bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ploidy Levels and Fitness-Related Traits in Purebreds and Hybrids Originating from Sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus) and Unusual Ploidy Levels of Siberian Sturgeon (A. baerii)
Authors: Shivaramu Sahana , Lebeda Ievgen , Vuong Doi Thi , Rodina Marek , Gela David , Flajšhans Martin
Published: October 2020

The present study aimed to investigate and compare fitness-related traits and ploidy levels of purebreds and hybrids produced from sturgeon broodstock with both normal and abnormal ploidy levels. We used diploid Acipenser ruthenus and tetraploid A. baerii males and females to produce purebreds and reciprocal hybrids of normal ploidy levels. Likewise, we used diploid A. ruthenus and tetraploid A. baerii females mated to pentaploid and hexaploid A. baerii males to produce hybrids of abnormal ploidy levels. Fertilization of ova of A. ruthenus and A. baerii of normal ploidy with the sperm of pentaploid and hexaploid A. baerii produced fully viable progeny with ploidy levels that were intermediate between those of the parents as was also found in crosses of purebreds and reciprocal hybrids of normal ploidy levels. The A. ruthenus × pentaploid A. baerii and A. ruthenus × hexaploid A. baerii hybrids did not survive after 22 days post-hatch (dph). Mean body weight and cumulative survival were periodically checked at seven-time intervals. The recorded values of mean body weight were significantly higher in A. baerii × pentaploid A. baerii hybrids than other groups at three sampling points (160, 252 and 330 dph). In contrast, the highest cumulative survival was observed in A. baerii × A. ruthenus hybrids at all sampling points (14.47 ± 5.70 at 497 dph). Overall, most of the studied sturgeon hybrids displayed higher mean BW and cumulative survival compared to the purebreds. The utilization of sturgeon hybrids should be restricted to aquaculture purposes because they can pose a significant genetic threat to native populations through ecological interactions.
Exploration of Cybercivility in Nursing Education Using Cross-Country Comparisons
Authors: Kim Sang Suk , Lee Jung Jae , De Gagne Jennie C.
Published: October 2020

Many nursing students have experienced negative social behaviors and incivility in cyberspace. We aimed to explore knowledge, experience, and acceptability of cyberincivility, as well as the perceived benefits of cybercivility education among nursing students in the United States of America (USA), Hong Kong (HK), and South Korea (K). We used a cross-sectional study design. The Academic Cyberincivility Assessment Questionnaire was administered to participants, and data were collected from 336 nursing students from a university in each country (USA (n = 90), HK (n = 115), and K (n = 131)). Cyberincivility was perceived as a problem by 76.8% of respondents. More than 50% of respondents had experienced cyberincivility, were knowledgeable about it, and found it unacceptable. Longer hours spent on social networking services and perception of cyberincivility were positively associated with the variables, but negatively associated with perceived benefits of learning. Cross-country differences in items and level of variables were identified (p < 0.01). The HK respondents demonstrated lower knowledge, compared to USA and K respondents. Frequency of cyberincivility experience and perceived learning benefit were lower for students in the USA than in HK and K. Acceptability of cyberincivility was significantly lower in respondents from K. Developing educational programs on general and sociocultural patterns of online communication could be useful in promoting cybercivility globally.
Toxic Metals (Al, Cd, Pb) and Trace Element (B, Ba, Co, Cu, Cr, Fe, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Sr, V, Zn) Levels in Sarpa Salpa from the North-Eastern Atlantic Ocean Region
Authors: Gutiérrez-Ravelo Alberto , Gutiérrez Ángel J. , Paz Soraya , Carrascosa-Iruzubieta Conrado , González-Weller Dailos , Caballero José M. , Revert Consuelo , Rubio Carmen , Hardisson Arturo
Published: October 2020

Sarpa salpa is a fish belonging to the Sparidae family and is usually found in local markets. Toxic metals such as aluminum (Al), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and trace elements such as boron (B), barium (Ba), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), lithium (Li), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), strontium (Sr), vanadium (V) and zinc (Zn) are incorporated into fish tissues and remain there. The liver has the highest concentrations of all the analyzed toxic metals and almost all the analyzed trace elements. The consumption of 100 g/day of S. salpa muscle tissue does not pose a health risk. However, 100 g/day of liver consumption may pose a serious health risk due to the intake of Cd (572% of the tolerable weekly intake for adults with a body weight of 68.48 kg) and Pb (117% of the tolerable daily intake for adults weighing 68.48 kg). The consumption of liver of this species is not recommended due to its possible harmful effects on health.
Gender Differences in the Level of Achievement of Gymnastic and Acrobatic Skills
Authors: Ávalos-Ramos M.ª Alejandra , Vega-Ramírez Lilyan
Published: October 2020

