bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heteroscedasticity and Precise Estimation Model Approach for Complex Financial Time-Series Data: An Example of Taiwan Stock Index Futures before and during COVID-19
Authors: Hsiao Chih-Wen , Chan Ya-Chuan , Lee Mei-Yu , Lu Hsi-Peng
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we provide a mathematical and statistical methodology using heteroscedastic estimation to achieve the aim of building a more precise mathematical model for complex financial data. Considering a general regression model with explanatory variables (the expected value model form) and the error term (including heteroscedasticity), the optimal expected value and heteroscedastic model forms are investigated by linear, nonlinear, curvilinear, and composition function forms, using the minimum mean-squared error criterion to show the precision of the methodology. After combining the two optimal models, the fitted values of the financial data are more precise than the linear regression model in the literature and also show the fitted model forms in the example of Taiwan stock price index futures that has three cases: (1) before COVID-19, (2) during COVID-19, and (3) the entire observation time period. The fitted mathematical models can apparently show how COVID-19 affects the return rates of Taiwan stock price index futures. Furthermore, the fitted heteroscedastic models also show how COVID-19 influences the fluctuations of the return rates of Taiwan stock price index futures. This methodology will contribute to the probability of building algorithms for computing and predicting financial data based on mathematical model form outcomes and assist model comparisons after adding new data to a database.
The Critical Studies of Fucoxanthin Research Trends from 1928 to June 2021: A Bibliometric Review
Authors: Khaw Yam Sim , Yusoff Fatimah Md. , Tan Hui Teng , Noor Mazli Nur Amirah Izyan , Nazarudin Muhammad Farhan , Shaharuddin Noor Azmi , Omar Abdul Rahman
Published: October 2021

Fucoxanthin is a major carotenoid in brown macroalgae and diatoms that possesses a broad spectrum of health benefits. This review evaluated the research trends of the fucoxanthin field from 1928 to June 2021 using the bibliometric method. The present findings unraveled that the fucoxanthin field has grown quickly in recent years with a total of 2080 publications. Japan was the most active country in producing fucoxanthin publications. Three Japan institutes were listed in the top ten productive institutions, with Hokkaido University being the most prominent institutional contributor in publishing fucoxanthin articles. The most relevant subject area on fucoxanthin was the agricultural and biological sciences category, while most fucoxanthin articles were published in Marine Drugs. A total of four research concepts emerged based on the bibliometric keywords analysis: “bioactivities”, “photosynthesis”, “optimization of process’’, and “environment”. The “bioactivities” of fucoxanthin was identified as the priority in future research. The current analysis highlighted the importance of collaboration and suggested that global collaboration could be the key to valorizing and efficiently boosting the consumer acceptability of fucoxanthin. The present bibliometric analysis offers valuable insights into the research trends of fucoxanthin to construct a better future development of this treasurable carotenoid.
Ion-Exchange Membranes and Processes
Authors: Pismenskaya Natalia , Nikonenko Victor
Published: October 2021

Synthetic ion exchange membranes (IEMs) are made from organic, inorganic, or mixed and composite materials [...]
Stacking Fault Energy Determination in Fe-Mn-Al-C Austenitic Steels by X-ray Diffraction
Authors: Castañeda Jaime A. , Zambrano Oscar A. , Alcázar Germán A. , Rodríguez Sara A. , Coronado John J.
Published: October 2021

A critical assessment has been performed to determine the stacking fault energy (SFE) of the austenite phase in high manganese steels using X-ray diffraction (XRD). It was found that the SFE varies substantially with the chosen elastic constants. This strong dependence induces substantial errors in the estimated values of the SFE of the austenite and, thus, the mechanical behavior of Fe-Mn-Al-C steels. The SFE of three different Fe-Mn-Al-C alloys with varying aluminum (Al) content was determined in order to establish the main plastic deformation mechanism. The aim of this work is to establish a more straightforward and reliable methodology to calculate the SFE by XRD. In this effort, it was determined that uncertainty in the elastic constants can generate errors in up to 37% of the SFE. Moreover, in the studied case, for average of elastic constant values, the predominant deformation mechanism is defined, but when considering one set of constants, these can present uncertainty of 2.7 mJ/m2 and 4.4 mJ/m2 for alloys of 0% Al and 3% Al, respectively. This would lead them to be within the following plastic deformation mechanism, while for 8% Al the uncertainty is negligible.
Tribology and Airborne Particle Emission of Laser-Cladded Fe-Based Coatings versus Non-Asbestos Organic and Low-Metallic Brake Materials
Authors: Lyu Yezhe , Leonardi Mara , Mancini Alessandro , Wahlström Jens , Olofsson Ulf
Published: October 2021

Laser cladding is a promising surface treatment for refurbishing worn-out cast-iron brake rotors. Previous studies on laser-cladded brake rotors have demonstrated their extensively higher wear and greater airborne particle emissions, compared with traditional cast iron rotors. In order to overcome this, a commercial non-asbestos organic (NAO) brake material is tested against Fe-based laser-cladded and traditional cast-iron brake rotors. Two low-metallic brake pad materials are also tested as references. The materials’ coefficients of friction, specific wear rates and particle number concentrations are evaluated. The results indicate that the NAO brake material showed lower wear and had fewer particle emissions than the low-metallic brake materials when deployed against both cast iron and laser-cladded brake rotors. The NAO/laser-cladding friction pairing showed wear, particle concentration and fraction of fine particles (sub 1 μm) equivalent to those of the low-metallic/cast-iron friction pairing, creating significant potential for application in refurbishing worn-out cast-iron brake rotors.
Improving the Effectiveness of the Solid-Solution-Strengthening Elements Mo, Re, Ru and W in Single-Crystalline Nickel-Based Superalloys
Authors: Gaag Tobias , Ritter Nils , Peters Alexandra , Volz Nicklas , Gruber Daniel , Neumeier Steffen , Zenk Christopher , Körner Carolin
Published: October 2021

