bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bringing Out-of-School Learning into the Classroom: Self- versus Peer-Monitoring of Learning Behaviour
Authors: Larsen Yelva C. , Groß Jorge , Bogner Franz X.
Published: October 2020

Based on classroom management fostering autonomy support and intrinsic motivation, this study examines effects of reciprocal peer-monitoring of learning behaviours on cognitive and affective outcomes. Within our study, 470 German secondary school students between 13 and 16 years of age participated in a multimodal hands- and minds-on exhibition focusing on renewable resources. Three groups were separated and monitored via a pre-post-follow up questionnaire: the first conducted peer-monitoring with the performance of specific roles to manage students’ learning behaviours, the second accomplished a self-monitoring strategy, while the third group did not visit the exhibition. In contrast to the latter control group, both treatment groups produced a high increase in short- and long-term knowledge achievement. The peer-monitored group scored higher in cognitive learning outcomes than the self-monitored group did. Interestingly, the perceived level of choice did not differ between both treatment groups, whereas peer-monitoring increased students’ perceived competence and simultaneously reduced the perceived level of anxiety and boredom. Peer-monitoring realised with the performance of specific roles seems to keep students “on task” without lowering indicators for students’ intrinsic motivation. Herewith, we are amongst the first to suggest peer-monitoring as a semi-formal learning approach to balance between teacher-controlled instruction and free-choice exploration.
Evaluation of Health-Habits with the S.M.A.R.T. Questionnaire: An Observational Study
Authors: Ferraro Francesco Vincenzo , Ambra Ferdinando Ivano , Iavarone Maria Luisa
Published: October 2020

The civil education approach uses sports practise as a preventive intervention to increase self-awareness and to help modulate emotion in adolescents. Indeed, sports participation results in a better quality of life, more favourable cardio-metabolic and sleeping profiles and a healthier body composition. Adolescents involved in sport activities also report a higher level of social and emotional skills, and reduced mental health distress. However, the Italian school’s program provides only two hours weekly of physical education, with lack of options and participation. In alignment with the civil educational approach, the research team aims to develop a predictive sport, movement, eating habits, relationships and technologies (S.M.A.R.T.) questionnaire to identify the youths that present a higher risk of delinquency. The following research aims to explore preliminary data from 501 adolescents completing the S.M.A.R.T. The results show that the female group (n = 260) was healthier than the male group (n = 241); particularly, the female group demonstrated a higher level of self-awareness in the use of technologies (p < 0.05). Our results produce the first data set on a cohort of young adolescents in Italy using the S.M.A.R.T. questionnaire. The questionnaire possesses a high response rate and should now be implemented towards validation.
Modeling of the Chemical Looping Combustion of Hard Coal and Biomass Using Ilmenite as the Oxygen Carrier
Authors: Zylka Anna , Krzywanski Jaroslaw , Czakiert Tomasz , Idziak Kamil , Sosnowski Marcin , de Souza-Santos Marcio L. , Sztekler Karol , Nowak Wojciech
Published: October 2020

This paper presents a 1.5D model of a fluidized bed chemical looping combustion (CLC) built with the use of a comprehensive simulator of fluidized and moving bed equipment (CeSFaMB) simulator. The model is capable of calculating the effect of gas velocity in the fuel reactor on the hydrodynamics of the fluidized bed and the kinetics of the CLC process. Mass of solids in re actors, solid circulating rates, particle residence time, and the number of particle cycles in the air and fuel reactor are considered within the study. Moreover, the presented model calculates essential emissions such as CO2, SOX, NOX, and O2. The model was successfully validated on experimental tests that were carried out on the Fluidized-Bed Chemical-Looping-Combustion of Solid-Fuels unit located at the Institute of Advanced Energy Technologies, Czestochowa University of Technology, Poland. The model’s validation showed that the maximum relative errors between simulations and experiment results do not exceed 10%. The CeSFaMB model is an optimum compromise among simulation accuracy, computational resources, and processing time.
Identification of Technoeconomic Opportunities with the Use of Premium Efficiency Motors as Alternative for Developing Countries
Authors: Gómez Julio R. , Quispe Enrique C. , Castrillón Rosaura del Pilar , Viego Percy R.
Published: October 2020

More than 65% of electricity consumed worldwide by the industrial sector is used in electric-motor-driven systems. For this reason, the efficiency of electric motors is an important factor in improving the energy efficiency of the industry. Additionally, this contributes to reducing energy consumption, production costs, as well as CO2eq emissions. The replacement of motors with efficiency class IE1 by motors of efficiency class IE3 is one possible alternative to increase the efficiency of electric motor systems. When a program to replace motors with others of greater efficiency is initiated, it is necessary to casuistically evaluate all identified opportunities. Economic viability can be evaluated using a variety of methods. Often, the methods recommended by manufacturers or consulting entities focus on simple payback time without accounting for all influencing factors. This paper contributes to the academic discussion by proposing a methodology based on the calculation of energy-saving potential, by performing a preliminary an a priori evaluation and determining the economic opportunities. It avoids evaluating all motors in the studied facility and shows its effectiveness by using the cost of energy saved to distinguish which motors to evaluate. Finally, it provides a complete economic evaluation of the final decision on the basis of discounted cash flow methods. A short-production-cycle sugarcane industry was used in the case study.
Energy Performance and Radial Force of Vertical Axis Darrieus Turbine for Ocean Energy
Authors: Zhang Runqiang , Huang Zhenwei , Tan Lei , Wang Yuchuan , Wang Erqi
Published: October 2020

Vertical axis Darrieus turbine is the key component for ocean energy conversion and utilization. In the present work, the energy performance, flow pattern, and radial force for a vertical axis Darrieus turbine were investigated. The experimental measurements and numerical simulations were in good agreement, which validates the accuracy and reliability of the numerical method. The results showed that the power coefficient gradually increased with the increase of tip speed ratio λ, and the power coefficient had three peaks in a revolution of runner due to three blades. The complex vortex induced by the turbine revolution mainly includes the blade tip vortex and blade surface vortex, which are related to the turbine rotation and flow separation on blade surface. The vorticity transport equation was first introduced to analyze the mechanism and evolution of vortex in a vertical axis Darrieus turbine, and the results revealed that the relative vortex elongation term is the main driving force for the formation and development of the blade surface vortex. The radial force of the Darrieus turbine gradually increases with the increase in tip speed ratio, and it is symmetrical with three humps due to three blades.
A General Investigation on the Differential Leakage Factor for Symmetrical and Asymmetrical Multiphase Winding Design
Authors: Caruso Massimo , Di Tommaso Antonino Oscar , Marignetti Fabrizio , Miceli Rosario
Published: October 2020

This work provides an investigation based on a fast estimation of the degree of unbalance (D.U.%) and the differential leakage factor (σ0) of multiphase electrical machine windings. This analysis is carried out by exploring almost 5000 combinations in terms of number of slots, pole pairs, phases and layers. The variability of the leakage factor is examined for each condition, defining an optimal region for its minimization. As a result, an extended mapping is carried out for both the degree of unbalance and the leakage factor, providing a useful tool during the early design stage of winding configurations for multiphase electric machines, even with slight asymmetries. The results obtained from this investigation are validated through finite element analysis and demonstrate that the differential leakage factor can be significantly reduced by adopting winding configurations with slight asymmetries, which also represent a valuable alternative in the electrical machine design.
Potential of Cold Plasma Technology in Ensuring the Safety of Foods and Agricultural Produce: A Review
Authors: Varilla Carolina , Marcone Massimo , Annor George A.
Published: October 2020

Cold plasma (CP) is generated when an electrical energy source is applied to a gas, resulting in the production of several reactive species such as ultraviolet photons, charged particles, radicals and other reactive nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen species. CP is a novel, non-thermal technology that has shown great potential for food decontamination and has also generated a lot of interest recently for a wide variety of food processing applications. This review discusses the potential use of CP in mainstream food applications to ensure food safety. The review focuses on the design elements of cold plasma technology, mode of action of CP, and types of CP technologies applicable to food applications. The applications of CP by the food industry have been demonstrated for food decontamination, pesticide residue removal, enzyme inactivation, toxin removal, and food packaging modifications. Particularly for food processing, CP is effective against major foodborne pathogenic micro-organisms such as Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella Typhimurium, Tulane virus in romaine lettuce, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Campylobacter jejuni, and Salmonella spp. in meat and meat products, and fruits and vegetables. However, some limitations such as lipid oxidation in fish, degradation of the oligosaccharides in the juice have been reported with the use of CP, and for these reasons, further research is needed to mitigate these negative effects. Furthermore, more research is needed to maximize its potential.
Comprehensive Assessment of Candidate Reference Genes for Gene Expression Studies Using RT-qPCR in Tamarixia radiata, a Predominant Parasitoid of Diaphorina citri
Authors: Guo Chang-Fei , Pan Hui-Peng , Zhang Li-He , Ou Da , Lu Zi-Tong , Khan Muhammad Musa , Qiu Bao-Li
Published: October 2020

Tamarixia radiata (Waterston) is a predominant parasitoid of the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), a destructive citrus pest and vector of huanglongbing (HLB) disease in the fields of southern China. To explore the functioning of target genes in T. radiata, the screening of specific reference genes is critical for carrying out the reverse transcriptase-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) under different experimental conditions. However, no reference gene(s) for T. radiata has yet been reported. Here, we selected seven housekeeping genes of T. radiata and evaluated their stability under the six conditions (developmental stage, sex, tissue, population, temperature, diet) by using RefFinder software, which contains four different programs (geNorm, ΔCt, BestKeeper, and NormFinder). Pairwise variation was analyzed by geNorm software to determine the optimal number of reference genes during the RT-qPCR analysis. The results reveal better reference genes for differing research foci: 18S and EF1A for the developmental stage; PRS18 and EF1A for sex, PRS18 and RPL13 for different tissues (head, thorax, abdomen); EF1A and ArgK between two populations; β-tubulin and EF1A for different temperatures (5, 15, 25, 35 °C); and ArgK and PRS18 for different feeding diets. Furthermore, when the two optimal and two most inappropriate reference genes were chosen in different temperatures and tissue treatments, respectively, the corresponding expression patterns of HSP70 (as the reporter gene) differed substantially. Our study provides, for the first time, a more comprehensive list of optimal reference genes from T. radiata for use in RT-qPCR analysis, which should prove beneficial for subsequent functional investigations of target gene(s) in this natural enemy of ACP.
Multiple Sex Chromosomes and Evolutionary Relationships in Amazonian Catfishes: The Outstanding Model of the Genus Harttia (Siluriformes: Loricariidae)
Authors: Sassi Francisco de M. C. , Deon Geize A. , Moreira-Filho Orlando , Vicari Marcelo R. , Bertollo Luiz A. C. , Liehr Thomas , de Oliveira Ezequiel Aguiar , Cioffi Marcelo B.
Published: October 2020

The armored Harttia catfishes present great species diversity and remarkable cytogenetic variation, including different sex chromosome systems. Here we analyzed three new species, H. duriventris, H. villasboas and H. rondoni, using both conventional and molecular cytogenetic techniques (Giemsa-staining and C-banding), including the mapping of repetitive DNAs using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) experiments. Both H. duriventris and H. villasboas have 2n = ♀56/♂55 chromosomes, and an X1X1X2X2 /X1X2Y sex chromosome system, while a proto or neo-XY system is proposed for H. rondoni (2n = 54♀♂). Single motifs of 5S and 18S rDNA occur in all three species, with the latter being also mapped in the sex chromosomes. The results confirm the general evolutionary trend that has been noticed for the genus: an extensive variation on their chromosome number, single sites of rDNA sequences and the occurrence of multiple sex chromosomes. Comparative genomic analyses with another congeneric species, H. punctata, reveal that the X1X2Y sex chromosomes of these species share the genomic contents, indicating a probable common origin. The remarkable karyotypic variation, including sex chromosomes systems, makes Harttia a suitable model for evolutionary studies focusing on karyotype differentiation and sex chromosome evolution among lower vertebrates.
Splicing Characteristics of Dystrophin Pseudoexons and Identification of a Novel Pathogenic Intronic Variant in the DMD Gene
Authors: Xie Zhiying , Tang Liuqin , Xie Zhihao , Sun Chengyue , Shuai Haoyue , Zhou Chao , Liu Yilin , Yu Meng , Zheng Yiming , Meng Lingchao , Zhang Wei , Leal Suzanne M. , Wang Zhaoxia , Schrauwen Isabelle , Yuan Yun
Published: October 2020

Pseudoexon (PE) inclusion has been implicated in various dystrophinopathies; however, its splicing characteristics have not been fully investigated. This study aims to analyze the splicing characteristics of dystrophin PEs and compare them with those of dystrophin canonical exons (CEs). Forty-two reported dystrophin PEs were divided into a splice site (ss) group and a splicing regulatory element (SRE) group. Five dystrophin PEs with characteristics of poison exons were identified and categorized as the possible poison exon group. The comparative analysis of each essential splicing signal among different groups of dystrophin PEs and dystrophin CEs revealed that the possible poison exon group had a stronger 3′ ss compared to any other group. As for auxiliary SREs, different groups of dystrophin PEs were found to have a smaller density of diverse types of exonic splicing enhancers and a higher density of several types of exonic splicing silencers compared to dystrophin CEs. In addition, the possible poison exon group had a smaller density of 3′ ss intronic splicing silencers compared to dystrophin CEs. To our knowledge, our findings indicate for the first time that poison exons might exist in DMD (the dystrophin gene) and present with different splicing characteristics than other dystrophin PEs and CEs.
Analytical Sensitivity and Specificity of Two RT-qPCR Protocols for SARS-CoV-2 Detection Performed in an Automated Workflow
Authors: Barra Gustavo Barcelos , Santa Rita Ticiane Henriques , Mesquita Pedro Góes , Jácomo Rafael Henriques , Nery Lídia Freire Abdalla
Published: October 2020

WHO declared the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak a global pandemic on 11 March 2020. The establishment of standardized RT-qPCR protocols for respiratory secretions testing, as well as sharing of specimens, data, and information became critical. Here, we investigate the analytical performance of two interim RT-qPCR protocols (Charité and Centers for Disease Control (CDC)) for the qualitative detection of SARS-CoV-2 executed in a fully automated platform. Analytical specificity, PCR amplification efficiency, analytical sensitivity (limit of detection), and cross-reactivity were evaluated using contrived samples. The on-going accuracy was evaluated by retrospective analysis of our test results database (real clinical samples). N1, E, and a modified version of RdRP assays presented adequate analytical specificity, amplification efficiency, and analytical sensitivity using contrived samples. The three assays were applied to all individuals who requested the SARS-CoV-2 molecular test assay in our laboratory and it was observed that N1 gave more positive results than E, and E gave more positive results than RdRP (modified). The RdRP and E were removed from the test and its final version, based on N1 assay only, was applied to 30,699 Brazilian individuals (from 19 February 2020 to 8 May 2020). The aggregated test results available in the database were also presented.
IurV, Encoded by ORF VCA0231, Is Involved in the Regulation of Iron Uptake Genes in Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Sachman-Ruiz Bernardo , Ibarra José Antonio , Estrada-de los Santos Paulina , Torres Muñoz Alexia , Giménez Begoña , Salazar Juan Carlos , García-Angulo Víctor Antonio
Published: October 2020