Physical education should provide the opportunities to progressively integrate motor tasks with different levels of complexity from early ages to adolescence. The objective of this research was to analyze gender differences in the level of achievement of basic acrobatic skills of students of physical activity sciences in their non-university stages. This cross-sectional study with descriptive design was carried out with a total of 675 first-year Spanish university students distributed over eight academic years. An initial test of two acrobatic skills was performed. The instruments used for data collection were a video camera and observation templates. The SPSS 26.0 computer program was used for data analysis. The main results show a poor and insufficient level of technical achievement by both genders, but more pronounced for men. The most deficient phases were those related to extension movements of different segments of the body and movements that require coordination and stability in the descent phases of acrobatics, and men were less flexible in both phases. Non-university training of the content associated with basic gymnastic and acrobatic skills is being deficient within the subject of physical education with a downward trend of not only the development of sports skills but also of physical abilities such as flexibility and strength.
Identification and Estimation of Solute Storage and Release in Karst Water Systems, South China
Authors: Zhang Liang , Luo Mingming , Chen Zhihua
Published: October 2020

Solute storage and release in groundwater are key processes in solute transport for groundwater remediation and protection. In karst areas where concentrated recharge conditions exist, pollution incidents can easily occur in springs that are hydraulically connected to densely inhabited karst depressions. The intrinsic heterogeneity common in karst media makes modeling solute transport very difficult with great uncertainty. Meanwhile, it is noteworthy that solute storage and release within subsurface conduits and fissures exhibit strong controlling function on pollutant attenuation during underground floods. Consequently, in this paper, we identified and estimated the solute storage and release processes in karst water systems under concentrated recharge conditions. The methodology uses the advection–dispersion method and field tracer tests to characterize solute transport in different flow paths. Two solute transport pathways were established (i.e., linear pathway (direct transport through karst conduits) and dynamic pathway (flow through fissures)). Advection–dispersion equations were used to fit the breakthrough curves in conduit flow, while the volume of solute storage in fissures were calculated by segmenting the best fitting curves from the total breakthrough curves. The results show that, greater recharge flow or stronger dynamic conditions leads to lower solute storage rate, with the storage rate values less than 10% at high water level conditions. In addition, longer residence time was recorded for solute exchange between conduits and fissures at the low water level condition, thereby contributing to a higher solute storage rate of 26% in the dynamic pathway.
Postural Control and Stress Exposure in Young Men: Changes in Cortisol Awakening Response and Blood Lactate
Authors: Coco Marinella , Buscemi Andrea , Pennisi Emanuele , Cavallari Paolo , Papotto Giacomo , Papotto Giulio Maria Federico , Perciavalle Vincenzo , Di Corrado Donatella , Perciavalle Valentina
Published: October 2020

Background: It has recently been noticed that the quantity of stress affects postural stability in young women. The study was conducted with the goal of investigating whether increased stress may damagingly effect posture control in 90 young men (71 right-handed and 19 left-handed) while maintaining an upright bipedal posture, while keeping their eyes open or closed. Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was administered and changes in free cortisol levels were monitored (Cortisol Awakening Response, CAR) in order to evaluate the amount of stress present during awakening, while the Profile of Mood States (POMS) was used to estimate distress on the whole. Posture control was evaluated with the use of a force platform, which, while computing a confidence ellipse area of 95%, was engaged by the Center of Pressure through five stability stations and was sustained for a minimum of 52 s, with and without visual input. Another goal of the experiment was to find out whether or not cortisol increases in CAR were linked with rises of blood lactate levels. Results: CAR, PSS and POMS were found to be extensively related. Furthermore, it has been observed that increases in salivary cortisol in CAR are associated with small but significant increases in blood lactate levels. As expected, stress levels did affect postural stability. Conclusions: The results of the present study confirm that the level of stress can influence postural stability, and that this influence is principally obvious when visual information is not used in postural control.
A Splice Intervention Therapy for Autosomal Recessive Juvenile Parkinson’s Disease Arising from Parkin Mutations
Authors: Li Dunhui , Aung-Htut May T. , Ham Kristin A. , Fletcher Sue , Wilton Steve D.
Published: October 2020

Parkin-type autosomal recessive juvenile-onset Parkinson’s disease is caused by mutations in the PRKN gene and accounts for 50% of all autosomal recessive Parkinsonism cases. Parkin is a neuroprotective protein that has dual functions as an E3 ligase in the ubiquitin–proteasome system and as a transcriptional repressor of p53. While genomic deletions of PRKN exon 3 disrupt the mRNA reading frame and result in the loss of functional parkin protein, deletions of both exon 3 and 4 maintain the reading frame and are associated with a later onset, milder disease progression, indicating this particular isoform retains some function. Here, we describe in vitro evaluation of antisense oligomers that restore functional parkin expression in cells derived from a Parkinson’s patient carrying a heterozygous PRKN exon 3 deletion, by inducing exon 4 skipping to correct the reading frame. We show that the induced PRKN transcript is translated into a shorter but semi-functional parkin isoform able to be recruited to depolarised mitochondria, and also transcriptionally represses p53 expression. These results support the potential use of antisense oligomers as a disease-modifying treatment for selected pathogenic PRKN mutations.
Short ELF-EMF Exposure Targets SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling in THP-1 Cells
Authors: Patruno Antonia , Costantini Erica , Ferrone Alessio , Pesce Mirko , Diomede Francesca , Trubiani Oriana , Reale Marcella
Published: October 2020

Extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) have been known to modulate inflammatory responses by targeting signal transduction pathways and influencing cellular redox balance through the generation of oxidants and antioxidants. Here, we studied the molecular mechanism underlying the anti-oxidative effect of ELF-EMF in THP-1 cells, particularly with respect to antioxidant enzymes, such as heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), regulated transcriptionally through nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation. Cells treated with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) were exposed to a 50 Hz, 1 mT extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields for 1 h, 6 h and, 24 h. Our results indicate that ELF-EMF induced HO-1 mRNA and protein expression in LPS-treated THP-1 cells, with peak expression at 6 h, accompanied with a concomitant migration to the nucleus of a truncated HO-1 protein form. The immunostaining analysis further verified a nuclear enrichment of HO-1. Moreover, ELF-EMF inhibited the protein expressions of the sirtuin1 (SIRT1) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) pathways, confirming their anti-inflammatory/antioxidative role. Pretreatment with LY294002 (Akt inhibitor) and PD980559 (ERK inhibitor) inhibited LPS-induced Nrf2 nuclear translocation and HO-1 protein expression in ELF-EMF-exposed cells. Taken together, our results suggest that short ELF-EMF exposure exerts a protective role in THP-1 cells treated with an inflammatory/oxidative insult such as LPS, via the regulation of Nrf-2/HO-1 and SIRT1 /NF-kB pathways associated with intracellular glutathione (GSH) accumulation.
Age- and Phenotype-Dependent Changes in Circulating MMP-2 and MMP-9 Activities in Normotensive and Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Kollarova Marta , Puzserova Angelika , Balis Peter , Radosinska Dominika , Tothova Lubomira , Bartekova Monika , Barancik Miroslav , Radosinska Jana
Published: October 2020

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are important in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases. The present study aimed to monitor the activation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and their normotensive counterparts—Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). The animals were divided according to age (7, 20, and 52 weeks) and phenotype into: WKY-7, WKY-20, WKY-52, SHR-7, SHR-20 and SHR-52 groups. MMP plasma activities were determined by gelatine zymography. We monitored selected parameters of oxidative stress and antioxidant status. N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) was determined as a marker of heart function and neurohumoral activation. SHR-7 showed higher MMP-2 activity compared with WKY-7, while SHR-52 showed lower MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities compared with WKY-52. Examining age-dependent changes in MMP activities, we found a decrease in MMP-2 activity and increase in MMP-9 activity with increasing age in both phenotypes. Parameters of oxidative stress and antioxidant status as well as NT-proBNP levels were not significantly worsened due to aging in SHR. Our results suggest that hypertension is accompanied by varying MMP activation during aging. The results of our study may indicate that MMP-2 inhibition is therapeutically applicable during the development of hypertension, while in developed, stabilized and uncomplicated hypertension, systemic MMP-2 and MMP-9 inhibition may not be desirable.
Multiple Resolution Modeling: A Particular Case of Distributed Simulation
Authors: Marin Mario , Lee Gene , Kim Jaeho
Published: October 2020

Multiple resolution modeling (MRM) is the future of distributed simulation. This article describes different definitions and notions related to MRM. MRM is a relatively new research area, and there is a demand for simulator integration from a modeling complexity point of view. This article also analyzes a taxonomy based on the experience of the researchers in detail. Finally, an example that uses the high-level architecture (HLA) is explained to illustrate the above definitions and, in particular, to look at the problems that are common to these distributed simulation configurations. The steps required to build an MRM distributed simulation system are introduced. The conclusions describe the lessons learned for this unique form of distributed simulation.
The BioVisualSpeech Corpus of Words with Sibilants for Speech Therapy Games Development
Authors: Cavaco Sofia , Guimarães Isabel , Ascensão Mariana , Abad Alberto , Anjos Ivo , Oliveira Francisco , Martins Sofia , Marques Nuno , Eskenazi Maxine , Magalhães João , Grilo Margarida
Published: October 2020

In order to develop computer tools for speech therapy that reliably classify speech productions, there is a need for speech production corpora that characterize the target population in terms of age, gender, and native language. Apart from including correct speech productions, in order to characterize the target population, the corpora should also include samples from people with speech sound disorders. In addition, the annotation of the data should include information on the correctness of the speech productions. Following these criteria, we collected a corpus that can be used to develop computer tools for speech and language therapy of Portuguese children with sigmatism. The proposed corpus contains European Portuguese children’s word productions in which the words have sibilant consonants. The corpus has productions from 356 children from 5 to 9 years of age. Some important characteristics of this corpus, that are relevant to speech and language therapy and computer science research, are that (1) the corpus includes data from children with speech sound disorders; and (2) the productions were annotated according to the criteria of speech and language pathologists, and have information about the speech production errors. These are relevant features for the development and assessment of speech processing tools for speech therapy of Portuguese children. In addition, as an illustration on how to use the corpus, we present three speech therapy games that use a convolutional neural network sibilants classifier trained with data from this corpus and a word recognition module trained on additional children data and calibrated and evaluated with the collected corpus.
Environmental Impact of the Reclaimed Sand Addition to Molding Sand with Furan and Phenol-Formaldehyde Resin—A Comparison
Authors: Holtzer Mariusz , Dańko Rafał , Kmita Angelika , Drożyński Dariusz , Kubecki Michał , Skrzyński Mateusz , Roczniak Agnieszka
Published: October 2020

