bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multilocus Sequence Typing and Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Analysis in Tilletia indica Isolates Inciting Karnal Bunt of Wheat
Authors: Gurjar Malkhan Singh , Aggarwal Rashmi , Jain Shekhar , Sharma Sapna , Singh Jagmohan , Gupta Sangeeta , Agarwal Shweta , Saharan Mahender Singh
Published: February 2021

Karnal bunt of wheat is an internationally quarantined disease affecting trade, quality, and production of wheat. During 2015–2016, a severe outbreak of Karnal bunt disease occurred in north-western plain zone of India. The present study was undertaken to decipher genetic variations in Indian isolates of Tilletia indica collected from different locations. Seven multilocus sequence fragments were selected to differentiate and characterize these T. indica isolates. A phylogenetic tree constructed based on pooled sequences of actin-related protein 2 (ARP2), β-tubulin (TUB), eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit A (EIF3A), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), histone 2B (H2B), phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK), and serine/threonine-protein kinase (STPK) showed that isolate KB-11 (Kaithal, Haryana) was highly conserved as it was located in cluster 1 and has the maximum sequence similarity with the reference strain. Other isolates in cluster 1 included KB-16 and KB-17, both from Uttar Pradesh, and KB-19 from Haryana. Isolates KB-07 (Jind, Haryana) and KB-18 (Mujaffar Nagar, Uttar Pradesh) were the most diverse and grouped in a subgroup of cluster 2. Maximum numbers of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (675) were in the PGK gene across the T. indica isolates. The minimum numbers of SNPs (67) were in KB-11 (Kaithal, Haryana), while the maximum number of SNPs (165) was identified in KB-18, followed by 164 SNPs in KB-14. KB-18 isolate was found to be the most diverse amongst all T. indica isolates. This first study on multilocus sequence typing (MLST) revealed that the population of T. indica was highly diverse.
Bioactive Metabolites from the Endophytic Fungus Aspergillus sp. SPH2
Authors: Morales-Sánchez Viridiana , Díaz Carmen E. , Trujillo Elena , Olmeda Sonia A. , Valcarcel Felix , Muñoz Rubén , Andrés María Fe , González-Coloma Azucena
Published: February 2021

In the current study, an ethyl acetate extract from the endophytic fungus Aspergillus sp. SPH2 isolated from the stem parts of the endemic plant Bethencourtia palmensis was screened for its biocontrol properties against plant pathogens (Fusarium moniliforme, Alternaria alternata, and Botrytis cinerea), insect pests (Spodoptera littoralis, Myzus persicae, Rhopalosiphum padi), plant parasites (Meloidogyne javanica), and ticks (Hyalomma lusitanicum). SPH2 gave extracts with strong fungicidal and ixodicidal effects at different fermentation times. The bioguided isolation of these extracts gave compounds 1–3. Mellein (1) showed strong ixodicidal effects and was also fungicidal. This is the first report on the ixodicidal effects of 1. Neoaspergillic acid (2) showed potent antifungal effects. Compound 2 appeared during the exponential phase of the fungal growth while neohydroxyaspergillic acid (3) appeared during the stationary phase, suggesting that 2 is the biosynthetic precursor of 3. The mycotoxin ochratoxin A was not detected under the fermentation conditions used in this work. Therefore, SPH2 could be a potential biotechnological tool for the production of ixodicidal extracts rich in mellein.
Newly Developed Self-Assembling Antioxidants as Potential Therapeutics for the Cancers
Authors: Shashni Babita , Nagasaki Yukio
Published: February 2021

Elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been implicated as significant for cancer survival by functioning as oncogene activators and secondary messengers. Hence, the attenuation of ROS-signaling pathways in cancer by antioxidants seems a suitable therapeutic regime for targeting cancers. Low molecular weight (LMW) antioxidants such as 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpyperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO), although they are catalytically effective in vitro, exerts off-target effects in vivo due to their size, thus, limiting their clinical use. Here, we discuss the superior impacts of our TEMPO radical-conjugated self-assembling antioxidant nanoparticle (RNP) compared to the LMW counterpart in terms of pharmacokinetics, therapeutic effect, and adverse effects in various cancer models.
An Artificial Intelligence Approach to the Valuation of American-Style Derivatives: A Use of Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Chen Ren-Raw , Huang Jeffrey , Huang William , Yu Robert
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we evaluate American-style, path-dependent derivatives with an artificial intelligence technique. Specifically, we use swarm intelligence to find the optimal exercise boundary for an American-style derivative. Swarm intelligence is particularly efficient (regarding computation and accuracy) in solving high-dimensional optimization problems and hence, is perfectly suitable for valuing complex American-style derivatives (e.g., multiple-asset, path-dependent) which require a high-dimensional optimal exercise boundary.
Transcriptomic Analysis of the Anthocyanin Biosynthetic Pathway Reveals the Molecular Mechanism Associated with Purple Color Formation in Dendrobium Nestor
Authors: Cui Xueqiang , Deng Jieling , Huang Changyan , Tang Xuan , Li Xianmin , Li Xiuling , Lu Jiashi , Zhang Zibin
Published: February 2021

