bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Low Doses of L-Carnitine Tartrate and Lipid Multi-Particulate Formulated Creatine Monohydrate on Muscle Protein Synthesis in Myoblasts and Bioavailability in Humans and Rodents
Authors: Fielding Roger A. , Rivas Donato , Grosicki Gregory J. , Ezzyat Yassine , Ceglia Lisa , Price Lori Lyn , Orhan Cemal , Sahin Kazim , Fowler Kelli , White Tyler , Durkee Shane , Kritsch Katja , Bellamine Aouatef
Published: November 2021

The primary objective of this study was to investigate the potential synergy between low doses of L-carnitine tartrate and creatine monohydrate to induce muscle protein synthesis and anabolic pathway activation in primary human myoblasts. In addition, the effects of Lipid multi-particulates (LMP) formulation on creatine stability and bioavailability were assessed in rodents and healthy human subjects. When used individually, L-carnitine tartrate at 50 µM and creatine monohydrate at 0.5 µM did not affect myoblast protein synthesis and signaling. However, when combined, they led to a significant increase in protein synthesis. Increased AKT and RPS6 phosphorylation were observed with 50 µM L-carnitine tartrate 5 µM creatine in combination in primary human myoblasts. When Wistar rats were administered creatine with LMP formulation at either 21 or 51 mg/kg, bioavailability was increased by 27% based on the increase in the area under the curve (AUC) at a 51 mg/kg dose compared to without LMP formulation. Tmax and Cmax were unchanged. Finally, in human subjects, a combination of LMP formulated L-carnitine at 500 mg (from L-carnitine tartrate) with LMP formulated creatine at 100, 200, or 500 mg revealed a significant and dose-dependent increase in plasma creatine concentrations. Serum total L-carnitine levels rose in a similar manner in the three combinations. These results suggest that a combination of low doses of L-carnitine tartrate and creatine monohydrate may lead to a significant and synergistic enhancement of muscle protein synthesis and activation of anabolic signaling. In addition, the LMP formulation of creatine improved its bioavailability. L-carnitine at 500 mg and LMP-formulated creatine at 200 or 500 mg may be useful for future clinical trials to evaluate the effects on muscle protein synthesis.
Management of Dietary Habits and Diarrhea in Fap Individuals: A Mediterranean Low-Inflammatory Dietary Intervention
Authors: Maura Ciniselli Chiara , Eleonora Bruno , Andreina Oliverio , Ivan Baldassari , Marta Pastori , Stefano Signoroni , Marco Vitellaro , Teresa Ricci Maria , Massimo Milione , Laura Cattaneo , Manuela Gariboldi , Andrea Mancini , Licia Rivoltini , Daniele Morelli , Patrizia Pasanisi , Paolo Verderio
Published: November 2021

Background: A total colectomy and a frequent life-long endoscopic surveillance are guaranteed to patients with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) to reduce their risk of duodenal and rectal stump cancers. However, after surgery, individuals with FAP suffer from an increased number of diarrheal discharges that force them to dietary restrictions. A non-randomized pilot study was conducted to assess whether a three-month low-inflammatory Mediterranean dietary intervention reduces gastro-intestinal markers of inflammation in FAP individuals. The aim of the present work is to evaluate the participant’s adherence to the proposed dietary recommendations and the change in their number of diarrheal discharges. Methods: 26 FAP individuals aged >18 years, who underwent a total colectomy with ileo-rectal anastomosis and were involved in the surveillance program at the Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori of Milan, were included in the present analysis. Results: FAP individuals significantly reduced the Not recommended foods (p-value: 0.002) and increased the consumption of the Recommended ones (p-value: 0.075). The adherence to the proposed dietary recommendations was accompanied by a significant decrease in the number of diarrheal discharges (p-value: 0.008). Conclusions: This study suggests that adhering to a low-inflammatory Mediterranean diet has a potential protective effect on the number of diarrheal discharges in FAP individuals.
Nutrigenomic Effect of Hydroxytyrosol in Vascular Endothelial Cells: A Transcriptomic Profile Analysis
Authors: Carluccio Maria Annunziata , Martinelli Rosanna , Massaro Marika , Calabriso Nadia , Scoditti Egeria , Maffia Michele , Verri Tiziano , Gatta Valentina , De Caterina Raffaele
Published: November 2021