Increasingly strict regulations, as well as an increased public awareness, are forcing industry, including the foundry industry, to develop new binders for molding sands, which, while being more environmentally friendly, would simultaneously ensure a high quality of castings. Until recently, binders based on synthetic resins were considered to be such binders. However, more accurate investigations indicated that such molding sands subjected to high temperatures of liquid metal generated several harmful, even dangerous substances (carcinogenic and/or mutagenic) from the benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes (BTEX) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons groups (PAHs). An assessment of the most widely used molding sands technologies at present with organic binders (synthetic resins) from the no-bake group (furan no-bake and phenolic-ester no-bake) and their harmfulness to the environment and work conditions is presented in this paper. In the first stage of this research, gases (from the BTEX and PAHs groups) emitted when the tested molds were poured with liquid cast iron at 1350 °C were measured (according to the authors’ own method). The second stage consisted of measuring the emission of gases released by binders subjected to pyrolysis (the so-called flash pyrolysis), which simulated the effects occurring on the boundary: liquid metal/molding sand. The gases emitted from the tested binders indicated that, in both cases, the emission of harmful and dangerous substances (e.g., benzene) occurs, but, of the given binder systems, this emission was lower for the phenolic-ester no-bake binder. The obtained emission factors of BTEX substances show higher values for furan resin compared to formaldehyde resin; for example, the concentration of benzene per 1 kg of binder for furan no-bake (FNB) was 40,158 mg, while, for phenol-formaldehyde no-bake (PFNB), it was much lower, 30,911 mg. Thus, this system was more environmentally friendly.
Collagen-Based Hydrogels Composites from Hide Waste to Produce Smart Fertilizers
Authors: Stefan Daniela Simina , Zainescu Gabriel , Manea-Saghin Ana-Maria , Triantaphyllidou Irene-Eva , Tzoumani Ioanna , Tatoulis Triantafyllos I. , Syriopoulos George T. , Meghea Aurelia
Published: October 2020

The study aims at reusing and recycling the protein hide waste from the leather industry in ecological conditions by elaborating an innovative procedure in order to obtain a collagen matrix functionalized with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) nutrients to be used for preparing smart fertilizers. This is an interdisciplinary approach, as it starts from hide waste raw material as a critical industrial waste, which is then subjected to several technological steps by selection of optimal processing parameters, followed by product fabrication at the laboratory, and next scales to the industrial pilot plant to obtain novel agro-hydrogels. In this context, the technology scheme for collagen hydrolysate with encapsulated nutrients was proposed and the process parameters were optimized by functionalization of agro-hydrogels with various natural and synthetic polymers, such as polyacrylamide, poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate-co-glycidyl methacrylate) copolymer, starch or dolomite. Based on the laboratory experiments, a pilot plant was constructed and tested. Taking as reference the collagen hydrolysate with encapsulated nutrients, the new fertilizers were adequately characterized by chemical analysis, determination of biodegradability and the degree of release of oxidable compounds in water. Based on the biodegradation mechanism and kinetic analysis of oxidable compounds release, adequate arguments are evidenced to demonstrate that these fertilizers can be applied for amendment of poor agricultural soils.
Rejuvenation of Zr-Based Bulk Metallic Glasses by Ultrasonic Vibration-Assisted Elastic Deformation
Authors: Lou Yan , Xv Shenpeng , Liu Zhiyuan , Ma Jiang
Published: October 2020

The rejuvenation of Zr52.5Cu17.9Ni14.6Al10Ti5 bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) by ultrasonic vibration-assisted elastic deformation (UVEF) was studied herein. The UVEF-treated samples demonstrate an obvious rejuvenation and have a higher relaxation enthalpy and a smaller range of supercooled liquid regions than the as-cast samples. The fracture of the rejuvenated amorphous alloy is mainly ductile fracture, and shear deformation occurs in the deformation region. It is also found that as the amplitude increases, the free volume of the rejuvenated amorphous alloy increases, the yield strength and the elastic modulus decrease, and the formability increases. The free-volume content is used to characterize the degree of rejuvenation, and a mathematical model of the relationship between the ultrasonic amplitude and free volume is established. In addition, it is found that the ultrasonic vibration stress induces the additional free volume in the Zr-based bulk metallic glasses and improves the plasticizing behavior. The temperature rise caused by the ultrasonic thermal effect does not induce additional free volume.
Low-Temperature Magnetocaloric Properties of V12 Polyoxovanadate Molecular Magnet: A Theoretical Study
Authors: Szałowski Karol
Published: October 2020

The paper presents a computational study of the magnetocaloric properties of the V12 polyoxovanadate molecular magnet. The description is restricted to low-temperature range (below approximately 100 K), where the magnetic properties of the system in question can be sufficiently modelled by considering a tetramer that consists of four vanadium ions with spins S=1/2. The discussion is focused on the magnetocaloric effect in the cryogenic range. The exact and numerical diagonalization of the corresponding Hamiltonian is used in order to construct the thermodynamic description within a version of the canonical ensemble. The thermodynamic quantities of interest, such as magnetic entropy, specific heat, entropy change under isothermal magnetization/demagnetization, temperature change under adiabatic magnetization/demagnetization, refrigerant capacity, and magnetic Grüneisen ratio, are calculated and discussed extensively. The importance of two quantum level crossings for the described properties is emphasized. The significant ranges of direct and inverse magnetocaloric effect are predicted. In particular, the maximized inverse magnetocaloric response is found for cryogenic temperatures.
A Methodology for the Statistical Calibration of Complex Constitutive Material Models: Application to Temperature-Dependent Elasto-Visco-Plastic Materials
Authors: de Pablos Juan Luis , Menga Edoardo , Romero Ignacio
Published: October 2020

