bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phenylalanine: A Promising Inducer of Fruit Resistance to Postharvest Pathogens
Authors: Kumar Patel Manish , Maurer Dalia , Feygenberg Oleg , Ovadia Amos , Elad Yigal , Oren-Shamir Michal , Alkan Noam
Published: May 2020

More than 40% of harvested fruit is lost, largely due to decay. In parallel, restrictions on postharvest fungicides call for eco-friendly alternatives. Fruit’s natural resistance depends mainly on flavonoids and anthocyanins—which have antioxidant and antifungal activity—synthesized from the phenylpropanoid pathway with phenylalanine as a precursor. We hypothesized that phenylalanine could induce fruit’s natural defense response and tolerance to fungal pathogens. The postharvest application of phenylalanine to mango and avocado fruit reduced anthracnose and stem-end rot caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Lasiodiplodia theobromae, respectively. The postharvest application of phenylalanine to citrus fruit reduced green mold caused by Penicillium digitatum. The optimal phenylalanine concentrations for postharvest application were 6 mM for citrus fruits and 8 mM for mangoes and avocadoes. The preharvest application of phenylalanine to strawberries, mangoes, and citrus fruits also reduced postharvest decay. Interestingly, citrus fruit resistance to P. digitatum inoculated immediately after phenylalanine application was not improved, whereas inoculation performed 2 days after phenylalanine treatment induced the defense response. Five hours after the treatment, no phenylalanine residue was detected on/in the fruit, probably due to rapid phenylalanine metabolism. Additionally, in vitro testing showed no inhibitory effect of phenylalanine on conidial germination. Altogether, we characterized a new inducer of the fruit defense response—phenylalanine. Preharvest or postharvest application to fruit led to the inhibition of fungal pathogen-induced postharvest decay, suggesting that the application of phenylalanine could become an eco-friendly and healthy alternative to fungicides.
Effects of Different Moisture-Permeable Packaging on the Quality of Aging Beef Compared with Wet Aging and Dry Aging
Authors: Shi Yingwu , Zhang Wangang , Zhou Guanghong
Published: May 2020

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of six different aging methods (four types of moisture-permeable packaging, wet aging, and dry aging) and aging time (0, 7, and 14 d) on the quality of aging beef, especially physicochemical properties. The weight loss, aerobic bacterial counts, yeast counts, and mold counts increased with the increase of moisture permeability and aging time. However, shear force, hardness, cohesiveness, and chewiness followed an opposite trend with increasing moisture permeability. The values of L* and b* appeared to decrease in the dry-aged samples compared with those of the others. In addition, water content in dry-aged samples for 7 and 14 d showed a significant decrease. The higher myofibril fragmentation index was observed in dry-aged samples for 7 and 14 d compared with groups using moisture-permeable packaging. Meanwhile, the percentage of bound water and free water appeared to decrease with the increase of moisture permeability. Thus, different moisture-permeable packaging was able to control different levels of water loss and effectively reduce microbial contamination compared with dry aging. The changes of both myofibrillar fragmentation index (MFI) and distribution of water indicated that moisture-permeable packaging affected the structure of myofibrils, which influenced the shear force.
The Potential Influence of Organic Food Consumption and Intention-Behavior Gap on Consumers’ Subjective Wellbeing
Authors: Ismael Diana , Ploeger Angelika
Published: May 2020

This paper applied a self-administered survey to investigate the impact of organic food behavior and the intention-behavior gap in organic food consumption (OIBG) on consumers’ subjective wellbeing including physical, emotional, social and intellectual dimensions. The survey was carried out with 385 consumers. Furthermore, the study conducted a food test to explore the different impacts of organic and conventional food samples on the mental and physical conditions of consumers’ wellbeing applying a psychological questionnaire. The food test took place in a sensory lab with a panel of 63 untrained German consumers. The research findings demonstrated a positive impact of the organic food consumption on consumers’ subjective wellbeing, while no negative impact of OIBG has been perceived. Moreover, during the food test, consumers distinguished no differences between the impact of organic and conventional stimuli on their mental and physical status. Understanding how consumers perceive the impact of organic food consumption on their wellbeing is one important aspect. However, in the interest of narrowing the OIBG, it is more important to understand how consumers perceive the impact of this gap on their daily-life wellbeing.
Histone Deacetylases (HDACs): Evolution, Specificity, Role in Transcriptional Complexes, and Pharmacological Actionability
Authors: Milazzo Giorgio , Mercatelli Daniele , Di Muzio Giulia , Triboli Luca , De Rosa Piergiuseppe , Perini Giovanni , Giorgi Federico M.
Published: May 2020