The pathogen Vibrio cholerae has multiple iron acquisition systems which allow bacteria to exploit a variety of iron sources across the different environments on which it thrives. The expression of such iron uptake systems is highly regulated, mainly by the master iron homeostasis regulator Fur but also by other mechanisms. Recently, we documented that the expression of many of the iron-responsive genes is also modulated by riboflavin. Among them, the open reading frame VCA0231, repressed both by riboflavin and iron, encodes a putative transcriptional regulator of the AraC/XylS family. Nonetheless, the genes or functions affected by this factor are unknown. In the present study, a series of in silico analyses was performed in order to identify the putative functions associated with the product of VCA0231. The STRING database predicted many iron uptake genes as functional partners for the product of VCA0231. In addition, a genomic neighborhood analysis with the Enzyme Function Initiative tools detected many Pfam families involved in iron homeostasis genetically associated with VCA0231. Moreover, a phylogenetic tree showed that other AraC/XylS members known to regulate siderophore utilization in bacteria clustered together and the product of VCA0231 localized in this cluster. This suggested that the product of VCA0231, here named IurV, is involved in the regulation of iron uptake processes. RNAseq was performed to determine the transcriptional effects of a deletion in VCA0231. A total of 52 genes were overexpressed and 21 genes were downregulated in response to the iurV deletion. Among these, several iron uptake genes and other iron homeostasis-related genes were found. Six gene ontology (GO) functional terms were enriched in the upregulated genes, of which five were related to iron metabolism. The regulatory pattern observed in the transcriptomics of a subset of genes was independently confirmed by quantitative real time PCR analysis. The results indicate that IurV is a novel regulator of the AraC/XylS family involved in the repression of iron uptake genes. Whether this effect is direct or indirect remains to be determined.
The New Klebsiella pneumoniae ST152 Variants with Hypermucoviscous Phenotype Isolated from Renal Transplant Recipients with Asymptomatic Bacteriuria—Genetic Characteristics by WGS
Authors: Wysocka Magdalena , Zamudio Roxana , Oggioni Marco R , Gołębiewska Justyna , Dudziak Aleksandra , Krawczyk Beata
Published: October 2020

Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kp) is one of the most important etiological factors of urinary tract infections in renal transplant (RTx) recipients. We described the antimicrobial susceptibility phenotypes and genomic features of two hypermucoviscous (HM) Kp isolates recovered from RTx recipients with asymptomatic bacteriuria (ABU). Using whole genome sequencing (WGS) data, we showed that the strains belong to the ST152 lineage with the KL149 capsular serotype, but without rmpA/magA genes, which is typical for HM+ hypervirulent Kp. These new strains carried virulence-associated genes that predispose for urinary tract infections (UTIs). Likewise, both strains carried the ecp gene encoding pilus common for extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) Escherichia coli. Although the two ST152 isolates were closely related and differed by only nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in their chromosomes, they had different plasmid compositions and chromosomal elements, with isolate KP28872 carrying an ESBL plasmid and an integrative conjugative element. These two isolates are an example of the high plasticity of the K. pneumoniae accessory genome. The identification of patients with ABU matched with the correct epidemiological profiling of isolates could facilitate interventions to prevent or rapidly treat K. pneumoniae infections.
Campylobacter jejuni Cas9 Modulates the Transcriptome in Caco-2 Intestinal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Saha Chinmoy , Horst-Kreft Deborah , Kross Inez , van der Spek Peter J. , Louwen Rogier , van Baarlen Peter
Published: October 2020

The zoonotic human pathogen Campylobacter jejuni is known for its ability to induce DNA-damage and cell death pathology in humans. The molecular mechanism behind this phenomenon involves nuclear translocation by Cas9, a nuclease in C. jejuni (CjeCas9) that is the molecular marker of the Type II CRISPR-Cas system. However, it is unknown via which cellular pathways CjeCas9 drives human intestinal epithelial cells into cell death. Here, we show that CjeCas9 released by C. jejuni during the infection of Caco-2 human intestinal epithelial cells directly modulates Caco-2 transcriptomes during the first four hours of infection. Specifically, our results reveal that CjeCas9 activates DNA damage (p53, ATM (Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Protein)), pro-inflammatory (NF-κB (Nuclear factor-κB)) signaling and cell death pathways, driving Caco-2 cells infected by wild-type C. jejuni, but not when infected by a cas9 deletion mutant, towards programmed cell death. This work corroborates our previous finding that CjeCas9 is cytotoxic and highlights on a RNA level the basal cellular pathways that are modulated.
Induction of Chicken Host Defense Peptides within Disease-Resistant and -Susceptible Lines
Authors: Jang Hyun-Jun , Monson Melissa , Kaiser Michael , Lamont Susan J
Published: October 2020