The calibration of any sophisticated model, and in particular a constitutive relation, is a complex problem that has a direct impact in the cost of generating experimental data and the accuracy of its prediction capacity. In this work, we address this common situation using a two-stage procedure. In order to evaluate the sensitivity of the model to its parameters, the first step in our approach consists of formulating a meta-model and employing it to identify the most relevant parameters. In the second step, a Bayesian calibration is performed on the most influential parameters of the model in order to obtain an optimal mean value and its associated uncertainty. We claim that this strategy is very efficient for a wide range of applications and can guide the design of experiments, thus reducing test campaigns and computational costs. Moreover, the use of Gaussian processes together with Bayesian calibration effectively combines the information coming from experiments and numerical simulations. The framework described is applied to the calibration of three widely employed material constitutive relations for metals under high strain rates and temperatures, namely, the Johnson–Cook, Zerilli–Armstrong, and Arrhenius models.
Influence of Severe Plastic Deformation on Static Recrystallization Microstructure of Pure Iron
Authors: Nagashima Fumihisa , Nakagawa Yuki , Yoshino Masahiko
Published: October 2020

In recent years, ultrafine-grained steel has been gaining increasing attention as a high-performance material. Accordingly, it is necessary to develop an efficient production method for ultrafine-grained steel. Severe plastic deformation is a critical factor that causes grain subdivision into ultrafine grains less than 1 µm in diameter. In this study, the effects of plastic deformation on the microstructure and static recrystallization of pure iron were studied by comparing orthogonal cutting and rolling. Orthogonal cutting yielded ultrafine grains with a diameter of 0.2 µm. It was found that a high strain rate in the thin shear plane generated during the cutting process caused a uniform subdivision of grains, and this uniform plastic deformation resulted in the uniform recrystallization of grains. In addition, a theoretical model was developed, and it was revealed that the number of recrystallized grains depended on the fraction of a large-misorientation area constructed with geometrically necessary boundaries (GNBs). It was suggested that the cutting process was more advantageous than rolling in producing ultrafine recrystallized grains because cutting could apply severe plastic strain uniformly on a work material, effectively generating GNBs.
Daily Use of Extra Virgin Olive Oil with High Oleocanthal Concentration Reduced Body Weight, Waist Circumference, Alanine Transaminase, Inflammatory Cytokines and Hepatic Steatosis in Subjects with the Metabolic Syndrome: A 2-Month Intervention Study
Authors: Patti Angelo M. , Carruba Giuseppe , Cicero Arrigo F. G. , Banach Maciej , Nikolic Dragana , Giglio Rosaria V. , Terranova Antonino , Soresi Maurizio , Giannitrapani Lydia , Montalto Giuseppe , Stoian Anca Pantea , Banerjee Yajnavalka , Rizvi Ali A. , Toth Peter P. , Rizzo Manfredi
Published: October 2020

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) intake is associated with reduced cardiovascular risk, and its phenolic compound oleocanthal (OC) has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The cardiometabolic effects of EVOO with a high OC concentration have not been fully elucidated. We administered EVOO with a high OC concentration daily to 23 subjects with the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and hepatic steatosis (15 men and 8 women, age: 60 ± 11 years) for 2 months. Anthropometric data, metabolic parameters, hepatic steatosis (by fatty liver index, FLI), abdominal fat distribution (by ultrasound), and pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines were assessed before and after the intervention. EVOO supplementation was associated with a reduction in body weight, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), alanine transaminase and FLI, as well as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17A, tumor necrosis factor-α and IL-1B, while IL-10 increased. Maximum subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT max) also increased, with a concomitant decrease in the ratio of visceral fat layer thickness/SFT max. Correlation analysis revealed positive associations between changes in body weight and BMI and those in SFT max, along with an inverse association between changes in IL-6 and those in SFT max. In conclusion, ingestion of EVOO with a high OC concentration had beneficial effects on metabolic parameters, inflammatory cytokines and abdominal fat distribution in MetS subjects with hepatic steatosis, a category of patients at high cardiometabolic risk.
Thread- and Capillary Tube-Based Electrodes for the Detection of Glucose and Acetylthiocholine
Authors: Uchida Kathryn , Duenas Lauren , Gomez Frank A.
Published: October 2020

An electrochemical sensor for the detection of glucose and acetylthiocholine (ATC) using thread- and capillary tube-based electrodes is described. Three nylon thread-based electrodes were fabricated by painting pieces of trifurcated nylon thread with conductive inks and threading the electrodes into capillary tubes. Two platforms, one paper-based and the other utilizing bubble wrap, were examined. For the glucose detection, a solution containing glucose oxidase (GOx), potassium ferricyanide (K3[Fe(CN)6]), and increasing concentrations of glucose (0–20 mM) in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) was spotted onto the two platforms. Similarly, increasing concentrations of ATC (0–9.84 mg/mL) in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) (0.08 U/mL) and PBS solution were detected. Using cyclic voltammetry (CV), a scanning voltage was applied to yield a graph of voltage applied (V) vs. current output (A). For both platforms, both glucose and ATC concentrations were observed to be linearly proportional to the current output as demonstrated by the increased height of the oxidation peaks. The three-electrode system was simple to fabricate, inexpensive, and could be used for multiple readings.
Acoustic Microfluidic Separation Techniques and Bioapplications: A Review
Authors: Gao Yuan , Wu Mengren , Lin Yang , Xu Jie
Published: October 2020

