data sets at degraded and full resolutions confirm that TDPNet trades off the spectral information and spatial details and improves the fidelity of sharper MS images. Both the quantitative and subjective evaluation results indicate that TDPNet outperforms the compared state-of-the-art approaches in generating MS images with high spatial resolution.
A Secure Pseudonym-Based Conditional Privacy-Preservation Authentication Scheme in Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Al-Shareeda Mahmood A. , Anbar Mohammed , Manickam Selvakumar , Hasbullah Iznan H.
Published: February 2022

Existing identity-based schemes utilized in Vehicular Ad hoc Networks (VANETs) rely on roadside units to offer conditional privacy-preservation authentication and are vulnerable to insider attacks. Achieving rapid message signing and verification for authentication is challenging due to complex operations, such as bilinear pairs. This paper proposes a secure pseudonym-based conditional privacy-persevering authentication scheme for communication security in VANETs. The Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) and secure hash cryptographic function were used in the proposed scheme for signing and verifying messages. After a vehicle receives a significant amount of pseudo-IDs and the corresponding signature key from the Trusted Authority (TA), it uses them to sign a message during the broadcasting process. Thus, the proposed scheme requires each vehicle to check all the broadcasting messages received. Besides, in the proposed scheme, the TA can revoke misbehaving vehicles from continuously broadcasting signed messages, thus preventing insider attacks. The security analysis proved that the proposed scheme fulfilled the security requirements, including identity privacy-preservation, message integrity and authenticity, unlinkability, and traceability. The proposed scheme also withstood common security attacks such as man-in-the-middle, impersonation, modification, and replay attacks. Besides, our scheme was resistant against an adaptive chosen-message attack under the random oracle model. Furthermore, our scheme did not employ bilinear pairing operations; therefore, the performance analysis and comparison showed a lower resulting overhead than other identity-based schemes. The computation costs of the message signing, individual signature authentication, and batch signature authentication were reduced by 49%, 33.3%, and 90.2%, respectively.