Tailoring the partitioning behavior of solid solution strengtheners is a crucial design strategy for advanced Ni-based superalloys. The goal of this study was to maximize the enrichment of Mo, Re, Ru and W in the γ-matrix phase. To determine the composition dependency of the partitioning behavior, a set of polycrystalline superalloys with varying contents of these solid solution-strengthening elements and a W-containing single-crystalline alloy series with varying concentrations of the γ′-forming elements Ta and Ti was produced. Assessed properties include phase compositions by electron-probe micro-analysis, phase transformation temperatures by differential scanning calorimetry and creep behavior. Re exhibits the most pronounced enrichment in the γ-matrix, followed by Mo, Ru and W. Due to the preference of the Al-sites in the γ′-phase in the order Ta > Ti > W > Mo > Re, the solid solution strengthening elements Mo, Re and W are displaced from the γ′-phase by increasing Ti and Ta contents. The investigated solutes do not directly influence the partitioning behavior of Ru as it prefers Ni-sites in the γ′-phase. Compressive creep experiments reveal a correlation between the content of solid solution strengtheners in the γ-phase and creep performance.
A Novel Triboelectric Material Based on Deciduous Leaf for Energy Harvesting
Authors: Ding Zhuyu , Zou Ming , Yao Peng , Zhu Zhiyuan , Fan Li
Published: October 2021

Recently, the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) for harvesting low-frequency energy has attracted the attention of academia. However, there are few studies on environmentally friendly triboelectric materials. Here, we propose a novel triboelectric nanogenerator based on the deciduous leaf (DL-TENG) that can harvest mechanical energy from various low-frequency motions. The deciduous leaf is an environmentally friendly triboelectric material, which has a low-cost and is easy to obtain. Using it to generate electricity can achieve the effect of waste utilization. From the experimental results, the peak value of the short-circuit current (Isc) and the open-circuit voltage (Voc) can reach 4.2 µA and 150 V, respectively. The fabricated DL-TENG exhibits a stable high performance, with a maximum output power of 72.2 µW, to a load of 20 MΩ. Moreover, we also designed a stacked structure, DL-TENG, to enhance the electrical output. Additionally, the stacked DL-TENG could drive 15 commercial light-emitting diodes (LEDs). This design will promote the development of low-cost and environmentally friendly triboelectric material.
Does Addition of Phosphate and Ammonium Nutrients Affect Microbial Activity in Froth Treatment Affected Tailings?
Authors: Ramsay Juliana A. , de Lima e Silva Mara R. , Tawadrous Michael A. R. , Ramsay Bruce A.
Published: October 2021

We examined greenhouse gas (GHG) production upon the addition of ammonium and phosphate to mature fine tailing (MFT) samples from Alberta’s Pond 2/3 (at 5 and 15 m) and Pond 7 (12.5 m) in microcosm studies. The methane production rate in unamended Pond 2/3 MFT correlated with sample age; the production rate was higher in the less dense, more recently discharged MFT samples and lower in the denser, deeper sample. Adding small amounts of naphtha increased methane production, but there was no correlation with increasing naphtha, indicating that naphtha may partition into bitumen, reducing its bioavailability. Although non-detectable phosphate and low ammonium in the pore water indicate that these nutrients were potentially limiting microbial activity, their addition did not significantly affect methanogenesis but somewhat enhanced sulphate and nitrate reduction. Neither ammonium nor phosphate were detected in the pore water when added at low concentrations, but when added at high concentrations, 25–35% phosphate and 30–45% ammonium were lost. These ions likely sorbed to MFT minerals such as kaolinite, which have microbial activity governed by phosphate/ammonium desorption. Hence, multiple limitations affected microbial activity. Sulphate was less effective than nitrate was in inhibiting methanogenesis because H2S may be a less effective inhibitor than NOx− intermediates are, and/or H2S may be more easily abiotically removed. With nitrate reduction, N2O, a potent GHG was produced but eventually metabolized.
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Unraveling the Natural Product Biosynthetic Potential of a Streptomyces Strain Collection Isolated from Leaf-Cutting Ants
Authors: Ceniceros Ana , Cuervo Lorena , Méndez Carmen , Salas José A. , Olano Carlos , Malmierca Mónica G.
Published: October 2021

The rapid emergence of bacterial resistance to antibiotics has urged the need to find novel bioactive compounds against resistant microorganisms. For that purpose, different strategies are being followed, one of them being exploring secondary metabolite production in microorganisms from uncommon sources. In this work, we have analyzed the genome of 12 Streptomyces sp. strains of the CS collection isolated from the surface of leaf-cutting ants of the Attini tribe and compared them to four Streptomyces model species and Pseudonocardia sp. Ae150A_Ps1, which shares the ecological niche with those of the CS collection. We used a combination of phylogenetics, bioinformatics and dereplication analysis to study the biosynthetic potential of our strains. 51.5% of the biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) predicted by antiSMASH were unknown and over half of them were strain-specific, making this strain collection an interesting source of putative novel compounds.
A Porous Stone Technique to Measure the Initial Water Uptake by Supplementary Cementitious Materials
Authors: Fehervari Andras , Gates Will P. , Gallage Chathuranga , Collins Frank
Published: October 2021

