bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discovery of Cinnamylidene Derivative of Rhodanine with High Anthelmintic Activity against Rhabditis sp.
Authors: Tejchman Waldemar , Kołodziej Przemysław , Kalinowska-Tłuścik Justyna , Nitek Wojciech , Żuchowski Grzegorz , Bogucka-Kocka Anna , Żesławska Ewa
Published: March 2022

The treatment of parasitic infections requires the application of chemotherapy. In view of increasing resistance to currently in-use drugs, there is a constant need to search for new compounds with anthelmintic activity. A series of 16 cinnamylidene derivatives of rhodanine, including newly synthesized methoxy derivatives (1–11) and previously obtained chloro, nitro, and diethylamine derivatives (12–16), was investigated towards anthelmintic activity. Compounds (1–16) were evaluated against free-living nematodes of the genus Rhabditis sp. In the tested group of rhodanine derivatives, only compound 2 shows very high biological activity (LC50 = 0.93 µg/µL), which is higher than the reference drug albendazole (LC50 = 19.24 µg/µL). Crystal structures of two compounds, active 2 and inactive 4, were determined by the X-ray diffraction method to compare molecular geometry and search for differences responsible for observed biological activity/inactivity. Molecular modelling and selected physicochemical properties prediction were performed to assess the potential mechanism of action and applied in the search for an explanation as to why amongst all similar compounds only one is active. We can conclude that the tested compound 2 can be further investigated as a potential anthelmintic drug.
Electric Double Layer in Water-Organic Mixed Solvents: Titania in 50% Ethylene Glycol
Authors: Kosmulski Marek , Mączka Edward
Published: March 2022

Ethylene glycol (EG) and its mixtures with water are popular components of nanofluids used as heat transfer fluids. The stability of nanofluids against coagulation is correlated with their zeta potential. The electrophoretic mobility of titania nanoparticles in 50-50 w/w EG was studied as a function of the concentration of various solutes. HCl, NaOH, SDS and CTMABr at concentrations up to 0.01 M are strong electrolytes in 50% EG, that is, the conductance of their solutions is proportional to the concentration. HCl, NaOH and CTMABr were very efficient in inducing a high zeta potential for titania in 50% EG. NaOH induced a negative zeta potential in excess of 70 mV, and HCl and CTMABr induced a positive zeta potential in excess of 70 mV at concentrations below 10−4 M. Apparently, HCl, NaOH and CTMABr are also more efficient than SDS in terms of nanofluid stabilization against coagulation. An overdose of base (>1 mM) results in depression of the negative zeta potential. This result may be due to the specific adsorption of sodium on titania from 50% EG.
New Organic Salt from Levofloxacin-Citric Acid: What Is the Impact on the Stability and Antibiotic Potency?
Authors: Nugrahani Ilma , Laksana Agnesya Namira , Uekusa Hidehiro , Oyama Hironaga
Published: March 2022

This research dealt with the composition, structure determination, stability, and antibiotic potency of a novel organic salt composed of levofloxacin (LF) and citric acid (CA), named levofloxacin-citrate (LC). After a stoichiometric proportion screening, the antibiotic-antioxidant reaction was conducted by slow and fast evaporation methods. A series of characterizations using thermal analysis, powder X-ray diffractometry, vibrational spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance confirmed LC formation. The new organic salt showed a distinct thermogram and diffractogram. Next, Fourier transform infrared indicated the change in N-methylamine and carboxylic stretching, confirmed by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectra to elucidate the 2D structure. Finally, single-crystal diffractometry determined LC as a new salt structure three-dimensionally. The attributive improvements were demonstrated on the stability toward the humidity and lighting of LC compared to LF alone. Moreover, the antibiotic potency of LF against Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) and Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) enhanced ~1.5–2-fold by LC. Hereafter, LC is a potential salt antibiotic-antioxidant combination for dosage formulas development.
A Potential New Source of Therapeutic Agents for the Treatment of Mucocutaneous Leishmaniasis: The Essential Oil of Rhaphiodon echinus
Authors: Oliveira Carlos Vinicius Barros , Silva Patric Anderson Gomes da , Tintino Saulo Relison , Coronel Cathia Cecília , Gomez Maria Celeste Vega , Rolón Mírian , Cunha Francisco Assis Bezerra da , Morais-Braga Maria Flaviana Bezerra , Coutinho Henrique Douglas Melo , Siyadatpanah Abolghasem , Wilairatana Polrat , Kamdem Jean Paul , Barros Luiz Marivando , Duarte Antonia Eliene , Pereira Pedro Silvino
Published: March 2022

