bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protective Effects of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 40 Against Clostridium perfringens Infection in Mice
Authors: Jiang Zipeng , Li Wentao , Su Weifa , Wen Chaoyue , Gong Tao , Zhang Yu , Wang Yizhen , Jin Mingliang , Lu Zeqing
Published: October 2021

This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (BA40) against Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) infection in mice. Bacillus subtilis PB6 was utilized as a positive control to compare the protective effects of BA40. In general, a total of 24 5-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups, with six mice each. The BA40 and PB6 groups were orally dosed with resuspension bacteria (1 × 109 CFU/ml) once a day, from day 1 to 13, respectively. In the control and infected groups, the mice were orally pre-treated with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) (200 μl/day). The mice in the infected groups, PB6 + infected group and BA40 + infected group, were orally challenged with C. perfringens type A (1 × 109 CFU/ml) on day 11, whereas the control group was orally dosed with PBS (200 μl/day). The results showed that the BA40 group ameliorated intestinal structure damage caused by the C. perfringens infection. Furthermore, the inflammatory responses detected in the infected groups which include the concentrations of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and immunoglobulin G (IgG) in the serum and secretory immunoglobulin (SigA) in the colon, and nitric oxide (NO) production and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activity in the jejunum, were also alleviated (P < 0.05) by BA40 treatment. Similarly, cytokines were also detected by quantitative PCR (qPCR) in the messenger RNA (mRNA) levels, and the results were consistent with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Additionally, in the infected group, the mRNA expression of Bax and p53 was increasing and the Bcl-2 expression was decreasing, which was reversed by BA40 and PB6 treatment (P < 0.05). Moreover, the intestinal microbiota imbalance induced by the C. perfringens infection was restored by the BA40 pre-treatment, especially by improving the relative abundance of Verrucomicrobiota (P < 0.05) and decreasing the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes (P < 0.05) in the phyla level, and the infected group increased the relative abundance of some pathogens, such as Bacteroides and Staphylococcus (P < 0.05) in the genus level. The gut microbiota alterations in the BA40 group also influenced the metabolic pathways, and the results were also compared. The purine metabolism, 2-oxocarboxylic acid metabolism, and starch and sucrose metabolism were significantly changed (P < 0.05). In conclusion, our results demonstrated that BA40 can effectively protect mice from C. perfringens infection.
Research Progress on Circular RNA in Glioma
Authors: Chen Mengyu , Yan Chunyan , Zhao Xihe
Published: October 2021

The discovery of circular RNA (circRNA) greatly complements the traditional gene expression theory. CircRNA is a class of non-coding RNA with a stable cyclic structure. They are highly expressed, spatiotemporal-specific and conservative across species. Importantly, circRNA participates in the occurrence of many kinds of tumors and regulates the tumor development. Glioma is featured by limited therapy and grim prognosis. Cancer-associated circRNA compromises original function or creates new effects in glioma, thus contributing to oncogenesis. Therefore, this article reviews the biogenesis, metabolism, functions and properties of circRNA as a novel potential biomarker for gliomas. We elaborate the expression characteristics, interaction between circRNA and other molecules, aiming to identify new targets for early diagnosis and treatment of gliomas.
The Single-Cell Sequencing: A Dazzling Light Shining on the Dark Corner of Cancer
Authors: Li Jing , Yu Nan , Li Xin , Cui Mengna , Guo Qie
Published: October 2021

Tumorigenesis refers to the process of clonal dysplasia that occurs due to the collapse of normal growth regulation in cells caused by the action of various carcinogenic factors. These “successful” tumor cells pass on the genetic templates to their generations in evolutionary terms, but they also constantly adapt to ever-changing host environments. A unique peculiarity known as intratumor heterogeneity (ITH) is extensively involved in tumor development, metastasis, chemoresistance, and immune escape. An understanding of ITH is urgently required to identify the diversity and complexity of the tumor microenvironment (TME), but achieving this understanding has been a challenge. Single-cell sequencing (SCS) is a powerful tool that can gauge the distribution of genomic sequences in a single cell and the genetic variability among tumor cells, which can improve the understanding of ITH. SCS provides fundamental ideas about existing diversity in specific TMEs, thus improving cancer diagnosis and prognosis prediction, as well as improving the monitoring of therapeutic response. Herein, we will discuss advances in SCS and review SCS application in tumors based on current evidence.
Negative Photoconductive Effects in Uncooled InAs Nanowire Photodetectors
Authors: Zhang Xingfei , Zhang Yiyun , Pan Dong , Yi Xiaoyan , Zhao Jianhua , Li Jinmin
Published: October 2021