The decades-long use of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) as replacements for ordinary Portland cement (OPC) by the cement and concrete industry is undergoing a resurgence in research activities related to goals addressing circular economy activities, as well as reduction in CO2 emissions. Differences in the chemistry, mineralogy and reactivity of SCMs compared to OPC impact the fresh properties of concrete. Some SCMs exhibit greater initial water uptake and thus compete strongly with OPC for water during hydration. This study focuses on the early interaction with water as a primary factor that determines the resulting fresh properties and workability. Currently, no test (standard or otherwise) is available for quantifying initial interactions between water and cementitious materials. A quick and reliable method to measure the initial water uptake of SCMs is presented herein, which relies on their affinity to water. The method enables the calculation of water-to-binder ratios for different SCMs required to achieve the same workability as a reference OPC. The results are then well correlated to measured slump and bleed properties. We propose this simple technique to be used by researchers and industry practitioners to better predict the fresh properties of concretes, mortars, or pastes with SCMs.
Clarifying the Use of Benzylidene Protecting Group for D-(+)-Ribono-1,4-Lactone, an Essential Building Block in the Synthesis of C-Nucleosides
Authors: Casati Silvana , Rota Paola , Allevi Pietro , Mingione Alessandra , Ottria Roberta , Ciuffreda Pierangela
Published: October 2021

In the last two years, nucleosides analogues, a class of well-established bioactive compounds, have been the subject of renewed interest from the scientific community thanks to their antiviral activity. The COVID-19 global pandemic, indeed, spread light on the antiviral drug Remdesivir, an adenine C-nucleoside analogue. This new attention of the medical community on Remdesivir prompts the medicinal chemists to investigate once again C-nucleosides. One of the essential building blocks to synthetize these compounds is the D-(+)-ribono-1,4-lactone, but some mechanistic aspects linked to the use of different carbohydrate protecting groups remain unclear. Here, we present our investigations on the use of benzylidene as a ribonolactone protecting group useful in the synthesis of C-purine nucleosides analogues. A detailed 1D and 2D NMR structural study of the obtained compounds under different reaction conditions is presented. In addition, a molecular modeling study at the B3LYP/6-31G* level of theory with the SM8 solvation model for CHCl3 and DMSO to support the obtained results is used. This study allows for clarifying mechanistic aspects as the side reactions and structural rearrangements liked to the use of the benzylidene protecting group.
Nematicidal Activity of Essential Oil from Lavandin (Lavandula × intermedia Emeric ex Loisel.) as Related to Chemical Profile
Authors: D’Addabbo Trifone , Laquale Sebastiano , Argentieri Maria Pia , Bellardi Maria Grazia , Avato Pinarosa
Published: October 2021

Essential oils (EOs) from lavandin are known for a large spectrum of biological properties but poorly and contrastingly documented for their activity against phytoparasitic nematodes. This study investigated the toxicity of EOs from three different lavandin cultivars, Abrialis, Rinaldi Cerioni, and Sumiens, either to juveniles (J2) and eggs of the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita and to infective stages of the lesion nematode Pratylenchus vulnus. The suppressive activity of treatments with EOs from the three lavandin cultivars in soil infested by M. incognita was also investigated in a greenhouse experiment on potted tomato. The compositional profiles of tested EOs were also analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS. Linalool was the major component of all the three EOs, as accounting for about 66%, 48%, and 40% of total EO from cv Rinaldi Cerioni, Sumiens, and Abrialis, respectively. Linalool acetate was the second most abundant compound in the EOs from cv Abrialis (18.3%) and Sumiens (14.9%), while significant amounts of camphor (11.5%) and 1,8-cineole (12.1%) were detected in cv Rinaldi Cerioni and Sumiens EOs, respectively. The mortality of M. incognita J2 peaked 82.0%, 95.8%, and 89.8% after a 24 h treatment with 100 mg·mL−1 solutions of cv Abrialis, Rinaldi Cerioni, and Sumiens EOs, respectively. Infective specimens of P. vulnus were largely more sensitive than M. incognita J2, as there were peak mortality rates of 65.5%, 67.7%, and 75.7% after 4 h of exposure to Abrialis, Rinaldi Cerioni, and Sumiens EO, respectively. All three lavandin EOs significantly affected also M. incognita egg hatchability, which reduced to 43.6% after a 48 h egg mass exposure to a 100 µg·mL−1 solution of cv Rinaldi Cerioni EO. Soil treatments with the three lavandin EOs strongly reduced, according to a dose–effect relationship, density of M. incognita eggs, and J2 both on tomato roots and in soil, as well as significantly reduced gall formation on tomato roots. Finally, almost all soil treatments with the lavandin EOs also resulted in a positive impact on tomato plant growth.
Combination of Analytical and Statistical Methods in Order to Optimize Antibacterial Activity of Clary Sage Supercritical Fluid Extracts
Authors: Bakó Csongor , Balázs Viktória Lilla , Takács Gyöngyi , Pallos József Péter , Pál Szilárd , Kocsis Béla , Pethő Dóra Rippelné , Horváth Györgyi
Published: October 2021