Weeds are an important source of natural products; with promising biological activity. This study investigated the anti-kinetoplastida potential (in vitro) to evaluate the cytotoxicity (in vitro) and antioxidant capacity of the essential oil of Rhaphiodon echinus (EORe), which is an infesting plant species. The essential oil was analyzed by GC/MS. The antioxidant capacity was evaluated by reduction of the DPPH radical and Fe3+ ion. The clone Trypanosoma cruzi CL-B5 was used to search for anti-epimastigote activity. Antileishmanial activity was determined using promastigotes of Leishmania braziliensis (MHOM/CW/88/UA301). NCTC 929 fibroblasts were used for the cytotoxicity test. The results showed that the main constituent of the essential oil was γ-elemene. No relevant effect was observed concerning the ability to reduce the DPPH radical; only at the concentration of 480 μg/mL did the essential oil demonstrate a high reduction of Fe3+ power. The oil was active against L. brasiliensis promastigotes; but not against the epimastigote form of T. cruzi. Cytotoxicity for mammalian cells was low at the active concentration capable of killing more than 70% of promastigote forms. The results revealed that the essential oil of R. echinus showed activity against L. brasiliensis; positioning itself as a promising agent for antileishmanial therapies.
Desorption of Coffee Pulp Used as an Adsorbent Material for Cr(III and VI) Ions in Synthetic Wastewater: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Gómez-Aguilar Dora Luz , Esteban-Muñoz Javier Andrés , Rodríguez-Miranda Juan Pablo , Baracaldo-Guzmán Deisy , Salcedo-Parra Octavio José
Published: March 2022

Some of the diverse agro-industrial waste generated in primary or secondary stages have proved to be promising biomaterials for treating aqueous effluents contaminated, in this case, with heavy metals. Therefore, it is necessary to know their optimal operating conditions and the regeneration or reusability of the solid by-product, an aspect related to desorption. Considering the above, this article presents the findings of a preliminary study related to the desorption process of coffee pulp without physicochemical modification (Castilla variety), an agricultural waste used as a sorbent of Cr(III and VI) ions in synthetic wastewater. The desorption efficiency of four eluting agents at defined concentrations (0.10M)—HC1, HNO3, H2SO4, and EDTA—was evaluated in a time interval of 1 to 9 days. Likewise, the proposals for the sorption and/or desorption mechanisms proposed and reported in the literature with respect to the use of biosorbents derived from the coffee crop are presented. With respect to the results, the coffee pulp used in previous studies of the adsorption of chromium species mentioned (optimal conditions in synthetic water of particle size 180 μm, dose 20 g·L−1, agitation 100 RPM, room temperature, time of 90 to 105 min) showed efficiencies in the removal of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) of 93.26% and 74.80%, respectively. Regarding the extracting substances used, H2SO4 0.10 M was the one that presented the highest desorption percentage in both chromic species, with a desorption of 45.75% Cr(VI) and 66.84% Cr(III) in periods of 5 and 9 days, respectively, with agitation of 100 RPM and room temperature. Finally, the dissemination of preliminary results on the desorption of coffee pulp contaminated with chromic species without physicochemical modification is novel in this study, as similar work with this specific material has not yet been reported in the literature. On the other hand, the limitations of the study and future research are related to the evaluation at different concentrations and of other extractor solutions that allow improving the efficiency of desorption of these chemical species in a shorter time from the coffee pulp (with and without modification) as well as the reuse cycles. As a result, the desorption of coffee pulp used as an adsorbent material in real water could help researchers identify the possible interfering factors that affect the process (foreign anions and cations, organic matter, environmental conditions, among others).
Valorization of a Waste Product of Edible Flowers: Volatile Characterization of Leaves
Authors: Najar Basma , Pistelli Laura , Marchioni Ilaria , Pistelli Luisa
Published: March 2022

(1) Background: The leaves of some plants are reported for their culinary uses, while in edible flowers, they are one of the discarded products in the supply chain. We investigated the volatile profile (VP) and the essential oil (EO) compositions of leaves from 12 Lamiaceae species, of which nine belong to the Mentheae tribe and three to the Ocimeae tribe. (2) Methods: Phytochemical analyses were performed using a GC-MS instrument. (3) Results: More than 53% of the Ocimeae tribe VP was represented by sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (SH), followed by phenylpropanoids, except for O. × citriodorum, where oxygenated monoterpenes (OM) were the second main class. OM prevailed in six species of the Mentheae tribe except for Agastache ‘Arcado Pink’, Salvia discolor, and S. microphylla, where SH dominated. The EO composition of Ocimeae tribe showed a similar behavior to that of VP concerning the predominant classes. O. basilicum ‘Blue Spice’ (Ob-BS) was an exception, since it showed oxygenated sesquiterpenes (OS: 29.6%) as a second principal class. Sesquiterpene compounds were also present in a high amount in two species of the Salviinae subtribe (S. microphylla and S. discolor) and two of the Nepetinae subtribe (Nepeta × faasenii and A. ‘Arcado Pink’). The remaining species of the Mentheae tribe were characterized by OM. (4) Conclusions: Many of the main compounds found were reported for their importance in human health and thus are important as ingredients in several new industrial products.
Simple Acid Digestion Procedure for the Determination of Total Mercury in Plankton by Cold Vapor Atomic Fluorescence Spectroscopy
Authors: Santos João Pereira , Mehmeti Lirie , Slaveykova Vera I.
Published: March 2022