Microfluidic separation technology has garnered significant attention over the past decade where particles are being separated at a micro/nanoscale in a rapid, low-cost, and simple manner. Amongst a myriad of separation technologies that have emerged thus far, acoustic microfluidic separation techniques are extremely apt to applications involving biological samples attributed to various advantages, including high controllability, biocompatibility, and non-invasive, label-free features. With that being said, downsides such as low throughput and dependence on external equipment still impede successful commercialization from laboratory-based prototypes. Here, we present a comprehensive review of recent advances in acoustic microfluidic separation techniques, along with exemplary applications. Specifically, an inclusive overview of fundamental theory and background is presented, then two sets of mechanisms underlying acoustic separation, bulk acoustic wave and surface acoustic wave, are introduced and discussed. Upon these summaries, we present a variety of applications based on acoustic separation. The primary focus is given to those associated with biological samples such as blood cells, cancer cells, proteins, bacteria, viruses, and DNA/RNA. Finally, we highlight the benefits and challenges behind burgeoning developments in the field and discuss the future perspectives and an outlook towards robust, integrated, and commercialized devices based on acoustic microfluidic separation.
Wardite (NaAl3(PO4)2(OH)4·2H2O) at High Pressure: Compressional Behavior and Structure Evolution
Authors: Gatta G. Diego , Comboni Davide , Lotti Paolo , Guastoni Alessandro , Rotiroti Nicola , Hanfland Michael
Published: October 2020

The high-pressure behavior of wardite, NaAl3(PO4)2(OH)4·2H2O (a = 7.0673(2) Å, c = 19.193(9) Å, Sp. Gr. P41212), has been investigated by in-situ single-crystal synchrotron diffraction experiments up to 9 GPa, using a diamond anvil cell under quasi-hydrostatic conditions. This phosphate does not experience any pressure-induced phase transition, or anomalous compressional behavior, within the pressure-range investigated: its compressional behavior is fully elastic and all the deformation mechanisms, at the atomic scale, are reversible upon decompression. A second-order Birch–Murnaghan Equation of State was fitted to the experimental data, weighted by their uncertainty in pressure (P) and volume (V), with the following refined parameters: V0 = 957.8(2) Å3 and KV0 = −V0(∂P/∂V)P0,T0 = 85.8(4) GPa (βV0 = 1/KV0 = 0.01166(5) GPa−1). Axial bulk moduli were also calculated, with: K0(a) = 98(3) GPa (β0(a) = 0.0034(1) GPa−1) and K0(c) = 64(1) GPa (β0(c) = 0.0052(1) GPa−1). The anisotropic compressional scheme is: K0(a):K0(c) = 1.53:1. A series of structure refinements were performed on the basis of the intensity data collected in compression and decompression. The mechanisms at the atomic scale, responsible for the structure anisotropy of wardite, are discussed.
Editorial for Minerals Special Issue “From Diagenesis to Low-Grade metamorphism”
Authors: Nieto Fernando , Do Campo Margarita
Published: October 2020

Rocks affected by pressure–temperature conditions in the transitional field between diagenesis and low-grade metamorphism make up large domains of the Earth’s upper continental and oceanic crust [...]
Profiling Anticancer and Antioxidant Activities of Phenolic Compounds Present in Black Walnuts (Juglans nigra) Using a High-Throughput Screening Approach
Authors: Ho Khanh-Van , Roy Anuradha , Foote Sarah , Vo Phuc H. , Lall Namrita , Lin Chung-Ho
Published: October 2020