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are evolutionary conserved enzymes which operate by removing acetyl groups from histones and other protein regulatory factors, with functional consequences on chromatin remodeling and gene expression profiles. We provide here a review on the recent knowledge accrued on the zinc-dependent HDAC protein family across different species, tissues, and human pathologies, specifically focusing on the role of HDAC inhibitors as anti-cancer agents. We will investigate the chemical specificity of different HDACs and discuss their role in the human interactome as members of chromatin-binding and regulatory complexes.
AMPD1 C34T Polymorphism (rs17602729) Is Not Associated with Post-Exercise Changes of Body Weight, Body Composition, and Biochemical Parameters in Caucasian Females
Authors: Leońska-Duniec Agata , Maculewicz Ewelina , Humińska-Lisowska Kinga , Maciejewska-Skrendo Agnieszka , Leźnicka Katarzyna , Cięszczyk Paweł , Sawczuk Marek , Trybek Grzegorz , Wilk Michal , Lepionka Weronika , Ficek Krzysztof
Published: May 2020

Background: The C34T polymorphism (rs 17602729) in adenosine monophosphate deaminase 1 gene (AMPD1) is associated with muscular energy metabolism in exercise. However, the role of its potential modifying impact on exercise-induced changes in obesity related parameters is unknown. The aim of the study was to determine if the C34T polymorphism influences the effects of an exercise training. Methods: This study examines a group of one hundred and sixty-eight, young, non-obese Caucasian women in Poland who took part in a 12-week aerobic training program to determine the impact of allele and genotype distribution on training outcomes. Results: A two-way analysis of variance ANOVA was conducted assuming a dominant model by pooling rare homozygotes and heterozygotes (TT + CT, n = 79) and comparing against common homozygotes (CC, n = 89). Our results showed that the AMPD1 C34T polymorphism was not related with selected parameters in study group. After completing the 12-week training program, a wide array of parameters (body mass, body mass index, fat mass, free fat mass, total body water) were significantly changed in the study participants with the exception of AMPD1 genotypes, among whom no significant changes were observed. Conclusions: The results did not confirm that harboring the rs 17602729 T allele influences the effects of the training program.
Differences in Gene Expression Profiles of Seven Target Proteins in Third-Stage Larvae of Anisakis simplex (Sensu Stricto) by Sites of Infection in Blue Whiting (Micromesistius poutassou)
Authors: Palomba Marialetizia , Cipriani Paolo , Giulietti Lucilla , Levsen Arne , Nascetti Giuseppe , Mattiucci Simonetta
Published: May 2020

The third-stage larvae of the parasitic nematode genus Anisakis tend to encapsulate in different tissues including the musculature of fish. Host tissue penetration and degradation involve both mechanic processes and the production of proteins encoded by an array of genes. Investigating larval gene profiles during the fish infection has relevance in understanding biological traits in the parasite’s adaptive ability to cope with the fish hosts’ defense responses. The present study aimed to investigate the gene expression levels of some proteins in L3 of A. simplex (s.s.) infecting different tissues of blue whiting Micromesistius poutassou, a common fish host of the parasite in the NE Atlantic. The following genes encoding for Anisakis spp. proteins were studied: Kunitz-type trypsin inhibitor (TI), hemoglobin (hb), glycoprotein (GP), trehalase (treh), zinc metallopeptidase 13 (nas 13), ubiquitin-protein ligase (hyd) and sideroflexin 2 (sfxn 2). Significant differences in gene transcripts (by quantitative real-time PCR, qPCR) were observed in larvae located in various tissues of the fish host, with respect to the control. ANOVA analysis showed that relative gene expression levels of the seven target genes in the larvae are linked to the infection site in the fish host. Genes encoding some of the target proteins seem to be involved in the host tissue migration and survival of the parasite in the hostile target tissues of the fish host.
Characterization of the Common Japonica-Originated Genomic Regions in the High-Yielding Varieties Developed from Inter-Subspecific Crosses in Temperate Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Seo Jeonghwan , Lee So-Myeong , Han Jae-Hyuk , Shin Na-Hyun , Lee Yoon Kyung , Kim Backki , Chin Joong Hyoun , Koh Hee-Jong
Published: May 2020