The extraction of clary sage (Salvia sclarea L.) using supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) was systematically studied by using thin layer chromatography-direct bioautography (TLC-DB) and response surface methodology (RSM). The three parameters temperature, pressure, and cosolvent ratio were optimized for the maximum antibacterial activity of clary sage extracts against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The highest inhibition zone was 7.51 mm for P. aeruginosa and 7.57 mm for MRSA. According to RSM analysis, the predicted optimum extraction parameters are 18.6 MPa pressure, 40 °C temperature, and 2% ethanol (EtOH) ratio. The combination of this analytical and statistical method allows saving time, money, and instrument runtime in the optimization of essential oil composition, which is tailored to a specific task and could be useful on any kind of herbs in a wide range of use from perfume manufacturing to the food industry.
Luteolin Inhibits Breast Cancer Stemness and Enhances Chemosensitivity through the Nrf2-Mediated Pathway
Authors: Tsai Kuen-Jang , Tsai Hsin-Yi , Tsai Chin-Chuan , Chen Tai-Yu , Hsieh Tsung-Hua , Chen Chun-Lin , Mbuyisa Lulekiwe , Huang Yaw-Bin , Lin Ming-Wei
Published: October 2021

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are subpopulations of tumor masses with unique abilities in self-renewal, stemness maintenance, drug resistance, and the promotion of cancer recurrence. Recent studies have suggested that breast CSCs play essential roles in chemoresistance. Therefore, new agents that selectively target such cells are urgently required. Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-producing enzymes are the reason for an elevated tumor oxidant status. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcriptional factor, which upon detecting cellular oxidative stress, binds to the promoter region of antioxidant genes. By triggering a cytoprotective response, Nrf2 maintains cellular redox status. Cripto-1 participates in the self-renewal of CSCs. Herein, luteolin, a flavonoid found in Taraxacum officinale extract, was determined to inhibit the expressions of stemness-related transcriptional factors, the ATP-binding cassette transporter G2 (ABCG2), CD44, aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 activity as well as the sphere formation properties of breast CSCs. Furthermore, luteolin suppressed the protein expressions of Nrf2, heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), and Cripto-1 which have been determined to contribute critically to CSC features. The combination of luteolin and the chemotherapeutic drug, Taxol, resulted in enhanced cytotoxicity to breast cancer cells. These findings suggest that luteolin treatment significantly attenuated the hallmarks of breast cancer stemness by downregulating Nrf2-mediated expressions. Luteolin constitutes a potential agent for use in cancer stemness-targeted breast cancer treatments.
Effects of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LOCK900 on Development of Volatile Compounds and Sensory Quality of Dry Fermented Sausages
Authors: Sionek Barbara , Tambor Krzysztof , Okoń Anna , Szymański Piotr , Zielińska Dorota , Neffe-Skocińska Katarzyna , Kołożyn-Krajewska Danuta
Published: October 2021

Traditional dry fermented meat products are highly appreciated by consumers. A probiotic starter culture increases their attractiveness through sensory qualities and a potential health-promoting effect. The ability to scale the laboratory solution to industrial conditions is an additional scientific and practical value of a new way of using probiotics in the meat industry. The aim was to evaluate the influence of the probiotic starter culture Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LOCK900 on the development of volatile organic compounds and the sensory quality of dry fermented pork sausages during fermentation and refrigeration storage. The microbiological and sensory characteristic (QDA method) and volatile compound (gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry: GC–MS) were evaluated. The number of LOCK900 cells during 12 weeks of storage remained above 6 log CFU g−1, making this product a functional food. The addition of probiotic LOCK900 increased the levels of acidic volatile compounds, aldehydes, and esters, which, combined with the additives and spices used, had a positive effect on the sensory properties of ripening sausages. The sausages with LOCK900 were characterised by positive sensory features, and their overall quality remained high during storage and did not differ from that of the control sausages.
A Review of Human Coronaviruses’ Receptors: The Host-Cell Targets for the Crown Bearing Viruses
Authors: Nassar Aaya , Ibrahim Ibrahim M. , Amin Fatma G. , Magdy Merna , Elgharib Ahmed M. , Azzam Eman B. , Nasser Filopateer , Yousry Kirllos , Shamkh Israa M. , Mahdy Samah M. , Elfiky Abdo A.
Published: October 2021

A novel human coronavirus prompted considerable worry at the end of the year 2019. Now, it represents a significant global health and economic burden. The newly emerged coronavirus disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the primary reason for the COVID-19 global pandemic. According to recent global figures, COVID-19 has caused approximately 243.3 million illnesses and 4.9 million deaths. Several human cell receptors are involved in the virus identification of the host cells and entering them. Hence, understanding how the virus binds to host-cell receptors is crucial for developing antiviral treatments and vaccines. The current work aimed to determine the multiple host-cell receptors that bind with SARS-CoV-2 and other human coronaviruses for the purpose of cell entry. Extensive research is needed using neutralizing antibodies, natural chemicals, and therapeutic peptides to target those host-cell receptors in extremely susceptible individuals. More research is needed to map SARS-CoV-2 cell entry pathways in order to identify potential viral inhibitors.
Fabrication of Iron Pyrite Thin Films and Photovoltaic Devices by Sulfurization in Electrodeposition Method
Authors: Lu Zheng , Zhou Hu , Ye Chao , Chen Shi , Ning Jinyan , Halim Mohammad Abdul , Donaev Sardor Burkhanovich , Wang Shenghao
Published: October 2021