Dendrobium nestor is a famous orchid species in the Orchidaceae family. There is a diversity of flower colorations in the Dendrobium species, but knowledge of the genes involved and molecular mechanism underlying the flower color formation in D. nestor is less studied. Therefore, we performed transcriptome profiling using Illumina sequencing to facilitate thorough studies of the purple color formation in petal samples collected at three developmental stages, namely—flower bud stage (F), half bloom stage (H), and full bloom stage (B) in D. nestor. In addition, we identified key genes and their biosynthetic pathways as well as the transcription factors (TFs) associated with purple flower color formation. We found that the phenylpropanoid–flavonoid–anthocyanin biosynthesis genes such as phenylalanine ammonia lyase, chalcone synthase, anthocyanidin synthase, and UDP-flavonoid glucosyl transferase, were largely up-regulated in the H and B samples as compared to the F samples. This upregulation might partly account for the accumulation of anthocyanins, which confer the purple coloration in these samples. We further identified several differentially expressed genes related to phytohormones such as auxin, ethylene, cytokinins, salicylic acid, brassinosteroid, and abscisic acid, as well as TFs such as MYB and bHLH, which might play important roles in color formation in D. nestor flower. Sturdy upregulation of anthocyanin biosynthetic structural genes might be a potential regulatory mechanism in purple color formation in D. nestor flowers. Several TFs were predicted to regulate the anthocyanin genes through a K-mean clustering analysis. Our study provides valuable resource for future studies to expand our understanding of flower color development mechanisms in D. nestor.
Testing Grease Consistency
Authors: Gurt Alan , Khonsari Michael M.
Published: February 2021

Because of the influential role of consistency in selecting a grease for a given application, accurate and meaningful methodologies for its measurements are vitally important. A new method, recently introduced, uses a rheometer to compress a grease sample to evaluate a relative consistency between a fresh and degraded grease; however, the results of this approach compared to a standard penetrometer and other methods of assessing consistency have not been studied. This paper takes a closer look at the relevant parameters involved in the rheometer penetration test and establishes a recommended procedure for its use. The consistency of various greases is then tested using this method and compared to results obtained from yield stress, crossover stress, and cone penetration tests. The results indicate that rheometer penetration may be used to assess the change in consistency for a given grease but should not be used to compare different greases. For this purpose, the crossover stress method is recommended, which is shown to correlate very well with cone penetration while using a simple procedure and allowing the use of a substantially smaller sample. A strong power law correlation between crossover stress and cone penetration was found for all greases tested and is presented in Figure 12.
New Model for Analytical Predictions on the Bending Capacity of Concrete Elements Reinforced with FRP Bars
Authors: Protchenko Kostiantyn , Leśniak Przemysław , Szmigiera Elżbieta , Urbański Marek
Published: February 2021

Many studies on Fibre-Reinforced Polymers Reinforced Concrete (FRP-RC) beams tested in flexure have been performed by various researchers around the world. This work presents the results of statistical and mathematical analyses based on experimental data; 102 samples were collected and supplemented from 16 different scientific papers. The load capacity of the beams determined on the basis of the tests was compared with the load capacity calculated on the basis of the recommendations of ACI 440.1R-15. The results obtained from experimental studies showed that for 91.4% of the samples, the underestimation of the load capacity on average was equal to 15.2% of theoretical, and for 33.3% of the beams, the load capacity was overestimated by 26.7%. The paper proposes a new empirical coefficient incorporating material parameters to be implemented into ACI 440.1R-15 flexural design approach in order to improve the accuracy of this model in scope of the nominal flexural strength capacity of FRP-reinforced beams estimation. Modifications to flexural design of FRP-RC beams with the use of ACI 440.1R-15 design code were proposed. As a result, the reliability of the analytical model is increased; therefore, the new model guarantees higher safety and cost efficiency of designed concrete structures reinforced with FRP bars.
Parameters Identification of High Temperature Damage Model of X12 Alloy Steel for Ultra-Supercritical Rotor Using Inverse Optimization Technique
Authors: Chen Xuewen , Du Kexue , Du Yuqing , Lian Tingting , Liu Jiqi , Bai Rongren , Li Zhipeng , Yang Yisi , Jung Dongwon
Published: February 2021

X12 alloy steel is a new generation material for manufacturing ultra-supercritical generator rotors. Cracks will appear on the forgings during the forging process and the rotors will be scrapped in serious cases. To optimize the forging process of the rotor and avoid the occurrence of crack defects in the hot forming process, based on Oyane damage model, a high temperature damage model of X12 alloy steel was proposed by introducing the influences of temperature and strain rate on the damage evolution. A reverse analysis method was proposed to determine the critical damage value of Oyane damage model by comparing experimental and simulated fracture displacement in the tensile tests. Then, the critical damage value was determined as a function of temperature and strain rate. The high temperature damage model was combined to the commercial finite element software FORGE® to simulate the high temperature tensile test. The accuracy of the damage model was verified by comparing the difference of the fracture displacement between simulated and experimental samples. Additionally, as stress triaxiality is a significant factor influencing the damage behavior of ductile materials, the effects of temperature and strain rate on the stress triaxiality of X12 alloy steel was analyzed by simulating the high temperature tensile process, and the damage mechanism of X12 alloy steel under high stress triaxiality was analyzed by SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope).
Reinforcing Mechanisms of Coir Fibers in Light-Weight Aggregate Concrete
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxiao , Pel Leo , Gauvin Florent , Smeulders David
Published: February 2021

