bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Application of the Eigenproblem for Biochemical Similarity
Authors: Joiţa Dan-Marian , Tomescu Mihaela Aurelia , Bàlint Donatella , Jäntschi Lorentz
Published: October 2021

Protein alignment finds its application in refining results of sequence alignment and understanding protein function. A previous study aligned single molecules, making use of the minimization of sums of the squares of eigenvalues, obtained for the antisymmetric Cartesian coordinate distance matrices Dx and Dy. This is used in our program to search for similarities between amino acids by comparing the sums of the squares of eigenvalues associated with the Dx, Dy, and Dz distance matrices. These matrices are obtained by removing atoms that could lead to low similarity. Candidates are aligned, and trilateration is used to attach all previously striped atoms. A TM-score is the scoring function that chooses the best alignment from supplied candidates. Twenty essential amino acids that take many forms in nature are selected for comparison. The correct alignment is taken into account most of the time by the alignment algorithm. It was numerically detected by the TM-score 70% of the time, on average, and 15% more cases with close scores can be easily distinguished by human observation.
Shoulder Kinematics and Symmetry at Different Load Intensities during Bench Press Exercise
Authors: Franco-García Juan Manuel , Rodal Miguel , Gutiérrez-Horrillo Rafael , Carlos-Vivas Jorge , Pérez-Gómez Jorge , Nobari Hadi , Ardigò Luca Paolo , Gianikellis Konstantinos
Published: October 2021

This study aimed to analyze between-shoulder kinematics symmetry at different load intensities considering full range of movement (ROM), mean and maximum velocities (VMEAN, VMAX), and accelerations (AMEAN, AMAX) of shoulders during phases 2 (characterized by positive acceleration and negative velocity, eccentric) and 3 (characterized by positive acceleration and velocity, concentric) of bench press exercise (BP); as well as to compare unilateral kinematics variables between the different load intensity intervals. Twenty-seven participants were evaluated during phases 2 and 3 of BP at different load intervals: interval 1 (55–75% 1-repetition maximum: 1RM), interval 2 (75–85% 1RM) and interval 3 (85–100% 1RM). Kinematics variables were determined using the Xsens MVN Link System. Results showed that full ROM was higher in left than right shoulder at all intensities (p = 0.008–0.035). VMEAN, VMAX, AMEAN, and AMAX were different in both shoulders for interval 3 during phase 2 and were lower as load intensity increased in both shoulders (p = 0.001–0.029). During phase 3, only VMAX on interval 2 was different between shoulders. Moreover, VMEAN, VMAX, AMEAN, and AMAX were greater during interval 1 compared with the others in both shoulders (p = 0.001–0.029). Therefore, there exists a kinematics asymmetry between both shoulders during phases 2 and 3 of bench press, although the acceleration was similar during both phases at all load intensities. Moreover, kinematic parameters differ between loads of 55–75% RM compared to 75–100% RM loads.
Deep-Learning Based Prognosis Approach for Remaining Useful Life Prediction of Turbofan Engine
Authors: Muneer Amgad , Taib Shakirah Mohd , Fati Suliman Mohamed , Alhussian Hitham
Published: October 2021

The entire life cycle of a turbofan engine is a type of asymmetrical process in which each engine part has different characteristics. Extracting and modeling the engine symmetry characteristics is significant in improving remaining useful life (RUL) predictions for aircraft components, and it is critical for an effective and reliable maintenance strategy. Such predictions can improve the maximum operating availability and reduce maintenance costs. Due to the high nonlinearity and complexity of mechanical systems, conventional methods are unable to satisfy the needs of medium- and long-term prediction problems and frequently overlook the effect of temporal information on prediction performance. To address this issue, this study presents a new attention-based deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) architecture to predict the RUL of turbofan engines. The prognosability metric was used for feature ranking and selection, whereas a time window method was employed for sample preparation to take advantage of multivariate temporal information for better feature extraction by means of an attention-based DCNN model. The validation of the proposed model was conducted using a well-known benchmark dataset and evaluation measures such as root mean square error (RMSE) and asymmetric scoring function (score) were used to validate the proposed approach. The experimental results show the superiority of the proposed approach to predict the RUL of a turbofan engine. The attention-based DCNN model achieved the best scores on the FD001 independent testing dataset, with an RMSE of 11.81 and a score of 223.
On Some New Inequalities of Hermite–Hadamard Midpoint and Trapezoid Type for Preinvex Functions in p,q-Calculus
Authors: Sial Ifra Bashir , Ali Muhammad Aamir , Murtaza Ghulam , Ntouyas Sotiris K. , Soontharanon Jarunee , Sitthiwirattham Thanin
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we establish some new Hermite–Hadamard type inequalities for preinvex functions and left-right estimates of newly established inequalities for p,q-differentiable preinvex functions in the context of p,q-calculus. We also show that the results established in this paper are generalizations of comparable results in the literature of integral inequalities. Analytic inequalities of this nature and especially the techniques involved have applications in various areas in which symmetry plays a prominent role.
Exponentiated Generalized Inverted Gompertz Distribution: Properties and Estimation Methods with Applications to Symmetric and Asymmetric Data
Authors: El-Morshedy Mahmoud , El-Faheem Adel A. , Al-Bossly Afrah , El-Dawoody Mohamed
Published: October 2021