One-dimensional, direct, and narrow band gap indium arsenide (InAs) nanowires (NWs) have been emerging with great potentials for the next-generation wide-spectrum photodetectors. In this study, metal–semiconductor–metal (MSM) structure InAs NW-based photodetectors were fabricated by transferring MBE-grown NWs onto a sapphire substrate via a mechanical stamping method. These NW detectors exhibit strong negative photoconductive (NPC) effects, which are likely caused by the carrier dynamics in the “core-shell” structure of the NWs. Specifically, under the irradiation of a 405 nm violet laser, the maximum Idark/Ilight ratio reaches ∼102 and the NPC gain reaches 105 at a low bias voltage of 0.2 V. At room temperature, the rise and decay times of InAs NW devices are 0.005 and 2.645 s, respectively. These InAs NW devices with a high Idark/Ilight ratio and NPC gain can be potentially used in the field of vis/near-IR light communication in the future.
Differential Regulation of the Asthmatic Phenotype by the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor
Authors: Traboulsi Hussein , de Souza Angela Rico , Allard Benoit , Haidar Zahraa , Sorin Mark , Moarbes Vanessa , Fixman Elizabeth D. , Martin James G. , Eidelman David H. , Baglole Carolyn J.
Published: October 2021

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that regulates the metabolism of xenobiotics. There is growing evidence that the AhR is implicated in physiological processes such proliferation, differentiation, and immune responses. Recently, a role of the AhR in regulating allergic asthma has been suggested, but whether the AhR also regulates other type of asthma, particularly occupational/irritant-induced asthma, remains unknown. Using AhR-deficient (Ahr−/−) mice, we compared the function of the AhR in the response to ovalbumin (OVA; allergic asthma) vs. chlorine (Cl2; irritant-induced asthma) exposure. Lung inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness were assessed 24h after exposure to Cl2 or OVA challenge in Ahr−/− and heterozygous (Ahr+/−) mice. After OVA challenge, absence of AhR was associated with significantly enhanced eosinophilia and lymphocyte influx into the airways of Ahr−/− mice. There were also increased levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-5 in the airways. However, OVA-induced airway hyperresponsiveness was not affected. In the irritant-induced asthma model caused by exposure to Cl2, the AhR did not regulate the inflammatory response. However, absence of AhR reduced Cl2-induced airway hyperresponsiveness. Collectively, these results support a differential role for the AhR in regulating asthma outcomes in response to diverse etiological agents.
Comprehensive Time-Series Analysis of the Gene Expression Profile in a Susceptible Cultivar of Tree Tomato (Solanum betaceum) During the Infection of Phytophthora betacei
Authors: Bautista Daniel , Guayazan-Palacios Natalia , Buitrago Maria Camila , Cardenas Martha , Botero David , Duitama Jorge , Bernal Adriana J. , Restrepo Silvia
Published: October 2021

Solanum betaceum is a tree from the Andean region bearing edible fruits, considered an exotic export. Although there has been renewed interest in its commercialization, sustainability, and disease management have been limiting factors. Phytophthora betacei is a recently described species that causes late blight in S. betaceum. There is no general study of the response of S. betaceum, particularly, in the changes in expression of pathogenesis-related genes. In this manuscript we present a comprehensive RNA-seq time-series study of the plant response to the infection of P. betacei. Following six time points of infection, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in the defense by the plant were contextualized in a sequential manner. We documented 5,628 DEGs across all time-points. From 6 to 24 h post-inoculation, we highlighted DEGs involved in the recognition of the pathogen by the likely activation of pattern-triggered immunity (PTI) genes. We also describe the possible effect of the pathogen effectors in the host during the effector-triggered response. Finally, we reveal genes related to the susceptible outcome of the interaction caused by the onset of necrotrophy and the sharp transcriptional changes as a response to the pathogen. This is the first report of the transcriptome of the tree tomato in response to the newly described pathogen P. betacei.
Test–Retest Reliability and Reliable Change Estimates for Four Mobile Cognitive Tests Administered Virtually in Community-Dwelling Adults
Authors: Van Patten Ryan , Iverson Grant L. , Muzeau Mélissa A. , VanRavenhorst-Bell Heidi A.
Published: October 2021

Objective: Remote mobile cognitive testing (MCT) is an expanding area of research, but psychometric data supporting these measures are limited. We provide preliminary data on test–retest reliability and reliable change estimates in four MCTs from SWAY Medical, Inc.

Methods: Fifty-five adults from the U.S. Midwest completed the MCTs remotely on their personal mobile devices once per week for 3 consecutive weeks, while being supervised with a video-based virtual connection. The cognitive assessment measured simple reaction time (“Reaction Time”), go/no-go response inhibition (“Impulse Control”), timed visual processing (“Inspection Time”), and working memory (“Working Memory”). For each cognitive test except Working Memory, we analyzed both millisecond (ms) responses and an overall SWAY composite score.

Results: The mean age of the sample was 26.69years (SD=9.89; range=18–58). Of the 55 adults, 38 (69.1%) were women and 49 (89.1%) used an iPhone. Friedman’s ANOVAs examining differences across testing sessions were nonsignificant (ps>0.31). Intraclass correlations for Weeks 1–3 were: Reaction Time (ms): 0.83, Reaction Time (SWAY): 0.83, Impulse Control (ms): 0.68, Impulse Control (SWAY): 0.80, Inspection Time (ms): 0.75, Inspection Time (SWAY): 0.75, and Working Memory (SWAY): 0.88. Intraclass correlations for Weeks 1–2 were: Reaction Time (ms): 0.75, Reaction Time (SWAY): 0.74, Impulse Control (ms): 0.60, Impulse Control (SWAY): 0.76, Inspection Time (ms): 0.79, Inspection Time (SWAY): 0.79, and Working Memory (SWAY): 0.83. Natural distributions of difference scores were calculated and reliable change estimates are presented for 70, 80, and 90% CIs.