Due to the requirement for developing more sustainable constructions, natural fibers from agricultural wastes, such as coir fibers, have been increasingly used as an alternative in concrete composites. However, the influence of coir fibers on the hydration and shrinkage of cement-based materials is not clear. In addition, limited information about the reinforcing mechanisms of coir fibers in concrete can be found. The goal of this research is to investigate the effects of coir fibers on the hydration reaction, microstructure, shrinkages, and mechanical properties of cement-based light-weight aggregate concrete (LWAC). Treatments on coir fibers, namely Ca(OH)2 and nano-silica impregnation, are applied to further improve LWAC. Results show that leachates from fibers acting as a delayed accelerator promote cement hydration, and entrained water by fibers facilitates cement hydration during the whole process. The drying shrinkage of LWAC is increased by adding fibers, while the autogenous shrinkage decreases. The strength and toughness of LWAC are enhanced with fibers. Finally, three reinforcement mechanisms of coir fibers in cement composites are discussed.
Total Roman {3}-Domination: The Complexity and Linear-Time Algorithm for Trees
Authors: Liu Xinyue , Jiang Huiqin , Wu Pu , Shao Zehui
Published: February 2021

For a simple graph G=(V,E) with no isolated vertices, a total Roman {3}-dominating function(TR3DF) on G is a function f:V(G)→{0,1,2,3} having the property that (i) ∑w∈N(v)f(w)≥3 if f(v)=0; (ii) ∑w∈N(v)f(w)≥2 if f(v)=1; and (iii) every vertex v with f(v)≠0 has a neighbor u with f(u)≠0 for every vertex v∈V(G). The weight of a TR3DF f is the sum f(V)=∑v∈V(G)f(v) and the minimum weight of a total Roman {3}-dominating function on G is called the total Roman {3}-domination number denoted by γt{R3}(G). In this paper, we show that the total Roman {3}-domination problem is NP-complete for planar graphs and chordal bipartite graphs. Finally, we present a linear-time algorithm to compute the value of γt{R3} for trees.
Distribution of Tetrodotoxin in Pacific Oysters (Crassostrea gigas)
Authors: Dhanji-Rapkova Monika , Turner Andrew D. , Baker-Austin Craig , Huggett Jim F. , Ritchie Jennifer M.
Published: February 2021

A potent and heat-stable tetrodotoxin (TTX) has been found to accumulate in various marine bivalve species, including Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas), raising a food safety concern. While several studies on geographical occurrence of TTX have been conducted, there is a lack of knowledge about the distribution of the toxin within and between bivalves. We, therefore, measured TTX in the whole flesh, mantle, gills, labial palps, digestive gland, adductor muscle and intravalvular fluid of C. gigas using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Weekly monitoring during summer months revealed the highest TTX concentrations in the digestive gland (up to 242 µg/kg), significantly higher than in other oyster tissues. Intra-population variability of TTX, measured in the whole flesh of each of twenty animals, reached 46% and 32% in the two separate batches, respectively. In addition, an inter-population study was conducted to compare TTX levels at four locations within the oyster production area. TTX concentrations in the whole flesh varied significantly between some of these locations, which was unexplained by the differences in weight of flesh. This is the first study examining TTX distribution in C. gigas and the first confirmation of the preferential accumulation of TTX in oyster digestive gland.
Theoretical Evaluation of Polyelectrolyte Layering during Layer-by-Layer Coating of Ultrafiltration Hollow Fiber Membranes
Authors: Stumme Jakob , Ashokkumar Omjothi , Dillmann Saskia , Niestroj-Pahl Robert , Ernst Mathias
Published: February 2021

Layer-by-layer (LbL) modification of porous membranes for water filtration has become an active research field in the past few years. Different mechanisms regarding polyelectrolyte film growth, swelling and smoothing, transport through these films, etc., have been studied. Although there are conjectures, it is not yet fully understood where the polyelectrolyte layering takes place when modifying porous membranes, either within the pores or on top of the porous material. This study presents a theoretical approach to investigate the dominant layer buildup regime between pore-dominated vs. layer-dominated growth of polyelectrolytes on porous membranes without mechanically interfering or damaging the membrane material. For this, fouling mechanism processes are used as an analogy. The presented approach gives a new insight into layering conformation and might be helpful to investigate the interaction between the membrane surface and the PE film. Moreover, the MgSO4 rejection behavior of two types of modified membranes was investigated: one with an initial pore-dominated layer growth followed by a layer-dominated film growth; the other one with a completely layer-dominated film growth. The data confirm that a rejection for MgSO4 could only be achieved in the regime of layer-dominated film growth. Additionally, when layer-dominated film growth prevails from the early stages of the coating process, permeability values are higher at similar MgSO4 rejection rates compared to an initial pore-dominated and then layer-dominated film growth. Accordingly, the interaction between the membrane pore size and molecular weight of the polyelectrolytes in the coating solutions plays an important role during LbL coating.
Do Titanium Mini-Implants Have the Same Quality of Finishing and Degree of Contamination before and after Different Manipulations? An In Vitro Study
Authors: Zogheib Tatiana , Walter-Solana André , de la Iglesia Fernando , Espinar Eduardo , Gil Javier , Puigdollers Andreu
Published: February 2021