Plankton, at the bottom of the food web, play a central role in the entry of mercury into the aquatic biota. To investigate their role in mercury uptake, reliable analytical procedures for Hg analysis are highly sought. Wet digestion procedures for determining total mercury in different biological matrices have been established since years, however only few studies focused on planktonic samples. In the present work, a simple and cost-effective wet digestion method was developed for the determination of total mercury in samples of small plankton material using a cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectroscopy (CVAFS). The optimization of the digestion method was achieved by using glass vessels with Teflon caps, low amount of acids (3 mL w/w 65% HNO3 or 3 mL 50% v/v HNO3), a constant temperature of 85 °C, the presence and absence of pre-ultrasound treatment, and a continuous digestion period (12 h). Certified reference materials IAEA-450 (unicellular alga Scenedesmus obliquus) and BRC-414 (plankton matrix) were used to optimize and validate the digestion method. The recovery efficiency of the proposed method for IAEA-450 and BCR-414 (3.1 mg and 21.5 mg) ranged between 94.1 ± 7.6% and 97.2 ± 4.6%. The method displayed a good recovery efficiency and precision for plankton matrices of low size. Thus, allowing better digestion of planktonic samples for mercury analysis using CVAFS techniques.
Waves Propagating in Nano-Layered Phononic Crystals with Flexoelectricity, Microstructure, and Micro-Inertia Effects
Authors: Zhu Jun , Hu Puying , Chen Yudan , Chen Shaowei , Zhang Chuanzeng , Wang Yanzheng , Liu Dongying
Published: March 2022

The miniaturization of electronic devices is an important trend in the development of modern microelectronics information technology. However, when the size of the component or the material is reduced to the micro/nano scale, some size-dependent effects have to be taken into account. In this paper, the wave propagation in nano phononic crystals is investigated, which may have a potential application in the development of acoustic wave devices in the nanoscale. Based on the electric Gibbs free energy variational principle for nanosized dielectrics, a theoretical framework describing the size-dependent phenomenon was built, and the governing equation as well as the dispersion relation derived; the flexoelectric effect, microstructure, and micro-inertia effects are taken into consideration. To uncover the influence of these three size-dependent effects on the width and midfrequency of the band gaps of the waves propagating in periodically layered structures, some related numerical examples were shown. Comparing the present results with the results obtained with the classical elastic theory, we find that the coupled effects of flexoelectricity, microstructure, and micro-inertia have a significant or even dominant influence on the waves propagating in phononic crystals in the nanoscale. With increase in the size of the phononic crystal, the size effects gradually disappear and the corresponding dispersion curves approach the dispersion curves obtained with the conventional elastic theory, which verify the results obtained in this paper. Thus, when we study the waves propagating in phononic crystals in the micro/nano scale, the flexoelectric, microstructure, and micro-inertia effects should be considered.
MOF-Derived Ultrathin Cobalt Molybdenum Phosphide Nanosheets for Efficient Electrochemical Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Wang Xiang , Yang Linlin , Xing Congcong , Han Xu , Du Ruifeng , He Ren , Guardia Pablo , Arbiol Jordi , Cabot Andreu
Published: March 2022

The development of high-performance and cost-effective earth-abundant transition metal-based electrocatalysts is of major interest for several key energy technologies, including water splitting. Herein, we report the synthesis of ultrathin CoMoP nanosheets through a simple ion etching and phosphorization method. The obtained catalyst exhibits outstanding electrocatalytic activity and stability towards oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions (OER and HER), with overpotentials down to 273 and 89 mV at 10 mA cm−2, respectively. The produced CoMoP nanosheets are also characterized by very small Tafel slopes, 54.9 and 69.7 mV dec−1 for OER and HER, respectively. When used as both cathode and anode electrocatalyst in the overall water splitting reaction, CoMoP-based cells require just 1.56 V to reach 10 mA cm−2 in alkaline media. This outstanding performance is attributed to the proper composition, weak crystallinity and two-dimensional nanosheet structure of the electrocatalyst.
Chronic Wasting Disease Monitoring in Italy 2017–2019: Neuropathological Findings in Cervids
Authors: Tripodi Letizia , Ru Giuseppe , Lazzara Fabrizio , Florio Lucia Caterina , Cocco Cinzia , Meloni Daniela , Maria Mazza , Bozzetta Elena , Perrotta Maria Gabriella , Caramelli Maria , Casalone Cristina , Iulini Barbara
Published: March 2022

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a prion disease that affects cervids; it is classified under transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). CWD is particularly contagious, making its eradication in endemic areas very difficult and creating serious problems for cervid conservation and breeding. It has recently become an emerging public health risk to be managed by health authorities. Starting in 2017, active CWD surveillance in Italy has intensified with the monitoring of wild and farmed cervids. The present study summarizes findings from a histopathological survey of the brains from wild ruminants collected via CWD monitoring between 2017 and 2019. A total of 113 brains from 62 red deer (Cervus elaphus) and 51 roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) were submitted for analysis at the National Reference Center for Animal Encephalopathies (CEA) to determine major patterns of neuropathological lesions and correlated pathogens. Brain lesions were detected in 20 animals, 10 brain samples were unsuitable for examination, and 83 presented no lesions. Neuropathological examination revealed non-suppurative encephalitis or meningoencephalitis in most cases (15/20). This brain study revealed evidence for the absence of CWD in Italy and provided a reference spectrum of neuropathological lesions for differential diagnosis in cervids.
An Assessment of Diagnostic Assays and Sample Types in the Detection of an Attenuated Genotype 5 African Swine Fever Virus in European Pigs over a 3-Month Period
Authors: Havas Karyn A. , Gogin Andrey E. , Basalaeva Julia V. , Sindryakova Irina P. , Kolbasova Olga L. , Titov Ilya A. , Lyska Valentina M. , Morgunov Sergey Y. , Vlasov Mikhail E. , Sevskikh Timofey A. , Pivova Elena Y. , Kudrjashov Dmitry A. , Doolittle Kent , Zimmerman Silvia , Witbeck Wendy , Gimenez-Lirola Luis G. , Nerem Joel , Spronk Gordon D. , Zimmerman Jeffrey J. , Sereda Alexey D.
Published: March 2022

