bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revealing Archaeological Sites under Mediterranean Forest Canopy Using LiDAR: El Viandar Castle (husum) in El Hoyo (Belmez-Córdoba, Spain)
Authors: Monterroso-Checa Antonio , Moreno-Escribano Juan Carlos , Gasparini Massimo , Conejo-Moreno José Alejandro , Domínguez-Jiménez José Luis
Published: August 2021

Light detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology is a valuable tool for archaeological prospection in areas covered by dense vegetation. Its capacity to penetrate dense forest environments enables it to detect archaeological remains scattered over orographically complex areas. LiDAR-derived digital terrain models (DTMs) have made an exceptional contribution towards identifying topographic landscapes of archaeological interest. In this study, we focus on an area of intense historic settlement from the Chalcolithic to the Middle Ages, which today is completely covered by Mediterranean forest. Due to the dense canopy, and the fact that it is a protected area on private land, it has never been analyzed. To reveal the settlement, we primarily used a series of LiDAR mapping surveys to gather data and analyzed other open access remote sensing resources from the National Geographic Institute of Spain (IGN). The IGN LiDAR data proved to be of particular interest. These resources enabled us to detect an ancient fortress (El Viandar Castle) and its surrounding settlement. LiDAR, in conjunction with other products, was fundamental in identifying the site. Equally, the mapping surveys enabled us to analyze the limits and scope of the IGN airborne LiDAR and other free access remote sensing products. Our background in this research demonstrates that low-cost products applied to LiDAR research in archaeology have major limitations when it is necessary to have a high level of spatial resolution in order to define the layout and the main components of an archaeological site.
Sustainability Assessment Methodologies: Implications and Challenges for SIDS
Authors: St Flour Pierre Olivier , Bokhoree Chandradeo
Published: August 2021

Over the past years, an increasing number of initiatives was considered to address emerging global sustainability issues. Sustainability assessment tools were the most commonly applied methodologies towards measuring sustainability performance. There are a number of assessment tools and techniques for sustainable development. This article aims at identifying the various sustainability assessment tools at country level taking into consideration the integration of environmental, economic, and social dimensions. The target of this paper is to compare the various sustainability measurement techniques and their characteristics using evaluation criteria. The outcome of this analysis is used to direct and clarify researchers and practitioners on sustainability assessment at country level, more specifically in developing countries. The focus of the paper rests on the Brundtland Report definition of sustainable development. The work was carried out using a bibliometric analysis approach based on Web of Science platform from the period 2000 to 2020. There was tremendous works which were conducted on sustainability assessment during the last two decades. The comparative analyses show the research gap among the various tools with respect to the criteria they satisfied. The research discussion suggests that a sustainability assessment framework for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) is identified as a future research direction.
Online Predictive Maintenance Monitoring Adopting Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Gianoglio Christian , Ragusa Edoardo , Gastaldo Paolo , Gallesi Federico , Guastavino Francesco
Published: August 2021

Thermal, electrical and mechanical stresses age the electrical insulation systems of high voltage (HV) apparatuses until the breakdown. The monitoring of the partial discharges (PDs) effectively assesses the insulation condition. PDs are both the symptoms and the causes of insulation aging and—in the long term—can lead to a breakdown, with a burdensome economic loss. This paper proposes the convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to investigate and analyze the aging process of enameled wires, thus predicting the life status of the insulation systems. The CNNs training does not require any kind of assumption of how the factors (e.g., voltage, frequency and temperature) contribute to the life model. The experiments confirm that the proposal obtains better estimations of the life status of twisted pair specimens concerning existing solutions, which are based on strong hypotheses about the life model dependency on the factors.
Wake Width: Discussion of Several Methods How to Estimate It by Using Measured Experimental Data
Authors: Duda Daniel , Uruba Václav , Yanovych Vitalii
Published: August 2021

Several methods of defining and estimating the width of a turbulent wake are presented and tested on the experimental data obtained in the wake past an asymmetric prismatic airfoil NACA 64(3)-618, which is often used as tip profile of the wind turbines. Instantaneous velocities are measured by using the Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) technique. All suggested methods of wake width estimation are based on the statistics of a stream-wise velocity component. First, the expansion of boundary layer (BL) thickness is tested, showing that both displacement BL thickness and momentum BL thickness do not represent the width of the wake. The equivalent of 99% BL thickness is used in the literature, but with different threshold value. It is shown that a lower threshold of 50% gives more stable results. The ensemble average velocity profile is fitted by Gauss function and its σ-parameter is used as another definition of wake width. The profiles of stream-wise velocity standard deviation display a two-peak shape; the distance of those peaks serves as wake width for Norberg, while another tested option is to include the widths of such peaks. Skewness (the third statistical moment) of stream-wise velocity displays a pair of sharp peaks in the wake boundary, but their position is heavily affected by the statistical quality of the data. Flatness (the fourth statistical moment) of the stream-wise velocity refers to the occurrence of rare events, and therefore the distance, where turbulent events ejected from the wake become rare and can be considered as another definition of wake width. The repeatability of the mentioned methods and their sensitivity to Reynolds’ number and model quality are discussed as well.
Development and Validation of Air-to-Water Heat Pump Model for Greenhouse Heating
Authors: Rasheed Adnan , Na Wook Ho , Lee Jong Won , Kim Hyeon Tae , Lee Hyun Woo
Published: August 2021