Evaluate the quality of finishing and degree of contamination before and after handling and surface treatment of titanium (Ti) orthodontic mini-implants (OMIs). A scanning electron microscope (SEM) study on ninety-six titanium OMIs was done. Energy-Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDX) identified the present particles on manufactured OMIs surfaces. Then, OMIs were manipulated with gauze (dry sterile, soaked in chlorhexidine) and gloves (latex, nitrile) to evaluate the contamination of these handling materials. Finally, OMIs underwent surface treatments and were placed in bone to observe the contaminants they released. Roughness (Ra) and wettability with contact angle parameter (CA) were measured on these treated OMIs. Machined OMIs presented surface irregularities and were contaminated with manufacturing-process particles (carbon, plastic Polyvinyl Chloride PVC, aluminum). Hand-manipulated OMIs were also contaminated by the handling materials. OMIs surface characteristics were as follows: acid-etched (Ra ≈ 1.3 μm, CA ≈ 66°), machined (Ra ≈ 0.3 μm, CA ≈ 68°), SB (Ra ≈ 3.3 μm, CA ≈ 78°), and SBAO (Ra ≈ 3.1 μm, CA ≈ 92°). Bone was contaminated by OMIs surface defects and extra particles. Manufactured OMIs have surface contaminants that increase with clinical handling. Surface treatments (SBAO, a combination of sandblasting and anodic oxidation) increase the roughness and contact angle, which play an important role in osseointegration. Surface-treated OMIs leave titanium particles in the bone during their insertion-removal. The use of a gauze soaked in chlorhexidine is recommended when handling OMIs. Further investigations would be interesting to study more variables and confirm the present results.
Single Strain High-Depth NGS Reveals High rDNA (ITS-LSU) Variability in the Four Prevalent Pathogenic Species of the Genus Candida
Authors: Colabella Claudia , Casagrande Pierantoni Debora , Corte Laura , Roscini Luca , Conti Angela , Bassetti Matteo , Tascini Carlo , Robert Vincent , Cardinali Gianluigi
Published: February 2021

Ribosomal RNA in fungi is encoded by a series of genes and spacers included in a large operon present in 100 tandem repeats, normally in a single locus. The multigene nature of this locus was somehow masked by Sanger sequencing, which produces a single sequence reporting the prevalent nucleotide of each site. The introduction of next generation sequencing led to deeper knowledge of the individual sequences (reads) and therefore of the variants between the same DNA sequences located in different tandem repeats. In this framework, NGS sequencing of the rDNA region was used to elucidate the extent of intra- and inter-genomic variation at both the strain and species level. Specifically, the use of an innovative NGS technique allowed the high-throughput high-depth sequencing of the ITS1-LSU D1/D2 amplicons of 252 strains belonging to four opportunistic yeast species of the genus Candida. Results showed the presence of a large extent of variability among strains and species. These variants were differently distributed throughout the analyzed regions with a higher concentration within the Internally Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region, suggesting that concerted evolution was not able to totally homogenize these sequences. Both the internal variability and the SNPs between strain can be used for a deep typing of the strains and to study their ecology.
Colonisation Factor CD0873, an Attractive Oral Vaccine Candidate against Clostridioides difficile
Authors: Karyal Cansu , Hughes Jaime , Kelly Michelle L. , Luckett Jeni C. , Kaye Philip V. , Cockayne Alan , Minton Nigel P. , Griffin Ruth
Published: February 2021

Clostridioides difficile is the main cause of health-care-associated infectious diarrhoea. Toxins, TcdA and TcdB, secreted by this bacterium damage colonic epithelial cells and in severe cases this culminates in pseudomembranous colitis, toxic megacolon and death. Vaccines in human trials have focused exclusively on the parenteral administration of toxin-based formulations. These vaccines promote toxin-neutralising serum antibodies but fail to confer protection from infection in the gut. An effective route to immunise against gut pathogens and stimulate a protective mucosal antibody response (secretory immunoglobulin A, IgA) at the infection site is the oral route. Additionally, oral immunisation generates systemic antibodies (IgG). Using this route, two different antigens were tested in the hamster model: The colonisation factor CD0873 and a TcdB fragment. Animals immunised with CD0873 generated a significantly higher titre of sIgA in intestinal fluid and IgG in serum compared to naive animals, which significantly inhibited the adherence of C. difficile to Caco-2 cells. Following challenge with a hypervirulent isolate, the CD0873-immunised group showed a mean increase of 80% in time to experimental endpoint compared to naïve animals. Survival and body condition correlated with bacterial clearance and reduced pathology in the cecum. Our findings advocate CD0873 as a promising oral vaccine candidate against C. difficile.
Adaptation of Cupriavidus metallidurans CH34 to Toxic Zinc Concentrations Involves an Uncharacterized ABC-Type Transporter
Authors: Van Houdt Rob , Vandecraen Joachim , Leys Natalie , Monsieurs Pieter , Aertsen Abram
Published: February 2021