Conclusion: Test–retest reliability was adequate or better for the MCTs in this virtual remote testing study. Reliable change estimates allow for the determination of whether a particular level of improvement or decline in performance is within the range of probable measurement error. Additional reliability and validity data are needed in other age groups.
Nutritional, Antinutritional Compounds and Nutraceutical Significance of Native Bean Species (Phaseolus spp.) of Mexican Cultivars
Authors: Alcázar-Valle Montserrat , García-Morales Soledad , Mojica Luis , Morales-Hernández Norma , Sánchez-Osorio Ever , Flores-López Lourdes , Enríquez-Vara Jhony Navat , Lugo-Cervantes Eugenia
Published: October 2021

Common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), comba beans (Phaseolus lunatus), and ayocote beans (Phaseolus coccineus) are the most consumed beans worldwide. This work aimed to analyze the nutraceutical potential, antinutritional content, antioxidant activity, and physicochemical characteristics of 38 native bean accessions from South Pacific Mexico. Regarding size, the accessions collected from P. lunatus were the longest (15.31 ± 1.31 mm) and widest (11.04 ± 0.85 mm), while those of P. coccineus were of a greater thickness (6.40 ± 0.85 mm). In addition, it was observed that P. vulgaris species presented a higher percentage of protein and fat content. Moreover, an inverse correlation was found between the content of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in all the collected accessions. The main free amino acid of P. lunatus and P. vulgaris was tryptophan with concentrations of 35.36 ± 0.37 mg/100 g and 47.41 ± 0.53 mg/100 g, respectively. While P. coccineus contained isoleucine as its main free amino acid with a concentration of 29.85 ± 1.06 mg/100 g Furthermore, the collected accessions could be 100% correctly classified as P. vulgaris, P. lunatus, or P. coccineus according to the free amino acid content; this classification could serve as a marker to distinguish between Phaseolus species. In addition, principal component analysis of the phenolic compound content, nutritional composition, antinutritional factors, and antioxidant activity was performed, showing not only that P. vulgaris accessions can present nutraceutical potential but also that some accessions from P. lunatus and P. coccineus species can be promoted for the development of functional foods.
The Impact of Selenium Fertilization on the Quality Characteristics of Spring Wheat Grain
Authors: Radawiec Aleksandra , Rutkowska Beata , Tidaback Justina Anna , Gozdowski Dariusz , Knapowski Tomasz , Szulc Wiesław
Published: October 2021

Selenium is a micronutrient that is important for the proper functioning of the body. The research presented in this paper investigated the impact of various methods of selenium fertilization at various stages of plant growth on its content in grain and the quality properties of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Selenium fertilization did not affect the grain yield; however, it increased the selenium content in the grain. The research results showed that the accumulation of Se depends not only on the dose of the fertilizer but also on the stage of plant growth when the element is introduced. The most effective method of fertilization proved to be seed treatment and soil application combined with the foliar application at the tillering and stem elongation stages (G + S + F1-2), as well as at the stem elongation stage alone (G + S + F2). In terms of quality characteristics, the impact of selenium fertilization was observed only in the case of the falling number and the total protein content; all the parameters allowed for the grain to be classified as suitable for bread-making. Selenium fertilization can be considered as a safe way of increasing the Se content in spring wheat, which may contribute to an increase in the technological quality of the grain and its nutritional value.
Modelling the Common Agricultural Policy Impact over the EU Agricultural and Rural Environment through a Machine Learning Predictive Framework
Authors: Cristea Dragos Sebastian , Rosenberg Sarina , Pustianu Mocanu Adriana , Simionov Ira Adeline , Mogodan Alina Antache , Petrea Stefan Mihai , Moga Liliana Mihaela
Published: October 2021

This research provides an analytical and predictive framework, based on state-of-the-art machine-learning (ML) algorithms (random forest (RF) and generalized additive models (GAM)), that can be used to assess and improve the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) impact/performance over the agricultural and rural environments, easing the identification of proper instruments that can be used by EU policy makers in CAP’s financial management. The applied methodology consists of elaborating a custom-developed analytical framework based on a dataset containing 22 relevant indicators, considering four main dimensions that describe the intricacies of the EU agricultural and rural environment, in the CAP context: rural, emissions, macroeconomic, and financial. The results highlight that an increase of the agricultural research and development funding, as well as the agriculture employment rate, negatively influence the degree of rural poverty. The rural GDP per capita is influenced by the size of the employment rate in agriculture. It seems that environmental sustainability, identified by both fertilizers used and emissions from agriculture parameters, significantly influences the GDP per capita. In predicting emissions in agriculture, the direct payment, degree of rural poverty, fertilizer use, employment in agriculture, and agriculture labor productivity are the main independent parameters with the highest future importance. It was found that when predicting direct payments, the rural employment rate, employment in agriculture, and gross value added must be considered the most. The agricultural, entrepreneurial income prediction is mainly influenced by the total factor productivity, while agricultural research and development investments depend on gross value added, direct payments, and gross value added in the agricultural sector. Future research, related to prediction models based on CAP indicators, should also consider the marketing dimension. It is recommended for direct payments to be used to invest in upgrading the fertilizers technologies, since environmental sustainability will influence economic growth.
Economic Analysis of Biochar Use in Soybean Production in Poland
Authors: Latawiec Agnieszka Ewa , Koryś Agnieszka , Koryś Katarzyna Anna , Kuboń Maciej , Sadowska Urszula , Gliniak Maciej , Sikora Jakub , Drosik Adam , Niemiec Marcin , Klimek-Kopyra Agnieszka , Sporysz Maciej , Usowicz Boguslaw , Medeiros Bruna
Published: October 2021