The inter-subspecific crossing between indica and japonica subspecies in rice have been utilized to improve the yield potential of temperate rice. In this study, a comparative study of the genomic regions in the eight high-yielding varieties (HYVs) was conducted with those of the four non-HYVs. The Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) mapping on the Nipponbare reference genome identified a total of 14 common genomic regions of japonica-originated alleles. Interestingly, the HYVs shared japonica-originated genomic regions on nine chromosomes, although they were developed through different breeding programs. A panel of 94 varieties was classified into four varietal groups with 38 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers from 38 genes residing in the japonica-originated genomic regions and 16 additional trait-specific SNPs. As expected, the japonica-originated genomic regions were only present in the japonica (JAP) and HYV groups, except for Chr4-1 and Chr4-2. The Wx gene, located within Chr6-1, was present in the HYV and JAP variety groups, while the yield-related genes were conserved as indica alleles in HYVs. The japonica-originated genomic regions and alleles shared by HYVs can be employed in molecular breeding programs to further develop the HYVs in temperate rice.
Mitochondrial Protein Quality Control Mechanisms
Authors: Jadiya Pooja , Tomar Dhanendra
Published: May 2020

Mitochondria serve as a hub for many cellular processes, including bioenergetics, metabolism, cellular signaling, redox balance, calcium homeostasis, and cell death. The mitochondrial proteome includes over a thousand proteins, encoded by both the mitochondrial and nuclear genomes. The majority (~99%) of proteins are nuclear encoded that are synthesized in the cytosol and subsequently imported into the mitochondria. Within the mitochondria, polypeptides fold and assemble into their native functional form. Mitochondria health and integrity depend on correct protein import, folding, and regulated turnover termed as mitochondrial protein quality control (MPQC). Failure to maintain these processes can cause mitochondrial dysfunction that leads to various pathophysiological outcomes and the commencement of diseases. Here, we summarize the current knowledge about the role of different MPQC regulatory systems such as mitochondrial chaperones, proteases, the ubiquitin-proteasome system, mitochondrial unfolded protein response, mitophagy, and mitochondria-derived vesicles in the maintenance of mitochondrial proteome and health. The proper understanding of mitochondrial protein quality control mechanisms will provide relevant insights to treat multiple human diseases.
Deploying Elemental Iodine in a Vapor Form to Disinfect Water and to Clear Biofilms
Authors: Hove Petronella R. , Mobley Daniel , Magunda Forgivemore , Call Douglas R.
Published: May 2020

Traditionally, iodine has been delivered as a solution, tablet or resin to disinfect water. In this study we evaluated the “I2 vapor infusion” (I2VP) technology which passes an airstream through a matrix containing elemental iodine (I2) to produce I2 vapor as an innovative method of iodine delivery for water disinfection. Pressured air was provided either by a compressor or hand pump. Testing was performed with water inoculated with either Gram-negative (Escherichia, Salmonella) or Gram-positive (Enterococcus) bacteria or with pre-formed Acinetobacter or Staphylococcus biofilms. Bacterial colony forming units were used to assess efficacy of the device. In distilled water all bacteria and biofilms were eliminated after brief exposures (<90 s). Culturable bacteria were also eliminated from pond and municipal sewer water, but the technology was mostly ineffective against dairy lagoon water with high turbidity and organic particulate. Longer duration infusion and higher air volumes used to overcome interference from organic matter were also associated with higher concentrations of residual iodine. We conclude that I2 vapor infusion has the potential to be useful for emergency water treatment and potentially for reducing microbiological contamination of some waste streams.
Outcomes in Advanced Stage Epithelial Ovarian, Fallopian Tubal, and Peritoneal Cancer after Primary Surgery and Adjuvant Chemotherapies: A Single-Institute Real-World Experience
Authors: Chang Chia-Hua , Kuo Hsiao-Li , Chen Tzu-Chien , Weng Chia-Sui , Lim Ling , Huang Wan-Chun , Chang Chih-Long , Su Tsung-Hsien , Wang Kuo-Gon , Wang Kung-Liahng , Yang Yuh-Cheng , Chen Jen-Ruei
Published: May 2020