Cupriavidus metallidurans CH34 is a well-studied metal-resistant β-proteobacterium and contains a battery of genes participating in metal metabolism and resistance. Here, we generated a mutant (CH34ZnR) adapted to high zinc concentrations in order to study how CH34 could adaptively further increase its resistance against this metal. Characterization of CH34ZnR revealed that it was also more resistant to cadmium, and that it incurred seven insertion sequence-mediated mutations. Among these, an IS1088 disruption of the glpR gene (encoding a DeoR-type transcriptional repressor) resulted in the constitutive expression of the neighboring ATP-binding cassette (ABC)-type transporter. GlpR and the adjacent ABC transporter are highly similar to the glycerol operon regulator and ATP-driven glycerol importer of Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae VF39, respectively. Deletion of glpR or the ABC transporter and complementation of CH34ZnR with the parental glpR gene further demonstrated that loss of GlpR function and concomitant derepression of the adjacent ABC transporter is pivotal for the observed resistance phenotype. Importantly, addition of glycerol, presumably by glycerol-mediated attenuation of GlpR activity, also promoted increased zinc and cadmium resistance in the parental CH34 strain. Upregulation of this ABC-type transporter is therefore proposed as a new adaptation route towards metal resistance.
The Chemical Synthesis of the Crinine and Haemanthamine Alkaloids: Biologically Active and Enantiomerically-Related Systems that Serve as Vehicles for Showcasing New Methodologies for Molecular Assembly
Authors: Hu Nan , White Lorenzo V. , Lan Ping , Banwell Martin G.
Published: February 2021

The title alkaloids, often referred to collectively as crinines, are a prominent group of structurally distinct natural products with additional members being reported on a regular basis. As such, and because of their often notable biological properties, they have attracted attention as synthetic targets since the mid-1950s. Such efforts continue unabated and more recent studies on these alkaloids have focused on using them as vehicles for showcasing the utility of new synthetic methods. This review provides a comprehensive survey of the nearly seventy-year history of these synthetic endeavors.
In Silico Studies of Lamiaceae Diterpenes with Bioinsecticide Potential against Aphis gossypii and Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Rodrigues Gabriela Cristina Soares , dos Santos Maia Mayara , Cavalcanti Andreza Barbosa , de Sousa Natália Ferreira , Scotti Marcus Tullius , Scotti Luciana
Published: February 2021

Background: The growing demand for agricultural products has led to the misuse/overuse of insecticides; resulting in the use of higher concentrations and the need for ever more toxic products. Ecologically, bioinsecticides are considered better and safer than synthetic insecticides; they must be toxic to the target organism, yet with low or no toxicity to non-target organisms. Many plant extracts have seen their high insecticide potential confirmed under laboratory conditions, and in the search for plant compounds with bioinsecticidal activity, the Lamiaceae family has yielded satisfactory results. Objective: The aim of our study was to develop computer-assisted predictions for compounds with known insecticidal activity against Aphis gossypii and Drosophila melanogaster. Results and conclusion: Structure analysis revealed ent-kaurane, kaurene, and clerodane diterpenes as the most active, showing excellent results. We also found that the interactions formed by these compounds were more stable, or presented similar stability to the commercialized insecticides tested. Overall, we concluded that the compounds bistenuifolin L (1836) and bistenuifolin K (1931), were potentially active against A. gossypii enzymes; and salvisplendin C (1086) and salvixalapadiene (1195), are potentially active against D. melanogaster. We observed and highlight that the diterpenes bistenuifolin L (1836), bistenuifolin K (1931), salvisplendin C (1086), and salvixalapadiene (1195), present a high probability of activity and low toxicity against the species studied.
Understanding the Role of Different Substrate Geometries for Achieving Optimum Tip-Enhanced Raman Scattering Sensitivity
Authors: He Lu , Rahaman Mahfujur , Madeira Teresa I. , Zahn Dietrich R.T.
Published: February 2021

Tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) has experienced tremendous progress over the last two decades. Despite detecting single molecules and achieving sub-nanometer spatial resolution, attaining high TERS sensitivity is still a challenging task due to low reproducibility of tip fabrication, especially regarding very sharp tip apices. Here, we present an approach for achieving strong TERS sensitivity via a systematic study of the near-field enhancement properties in the so-called gap-mode TERS configurations using the combination of finite element method (FEM) simulations and TERS experiments. In the simulation study, a gold tip apex is fixed at 80 nm of diameter, and the substrate consists of 20 nm high gold nanodiscs with diameter varying from 5 nm to 120 nm placed on a flat extended gold substrate. The local electric field distributions are computed in the spectral range from 500 nm to 800 nm with the tip placed both at the center and the edge of the gold nanostructure. The model is then compared with the typical gap-mode TERS configuration, in which a tip of varying diameter from 2 nm to 160 nm is placed in the proximity of a gold thin film. Our simulations show that the tip-nanodisc combined system provides much improved TERS sensitivity compared to the conventional gap-mode TERS configuration. We find that for the same tip diameter, the spatial resolution achieved in the tip-nanodisc model is much better than that observed in the conventional gap-mode TERS, which requires a very sharp metal tip to achieve the same spatial resolution on an extended metal substrate. Finally, TERS experiments are conducted on gold nanodisc arrays using home-built gold tips to validate our simulation results. Our simulations provide a guide for designing and realization of both high-spatial resolution and strong TERS intensity in future TERS experiments.
A Novel, Simple and Highly Efficient Route to Obtain PrBaMn2O5+δ Double Perovskite: Mechanochemical Synthesis
Authors: Garcia-Garcia Francisco J. , Sayagués María J. , Gotor Francisco J.
Published: February 2021