This study proposes a building energy simulation (BES) model of an air-to-water heat pump (AWHP) system integrated with a multi-span greenhouse using the TRNSYS-18 program. The proposed BES model was validated using an experimental AWHP and a multi-span greenhouse installed in Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea (latitude 35.53° N, longitude 128.36° E, elevation 48 m). Three AWHPs and a water storage tank were used to fulfill the heat energy requirement of the three-span greenhouse with 391.6 m2 of floor area. The model was validated by comparing the following experimental and simulated results, namely, the internal greenhouse temperature, the heating load of the greenhouse, heat supply from the water storage tank to the greenhouse, heat pumps’ output water temperature, power used by the heat pumps, coefficient of performance (COP) of the heat pump, and water storage tank temperature. The BES model’s performance was evaluated by calculating the root mean square error (RMSE) and the Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) coefficient of validation results. The overall results correlated well with the experimental and simulated results and encouraged adopting the BES model. The average calculated COP of the AWHP was 2.2 when the outside temperature was as low as −13 °C. The proposed model was designed simply, and detailed information of each step is provided to make it easy to use for engineers, researchers, and consultants.
An Insight to the Degradation Behaviour of the Parallel Connected Lithium-Ion Battery Cells
Authors: Al-Amin Mohammad , Barai Anup , Ashwin T.R. , Marco James
Published: August 2021

In an electric vehicle, a large number of lithium-ion cells are connected in parallel. While cells in parallel increase the reliability of the battery pack, it increases the probability of current imbalance between the parallel branches, thus ageing gradient. The current peak in a cell also can exceed the maximum charge current capability of the cell; leading to lithium plating, therefore a safety issue. The temperature gradient within a battery pack amplifies this issue. This work reports the impact of such temperature gradient on current imbalance within parallel connected cells, their long-term impact on degradation and evaluation of current distribution with degradation. Employing a real-world relevant experimental setup, a total of 1400 cycles were performed on a module with four cells in parallel. A temperature gradient of 10 °C was introduced among the cells, and current in individual parallel branches was measured employing Hall-effect sensors. Over the course of the experiment, module capacity decreased by 23.6%. Cells at higher temperature/lower exposure to active cooling experienced higher degradation. However, the cell with the lowest starting capacity, although exposed to nominal module temperature and cooling experienced the highest current amplitude towards the end of discharge/charge and thus the highest resistance degradation. It was found that current in an individual parallel branch was exceeding the maximum rated charge/discharge current by 53%.
Shaping the Safety Culture of High Reliability Organizations through Digital Transformation
Authors: Jabłoński Marek , Jabłoński Adam
Published: August 2021

The aim of the article is to present key mechanisms for shaping the safety culture of high reliability organizations through digital transformation, which is now a key challenge for the entire global economy. It is particularly important in processes conducted by so-called high reliability organizations. From this cognitive perspective, it is important to define the place and role of digital transformation in shaping the safety culture of high reliability organizations. The comparison of the issues of the safety culture and digital transformation of high reliability organizations seems to be an important cognitive aspect resulting from technological progress in the area of the digital economy. The socio-technological system in which high reliability organizations exist is organized in such a way that all technical, operational and organizational aspects, including the participation of many entities involved in the operation of this complex system, are coherent. This coherence can be influenced by the digital transformation solutions that are implemented and used. The article used the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and Vester methods, which were used for research by railway undertakings operating on the Polish railway market, to solve the scientific problem. A ranking of specific issues responsible for building safety culture and the identification of factors that are important for the effectiveness of the process of shaping the expected safety culture was created.
Pilot-Scale Experiences on a Plasma Ignition System for Pulverized Fuels
Authors: Youssefi Reyhane , Maier Jörg , Scheffknecht Günter
Published: August 2021

The need for flexible power generation is growing worldwide as the energy transition is altering the operational regimes of thermal power plants. Plasma ignition systems, as an alternative technology to the conventional start-up method with natural gas or oil firing, offer a cost- and energy-efficient start-up process in pulverized fuel power stations. The application of plasma ignition systems for cold start-ups using different qualities of pre-dried lignite is investigated in a pilot-scale combustion facility. A plasma integrated swirl burner is developed and validated using highly ignitable lignite dust. Eight pre-dried lignite qualities with a moisture content of up to 30% and a broad particle size distribution are investigated for this application to determine the applicability and limitations of the plasma ignition system with regard to the fuel quality. The performance of lignites for cold start-up in the plasma ignition system are categorized based on their ignition and combustion performance. All lignite qualities were ignited under the cold-start-up condition with a plasma power of 4 kW to 7 kW. Lignite qualities with a moisture content of up to 20% and a median particle size of below 450 μm form a self-sustained flame with short-time plasma-supported combustion, while flame blow-out is observed for lignites with lower qualities.
Microplastic and Organic Fibres in Feeding, Growth and Mortality of Gammarus pulex
Authors: Yardy Lewis , Callaghan Amanda
Published: August 2021