Soybean (Glycine max L.) is one of the most important crops grown globally. Biochar has been proposed as an alternative to aid sustainable soybean production. However, comprehensive studies that include both the economic aspects of soybean production and biochar are scarce. Poland, with an economy largely based on agriculture, is an interesting case to investigate the cost-effectiveness of using biochar in soybean production. We show that the use of biochar at rates of 40, 60 and 80 t/ha is unprofitable compared with a traditional soil amendment, such as NPK fertilization. The breakeven price for biochar to be economically viable should be USD 39.22, USD 38.29 and USD 23.53 for 40, 60 and 80 Mg/ha biochar, respectively, while the cost of biochar used for this experiment was USD 85.33. The payback period for doses of 40 and 60 Mg/ha was estimated to be three years. With a carbon sequestration subsidy of USD 30 per ton of CO2, the use of biochar may be profitable in the first year of soybean production. This is the first comprehensive economic analysis of the use of biochar in soybean production in Poland and one of the few published worldwide.
Expanded Potential Growing Region and Yield Increase for Agave americana with Future Climate
Authors: Davis Sarah C. , Abatzoglou John T. , LeBauer David S.
Published: October 2021

Rising crop risk for farmers and greater subsidy costs for governments are both associated with changing climatic conditions, including increased water scarcity. The resilience of Agave spp. in both hot and dry conditions, combined with their wide range of uses, position these plants as novel high-yielding crops suitable for both (i) a warming climate and (ii) agricultural regions with finite water resources. A simple model of the physiological response of Agave americana to variations in solar radiation, temperature, and precipitation was used to predict A. americana yields globally at a 4 km spatial resolution for both contemporary climate and high-end warming scenarios. The potential growing region for A. americana expanded by 3–5% (up to 3 million ha) and potential biomass production increased by 4–5% (up to 4 Gt of additional biomass) with climate warming scenarios. There were some declines in biomass with the climate warming projected in smaller dispersed locations of tropical South America, Africa, and Australia. The amount of water required for optimal A. americana yield is less than half of the current water required for other crops grown in semi-arid agricultural regions of the southwestern US, and a similar low water demand can be expected in other semi-arid regions of the world. Rock mulching can further reduce the need for irrigation and increase suitable cropland area for A. americana by 26–30%. We show that >10 Mg ha−1 y−1 of A. americana biomass could be produced on 27 million ha of cropland without requiring irrigation. Our results suggest that cultivation of A. americana can support resilient agriculture in a future with rising temperatures and water scarcity.
Effects of White LED Lighting with Specific Shorter Blue and/or Green Wavelength on the Growth and Quality of Two Lettuce Cultivars in a Vertical Farming System
Authors: Nguyen Thi Kim Loan , Cho Kye Man , Lee Hee Yul , Cho Du Yong , Lee Ga Oun , Jang Seong Nam , Lee Yongki , Kim Daesup , Son Ki-Ho
Published: October 2021

White (W) light-emitting diode (LED) light has been used as an efficient light source for commercial plant cultivation in vertical farming. This study aimed to examine the effect of W LED light sources on the growth and quality of butterhead and romaine lettuce. Three W LED light sources including normal W light (NWL) which has 450 nm as its pumping wavelength and two specific W lights (SWL1 and SWL2) with shorter blue peak wavelength (437 nm) were used to grow lettuce in comparison to a red (R) and blue (B) LED combination. As a result, SWL1 and SWL2 treatments with the same electrical power or photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) resulted in more growth of both lettuce cultivars compared to RB treatment. Some phenolic and flavonol contents were increased in the RB treatment, whereas SWL2 treatment stimulated the accumulation of other phenolic and flavonol compounds. Meanwhile, neither NWL nor SWL1 treatments increased the individual phenolic and flavonol contents in either cultivar (except for some flavonols in romaine lettuce in the SWL1 group). In addition, light and energy use efficiencies were also highest in the SWL1 and SWL2 treatments. These results illustrate the positive effects of specific W LED light on lettuce growth and quality, and suggest that the specific W LED light sources, especially SWL2, could be preferably used in vertical farming.
Mobile Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in Probiotics
Authors: Tóth Adrienn Gréta , Csabai István , Judge Maura Fiona , Maróti Gergely , Becsei Ágnes , Spisák Sándor , Solymosi Norbert
Published: October 2021