Our recent studies have demonstrated multiple health-promoting benefits from black walnut kernels. These biological functions of black walnuts are likely associated with their bioactive constituents. Characterization of phenolic compounds found in black walnut could point out underexplored bioactive activities of black walnut extracts and promote the development of novel applications of black walnut and its by-products. In the present study, we assessed bioactivity profiles of phenolic compounds identified in the kernels of black walnuts using a high-throughput screening (HTS) approach. Black walnut phenolic compounds were evaluated in terms of their total antioxidant capacity, antioxidant response element (ARE) induction, and anticancer activities. The anticancer activities were identified by evaluating the effects of the phenolic compounds on the growth of the tumorigenic alveolar epithelial cells (A549) and non-tumorigenic lung fibroblast cells (MRC-5). Out of 16 phenolic compounds tested, several compounds (penta-O-galloyl-β-d-glucose, epicatechin gallate, quercetin, (–)-epicatechin, rutin, quercetin 3-β-d-glucoside, gallic acid, (+)-catechin, ferulic acid, syringic acid) exerted antioxidant activities that were significantly higher compared to Trolox, which was used as a control. Two phenolic compounds, penta-O-galloyl-β-d-glucose and quercetin 3-β-d-glucoside, exhibited antiproliferative activities against both the tumorigenic alveolar epithelial cells (A549) and non-tumorigenic lung fibroblast cells (MRC-5). The antioxidant activity of black walnut is likely driven not only by penta-O-galloyl-β-d-glucose but also by a combination of multiple phenolic compounds. Our findings suggested that black walnut extracts possibly possess anticancer activities and supported that penta-O-galloyl-β-d-glucose could be a potential bioactive agent for the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.
Dietary Quality Changes According to the Preceding Maximum Weight: A Longitudinal Analysis in the PREDIMED-Plus Randomized Trial
Authors: Bouzas Cristina , Bibiloni Maria del Mar , Garcia Silvia , Mateos David , Martínez-González Miguel Ángel , Salas-Salvadó Jordi , Corella Dolores , Schröder Helmut , Martínez J. Alfredo , Alonso-Gómez Ángel M. , Wärnberg Julia , Vioque Jesús , Romaguera Dora , Lopez-Miranda José , Estruch Ramon , Tinahones Francisco J. , Lapetra José , Serra-Majem Luís , Bueno-Cavanillas Aurora , Micó-Pérez Rafael M. , Pintó Xavier , Delgado-Rodríguez Miguel , Ortíz-Ramos María , Altés-Boronat Andreu , Luca Bogdana L. , Daimiel Lidia , Ros Emilio , Sayon-Orea Carmen , Becerra-Tomás Nerea , Gimenez-Alba Ignacio Manuel , Castañer Olga , Abete Itziar , Tojal-Sierra Lucas , Pérez-López Jéssica , Bernabé-Casanova Andrea , Martin-Padillo Marian , Garcia-Rios Antonio , Castro-Barquero Sara , Fernández-García José Carlos , Santos-Lozano José Manuel , Fernandez-Lazaro Cesar I. , Hernández-Alonso Pablo , Saiz Carmen , Zomeño Maria Dolors , Zulet Maria Angeles , Belló-Mora Maria C. , Basterra-Gortari F. Javier , Canudas Silvia , Goday Albert , Tur Josep A.
Published: October 2020

One-year dietary quality change according to the preceding maximum weight in a lifestyle intervention program (PREDIMED-Plus trial, 55–75-year-old overweight or obese adults; n = 5695) was assessed. A validated food frequency questionnaire was used to assess dietary intake. A total of 3 groups were made according to the difference between baseline measured weight and lifetime maximum reported weight: (a) participants entering the study at their maximum weight, (b) moderate weight loss maintainers (WLM), and (c) large WLM. Data were analyzed by General Linear Model. All participants improved average lifestyle. Participants entering the study at their maximum weight were the most susceptible to improve significantly their dietary quality, assessed by adherence to Mediterranean diet, DII and both healthful and unhealthful provegetarian patterns. People at maximum weight are the most benefitted in the short term by a weight management program. Long term weight loss efforts may also reduce the effect of a weight management program.
Targeting and Efficacy of Novel mAb806-Antibody-Drug Conjugates in Malignant Mesothelioma
Authors: Chia Puey-Ling , Parakh Sagun , Tsao Ming-Sound , Pham Nhu-An , Gan Hui K. , Cao Diana , Burvenich Ingrid J. G. , Rigopoulos Angela , Reilly Edward B. , John Thomas , Scott Andrew M.
Published: October 2020

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is highly overexpressed in malignant mesothelioma (MM). MAb806 is a novel anti-EGFR antibody that selectively targets a tumor-selective epitope. MAb806-derived antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), ABT-414, ABBV-221 and ABBV-322, may represent a novel therapeutic strategy in MM. EGFR and mAb806 epitope expressions in mesothelioma cell lines were evaluated using an array of binding assays, and the in vitro cell effects of ABT-414 and ABBV-322 were determined. In vivo therapy studies were conducted in mesothelioma xenograft and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) tumor models. We also performed biodistribution and imaging studies to allow the quantitative targeting of MM by mAb806 using a 89Zr-labeled immunoconjugate—ch806. A high EGFR expression was present in all mesothelioma cell lines evaluated and mAb806 binding present in all cell lines, except NCIH-2452. ABT-414 and ABBV-322 resulted in significant tumor growth inhibition in MM models with high EGFR and mAb806 epitope expressions. In contrast, in an EGFR-expressing PDX model that was negative for the mAb806 epitope, no growth inhibition was observed. We demonstrated the specific targeting of the mAb806 epitope expressing MM tumors using 89Zr-based PET imaging. Our data suggest that targeting EGFR in MM using specific ADCs is a valid therapeutic strategy and supports further investigation of the mAb806 epitope expression as a predictive biomarker.
Enhancement of α-Mangostin Wound Healing Ability by Complexation with 2-Hydroxypropyl-β-Cyclodextrin in Hydrogel Formulation
Authors: Wathoni Nasrul , Sari Diah Permata , Suharyani Ine , Motoyama Keiichi , Mohammed Ahmed Fouad Abdelwahab , Cahyanto Arief , Abdassah Marline , Muchtaridi Muchtaridi
Published: October 2020