In this article, a new four-parameter lifetime model called the exponentiated generalized inverted Gompertz distribution is studied and proposed. The newly proposed distribution is able to model the lifetimes with upside-down bathtub-shaped hazard rates and is suitable for describing the negative and positive skewness. A detailed description of some various properties of this model, including the reliability function, hazard rate function, quantile function, and median, mode, moments, moment generating function, entropies, kurtosis, and skewness, mean waiting lifetime, and others are presented. The parameters of the studied model are appreciated using four various estimation methods, the maximum likelihood, least squares, weighted least squares, and Cramér-von Mises methods. A simulation study is carried out to examine the performance of the new model estimators based on the four estimation methods using the mean squared errors (MSEs) and the bias estimates. The flexibility of the proposed model is clarified by studying four different engineering applications to symmetric and asymmetric data, and it is found that this model is more flexible and works quite well for modeling these data.
Existence and Convergence Results for Generalized Mixed Quasi-Variational Hemivariational Inequality Problem
Authors: Chang Shih-Sen , Salahuddin  , Wang Lin , Wang Gang , Zhao Yunhe
Published: October 2021

The main purpose of this paper is threefold. One is to study the existence and convergence problem of solutions for a class of generalized mixed quasi-variational hemivariational inequalities. The second one is to study the existence of optimal control for such kind of generalized mixed quasi-variational hemivariational inequalities under given control u∈U. The third one is to study the relationship between the optimal control and the data for the underlying generalized mixed quasi-variational inequality problems and a class of minimization problem. As an application, we utilize our results to study the elastic frictional problem in a class of Hilbert spaces. The results presented in the paper extend and improve upon some recent results.
Unsymmetrical Hexafluorocyclopentene-Linked Twisted π-Conjugated Molecules as Dual-State Emissive Luminophores
Authors: Yamada Shigeyuki , Nishizawa Akito , Kobayashi Kazuki , Yoshida Keigo , Morita Masato , Agou Tomohiro , Hosoya Takaaki , Fukumoto Hiroki , Konno Tsutomu
Published: October 2021

Dual-state emissive (DSE) luminophores, which can luminesce both in solution and in solid states, have recently attracted significant attention because of their broad applications. However, their development is difficult due to the difference in molecular design between solution- and solid-state luminophores. In this study, DSE luminophores based on unsymmetrical hexafluorocyclopentene-linked twisted π-conjugated structures carrying various substituents to tune the electron-density were designed and synthesized in a single-step reaction from heptafluorocyclopentene or perfluoro-1,2-diphenylcyclopentene derivatives. The twisted π-conjugated luminophores exhibited absorption in the UV region at approximately 330 nm, along with several signals in the high-energy region. Upon irradiating the luminophore solution (wavelength 330 nm), light-green to yellow photoluminescence (PL) was observed in the range of 422–471 nm with high PL efficiency. Theoretical calculations revealed that excitation from ground to excited states altered the structural shape of the luminophores from twisted to planar, leading to red-shifted PL and high PL efficiency (ΦPL). The intense blue PL exhibited by the luminophores in the crystalline state was attributed to their twisted molecular structures that suppressed non-radiative deactivation via the effective blocking of π/π stacking interactions.
Dichotomy of Baryons as Quantum Hall Droplets and Skyrmions: Topological Structure of Dense Matter
Authors: Ma Yong-Liang , Rho Mannque
Published: October 2021

We review a new development on the possible direct connection between the topological structure of the Nf=1 baryon as a FQH droplet and that of the Nf≥2 baryons (such as nucleons and hyperons) as skyrmions. This development suggests a possible “domain-wall (DW)” structure of compressed baryonic matter at high density expected to be found in the core of massive compact stars. Our theoretical framework is anchored on an effective nuclear effective field theory that incorporates two symmetries either hidden in the vacuum in QCD or emergent from strong nuclear correlations. It presents a basically different, hitherto undiscovered structure of nuclear matter at low as well as high densities. Hidden “genuine dilaton (GD)” symmetry and hidden local symmetry (HLS) gauge-equivalent at low density to nonlinear sigma model capturing chiral symmetry, put together in nuclear effective field theory, are seen to play an increasingly important role in providing hadron–quark duality in baryonic matter. It is argued that the FQH droplets could actually figure essentially in the properties of the vector mesons endowed with HLS near chiral restoration. This strongly motivates incorporating both symmetries in formulating “first-principles” approaches to nuclear dynamics encompassing from the nuclear matter density to the highest density stable in the Universe.
Smart Architectural Framework for Symmetrical Data Offloading in IoT
Authors: Bali Malvinder Singh , Gupta Kamali , Koundal Deepika , Zaguia Atef , Mahajan Shubham , Pandit Amit Kant
Published: October 2021