Even though people worldwide tend to consume probiotic products for their beneficial health effects on a daily basis, recently, concerns were outlined regarding the uptake and potential intestinal colonisation of the bacteria that they carry. These bacteria are capable of executing horizontal gene transfer (HGT) which facilitates the movement of various genes, including antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), among the donor and recipient bacterial populations. Within our study, 47 shotgun sequencing datasets deriving from various probiotic samples (isolated strains and metagenomes) were bioinformatically analysed. We detected more than 70 ARGs, out of which rpoB mutants conferring resistance to rifampicin, tet(W/N/W) and potentially extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) coding TEM-116 were the most common. Numerous ARGs were associated with integrated mobile genetic elements, plasmids or phages promoting the HGT. Our findings raise clinical and public health concerns as the consumption of probiotic products may lead to the transfer of ARGs to human gut bacteria.
Reverse Ordered Sequential Mechanism for Lactoperoxidase with Inhibition by Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Cupp-Sutton Kellye , Ashby Michael T.
Published: October 2021

Lactoperoxidase (LPO, FeIII in its resting state in the absence of substrates)—an enzyme secreted from human mammary, salivary, and other mucosal glands—catalyzes the oxidation of thiocyanate (SCN−) by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to produce hypothiocyanite (OSCN−), which functions as an antimicrobial agent. The accepted catalytic mechanism, called the halogen cycle, comprises a two-electron oxidation of LPO by H2O2 to produce oxoiron(IV) radicals, followed by O-atom transfer to SCN−. However, the mechanism does not explain biphasic kinetics and inhibition by H2O2 at low concentration of reducing substrate, conditions that may be biologically relevant. We propose an ordered sequential mechanism in which the order of substrate binding is reversed, first SCN− and then H2O2. The sequence of substrate binding that is described by the halogen cycle mechanism is actually inhibitory.
Adaptive Predictive Functional Control of X-Y Pedestal for LEO Satellite Tracking Using Laguerre Functions
Authors: Dadkhah Tehrani Reza , Givi Hadi , Crunteanu Daniel-Eugeniu , Cican Grigore
Published: October 2021

In this paper, Predictive Functional Control (PFC) is used for X-Y pedestal control for LEO satellite tracking. According to the nonlinear characteristics of the X-Y pedestal and pedestal model variation caused by its operating point change, the use of system identification algorithm, which is based on special types of orthonormal functions known as Laguerre functions, is presented. This algorithm is combined with PFC to obtain a novel adaptive control algorithm entitled Adaptive Predictive Functional Control (APFC). In this combination, Laguerre functions are utilized for system identification, while the PFC is the control law. An interesting feature of the proposed algorithm is its desirable performance against the interference effect of channel X and channel Y. The proposed APFC algorithm is compared with Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) controller using simulation results. The results confirm that the proposed controller improves the performance in terms of the pedestal model variations; that is, the controller is capable of adapting to the model changes desirably.
Controllable Fano-like Resonance in Terahertz Planar Meta-Rotamers
Authors: Jo Subin , Bae Min-Gyu , Lee Joong-Wook
Published: October 2021

Meta-molecules composed of meta-atoms exhibit various electromagnetic phenomena owing to the interaction among the resonance modes of the meta-atoms. In this study, we numerically investigated Fano-like-resonant planar metamaterials composed of meta-molecules at terahertz (THz) frequencies. We present meta-rotamers based only on the difference in the spatial position of their component meta-atoms (C- and Y-shapes) that can be interconverted by rotations and have tunable Fano-like resonance. This is because of the cooperative effects determined by the spatial coupling conditions of the nodes and antinodes of electric-dipole and inductive–capacitive (LC) resonances of the meta-atoms. The findings of this study provide potential options for exploring novel THz devices and for engineering high-level functionalities in metamaterial-based devices.
Study on the Middle Bronze Age Disc-Butted Axe Ornament from Archaeometallurgical Point of View
Authors: Sandu Ioan Gabriel , Vasilache Viorica , Sandu Ion , Tencariu Felix Adrian , Sandu Andrei Victor
Published: October 2021

Our research was conducted on a copper disc-butted axe, with a surface decoration made of a tin-based alloy, which was found east of the Carpathian Mountains in the Moldavian Plateau. This unique piece is thought to belong to the Middle Bronze Age in the Western Carpathians—Wietenberg, Suciu de Sus and Otomani–Füzesabony cultures. In order to evaluate the application process and the origin of the ores used, the surface and volume phase variation of the concentration of the metal components of the basic alloy (copper) and of the ornament was analysed using optical microscopy (OM), stereomicroscopy (SM) and SEM-EDX. The archaeometric features, formed both during its use and during its lying in the archaeological site, were identified and later used in archaeometallurgical evaluations and in determining the preservation condition of the two components (axe and ornament) on the surface, interface and in stratigraphic section. Experimental data revealed that, after its casting in porous silicon stone moulds, the object was coated with a thin film by immersion in an easily fusible tin alloy, which included copper as the major alloying component and arsenic and iron as minor components. After finishing the shiny white coat, a beautiful decoration was applied by incision and engraving. Used as a battle axe, it also had a rank function, as it belonged to the community leaders. The data prove the ability of ancient craftsmen to design and process copper alloys to obtain authentic extremely beautiful artefacts, which provide new possibilities to reveal the social and symbolic function of certain ancient bronze objects.
Two-Terminal Electronic Circuits with Controllable Linear NDR Region and Their Applications
Authors: Ulansky Vladimir , Raza Ahmed , Milke Denys
Published: October 2021