α-Mangostin (α-M), one of the active compounds in Garcinia mangostana peel, has been effectively used in wound healing. However, its poor solubility in aqueous solution causes low bioavailability for skin ulcers, hindering its application in wound healing. The aim of this study was to improve the solubility of α-M through complex formation with 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (α-M/HP-β-CD CX) and to evaluate the healing activity of the complex. The α-M/HP-β-CD CX was incorporated in a sodium carboxymethylcellulose hydrogel (α-M/HP-β-CD CX HG), and the in vivo healing activity was examined in mice. Evaluation of α-M/HP-β-CD CX HG, including organoleptic evaluation, homogeneity, pH, spreadability, swelling ratio, consistency, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and in vitro drug release, was carried out. The complex formation of α-M/HP-β-CD CX was confirmed by FTIR and PXRD analysis. The solubility of the α-M/HP-β-CD CX in water linearly increased about 11.7-fold compared to α-M alone, and by 3.5-fold compared to the α-M/HP-β-CD physical mixture (α-M/HP-β-CD CX PM). The α-M/HP-β-CD CX HG was homogenous, the pH was found to be in the neutral range, the spread area was 5 cm, and the consistency was stable until 14 days. SEM analysis showed that α-M/HP-β-CD CX HG surged due to the porous structure of the HG. In addition, in vitro release of α-M from α-M/HP-β-CD CX HG was considerably increased compared to α-M/HP-β-CD PM HG and α-M HG. Notably, in vivo evaluation in mice showed that α-M/HP-β-CD CX HG significantly accelerated the wound healing ability compared to other HGs. Thus, α-M/HP-β-CD CX HG has potential as a new formulation of α-M for wound healing therapy.
Disruptive Technologies and the Sport Ecosystem: A Few Ethical Questions
Authors: Laukyte Migle
Published: October 2020

The paper addresses the impact of disruptive technologies on the sport ecosystem, represented by four constitutive elements: athletes, coaches, judges, and fans. In particular, the paper argues that to understand the changes introduced by Artificial Intelligence, biotechnologies, and other disruptive technologies, we have to look at this sport ecosystem as a whole and ask ethical questions related to how each of these elements—and not just the athlete—is affected by them. The paper discusses some of the real-life applications of disruptive technologies that are being currently introduced within different sports and works out their most critical aspects both in terms of positive and negative impact on the sport ecosystem as we know it.
The Hydrodynamics and Mixing Performance in a Moving Baffle Oscillatory Baffled Reactor through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
Authors: Mortazavi Hamid , Pakzad Leila
Published: October 2020

Oscillatory baffled reactors (OBRs) have attracted much attention from researchers and industries alike due to their proven advantages in mixing, scale-up, and cost-effectiveness over conventional stirred tank reactors (STRs). This study quantitatively investigated how different mixing indices describe the mixing performance of a moving baffle OBR using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). In addition, the hydrodynamic behavior of the reactor was studied, considering parameters such as the Q-criterion, shear strain rate, and velocity vector. A modification of the Q-criterion showed advantages over the original Q-criterion in determination of the vortices’ locations. The dynamic mesh tool was utilized to simulate the moving baffles through ANSYS/Fluent. The mixing indices studied were the velocity ratio, turbulent length scale, turbulent time scale, mixing time, and axial dispersion coefficient. We found that the oscillation amplitude had the most significant impact on these indices. In contrast, the oscillatory Reynolds number did not necessarily describe the mixing intensity of a system. Of the tested indices, the axial dispersion coefficient showed advantages over the other indices for quantifying the mixing performance of a moving baffle OBR.
Estimation of Deformation Intensity above a Flooded Potash Mine Near Berezniki (Perm Krai, Russia) with SAR Interferometry
Authors: Samsonov Sergey , Baryakh Alexandr
Published: October 2020

In this study we used RADARSAT-2 and Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar data for measuring subsidence above a flooded potash mine, which is almost entirely located within the city of Berezniki (Perm Krai, Russia), population 150,000. This area has experienced very fast subsidence since October 2006 when the integrity of the Berezniki-1 mine was compromised, resulting in water intrusion, subsequent flooding and closure of the mine. Due to the ongoing dissolution of carnallite, subsidence in this region is expected to continue in the foreseeable future. In addition to rapid subsidence, at least five sinkholes have formed in the region, with the largest being 440 × 320 m. We observed ground subsidence during the period October 2011–April 2014 (RADARSAT-2) with a vertical rate up to 14 cm/year and horizontal rate up to 10 cm/year; during the period July 2016–June 2020 (Sentinel-1) with a vertical rate up to 17 cm/year. Our results were validated by precise leveling, with a coefficient of correlation of 0.75. Subsidence faster than 17 cm/year observed by precise leveling was not resolvable with Differential Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (DInSAR). Our results show the complementary nature of ground-based and space-borne measurement techniques. The precise leveling captures subsidence along profile lines with high precision but lower temporal resolution, while DInSAR captures subsidence with high spatial and temporal resolutions but with lower precision. DInSAR is also significantly affected by decorrelation outside of urban areas. An important advantage of our methodology is the ability to measure the horizontal east component of the ground deformation when both, ascending and descending, data are available. This measurement directly characterizes the level of anthropogenic load on buildings and infrastructure. We recommend continuing monitoring subsidence using both measurement techniques, which can also be complemented by continuous Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS).