bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrogeomorphology as a Tool in the Evolutionary Analysis of the Dynamic Landscape—Application to Larrodrigo, Salamanca, Spain
Authors: Lombana Lorena , Martínez-Graña Antonio , Criado Marco , Palacios Carlos
Published: December 2021

Evolutionary analysis of the fluvial landscape provides relevant inputs for the environmental management of a territory, in such a way that the understanding of the dynamics of fluvial spaces becomes a preponderant factor in the definition of protection and management strategies. Although the development of geographic information systems is a step forward in the study of the landscape, it is necessary to establish methodological frameworks that make remote sensing techniques available at multiple spatio-temporal scales, especially in basins with high levels of intervention. In the present study, we develop a methodology for the analysis of the fluvial landscape development in the last century of a highly modified water body, through the detailed study of hydrogeomorphic elements, using remote sensing techniques including high-density surface data (LiDAR) and historical aerial imageries; when supported by fieldwork, these allow for the identification of the sequence of sedimentation–erosion zones, differentiating in detail the zones denominated as areas of current erosion, accretion zones, and historical erosion zones. An application of the methodology was carried out in the Larrodrigo stream, located in Salamanca, Spain.
Behind the Land Use Mix: Measuring the Functional Compatibility in Urban and Sub-Urban Areas of China
Authors: Shi Haochen , Zhao Miaoxi , Simth Duncan A. , Chi Bin
Published: December 2021

Land use mix (LUM) has long been employed as one of the key methods to improve urban vibrancy and optimize built-up areas. Within the urban studies discipline, LUM is usually defined as a functional compatible but diverse land use pattern. However, its quantitative methodological approaches thereby heavily rely on the diversity of land use and fail to consider functional compatibility as another critical defining characteristic, providing only a partial picture of land use pattern. Thus, reviewing LUM’s concepts and definitions, this paper develops a new index to describe functional compatibility according to the spatial segregation measurements. To evaluate and provide empirical evidence of the proposed index, this paper selects the medium-sized city of Xiangtan as a case study. The findings demonstrate that Xiangtan exhibits a quite compatible land use pattern to a certain extent. In addition, particular clusters with relatively incompatible land use patterns are observed, which are closely linked to a special historical working unit, the ‘Danwei’ compounds, and a special rural planning authority, ‘Township-Village-Enterprise’, in China. Finally, an integrated evaluation is conducted based on the proposed index and Shannon entropy index, which can be regarded as a useful tool in future land use planning while contributing to shaping a sustainable form of urban development.
Molecular Phylogenetics and Mitochondrial Evolution
Authors: Luchetti Andrea , Plazzi Federico
Published: December 2021

The myth of a “typical” mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) is a rock-hard belief in the field of genetics, at least for the animal kingdom [...]
Development of a Procedure for the Determination of the Buckling Resistance of Steel Spherical Shells according to EC 1993-1-6
Authors: Błażejewski Paweł
Published: December 2021

This paper presents the process of developing a new procedure for estimating the buckling capacity of spherical shells. This procedure is based entirely on the assumptions included in the standard mentioned, EN-1993-1-6 and also becomes a complement of EDR5th by unifying provisions included in them. This procedure is characterized by clarity and its algorithm is characterized by a low degree of complexity. While developing the procedure, no attempt was made to change the main postulates accompanying the dimensions of the spherical shells. The result is a simple engineering approach to the difficult problem of determining the buckling capacity of a spherical shell. In spite of the simple calculation algorithm for estimating the buckling capacity of spherical shells, the results obtained reflect extremely accurately the behavior of real spherical shells, regardless of their geometry and the material used to manufacture them.
Research and Experimental Analysis of Hydraulic Cylinder Position Control Mechanism Based on Pressure Detection
Authors: Zhou Rulin , Meng Lingyu , Yuan Xiaoming , Qiao Zishi
Published: December 2021

This paper studies the precise position control of the hydraulic cylinder in the hydraulic support. The aim of this paper is to develop a method of hydraulic cylinder position control based on pressure and flow coupling, which takes the coupling feedback of load and flow into account, especially in the scene of cooperative control under the condition of multiple actuators and variable load. This method solves the problems of slow movement and sliding effect of hydraulic support in the traditional time-dependent hydraulic position control, as well as better realizes the intelligent and unmanned development of the fully mechanized mining face. First, based on the flow continuity equation and Newton Euler dynamic equation, the flow and stroke control model with the input and output pressure of hydraulic cylinder is established. Then, the effectiveness and correctness of the control model are verified by the comparison between the hydraulic system simulation software, AMESim, and the experiment. Finally, a test system is built. When the system pressure is large than 10 MPa, the error between the data determined by the fitting algorithm and the actual detection data is within 5%, which verifies the effectiveness of the theory and simulation model.
Generating Synthetic Disguised Faces with Cycle-Consistency Loss and an Automated Filtering Algorithm
Authors: Ahmad Mobeen , Cheema Usman , Abdullah Muhammad , Moon Seungbin , Han Dongil
Published: December 2021

Applications for facial recognition have eased the process of personal identification. However, there are increasing concerns about the performance of these systems against the challenges of presentation attacks, spoofing, and disguises. One of the reasons for the lack of a robustness of facial recognition algorithms in these challenges is the limited amount of suitable training data. This lack of training data can be addressed by creating a database with the subjects having several disguises, but this is an expensive process. Another approach is to use generative adversarial networks to synthesize facial images with the required disguise add-ons. In this paper, we present a synthetic disguised face database for the training and evaluation of robust facial recognition algorithms. Furthermore, we present a methodology for generating synthetic facial images for the desired disguise add-ons. Cycle-consistency loss is used to generate facial images with disguises, e.g., fake beards, makeup, and glasses, from normal face images. Additionally, an automated filtering scheme is presented for automated data filtering from the synthesized faces. Finally, facial recognition experiments are performed on the proposed synthetic data to show the efficacy of the proposed methodology and the presented database. Training on the proposed database achieves an improvement in the rank-1 recognition rate (68.3%), over a model trained on the original nondisguised face images.
Thermoelastic Coupling Response of an Unbounded Solid with a Cylindrical Cavity Due to a Moving Heat Source
Authors: Zenkour Ashraf M. , Mashat Daoud S. , Allehaibi Ashraf M.
Published: December 2021

The current article introduces the thermoelastic coupled response of an unbounded solid with a cylindrical hole under a traveling heat source and harmonically altering heat. A refined dual-phase-lag thermoelasticity theory is used for this purpose. A generalized thermoelastic coupled solution is developed by using Laplace’s transforms technique. Field quantities are graphically displayed and discussed to illustrate the effects of heat source, phase-lag parameters, and the angular frequency of thermal vibration on the field quantities. Some comparisons are made with and without the inclusion of a moving heat source. The outcomes described here using the refined dual-phase-lag thermoelasticity theory are the most accurate and are provided as benchmarks for other researchers.
On Mann-Type Subgradient-like Extragradient Method with Linear-Search Process for Hierarchical Variational Inequalities for Asymptotically Nonexpansive Mappings
Authors: Ceng Lu-Chuan , Yao Jen-Chih , Shehu Yekini
Published: December 2021

We propose two Mann-type subgradient-like extra gradient iterations with the line-search procedure for hierarchical variational inequality (HVI) with the common fixed-point problem (CFPP) constraint of finite family of nonexpansive mappings and an asymptotically nonexpansive mapping in a real Hilbert space. Our methods include combinations of the Mann iteration method, subgradient extra gradient method with the line-search process, and viscosity approximation method. Under suitable assumptions, we obtain the strong convergence results of sequence of iterates generated by our methods for a solution to HVI with the CFPP constraint.
Further Properties and Estimations of Exponentiated Generalized Linear Exponential Distribution
Authors: Lin Chien-Tai , Liu Yu , Li Yun-Wei , Chen Zhi-Wei , Okasha Hassan M.
Published: December 2021

The recent exponentiated generalized linear exponential distribution is a generalization of the generalized linear exponential distribution and the exponentiated generalized linear exponential distribution. In this paper, we study some statistical properties of this distribution such as negative moments, moments of order statistics, mean residual lifetime, and their asymptotic distributions for sample extreme order statistics. Different estimation procedures include the maximum likelihood estimation, the corrected maximum likelihood estimation, the modified maximum likelihood estimation, the maximum product of spacing estimation, and the least squares estimation are compared via a Monte Carlo simulation study in terms of their biases, mean squared errors, and their rates of obtaining reliable estimates. Recommendations are made from the simulation results and a numerical example is presented to illustrate its use for modeling a rainfall data from Orlando, Florida.
Association of Two Indices of Insulin Resistance Marker with Abnormal Liver Function Tests: A Cross-Sectional Population Study in Taiwanese Adults
Authors: Kurniawan Adi-Lukas , Hsu Chien-Yeh , Chao Jane C.-J. , Paramastri Rathi , Lee Hsiu-An , Jallow Amadou-Wurry
Published: December 2021

Background and objectives: Insulin resistance (IR) is frequently associated with chronic low-grade inflammation and has an important role as a mediator in the development of liver disease. Thus, this study aimed to explore the relationship between two indexes of IR and abnormal liver function parameters. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study obtained data of 41,510 men and 92,357 women aged ≥30 years from a private health screening institute in Taiwan. Two IR indexes namely triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio were used to examine their relationship to predict abnormal liver function parameters (aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)). Results: Positive trend was shown for the association of TyG index in the highest quintile (Q5) and risk of high AST (OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.33–1.57), high ALT (OR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.73–1.97), high GGT (OR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.93–2.15), and high ALP (OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.07–1.19) compared with the median quintile (Q3) in the fully adjusted model. Similarly, participants in the Q5 of the TG/HDL-C ratio were associated with 1.38 (95% CI: 1.27–1.49), 1.71 (95% CI: 1.61–1.82), 1.75 (95% CI: 1.66–1.84), and 1.21 (1.16–1.27) odds for having high AST, ALT, GGT, and ALP respectively. The AUC (95% CI) value of the TyG index for predicting high AST, high ALT, and high GGT was 0.699 (0.692–0.705), 0.738 (0.734–0.742), and 0.752 (0.749–0.755), respectively. Meanwhile, the AUC (95% CI) of the TG/HDL-C ratio for predicting high AST, high ALT, and high GGT was 0.680 (0.673–0.686), 0.738 (0.734–0.742), 0.734 (0.731–0.738), respectively. Conclusions: Our study supported that the TyG index and TG/HDL-C ratio may be useful as non-invasive methods to predict the existence of impaired liver function in the early stage.
Comparative Multi-Modal, Multi-Scale Residual Stress Evaluation in SLM 3D-Printed Al-Si-Mg Alloy (RS-300) Parts
Authors: Statnik Eugene S. , Uzun Fatih , Lipovskikh Svetlana A. , Kan Yuliya V. , Eleonsky Sviatoslav I. , Pisarev Vladimir S. , Somov Pavel A. , Salimon Alexey I. , Malakhova Yuliya V. , Seferyan Aleksandr G. , Ryabov Dmitry K. , Korsunsky Alexander M.
Published: December 2021

SLM additive manufacturing has demonstrated great potential for aerospace applications when structural elements of individual design and/or complex shape need to be promptly supplied. 3D-printable AlSi10Mg (RS-300) alloy is widely used for the fabrication of different structures in the aerospace industry. The importance of the evaluation of residual stresses that arise as a result of the 3D-printing process’ complex thermal history is widely discussed in literature, but systematic assessment remains lacking for their magnitude, spatial distribution, and comparative analysis of different evaluation techniques. In this study, we report the results of a systematic study of residual stresses in 3D-printed double tower shaped samples using several approaches: the contour method, blind hole drilling laser speckle interferometry, X-ray diffraction, and Xe pFIB-DIC micro-ring-core milling analysis. We show that a high level of tensile and compressive residual stresses is inherited from SLM 3D-printing and retained for longer than 6 months. The stresses vary (from −80 to +180 MPa) over a significant proportion of the material yield stress (from −⅓ to ¾). All residual stress evaluation techniques considered returned comparable values of residual stresses, regardless of dramatically different dimensional scales, which ranged from millimeters for the contour method, laser speckle interferometry, and XRD down to small fractions of a mm (70 μm) for Xe pFIB-DIC ring-core drilling. The use of residual stress evaluation is discussed in the context of optimizing printing strategies to enhance mechanical performance and long-term durability.
Past Experiences for Future Applications of Metabolomics in Critically Ill Patients with Sepsis and Septic Shocks
Authors: Trongtrakul Konlawij , Thonusin Chanisa , Pothirat Chaicharn , Chattipakorn Siriporn C. , Chattipakorn Nipon
Published: December 2021

A disruption of several metabolic pathways in critically ill patients with sepsis indicates that metabolomics might be used as a more precise tool for sepsis and septic shock when compared with the conventional biomarkers. This article provides information regarding metabolomics studies in sepsis and septic shock patients. It has been shown that a variety of metabolomic pathways are altered in sepsis and septic shock, including amino acid metabolism, fatty acid oxidation, phospholipid metabolism, glycolysis, and tricarboxylic acid cycle. Based upon this comprehensive review, here, we demonstrate that metabolomics is about to change the world of sepsis biomarkers, not only for its utilization in sepsis diagnosis, but also for prognosticating and monitoring the therapeutic response. Additionally, the future direction regarding the establishment of studies integrating metabolomics with other molecular modalities and studies identifying the relationships between metabolomic profiles and clinical characteristics to address clinical application are discussed in this article. All of the information from this review indicates the important impact of metabolomics as a tool for diagnosis, monitoring therapeutic response, and prognostic assessment of sepsis and septic shock. These findings also encourage further clinical investigations to warrant its use in routine clinical settings.
Nanoprecipitation of Biocompatible Poly(malic acid) Derivative, Its Ability to Encapsulate a Molecular Photothermal Agent and Photothermal Properties of the Resulting Nanoparticles
Authors: Vargas Guerrero Marian Gabriela , Pluta Jean-Baptiste , Bellec Nathalie , Cammas-Marion Sandrine , Camerel Franck
Published: December 2021

Biocompatible nanoparticles (NPs) of hydrophobic poly(benzyl malate) (PMLABe) were prepared by nanoprecipitation. The influence of nanoprecipitation parameters (initial PMLABe, addition rate, organic solvent/water ratio and stirring speed) were studied to optimize the resulting formulations in terms of hydrodynamic diameter (Dh) and dispersity (PDI). PMLABe NPs with a Dh of 160 nm and a PDI of 0.11 were isolated using the optimized nanoprecipitation conditions. A hydrophobic near infra-red (NIR) photothermally active nickel-bis(dithiolene) complex (Ni8C12) was then encapsulated into PMLABe NPs using the optimized nanoprecipitation conditions. The size and encapsulation efficiency of the NPs were measured, revealing that up to 50 weight percent (wt%) of Ni8C12 complex can efficiently be encapsulated with a slight increase in Dh of the corresponding Ni8C12-loaded NPs. Moreover, we have shown that NP encapsulating Ni8C12 were stable under storage conditions (4 °C) for at least 10 days. Finally, the photothermal properties of Ni8C12-loaded NPs were evaluated and a high photothermal efficiency (62.7 ± 6.0%) waswas measured with NPs incorporating 10 wt% of the Ni8C12 complex.
Spectral Properties of Foams and Emulsions
Authors: Dinache Andra , Pascu Mihail-Lucian , Smarandache Adriana
Published: December 2021

The optical and spectral properties of foams and emulsions provide information about their micro-/nanostructures, chemical and time stability and molecular data of their components. Foams and emulsions are collections of different kinds of bubbles or drops with particular properties. A summary of various surfactant and emulsifier types is performed here, as well as an overview of methods for producing foams and emulsions. Absorption, reflectance, and vibrational spectroscopy (Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy-FTIR, Raman spectroscopy) studies are detailed in connection with the spectral characterization techniques of colloidal systems. Diffusing Wave Spectroscopy (DWS) data for foams and emulsions are likewise introduced. The utility of spectroscopic approaches has grown as processing power and analysis capabilities have improved. In addition, lasers offer advantages due to the specific properties of the emitted beams which allow focusing on very small volumes and enable accurate, fast, and high spatial resolution sample characterization. Emulsions and foams provide exceptional sensitive bases for measuring low concentrations of molecules down to the level of traces using spectroscopy techniques, thus opening new horizons in microfluidics.
Three of a Kind: Control of the Expression of Liver-Expressed Antimicrobial Peptide 2 (LEAP2) by the Endocannabinoidome and the Gut Microbiome
Authors: Shen Mélissa , Manca Claudia , Suriano Francesco , Nallabelli Nayudu , Pechereau Florent , Allam-Ndoul Bénédicte , Iannotti Fabio Arturo , Flamand Nicolas , Veilleux Alain , Cani Patrice D. , Silvestri Cristoforo , Di Marzo Vincenzo
Published: December 2021

The endocannabinoidome (expanded endocannabinoid system, eCBome)-gut microbiome (mBIome) axis plays a fundamental role in the control of energy intake and processing. The liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP2) is a recently identified molecule acting as an antagonist of the ghrelin receptor and hence a potential effector of energy metabolism, also at the level of the gastrointestinal system. Here we investigated the role of the eCBome-gut mBIome axis in the control of the expression of LEAP2 in the liver and, particularly, the intestine. We confirm that the small intestine is a strong contributor to the circulating levels of LEAP2 in mice, and show that: (1) intestinal Leap2 expression is profoundly altered in the liver and small intestine of 13 week-old germ-free (GF) male mice, which also exhibit strong alterations in eCBome signaling; fecal microbiota transfer (FMT) from conventionally raised to GF mice completely restored normal Leap2 expression after 7 days from this procedure; in 13 week-old female GF mice no significant change was observed; (2) Leap2 expression in organoids prepared from the mouse duodenum is elevated by the endocannabinoid noladin ether, whereas in human Caco-2/15 epithelial intestinal cells it is elevated by PPARγ activation by rosiglitazone; (3) Leap2 expression is elevated in the ileum of mice with either high-fat diet—or genetic leptin signaling deficiency—(i.e., ob/ob and db/db mice) induced obesity. Based on these results, we propose that LEAP2 originating from the small intestine may represent a player in eCBome- and/or gut mBIome-mediated effects on food intake and energy metabolism.
Biophysical Evaluation and In Vitro Controlled Release of Two Isomeric Adamantane Phenylalkylamines with Antiproliferative/Anticancer and Analgesic Activity
Authors: Vlachou Marilena , Foscolos Angeliki-Sofia , Siamidi Angeliki , Syriopoulou Angeliki , Georgiou Nikitas , Dedeloudi Aikaterini , Tsiailanis Antonis D. , Tzakos Andreas G. , Mavromoustakos Thomas , Papanastasiou Ioannis P.
Published: December 2021

The aqueous dissolution profile of the isomeric synthetic adamantane phenylalkylamine hydrochlorides I and II was probed. These adducts have shown significant antiproliferative/anticancer activity associated with an analgesic profile against neuropathic pain. They are both devoid of toxic effects and show appreciable enzymatic human plasma stability. The structures of these two compounds have been elucidated using 2D NMR experiments, which were used to study their predominant conformations. Compound II’s scaffold appeared more flexible, as shown by the NOE spatial interactions between the alkyl bridge chain, the aromatic rings, and the adamantane nucleus. Conversely, compound I appeared very rigid, as it did not share significant NOEs between the aforementioned structural segments. MD simulations confirmed the NOE results. The aqueous dissolution profile of both molecules fits well with their minimum energy conformers’ features, which stem from the NOE data; this was nicely demonstrated, especially in the case of compound II.
Stabilizing the Exotic Carbonic Acid by Bisulfate Ion
Authors: Lu Huili , Liu Shi-Wei , Li Mengyang , Xu Baocai , Zhao Li , Yang Tao , Hou Gao-Lei
Published: December 2021

Carbonic acid is an important species in a variety of fields and has long been regarded to be non-existing in isolated state, as it is thermodynamically favorable to decompose into water and carbon dioxide. In this work, we systematically studied a novel ionic complex [H2CO3·HSO4]− using density functional theory calculations, molecular dynamics simulations, and topological analysis to investigate if the exotic H2CO3 molecule could be stabilized by bisulfate ion, which is a ubiquitous ion in various environments. We found that bisulfate ion could efficiently stabilize all the three conformers of H2CO3 and reduce the energy differences of isomers with H2CO3 in three different conformations compared to the isolated H2CO3 molecule. Calculated isomerization pathways and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations suggest that all the optimized isomers of the complex have good thermal stability and could exist at finite temperatures. We also explored the hydrogen bonding properties in this interesting complex and simulated their harmonic infrared spectra to aid future infrared spectroscopic experiments. This work could be potentially important to understand the fate of carbonic acid in certain complex environments, such as in environments where both sulfuric acid (or rather bisulfate ion) and carbonic acid (or rather carbonic dioxide and water) exist.
Effect of Extraction Methods on Polyphenols, Flavonoids, Mineral Elements, and Biological Activities of Essential Oil and Extracts of Mentha pulegium L.
Authors: Messaoudi Mohammed , Rebiai Abdelkrim , Sawicka Barbara , Atanassova Maria , Ouakouak Hamza , Larkem Imane , Egbuna Chukwuebuka , Awuchi Chinaza Godswill , Boubekeur Sihem , Ferhat Mohamed Amine , Begaa Samir , Benchikha Naima
Published: December 2021

Our study evaluated the in vitro antioxidant properties, antibacterial and antifungal activities, anti-inflammatory properties, and chemical composition of the essential oils (EOs), total phenol, and total flavonoid of wild Mentha pulegium L. This study also determined the mineral (nutritional and toxic) elements in the plant. The EOs were extracted using three techniques—hydro distillation (HD), steam distillation (SD), and microwave-assisted distillation (MAD)—and were analyzed using chromatography coupled with flame ionization (GC-FID) and gas chromatography attached with mass spectrometry detector (GC-MS). The antioxidant effects of the EOs were tested with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ABTS (2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), while the antibacterial and antifungal activities of the EO and methanolic extract were tested using Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. Twenty-six compounds were identified in the essential oil, representing 97.73% of the total oil, with 0.202% yield. The major components were pulegone (74.81%), menthone (13.01%) and piperitone (3.82%). Twenty-one elements, including macro- and micro-elements (Ba, Br, Ca, Cl, Co, Cr, Cs, Eu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Rb, Sb, Sc, Sr, Th, U and Zn), were detected using neutron activation analysis (INAA) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), with the concentration of mineral element close to the FAO recommendation. The results show that the EOs and extracts from Mentha pulegium L. had significant antimicrobial activities against the microorganisms, including five human pathogenic bacteria, one yeast (Candida albicans), and one phytopathogenic fungi. The in vivo anti-inflammatory activities of the leaf extracts were confirmed. The results indicate that the EOs and extracts from Mentha pulegium L. have promising applications in the pharmaceutical industries, clinical applications, and in medical research.
Elicitation of Submerged Adventitious Root Cultures of Stevia rebaudiana with Cuscuta reflexa for Production of Biomass and Secondary Metabolites
Authors: Ahmad Nisar , Khan Palwasha , Khan Abdullah , Usman Maliha , Ali Mohammad , Fazal Hina , Durrishahwar  , Uddin Muhammad Nazir , Hano Christophe , Abbasi Bilal Haider
Published: December 2021

Stevia rebaudiana is an important medicinal plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. The leaves of Stevia rebaudiana are a rich source of many health-promoting agents such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and steviol glycoside, which play a key role in controlling obesity and diabetes. New strategies such as the elicitation of culture media are needed to enhance the productivity of active components. Herein, the Cuscuta reflexa extracts were exploited as elicitors to enhance the productivity of active components. Cuscuta reflexa is one of the parasitic plants that has the ability to elongate very fast and cover the host plant. Consequently, it may be possible that the addition of Cuscuta reflexa extracts to adventitious root cultures (ADR) of Stevia rebaudiana may elongate the root more than control cultures to produce higher quantities of the desired secondary metabolites. Therefore, the main objective of the current study was to investigate the effect of Cuscuta reflexa extract as a biotic elicitor on the biomass accumulation and production of antioxidant secondary metabolite in submerged adventitious root cultures of Stevia rebaudiana. Ten different concentrations of Cuscuta reflexa were added to liquid media containing 0.5 mg/L naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). The growth kinetics of adventitious roots was investigated for a period of 49 days with an interval of 7 days. The maximum biomass accumulation (7.83 g/3 flasks) was observed on medium containing 10 mg/L extract of Cuscuta reflexa on day 49. As the concentration of extract increases in the culture media, the biomass gradually decreases after 49 days of inoculation. In this study, the higher total phenolics content (0.31 mg GAE/g-DW), total flavonoids content (0.22 mg QE/g-DW), and antioxidant activity (85.54%) were observed in 100 mg/L treated cultures. The higher concentration (100 mg/L) of Cuscuta reflexa extract considerably increased the total phenolics content (TPC), total phenolics production (TPP), total flavonoids content (TFC), total flavonoids production (TFP), total polyphenolics content (TPPC), and total polyphenolics production (TPPP). It was concluded that the extract of Cuscuta reflexa moderately improved biomass accumulation but enhanced the synthesis of phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant activities. Here, biomass’s independent production of secondary metabolites was observed with the addition of extract. The present study will be helpful to scale up adventitious roots culture into a bioreactor for the production of secondary metabolites rather than biomass accumulation in medicinally important Stevia rebaudiana.
Oxidative Crosslinking of Peptides and Proteins: Mechanisms of Formation, Detection, Characterization and Quantification
Authors: Fuentes-Lemus Eduardo , Hägglund Per , López-Alarcón Camilo , Davies Michael J.
Published: December 2021

Covalent crosslinks within or between proteins play a key role in determining the structure and function of proteins. Some of these are formed intentionally by either enzymatic or molecular reactions and are critical to normal physiological function. Others are generated as a consequence of exposure to oxidants (radicals, excited states or two-electron species) and other endogenous or external stimuli, or as a result of the actions of a number of enzymes (e.g., oxidases and peroxidases). Increasing evidence indicates that the accumulation of unwanted crosslinks, as is seen in ageing and multiple pathologies, has adverse effects on biological function. In this article, we review the spectrum of crosslinks, both reducible and non-reducible, currently known to be formed on proteins; the mechanisms of their formation; and experimental approaches to the detection, identification and characterization of these species.
Impact of Reaction Parameters and Water Matrices on the Removal of Organic Pollutants by TiO2/LED and ZnO/LED Heterogeneous Photocatalysis Using 365 and 398 nm Radiation
Authors: Náfrádi Máté , Alapi Tünde , Bencsik Gábor , Janáky Csaba
Published: December 2021

In this work, the application of high-power LED365nm and commercial, low-price LED398nm for heterogeneous photocatalysis with TiO2 and ZnO photocatalysts are studied and compared, focusing on the effect of light intensity, photon energy, quantum yield, electrical energy consumption, and effect of matrices and inorganic components on radical formation. Coumarin (COU) and its hydroxylated product (7-HC) were used to investigate operating parameters on the •OH formation rate. In addition to COU, two neonicotinoids, imidacloprid and thiacloprid, were also used to study the effect of various LEDs, matrices, and inorganic ions. The transformation of COU was slower for LED398nm than for LED365nm, but r07-HC/r0COU ratio was significantly higher for LED398nm. The COU mineralization rate was the same for both photocatalysts using LED365nm, but a significant difference was observed using LED398nm. The impact of matrices and their main inorganic components Cl− and HCO3− were significantly different for ZnO and TiO2. The negative effect of HCO3− was evident, however, in the case of high-power LED365nm and TiO2, and the formation of CO3•− almost doubled the r07-HC and contributes to the conversion of neonicotinoids by altering the product distribution and mineralization rate.
Effect of Substrate and Thickness on the Photoconductivity of Nanoparticle Titanium Dioxide Thin Film Vacuum Ultraviolet Photoconductive Detector
Authors: Cadatal-Raduban Marilou , Kato Tomoki , Horiuchi Yusuke , Olejníček Jiří , Kohout Michal , Yamanoi Kohei , Ono Shingo
Published: December 2021

Vacuum ultraviolet radiation (VUV, from 100 nm to 200 nm wavelength) is indispensable in many applications, but its detection is still challenging. We report the development of a VUV photoconductive detector, based on titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticle thin films. The effect of crystallinity, optical quality, and crystallite size due to film thickness (80 nm, 500 nm, 1000 nm) and type of substrate (silicon Si, quartz SiO2, soda lime glass SLG) was investigated to explore ways of enhancing the photoconductivity of the detector. The TiO2 film deposited on SiO2 substrate with a film thickness of 80 nm exhibited the best photoconductivity, with a photocurrent of 5.35 milli-Amperes and a photosensitivity of 99.99% for a bias voltage of 70 V. The wavelength response of the detector can be adjusted by changing the thickness of the film as the cut-off shifts to a longer wavelength, as the film becomes thicker. The response time of the TiO2 detector is about 5.8 μs and is comparable to the 5.4 μs response time of a diamond UV sensor. The development of the TiO2 nanoparticle thin film detector is expected to contribute to the enhancement of the use of VUV radiation in an increasing number of important technological and scientific applications.
Nutrition in Patients with Lactose Malabsorption, Celiac Disease, and Related Disorders
Authors: Alkalay Michele J.
Published: December 2021

Lactose malabsorption (LM), celiac disease (CD), non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are conditions associated with food triggers, improvement after withdrawal, treatment with dietary restriction, and subsequent nutritional detriments. LM occurs when there is incomplete hydrolysis of lactose due to lactase deficiency and frequently produces abdominal symptoms; therefore, it can cause lactose intolerance (LI). A lactose-restricted diet is frequently recommended, although it can potentially lead to nutrient deficiencies. Furthermore, lactose is an essential component of fermentable oligo-, di-, and monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAPs) and is subsequently associated with intolerance to these compounds, especially in IBS. LM commonly presents in CD. Nutritional deficits are common in CD and can continue even on a gluten-free diet (GFD). Conditions triggered by gluten are known as gluten-related disorders (GRDs), including CD, wheat allergy, and NCGS. IBS can also be associated with a gluten sensitivity. A GFD is the treatment for CD, GRDs, and gluten sensitive IBS, although compliance with this restricted diet can be difficult. Strict dietary therapies can have a negative effect on quality of life. This review aims to provide an overview of the difficult nutritional elements of these disorders, which are critical for medical providers to recognize when managing these patients.
Nutritional Therapies and Their Influence on the Intestinal Microbiome in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Hart Lara , Verburgt Charlotte M. , Wine Eytan , Zachos Mary , Poppen Alisha , Chavannes Mallory , Van Limbergen Johan , Pai Nikhil
Published: December 2021

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, autoimmune disorder of the gastrointestinal tract with numerous genetic and environmental risk factors. Patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) often demonstrate marked disruptions of their gut microbiome. The intestinal microbiota is strongly influenced by diet. The association between the increasing incidence of IBD worldwide and increased consumption of a westernized diet suggests host nutrition may influence the progression or treatment of IBD via the microbiome. Several nutritional therapies have been studied for the treatment of CD and UC. While their mechanisms of action are only partially understood, existing studies do suggest that diet-driven changes in microbial composition and function underlie the diverse mechanisms of nutritional therapy. Despite existing therapies for IBD focusing heavily on immune suppression, nutrition is an important treatment option due to its superior safety profile, potentially low cost, and benefits for growth and development. These benefits are increasingly important to patients. In this review, we will describe the clinical efficacy of the different nutritional therapies that have been described for the treatment of CD and UC. We will also describe the effects of each nutritional therapy on the gut microbiome and summarize the strength of the literature with recommendations for the practicing clinician.
Diagnostic Accuracy of IgA Anti-Transglutaminase and IgG Anti-Deamidated Gliadin for Diagnosis of Celiac Disease in Children under Two Years of Age: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Catassi Giulia N. , Pulvirenti Alfredo , Monachesi Chiara , Catassi Carlo , Lionetti Elena
Published: December 2021

The need of adding the determination of anti-deamidated gliadin peptide (DGP) IgG to anti-transglutaminase (TTG) IgA antibodies for diagnosis of celiac disease (CD) in children <2 years of age is controversial. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate, by head-to-head comparison, the diagnostic accuracy of TTG IgA and DGP IgG antibodies. We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase databases up to January 2021. The diagnostic reference was intestinal biopsy. We calculated the sensitivity and specificity of these tests and the odds ratio (OR) between the tests. Fifteen articles were eligible for the systematic review and ten were eligible for the meta-analysis. Sensitivity and specificity were 0.96 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.91–0.98) and 0.96 (95% CI, 0.85–0.99) for DGP IgG and 0.93 (95% CI, 0.88–0.97) and 0.98 (95% CI, 0.96–0.99) for TTG IgA, respectively. TTG IgA specificity was significantly higher (OR 9.3 (95% CI, 2.3–37.49); p < 0.001) while the sensitivity of DGP IgG was higher without reaching statistical significance (OR: 0.6 (95% CI, 0.24–1.51); p = 0.28). Both the meta-analysis and the systematic review showed that some children with early CD are missed without the DGP IgG test. In children <2 years of age, TTG IgA is the best CD screening test; however, the addition of DGP IgG may increase the diagnostic sensitivity.
Enhanced Photothermal and Photoacoustic Performance of Graphene Oxide in NIR-II Biowindow by Chemical Reduction
Authors: Su Xiaoye , Li Liantong , Cui Dandan , Fang Wei , Shi Yujiao
Published: December 2021

We report on a novel strategy for constructing graphene oxide nanomaterials with strongly enhanced photothermal (PT) and photoacoustic (PA) performance in the near-infrared (NIR)-II biowindow by chemical reduction. Optical spectra clearly reveal that obvious enhancement of optical absorption is observed in the whole NIR wideband from the NIR-I to NIR-II region for chemically reduced graphene oxide (CR-G) nanomaterials, which is mainly arising from the restoration of the electronic conjugation within the graphene oxide sheets and therefore inducing a black-body re-introduction effect of typical graphite-like materials. We experimentally synthesized CR-G samples with different degrees of reduction to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed strategy. Experimental results show that the PT performance of the CR-G samples is greatly improved owing to the absorption enhancement by chemical reduction in the NIR-II biowindow. Furthermore, both in vitro and in vivo PA imaging of the CR-G samples with different degrees of reduction are performed to demonstrate their enhanced NIR-II PA performances. This work provides a feasible guidance for the rational design of graphene oxide nanomaterials with great potential for PT and PA applications in the NIR-II biowindow by chemical reduction.
New European Discovery of Splachnum pensylvanicum (Bryophyta, Splachnaceae) in Lithuania, with Taxonomic Notes and a Review of Its World Distribution
Authors: Ochyra Ryszard , Jukonienė Ilona , Plášek Vítězslav , Sprainaitytė Sigita
Published: December 2021

Splachnum pensylvanicum (Brid.) Grout ex H.A.Crum is recorded for the first time in Lithuania and it is its fourth discovery at a third locality in Europe. It was found for the first time in 2000 in Kamanos mire, the largest peatland complex in the northern part of this East Baltic country. Targeted investigations at this site in 2017 resulted in the discovery of 14 populations and it is apparently the largest and most abundant locality of the species in Europe. Splachnum pensylvanicum is briefly described and illustrated along with some taxonomic notes and a detailed description of its habitat requirements. The global geographical distribution of S. pensylvanicum is reviewed and mapped. It is a Euro-Eastern North American temperate species and deeply penetrates into the Neotropics at montane stations in Venezuela and SE Brazil in South America.
Analyses of MADS-box Genes Suggest HvMADS56 to Regulate Lateral Spikelet Development in Barley
Authors: Sayed Mohammed A. , Allam Mohamed , Heck Quinn Kalby , Urbanavičiūtė Ieva , Rutten Twan , Stuart David , Zakhrabekova Shakhira , Börner Andreas , Pillen Klaus , Hansson Mats , Youssef Helmy M.
Published: December 2021

MADS-box transcription factors are crucial regulators of inflorescence and flower development in plants. Therefore, the recent interest in this family has received much attention in plant breeding programs due to their impact on plant development and inflorescence architecture. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of HvMADS-box genes in lateral spikelet development in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). A set of 30 spike-contrasting barley lines were phenotypically and genotypically investigated under controlled conditions. We detected clear variations in the spike and spikelet development during the developmental stages among the tested lines. The lateral florets in the deficiens and semi-deficiens lines were more reduced than in two-rowed cultivars except cv. Kristina. Interestingly, cv. Kristina, int-h.43 and int-i.39 exhibited the same behavior as def.5, def.6, semi-def.1, semi-def.8 regarding development and showed reduced lateral florets size. In HOR1555, HOR7191 and HOR7041, the lateral florets continued their development, eventually setting seeds. In contrast, lateral florets in two-rowed barley stopped differentiating after the awn primordia stage giving rise to lateral floret sterility. At harvest, the lines tested showed large variation for all central and lateral spikelet-related traits. Phylogenetic analysis showed that more than half of the 108 MADS-box genes identified are highly conserved and are expressed in different barley tissues. Re-sequence analysis of a subset of these genes showed clear polymorphism in either SNPs or in/del. Variation in HvMADS56 correlated with altered lateral spikelet morphology. This suggests that HvMADS56 plays an important role in lateral spikelet development in barley.
Experimental Study on 3D Measurement Accuracy Detection of Low Altitude UAV for Repeated Observation of an Invariant Surface
Authors: Gao Sha , Gan Shu , Yuan Xiping , Bi Rui , Li Raobo , Hu Lin , Luo Weidong
Published: December 2021

Low-altitude unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) photogrammetry combined with structure-from-motion (SFM) algorithms is the latest technological approach to imaging 3D stereo constructions. At present, derivative products have been widely used in landslide monitoring, landscape evolution, glacier movement, volume measurement, and landscape change detection. However, there is still a lack of research into the accuracy of 3D data positioning based on the structure-from-motion of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV-SFM) technology, itself, which can affect the measurable effectiveness of the results in further applications of this technological approach. In this paper, validation work was carried out for the DJI Phantom 4 RTK UAV, for earth observation data related to 3D positioning accuracy. First, a test plot with a relatively stable surface was selected for repeated flight imaging observations. Specifically, three repeated flights were performed on the test plot to obtain three sorties of images; the structure from motion and multi-view stereo (SFM-MVS) key technology was used to process and construct a 3D scene model, and based on this model the digital surface model (DSM) and digital orthophoto map (DOM) data of the same plot with repeated observations were obtained. In order to check the level of 3D measurement accuracy of the UAV technology itself, a window selection-based method was used to sample the point cloud set data from the three-sortie repeat observation 3D model. The DSM and DOM data obtained from three repeated flights over the surface invariant test plots were used to calculate the repeat observation 3D point errors, taking into account the general methodology of redundant observation error analysis for topographic surveys. At the same time, to further analyze the limits of the UAV measurement technique, possible under equivalent observation conditions with the same processing environment, a difference model (DOD) was constructed for the DSM data from three sorties, to deepen the overall characterization of the differences between the DSMs obtained from repeated observations. The results of the experimental study concluded that both the analysis of the 3D point set measurements based on window sampling and the accuracy evaluation using the difference model were generally able to achieve a centimeter level of planimetric accuracy and vertical accuracy. In addition, the accuracy of the surface-stabilized hardened ground was better, overall, than the accuracy of the non-hardened ground. The results of this paper not only probe the measurement limits of this type of UAV, but also provide a quantitative reference for the accurate control and setting of an acquisition scheme of the UAV-based SfM-MVS method for geomorphological data acquisition and 3D reconstruction.
Heat Transfer Performance of R-1234ze(E) with the Effect of High-Viscosity POE Oil on Enhanced GEWA-B5H Tube
Authors: Kumar Abhishek , Chen Miao-Ru , Wu Jung-Hsien , Hung Kuo-Shu , Su Li-Kang , Wang Chi-Chuan
Published: December 2021

In this study, the heat transfer performance of high-viscosity polyol ester (POE) oil POEA-220 (220 cSt) with low-GWP (global warming potential) refrigerant R-1234ze(E) on enhanced GEWA-B5H tube was investigated at saturation temperatures of 10 °C, 0 °C, and −6 °C. The mass fraction of oil varied from 0.25% to 10%, and all the nucleate pool boiling data were measured at heat fluxes ranging from 10 kW/m2 to 90 kW/m2. The experimental results showed that the heat transfer performance of the R-1234ze(E)/POEA-220 mixtures were superior to the R-1234ze(E)/POEA-68 mixtures. At saturation temperatures of 0 °C and −6 °C, even a 10% mass fraction of the POEA-220 oil showed an enhancement in the HTC (heat transfer coefficient) compared to the pure refrigerant in the moderate heat flux range. On the other hand, for the R-1234ze(E)/POEA-68 mixtures, a 5% mass fraction of oil showed no enhancement in the HTC compared to pure refrigerant at the same saturation temperature. Moreover, at low saturation temperatures (0 °C and −6 °C), the enhancement in the HTC decreased with increasing mass fraction of low-viscosity oil POEA-68, whereas high-viscosity oil POEA-220 showed the highest enhancement in the HTC for a 5% mass fraction of oil at −6 °C saturation temperature compared to the pure refrigerant. The results indicate that for nucleate boiling, the effect of oil viscosity on heat transfer performance is negligible if it contains comparatively high thermal conductivity and low surface tension. In addition, the effect of surface aging on heat transfer performance for the GEAW-B5H tube with pure refrigerant was also reported.