Negative differential resistance (NDR) is inherent in many electronic devices, in which, over a specific voltage range, the current decreases with increasing voltage. Semiconductor structures with NDR have several unique properties that stimulate the search for technological and circuitry solutions in developing new semiconductor devices and circuits experiencing NDR features. This study considers two-terminal NDR electronic circuits based on multiple-output current mirrors, such as cascode, Wilson, and improved Wilson, combined with a field-effect transistor. The undoubted advantages of the proposed electronic circuits are the linearity of the current-voltage characteristics in the NDR region and the ability to regulate the value of negative resistance by changing the number of mirrored current sources. We derive equations for each proposed circuit to calculate the NDR region’s total current and differential resistance. We consider applications of NDR circuits for designing microwave single frequency oscillators and voltage-controlled oscillators. The problem of choosing the optimal oscillator topology is examined. We show that the designed oscillators based on NDR circuits with Wilson and improved Wilson multiple-output current mirrors have high efficiency and extremely low phase noise. For a single frequency oscillator consuming 33.9 mW, the phase noise is −154.6 dBc/Hz at a 100 kHz offset from a 1.310 GHz carrier. The resulting figure of merit is −221.6 dBc/Hz. The implemented oscillator prototype confirms the theoretical achievements.
Anthocyanins, Phenolic Compounds, and Antioxidants from Extractions of Six Eucalyptus Species
Authors: Álvarez Xana , Cancela Ángeles , Merchán Yolanda , Sánchez Ángel
Published: October 2021

The leaves of Eucalyptus have multiple biological activities such as antimicrobial, antiseptic, antioxidant, and antifungal. A Soxhlet extraction, SLE, and HD were used to obtain extracts from the leaves of six Eucalyptus species, E. globulus, E. oblicua, E. pavaflora, E. camaldulensis, E. viminalis, and E. nitens, and to study their antioxidant capacity. Solvents such as acetone, dichloromethane, ethanol, hexane, methanol, and water were used to study how polarity influences extraction yields. The SLE method achieved higher or similar yields, depending on the species and its composition, than the Soxlet method at a temperature of 50 °C. The highest yields were obtained with E. viminalis with methanol (42.5 wt.%), the highest phenolic content was obtained with E. nitens with methanol (124.17 mg GAE/g of extract), and the highest anthocyanin levels obtained were with E. nitens with hexane (5.05 mg CC/g of extract). E. nitens obtained almost five times more phenolic content than E. globulus; therefore, it is the most promising species. The high content of the compounds analysed confirm the good potential of these species to obtain value-added compounds. Our results demonstrate that the differences in the extract contents depend on the polarity of the solvents used. In addition, the use of these species will reduce the residue in the forest, which is greatly beneficial.
Determination of Prestress in Circular Inhomogeneous Solid and Annular Plates in the Framework of the Timoshenko Hypotheses
Authors: Bogachev Ivan V.
Published: October 2021

Determination of prestress fields in structures is of the utmost importance, since they have a significant impact on operational characteristics, and their level and distribution must be strictly controlled. In this paper, we present modeling of bending vibrations of solid and annular round inhomogeneous prestressed plates within the framework of the Timoshenko hypotheses. New inverse problems of prestress identification in plates are studied on the basis of the acoustic response subjected to some probing load. To solve direct problems on calculating oscillations and amplitude-frequency characteristics, a computational Galerkin-method-based scheme has been developed. In order to treat the inverse problems, we use a special projection approach based on the constructed weak problems statements, which makes it possible to determine the desired characteristics in the given classes of functions. The developed techniques for solving direct problems are implemented in the form of software packages realized via Maple. For both solid and annular plates, we estimate the sensitivity of the amplitude-frequency characteristics the values of which are used as the additional data in the inverse problems to a change in the prestress level; we conclude that the most favorable frequency range should be selected in the resonance vicinity. We have conducted a series of computational tests on reconstructing the plate’s prestresses of various levels and distribution patterns (decreasing, increasing, sign-changing laws). The results of computational tests revealed that the technique developed allows for the determination of the prestresses with a low error for two cases: when the cause of prestress formation and its type are known and when arbitrary prestress changing laws are considered.
Overview of the Development of 3D-Printing Concrete: A Review
Authors: Lyu Fuyan , Zhao Dongliang , Hou Xiaohui , Sun Li , Zhang Qiang
Published: October 2021