Microplastic fibres (MPFs) are a major source of microplastic pollution, most are released during domestic washing of synthetic clothing. Organic microfibres (OMF) are also released into the environment by the same means, with cotton and wool being the most common in the UK. There is little empirical evidence to demonstrate that plastic fibres are more harmful than organic fibres if ingested by freshwater animals such as Gammarus pulex. Using our method of feeding Gammarus MPFs embedded in algal wafers, we compared the ingestion, feeding behaviour and growth of Gammarus exposed to 70 µm sheep wool, 20 µm cotton, 30 µm acrylic wool, and 50 µm or 100 µm human hair, and 30 µm cat hair at a concentration of 3% fibre by mass. Gammarus would not ingest wafers containing human hair, or sheep wool fibres. Given the choice between control wafers and those contaminated with MPF, cat hair or cotton, Gammarus spent less time feeding on MPF but there was no difference in the time spent feeding on OMFs compared to the control. Given a choice between contaminated wafers, Gammarus preferred the OMF to the MPF. There were no significant differences in growth or mortality among any of the treatments. These results conclude that MPFs are less likely to be ingested by Gammarus if alternative food is available and are not more harmful than OMFs.
Forest Management of Pinus pinaster Ait. in Unbalanced Forest Structures Arising from Disturbances—A Framework Proposal of Decision Support Systems (DSS)
Authors: Costa Paulo , Cerveira Adelaide , Kašpar Jan , Marušák Robert , Fonseca Teresa Fidalgo
Published: August 2021

Forests assume a great socioeconomic and environmental importance, requiring good management decisions to value and care for these natural resources. In Portugal, forest land use accounts for 34.5% of the continental area. The softwood species with the highest representation is maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.). Traditionally, the species is managed as pure and even-aged stands for timber production, with a rotation age of 45 to 50 years. Depending on the initial stand density, the stands are thinned 2 to 4 times during the rotation period. Disturbances associated with forest fires have a negative impact on the age structure of stands over time, as they result in a narrow range of stand ages. This age homogenization over large forest areas increases with the recurrence and size of forest fires, bringing new challenges to forest management, namely the difficulty in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the wood supply. The problem aggravates with the increasing demand pressure on pine wood. This article aims to suggest a framework of DSS for Pinus pinaster that can effectively support the management of forest areas under these circumstances, i.e., narrow age ranges and high demand of harvested timber volume. A communal woodland area in the Northern region of Portugal affected by forest fires was selected as a study case. The Modispinaster model was used as the basis of the DSS, to simulate growth scenarios and interventions along the optional rotation period. Two clear-cut ages were considered: 25 and 40 years. The results obtained were the input data for an integer linear programming (ILP) model to obtain the plan that maximizes the volume of timber harvested in the study area, during the planning horizon. The ILP model has constraints bounding the area of clearings, and sustainability, operational and forestry restrictions. The computational results are a powerful tool for guidance in the decision-making of scheduling and forecasting the execution of interventions determining the set of stands that are exploited according to the different scenarios and the period in which the clear-cut is made throughout the planning horizon. Considering all constraints, the solution allows a balanced extraction of a total of 685 m3·ha−1, over the 50-year horizon, as well as the representation of all age classes at the end of the planning period.
Heterogeneous A40926 Self-Resistance Profile in Nonomuraea gerenzanensis Population Informs Strain Improvement
Authors: Binda Elisa , Berini Francesca , Marinelli Flavia , Bava Adriana , Beltrametti Fabrizio
Published: August 2021

Nonomuraea gerenzanensis ATCC 39727 produces the glycopeptide antibiotic A40926, which is the natural precursor of the semi-synthetic, last-resort drug dalbavancin. To reduce the cost of dalbavancin production, it is mandatory to improve the productivity of the producing strain. Here, we report that the exposure of N. gerenzanensis wild-type population to sub-inhibitory concentrations of A40926 led to the isolation of differently resistant phenotypes to which a diverse A40926 productivity was associated. The most resistant population (G, grand colonies) represented at least the 20% of the colonies growing on 2 µg/mL of A40926. It showed a stable phenotype after sub-culturing and a homogeneous profile of self-resistance to A40926 in population analysis profile (PAP) experiments. The less resistant population (P, petit) was represented by slow-growing colonies to which a lower A40926 productivity was associated. At bioreactor scale, the G variant produced twice more than the wild-type (ca. 400 mg/L A40926 versus less than 200 mg/L, respectively), paving the way for a rational strain improvement based on the selection of increasingly self-resistant colonies.
Oenological Processes and Product Qualities in the Elaboration of Sparkling Wines Determine the Biogenic Amine Content
Authors: Mir-Cerdà Aina , Izquierdo-Llopart Anaïs , Saurina Javier , Sentellas Sonia
Published: August 2021

The biogenic amine (BA) content in wines is dependent on the fermentation processes and other oenological practices, as well as on grape quality. These compounds can participate in different cellular functions in humans; however, the intake of high amounts can provoke some toxicological effects. For that reason, controlling the evolution of biogenic amines in wine production processes is of extreme importance. This work aims to assess the occurrence of biogenic amines in sparkling wines and related samples, including musts, base wines, stabilized wines, and three-month and seven-month aged sparkling wines obtained from Pinot Noir and Xarel lo grape varieties. The determination of BA content relies on liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC–FLD) with precolumn derivatization of analytes with dansyl chloride. The analysis has shown that putrescine is the most abundant amine in these types of samples. Ethanolamine, tyramine, spermine, and histamine concentrations are also remarkable. Principal component analysis has been applied to try to extract featured information concerning overall patterns dealing with wine production steps and qualities. Interesting conclusions have been drawn on BA formation depending on different factors. BA concentrations are quite low in must but rise, especially after the first alcoholic fermentation. Moreover, BA levels are much lower in the range of products elaborated with grapes of the best qualities while they significantly increase when using grapes of lower qualities. The results obtained pointed out the analytical potential of using BAs to control the quality of wine and its production processes, thus providing valuable information for both wineries and consumers.
Cryobank of Mediterranean Brown Trout Semen: Evaluation of the Use of Frozen Semen up to Six Hours Post-Collection
Authors: Rusco Giusy , Di Iorio Michele , Iampietro Roberta , Roncarati Alessandra , Esposito Stefano , Iaffaldano Nicolaia
Published: August 2021

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different cold-storage time intervals between collection and semen-freezing on both fresh and cryopreserved semen motility parameters and the post-thaw fertilizing ability of Mediterranean brown trout semen. The ejaculates were split into six aliquots and stored on ice from 1 to 6 h, until freezing. Fresh and post-thaw sperm motility was evaluated by a Computer-Assisted Sperm Analysis system, whilst the fertilizing ability was assessed by in vivo trials. In fresh semen, at 3 h of storage, a significant decrease of total motility, linear movement (STR, LIN) and beat cross frequency (BCF) was recorded, whilst the amplitude of lateral displacement of the spermatozoon head (ALH) underwent a significant increase. In frozen semen, no significant difference was observed for all the motility parameters evaluated, except for the total motility between 1 and 6 h of storage and the duration of sperm movement between 1 and 5 h. Cold-storage time did not significantly affect the percentage of live embryos following the use of frozen semen. In conclusion, our results showed that, if necessary, the Mediterranean brown trout semen can be frozen even until 6 h post-collection without losing its fertilizing ability.
The Eulerian–Lagrangian Approach for the Numerical Investigation of an Acoustic Field Generated by a High-Speed Gas-Droplet Flow
Authors: Melnikova Valeriia G. , Epikhin Andrey S. , Kraposhin Matvey V.
Published: August 2021

This paper presents the Eulerian–Lagrangian approach for numerical modeling of high-speed gas-droplet flows and aeroacoustics. The proposed hybrid approach is implemented using the OpenFOAM library and two different methods. The first method is based on a hybrid convective terms approximation method employing a Kurganov–Tadmor and PIMPLE scheme. The second method employs the regularized or quasi-gas dynamic equations. The Lagrangian part of the flow description uses the OpenFOAM cloud model. Within this model, the injected droplets are simulated as packages (parcels) of particles with constant mass and diameter within each parcel. According to this model, parcels moving in the gas flow could undergo deceleration, heating, evaporation, and breakup due to hydrodynamic instabilities. The far-field acoustic noise is predicted using Ffowcs Williams and Hawking’s analogy. The Lagrangian model is verified using the cases with droplet evaporation and motion. Numerical investigation of water microjet injection into the hot ideally expanded jet allowed studying acoustic properties and flow structures, which emerged due to the interaction of gas and liquid. Simulation results showed that water injection with a mass flow rate equal to 13% of the gas jet mass flow rate reduced the noise by approximately 2 dB. This result was in good coincidence with the experimental observations, where maximum noise reduction was about 1.6 dB.
Evaluation of PhageDX Salmonella Assay for Salmonella Detection in Hydroponic Curly Lettuce
Authors: de Aquino Nathanyelle Soraya Martins , Elias Susana de Oliveira , Tondo Eduardo Cesar
Published: August 2021

Lettuce is one of the most consumed leafy vegetables worldwide and has been involved in multiple foodborne outbreaks. Salmonella is one of the most prevalent etiological agents of foodborne disease (FBD) in lettuces, and its detection may take several days depending on the chosen method. This study evaluates a new rapid method that uses recombinant bacteriophages to detect Salmonella in hydroponic curly lettuce. First, the ability of the assay to detect six Salmonella serovars at three different concentrations (1, 10, and 100 CFU/well) was tested. Second, the detection of Salmonella was tested in lettuces using a cocktail of the same Salmonella serovars and concentrations after a 7 h enrichment. The results of these experiments showed that the detection limit was dependent on the serovar tested. Most serovars were detected in only 2 h when the concentration was 100 CFU/well. Salmonella was detected in 9 h (7 h enrichment + 2 h bioluminescence assay) in all lettuce samples with 10 CFU/25 g or more. Salmonella detection was not influenced by natural microbiota of lettuces. This study demonstrated that the phage assay was sensitive and faster than other detection methods, indicating that it is a better alternative for Salmonella detection on lettuces.
Changes in Properties of Soy Protein Isolate Edible Films Stored at Different Temperatures: Studies on Water and Glycerol Migration
Authors: Zhang Hong , Wang Lechuan , Li Hanyu , Chi Yujie , Zhang Huajiang , Xia Ning , Ma Yanqiu , Jiang Longwei , Zhang Xiaonan
Published: August 2021

Plasticizers and the water migration of edible protein films during storage can result in changes in film properties, while specific changing processes need to be further explored. In this study, glycerol-plasticized soy protein isolate (SPI) films were stored at 25 °C, 4 °C, and −18 °C for 6 weeks (relative humidity (RH), 40–50%). The glycerol migration was monitored by the glycerol migration rate and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Water content, low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to analyze the water state. The results showed that significant pores and cracks were observed after storage at 25 °C. The proportion of bound water gradually increased, and the glycerol migration rate also reached 1.3% and 0.7% at 25 °C and 4 °C, respectively. The results proved that increasing the storage temperature accelerated the loss of water and glycerol, and decreased the mechanical properties of the SPI film.
Chia Oil Adulteration Detection Based on Spectroscopic Measurements
Authors: Mburu Monica , Komu Clement , Paquet-Durand Olivier , Hitzmann Bernd , Zettel Viktoria
Published: August 2021

Chia oil is a valuable source of omega-3-fatty acids and other nutritional components. However, it is expensive to produce and can therefore be easily adulterated with cheaper oils to improve the profit margins. Spectroscopic methods are becoming more and more common in food fraud detection. The aim of this study was to answer following questions: Is it possible to detect chia oil adulteration by spectroscopic analysis of the oils? Is it possible to identify the adulteration oil? Is it possible to determine the amount of adulteration? Two chia oils from local markets were adulterated with three common food oils, including sunflower, rapeseed and corn oil. Subsequently, six chia oils obtained from different sites in Kenya were adulterated with sunflower oil to check the results. Raman, NIR and fluorescence spectroscopy were applied for the analysis. It was possible to detect the amount of adulterated oils by spectroscopic analysis, with a minimum R2 of 0.95 for the used partial least square regression with a maximum RMSEPrange of 10%. The adulterations of chia oils by rapeseed, sunflower and corn oil were identified by classification with a median true positive rate of 90%. The training accuracies, sensitivity and specificity of the classifications were over 90%. Chia oil B was easier to detect. The adulterated samples were identified with a precision of 97%. All of the classification methods show good results, however SVM were the best. The identification of the adulteration oil was possible; less than 5% of the adulteration oils were difficult to detect. In summary, spectroscopic analysis of chia oils might be a useful tool to identify adulterations.
Development of Hydrogels with the Incorporation of Raphanus sativus L. Seed Extract in Sodium Alginate for Wound-Healing Application
Authors: Zahid Muhammad , Lodhi Maria , Afzal Ayesha , Rehan Zulfiqar Ahmad , Mehmood Muzzamil , Javed Talha , Shabbir Rubab , Siuta Dorota , Althobaiti Fayez , Dessok Eldessoky S.
Published: August 2021

Hydrogels prepared from polymers have been proposed for tissue regeneration and the treatment of bruise wounds. In this research work, we synthesized a Raphanus sativus L.-based wound-healing hydrogel with recognized antimicrobial activity for the healing of cutaneous lesions, drawing on its healing potential. A structural analysis was performed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, confirming the interaction between sodium alginate and Raphanus sativus L. The surface morphology was studied by scanning electron microscopy. A swelling test showed that the T-1 hydrogel capability of absorption of the solution was superior compared to other synthesized samples. It was evident that the swelling tendency decreased as the Raphanus sativus L. seed extract concentration was reduced. In a thermogravimetric analysis, T-1 shows high thermal stability over other prepared hydrogel samples, enjoying a high content of seed extract compared with all samples. The prepared hydrogels were placed on the chick chorioallantoic membrane of fertilized chick eggs, and their healing capability was examined. All seed extracts containing hydrogels showed clear curative performance as compared to the control hydrogel, whereas their healing magnitude lessened as the extract ratio decreased. It was concluded from the results of the current study that the Raphanus sativus L. plant has wound-healing characteristics.
Influence of Electrotherapy with Task-Oriented Training on Spasticity, Hand Function, Upper Limb Function, and Activities of Daily Living in Patients with Subacute Stroke: A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Moon Jong-Hoon , Cho Hwi-Young , Hahm Suk-Chan
Published: August 2021

The effects of electrotherapy with task-oriented training on upper limb function in subacute stroke patients are unclear. This study investigated the influence of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) with task-oriented training on spasticity, hand function, upper limb function, and activities of daily living in patients with subacute stroke. Forty-eight patients with subacute stroke were randomly assigned to either the TENS group (n = 22) or the placebo-TENS group (n = 21). High-frequency (100 Hz) TENS with below-motor threshold intensity or placebo-TENS was applied for 30 min/day, five times a week, for 4 weeks. The two groups also received task-oriented training after TENS. The Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Jebsen–Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT), Manual Function Test (MFT), and Modified Barthel Index (MBI) were used to assess spasticity, hand function, upper limb function, and activities of daily living, respectively. There was a significant time–group interaction with the MFT (p = 0.003). The TENS group showed significantly improved MAS (p = 0.003), JTHFT (p < 0.001), MFT (p < 0.001), and MBI (p < 0.001) scores after the intervention. The placebo-TENS group showed significantly improved JTHFT (p < 0.001), MFT (p = 0.001), and MBI scores (p < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between the MFT and MBI scores (p = 0.025). These results suggest that electrotherapy with task-oriented training can be used to improve upper limb function in patients with subacute stroke.
The Association between Widowhood and Cognitive Function among Chinese Elderly People: Do Gender and Widowhood Duration Make a Difference?
Authors: Xiang Nan , Liu Erpeng , Li Huwei , Qin Xigang , Liang Hang , Yue Zhang
Published: August 2021

Few studies have examined the effects of widowhood on cognitive function in Chinese elderly individuals. We conducted a longitudinal study to assess the association between widowhood and cognitive function and further explored gender differences in this association and the impact of widowhood duration. The analytical sample consisted of 5872 Chinese elderly people who participated in the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) and were followed up from 2005 to 2014. We used the Chinese version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) to assess cognitive function. Widowhood duration was calculated from the self-reported year at which the spouse passed away. Multilevel growth models were employed to estimate the association between widowhood and cognitive function while adjusting for many demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. Widowhood status was associated with cognitive decline among Chinese elderly individuals after adjusting for covariates (B = −0.440, 95% CI −0.727 to −0.152), and this association was only statistically significant among men (B = −0.722, 95% CI −1.104 to −0.339). Being widowed for 5 years or less (B = −0.606, 95% CI −1.112 to −0.100), 16–20 years (B = −0.937, 95% CI −1.685 to −0.190), and 21+ years (B = −1.401, 95% CI −1.967 to −0.834) predicted worse cognitive function in men, while being widowed for more than 21+ years (B = −0.655, 95% CI −1.186 to −0.124) was associated with cognitive decline in women. More attention should be directed towards widowed men and long-term widowed elderly individuals.
Multi-Modal, Non-Invasive Investigation of Modern Colorants on Three Early Modern Prints by Maria Sibylla Merian
Authors: Dill Olivia , Vermeulen Marc , McGeachy Alicia , Walton Marc
Published: August 2021

Northwestern University’s Charles Deering McCormick Library of Special Collections owns three hand-colored copperplate engravings that once belonged to an edition of Matamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium by artist-naturalist Maria Sibylla Merian (1647–1717). Because early modern prints are often colored by early modern readers, or modern collectors, it was initially unclear whether the coloring on these prints should be attributed to the print maker, to subsequent owners or collectors, or to an art dealer. Such ambiguities posed challenges for the interpretation of these prints by art historians. Therefore, the prints underwent multi-modal, non-invasive technical analysis to assess the date and material composition of the prints’ coloring. The work combined several different non-invasive analytical techniques: hyperspectral imaging (HSI), macro X-ray fluorescence (MA-XRF) mapping, surface normal mapping with photometric stereo, visible light photography, and visual comparative art historical analysis. As a result, the prints and paper were attributed to a late eighteenth-century posthumous edition of Merian’s work while the colorants were dated to the early twentieth century. This information enables more thorough contextualization of these prints in their use as teaching and research tools in the University collection.
Interdisciplinary Water Development in the Peruvian Highlands: The Case for Including the Coproduction of Knowledge in Socio-Hydrology
Authors: Oshun Jasper , Keating Kristina , Lang Margaret , Miraya Oscco Yojana
Published: August 2021

Agrarian communities in the Peruvian Andes depend on local water resources that are threatened by both a changing climate and changes in the socio-politics of water allocation. A community’s local autonomy over water resources and its capacity to plan for a sustainable and secure water future depends, in part, on integrated local environmental knowledge (ILEK), which leverages and blends traditional and western scientific approaches to knowledge production. Over the course of a two-year collaborative water development project with the agrarian district of Zurite, we designed and implemented an applied model of socio-hydrology focused on the coproduction of knowledge among scientists, local knowledge-holders and students. Our approach leveraged knowledge across academic disciplines and cultures, trained students to be valued producers of knowledge, and, most importantly, integrated the needs and concerns of the community. The result is a community-based ILEK that informs sustainable land and water management and has the potential to increase local autonomy over water resources. Furthermore, the direct link between interdisciplinary water science and community benefits empowered students to pursue careers in water development. The long-term benefits of our approach support the inclusion of knowledge coproduction among scholars, students and, in particular, community members, in applied studies of socio-hydrology.
Preparation and Size Control of Efficient and Safe Nanopesticides by Anodic Aluminum Oxide Templates-Assisted Method
Authors: Wang Chunxin , Cui Bo , Wang Yan , Wang Mengjie , Zeng Zhanghua , Gao Fei , Sun Changjiao , Guo Liang , Zhao Xiang , Cui Haixin
Published: August 2021