With new technologies coming to the market, the Internet of Things (IoT) is one of the technologies that has gained exponential rise by facilitating Machine to Machine (M2M) communication and bringing smart devices closer to end users. By 2025, it is expected that IoT will bring together 78.4 billion of devices, thus improving the quality of life beyond our imagination; however, there are multiple potential challenges, such as the exploitation of energy consumption and the huge data traffic being generated by smart devices causing congestion and utilizing more bandwidth. Various researchers have provided an alternative to this problem by performing offloading of data, the task and computational requirements of an application at edge and fog nodes of IoT, thus helping to overcome latency issues for critical applications. Despite the importance of an offloading approach in IoT, there is need for a systematic, symmetric, comprehensive, and detailed survey in this field. This paper provides a systematic literature review (SLR) on data offloading approaches in IoT network at edge and fog nodes in the form of a classical taxonomy in order to recognize the state-of-the art mechanism(s) associated with this important topic and provide open consideration of issues as well. All of the research on classified offloading approaches done by researchers is compared with each other according to important factors such as performance metrics, utilized techniques, and evaluation tools, and their advantages and disadvantages are discussed. Finally, an efficient smart architecture-based framework is proposed to handle the symmetric data offloading issues.
Shape-Memory Properties of 3D Printed Cubes from Diverse PLA Materials with Different Post-Treatments
Authors: Ehrmann Guido , Brockhagen Bennet , Ehrmann Andrea
Published: October 2021

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) belongs to the 3D printable materials which show shape-memory properties, i.e., which can recover their original shape after a deformation if they are heated above the glass transition temperature. This makes PLA quite an interesting material for diverse applications, such as bumpers, safety equipment for sports, etc. After investigating the influence of the infill design and degree, as well as the pressure orientation on the recovery properties of 3D printed PLA cubes in previous studies, here we report on differences between different PLA materials as well as on the impact of post-treatments after 3D printing by solvents or by heat. Our results show not only large differences between materials from different producers, but also a material-dependent impact of the post treatments. Generally, it is possible to tailor the mechanical and recovery properties of 3D printed PLA parts by choosing the proper material in combination with a chemical or temperature post-treatment.
Heat Treatment Consideration in Structural Simulations of Machine Elements: Analysis of a Starter Clutch Barrel
Authors: Šeruga Domen , Kavčič Matija , Klemenc Jernej , Nagode Marko
Published: October 2021

Consideration of heat treatment in simulations of structural components and its impact on predictions of behaviour during operation is analysed here. An automotive machine element with a complex geometry and dynamic load is analysed rather than a standard laboratory specimen under controlled conditions. The heat treatment analysis of a starter clutch barrel has been performed in DANTE followed by a structural analysis in ANSYS 2019 R3 during operation simulating a load cycle due to the start of an internal combustion engine. The heat treatment simulation consisted of carburisation, quenching and tempering. First, the carbon content and its distribution have been simulated. Next, the hardness of the starter clutch barrel and its distribution have been analysed with respect to the carbon distribution and hardness-dependent material properties of the AISI/SAE 4142 steel. Finally, the stress field after the heat treatment and during the operation of the starter clutch barrel has been thoroughly evaluated and compared to the simulation without the consideration of the heat treatment. Results of the simulation show that the heat treatment introduces favourable compressive stresses at the critical location of the starter clutch barrel and reduces the effective amplitude of the equivalent stress during the operation. Furthermore, the results of the simulation prove that heat treatment should be considered already during the early stages of the R & D process as it can have a decisive effect on the operational behaviour of the structural component. Moreover, a non-consideration of the heat treatment can lead into erroneous conclusions regarding the suitability of machine elements.
Study of Thermodynamic Modeling of Isothermal and Isobaric Binary Mixtures in Vapor-Liquid Equilibrium (VLE) of Tetrahydrofuran with Benzene (303.15 K) Cyclohexane (333.15 K), Methanol (103 kPa), and Ethanol (100 kPa)
Authors: Fernández Leonardo Steyman Reyes , Amado-Gonzaléz Eliseo , Hurtado Erik Germán Yanza
Published: October 2021

Tetrahydrofuran (THF) is an aprotic solvent with multiple applications in diverse areas of chemical, petrochemical, and pharmaceutical industries with an important impact in chemical waste liquid with other solvents. In this work, 51 available VLE data, for isothermal binary mixtures of THF(1) + Benzene(2) and THF(1) + Cyclohexane(2) at 303.15 and 333.15 K, respectively, and isobaric THF(1) + Methanol(2) at 103 kPa and THF(1) + Ethanol(2) at 100 kPa were used in the development of the activity coefficient models. The quality of experimental data was checked using the Herington test. VLE binary data was correlated with models Wilson, NRTL UNIQUAC, and UNIFAC to obtain binary parameters and activity coefficients. The best thermodynamic consistency when conducting the Herington test for the VLE data was found for the THF(1) +Cyclohexane(2) isothermal system and THF(1) + Ethanol(2) isobaric system. The UNIQUAC model for isothermal systems THF(1) + Benzene(2) and THF(1) + Cyclohexane(2), the NRTL model for the isobaric system THF(1) + Methanol(2), and the UNIQUAC model for THF(1) + Ethanol(2) perform better than the other models.
Analysis of Toxic Metals in Aerosols from Devices Associated with Electronic Cigarette, or Vaping, Product Use Associated Lung Injury
Authors: Gonzalez-Jimenez Nathalie , Gray Naudia , Pappas R. , Halstead Mary , Lewis Erica , Valentin-Blasini Liza , Watson Clifford , Blount Benjamin
Published: October 2021