Host defense peptides (HDPs) are multifunctional immune molecules that respond to bacterial and viral pathogens. In the present study, bone marrow-derived cells (BMCs) and chicken embryonic fibroblasts (CEFs) were cultured from a Leghorn line (Ghs6) and Fayoumi line (M15.2), which are inbred chicken lines relatively susceptible and resistant to various diseases, respectively. The cells were treated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)) and, subsequently, mRNA expression of 20 chicken HDPs was analyzed before and after the stimulation. At homeostasis, many genes differed between the chicken lines, with the Fayoumi line having significantly higher expression (p < 0.05) than the Leghorn line: AvBD1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7 in BMCs; CATH1, CATH3, and GNLY in CEFs; and AvDB5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 in both BMCs and CEFs. After LPS treatment, the expression of AvBD1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 12, CATH1, and CATHB1 was significantly upregulated in BMCs, but no genes changed expression in CEFs. After poly(I:C) treatment, AvBD2, 11, 12, 13, CATHB1 and LEAP2 increased in both cell types; CATH2 only increased in BMCs; and AvBD3, 6, 9, 14, CATH1, CATH3, and GNLY only increased in CEFs. In addition, AvBD7, AvBD14, CATH1, CATH2, GNLY, and LEAP2 showed line-specific expression dependent upon cell type (BMC and CEF) and stimulant (LPS and poly(I:C)). The characterization of mRNA expression patterns of chicken HDPs in the present study suggests that their functions may be associated with multiple types of disease resistance in chickens.
Drought-Tolerance Gene Identification Using Genome Comparison and Co-Expression Network Analysis of Chromosome Substitution Lines in Rice
Authors: Punchkhon Chutarat , Plaimas Kitiporn , Buaboocha Teerapong , Siangliw Jonaliza L. , Toojinda Theerayut , Comai Luca , De Diego Nuria , Spíchal Lukáš , Chadchawan Supachitra
Published: October 2020

Drought stress limits plant growth and productivity. It triggers many responses by inducing changes in plant morphology and physiology. KDML105 rice is a key rice variety in Thailand and is normally grown in the northeastern part of the country. The chromosome segment substitution lines (CSSLs) were developed by transferring putative drought tolerance loci (QTLs) on chromosome 1, 3, 4, 8, or 9 into the KDML105 rice genome. CSSL104 is a drought-tolerant line with higher net photosynthesis and leaf water potential than KDML105 rice. The analysis of CSSL104 gene regulation identified the loci associated with these traits via gene co-expression network analysis. Most of the predicted genes are involved in the photosynthesis process. These genes are also conserved in Arabidopsis thaliana. Seven genes encoding chloroplast proteins were selected for further analysis through characterization of Arabidopsis tagged mutants. The response of these mutants to drought stress was analyzed daily for seven days after treatment by scoring green tissue areas via the PlantScreen™ XYZ system. Mutation of these genes affected green areas of the plant and stability index under drought stress, suggesting their involvement in drought tolerance.
Correction: Ramzan F. et al. “Combining Random Forests and a Signal Detection Method Leads to the Robust Detection of Genotype-Phenotype Associations” Genes, 2020, 11, 892
Authors: Ramzan Faisal , Gültas Mehmet , Bertram Hendrik , Cavero David , Schmitt Armin Otto
Published: October 2020

The authors would like to make a correction to the published paper [...]
R2 and Non-Site-Specific R2-Like Retrotransposons of the German Cockroach, Blattella germanica
Authors: Zagoskina Arina , Firsov Sergei , Lazebnaya Irina , Lazebny Oleg , Mukha Dmitry V.
Published: October 2020

The structural and functional organization of the ribosomal RNA gene cluster and the full-length R2 non-LTR retrotransposon (integrated into a specific site of 28S ribosomal RNA genes) of the German cockroach, Blattella germanica, is described. A partial sequence of the R2 retrotransposon of the cockroach Rhyparobia maderae is also analyzed. The analysis of previously published next-generation sequencing data from the B. germanica genome reveals a new type of retrotransposon closely related to R2 retrotransposons but with a random distribution in the genome. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that these newly described retrotransposons form a separate clade. It is shown that proteins corresponding to the open reading frames of newly described retrotransposons exhibit unequal structural domains. Within these retrotransposons, a recombination event is described. New mechanism of transposition activity is discussed. The essential structural features of R2 retrotransposons are conserved in cockroaches and are typical of previously described R2 retrotransposons. However, the investigation of the number and frequency of 5′-truncated R2 retrotransposon insertion variants in eight B. germanica populations suggests recent mobile element activity. It is shown that the pattern of 5′-truncated R2 retrotransposon copies can be an informative molecular genetic marker for revealing genetic distances between insect populations.
Molecular Evolution of Maize Ascorbate Peroxidase Genes and Their Functional Divergence
Authors: Qu Chunxiang , Wang Lin , Zhao Yingwei , Liu Chao
Published: October 2020