3D-printing concrete technology has attracted more and more attention for smart construction due to its advantages of digitization, automation, and high degree of intelligence. This article introduces the basic principles and related processes of concrete 3D-printing technology, and reviews the development from the following four fields: the material properties, preparation technology, printing parameters, and evaluation criteria of 3D-printing concrete technology. Then the existing difficulties, development direction and key technologies of 3D-printing concrete are described. Finally, we look forward to the development prospects of 3D-printing concrete from the aspects of printing materials, software and hardware cooperation, printing technology, etc. All the researches will provide the useful references for the later development and research.
Application of Mode-Adaptive Bidirectional Pushover Analysis to an Irregular Reinforced Concrete Building Retrofitted via Base Isolation
Authors: Fujii Kenji , Masuda Takumi
Published: October 2021

In this article, the applicability of mode-adaptive bidirectional pushover analysis (MABPA) to base-isolated irregular buildings was evaluated. The point of the updated MABPA is that the peaks of the first and second modal responses are predicted considering the energy balance during a half cycle of the structural response. In the numerical examples, the main building of the former Uto City Hall, which was severely damaged in the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, was investigated as a case study for the retrofitting of an irregular reinforced concrete building using the base-isolation technique. The comparisons between the predicted peak response by MABPA and nonlinear time-history analysis results showed that the peak relative displacement can be properly predicted by MABPA. The results also showed that the performance of the retrofitted building models was satisfactory for the ground motion considered in this study, including the recorded motions in the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake.
Effects of Hydroxychloroquine on Retinal Vessel Density in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis over One-Year Follow-Up: A Pilot Study
Authors: Iacono Pierluigi , Da Pozzo Stefano , Bedendo Alberto , Varano Monica , Parravano Mariacristina
Published: October 2021

Background: To employ optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) to evaluate the effects of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) on the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep retinal capillary plexus (DCP) in patients affected by rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: Patients with recent diagnosis of “definite RA”, based on 2010 Rheumatoid Arthritis Classification Criteria, were included in a prospective, observational imaging study carried out by the G.B. Bietti Foundation between March 2019 and January 2020. Vessel density (VD) of SCP and DCP, central foveal thickness (CFT) and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) values were collected by OCTA. The primary outcome measure was the VD alteration of SCP and DCP in RA-patients after one year of HCQ treatment. Results: OCTA data analysis showed no statistically significant reduction in the mean VD of SCP and DCP, including the mean global area, central subfield, inner ring and temporal, superior, nasal, and inferior sectors, as well as in the mean CFT and FAZ areas. Conclusions: OCTA demonstrated no early change in the VD in the SCP and DCP, in RA-patients after one year of HCQ treatment. A longer monitoring period would more precisely establish the treatment’s effect on the VD and its correlation with HCQ toxicity.
Effect of Target Size, Location, and Input Method on Interaction in Immersive Virtual Reality
Authors: Choe Mungyeong , Park Jaehyun , Kim Hyun K.
Published: October 2021

Although new virtual reality (VR) devices and their contents are actively being released, there are still not enough studies to prepare its interface/interaction standard. In this study, it was investigated whether specific interaction factors influenced task performance and the degree of virtual reality sickness when performing pointing tasks in immersive virtual reality. A smartphone-based VR device was used, and twenty-five targets were placed in a 5 × 5 layout on the VR experimental area that extended to a range similar to the human viewing angle. Task completion time (TCT) was significantly affected by target selection method (p < 0.001) and target size (p < 0.001), whereas the error rate (ER) significantly differed for the target selection method (p < 0.001) and not for the target size (p = 0.057). Target location was observed to be a factor affecting TCT (p < 0.001), but it did not affect the ER (p = 0.876). VR sickness was more severe when the target size was smaller. Gaze selection was found to be more efficient when accuracy is demanded, and manual selection is more efficient for quick selection. Moreover, applying these experimental data to Fitts’ Law showed that the movement time was found to be less affected by the device when using the gaze-selection method. Virtual reality provides a three-dimensional visual environment, but a one-dimensional formula can sufficiently predict the movement time. The result of this study is expected to be a reference for preparing interface/interaction design standards for virtual reality.
Traffic Signal Time Optimization Based on Deep Q-Network
Authors: Joo Hyunjin , Lim Yujin
Published: October 2021

Because cities worldwide have high population concentration, traffic congestion is a key problem that needs to be addressed. As modern technology advances, smart traffic management is able to collect data from the environment and uses a contextual signal assignment to determine the traffic flow at intersections and improve the traffic conditions. In this paper, we propose a green signal time allocation system based on a deep Q-network (DQN) that can maximize the capacity at intersections and assign the green light time according to the traffic conditions. The proposed system also aims to reduce the standard deviation of each lane at an intersection by considering the standard deviation of the waiting time. As a result, selfish green signal allocations can be reduced. Thus, the proposed system can achieve better experimental results in a dynamic environment than those of the green signal phase sequence allocation system.
Selective Electrochemical Regeneration of Aqueous Amine Solutions to Capture CO2 and to Convert H2S into Hydrogen and Solid Sulfur
Authors: de Meyer Frédérick , Bignaud Charles , Poulain Bénédicte
Published: October 2021