African swine fever virus causes hemorrhagic disease in swine. Attenuated strains are reported in Africa, Europe, and Asia. Few studies on the diagnostic detection of attenuated ASF viruses are available. Two groups of pigs were inoculated with an attenuated ASFV. Group 2 was also vaccinated with an attenuated porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus vaccine. Commercially available ELISA, as well as extraction and qPCR assays, were used to detect antibodies in serum and oral fluids (OF) and nucleic acid in buccal swabs, tonsillar scrapings, OF, and blood samples collected over 93 days, respectively. After 12 dpi, serum (88.9% to 90.9%) in Group 1 was significantly better for antibody detection than OF (0.7% to 68.4%). Group 1′s overall qPCR detection was highest in blood (48.7%) and OF (44.2%), with the highest detection in blood (85.2%) from 8 to 21 days post inoculation (dpi) and in OF (83.3%) from 1 to 7 dpi. Group 2′s results were not significantly different from Group 1, but detection rates were lower overall. Early detection of attenuated ASFV variants requires active surveillance in apparently healthy animals and is only reliable at the herd level. Likewise, antibody testing will be needed to prove freedom from disease.
Low-Complexity Sampling Frequency Offset Estimation and Compensation Scheme for OFDM-Based UWOC System
Authors: Li Hu , Chen Tianyang , Wang Zhijie , Cao Bingyao , Li Yingchun , Zhang Junjie
Published: March 2022

In this paper, a simple sampling frequency offset (SFO) estimation and compensation scheme based on two phase-conjugated pilots is proposed and experimentally demonstrated in an OFDM-based underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) system. The phase shift is obtained by simple multiplication for phase-conjugated pilots, and the results are averaged to perform more accurate phase estimation. The experimental results show that the estimation offset is limited within ±3 ppm when the SFO ranges from −1000 ppm to +1000 ppm over a 1 m tap water channel. Moreover, with the help of the proposed scheme, up to ±300 ppm SFO can be well-compensated with error vector magnitude (EVM) penalties below 1 dB after 1 m underwater transmission. In addition, the results demonstrate that, compared with the ideal case without SFO, our proposed SFO compensation scheme can provide nearly negligible bit error rate (BER) penalties in saltwater with the highly scattering property.
Collaborative Impact of Compost and Beneficial Rhizobacteria on Soil Properties, Physiological Attributes, and Productivity of Wheat Subjected to Deficit Irrigation in Salt Affected Soil
Authors: Omara Alaa El-Dein , Hafez Emad M. , Osman Hany S. , Rashwan Emadeldeen , El-Said Mohamed A. A. , Alharbi Khadiga , Abd El-Moneim Diaa , Gowayed Salah M.
Published: March 2022

Plant growth and crop productivity under unfavorable environmental challenges require a unique strategy to scavenge the severely negative impacts of these challenges such as soil salinity and water stress. Compost and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) have many beneficial impacts, particularly in plants exposed to different types of stress. Therefore, a field experiment during two successive seasons was conducted to investigate the impact of compost and PGPR either separately or in a combination on exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), soil enzymes (urease and dehydrogenase), wheat physiology, antioxidant defense system, growth, and productivity under deficient irrigation and soil salinity conditions. Our findings showed that exposure of wheat plants to deficit irrigation in salt-affected soil inhibited wheat growth and development, and eventually reduced crop productivity. However, these injurious impacts were diminished after soil amendment using the combined application of compost and PGPR. This combined application enhanced soil urease and dehydrogenase, ion selectivity, chlorophylls, carotenoids, stomatal conductance, and the relative water content (RWC) whilst reducing ESP, proline content, which eventually increased the yield-related traits of wheat plants under deficient irrigation conditions. Moreover, the coupled application of compost and PGPR reduced the uptake of Na and resulted in an increment in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POX) activities that lessened oxidative damage and improved the nutrient uptake (N, P, and K) of deficiently irrigated wheat plants under soil salinity. It was concluded that to protect wheat plants from environmental stressors, such as water stress and soil salinity, co-application of compost with PGPR was found to be effective.
QTL Mapping for Haploid Inducibility Using Genotyping by Sequencing in Maize
Authors: Trampe Benjamin , Batîru Grigorii , Pereira da Silva Arthur , Frei Ursula Karoline , Lübberstedt Thomas
Published: March 2022

Doubled haploid (DH) technology in maize takes advantage of in vivo haploid induction (HI) triggered by pollination of donors of interest with inducer genotypes. However, the ability of different donors to be induced—inducibility (IND), varies among germplasm and the underlying molecular mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, the phenotypic variation for IND in a mapping population of temperate inbred lines was evaluated to identify regions in the maize genome associated with IND. A total of 247 F2:3 families derived from a biparental cross of two elite inbred lines, A427 and CR1Ht, were grown in three different locations and Inclusive Composite Interval Mapping (ICIM) was used to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for IND. In total, four QTL were detected, explaining 37.4% of the phenotypic variance. No stable QTL was found across locations. The joint analysis revealed QTL × location interactions, suggesting minor QTL control IND, which are affected by the environment.
Investigating the Longevity and Infectivity of Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus in Soils of the Northern Territory, Australia
Authors: Lovelock David , Mintoff Sharl , Kurz Nadine , Neilsen Merran , Patel Shreya , Constable Fiona , Tran-Nguyen Lucy
Published: March 2022

Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV) is a Tobamovirus of economic importance affecting cucurbit crops and Asian cucurbit vegetables. CGMMV was detected in the Northern Territory (NT) in September 2014, the first record for Australia, with 26 properties confirmed as of May 2016. Research was undertaken to determine virus longevity in soils in the NT and investigate the use of disinfectants to remove viable CGMMV from the soil. An in-field trial at 12 months post-quarantine at four properties, and bioassays from collected soils indicate that CGMMV remained viable in at least two of the properties 12 months after plant hosts were removed from the ground. The infectivity of CGMMV from soil was also investigated in two trials with 140 watermelon seeds and 70 watermelon plants sown into CGMMV infested soils with or without the application of the disinfectants VirkonTM (2%) and Bleach (1%). Watermelons grown in soil, not treated with the VirkonTM or Bleach, showed CGMMV infection rates of 4% and 2.5% respectively. When VirkonTM or Bleach was applied, no positive CGMMV detections were observed in the watermelons. This research highlights the importance of proper management of infested properties and the need for on-farm biosecurity to manage CGMMV.
Genomic Characterisation of an Isolate of Brassica Yellows Virus Associated with Brassica Weed in Tasmania
Authors: Umar Muhammad , Farooq Tahir , Tegg Robert S. , Thangavel Tamilarasan , Wilson Calum R.
Published: March 2022

Brassica yellows virus (BrYV), a tentative species in the genus Polerovirus, of the Solemoviridae family, is a phloem-restricted and aphid-transmitted virus with at least three genotypes (A, B, and C). It has been found across mainland China, South Korea, and Japan. BrYV was previously undescribed in Tasmania, and its genetic variability in the state remains unknown. Here, we describe a near-complete genome sequence of BrYV (genotype A) isolated from Raphanus raphanistrum in Tasmania using next-generation sequencing and sanger sequencing of RT-PCR products. BrYV-Tas (GenBank Accession no. OM469309) possesses a genome of 5516 nucleotides (nt) and shares higher sequence identity (about 90%) with other BrYV isolates. Phylogenetic analyses showed variability in the clustering patterns of the individual genes of BrYV-Tas. Recombination analysis revealed beginning and ending breakpoints at nucleotide positions 1922 to 5234 nt, with the BrYV isolate LC428359 and BrYV isolate KY310572 identified as major and minor parents, respectively. Results of the evolutionary analysis showed that the majority of the codons for each gene are evolving under purifying selection, though a few codons were also detected to have positive selection pressure. Taken together, our findings will facilitate an understanding of the evolutionary dynamics and genetic diversity of BrYV.
Rationally Designed Ternary Deep Eutectic Solvent Enabling Higher Performance for Non-Aqueous Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Lu Ping , Sun Peizhuo , Ma Qiang , Su Huaneng , Leung Puiki , Yang Weiwei , Xu Qian
Published: March 2022

Redox flow batteries hold promise as large-scale energy storage systems for off-grid electrification. The electrolyte is one of the key components of redox batteries. Inspired by the mechanism involved in solvents for extraction, a ternary deep eutectic solvent (DES) is demonstrated, in which glycerol is introduced into the original binary ethaline DES. Redox pairs (active substance) dissolved in the solvent have low charge transfer resistance. The results show that the viscosity of the solvent with the ratio of choline chloride to ethylene glycol to glycerol of 1:2:0.5 decreases from 51.2 mPa·s to 40.3 mPa·s after adding the redox pair, implying that the mass transfer resistance of redox pairs in this solvent is reduced. Subsequent cyclic voltammetry and impedance tests show that the electrochemical performance with the ternary DES as the electrolyte in redox flow batteries is improved. When the ratio of 1:2:0.5 ternary DES is used as the electrolyte, the power density of the battery (9.01 mW·cm−2) is 38.2% higher than that of the binary one (6.52 mW·cm−2). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy further indicates that the introduction of glycerol breaks the hydrogen bond network of the solvent environment where the redox pair is located, unraveling the hydrogen bond supramolecular complex. Rational solvent design is an effective strategy to enhance the electrochemical performance of redox batteries.
Visible-Band Nanosecond Pulsed Laser Damage Thresholds of Silicon 2D Imaging Arrays
Authors: Westgate Christopher , James David
Published: March 2022