Ascorbate peroxidase (APX) is an important antioxidant enzyme. APXs in maize are encoded by multiple genes and exist as isoenzymes. The evolutionary history and functional divergence of the maize APX gene family were analyzed through comparative genomic and experimental data on the Internet in this paper. APX genes in higher plants were divided into classes A, B, and C. Each type of APX gene in angiosperms only had one ancestral gene that was duplicated along with the genome duplication or local (or tandem) duplication of the angiosperm. A total of eight genes were retained in maize and named APXa1, APXa2, APXa3, APXb1, APXb2, APXc1.1, APXc1.2, and APXc2. The APX genes of class A were located in the chloroplasts or mitochondria, and the class B and C genes were localized in the peroxisomes and cytoplasm, respectively. The expression patterns of eight APXs were different in vegetative and reproductive organs at different growth and development stages. APXa1 and APXb1 of maize may participate in the antioxidant metabolism of vegetative organs under normal conditions. APXa2, APXb2, APXc1.1, and APXc1.2 may be involved in the stress response, and APXb2 and APXc2 may participate in the senescence response. These results provide a basis for cultivating high-yield and resistant maize varieties.
Misalignment of Stakeholder Incentives in the Opioid Crisis
Authors: Boloori Alireza , Arnetz Bengt B. , Viens Frederi , Maiti Taps , Arnetz Judith E.
Published: October 2020

The current opioid epidemic has killed more than 446,000 Americans over the past two decades. Despite the magnitude of the crisis, little is known to what degree the misalignment of incentives among stakeholders due to competing interests has contributed to the current situation. In this study, we explore evidence in the literature for the working hypothesis that misalignment rooted in the cost, quality, or access to care can be a significant contributor to the opioid epidemic. The review identified several problems that can contribute to incentive misalignment by compromising the triple aims (cost, quality, and access) in this epidemic. Some of these issues include the inefficacy of conventional payment mechanisms in providing incentives for providers, practice guidelines in pain management that are not easily implementable across different medical specialties, barriers in adopting multi-modal pain management strategies, low capacity of providers/treatments to address opioid/substance use disorders, the complexity of addressing the co-occurrence of chronic pain and opioid use disorders, and patients’ non-adherence to opioid substitution treatments. In discussing these issues, we also shed light on factors that can facilitate the alignment of incentives among stakeholders to effectively address the current crisis.
Interactions of Cortisol and Prolactin with Other Selected Menstrual Cycle Hormones Affecting the Chances of Conception in Infertile Women
Authors: Wdowiak Artur , Raczkiewicz Dorota , Janczyk Paula , Bojar Iwona , Makara-Studzińska Marta , Wdowiak-Filip Anita
Published: October 2020

One of the major problems of success in infertility treatment could depend on the understanding how the potential factors may affect the conception. The aim of this study was to evaluate present understanding of such factors or hormonal causes that may induce infertility. We studied the interactions between the two menstrual cycle hormones i.e., cortisol (COR) and prolactin (PRL), along with the ultrasonographic ovulation parameters in a group of N = 205 women with diagnosed infertility. The control group consisted of N = 100 women with confirmed fertility. In both groups, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), PRL, COR were examined on the third day of the cycle, and estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), and COR were examined during ovulation and 7-days afterwards. In the infertile group, higher levels of PRL and COR were observed than that of in the control group. Cortisol levels at all phases of the menstrual cycle and PRL negatively correlated with E2 secretion during and after ovulation, thus contributed to the attenuation of the ovulatory LH surge. Infertile women who conceived presented with higher levels of E2 during and after ovulation, higher P after ovulation, and thicker endometrium than that of the women who failed to conceive. In conclusion, elevated secretion of COR and PRL in infertile women impairs the menstrual cycle by decreasing the pre-ovulatory LH peak and E2 and postovulatory E2 levels that affect the endometrial growth, and consequently reduce the chances to conceive.
Is Malignant Potential of Barrett’s Esophagus Predictable by Endoscopy Findings?
Authors: Amano Yuji , Ishimura Norihisa , Ishihara Shunji
Published: October 2020

Given that endoscopic findings can be used to predict the potential of neoplastic progression in Barrett’s esophagus (BE) cases, the detection rate of dysplastic Barrett’s lesions may become higher even in laborious endoscopic surveillance because a special attention is consequently paid. However, endoscopic findings for effective detection of the risk of neoplastic progression to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) have not been confirmed, though some typical appearances are suggestive. In the present review, endoscopic findings that can be used predict malignant potential to EAC in BE cases are discussed. Conventional results obtained with white light endoscopy, such as length of BE, presence of esophagitis, ulceration, hiatal hernia, and nodularity, are used as indicators of a higher risk of neoplastic progression. However, there are controversies in some of those findings. Absence of palisade vessels may be also a new candidate predictor, as that reveals degree of intense inflammation and of cyclooxygenase-2 protein expression with accelerated cellular proliferation. Furthermore, an open type of mucosal pattern and enriched stromal blood vessels, which can be observed by image-enhanced endoscopy, including narrow band imaging, have been confirmed as factors useful for prediction of neoplastic progression of BE because they indicate more frequent cyclooxygenase-2 protein expression along with accelerated cellular proliferation. Should the malignant potential of BE be shown predictable by these endoscopic findings, that would simplify methods used for an effective surveillance, because patients requiring careful monitoring would be more easily identified. Development in the near future of a comprehensive scoring system for BE based on clinical factors, biomarkers and endoscopic predictors is required.
Enhancing the Antibacterial Properties of PVDF Membrane by Hydrophilic Surface Modification Using Titanium Dioxide and Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Samree Kajeephan , Srithai Pen-umpai , Kotchaplai Panaya , Thuptimdang Pumis , Painmanakul Pisut , Hunsom Mali , Sairiam Sermpong
Published: October 2020