Iron pyrite is a cheap, stable, non-toxic, and earth-abundant material that has great potential in the field of photovoltaics. Electrochemical deposition is a low-cost method, which is also suitable for large-scale preparation of iron pyrite solar cells. In this work, we prepared iron pyrite films by electrochemical deposition with thiourea and explored the effect of sulfurization on the synthesis of high-quality iron pyrite films. Upon sulfurization, the amorphous precursor film becomes crystallized iron pyrite film. Optical and electrical characterization show that its band gap is 0.89 eV, and it is an n type semiconductor with a carrier concentration of 3.01 × 1019 cm−3. The corresponding photovoltaic device shows light response. This work suggests that sulfurization is essential in the electrochemical preparation for fabricating pure iron pyrite films, and therefore for low-cost and large-scale production of iron pyrite solar cells.
Uniform Fabrication of Hollow Titania Using Anionic Modified Acrylated Polymer Template for Phase Composition Effect as Photocatalyst and Infrared Reflective Coating
Authors: Yun Tae , Yim Changyong
Published: October 2021

Polymer coatings containing thermal blocking and near-infrared (NIR)-reflective pigments have received much attention for their potential applications in energy-saving fields. A drawback of these coatings is sustainability providing similar long-term performance. Surface cleaning is mandatory to remove contaminants that decrease reflectance. In this study, synthesized hollow titania as photocatalyst was used to impart anti-contamination to infrared (IR)-reflective coatings. A TiO2 shell was selectively formed on an anionic polystyrene core, modified by methacrylic acid. According to sintering temperature, the enhancement of light absorption ability and photocatalytic activity as methyl orange decomposition was observed with phase composition change. The methylene blue decomposition reaction, reflectance measurement, and measuring thermal profiling of coated steel confirmed the manifestation of hollow particles to dust degradation characteristics and the enhancement of reflection and thermal shielding.
Stable Aqueous Colloidal Solutions of Nd3+: LaF3 Nanoparticles, Promising for Luminescent Bioimaging in the Near-Infrared Spectral Range
Authors: Popov Alexandr , Orlovskaya Elena , Shaidulin Artem , Vagapova Ekaterina , Timofeeva Elena , Dolgov Leonid , Iskhakova Lyudmila , Uvarov Oleg , Novikov Grigoriy , Rähn Mihkel , Tamm Aile , Vanetsev Alexander , Fedorenko Stanislav , Eliseeva Svetlana , Petoud Stephane , Orlovskii Yurii
Published: October 2021

Two series of stable aqueous colloidal solutions of Nd3+: LaF3 single-phase well-crystallized nanoparticles (NPs), possessing a fluorcerite structure with different activator concentrations in each series, were synthesized. A hydrothermal method involving microwave-assisted heating (HTMW) in two Berghof speedwave devices equipped with one magnetron (type I) or two magnetrons (type II) was used. The average sizes of NPs are 15.4 ± 6 nm (type I) and 21 ± 7 nm (type II). Both types of NPs have a size distribution that is well described by a double Gaussian function. The fluorescence kinetics of the 4F3/2 level of the Nd3+ ion for NPs of both types, in contrast to a similar bulk crystal, demonstrates a luminescence quenching associated not only with Nd–Nd self-quenching, but also with an additional Nd–OH quenching. A method has been developed for determining the spontaneous radiative lifetime of the excited state of a dopant ion, with the significant contribution of the luminescence quenching caused by the presence of the impurity OH– acceptors located in the bulk of NPs. The relative quantum yield of fluorescence and the fluorescence brightness of an aqueous colloidal solution of type II NPs with an optimal concentration of Nd3+ are only 2.5 times lower than those of analogous Nd3+: LaF3 single crystals.
Effect of Nanostructuring on the Thermoelectric Properties of β-FeSi2
Authors: Abbassi Linda , Mesguich David , Berthebaud David , Le Tonquesse Sylvain , Srinivasan Bhuvanesh , Mori Takao , Coulomb Loïc , Chevallier Geoffroy , Estournès Claude , Flahaut Emmanuel , Viennois Romain , Beaudhuin Mickaël
Published: October 2021