In this work, a mechanochemical route was proposed for the synthesis of the PrBaMn2O5+δ (PMBO) double layered perovskite phase. The mechanochemical reaction between Pr6O11, BaO2, and MnO powders with cationic stoichiometric ratios of 1/1/2 for Pr/Ba/Mn was performed using high-energy milling conditions in air. After 150 min of milling, a new phase with perovskite structure and cubic symmetry consistent with the A-site disordered Pr0.5Ba0.5MnO3 phase was formed. When this new phase was subsequently annealed at a high temperature in an inert Ar atmosphere, the layered PrBaMn2O5+δ phase was obtained without needing to use a reducing atmosphere. At 1100 °C, the fully reduced layered PrBaMn2O5 phase was achieved. A weight gain was observed in the 200–300 °C temperature range when this fully reduced phase was annealed in air, which was consistent with the transformation into the fully oxidized PrBaMn2O6 phase. The microstructural characterization by SEM, TEM, and HRTEM ascertained the formation of the intended PrBaMn2O5+δ phase. Electrical characterization shows very high electrical conductivity of layered PBMO in a reducing atmosphere and suitable in an oxidizing atmosphere, becoming, therefore, excellent candidates as solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC electrodes).
Transepithelial Anti-Neuroblastoma Response to Kale among Four Vegetable Juices Using In Vitro Model Co-Culture System
Authors: Piletz John E. , Mao Yuhan , Roy Debarshi , Qizilbash Bilal , Nkamssi Eurielle , Weir Enleyona , Graham Jessica , Emmanuel Mary , Iqbal Suwaira , Brue Kellie , Sengupta Bidisha
Published: February 2021

Juicing vegetables is thought to be an anticancer treatment. Support exists for a rank order of anticancer greens (kale > dandelion > lettuce > spinach) based on degrees of bioavailability of different phytochemicals, also offset by some noxious molecules (i.e., calcium-oxalate). We developed a new in vitro transepithelial anti-neuroblastoma model system. The juices were diluted as predicted once in the small intestine. They were applied to apical Caco-2Bbe1 cells atop dividing SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, and changes in transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and cell growth were considered with juice spectroscopies. Studied first in monoculture, kale and dandelion were the most cytostatic juices on SH-SY5Ys, lettuce showed no effect, and high (4.2%) spinach was cytotoxic. In co-culture, high (4.2%) kale was quickest (three days) to inhibit neuroblastoma growth. By five days, dandelion and kale were equally robust. Lettuce showed small anti-proliferative effects at five days and spinach remained cytotoxic. Spinach’s cytotoxicity corresponded with major infrared bands indicative of oxalate. Kale juice uniquely induced reactive oxygen species and S-phase cell cycle arrest in SH-SY5Y. The superiority of kale and dandelion was also apparent on the epithelium, because raising TEER levels is considered healthy. Kale’s unique features corresponded with a major fluorescent peak that co-eluted with kaempferol during high performance liquid chromatography. Because the anticancer rank order was upheld, the model appears validated for screening anticancer juices.
Differential Expression of Serum Exosome microRNAs and Cytokines in Influenza A and B Patients Collected in the 2016 and 2017 Influenza Seasons
Authors: Othumpangat Sreekumar , Lindsley William G. , Beezhold Donald H. , Kashon Michael L. , Burrell Carmen N. , Mubareka Samira , Noti John D.
Published: February 2021

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have remarkable stability and are key regulators of mRNA transcripts for several essential proteins required for the survival of cells and replication of the virus. Exosomes are thought to play an essential role in intercellular communications by transporting proteins and miRNAs, making them ideal in the search for biomarkers. Evidence suggests that miRNAs are involved in the regulation of influenza virus replication in many cell types. During the 2016 and 2017 influenza season, we collected blood samples from 54 patients infected with influenza and from 30 healthy volunteers to identify the potential role of circulating serum miRNAs and cytokines in influenza infection. Data comparing the exosomal miRNAs in patients with influenza B to healthy volunteers showed 76 miRNAs that were differentially expressed (p < 0.05). In contrast, 26 miRNAs were differentially expressed between patients with influenza A (p < 0.05) and the controls. Of these miRNAs, 11 were commonly expressed in both the influenza A and B patients. Interferon (IFN)-inducing protein 10 (IP-10), which is involved in IFN synthesis during influenza infection, showed the highest level of expression in both influenza A and B patients. Influenza A patients showed increased expression of IFNα, GM-CSF, interleukin (IL)-13, IL-17A, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNFα, while influenza B induced increased levels of EGF, G-CSF, IL-1α, MIP-1α, and TNF-β. In addition, hsa-miR-326, hsa-miR-15b-5p, hsa-miR-885, hsa-miR-122-5p, hsa-miR-133a-3p, and hsa-miR-150-5p showed high correlations to IL-6, IL-15, IL-17A, IL-1β, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) with both strains of influenza. Next-generation sequencing studies of H1N1-infected human lung small airway epithelial cells also showed similar pattern of expression of miR-375-5p, miR-143-3p, 199a-3p, and miR-199a-5p compared to influenza A patients. In summary, this study provides insights into the miRNA profiling in both influenza A and B virus in circulation and a novel approach to identify the early infections through a combination of cytokines and miRNA expression.
BK Virus-Associated Nephropathy after Renal Transplantation
Authors: Funahashi Yasuhito
Published: February 2021