This work investigates polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane modification to enhance its hydrophilicity and antibacterial properties. PVDF membranes were coated with nanoparticles of titanium dioxide (TiO2-NP) and silver (AgNP) at different concentrations and coating times and characterized for their porosity, morphology, chemical functional groups and composition changes. The results showed the successfully modified PVDF membranes containing TiO2-NP and AgNP on their surfaces. When the coating time was increased from 8 to 24 h, the compositions of Ti and Ag of the modified membranes were increased from 1.39 ± 0.13 to 4.29 ± 0.16 and from 1.03 ± 0.07 to 3.62 ± 0.08, respectively. The water contact angle of the membranes was decreased with increasing the coating time and TiO2-NP/AgNP ratio. The surface roughness and permeate fluxes of coated membranes were increased due to increased hydrophilicity. Antimicrobial and antifouling properties were investigated by the reduction of Escherichia coli cells and the inhibition of biofilm formation on the membrane surface, respectively. Compared with that of the original PVDF membrane, the modified membranes exhibited antibacterial efficiency up to 94% against E. coli cells and inhibition up to 65% of the biofilm mass reduction. The findings showed hydrophilic improvement and an antimicrobial property for possible wastewater treatment without facing the eminent problem of biofouling.
The Effects of Reduction and Thermal Treatment on the Recrystallization and Crystallographic Texture Evolution of 5182 Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Papadopoulou Sofia , Kontopoulou Athina , Gavalas Evangelos , Papaefthymiou Spyros
Published: October 2020

During forming, thickness reduction and thermal treatment affect the recrystallization and evolution of the crystallographic texture of metallic materials. The present study focuses on the consequences of rolling reduction of a widespread aluminum alloy with numerous automotive, marine and general-purpose applications, namely Al 5182. Emphasis is laid on the crystallographic texture and mechanical properties on both hot and cold-rolled semi-final products. In particular, a 2.8 mm-thick hot-rolled product was examined in the as-received condition, while two cold-rolled sheets, one 1.33 mm and the other 0.214 mm thick, both originating from the 2.8 mm material, were examined in both as-received and annealed (350 °C for 1 h) conditions. Electron back-scatter diffraction indicated the presence of a large percentage of random texture as well as a weak recrystallization texture for the hot-rolled product, whereas in the case of cold rolling the evolution of β-fiber texture was noted. In addition, tensile tests showed that both the anisotropy as well as the mechanical properties of the cold-rolled properties improved after annealing, being comparable to hot-rolled ones.
Determination of the Grain Size in Single-Phase Materials by Edge Detection and Concatenation
Authors: Berus Lucijano , Skakun Plavka , Rajnovic Dragan , Janjatovic Petar , Sidjanin Leposava , Ficko Mirko
Published: October 2020

This paper presents a novel approach for edge detection and concatenation. It applies the proposed method on a set of optical microscopy images of aluminium alloy Al 99.5% (ENAW1050A) samples with different grain size values. The performance of the proposed approach is evaluated based on the intercept method and compared with the manual grain size determination method. Edge detection filters have proven inefficient in grain boundaries’ detection of the presented microscopy images. To some extent only the Canny edge-detection filter was able to compute grain boundaries of lower-resolution images adequately, while the presented method proved to be superior, especially in high-resolution images. The proposed method has proven its applicability, and it implies higher automatisation and lower processing times compared to manual optical microscopy image processing.
Representation of Kinetics Models in Batch Flotation as Distributed First-Order Reactions
Authors: Vinnett Luis , Waters Kristian E.
Published: October 2020

Four kinetic models are studied as first-order reactions with flotation rate distribution f(k): (i) deterministic nth-order reaction, (ii) second-order with Rectangular f(k), (iii) Rosin–Rammler, and (iv) Fractional kinetics. These models are studied because they are considered as alternatives to the first-order reactions. The first-order representation leads to the same recovery R(t) as in the original domain. The first-order R∞-f(k) are obtained by inspection of the R(t) formulae or by inverse Laplace Transforms. The reaction orders of model (i) are related to the shape parameters of first-order Gamma f(k)s. Higher reaction orders imply rate concentrations at k ≈ 0 in the first-order domain. Model (ii) shows reverse J-shaped first-order f(k)s. Model (iii) under stretched exponentials presents mounded first-order f(k)s, whereas model (iv) with derivative orders lower than 1 shows from reverse J-shaped to mounded first-order f(k)s. Kinetic descriptions that lead to the same R(t) cannot be differentiated between each other. However, the first-order f(k)s can be studied in a comparable domain.
Comparative Study of Nanostructured CuSe Semiconductor Synthesized in a Planetary and Vibratory Mill
Authors: Achimovičová Marcela , Baláž Matej , Girman Vladimír , Kurimský Juraj , Briančin Jaroslav , Dutková Erika , Gáborová Katarína
Published: October 2020