Removing CO2 from natural gas or biogas in the presence of H2S is technically challenging and expensive as it often requires separation of both acid gases from the gas, typically using an aqueous amine solution, followed by separation of CO2 from H2S and conversion of H2S into solid S. In this work, the proof of concept of electrochemical, instead of thermal, regeneration of an aqueous amine solution is developed. This invention might be a very promising technology and has several advantages. It has H2S versus CO2 selectivity of 100%, can directly convert H2S into S and H2, and is economically competitive with CO2 desorption energy around 100 kJmol−1 and H2S conversion around 200 kJmol−1. If renewable energy is used for electrochemical regeneration, CO2 emissions due to the CO2 capture process can be significantly reduced.
Reflectometry Study of the Pyroelectric Effect on Proton-Exchange Channel Waveguides in Lithium Niobate
Authors: Ponomarev Roman , Konstantinov Yuri , Belokrylov Maxim , Lobach Ivan , Shevtsov Denis
Published: October 2021

This work is devoted to the study of the pyroelectric effect on the properties of optical waveguides formed in a lithium niobate crystal by proton exchange. In the present work, we studied the cessation effect of the radiation channeling during thermocycling of Y-splitters samples. We examined the spectral dependence of optical losses on the wavelength using an optical spectrum analyzer. The results demonstrate that in the range of 1530–1570 nm, all wavelengths are suppressed equally. The optical frequency domain reflectometry shows that the increase of optical losses is observed along the entire waveguide, but not only at the Y-splitting point, as supposed earlier.
Studies regarding the Use of Pneumatic Muscles in Precise Positioning Systems
Authors: Petre Ioana Mădălina
Published: October 2021

The paper presents the methods and results of an experimental study that highlights the behavior of a pneumatic actuator under different pressures and with different loads applied. One important challenge that occurs in the application of pneumatic muscles is the phenomenon of hysteresis, which causes a nonlinear relationship between the input–output values. The aim of this study is to identify the occurrence of hysteresis in the operation of a small pneumatic muscle in different conditions. Thus, different loads are attached to the free end of a pneumatic muscle and different successive pressures are applied in order to examine the hysteresis of the contraction ratio when the muscle is inflated and then deflated. The obtained equations that describe the relationship between the input pressure and the axial contraction are significant for reaching a high-performance position control. In this regard, the article proposes a solution to increase positioning accuracy based on pressure control using a proportional pressure regulator and a programmable logic controller.
Global Radiative Sky Cooling Potential Adjusted for Population Density and Cooling Demand
Authors: Aili Ablimit , Yin Xiaobo , Yang Ronggui
Published: October 2021

Thanks to recent advances in nanophotonics and scalable manufacturing of metamaterials, radiative sky cooling has emerged as a “self-reliant” cooling technology with various potential applications. However, not every region across the globe is well suited for the adoption of radiative cooling technologies, depending on the local climate, population density, cooling demand, air conditioning saturation, economic prosperity, etc. Because the atmospheric downward longwave radiation, especially the portion from the atmospheric window (8–13 µm), is substantially affected by weather conditions, the performance of a well-designed radiative cooler can be vastly different across regions and seasons. Here, we first map the global radiative sky cooling potential in the form of net cooling power density. We then further evaluate it based on the global population density and cooling demand. In terms of the adjusted potential, we show that geographically and demographically “transitional” regions, located between wet and dry climates as well as sparsely and densely populated regions, are better suited for the adoption of radiative cooling technologies because of their temperate climate and moderate population density. Even in densely populated and humid regions, the cumulative impact and other accompanying benefits must not be ignored.
Zinc Chloride: Time-Dependent Cytotoxicity, Proliferation and Promotion of Glycoprotein Synthesis and Antioxidant Gene Expression in Human Keratinocytes
Authors: Salesa Beatriz , Sabater i Serra Roser , Serrano-Aroca Ángel
Published: October 2021

The use of ionic metals such as zinc (Zn2+) is providing promising results in regenerative medicine. In this study, human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) were treated with different concentrations of zinc chloride (ZnCl2), ranging from 1 to 800 µg/mL, for 3, 12 and 24 h. The results showed a time–concentration dependence with three non-cytotoxic concentrations (10, 5 and 1 µg/mL) and a median effective concentration value of 13.5 µg/mL at a cell exposure to ZnCl2 of 24 h. However, the zinc treatment with 5 or 1 µg/mL had no effect on cell proliferation in HaCaT cells in relation to the control sample at 72 h. The effects of the Zn2+ treatment on the expression of several genes related to glycoprotein synthesis, oxidative stress, proliferation and differentiation were assessed at the two lowest non-cytotoxic concentrations after 24 h of treatment. Out of 13 analyzed genes (superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), catalase (CAT), matrix metallopeptidase 1 (MMP1), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFB1), glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1), fibronectin 1 (FN1), hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2), laminin subunit beta 1 (LAMB1), lumican (LUM), cadherin 1 (CDH1), collagen type IV alpha (COL4A1), fibrillin (FBN) and versican (VCAN)), Zn2+ was able to upregulate SOD1, CAT, TGFB1, GPX1, LUM, CDH1, FBN and VCAN, with relative expression levels of at least 1.9-fold with respect to controls. We found that ZnCl2 promoted glycoprotein synthesis and antioxidant gene expression, thus confirming its great potential in biomedicine.