Efficient and safe nanopesticides play an important role in pest control due to enhancing target efficiency and reducing undesirable side effects, which has become a hot spot in pesticide formulation research. However, the preparation methods of nanopesticides are facing critical challenges including low productivity, uneven particle size and batch differences. Here, we successfully developed a novel, versatile and tunable strategy for preparing buprofezin nanoparticles with tunable size via anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) template-assisted method, which exhibited better reproducibility and homogeneity comparing with the traditional method. The storage stability of nanoparticles at different temperatures was evaluated, and the release properties were also determined to evaluate the performance of nanoparticles. Moreover, the present method is further demonstrated to be easily applicable for insoluble drugs and be extended for the study of the physicochemical properties of drug particles with different sizes.
Quercetin Administration Suppresses the Cytokine Storm in Myeloid and Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells
Authors: Verna Giulio , Liso Marina , Cavalcanti Elisabetta , Bianco Giusy , Di Sarno Veronica , Santino Angelo , Campiglia Pietro , Chieppa Marcello
Published: August 2021

Dendritic cells (DCs) can be divided by lineage into myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs) and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs). They both are present in mucosal tissues and regulate the immune response by secreting chemokines and cytokines. Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are characterized by a leaky intestinal barrier and the consequent translocation of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to the basolateral side. This results in DCs activation, but the response of pDCs is still poorly characterized. In the present study, we compared mDCs and pDCs responses to LPS administration. We present a broad panel of DCs secreted factors, including cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors. Our recent studies demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effects of quercetin administration, but to date, there is no evidence about quercetin’s effects on pDCs. The results of the present study demonstrate that pDCs can respond to LPS and that quercetin exposure modulates soluble factors release through the same molecular pathway used by mDCs (Slpi, Hmox1, and AP-1).
Cardiolipin-Containing Lipid Membranes Attract the Bacterial Cell Division Protein DivIVA
Authors: Labajová Naďa , Baranova Natalia , Jurásek Miroslav , Vácha Robert , Loose Martin , Barák Imrich
Published: August 2021

DivIVA is a protein initially identified as a spatial regulator of cell division in the model organism Bacillus subtilis, but its homologues are present in many other Gram-positive bacteria, including Clostridia species. Besides its role as topological regulator of the Min system during bacterial cell division, DivIVA is involved in chromosome segregation during sporulation, genetic competence, and cell wall synthesis. DivIVA localizes to regions of high membrane curvature, such as the cell poles and cell division site, where it recruits distinct binding partners. Previously, it was suggested that negative curvature sensing is the main mechanism by which DivIVA binds to these specific regions. Here, we show that Clostridioides difficile DivIVA binds preferably to membranes containing negatively charged phospholipids, especially cardiolipin. Strikingly, we observed that upon binding, DivIVA modifies the lipid distribution and induces changes to lipid bilayers containing cardiolipin. Our observations indicate that DivIVA might play a more complex and so far unknown active role during the formation of the cell division septal membrane.
Molecular Drivers of Developmental Arrest in the Human Preimplantation Embryo: A Systematic Review and Critical Analysis Leading to Mapping Future Research
Authors: Sfakianoudis Konstantinos , Maziotis Evangelos , Karantzali Eleni , Kokkini Georgia , Grigoriadis Sokratis , Pantou Amelia , Giannelou Polina , Petroutsou Konstantina , Markomichali Christina , Fakiridou Maria , Koutsilieris Michael , Asimakopoulos Byron , Pantos Konstantinos , Simopoulou Mara
Published: August 2021

Developmental arrest of the preimplantation embryo is a multifactorial condition, characterized by lack of cellular division for at least 24 hours, hindering the in vitro fertilization cycle outcome. This systematic review aims to present the molecular drivers of developmental arrest, focusing on embryonic and parental factors. A systematic search in PubMed/Medline, Embase and Cochrane-Central-Database was performed in January 2021. A total of 76 studies were included. The identified embryonic factors associated with arrest included gene variations, mitochondrial DNA copy number, methylation patterns, chromosomal abnormalities, metabolic profile and morphological features. Parental factors included, gene variation, protein expression levels and infertility etiology. A valuable conclusion emerging through critical analysis indicated that genetic origins of developmental arrest analyzed from the perspective of parental infertility etiology and the embryo itself, share common ground. This is a unique and long-overdue contribution to literature that for the first time presents an all-inclusive methodological report on the molecular drivers leading to preimplantation embryos’ arrested development. The variety and heterogeneity of developmental arrest drivers, along with their inevitable intertwining relationships does not allow for prioritization on the factors playing a more definitive role in arrested development. This systematic review provides the basis for further research in the field.
Activation of Local and Systemic Defence Responses by Flg22 Is Dependent on Daytime and Ethylene in Intact Tomato Plants
Authors: Czékus Zalán , Kukri András , Hamow Kamirán Áron , Szalai Gabriella , Tari Irma , Ördög Attila , Poór Péter
Published: August 2021