Hydroxytyrosol (HT), a peculiar olive and olive oil phenolic antioxidant, plays a significant role in the endothelial and cardiovascular protection associated with olive oil consumption. However, studies examining the effects of HT on the whole-genome expression of endothelial cells, which are prominent targets for vasculo-protective effects of olive oil polyphenols, have been lacking. This study aims to comprehensively evaluate the genomic effects exerted by HT, at the transcriptional level, in endothelial cells under resting or proinflammatory conditions. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with 10 µmol/L HT for 1 h and then stimulated with 5 ng/mL interleukin (IL)-1β for 3 h. Total RNA was extracted, and gene expression profile assessed with microarray analysis. Functional enrichment analysis and pathway analysis were performed by Ingenuity Pathways Analysis. Microarray data were validated by qRT-PCR. Fixing a significance threshold at 1.5-fold change, HT affected the expression of 708 and 599 genes, respectively, in HUVECs under resting and IL-1β-stimulated conditions; among these, 190 were common to both conditions. Unfolded protein response (UPR) and endoplasmic reticulum stress resulted from the two top canonical pathways common between HT and HT-IL-1β affected genes. IL-17F/A signaling was found in the top canonical pathways of HT modified genes under resting unstimulated conditions, whereas cardiac hypertrophy signaling was identified among the pathways affected by HT-IL-1β. The transcriptomic analysis allowed pinpointing immunological, inflammatory, proliferative, and metabolic-related pathways as the most affected by HT in endothelial cells. It also revealed previously unsuspected genes and related gene pathways affected by HT, thus broadening our knowledge of its biological properties. The unbiased identification of novel genes regulated by HT improves our understanding of mechanisms by which olive oil prevents or attenuates inflammatory diseases and identifies new genes to be enquired as potential contributors to the inter-individual variation in response to functional food consumption.
Novel Small Molecule Inhibitors That Prevent the Neuroparalysis of Tetanus Neurotoxin
Authors: Zanetti Giulia , Mattarei Andrea , Lista Florigio , Rossetto Ornella , Montecucco Cesare , Pirazzini Marco
Published: November 2021

Tetanus neurotoxin (TeNT) is a protein exotoxin produced by Clostridium tetani that causes the deadly spastic neuroparalysis of tetanus. It consists of a metalloprotease light chain and of a heavy chain linked via a disulphide bond. TeNT binds to the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) and it is retro-axonally transported into vesicular compartments to the spinal cord, where it is released and taken up by inhibitory interneuron. Therein, the catalytic subunit is translocated into the cytoplasm where it cleaves its target protein VAMP-1/2 with consequent blockage of the release of inhibitory neurotransmitters. Vaccination with formaldehyde inactivated TeNT prevents the disease, but tetanus is still present in countries where vaccination coverage is partial. Here, we show that small molecule inhibitors interfering with TeNT trafficking or with the reduction of the interchain disulphide bond block the activity of the toxin in neuronal cultures and attenuate tetanus symptoms in vivo. These findings are relevant for the development of therapeutics against tetanus based on the inhibition of toxin molecules that are being retro-transported to or are already within the spinal cord and are, thus, not accessible to anti-TeNT immunoglobulins.
The Potential Effect of Insulin on AChE and Its Interactions with Rivastigmine In Vitro
Authors: Jamshidnejad-Tosaramandani Tahereh , Kashanian Soheila , Babaei Mahsa , Al-Sabri Mohamed H. , Schiöth Helgi B.
Published: November 2021

There is no definite cure for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) due to its multifactorial origin. Drugs that inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE), such as rivastigmine, are promising symptomatic treatments for AD. Emerging evidence suggests that insulin therapy can hinder several aspects of AD pathology. Insulin has been shown to modify the activity of AChE, but it is still unknown how insulin and AChE interact. Combination therapy, which targets several features of the disease based on existing medications, can provide a worthy therapy option for AD management. However, to date, no studies have examined the potential interaction of insulin with AChE and/or rivastigmine in vitro. In the present study, we employed the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) as an in vitro assessment to investigate the effect of insulin on both AChE activity and rivastigmine inhibitory action using a common spectrophotometric assay for cholinesterase activity, Ellman’s method. Our results showed that insulin, even at high concentrations, has an insignificant effect on both the activity of AChE and rivastigmine’s inhibitory action. The variance of our data is near zero, which means that the dispersion is negligible. However, to improve our understanding of the possible interaction of insulin and rivastigmine, or its target AChE, more in silico modelling and in vivo studies are needed.
Combination of Nanomaterials in Cell-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Cancer Treatment
Authors: Tang Lu , He Shun , Yin Yue , Liu Hening , Hu Jingyi , Cheng Jie , Wang Wei
Published: November 2021

Cell-based drug delivery systems have shown tremendous advantages in cancer treatment due to their distinctive properties. For instance, delivery of therapeutics using tumor-tropic cells like neutrophils, lymphocytes and mesenchymal stem cells can achieve specific tumor targeting due to the “Trojan Horse” effect. Other circulatory cells like erythrocytes and platelets can greatly improve the circulation time of nanoparticles due to their innate long circulation property. Adipocytes, especially cancer-associated adipocytes, play key roles in tumor development and metabolism, therefore, adipocytes are regarded as promising bio-derived nanoplatforms for anticancer targeted drug delivery. Nanomaterials are important participants in cell-based drug delivery because of their unique physicochemical characteristics. Therefore, the integration of various nanomaterials with different cell types will endow the constructed delivery systems with many attractive properties due to the merits of both. In this review, a number of strategies based on nanomaterial-involved cell-mediated drug delivery systems for cancer treatment will be summarized. This review discusses how nanomaterials can be a benefit to cell-based therapies and how cell-derived carriers overcome the limitations of nanomaterials, which highlights recent advancements and specific biomedical applications based on nanomaterial-mediated, cell-based drug delivery systems.
Novel Multitarget Hydroxamic Acids with a Natural Origin CAP Group against Alzheimer’s Disease: Synthesis, Docking and Biological Evaluation
Authors: Neganova Margarita , Aleksandrova Yulia , Suslov Evgenii , Mozhaitsev Evgenii , Munkuev Aldar , Tsypyshev Dmitry , Chicheva Maria , Rogachev Artem , Sukocheva Olga , Volcho Konstantin , Klochkov Sergey
Published: November 2021