Copper(II) selenide, CuSe was prepared from Cu and Se powders in a stoichiometric ratio by a rapid, and convenient one-step mechanochemical synthesis, after 5 and 10 min of milling in a planetary, and an industrial vibratory, mill. The kinetics of the synthesis, and the structural, morphological, optical, and electrical properties of CuSe products prepared in the two types of mill were studied. Their crystal structure, physical properties, and morphology were characterized by X-ray diffraction, specific surface area measurements, particle size distribution, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. The products crystallized in a hexagonal crystal structure. However, a small amount of orthorhombic phase was also identified. The scanning electron microscopy revealed that both products consist of agglomerated particles of irregular shape, forming clusters with a size ~50 μm. Transmission electron microscopy proved the nanocrystalline character of the CuSe particles. The optical properties were studied using UV–Vis and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The determined band gap energies of 1.6 and 1.8 eV for the planetary- and vibratory-milled product, respectively, were blue-shifted relative to the bulk CuSe. CuSe prepared in the vibratory mill had lower resistivity and higher conductivity, which corresponds to its larger crystallite size in comparison with CuSe prepared in the planetary mill.
Recent Advances in the Development of Nano-Sculpted Films by Magnetron Sputtering for Energy-Related Applications
Authors: Panepinto Adriano , Snyders Rony
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we overview the recent progress we made in the magnetron sputtering-based developments of nano-sculpted thin films intended for energy-related applications such as energy conversion. This paper summarizes our recent experimental work often supported by simulation and theoretical results. Specifically, the development of a new generation of nano-sculpted photo-anodes based on TiO2 for application in dye-sensitized solar cells is discussed.
Nanocellulose Bio-Based Composites for Food Packaging
Authors: Silva Francisco A. G. S. , Dourado Fernando , Gama Miguel , Poças Fátima
Published: October 2020

The food industry is increasingly demanding advanced and eco-friendly sustainable packaging materials with improved physical, mechanical and barrier properties. The currently used materials are synthetic and non-degradable, therefore raising environmental concerns. Consequently, research efforts have been made in recent years towards the development of bio-based sustainable packaging materials. In this review, the potential of nanocelluloses as nanofillers or as coatings for the development of bio-based nanocomposites is discussed, namely: (i) the physico-chemical interaction of nanocellulose with the adjacent polymeric phase, (ii) the effect of nanocellulose modification/functionalization on the final properties of the composites, (iii) the production methods for such composites, and (iv) the effect of nanocellulose on the overall migration, toxicity, and the potential risk to human health. Lastly, the technology readiness level of nanocellulose and nanocellulose based composites for the market of food packaging is discussed.
Bottom-Up Self-Assembly Based on DNA Nanotechnology
Authors: Yan Xuehui , Huang Shujing , Wang Yong , Tang Yuanyuan , Tian Ye
Published: October 2020

Manipulating materials at the atomic scale is one of the goals of the development of chemistry and materials science, as it provides the possibility to customize material properties; however, it still remains a huge challenge. Using DNA self-assembly, materials can be controlled at the nano scale to achieve atomic- or nano-scaled fabrication. The programmability and addressability of DNA molecules can be applied to realize the self-assembly of materials from the bottom-up, which is called DNA nanotechnology. DNA nanotechnology does not focus on the biological functions of DNA molecules, but combines them into motifs, and then assembles these motifs to form ordered two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) lattices. These lattices can serve as general templates to regulate the assembly of guest materials. In this review, we introduce three typical DNA self-assembly strategies in this field and highlight the significant progress of each. We also review the application of DNA self-assembly and propose perspectives in this field.
Renibacterium salmoninarum—The Causative Agent of Bacterial Kidney Disease in Salmonid Fish
Authors: Delghandi Mohammad Reza , El-Matbouli Mansour , Menanteau-Ledouble Simon
Published: October 2020

Renibacterium salmoninarum is one of the oldest known bacterial pathogens of fish. This Gram-positive bacterium is the causative agent of bacterial kidney disease, a chronic infection that is mostly known to infect salmonid fish at low temperatures. Externally, infected fish can display exophthalmia as well as blebs on the skin and ulcerations alongside haemorrhages at the base of the fins and alongside the lateral line. Internally, the kidney, heart, spleen and liver can show signs of swelling. Granulomas can be seen on various internal organs, as can haemorrhages, and the organs can be covered with a false membrane. Ascites can also accumulate in the abdominal cavity. The bacterium is generally cultivated on specialized media such as kidney disease medium-1 (KDM-1), KDM-2 and selective kidney disease medium (SKDM), and a diagnostic is performed using molecular tools such as PCRs or real-time quantitative PCRs (RT-qPCRs). Several virulence mechanisms have been identified in R. salmoninarum, in particular the protein p57 that is known to play a role in both agglutination and immunosuppression of the host’s defense mechanisms. Control of the disease is difficult; the presence of asymptomatic carriers complicates the eradication of the disease, as does the ability of the bacterium to gain entrance inside the eggs. Bacterin-killed vaccines have proven to be of doubtful efficacy in controlling the disease, and even more recent application of a virulent environmental relative of R. salmoninarum is of limited efficacy. Treatment by antibiotics such as erythromycin, azithromycin and enrofloxacin can be effective but it is slow and requires prolonged treatment. Moreover, antibiotic-resistant strains have been reported. Despite being known for a long time, there is still much to be discovered about R. salmoninarum, notably regarding its virulence mechanisms and its vaccine potential. Consequently, these gaps in knowledge continue to hinder control of this bacterial disease in aquaculture settings.