Nanostructured β-FeSi2 and β-Fe0.95Co0.05Si2 specimens with a relative density of up to 95% were synthesized by combining a top-down approach and spark plasma sintering. The thermoelectric properties of a 50 nm crystallite size β-FeSi2 sample were compared to those of an annealed one, and for the former a strong decrease in lattice thermal conductivity and an upshift of the maximum Seebeck’s coefficient were shown, resulting in an improvement of the figure of merit by a factor of 1.7 at 670 K. For β-Fe0.95Co0.05Si2, one observes that the figure of merit is increased by a factor of 1.2 at 723 K between long time annealed and nanostructured samples mainly due to an increase in the phonon scattering and an increase in the point defects. This results in both a decrease in the thermal conductivity to 3.95 W/mK at 330 K and an increase in the power factor to 0.63 mW/mK2 at 723 K.
Artificial Neural Network Algorithms to Predict Resting Energy Expenditure in Critically Ill Children
Authors: Spolidoro Giulia C. I. , D’Oria Veronica , De Cosmi Valentina , Milani Gregorio Paolo , Mazzocchi Alessandra , Akhondi-Asl Alireza , Mehta Nilesh M. , Agostoni Carlo , Calderini Edoardo , Grossi Enzo
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Accurate assessment of resting energy expenditure (REE) can guide optimal nutritional prescription in critically ill children. Indirect calorimetry (IC) is the gold standard for REE measurement, but its use is limited. Alternatively, REE estimates by predictive equations/formulae are often inaccurate. Recently, predicting REE with artificial neural networks (ANN) was found to be accurate in healthy children. We aimed to investigate the role of ANN in predicting REE in critically ill children and to compare the accuracy with common equations/formulae. Study methods: We enrolled 257 critically ill children. Nutritional status/vital signs/biochemical values were recorded. We used IC to measure REE. Commonly employed equations/formulae and the VCO2-based Mehta equation were estimated. ANN analysis to predict REE was conducted, employing the TWIST system. Results: ANN considered demographic/anthropometric data to model REE. The predictive model was good (accuracy 75.6%; R2 = 0.71) but not better than Talbot tables for weight. After adding vital signs/biochemical values, the model became superior to all equations/formulae (accuracy 82.3%, R2 = 0.80) and comparable to the Mehta equation. Including IC-measured VCO2 increased the accuracy to 89.6%, superior to the Mehta equation. Conclusions: We described the accuracy of REE prediction using models that include demographic/anthropometric/clinical/metabolic variables. ANN may represent a reliable option for REE estimation, overcoming the inaccuracies of traditional predictive equations/formulae.
Association of Lifestyle Changes Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic with Nutrient Intake and Physical Activity Levels during Pregnancy in Japan
Authors: Hori Natsuki , Shiraishi Mie , Harada Rio , Kurashima Yuki
Published: October 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has introduced changes in our lifestyles, such as refraining from unnecessary outings. This study aimed to clarify the association of lifestyle changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic with nutrient intake and physical activity levels during pregnancy in Japan. A cross-sectional study involving 168 healthy pregnant Japanese women was conducted in 2020. Nutrient intake and physical activity levels were assessed using validated self-administered questionnaires. Participants who reported experiencing changes in both dietary habits and physical activity due to the COVID-19 pandemic were classified as the lifestyle-affected group. Analysis of covariance was used. Among primiparas, intake of the following nutrients was significantly higher in the lifestyle-affected group (n = 14) than in the unaffected group (n = 77): protein, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B6. Among multiparas, the intake of dietary fiber and β-carotene were significantly lower in the lifestyle-affected group (n = 13) than in the unaffected group (n = 64). No significant differences in physical activity levels were observed in accordance with the lifestyle changes. These findings suggest that lifestyle changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic have positive effects on nutrient intake during pregnancy in primiparas, whereas in multiparas, these changes have negative effects.
High Dose of Caffeine Mouth Rinse Increases Resistance Training Performance in Men
Authors: Karayigit Raci , Koz Mitat , Sánchez-Gómez Angela , Naderi Alireza , Yildirim Ulas Can , Domínguez Raúl , Gur Fatih
Published: October 2021

Caffeine mouth rinsing (CMR) has been shown to enhance exercise performance. However, no studies have analyzed the effects of different dosages of CMR on muscular performance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of different dosages of CMR on strength (bench press 1 repetition maximum (1-RM)) and muscular endurance (60% of 1-RM repetitions to failure) in resistance-trained males. Fourteen resistance-trained males (age: 23 ± 2 years, height: 179 ± 3 cm, body mass: 83 ± 4 kg, BMI: 17 ± 2 kg/m2) completed four conditions in random order. The four conditions consisted of a mouth rinse with 25 mL solutions containing either 1% (250 mg) of CMR (low dose of CMR: LCMR), 2% (500 mg) of CMR (moderate dose of CMR: MCMR), 3% (750 mg) of CMR (high dose of CMR: HCMR) and sweetened water (placebo: PLA) for 5 s prior to a bench press strength and muscular endurance test. Maximal strength, muscular endurance, heart rate (HR) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded for each condition. There were no significant differences in strength (p = 0.30) and HR (p = 0.83) between conditions. HCMR significantly increased muscular endurance performance (p = 0.01) and decreased RPE values (p = 0.01). In conclusion, CMR did not affect bench press 1-RM strength performance, but muscular endurance responses to CMR seems to be dose-dependent.
Family Socioecological Correlates of Lifestyle Patterns in Early Childhood: A Cross-Sectional Study from the EDEN Mother–Child Cohort
Authors: Descarpentrie Alexandra , Saldanha-Gomes Cécilia , Guivarch Claire , Dargent-Molina Patricia , de Lauzon-Guillain Blandine , Plancoulaine Sabine , Charles Marie-Aline , Chia Airu , Chong Mary Foong Fong , Vandentorren Stéphanie , Heude Barbara , Bernard Jonathan Yoan , Lioret Sandrine
Published: October 2021

Energy balance-related behaviors (EBRBs), i.e., diet, sedentary behavior, physical activity, and sleep, combine into lifestyle patterns, which we aim to identify in French preschoolers and analyze their family correlates within the framework of a comprehensive socioecological model. Parental questionnaires provided information about family characteristics and children’s EBRBs for 978 5-year-olds of the EDEN cohort. We used principal component analysis to derive lifestyle patterns from EBRBs and hierarchical multivariable linear regressions to assess their associations with family socio-demographics, parent health/behaviors, and parent-child interactions. Analyses were stratified by sex. Of the three lifestyle patterns identified (unhealthy, healthy, and mixed), the mixed pattern differed the most between sexes. Lower parental education, suboptimal maternal diet, TV during meals, and later bedtime were associated with higher adherence to unhealthy patterns. Children cognitively stimulated at home and boys of mothers not employed adhered more to the healthy pattern. Older siblings (for girls) and higher engagement of parents in leisure-time physical activity (for boys) were related to greater adherence to mixed patterns. The identification of various correlates from multiple socioecological levels suggests that tackling the potentially synergistic effect of lifestyle patterns on health requires addressing processes relevant to the parent-child dimension and structural barriers parents may encounter.
Nutrient Effects on Motor Neurons and the Risk of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Goncharova Polina S. , Davydova Tatiana K. , Popova Tatiana E. , Novitsky Maxim A. , Petrova Marina M. , Gavrilyuk Oksana A. , Al-Zamil Mustafa , Zhukova Natalia G. , Nasyrova Regina F. , Shnayder Natalia A.
Published: October 2021