Debulking surgery followed by systemic chemotherapy—including three-weekly intravenous paclitaxel and carboplatin (GOG-158)—is the cornerstone for advanced epithelial ovarian, fallopian tubal, and peritoneal cancer (EOC) treatment. In this scenario, Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, cell types, completeness of surgery, lymph nodes (LN) status, adjuvant chemotherapy regimens, survival status, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) of 192 patients diagnosed as having stage IIIA1–IVB EOC over January 2008–December 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. Of them, 100 (52.1%) patients had been debulked optimally. Of all cases, 64.1% and 10.9% demonstrated serous and clear-cell carcinoma. Moreover, the FIGO stage, surgery completeness, and LN status affected recurrence/persistence and mortality (all p < 0.001). Clear cell carcinoma led to shorter survival than serous carcinoma (p = 0.002). Adjuvant chemotherapy regimens were divided into five main groups according to previous clinical trials. However, choice of chemotherapy failed to demonstrate significant differences in patient outcomes. Similar results were found in the sub-analysis of optimally debulked cases, except that intraperitoneal chemotherapy could reduce mortality risk when compared with GOG-158 (p = 0.042). Notably, retroperitoneal LN dissection in all cases or optimally debulked cases reduced risks of recurrence/persistence and mortality, and prolonged PFS and OS significantly (all p < 0.05). Without optimal debulking, LN dissection led to little improvement in outcomes. Various modified chemotherapy regimens did not prolong PFS and OS or reduce recurrence/persistence and mortality risks. LN dissection is strongly recommended to improve the completeness of surgery and patient outcome. Clear cell type has a poorer outcome than serous type, which requires more aggressive treatment and follow-up.
Voluntary or Forced: Different Effects of Personal and Social Norms on Urban Residents’ Environmental Protection Behavior
Authors: Bai Guanglin , Bai Yun
Published: May 2020

It is well known that environmental protection behaviors are influenced by both individual internal motivation and external environmental pressure, but few studies have looked at the two kinds of factors together. In order to study the influence mechanism of these two kinds of factors on the environmental protection behavior of urban residents, especially the difference between these two kinds of factors, we take personal norms and social norms as independent variables into the theoretical model. Results based on survey data of 731 urban residents revealed that personal norms and social norms both are positively associated with environmental protection behavior. Moreover, environmental protection willingness was found to mediate the relationship of personal and social norms with environmental protection behavior. We also found that the direct and indirect influences of personal norms on environmental protection behavior are greater than that of social norms. Further, the study revealed that cost consciousness moderates the relationship between personal norms, environmental protection willingness, and environmental protection behavior. Our results suggest that personal norms have a greater impact on environmental protection behavior than social norms. Therefore, we need to make greater efforts to promote environmental education and cultivate young people’s sense of environmental responsibility from an early age. At the same time, it is necessary to maintain appropriate environmental pressure and reduce the environmental cost in the daily life of residents.
Towards Improving Households’ Investment Choices in Tanzania: Does Financial Literacy Really Matter?
Authors: Lotto Josephat
Published: May 2020

This paper primarily aims to assess the impact of financial literacy on households’ investment choices. The paper employs secondary data from the FinScope survey (2017) conducted by Financial Sector Deepening Trust (FSDT). In particular, the study aims at establishing whether the choices of investment platforms are influenced by the financial literacy level of the heads of households. To do so, the study employed both bivariate and multivariate analytical techniques. The study finds that financial literacy is positively and significantly associated with household investment choices. More specifically, as households become more financially literate, they divert from investing in informal groups towards more formal investment platforms such as investment accounts, agricultural ventures as well as personal business. Such observations may be partly attributable to the facts that individuals whose financial literacy is sound enough are more likely to be equipped with skills and knowledge of risks associated with investment opportunities and some other several financial products. The study also reveals that financial literacy is significantly associated with households’ socio-demographic factors, and that the adult population exhibits a large financial literacy gap and, therefore, adults should not be considered as a homogenous group—instead, gender, age, education and income levels of the households, which are showcased in this study, should also be taken into consideration. The study opines that, because most of households, as revealed in the survey from which the employed dataset is based, are hailing from rural settings where agriculture is the main economic activity, we establish that agricultural ventures require a complete revamp for Tanzania to become a middle-income economy through its industrialization agenda. The study also proposes the financial literacy programmes to be rolled on to students from early stage of their education such as secondary schools.
6-Shogaol Protects Human Melanocytes against Oxidative Stress through Activation of the Nrf2-Antioxidant Response Element Signaling Pathway
Authors: Yang Lingli , Yang Fei , Teng Lanting , Katayama Ichiro
Published: May 2020

Skin is a major target of oxidative stress. Increasing evidence suggests that oxidative stress is the cause of melanocyte disappearance in vitiligo, which is an acquired pigmentary skin disorder characterized by patches of skin that have lost pigmentation. New herbal extracts with antioxidant activity are therefore being studied. 6-Shogaol (6-SG), an active compound from ginger, is capable of attenuating oxidative stress-induced ageing and neurotoxicity. Subsequently, to investigate whether 6-SG could protect melanocytes from oxidative stress, cultured human primary epidermal melanocytes (HEMn-MPs) were treated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the presence or absence of 6-SG. The 6-SG exhibited protective effects against H2O2-induced cell death by reducing oxidative stress. In addition, the 6-SG treatment activated the Nrf2-antioxidant response element signaling pathway by upregulating the mRNA expression of the antioxidant enzyme heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), and protein expression of Nrf2, NAD(P)H: quinine oxidoreductase 1 (Nqo1), and HO-1. Furthermore, the 6-SG also displayed protective effects on melanocytes against Rhododendrol-induced oxidative stress. We concluded that 6-SG protects melanocytes against oxidative stress in vitro, and its protective effect is associated with the activation of the Nrf2-antioxidant response element signaling pathway. 6-SG, therefore, has potential for use in the prevention of melanocyte loss in the early stages of vitiligo or other pigmentary disorders.
Function and Regulation of Ammonium Transporters in Plants
Authors: Hao Dong-Li , Zhou Jin-Yan , Yang Shun-Ying , Qi Wei , Yang Ke-Jun , Su Yan-Hua
Published: May 2020

Ammonium transporter (AMT)-mediated acquisition of ammonium nitrogen from soils is essential for the nitrogen demand of plants, especially for those plants growing in flooded or acidic soils where ammonium is dominant. Recent advances show that AMTs additionally participate in many other physiological processes such as transporting ammonium from symbiotic fungi to plants, transporting ammonium from roots to shoots, transferring ammonium in leaves and reproductive organs, or facilitating resistance to plant diseases via ammonium transport. Besides being a transporter, several AMTs are required for the root development upon ammonium exposure. To avoid the adverse effects of inadequate or excessive intake of ammonium nitrogen on plant growth and development, activities of AMTs are fine-tuned not only at the transcriptional level by the participation of at least four transcription factors, but also at protein level by phosphorylation, pH, endocytosis, and heterotrimerization. Despite these progresses, it is worth noting that stronger growth inhibition, not facilitation, unfortunately occurs when AMT overexpression lines are exposed to optimal or slightly excessive ammonium. This implies that a long road remains towards overcoming potential limiting factors and achieving AMT-facilitated yield increase to accomplish the goal of persistent yield increase under the present high nitrogen input mode in agriculture.
Railway Transition Curves: A Review of the State-of-the-Art and Future Research
Authors: Brustad Tanita Fossli , Dalmo Rune
Published: May 2020

Transition curves are a useful tool for lateral alignment of railway segments. Their design is important to ensure safe and comfortable travel for passengers and cargo. Well designed transition curves can lead to reduced wear of tracks and vehicles, which is beneficial from a maintenance point of view. Extensive studies have been performed through decades to find transition curves that can replace existing railway segments for the purpose of enhancing certain properties. Those studies seek to form curves that satisfy desired evaluation criteria, which are often connected to geometric continuity between the curve segments, and vehicle dynamics, to secure a smooth ride. This research topic is still ongoing and active at present. Recent results and findings are in line with the developments on the topic of vehicle dynamics and within the railway industry. For this reason it is appropriate to collect and discuss the latest work, since there are no up-to-date detailed literature reviews available. This paper explores the present state-of-the-art of railway transition curves, and identifies some of the research challenges and future research opportunities in the field.
Synthesis and Characterization of Catecholato Copper(II) Complexes with Sterically Hindered Neutral and Anionic N3 Type Ligands: Tris(3,5-diisopropyl-1-pyrazolyl)methane and Hydrotris(3,5-diisopropyl-1-pyrazolyl)borate
Authors: Fujisawa Kiyoshi , Ono Tetsuya , Okamura Moemi
Published: May 2020