Laser-induced camera damage thresholds were measured for several sensors of three different sensor architectures using a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser in order to determine their pulsed laser-induced damage thresholds. Charge coupled device (CCD), front-side illuminated complimentary metal-oxide semiconductor (FSI CMOS), and back-side illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensors were assessed under laboratory and outdoor environments by increasing the focused laser intensity onto the sensors and recording the sensor output. The damage sites were classified qualitatively into damage types, and pixel counting methods were applied to quantitatively plot damage scale against laser intensity. Probit-fits were applied to find the intensity values where a 95% probability of damage would occur (FD95) and showed that FD95 was approximately the same under laboratory conditions for CCD, FSI CMOS, and BSI CMOS sensors (mean 532 nm FD95 of 0.077 ± 0.01 Jcm−2). BSI CMOS sensors were the most robust to large-scale damage effects—BSI sensor kill was found at approximately 103 Jcm−2, compared to 10 Jcm−2 for FSI CMOS, and between ~1.6 and 2.7 Jcm−2 for CCDs.
Hemispheric Cortical, Cerebellar and Caudate Atrophy Associated to Cognitive Impairment in Metropolitan Mexico City Young Adults Exposed to Fine Particulate Matter Air Pollution
Authors: Calderón-Garcidueñas Lilian , Hernández-Luna Jacqueline , Mukherjee Partha S. , Styner Martin , Chávez-Franco Diana A. , Luévano-Castro Samuel C. , Crespo-Cortés Celia Nohemí , Stommel Elijah W. , Torres-Jardón Ricardo
Published: March 2022

Exposures to fine particulate matter PM2.5 are associated with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s (AD, PD) and TDP-43 pathology in young Metropolitan Mexico City (MMC) residents. High-resolution structural T1-weighted brain MRI and/or Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) data were examined in 302 volunteers age 32.7 ± 6.0 years old. We used multivariate linear regressions to examine cortical surface area and thickness, subcortical and cerebellar volumes and MoCA in ≤30 vs. ≥31 years old. MMC residents were exposed to PM2.5 ~ 30.9 µg/m3. Robust hemispheric differences in frontal and temporal lobes, caudate and cerebellar gray and white matter and strong associations between MoCA total and index scores and caudate bilateral volumes, frontotemporal and cerebellar volumetric changes were documented. MoCA LIS scores are affected early and low pollution controls ≥ 31 years old have higher MoCA vs. MMC counterparts (p ≤ 0.0001). Residency in MMC is associated with cognitive impairment and overlapping targeted patterns of brain atrophy described for AD, PD and Fronto-Temporal Dementia (FTD). MMC children and young adult longitudinal studies are urgently needed to define brain development impact, cognitive impairment and brain atrophy related to air pollution. Identification of early AD, PD and FTD biomarkers and reductions on PM2.5 emissions, including poorly regulated heavy-duty diesel vehicles, should be prioritized to protect 21.8 million highly exposed MMC urbanites.
Global DNA Methylation in Cord Blood as a Biomarker for Prenatal Lead and Antimony Exposures
Authors: Okamoto Yoshinori , Iwai-Shimada Miyuki , Nakai Kunihiko , Tatsuta Nozomi , Mori Yoko , Aoki Akira , Kojima Nakao , Takada Tatsuyuki , Satoh Hiroshi , Jinno Hideto
Published: March 2022

DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism for gene expression modulation and can be used as a predictor of future disease risks. A prospective birth cohort study was performed to clarify the effects of neurotoxicants on child development, namely, the Tohoku Study of Child Development, in Japan. This study aimed to evaluate the association of prenatal exposure to five toxic metals—arsenic, cadmium, mercury, lead (Pb), antimony (Sb), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs, N = 166)—with global DNA methylation in umbilical cord blood DNA. DNA methylation markers, 5-methyl-2′-deoxycytidine (mC) and 5-hydroxymethyl-2′-deoxycytidine (hmC), were determined using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The mC content in cord blood DNA was positively correlated with Pb and Sb levels (r = 0.435 and 0.288, respectively) but not with cord blood PCBs. We also observed significant positive correlations among Pb levels, maternal age, and hmC content (r = 0.155 and 0.243, respectively). The multiple regression analysis among the potential predictors demonstrated consistent positive associations between Pb and Sb levels and mC and hmC content. Our results suggest that global DNA methylation is a promising biomarker for prenatal exposure to Pb and Sb.
RR Lyrae Variables as Tracers of the Galactic Bulge Kinematic Structure
Authors: Kunder Andrea M.
Published: March 2022