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable chronic progressive neurodegenerative disease with the progressive degeneration of motor neurons in the motor cortex and lower motor neurons in the spinal cord and the brain stem. The etiology and pathogenesis of ALS are being actively studied, but there is still no single concept. The study of ALS risk factors can help to understand the mechanism of this disease development and, possibly, slow down the rate of its progression in patients and also reduce the risk of its development in people with a predisposition toward familial ALS. The interest of researchers and clinicians in the protective role of nutrients in the development of ALS has been increasing in recent years. However, the role of some of them is not well-understood or disputed. The objective of this review is to analyze studies on the role of nutrients as environmental factors affecting the risk of developing ALS and the rate of motor neuron degeneration progression. Methods: We searched the PubMed, Springer, Clinical keys, Google Scholar, and E-Library databases for publications using keywords and their combinations. We analyzed all the available studies published in 2010–2020. Discussion: We analyzed 39 studies, including randomized clinical trials, clinical cases, and meta-analyses, involving ALS patients and studies on animal models of ALS. This review demonstrated that the following vitamins are the most significant protectors of ALS development: vitamin B12, vitamin E > vitamin C > vitamin B1, vitamin B9 > vitamin D > vitamin B2, vitamin B6 > vitamin A, and vitamin B7. In addition, this review indicates that the role of foods with a high content of cholesterol, polyunsaturated fatty acids, urates, and purines plays a big part in ALS development. Conclusion: The inclusion of vitamins and a ketogenic diet in disease-modifying ALS therapy can reduce the progression rate of motor neuron degeneration and slow the rate of disease progression, but the approach to nutrient selection must be personalized. The roles of vitamins C, D, and B7 as ALS protectors need further study.
Why We Eat Too Much, Have an Easier Time Gaining Than Losing Weight, and Expend Too Little Energy: Suggestions for Counteracting or Mitigating These Problems
Authors: Borer Katarina T.
Published: October 2021

The intent of this review is to survey physiological, psychological, and societal obstacles to the control of eating and body weight maintenance and offer some evidence-based solutions. Physiological obstacles are genetic and therefore not amenable to direct abatement. They include an absence of feedback control against gaining weight; a non-homeostatic relationship between motivations to be physically active and weight gain; dependence of hunger and satiation on the volume of food ingested by mouth and processed by the gastrointestinal tract and not on circulating metabolites and putative hunger or satiation hormones. Further, stomach size increases from overeating and binging, and there is difficulty in maintaining weight reductions due to a decline in resting metabolism, increased hunger, and enhanced efficiency of energy storage. Finally, we bear the evolutionary burden of extraordinary human capacity to store body fat. Of the psychological barriers, human craving for palatable food, tendency to overeat in company of others, and gullibility to overeat when offered large portions, can be overcome consciously. The tendency to eat an unnecessary number of meals during the wakeful period can be mitigated by time-restricted feeding to a 6–10 hour period. Social barriers of replacing individual physical work by labor-saving appliances, designing built environments more suitable for car than active transportation; government food macronutrient advice that increases insulin resistance; overabundance of inexpensive food; and profit-driven efforts by the food industry to market energy-dense and nutritionally compromised food are best overcome by informed individual macronutrient choices and appropriate timing of exercise with respect to meals, both of which can decrease insulin resistance. The best defense against overeating, weight gain, and inactivity is the understanding of factors eliciting them and of strategies that can avoid and mitigate them.
A Plausible Link of TMPRSS2/ACE2/AR Signaling to Male Mortality during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States
Authors: Wong Lilly M. , Jiang Guochun
Published: October 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic continues around the world, where the United States is among the worst in terms of both morbidity and fatality of the viral infection. We aim to investigate the plausible link of tissue SARS-CoV-2 viral entry gene expression, such as TMPRSS2 and ACE2, with infection and death by gender during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. We find a significantly higher incidence of COVID-19 death in men than in women, even though SARS-CoV-2 infection in women is higher than in men. We discover that the expression of TMPRSS2 and ACE2 in intestine, but not in lung, tends to be positively associated with the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in men. In contrast, the high incidence of death in men is negatively correlated with TMPRSS2/ACE2 expression in intestine. Strikingly, the correlation of TMPRSS2/ACE2 expression with SARS-CoV-2 infection and death is the opposite in females, compared with that in males. Interestingly, male hormone signaling seems to be involved in mortality, as the low expression of testosterone receptor AR in the prostate contributes to death in men according to age. These observations point to a plausible contribution of male hormone metabolism in the regulation of TMPRSS2/ACE2 signaling to fatality by SARS-CoV-2 infection in men.
Leishmania Promastigotes Enhance Neutrophil Recruitment through the Production of CXCL8 by Endothelial Cells
Authors: D’Alessandro Sarah , Parapini Silvia , Corbett Yolanda , Frigerio Roberta , Delbue Serena , Modenese Annalisa , Gramiccia Marina , Ferrante Pasquale , Taramelli Donatella , Basilico Nicoletta
Published: October 2021