Research gaps exist in toxic metals characterization in e-cigarette, or vaping, products (EVPs) as these analytes typically have low concentrations and most standard aerosol trapping techniques have high metals background. An additional complication arises from differences in the EVP liquid formulations with nicotine products having polar properties and non-nicotine products often being non-polar. Differences in polar and non-polar matrices and the subsequent aerosol chemistries from various EVPs required modifications of our previously reported nicotine-based EVP aerosol method. Validation and application of the expanded method, suitable for both hydrophobic and hydrophilic aerosols, are reported here. The metals analyzed for this study were Al, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Cd, Sn, Ba, and Pb. The method limits of detection for the modified method ranged from 0.120 ng/10 puffs for Cd to 29.3 ng/10 puffs for Al and were higher than reported for the previous method. Results of the analyses for metals in aerosols obtained from 50 EVP products are reported. Cannabinoid based EVP aerosols were below reportable levels, except for one sample with 16.08 ng/10 puffs for Cu. Nicotine-based EVP results ranged from 6.72 ng/10 puffs for Pb to 203 ng/10 puffs for Sn. Results of the analyses for these metals showed that aerosols from only 5 of the 50 devices tested had detectable metal concentrations. Concentrations of toxic elements in the aerosols for nicotine-based EVP aerosol metal concentration ranges were consistent with previously published results of aerosol analyses from this class of devices.
Transfer of Pollutants from Macrocystis pyrifera to Tetrapygus niger in a Highly Impacted Coastal Zone of Chile
Authors: Latorre-Padilla Nicolás , Meynard Andrés , Rivas Jorge , Contreras-Porcia Loretto
Published: October 2021

PAHs and heavy metals are characteristic pollutants in urbanized coastal areas, especially those with industrial activity. Given this context and the ability of Macrocystis pyrifera to drift when detached and provide trophic subsidy in coastal systems, we analyzed the potential transfer of pollutants to the herbivore Tetrapygus niger, through diet, in an industrialized coastal zone in Central Chile (Caleta Horcón) and characterized the impacted zone using diverse polluted ecotoxicological indices. For this purpose, a culture experiment was conducted where M. pyrifera individuals from Algarrobo (control site) were cultivated in Caleta Horcón and then used as food for T. niger. The contents of both PAHs and heavy metal contents were subsequently determined in algal tissue and sea urchin gonads as well as in the seawater. The results show that algae cultivated in Caleta Horcón had higher concentrations of naphthalene (NAF) compared to those from a low industrial impact zone (Algarrobo) (2.5 and 1.8 mg kg−1, respectively). The concentrations of Cu, As, and Cd were higher in Caleta Horcón than in Algarrobo in both M. pyrifera and T. niger. For all metals, including Pb, higher concentrations were present in T. niger than in M. pyrifera (between 5 and 798 times higher). Additionally, as indicated by the toxicological indices MPI (0.00804) and PLI (10.89), Caleta Horcón is highly contaminated with metals compared to Algarrobo (0.0006 and 0.015, respectively). Finally, the bioconcentration factor (BCF) and trophic transfer factor (TTF) values were greater than one in most cases, with values in Caleta Horcón exceeding those in Algarrobo by one or two orders of magnitude. This study provides evidence that Caleta Horcón is a highly impacted zone (HIZ) compared to Algarrobo, in addition to evidence that the biomagnification of certain pollutants, including the possible responses to contaminants, are apparently not exclusively transferred to T. niger through diet.
Solid-Phase Partitioning and Leaching Behavior of Pb and Zn from Playground Soils in Kabwe, Zambia
Authors: Mufalo Walubita , Tangviroon Pawit , Igarashi Toshifumi , Ito Mayumi , Sato Tsutomu , Chirwa Meki , Nyambe Imasiku , Nakata Hokuto , Nakayama Shouta , Ishizuka Mayumi
Published: October 2021

Zambia’s Kabwe mine wastes (KMWs) are responsible for contaminating the surrounding soil and dust in the Kabwe district. Unfortunately, these wastes arise from the historical mining activities of lead (Pb) and Zinc (Zn), which lacked adequate waste management strategies. As a result, potentially toxic elements (PTEs) (Pb and Zn) spread across the Kabwe district. To assess the soil pollution derived from previous mining activities, we studied topsoil samples (n = 8) from the school playground soils (SPs). In this study, the degree of contamination, geochemical partitioning, and leachability, coupled with the release and retention of Pb and Zn, were studied. The SPs were classified as extremely enriched (EF > 40) and contaminated with Pb (Igeo > 5). On average, Pb (up to 89%) and Zn (up to 69%) were bound with exchangeable, weak acid-soluble, reducible and oxidizable phases, which are considered as ’geochemically mobile’ phases in the environment. The leachates from the soils (n = 5) exceeded the Zambian standard (ZS: 190:2010) for Pb in potable drinking water (Pb < 0.01 mg/L). Furthermore, the spatial distribution of Pb and Zn showed a significant reduction in contents of Pb and Zn with the distance from the mine area.
Transcriptomic Analysis of Polyhexamethyleneguanidine-Induced Lung Injury in Mice after a Long-Term Recovery
Authors: Song Jeongah , Jung Kyung-Jin , Cho Jae-Woo , Park Tamina , Han Su-Cheol , Park Daeui
Published: October 2021