Hydroxamic acids are one of the most promising and actively studied classes of chemical compounds in medicinal chemistry. In this study, we describe the directed synthesis and effects of HDAC6 inhibitors. Fragments of adamantane and natural terpenes camphane and fenchane, combined with linkers of various nature with an amide group, were used as the CAP groups. Accordingly, 11 original target compounds were developed, synthesized, and exposed to in vitro and in vivo biological evaluations, including in silico methods. In silico studies showed that all synthesized compounds were drug-like and could penetrate through the blood–brain barrier. According to the in vitro testing, hydroxamic acids 15 and 25, which effectively inhibited HDAC6 and exhibited anti-aggregation properties against β-amyloid peptides, were chosen as the most promising substances to study their neuroprotective activities in vivo. All in vivo studies were performed using 5xFAD transgenic mice simulating Alzheimer’s disease. In these animals, the Novel Object Recognition and Morris Water Maze Test showed that the formation of hippocampus-dependent long-term episodic and spatial memory was deteriorated. Hydroxamic acid 15 restored normal memory functions to the level observed in control wild-type animals. Notably, this effect was precisely associated with the ability to restore lost cognitive functions, but not with the effect on motor and exploratory activities or on the level of anxiety in animals. Conclusively, hydroxamic acid 15 containing an adamantane fragment linked by an amide bond to a hydrocarbon linker is a possible potential multitarget agent against Alzheimer’s disease.
Systematic Study of the Effects of High Shear Granulation Parameters on Process Yield, Granule Size, and Shape by Dynamic Image Analysis
Authors: Macho Oliver , Gabrišová Ľudmila , Peciar Peter , Juriga Martin , Kubinec Róbert , Rajniak Pavol , Svačinová Petra , Vařilová Tereza , Šklubalová Zdenka
Published: November 2021

The aim of the work was to analyze the influence of process parameters of high shear granulation on the process yield and on the morphology of granules on the basis of dynamic image analysis. The amount of added granulation liquid had a significant effect on all monitored granulometric parameters and caused significant changes in the yield of the process. In regard of the shape, the most spherical granules with the smoothest surface were formed at a liquid to solid ratio of ≈1. The smallest granules were formed at an impeller speed of 700 rpm, but the granules formed at 500 rpm showed both the most desirable shape and the highest process yield. Variation in the shape factors relied not only on the process parameters, but also on the area equivalent diameter of the individual granules in the batch. A linear relationship was found between the amount of granulation liquid and the compressibility of the granules. Using response surface methodology, models for predicting the size of granules and process yield related to the amount of added liquid and the impeller speed were generated, on the basis of which the size of granules and yield can be determined with great accuracy.
Ceftriaxone Mediated Synthesized Gold Nanoparticles: A Nano-Therapeutic Tool to Target Bacterial Resistance
Authors: Alshammari Farhan , Alshammari Bushra , Moin Afrasim , Alamri Abdulwahab , Al Hagbani Turki , Alobaida Ahmed , Baker Abu , Khan Salman , Rizvi Syed Mohd Danish
Published: November 2021

Ceftriaxone has been a part of therapeutic regime for combating some of the most aggressive bacterial infections in the last few decades. However, increasing bacterial resistance towards ceftriaxone and other third generation cephalosporin antibiotics has raised serious clinical concerns especially due to their misuse in the COVID-19 era. Advancement in nanotechnology has converted nano-therapeutic vision into a plausible reality with better targeting and reduced drug consumption. Thus, in the present study, gold nanoparticles (GNPs) were synthesized by using ceftriaxone antibiotic that acts as a reducing as well as capping agent. Ceftriaxone-loaded GNPs (CGNPs) were initially characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, DLS, Zeta potential, Electron microscopy and FT-IR. However, a TEM micrograph showed a uniform size of 21 ± 1 nm for the synthesized CGNPs. Further, both (CGNPs) and pure ceftriaxone were examined for their efficacy against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella abony and Klebsiella pneumoniae. CGNPs showed MIC50 as 1.39, 1.6, 1.1 and 0.9 µg/mL against E. coli, S. aureus, S. abony and K. pneumoniae, respectively. Interestingly, CGNPs showed two times better efficacy when compared with pure ceftriaxone against the tested bacterial strains. Restoring the potential of unresponsive or less efficient ceftriaxone via gold nanoformulations is the most alluring concept of the whole study. Moreover, applicability of the findings from bench to bedside needs further validation.
miRNA Delivery by Nanosystems: State of the Art and Perspectives
Authors: Moraes Fernanda C. , Pichon Chantal , Letourneur Didier , Chaubet Frédéric
Published: November 2021