Recent advances in immunosuppressive therapy have reduced the incidence of acute rejection and improved renal transplantation outcomes. Meanwhile, nephropathy caused by BK virus has become an important cause of acute or chronic graft dysfunction. The usual progression of infection begins with BK viruria and progresses to BK viremia, leading to BK virus associated nephropathy. To detect early signs of BK virus proliferation before the development of nephropathy, several screening tests are used including urinary cytology and urinary and plasma PCR. A definitive diagnosis of BK virus associated nephropathy can be achieved only histologically, typically by detecting tubulointerstitial inflammation associated with basophilic intranuclear inclusions in tubular and/or Bowman’s epithelial cells, in addition to immunostaining with anti-Simian virus 40 large T-antigen. Several pathological classifications have been proposed to categorize the severity of the disease to allow treatment strategies to be determined and treatment success to be predicted. Since no specific drugs that directly suppress the proliferation of BKV are available, the main therapeutic approach is the reduction of immunosuppressive drugs. The diagnosis of subsequent acute rejection, the definition of remission, the protocol of resuming immunosuppression, and long-term follow-up remain controversial.
Precision Medicine: Applied Concepts of Pharmacogenomics in Patients with Various Diseases and Polypharmacy
Authors: Michaud Veronique , Turgeon Jacques
Published: February 2021

Over the last century, the process of choosing medications to treat certain diseases has evolved significantly [...]
Evaluation of Lidocaine and Metabolite Pharmacokinetics in Hyaluronic Acid Injection
Authors: Kim Ju Hee , Kang Dong Wook , Choi Go-Wun , Lee Sang Bok , Lee Seongjin , Cho Hea-Young
Published: February 2021

Lidocaine-incorporated hyaluronic acid injection (LHA) is considered a promising way to increase patient compliance. Various reviews and analyses have been conducted to verify that the addition of lidocaine had no effect on the product quality of hyaluronic acid injections. However, possible pharmacokinetic (PK) alterations of lidocaine and its active metabolites, monoethylglycylxylidide (MEGX) and glycylxylidide (GX), in hyaluronic acid injection have not been studied so far. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate lidocaine and its metabolite PK after 0.3% lidocaine solution or LHA injection and to investigate any changes in PK profiles of lidocaine and its active metabolites. To do this, a novel bio-analytical method for simultaneous determination of lidocaine, MEGX, and GX in rat plasma was developed and validated. Then, plasma concentrations of lidocaine and its active metabolites MEGX and GX following subcutaneous (SC) injection of 0.3% lidocaine solution or LHA with 0.3–1% lidocaine in male Sprague-Dawley rats were successfully determined. The obtained data were used to develop a parent-metabolite pharmacokinetic (PK) model for LHA injection. The half-life, dose-normalized Cmax, and AUCinf of lidocaine after SC injection of lidocaine solution and LHA did not show statistically significant difference. The PK characteristics of lidocaine after LHA administration were best captured using a two-compartment model with combined first-order and transit absorption and its clearance described with Michaelis–Menten and first-order elimination kinetics. Two one-compartment models were consecutively added to the parent model for the metabolites. In conclusion, the incorporation of lidocaine in hyaluronic acid filler injection did not alter the chemical’s pharmacokinetic characteristics.
What Is Known about Community Pharmacy-Based Take-Home Naloxone Programs and Program Interventions? A Scoping Review
Authors: Cid Ashley , Daskalakis George , Grindrod Kelly , Beazely Michael A.
Published: February 2021

A variety of new sources describing community pharmacy-based take-home naloxone (THN) programs have emerged recently in the literature. There is a need to define the types of take-home naloxone programs being offered to support future research designs in implementing and evaluating standardized programs that fill pharmacist and patient knowledge gaps and lift current barriers for optimal community pharmacy naloxone provision. The objective of this paper is to summarize the literature on community pharmacy-based THN programs, including specific program interventions used to increase naloxone dispensing, naloxone availability and dispensing patterns, facilitators and barriers for the THN programs, and knowledge gaps. Online databases such as PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (IPA) and a search of the grey literature were used to identify eligible sources. Sources were screened by two reviewers for eligibility in COVIDENCE software. Both reviewers compared screening results and resolved conflicts through discussion. A data extraction form for all identified full texts was completed by both reviewers and results were compiled through reviewer discussion. Fifty-two sources met the eligibility criteria. The top three barriers identified were: cost/coverage of naloxone, stigma, and education/training for pharmacists. THN program interventions included screening tools, checklists, pocket cards, patient brochures, and utilizing the pharmacy management system to flag eligible patients. Patient knowledge gaps included naloxone misinformation and lack of awareness, while pharmacists demonstrated administrative, clinical, and counselling knowledge gaps. Naloxone availability was found to be highly variable, where independent and rural pharmacies were less likely to stock or dispense naloxone. Further, pharmacies located in districts with higher rates of opioid overdose deaths and lower household income were also less likely to have naloxone available. This review identified multiple new programs, showcasing that the implementation and evaluation of THN programs are an expanding area of research. Future research should focus on implementing and evaluating a THN program through a randomized controlled trial design that incorporates solutions for the barriers and knowledge gaps identified in this study.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Plasma in 2020
Authors: Office Plasma Editorial Office
Published: February 2021