Endothelial cells represent one of the first cell types encountered by Leishmania promastigotes when inoculated into the skin of the human hosts by the bite of phlebotomine sand flies. However, little is known on their role in the early recruitment of phagocytic cells and in the establishment of the infection. Initially, neutrophils, rapidly recruited to the site of promastigotes deposition, phagocytize Leishmania promastigotes, which elude the killing mechanisms of the host cells, survive, and infect other phagocytic cells. Here, we show that Leishmania promastigotes co-incubated with HMEC-1, a microvascular endothelial cell line, exhibited significant morphological changes and loss of infectivity. Moreover, promastigotes of different Leishmania species stimulated the production of CXCL8 by HMEC-1 in a dose- and TLR4-dependent manner. Interestingly, we observed that the conditioned media from Leishmania-stimulated HMEC-1 cells attracted leukocytes, mostly neutrophils, after 2 h of incubation. After 24 h, a higher percentage of monocytes was detected in conditioned media of unstimulated HMEC-1 cells, whereas neutrophils still predominated in conditioned medium from Leishmania-stimulated cells. The same supernatants did not contain CCL5, a chemokine recruiting T cells and monocytes. On the contrary, inhibition of the production of CCL5 induced by TNF-α was seen. These data indicate that the interaction of Leishmania promastigotes with endothelial cells leads to the production of chemokines and the recruitment of neutrophils, which contribute to the establishment of Leishmania infection.
Advances and Future Perspective on Detection Technology of Human Norovirus
Authors: Wang Nan , Pan Guiying , Liu Ping , Rong Shaofeng , Gao Zhiyong , Li Qianqian
Published: October 2021

Human norovirus (HuNoV) is a food-borne pathogen that causes acute gastroenteritis in people of all ages worldwide. However, no approved vaccines and antiviral drugs are available at present. Therefore, the development of accurate and rapid detection technologies is important in controlling the outbreak of HuNoVs. This paper reviewed the research progress on HuNoV detection, including immunological methods, molecular detection and biosensor technology. Immunological methods and molecular detection technologies are still widely used for HuNoV detection. Furthermore, biosensors will become an emerging developmental direction for the rapid detection of HuNoVs because of their high sensitivity, low cost, easy operation and suitability for onsite detection.
Babesia microti Immunoreactive Rhoptry-Associated Protein-1 Paralogs Are Ancestral Members of the Piroplasmid-Confined RAP-1 Family
Authors: Bastos Reginaldo G. , Thekkiniath Jose , Ben Mamoun Choukri , Fuller Lee , Molestina Robert E. , Florin-Christensen Monica , Schnittger Leonhard , Alzan Heba F. , Suarez Carlos E.
Published: October 2021

Babesia, Cytauxzoon and Theileria are tick-borne apicomplexan parasites of the order Piroplasmida, responsible for diseases in humans and animals. Members of the piroplasmid rhoptry-associated protein-1 (pRAP-1) family have a signature cysteine-rich domain and are important for parasite development. We propose that the closely linked B. microti genes annotated as BMR1_03g00947 and BMR1_03g00960 encode two paralogue pRAP-1-like proteins named BmIPA48 and Bm960. The two genes are tandemly arranged head to tail, highly expressed in blood stage parasites, syntenic to rap-1 genes of other piroplasmids, and share large portions of an almost identical ~225 bp sequence located in their 5′ putative regulatory regions. BmIPA48 and Bm960 proteins contain a N-terminal signal peptide, share very low sequence identity (<13%) with pRAP-1 from other species, and harbor one or more transmembrane domains. Diversification of the piroplasmid-confined prap-1 family is characterized by amplification of genes, protein domains, and a high sequence polymorphism. This suggests a functional involvement of pRAP-1 at the parasite-host interface, possibly in parasite adhesion, attachment, and/or evasion of the host immune defenses. Both BmIPA48 and Bm960 are recognized by antibodies in sera from humans infected with B. microti and might be promising candidates for developing novel serodiagnosis and vaccines.
The High Impact of Staphylococcus aureus Biofilm Culture Medium on In Vitro Outcomes of Antimicrobial Activity of Wound Antiseptics and Antibiotic
Authors: Paleczny Justyna , Junka Adam , Brożyna Malwina , Dydak Karolina , Oleksy-Wawrzyniak Monika , Ciecholewska-Juśko Daria , Dziedzic Ewelina , Bartoszewicz Marzenna
Published: October 2021

The staphylococcal biofilm-based infections of wounds still pose a significant therapeutical challenge. Treated improperly, they increase the risk of limb amputation or even death of the patient. The present algorithms of infected wound treatment include, among others, the application of antiseptic substances. In vitro wound biofilm models are applied in order to scrutinize their activity. In the present work, using a spectrum of techniques, we showed how the change of a single variable (medium composition) in the standard in vitro model translates not only to shift in staphylococcal biofilm features but also to the change of efficacy of clinically applied wound antimicrobials such as octenidine, polyhexamethylene biguanide, chlorhexidine, hypochlorite solutions, and locally applied gentamycin. The data presented in this study may be of a pivotal nature, taking into consideration the fact that results of in vitro analyses are frequently used to propagate application of specific antimicrobials in hospitals and ambulatory care units.