Polyhexamethyleneguanidine phosphate (PHMG-P) is one of the causative agents of humidifier disinfectant-induced lung injury. Direct exposure of the lungs to PHMG-P causes interstitial pneumonia with fibrosis. Epidemiological studies showed that patients with humidifier disinfectant-associated lung injuries have suffered from restrictive lung function five years after the onset of the lung injuries. We investigated whether lung damage was sustained after repeated exposure to PHMG-P followed by a long-term recovery and evaluated the adverse effects of PHMG-P on mice lungs. Mice were intranasally instilled with 0.3 mg/kg PHMG-P six times at two weeks intervals, followed by a recovery period of 292 days. Histopathological examination of the lungs showed the infiltration of inflammatory cells, the accumulation of extracellular matrix in the lung parenchyma, proteinaceous substances in the alveoli and bronchiolar–alveolar hyperplasia. From RNA-seq, the gene expression levels associated with the inflammatory response, leukocyte chemotaxis and fibrosis were significantly upregulated, whereas genes associated with epithelial/endothelial cells development, angiogenesis and smooth muscle contraction were markedly decreased. These results imply that persistent inflammation and fibrotic changes caused by repeated exposure to PHMG-P led to the downregulation of muscle and vascular development and lung dysfunction. Most importantly, this pathological structural remodeling induced by PHMG-P was not reversed even after long-term recovery.
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Mediation by the Disruptive Activity of Environmental Toxicants on Sex Hormone Receptors: In Silico Evaluation
Authors: Iheagwam Franklyn Nonso , Odiba Joseph Kelechi , Iheagwam Olawumi Toyin , Ogunlana Olubanke Olujoke , Chinedu Shalom Nwodo
Published: October 2021

This study investigates the disruptive activity of environmental toxicants on sex hormone receptors mediating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Toxicokinetics, gene target prediction, molecular docking, molecular dynamics, and gene network analysis were applied in silico techniques. From the results, permethrin, perfluorooctanoic acid, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, O-phenylphenol, bisphenol A, and diethylstilbestrol were the active toxic compounds that could modulate androgen (AR) and estrogen-α and –β receptors (ER) to induce T2DM. Early growth response 1 (EGR1), estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), and tumour protein 63 (TP63) were the major transcription factors, while mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) were the major kinases upregulated by these toxicants via interactions with intermediary proteins such as PTEN, AKT1, NfKβ1, SMAD3 and others in the gene network analysis to mediate T2DM. These toxicants pose a major challenge to public health; hence, monitoring their manufacture, use, and disposal should be enforced. This would ensure reduced interaction between people and these toxic chemicals, thereby reducing the incidence and prevalence of T2DM.
Fumonisin B1 Accumulates in Chicken Tissues over Time and This Accumulation Was Reduced by Feeding Algo-Clay
Authors: Laurain Julia , Tardieu Didier , Matard-Mann Maria , Rodriguez Maria Angeles , Guerre Philippe
Published: October 2021

The toxicokinetics of the food and feed contaminant Fumonisin B (FB) are characterized by low oral absorption and rapid plasma elimination. For these reasons, FB is not considered to accumulate in animals. However, recent studies in chicken and turkey showed that, in these species, the hepatic half-elimination time of fumonisin B1 (FB1) was several days, suggesting that FB1 may accumulate in the body. For the present study, 21-day-old chickens received a non-toxic dose of around 20 mg FB1 + FB2/kg of feed to investigate whether FB can accumulate in the body over time. Measurements taken after four and nine days of exposure revealed increased concentrations of sphinganine (Sa) and sphingosine (So) over time in the liver, but no sign of toxicity and no effect on performances were observed at this level of FB in feed. Measurements of FB in tissues showed that FB1 accumulated in chicken livers from four to nine days, with concentrations of 20.3 and 32.1 ng FB1/g observed, respectively, at these two exposure periods. Fumonisin B2 (FB2) also accumulated in the liver, from 0.79 ng/g at four days to 1.38 ng/g at nine days. Although the concentrations of FB found in the muscles was very low, an accumulation of FB1 over time was observed in this tissue, with concentrations of 0.036 and 0.072 ng FB1/g being measured after four and nine days of exposure, respectively. Feeding algo-clay to the chickens reduced the accumulation of FB1 in the liver and muscle by , approximately 40 and 50% on day nine, respectively. By contrast, only a weak non-significant effect was observed on day four. The decrease in the concentration of FB observed in tissues of chickens fed FB plus algo-clay on day nine was accompanied by a decrease in Sa and So contents in the liver compared to the levels of Sa and So measured in chickens fed FB alone. FB1 in the liver and Sa or So contents were correlated in liver tissue, confirming that both FB1 and Sa are suitable biomarkers of FB exposure in chickens. Further studies are necessary to determine whether FB can accumulate at higher levels in chicken tissues with an increase in the time of exposure and in the age of the animals.
Peripherally Administered Botulinum Toxin Type A Localizes Bilaterally in Trigeminal Ganglia of Animal Model
Authors: Waskitho Arief , Yamamoto Yumiko , Raman Swarnalakshmi , Kano Fumiya , Yan Huijiao , Raju Resmi , Afroz Shaista , Morita Tsuyoshi , Ikutame Daisuke , Okura Kazuo , Oshima Masamitsu , Yamamoto Akihito , Baba Otto , Matsuka Yoshizo
Published: October 2021

Peripheral nerve injury leads to sensory ganglion hyperexcitation, which increases neurotransmitter release and neuropathic pain. Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT/A) regulates pain transmission by reducing neurotransmitter release, thereby attenuating neuropathic pain. Despite multiple studies on the use of BoNT/A for managing neuropathic pain in the orofacial region, its exact mechanism of transport remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of BoNT/A in managing neuropathic pain in two different animal models and its transport mechanism in the trigeminal nerve. Intraperitoneal administration of cisplatin induced bilateral neuropathic pain in the orofacial region, reducing the head withdrawal threshold to mechanical stimulation. Unilateral infraorbital nerve constriction (IONC) also reduced the ipsilateral head withdrawal threshold to mechanical stimulation. Unilateral peripheral administration of BoNT/A to the rat whisker pad attenuated cisplatin-induced pain behavior bilaterally. Furthermore, contralateral peripheral administration of BoNT/A attenuated neuropathy-induced behavior caused by IONC. We also noted the presence of BoNT/A in the blood using the mouse bioassay. In addition, the Alexa Fluor-488-labeled C-terminal half of the heavy chain of BoNT/A (BoNT/A-Hc) was localized in the neurons of the bilateral trigeminal ganglia following its unilateral administration. These findings suggest that axonal and hematogenous transport are involved in the therapeutic effects of peripherally administered BoNT/A in the orofacial region.
Phytotoxic Activity of Alkaloids in the Desert Plant Sophora alopecuroides
Authors: Lei Lijing , Zhao Yu , Shi Kai , Liu Ying , Hu Yunxia , Shao Hua
Published: October 2021

Sophora alopecuroides is known to produce relatively large amounts of alkaloids; however, their ecological consequences remain unclear. In this study, we evaluated the allelopathic potential of the main alkaloids, including aloperine, matrine, oxymatrine, oxysophocarpine, sophocarpine, sophoridine, as well as their mixture both in distilled H2O and in the soil matrix. Our results revealed that all the alkaloids possessed inhibitory activity on four receiver species, i.e., Amaranthus retroflexus, Medicago sativa, Lolium perenne and Setaria viridis. The strength of the phytotoxicity of the alkaloids was in the following order: sophocarpine > aloperine > mixture > sophoridine > matrine > oxysophocarpine > oxymatrine (in Petri dish assays), and matrine > mixture > sophocarpine > oxymatrine > oxysophocarpine > sophoridine > aloperine (in pot experiments). In addition, the mixture of the alkaloids was found to significantly increase the IAA content, MDA content and POD activity of M. sativa seedlings, whereas CTK content, ABA content, SOD activity and CAT activity of M. sativa seedlings decreased markedly. Our results suggest S. alopecuroides might produce allelopathic alkaloids to improve its competitiveness and thus facilitate the establishment of its dominance; the potential value of these alkaloids as environmentally friendly herbicides is also discussed.
Biological Transformation of Zearalenone by Some Bacterial Isolates Associated with Ruminant and Food Samples
Authors: Zada Sharif , Alam Sadia , Ayoubi Samha Al , Shakeela Qismat , Nisa Sobia , Niaz Zeeshan , Khan Ibrar , Ahmed Waqas , Bibi Yamin , Ahmed Shehzad , Qayyum Abdul
Published: October 2021

Zearalenone (ZEA) is a secondary metabolite produced by Fusarium spp., the filamentous fungi. Food and feed contamination with zearalenone has adverse effects on health and economy. ZEA degradation through microorganisms is providing a promising preventive measure. The current study includes isolation of 47 bacterial strains from 100 different food and rumen samples. Seventeen isolates showed maximum activity of ZEA reduction. A bacterial isolate, RS-5, reduced ZEA concentration up to 78.3% through ELISA analysis and 74.3% as determined through HPLC. Ten of the most efficient strains were further selected for comparison of their biodegradation activity in different conditions such as incubation period, and different growth media. The samples were analyzed after 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h of incubation. De Man Rogosa Sharp (MRS) broth, Tryptic soy broth, and nutrient broth were used as different carbon sources for comparison of activity through ELISA. The mean degradation % ± SD through ELISA and HPLC were 70.77% ± 3.935 and 69.11% ± 2.768, respectively. Optimum reducing activity was detected at 72 h of incubation, and MRS broth is a suitable medium. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene nucleotide sequences confirmed that one of the bacterial isolate RS-5 bacterial isolates with higher mycotoxin degradation is identified as Bacillus subtilis isolated from rumen sample. B05 (FSL-8) bacterial isolate of yogurt belongs to the genus Lactobacillus with 99.66% similarity with Lactobacillus delbrukii. Similarly, three other bacterial isolates, D05, H05 and F04 (FS-17, FSL-2 and FS-20), were found to be the sub-species/strains Pseudomonas gessardii of genus Pseudomonas based on their similarity level of (99.2%, 96% and 96.88%) and positioning in the phylogenetic tree. Promising detoxification results were revealed through GC-MS analysis of RS-5 and FSL-8 activity.
Animal Models in Allogenic Solid Organ Transplantation
Authors: Wenzel Nadine , Blasczyk Rainer , Figueiredo Constanca
Published: October 2021

Animal models provide the link between in vitro research and the first in-man application during clinical trials. They provide substantial information in preclinical studies for the assessment of new therapeutic interventions in advance of human clinical trials. However, each model has its advantages and limitations in the ability to imitate specific pathomechanisms. Therefore, the selection of an animal model for the evaluation of a specific research question or evaluation of a novel therapeutic strategy requires a precise analysis. Transplantation research is a discipline that largely benefits from the use of animal models with mouse and pig models being the most frequently used models in organ transplantation research. A suitable animal model should reflect best the situation in humans, and the researcher should be aware of the similarities as well as the limitations of the chosen model. Small animal models with rats and mice are contributing to the majority of animal experiments with the obvious advantages of these models being easy handling, low costs, and high reproductive rates. However, unfortunately, they often do not translate to clinical use. Large animal models, especially in transplantation medicine, are an important element for establishing preclinical models that do often translate to the clinic. Nevertheless, they can be costly, present increased regulatory requirements, and often are of high ethical concern. Therefore, it is crucial to select the right animal model from which extrapolations and valid conclusions can be obtained and translated into the human situation. This review provides an overview in the models frequently used in organ transplantation research.
Carriage Prevalence of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase Producing Enterobacterales in Outpatients Attending Community Health Centers in Blantyre, Malawi
Authors: Onduru Onduru Gervas , Mkakosya Rajhab Sawasawa , Rumisha Susan Fred , Aboud Said
Published: October 2021

Antimicrobial resistance due to extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) production by Enterobacterales is a global health problem contributing to increased morbidity and mortality, particularly in resource-constrained countries. We aimed to determine the prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-E) in community patients in Blantyre, Malawi. Clinical samples were collected from 300 patients and screened for ESBL-E using a CHROMagarTM ESBL medium. Confirmation of ESBL production was done by a combination disk test (CDT). The prevalence of community-acquired ESBL-E was 16.67% (50/300, 95% CI = 12.43–20.91%). The most common ESBL-E species isolated was Escherichia coli (66%). All ESBL-E isolates were resistant to Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole except for 2% of E. coli. Besides this, all ESBL-E were susceptible to Imipenem and only 4% were resistant to Meropenem. No patients with a positive ESBL-E phenotype had a history of hospital admission in the last three months, and the carriage of ESBL-E was neither associated with the demographic nor the clinical characteristics of participants. Our findings reveal a low presence of ESBL-E phenotypes in community patients. The low prevalence of ESBL-E in the community settings of Blantyre can be maintained if strong infection and antimicrobial use-control strategies are implemented.
Is It Human or Animal? The Origin of Pathogenic E. coli in the Drinking Water of a Low-Income Urban Community in Bangladesh
Authors: Ferdous Jannatul , Rashid Ridwan Bin , Sultana Rebeca , Saima Sabera , Jahan Prima Musharrat , Begum Anowara , Mackie Jensen Peter Kjær
Published: October 2021

This study aimed to investigate the origin of diverse pathotypes of E. coli, isolated from communal water sources and from the actual drinking water vessel at the point-of-drinking inside households in a low-income urban community in Arichpur, Dhaka, Bangladesh, using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Forty-six percent (57/125, CI 95%: 41−58) of the isolates in the point-of-drinking water and 53% (55/103, CI 95%: 45−64) of the isolates in the source water were diarrheagenic E. coli. Among the pathotypes, enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) was the most common, 81% (46/57) of ETEC was found in the point-of-drinking water and 87% (48/55) was found in the communal source water. Phylogenetic group B1, which is predominant in animals, was the most frequently found isolate in both the point-of-drinking water (50%, 91/181) and in the source (50%, 89/180) water. The phylogenetic subgroup B23, usually of human origin, was more common in the point-of-drinking water (65%, 13/20) than in the source water (35%, 7/20). Our findings suggest that non-human mammals and birds played a vital role in fecal contamination for both the source and point-of-drinking water. Addressing human sanitation without a consideration of fecal contamination from livestock sources will not be enough to prevent drinking-water contamination and thus will persist as a greater contributor to diarrheal pathogens.
The Epoch of Reionization in Warm Dark Matter Scenarios
Authors: Romanello Massimiliano , Menci Nicola , Castellano Marco
Published: October 2021

In this paper we investigate how the Reionization process is affected by early galaxy formation in different cosmological scenarios. We use a semi-analytic model with suppressed initial power spectra to obtain the UV Luminosity Function in thermal Warm Dark Matter and sterile neutrino cosmologies. We retrace the ionization history of intergalactic medium with hot stellar emission only, exploiting fixed and variable photons escape fraction models (fesc). For each cosmology, we find an upper limit to fixed fesc, which guarantees the completion of the process at z<6.7. The analysis is tested with two limit hypothesis on high-z ionized hydrogen volume fraction, comparing our predictions with observational results.
Hints for a Gravitational Transition in Tully–Fisher Data
Authors: Alestas George , Antoniou Ioannis , Perivolaropoulos Leandros
Published: October 2021

We use an up-to-date compilation of Tully–Fisher data to search for transitions in the evolution of the Tully–Fisher relation. Using an up-to-date data compilation, we find hints at ≈3σ level for a transition at critical distances Dc≃9 Mpc and Dc≃17 Mpc. We split the full sample in two subsamples, according to the measured galaxy distance with respect to splitting distance Dc, and identify the likelihood of the best-fit slope and intercept of one sample with respect to the best-fit corresponding values of the other sample. For Dc≃9 Mpc and Dc≃17 Mpc, we find a tension between the two subsamples at a level of Δχ2>17(3.5σ). Using Monte Carlo simulations, we demonstrate that this result is robust with respect to random statistical and systematic variations of the galactic distances and is unlikely in the context of a homogeneous dataset constructed using the Tully–Fisher relation. If the tension is interpreted as being due to a gravitational strength transition, it would imply a shift in the effective gravitational constant to lower values for distances larger than Dc by ΔGG≃−0.1. Such a shift is of the anticipated sign and magnitude but at a somewhat lower distance (redshift) than the gravitational transition recently proposed to address the Hubble and growth tensions (ΔGG≃−0.1 at the transition redshift of zt≲0.01 (Dc≲40 Mpc)).
Hyperons in Finite and Infinite Nuclear Systems
Authors: Vidaña Isaac
Published: October 2021

In this work, we shortly review the role and properties of hyperons in finite and infinite nuclear systems such as hypernuclei and neutron stars. Particularly, we describe different production mechanisms of hypernuclei, discuss some aspects of their γ-ray spectroscopy and their weak decay modes, and give a few strokes on their theoretical description. We reexamine also the role played by hyperons on the properties of neutron and proto-neutron stars with a special emphasis on the well-known “hyperon puzzle”, of which we discuss some of the solutions that have been proposed to tackle this problem. Finally, we review the role of hyperons on the cooling properties of newly born neutron stars and on the so-called r-mode instability.
Evaluation of Urban Design Qualities across Five Urban Typologies in Hanoi
Authors: Ho Thanh Phuong , Stevenson Mark , Thompson Jason , Nguyen Tuan Quoc
Published: October 2021

Urban design has been shown to play a vital role in promoting the health and wellbeing of urban citizens. However, studies of microscale urban design are underrepresented in comparison with macroscale urban design, especially from low- and middle-income countries in Asia, where urban forms are traditionally compact, complex and with multiple layers and varied urban typologies. The study evaluated microscale urban design qualities of streets (n = 40) across five urban typologies in Hanoi—a typical city in a low- and middle-income country in Asia. The study found that urban typologies and their characteristics have particular impacts on urban design qualities. Old and high-density urban typologies tend to report higher urban design qualities than modern and low-density typologies. Urban design qualities are also significantly associated with the number of pedestrians on the streets. Compared to Western cities, the urban design qualities in Hanoi are substantially different, especially in terms of imageability and complexity, reflecting the differences in urban design and cultural context between cities from various regions. Overall, the study contributes to our understanding of urban design circumstances in Hanoi, providing policymakers, planners, urban designers and architects with important insights for sustainable urban design policies, strategies and interventions.
Why House Prices Increase in the COVID-19 Recession: A Five-Country Empirical Study on the Real Interest Rate Hypothesis
Authors: Yiu Chung Yim
Published: October 2021

There are substantial rebounds in house prices in many developed economies after the outbreak of COVID-19. It provides a special opportunity to test the real interest rate hypothesis empirically as a “synchronized” price rebound implies a common cause of house price hikes across the economies. This study conducts a panel regression analysis on five economies, namely Australia, Canada, European Union, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, to test the hypothesis. The data range from 2017Q1 to 2021Q1. The results confirm that the real interest rate imposes a negative and significant effect on house price growth rate after controlling for economic growth factors, unemployment factors, and cross-country fixed effects. The empirical result of the five housing markets shows that a 1% fall in the real interest rate caused a 1.5% increase in house prices, ceteris paribus, in this period. It also provides casual evidence refuting the economic growth hypothesis and the migrant hypothesis in New Zealand. The results provide far-reaching practical implications on housing policy and on the ways forward to solve housing affordability problems.
Ureteric Stone-Related Escherichia coli Bacteraemia Associated with Spondylodiscitis
Authors: Rehman Zahra , Cullen Jack , Withey Samuel , Kum Francesca
Published: October 2021

Escherichia coli (E. coli)-related urosepsis associated with a ureteric stone has been shown to cause a systemic bacteraemia that can spread to other parts of the body. Hematogenous spread of infection is the most common cause of pyogenic spondylodiscitis. A 74-year-old female presented with acute left-sided flank pain and was found to have an obstructing 9 mm distal ureteric stone. After initial management involving ureteric stent insertion, the patient deteriorated and developed an E. coli associated bacteraemia, which proved difficult to treat. Further investigations revealed a subsequent spondylodiscitis, which required a 6-week course of antibiotics and no additional intervention. This case presents the likely association of stone-related bacteraemia, complicated by urinary tract instrumentation leading to spondylodiscitis, and demonstrates the importance of clinicians’ awareness of other causes of unresolving sepsis in an elderly patient.
HIV-1 Envelope Glycoprotein Cell Surface Localization Is Associated with Antibody-Induced Internalization
Authors: Anand Sai Priya , Prévost Jérémie , Descôteaux-Dinelle Jade , Richard Jonathan , Nguyen Dung N. , Medjahed Halima , Chen Hung-Ching , Smith Amos B. , Pazgier Marzena , Finzi Andrés
Published: October 2021

To minimize immune responses against infected cells, HIV-1 has evolved different mechanisms to limit the surface expression of its envelope glycoproteins (Env). Recent observations suggest that the binding of certain broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) targeting the ‘closed’ conformation of Env induces its internalization. On the other hand, non-neutralizing antibodies (nNAbs) that preferentially target Env in its ‘open’ conformation, remain bound to Env on the cell surface for longer periods of time. In this study, we attempt to better understand the underlying mechanisms behind the differential rates of antibody-mediated Env internalization. We demonstrate that ‘forcing’ open Env using CD4 mimetics allows for nNAb binding and results in similar rates of Env internalization as those observed upon the bNAb binding. Moreover, we can identify distinct populations of Env that are differentially targeted by Abs that mediate faster rates of internalization, suggesting that the mechanism of antibody-induced Env internalization partially depends on the localization of Env on the cell surface.