RR Lyrae stars are recognized as some of the oldest stars in the Universe. In addition, they are some of the few old celestial objects for which distances can be reliably inferred. As such, these stars are excellent tracers of the oldest structures that exist in the inner Galaxy. Although the inner Galaxy is where the oldest structures in the Milky Way are thought to be hidden, it is also a region notoriously difficult to study due to high extinction and crowding. Here, I will summarize how RR Lyrae stars have been used to obtain a more complete picture of the inner Galaxy. In particular, recently, a large sample of RR Lyrae star motions through space have been obtained and compared to younger, more metal-rich stars in the bulge/bar. It is seen that the inner Galaxy RR Lyrae star kinematics are complicated by a mix of a variety of Galactic components. After isolating only those RR Lyrae stars that are confined to the bulge, a subsample of these stars have slower rotation and are less barred than the dominant bar/bulge. Curiously, there is no discernible metallicity [Fe/H] difference between these two subsamples. Old, metal-poor stars in the inner Galaxy need to be properly accounted for when discussing processes that gave rise to the formation of the inner Galaxy and the Galactic bar/bulge.
Equatorial and Polar Quasinormal Modes and Quasiperiodic Oscillations of Quantum Deformed Kerr Black Hole
Authors: Jusufi Kimet , Azreg-Aïnou Mustapha , Jamil Mubasher , Wu Qiang
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we focus on the relation between quasinormal modes (QNMs) and a rotating black hole shadow. As a specific example, we consider the quantum deformed Kerr black hole obtained via Newman–Janis–Azreg-Aïnou algorithm. In particular, using the geometric-optics correspondence between the parameters of a QNMs and the conserved quantities along geodesics, we show that, in the eikonal limit, the real part of QNMs is related to the Keplerian frequency for equatorial orbits. To this end, we explore the typical shadow radius for the viewing angles, θ0=π/2, and obtained an interesting relation in the case of viewing angle θ0=0 (or equivalently θ0=π). Furthermore we have computed the corresponding equatorial and polar modes and the thermodynamical stability of the quantum deformed Kerr black hole. We also investigate other astrophysical applications such as the quasiperiodic oscillations and the motion of S2 star to constrain the quantum deforming parameter.
Validation of the GSP®/DELFIA® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG Kit Using Dried Blood Samples for High-Throughput Serosurveillance and Standardized Quantitative Measurement of Anti-Spike S1 IgG Antibody Responses Post-Vaccination
Authors: Cicalini Ilaria , Del Boccio Piero , Zucchelli Mirco , Rossi Claudia , Natale Luca , Demattia Gianmaria , De Bellis Domenico , Damiani Verena , Tommolini Maria Lucia , Pizzinato Erika , Frisco Alberto , Verrocchio Sara , Bucci Ines , Stuppia Liborio , De Laurenzi Vincenzo , Pieragostino Damiana
Published: March 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a major global public health crisis. In response, researchers and pharmaceutical companies worked together for the rapid development of vaccines to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with viral infection. Monitoring host immunity following virus infection and/or vaccination is essential to guide vaccination intervention policy. Humoral immune response to vaccination can be assessed with serologic testing, and indeed, many serological immunoassays are now in use. However, these many different assays make the standardization of test results difficult. Moreover, most published serological tests require venous blood sampling, which makes testing large numbers of people complex and costly. Here, we validate the GSP®/DELFIA® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG kit using dried blood samples for high-throughput serosurveillance using standard quantitative measurements of anti-spike S1 IgG antibody concentrations. We then apply our validated assay to compare post-vaccination anti-SARS-CoV-2 S1 IgG levels from subjects who received a double dose of the AZD1222 vaccine with those vaccinated with a heterologous strategy, demonstrating how this assay is suitable for large-scale screening to achieve a clearer population immune picture.
Immunological Evaluation of Goats Immunized with a Commercial Vaccine against Johne’s Disease
Authors: Bannantine John P. , Stabel Judith R. , Kapur Vivek
Published: March 2022

Johne’s disease affects ruminants causing an economic burden to dairy, meat and wool industries. Vaccination against Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (Map), which causes Johne’s disease, is a primary intervention for disease control in livestock. Previously, a comprehensive, multi-institutional vaccine trial for Johne’s disease was conducted to test the efficacy of live attenuated Map strains. Here, we report the humoral and cell-mediated immune responses from kid goats enrolled in that trial. Both vaccinated and unvaccinated animals showed IFN-γ stimulation and proliferation of T cell subpopulations on challenge with Map. CD4+, CD25+ and γδ cells from cultured PBMCs in the vaccinated goats showed significantly greater proliferation responses on stimulation with Map antigens. The increase in CD44+ and decrease in CD62L+ cells suggest that vaccine administration reduced the inflammatory responses associated with Map infection. Overall, a stronger antibody response was observed in the infected goats as compared to vaccinated goats. Two independent experimental approaches were used to identify differences in the antibody responses of vaccinated and unvaccinated goats. The first approach involved screening a phage expression library with pooled serum from infected goats, identifying previously reported Map antigens, including MAP_1272c and MAP_1569. However, three specific antigens detected only by vaccinated goats were also identified in the library screens. A second approach using dot blot analysis identified two additional differentially reacting proteins in the vaccinated goats (MAP_4106 and MAP_4141). These immunological results, combined with the microbiological and pathological findings obtained previously, provide a more complete picture of Johne’s disease control in goats vaccinated against Map.
The Willingness of Elderly Taiwanese Individuals to Accept COVID-19 Vaccines after the First Local Outbreak
Authors: Huang Chia-Yu , Lin Ching-Chan , Hsieh Ching-Yun , Lin Chen-Yuan , Chen Tzu-Ting , Wu Pei-Ching , Liu Dung-Huan , Tou Sio-Ian , Yen Hung-Rong
Published: March 2022

Vaccination is the most effective intervention to prevent infection and subsequent complications from SARS-CoV-2. Because of their multiple comorbidities, the elderly population experienced the highest number of deaths from the COVID-19 pandemic. Although in most countries, older people have top priority for COVID-19 vaccines, their actual willingness and attitudes regarding vaccination are still unclear. Thus, we conducted a cross-sectional study to investigate their willingness, attitudes, awareness, and knowledge of COVID-19 through a web-based questionnaire after the first local outbreak of COVID-19 in Taiwan. A total of 957 questionnaires were completed, and 74.9% of elderly individuals were likely to receive COVID-19 vaccines. The results from a multiple logistic regression demonstrated that older people who need to visit the outpatient department and have a high level of concern about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines are prone to having a negative willingness to accept COVID-19 vaccines. The following items related to awareness of the COVID-19 pandemic were attributed to the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines: “understanding the risk of being infected by SARS-CoV-2”, “understanding the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines”, “willingness to accept the COVID-19 vaccine for protecting others”, and “safety of COVID-19 vaccines is a key factor for you to accept them”. Furthermore, a positive association between COVID-19 vaccination and attitudes toward accepting booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine was observed. Our results show that these factors could affect the willingness of older people to accept COVID-19 vaccines and that they are important for policymakers and medical staff to develop vaccination plans during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The economic crisis of 2020 against the background of rapidly developing technologies a new technological way of life. The new «face» and «behavior» of the crisis
Authors: Arefyev P. ..
Published: March 2022

The article analyzes the economic crisis of 2020 against the background of rapidly developing technologies of a new technological order. An overview of the economic problems and consequences of the pandemic in different countries, as well as the features of the crisis are outlined. Theoretical aspects of the cyclical nature of the economy and how it is related to the current situation are presented. The question of economic forecasting and the influence of the historical aspect is analyzed within the framework of economic theory. The situation in the Russian Federation, in which the pandemic is defined as a «challenge» for the Russian economy, is considered in detail, and a comparative analysis of the fight against the pandemic in Russia and in the West is carried out.
Public-private partnership as a promising direction of financing the construction of social facilities in the Kyrgyz Republic
Authors: Tuleberdiev A. ..
Published: March 2022

The construction of social facilities is one of the directions of the architectural and construction complex, which contributes to the solution of the most important state task - providing the population with high-quality social services. The article deals with the problems of implementing social infrastructure construction projects in the Kyrgyz Republic and the prospects for using the mechanism of public-private partnership in solving this problem on a mutually beneficial basis.
Theoretical aspects of financial performance accounting in commercial organizations
Authors: Golova E. .. , Gapon M. ..
Published: March 2022

Financial results have always been the most significant indicator of the activity of a commercial organization of any organizational and legal form and form of ownership, since it characterizes the result of the organization’s activities and the efficiency of using its resources. Currently, there are many scientific definitions of this concept, but, in our opinion, they do not fully disclose its essence from the point of view of reflection in accounting. The authors have formulated a definition of the concept of «financial results», which, unlike the existing ones, takes into account the need to disclose it not only as an indicator reflecting the level of profitability, but also as an indicator that should take into account the possibility of calculating the level of payback in the event of a loss.
Relevance of blockchain technologies in the organization of the treatment process under COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kozenko Yu. .. , Kozenko T. ..
Published: March 2022

Work in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic over the past year has had an impact on the formation of new requirements for the treatment process, its formation and management. Literally every day, it was necessary to make adjustments to the routing of patients, to monitor the quality of medical care and its drug and material support. In this connection, the need arose for the use of digital technologies in the management of the treatment process, starting from the primary care and further with the maximum coverage of all interested structures.
Huge reserves of the Russian economy and critically low economic growth in recent years. Assessment of the situation and new opportunities in the post-ovoid period
Authors: Arefyev P. ..
Published: March 2022

This article brings up the topic of economic growth and the huge reserves of the Russian economy. The material also examines the impact of the worldwide spread of coronavirus infection on the economy of our country and the welfare of citizens, on the economic results of Russia. The author studied the relationship between the reserves of our country and its economic growth, the country’s economic results are still highly dependent on the petrochemical processing industry, there is dependence on partner countries. The author identifies a strategy and action plan for leading Russia to stable economic growth, and the article also examines the economic problems of our country. The author analyzes the situation in the country during the COVID-19 pandemic, economic indicators have decreased in Russia, unemployment has increased and the level of GDP has decreased, but in comparison with other countries, Russia is coping with the crisis quite well against the background of the pandemic.
Macroeconomic efficiency of the integration of manufacturing industries in the GVCs
Authors: Arefyev P. ..
Published: March 2022

This article describes the essence of supply chain, importance of supply chains in the modern world, analyzes data on the impact of digital economy on the lives of citizens, the increasing importance of technology life business sector. Based on examples, the author considers the practical application of integration of manufacturing industries, as well as methods and methods for measuring efficiency.
Forenzik as a means of ensuringfinancial stability of the state
Authors: Kapriyan Yu. .. , Tolmacheva I. ..
Published: March 2022

The article substantiates the need for the development of the financial services market in the field of foresight, the relationship between the foresight and the financial stability of the flow of economic processes in society is noted. It is pointed out that in the conditions of the crisis, the number of economic crimes committed is increasing and the importance of the use of preventive measures is emphasized. Based on the generalization of the approaches of many researchers to the definition of the concept of "preventive", the authors formulate their original definition. The experience of providing the big four audit and consulting companies with the services of a forecaster is briefly described. Particular attention is paid to the results of the Global Review of Economic Crimes for 2018 and 2019 relative to large companies and continents, the Review of the state of Crime in the member States of the Commonwealth of Independent States in the first quarter of 2020, as well as the Report of Positive Technologies on cyber threats in 2020, which are analyzed and systematized by the authors in the context of the subject of this article.
Payment market reform: new opportunitiesfor non-bank payment service providers, brokers and management companies
Authors: Tropina J. ..
Published: March 2022

The article deals with topical issues of the development of the national payment market. The author, investigating the problems of the functioning of the market, analyzes the changes proposed by the Bank of Russia regarding the admission of non-financial and non-bank financial companies to conduct payment transactions and the introduction of the institute of non-bank payment service providers. The article gives an assessment of the possible result of the introduced innovations for the brokerage business and management companies.