Peer review is the driving force behind the development of a journal, and it is the reviewers who ensure that the high standard of the papers published in Plasma is maintained [...]
The Mauritius Oil Spill: What’s Next?
Authors: Seveso Davide , Louis Yohan Didier , Montano Simone , Galli Paolo , Saliu Francesco
Published: February 2021

In light of the recent marine oil spill that occurred off the coast of Mauritius (Indian Ocean), we comment here the incident, the containment method used by the local population, the biological impact of oil spill on two sensitive tropical marine ecosystems (coral reefs and mangrove forests), and we suggest monitoring and restoration techniques of the impacted ecosystems based on recent research advancements.
Comparative Study of the Impact Wedge-Peel Performance of Epoxy Structural Adhesives Modified with Functionalized Silica Nanoparticles
Authors: Chae Gyeong-Seok , Park Hee-Woong , Kwon Kiok , Shin Seunghan
Published: February 2021

Epoxy structural adhesives have strong adhesion, minimal shrinkage and high thermal and chemical resistance. However, despite these excellent properties, their high-energy impact resistance should be improved to satisfy the increasing demands of the automotive industry. For this reason, we used four types of silica nanoparticles with different surface groups, such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), hydroxyl, epoxy and amine groups, as toughening agents and examined their effect on the glass transition temperature (Tg), crosslinking density and phase separation of epoxy structural adhesives. High-energy impact resistance, mode I fracture toughness and lap shear strength were also measured to explain the effect of surface functional groups. Silica nanoparticles with reactive functional groups increased the mode I fracture toughness of epoxy structural adhesives without sacrificing the crosslinking density. Although the mode I fracture toughness of epoxy structural adhesives could not clearly show the effect of surface functional groups, the dynamic resistance to cleavage obtained by impact wedge-peel tests showed quite different values. At a 0.3 vol% content, epoxy-functionalized silica nanoparticles induced the highest value (40.2 N/mm) compared to PDMS (34.1 N/m), hydroxyl (34.9 N/mm), and amine (36.1 N/m). All of these values were significantly higher than those of pristine epoxy structural adhesive (27.7 N/mm).
Understanding Vine Hyperspectral Signature through Different Irrigation Plans: A First Step to Monitor Vineyard Water Status
Authors: Laroche-Pinel Eve , Albughdadi Mohanad , Duthoit Sylvie , Chéret Véronique , Rousseau Jacques , Clenet Harold
Published: February 2021

The main challenge encountered by Mediterranean winegrowers is water management. Indeed, with climate change, drought events are becoming more intense each year, dragging the yield down. Moreover, the quality of the vineyards is affected and the level of alcohol increases. Remote sensing data are a potential solution to measure water status in vineyards. However, important questions are still open such as which spectral, spatial, and temporal scales are adapted to achieve the latter. This study aims at using hyperspectral measurements to investigate the spectral scale adapted to measure their water status. The final objective is to find out whether it would be possible to monitor the vine water status with the spectral bands available in multispectral satellites such as Sentinel-2. Four Mediterranean vine plots with three grape varieties and different water status management systems are considered for the analysis. Results show the main significant domains related to vine water status (Short Wave Infrared, Near Infrared, and Red-Edge) and the best vegetation indices that combine these domains. These results give some promising perspectives to monitor vine water status.
Autonomous Vision-Based Primary Distribution Systems Porcelain Insulators Inspection Using UAVs
Authors: Rahman Ehab Ur , Zhang Yihong , Ahmad Sohail , Ahmad Hafiz Ishfaq , Jobaer Sayed
Published: February 2021

The early detection of damaged (partially broken) outdoor insulators in primary distribution systems is of paramount importance for continuous electricity supply and public safety. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) present a safer, autonomous, and efficient way to examine the power system components without closing the power distribution system. In this work, a novel dataset is designed by capturing real images using UAVs and manually generated images collected to overcome the data insufficiency problem. A deep Laplacian pyramid-based super-resolution network is implemented to reconstruct high-resolution training images. To improve the visibility of low-light images, a low-light image enhancement technique is used for the robust exposure correction of the training images. A different fine-tuning strategy is implemented for fine-tuning the object detection model to increase detection accuracy for the specific faulty insulators. Several flight path strategies are proposed to overcome the shuttering effect of insulators, along with providing a less complex and time- and energy-efficient approach for capturing a video stream of the power system components. The performance of different object detection models is presented for selecting the most suitable one for fine-tuning on the specific faulty insulator dataset. For the detection of damaged insulators, our proposed method achieved an F1-score of 0.81 and 0.77 on two different datasets and presents a simple and more efficient flight strategy. Our approach is based on real aerial inspection of in-service porcelain insulators by extensive evaluation of several video sequences showing robust fault recognition and diagnostic capabilities. Our approach is demonstrated on data acquired by a drone in Swat, Pakistan.