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short (~21–23 nucleotides), non-coding endogenous RNA molecules that modulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level via the endogenous RNA interference machinery of the cell. They have emerged as potential biopharmaceuticals candidates for the treatment of various diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. However, in order to advance miRNAs therapeutics into clinical settings, their delivery remains a major challenge. Different types of vectors have been investigated to allow the delivery of miRNA in the diseased tissue. In particular, non-viral delivery systems have shown important advantages such as versatility, low cost, easy fabrication and low immunogenicity. Here, we present a general overview of the main types of non-viral vectors developed for miRNA delivery, with their advantages, limitations and future perspectives.
The Use of Menthol in Skin Wound Healing—Anti-Inflammatory Potential, Antioxidant Defense System Stimulation and Increased Epithelialization
Authors: Rozza Ariane Leite , Beserra Fernando Pereira , Vieira Ana Júlia , Oliveira de Souza Eduardo , Hussni Carlos Alberto , Martinez Emanuel Ricardo Monteiro , Nóbrega Rafael Henrique , Pellizzon Cláudia Helena
Published: November 2021

Wound healing involves inflammatory, proliferative, and remodeling phases, in which various cells and chemical intermediates are involved. This study aimed to investigate the skin wound healing potential of menthol, as well as the mechanisms involved in its effect, after 3, 7, or 14 days of treatment, according to the phases of wound healing. Skin wound was performed in the back of Wistar rats, which were topically treated with vehicle cream; collagenase-based cream (1.2 U/g); or menthol-based cream at 0.25%, 0.5%, or 1.0% over 3, 7, or 14 days. Menthol cream at 0.5% accelerated the healing right from the inflammatory phase (3 days) by decreasing mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and Il-6. At the proliferative phase (7 days), menthol 0.5% increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes SOD, GR, and GPx, as well as the level of GSH, in addition to decreasing the levels of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β and augmenting mRNA expression for Ki-67, a marker of cellular proliferation. At the remodeling phase (14 days), levels of inflammatory cytokines were decreased, and the level of Il-10 and its mRNA expression were increased in the menthol 0.5% group. Menthol presented skin wound healing activity by modulating the antioxidant system of the cells and the inflammatory response, in addition to stimulating epithelialization.
Generation of Switchable Chirp Waveforms in the Photonic Domain with Immunity to Dispersion-Induced Power Fading
Authors: Huang Chaoqun , Ou Jun , Chi Hao
Published: November 2021

A novel photonic approach to generating switchable multi-format chirp waveforms using a dual-drive dual-parallel Mach–Zehnder modulator (DD-DPMZM) is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. By properly controlling the bias voltage on the DD-DPMZM, different chirp RF waveforms, including the dual-, down-, and up-chirp waveforms, can be obtained when an RF signal and a chirp RF signal are injected into the modulator. A main feature of this approach is that it can eliminate chromatic dispersion-induced RF power fading, which is highly desired in distributed multi-functional radars based on radio over fiber. There is no polarization control and optical filtering in the given scheme, which also improves the stability and feasibility of the approach. An experiment successfully demonstrated the generation and switching of the multi-format chirp waveforms and the capability of immunity to dispersion-induced power fading.
Optimization of Network Coding Resources Based on Improved Quantum Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Liu Tianyang , Sun Qiang , Zhou Huachun , Wei Qi
Published: November 2021

The problem of network coding resource optimization with a known topological structure is NP-hard. Traditional quantum genetic algorithms have the disadvantages of slow convergence and difficulty in finding the optimal solution when dealing with this problem. To overcome these disadvantages, this paper proposes an adaptive quantum genetic algorithm based on the cooperative mutation of gene number and fitness (GNF-QGA). This GNF-QGA adopts the rotation angle adaptive adjustment mechanism. To avoid excessive illegal individuals, an illegal solution adjustment mechanism is added to the GNF-QGA. A solid demonstration was provided that the proposed algorithm has a fast convergence speed and good optimization capability when solving network coding resource optimization problems.
Double Haploid Development and Assessment of Androgenic Competence of Balkan Pepper Core Collection in Bulgaria
Authors: Grozeva Stanislava , Pasev Gancho , Radeva-Ivanova Vesela , Todorova Velichka , Ivanova Valentina , Nankar Amol N.
Published: November 2021

This study was designed to assess the androgenic potential of 180 pepper accessions and 11 progenies (four F1 and seven BC) possessing PMMoV resistance in order to complement an ongoing pepper breeding program. The experiment was carried out in 10 replications with 20 anthers for each accession in two different induction mediums from 2017 to 2019. The highest androgenic response was observed in culture medium 17-2 but differences between two mediums were nonsignificant. From a total of 191 genotypes, 102 genotypes expressed a potential for direct embryogenesis. Embryo induction was seen to be genotype-dependent and decreased in the following order: Pumpkin > Conical > Bell or blocky > Round > Elongate as the most responsive genotypes with over 10% reacted anthers being observed in CAPS-23, CAPS-29, CAPS-127, CAPS-157, CAPS-169, F1 and BC 887 derived from CAPS-23. The number of regenerated plants was higher in the conical group and least in the round varietal group. Regenerated plants were examined visually and by flow cytometry for identification of spontaneous doubled haploids (DH) and haploids. Those originating from F1 and BC progenies were additionally evaluated by a CAPS marker targeting L4 allele for resistance against PMMoV. Obtained results revealed two groups consisting of homozygous susceptible and resistant plants. Therefore, use of anther culture in ongoing breeding will greatly facilitate the pepper genetic improvement.
Biomolecules with Antioxidant Capacity from the Seeds and Sprouts of 20 Varieties of Chenopodium quinoa Willd. (Quinoa)
Authors: Enciso-Roca Edwin Carlos , Aguilar-Felices Enrique Javier , Tinco-Jayo Johnny Aldo , Arroyo-Acevedo Jorge Luis , Herrera-Calderon Oscar
Published: November 2021

Quinoa has acquired a great interest due to its high content of nutrients and biomolecules that have nutritional and medicinal properties. The aim of this study was to compare the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoids (TF), and the antioxidant capacity of 20 varieties of seeds and sprouts of quinoa extract. Quinoa seeds were germinated for 72 h and dried in an oven at 45 °C. The extracts were obtained by dynamic extraction using methanol. Phytochemical analysis with liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS), TPC, TF, and the antioxidant capacity was carried out and compared between both extracts. The TPC was determined with Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, TF with AlCl3, and the antioxidant capacity was determined according to the DPPH and ABTS assays. Sprout extracts showed high values of TPC (31.28 ± 0.42 mg GAE/g; Pasankalla variety), TF (14.31 ± 0.50 mg EQ/g; black Coito variety), and antioxidant capacity (IC50 (DPPH): 12.69 ± 0.29 µg/mL and IC50 (ABTS): 3.51 ± 0.04 µg/mL; Pasankalla). The extracts of the Pasankalla variety revealed 93 and 90 phytochemical constituents in the seeds and sprouts, respectively, such as amino acids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, fatty acids, and triterpene saponins, among others. Quinoa sprouts showed a high content of TPC and TF, and high antioxidant capacity compared with seed extracts, especially the Pasankalla variety.
Legume-Based Mobile Green Manure Can Increase Soil Nitrogen Availability and Yield of Organic Greenhouse Tomatoes
Authors: Gatsios Anastasios , Ntatsi Georgia , Celi Luisella , Said-Pullicino Daniel , Tampakaki Anastasia , Savvas Dimitrios
Published: November 2021

Information about the availability of soil mineral nitrogen (N) in organic greenhouse tomatoes after the application of mobile green manure (MGM), and its impact on plant nutrient status and yield is scarce. Considering this knowledge gap, the effects of legume biomass from faba beans that are cultivated outdoors (FAB), or from feed-grade alfalfa pellets at two different doses (AAL = 330 g m−2; AAH = 660 g m−2) that were applied as MGM on the nutrition and yield of an organic greenhouse crop of tomatoes were evaluated. All of the MGM treatments increased the mineral N concentrations in the soil throughout the cropping period, and the total N concentration in tomato leaves when compared to the untreated control. FAB and AAH treatments had a stronger impact than AAL in all of the measured parameters. In addition, AAL, AAH, and FAB treatments increased the yield compared to the control by 19%, 33%, and 36%, respectively. The application of MGM, either as faba bean fresh biomass or as alfalfa dry pellets, in organic greenhouse tomatoes significantly increased the plant available soil N, improved N nutrition, and enhanced the fruit yield. However, the N mineralization rates after the MGM application were excessive during the initial cropping stages, followed by a marked decrease thereafter. This may impose an N deficiency during the late cropping period.
Fe, N-Doped Metal Organic Framework Prepared by the Calcination of Iron Chelated Polyimines as the Cathode-Catalyst of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Cheng Yu-Wei , Huang Wen-Yao , Ho Ko-Shan , Hsieh Tar-Hwa , Jheng Li-Cheng , Kuo Yang-Ming
Published: November 2021

Aromatic polyimine (PIM) was prepared through condensation polymerization between p-phenylene diamine and terephthalaldehyde via Schiff reactions. PIM can be physically crosslinked with ferrous ions into gel. The gel-composites, calcined at two consecutive stages, with temperatures ranging from 600 to 1000 °C, became Fe- and N-doped carbonaceous organic frameworks (FeNC), which demonstrated both graphene- and carbon nanotube-like morphologies and behaved as an electron-conducting medium. After the two-stage calcination, one at 1000 °C in N2 and the other at 900 °C in a mixture of N2 and NH3, an FeNC composite (FeNC-1000A900) was obtained, which demonstrated a significant O2 reduction peak in its current–voltage curve in the O2 atmosphere, and thus, qualified as a catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction. It also produced a higher reduction current than that of commercial Pt/C in a linear scanning voltage test, and the calculated e-transferred number reached 3.85. The max. power density reached 400 mW·cm−2 for the single cell using FeNC-1000A900 as the cathode catalyst, which was superior to other FeNC catalysts that were calcined at lower temperatures. The FeNC demonstrated only 10% loss of the reduction current at 1600 rpm after 1000 redox cycles, as compared to be 25% loss for the commercial Pt/C catalyst in the durability test.
Mechanical, Fracture, and Microstructural Assessment of Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Geopolymer Composites Containing Na2O
Authors: Rashedi Ahmad , Marzouki Riadh , Raza Ali , Rawi Nurul Fazita Mohammad , Naveen J.
Published: November 2021

For a sustainable environment, geopolymer (GPO) paste can be used in the construction industry instead of Portland cement. Nowadays, sustainable construction and high-efficacy composites are demanding. Therefore, in the present investigation, the mechanical and microstructural efficacy of carbon-fiber-reinforced fly ash-based GPO with different percentages of nano-sodium dioxide (NS) were studied. The investigated percentages of NS were 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%. For all the samples, the carbon fiber content was kept the same at 0.5% by weight. Different percentages of NS for all five fabricated GPO composite pastes were assessed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Various mechanical parameters of GPO—the compressive strength, toughness modulus, hardness, toughness indices, impact strength, fracture toughness, flexural strength, and elastic modulus—were evaluated. The results revealed that the use of 3% NS was the most effective for ameliorating the mechanical, microstructural, and fracture behavior of GPO. The use of 3% NS in carbon-fiber-reinforced GPO paste showed the maximum improvements of 22%, 46%, 30%, 40%, 14%, 38.4%, 50.2%, 31%, and 64% for the compressive strength, flexural strength, elastic modulus, toughness modulus, hardness, compressive stiffness, bending stiffness, fracture toughness, and impact strength, respectively. The SEM study showed that the inclusion of NS improved the microstructure and delivered a denser GPO paste by improving the interfacial zones and quickening the polymerization reaction.
Functionalization of Graphene Oxide with Polysilicone: Synthesis, Characterization, and Its Flame Retardancy in Epoxy Resin
Authors: Wang Jiangbo
Published: November 2021

A novel polysilicone flame retardant (PMDA) has been synthesized and covalently grafted onto the surfaces of graphene oxide (GO) to obtain GO-PMDA. The chemical structure and morphology of GO-PMDA was characterized and confirmed by the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS), atomic force microscope (AFM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results of dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) indicated that the grafting of PMDA improved the dispersion and solubility of GO sheets in the epoxy resin (EP) matrix. The TGA and cone calorimeter measurements showed that compared with the GO, GO-PMDA could significantly improve the thermal stability and flame retardancy of EP. In comparison to pure EP, the peak heat release rate (pHRR) and total heat release (THR) of EP/GO-PMDA were reduced by 30.5% and 10.0% respectively. This greatly enhanced the flame retardancy of EP which was mainly attributed to the synergistic effect of GO-PMDA. Polysilicone can create a stable silica layer on the char surface of EP, which reinforces the barrier effect of graphene.
Four-Dimensional Printing for Hydrogel: Theoretical Concept, 4D Materials, Shape-Morphing Way, and Future Perspectives
Authors: Imam Syed Sarim , Hussain Afzal , Altamimi Mohammad A. , Alshehri Sultan
Published: November 2021

The limitations and challenges possessed in static 3D materials necessitated a new era of 4D shape-morphing constructs for wide applications in diverse fields of science. Shape-morphing behavior of 3D constructs over time is 4D design. Four-dimensional printing technology overcomes the static nature of 3D, improves substantial mechanical strength, and instills versatility and clinical and nonclinical functionality under set environmental conditions (physiological and artificial). Four-dimensional printing of hydrogel-forming materials possesses remarkable properties compared to other printing techniques and has emerged as the most established technique for drug delivery, disease diagnosis, tissue engineering, and biomedical application using shape-morphing materials (natural, synthetic, semisynthetic, and functionalized) in response to single or multiple stimuli. In this article, we addressed a fundamental concept of 4D-printing evolution, 4D printing of hydrogel, shape-morphing way, classification, and future challenges. Moreover, the study compiled a comparative analysis of 4D techniques, 4D products, and mechanical perspectives for their functionality and shape-morphing dynamics. Eventually, despite several advantages of 4D technology over 3D technique in hydrogel fabrication, there are still various challenges to address with using current advanced and sophisticated technology for rapid, safe, biocompatible, and clinical transformation from small-scale laboratory (lab-to-bed translation) to commercial scale.
Multi-Rate Data Fusion for State and Parameter Estimation in (Bio-)Chemical Process Engineering
Authors: Dürr Robert , Duvigneau Stefanie , Seidel Carsten , Kienle Achim , Bück Andreas
Published: November 2021

For efficient operation, modern control approaches for biochemical process engineering require information on the states of the process such as temperature, humidity or chemical composition. Those measurement are gathered from a set of sensors which differ with respect to sampling rates and measurement quality. Furthermore, for biochemical processes in particular, analysis of physical samples is necessary, e.g., to infer cellular composition resulting in delayed information. As an alternative for the use of this delayed measurement for control, so-called soft-sensor approaches can be used to fuse delayed multirate measurements with the help of a mathematical process model and provide information on the current state of the process. In this manuscript we present a complete methodology based on cascaded unscented Kalman filters for state estimation from delayed and multi-rate measurements. The approach is demonstrated for two examples, an exothermic chemical reactor and a recently developed model for biopolymer production. The results indicate that the the current state of the systems can be accurately reconstructed and therefore represent a promising tool for further application in advanced model-based control not only of the considered processes but also of related processes.
Probabilistic Vulnerability Assessment of Transmission Lines Considering Cascading Failures
Authors: Liu Yanchen , Peng Minfang , Gao Xingle , Zhang Haiyan
Published: November 2021

The prevention of cascading failures and large-scale power outages of power grids by identifying weak links has become one of the key topics in power systems research. In this paper, a vulnerability radius index is proposed to identify the initial fault, and a fault chain model of cascading failure is developed with probabilistic attributes to identify the set of fault chains that have a significant impact on the safe and stable operation of power grids. On this basis, a method for evaluating the vulnerability of transmission lines based on a multi-criteria decision analysis is proposed, which can quickly identify critical transmission lines in the process of cascading failure. Finally, the proposed model and method for identifying vulnerable lines during the cascading failure process is demonstrated on the IEEE-118 bus system.
Identity, Ambiguity, and Professionalism: Dilemmas for the Diocesan Advisor in the Republic of Ireland
Authors: Sexton PJ , McCormack Catherine
Published: November 2021

A deficit in empirical studies regarding the role of the Diocesan Advisor at second-level schools in the Republic of Ireland prompted research in this area. The findings of a study carried out by the authors are outlined in this article. Perspectives of 19 Diocesan Advisors were gathered qualitatively. The concept of “visible” and “invisible” maps provided a framework. In Ireland, State inspection relies on visible mapping of inspection processes that are accessible to all stakeholders. The Diocesan Advisor, on behalf of the bishop, uses invisible maps, observing how the school is living out its Catholic remit and how religious education is carried out within the curriculum. The study identified that the role is under-resourced and lacks clarity, resulting in a widespread deficiency in the monitoring of Catholic schools’ identity and the non-examinable religious education currently on the curriculum. The study further revealed an uncertain future for the role of the Diocesan Advisor in a changing landscape. A discussion on the implications of the findings is included, and possible options for the role in the future are explored.
A Translation and Study of Chán Master Jìngxiū’s 淨修禪師 Preface to the Zǔtáng jí 祖堂集
Authors: Van Cutsem Laurent , Anderl Christoph
Published: November 2021

This paper examines Chán master Jìngxiū’s preface to the original Zǔtáng jí in one scroll, which was presented to him by Jìng and Yún at the Zhāoqìng monastery in Quánzhōu around the mid-tenth century. Building on a recent TEI-based edition, it offers an annotated translation and comprehensive analysis of the preface, with special attention to its structure, linguistic features, and issues of intertextuality. The essay focuses on elements of textual history, the possible incentives behind the compilation of the Zǔtáng jí, and Jìngxiū’s perception of the text. Most importantly, this study investigates in detail two idiomatic expressions used by Jìngxiū (i.e., “[cases of] shuǐhè easily arise”; “[the characters] wū and mǎ are difficult to distinguish”), showing their significance for understanding the preface. In addition, we demonstrate that further research is needed to support the hypothesis according to which the original Zǔtáng jí would correspond to the first two fascicles of the received Goryeo edition of 1245. Eventually, this article serves as the first part of a research summary on the textual history of the Zǔtáng jí aimed at facilitating further studies on this highly important Chán text.
Research and Analysis of Ecological Environment Quality in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River Basin between 2000 and 2019
Authors: Zhang Shengqing , Yang Peng , Xia Jun , Qi Kunlun , Wang Wenyu , Cai Wei , Chen Nengcheng
Published: November 2021

Ecological environment quality is a long-term continuous concept that is affected by various environmental factors. Its assessment has important implications for implementing the planning and protection of dynamic regional ecosystems. Therefore, this study attempted to obtain these indicators (green, dry, wet, heat) through the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform, and then coupled the ecological environment quality index in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River Basin (MYRB) between 2000 and 2019, based on the remote sensing ecological index (RSEI). The major results show that: (1) changes in the four indicators in summer were more obvious than those in winter, and the changes were concentrated in the central and northern regions of the MYRB; (2) both the modified normalized difference water index (MNDWI) and normalized differential build-up and bare soil index (NDBI) in summer and winter have higher weighting ratios, implying that water body changes and human activities had a greater impact on the ecological environment; and (3) ecological environment quality in the MYRB between 2000 and 2019 was relatively flat. The ecological conditions began to deteriorate in 2008, and substantial ecological degradation was noted in some areas between 2008 and 2019 (18.7% in the central region, 16.0% in the eastern region). The MYRB has an important position in the Yangtze River economic belt and is an important part of the Yangtze River protection. This research could provide a theoretical basis and decision support for the development and protection of the Yangtze River Basin (YRB) green economy.
Spatiotemporal Monitoring of a Grassland Ecosystem and Its Net Primary Production Using Google Earth Engine: A Case Study of Inner Mongolia from 2000 to 2020
Authors: Ji Renjie , Tan Kun , Wang Xue , Pan Chen , Xin Liang
Published: November 2021

Grassland ecosystems are a significant part of the global ecosystem and support the livelihoods of millions of people. The Inner Mongolia grassland is the largest temperate grassland in the world, and an important ecological barrier for China, but due to human activities and climate change it has been faced with an ecological crisis in recent years. In this study, a modified Carnegie-Ames-Stanford approach (CASA) model based on the Google Earth Engine platform was used to determine the net primary production (NPP) in the Inner Mongolia grassland from 2000 to 2020. The results show that the average annual NPP of the Inner Mongolia grassland is 278.63 g C/m2, and 83.22% of the total area has shown an increasing trend during the study period. We also analyzed the impact of land-use/cover change (LUCC) and climatic factors on NPP. We found that: (1) the total area of grassland increased from 2000 to 2010 and then decreased from 2010 to 2020. During the whole study period, although the grassland area increased slightly by 4728.69 km2 because of LUCC, the overall effect of LUCC on grassland NPP was negative, with a loss of 17.63 Tg C compared to an increase of 16.38 Tg C. (2) The main meteorological factor affecting the NPP of the Inner Mongolia grassland is precipitation, followed by sunshine duration and temperature. About 97.06% of the grassland shows a positive correlation between NPP and precipitation. (3) The results for NPP and its changing trends are not completely consistent in the long- and short-term study periods. Considering the instability of grassland growth, it is necessary to take the periodic variation of precipitation into account when studying NPP. These results could provide basic information for policy formulation and scientific research into the ecological environment management of grassland areas in the future.
Vector Fuzzy c-Spherical Shells (VFCSS) over Non-Crisp Numbers for Satellite Imaging
Authors: Abaspur Kazerouni Iman , Mahdipour Hadi , Dooly Gerard , Toal Daniel
Published: November 2021

The conventional fuzzy c-spherical shells (FCSS) clustering model is extended to cluster shells involving non-crisp numbers, in this paper. This is achieved by a vectorized representation of distance, between two non-crisp numbers like the crisp numbers case. Using the proposed clustering method, named vector fuzzy c-spherical shells (VFCSS), all crisp and non-crisp numbers can be clustered by the FCSS algorithm in a unique structure. Therefore, we can implement FCSS clustering over various types of numbers in a unique structure with only a few alterations in the details used in implementing each case. The relations of VFCSS applied to crisp and non-crisp (containing symbolic-interval, LR-type, TFN-type and TAN-type fuzzy) numbers are presented in this paper. Finally, simulation results are reported for VFCSS applied to synthetic LR-type fuzzy numbers; where the application of the proposed method in real life and in geomorphology science is illustrated by extracting the radii of circular agricultural fields using remotely sensed images and the results show better performance and lower cost computational complexity of the proposed method in comparison to conventional FCSS.
Estimation of Boreal Forest Growing Stock Volume in Russia from Sentinel-2 MSI and Land Cover Classification
Authors: Rees W. Gareth , Tomaney Jack , Tutubalina Olga , Zharko Vasily , Bartalev Sergey
Published: November 2021

Growing stock volume (GSV) is a fundamental parameter of forests, closely related to the above-ground biomass and hence to carbon storage. Estimation of GSV at regional to global scales depends on the use of satellite remote sensing data, although accuracies are generally lower over the sparse boreal forest. This is especially true of boreal forest in Russia, for which knowledge of GSV is currently poor despite its global importance. Here we develop a new empirical method in which the primary remote sensing data source is a single summer Sentinel-2 MSI image, augmented by land-cover classification based on the same MSI image trained using MODIS-derived data. In our work the method is calibrated and validated using an extensive set of field measurements from two contrasting regions of the Russian arctic. Results show that GSV can be estimated with an RMS uncertainty of approximately 35–55%, comparable to other spaceborne estimates of low-GSV forest areas, with 70% spatial correspondence between our GSV maps and existing products derived from MODIS data. Our empirical approach requires somewhat laborious data collection when used for upscaling from field data, but could also be used to downscale global data.
Spatiotemporal Characterization of the Urban Expansion Patterns in the Yangtze River Delta Region
Authors: Yu Ziqi , Chen Longqian , Li Long , Zhang Ting , Yuan Lina , Liu Ruiyang , Wang Zhiqiang , Zang Jinyu , Shi Shuai
Published: November 2021

Characterizing urban expansion patterns is of great significance to planning and decision-making for urban agglomeration development. This study examined the urban expansion in the entire Yangtze River Delta Region (YRDR) with its land-use data of six years (1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2018). On the basis of traditional methods, we comprehensively considered the four aspects of urban agglomeration: expansion speed, expansion difference, expansion direction, and landscape pattern, as well as the interconnection of and difference in the expansion process between each city. The spatiotemporal heterogeneity of urban expansion development in this region was investigated by using the speed and differentiation indices of urban expansion, gravity center migration, landscape indices, and spatial autocorrelations. The results show that: (1) over the 23 years, the expansion of built-up land in the Yangtze River Delta Region was significant, (2) the rapidly expanding cities were mainly located along the Yangtze River and coastal areas, while the slowly expanding cities were mainly located in the inland areas, (3) the expansion direction of each city varied and the gravity center of the urban agglomeration moved toward the southwest, and (4) the spatial structure of the region became more clustered, the shape of built-up land turned simpler, and fragmentation decreased. This study unravels the spatiotemporal change of urban expansion patterns in this large urban agglomeration, and more importantly, can serve as a guide for formulating urban agglomeration development plans.