The first line of plant defence responses against pathogens can be induced by the bacterial flg22 and can be dependent on various external and internal factors. Here, we firstly studied the effects of daytime and ethylene (ET) using Never ripe (Nr) mutants in the local and systemic defence responses of intact tomato plants after flg22 treatments. Flg22 was applied in the afternoon and at night and rapid reactions were detected. The production of hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide was induced by flg22 locally, while superoxide was induced systemically, in wild type plants in the light period, but all remained lower at night and in Nr leaves. Flg22 elevated, locally, the ET, jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA) levels in the light period; these levels did not change significantly at night. Expression of Pathogenesis-related 1 (PR1), Ethylene response factor 1 (ERF1) and Defensin (DEF) showed also daytime- and ET-dependent changes. Enhanced ERF1 and DEF expression and stomatal closure were also observable in systemic leaves of wild type plants in the light. These data demonstrate that early biotic signalling in flg22-treated leaves and distal ones is an ET-dependent process and it is also determined by the time of day and inhibited in the early night phase.
Regulatory Mechanisms of Retinal Photoreceptors Development at Single Cell Resolution
Authors: Zhao Meng , Peng Guang-Hua
Published: August 2021

Photoreceptors are critical components of the retina and play a role in the first step of the conversion of light to electric signals. With the discovery of the intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells, which regulate non-image-forming visual processes, our knowledge of the photosensitive cell family in the retina has deepened. Photoreceptor development is regulated by specific genes and proteins and involves a series of molecular processes including DNA transcription, post-transcriptional modification, protein translation, and post-translational modification. Single-cell sequencing is a promising technology for the study of photoreceptor development. This review presents an overview of the types of human photoreceptors, summarizes recent discoveries in the regulatory mechanisms underlying their development at single-cell resolution, and outlines the prospects in this field.
Dendritic Cells Pulsed with Cytokine-Adjuvanted Tumor Membrane Vesicles Inhibit Tumor Growth in HER2-Positive and Triple Negative Breast Cancer Models
Authors: Munoz Luis E. , Monterroza Lenore , Bommireddy Ramireddy , Shafizadeh Yalda , Pack Christopher D. , Ramachandiran Sampath , Reddy Shaker J. C. , Selvaraj Periasamy
Published: August 2021

Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most effective antigen presenting cells for the development of T cell responses. The only FDA approved DC-based immunotherapy to date is Sipuleucel-T, which utilizes a fusion protein to stimulate DCs ex vivo with GM-CSF and simultaneously deliver the antigen PAP for prostate cancer. This approach is restricted by the breadth of immunity elicited to a single antigen, and to cancers that have a defined tumor associated antigen. Other multi-antigen approaches have been restricted by poor efficacy of vaccine adjuvants. We have developed a vaccine platform that consists of autologous DCs pulsed with cytokine-adjuvanted tumor membrane vesicles (TMVs) made from tumor tissue, that encapsulate the antigenic landscape of individual tumors. Here we test the efficacy of DCs pulsed with TMVs incorporated with glycolipid-anchored immunostimulatory molecules (GPI-ISMs) in HER2-positive and triple negative breast cancer murine models. Pulsing of DCs with TMVs containing GPI-ISMs results in superior uptake of vesicles, DC activation and cytokine production. Adaptive transfer of TMV-pulsed DCs to tumor bearing mice results in the inhibition of tumor growth, reduction in lung metastasis, and an increase in immune cell infiltration into the tumors. These observations suggest that DCs pulsed with TMVs containing GPI-GM-CSF and GPI-IL-12 can be further developed to be used as a personalized immunotherapy platform for cancer treatment.
Acquired Idiopathic Generalized Anhidrosis (AIGA) and Its Complications: Implications for AIGA as an Autoimmune Disease
Authors: Kageyama Reiko , Honda Tetsuya , Tokura Yoshiki
Published: August 2021

Acquired idiopathic generalized anhidrosis (AIGA) is a rare disorder in which systemic anhidrosis/hypohidrosis occurs without causative dermatological, metabolic or neurological disorder. Most cases of AIGA have been reported in Asia, especially in Japan, but there have been only a few reports in Europe and the United States. Severe AIGA may result in heatstroke and can reduce quality of life due to restriction of exercise and outdoor works. AIGA is often accompanied by cholinergic urticaria (CholU), and it is thought that AIGA and CholU with anhidrosis/hypohidrosis belong to the same spectrum of the disease. However, the pathophysiology of AIGA has not yet been clarified. Decreased expression of cholinergic receptor M3 on the epithelial cells of eccrine sweat glands is often accompanied by T cell infiltration around eccrine apparatus, suggesting an immunological mechanism of disordered perspiration. AIGA is occasionally associated with various complications indicative of autoimmune disorders. The association of autoimmune complications further suggests that AIGA is an autoimmune disorder. Studies on complications may lead to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of AIGA.