Three catecholato copper(II) complexes, [Cu(catCl4)(L1′)], [Cu(catBr4)(L1′)], and [Cu(catCl4)(L1H)], supported by sterically hindered neutral and anionic N3 type ligands: tris(3,5-diisopropyl-1-pyrazolyl)methane (referred to as L1′) and hydrotris(3,5-diisopropyl-1-pyrazolyl)borate (referred to as L1−), are synthesized and characterized in detail. Their X-ray structures reveal that both [Cu(catCl4)(L1′)] and [Cu(catBr4)(L1′)] complexes have a five-coordinate square-pyramidal geometry and [Cu(catCl4)(L1H)] complex has a four-coordinate square-planar geometry. The L1H is unusual protonated ligand that controls its overall charge. For the three catecholato copper(II) complexes, the oxidation state of copper is divalent, and catechol exists in catecholate as two minus anion. This difference in coordination geometry affects their d-d and CT transitions energy and ESR parameters.
Intensive Care Risk Estimation in COVID-19 Pneumonia Based on Clinical and Imaging Parameters: Experiences from the Munich Cohort
Authors: Burian Egon , Jungmann Friederike , Kaissis Georgios A. , Lohöfer Fabian K. , Spinner Christoph D. , Lahmer Tobias , Treiber Matthias , Dommasch Michael , Schneider Gerhard , Geisler Fabian , Huber Wolfgang , Protzer Ulrike , Schmid Roland M. , Schwaiger Markus , Makowski Marcus R. , Braren Rickmer F.
Published: May 2020

The evolving dynamics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the increasing infection numbers require diagnostic tools to identify patients at high risk for a severe disease course. Here we evaluate clinical and imaging parameters for estimating the need of intensive care unit (ICU) treatment. We collected clinical, laboratory and imaging data from 65 patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. Two radiologists evaluated the severity of findings in computed tomography (CT) images on a scale from 1 (no characteristic signs of COVID-19) to 5 (confluent ground glass opacities in over 50% of the lung parenchyma). The volume of affected lung was quantified using commercially available software. Machine learning modelling was performed to estimate the risk for ICU treatment. Patients with a severe course of COVID-19 had significantly increased interleukin (IL)-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), and leukocyte counts and significantly decreased lymphocyte counts. The radiological severity grading was significantly increased in ICU patients. Multivariate random forest modelling showed a mean ± standard deviation sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 0.72 ± 0.1, 0.86 ± 0.16 and 0.80 ± 0.1 and a receiver operating characteristic-area under curve (ROC-AUC) of 0.79 ± 0.1. The need for ICU treatment is independently associated with affected lung volume, radiological severity score, CRP, and IL-6.
Point-of-Care Diagnostic Tests for Detecting SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Real-World Data
Authors: Riccò Matteo , Ferraro Pietro , Gualerzi Giovanni , Ranzieri Silvia , Henry Brandon Michael , Said Younes Ben , Pyatigorskaya Natalia Valeryevna , Nevolina Elena , Wu Jianhong , Bragazzi Nicola Luigi , Signorelli Carlo
Published: May 2020

SARS-CoV-2 is responsible for a highly contagious infection, known as COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 was discovered in late December 2019 and, since then, has become a global pandemic. Timely and accurate COVID-19 laboratory testing is an essential step in the management of the COVID-19 outbreak. To date, assays based on the reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in respiratory samples are the gold standard for COVID-19 diagnosis. Unfortunately, RT-PCR has several practical limitations. Consequently, alternative diagnostic methods are urgently required, both for alleviating the pressure on laboratories and healthcare facilities and for expanding testing capacity to enable large-scale screening and ensure a timely therapeutic intervention. To date, few studies have been conducted concerning the potential utilization of rapid testing for COVID-19, with some conflicting results. Therefore, the present systematic review and meta-analysis was undertaken to explore the feasibility of rapid diagnostic tests in the management of the COVID-19 outbreak. Based on ten studies, we computed a pooled sensitivity of 64.8% (95%CI 54.5–74.0), and specificity of 98.0% (95%CI 95.8–99.0), with high heterogeneity and risk of reporting bias. We can conclude that: (1) rapid diagnostic tests for COVID-19 are necessary, but should be adequately sensitive and specific; (2) few studies have been carried out to date; (3) the studies included are characterized by low numbers and low sample power, and (4) in light of these results, the use of available tests is currently questionable for clinical purposes and cannot substitute other more reliable molecular tests, such as assays based on RT-PCR.
Nonisothermal Cure Kinetics of Epoxy/Polyvinylpyrrolidone Functionalized Superparamagnetic Nano-Fe3O4 Composites: Effect of Zn and Mn Doping
Authors: Jouyandeh Maryam , Ganjali Mohammad Reza , Seidi Farzad , Xiao Huining , Saeb Mohammad Reza
Published: May 2020

The effects of the bulk and surface modification of nanoparticles on the cure kinetics of low-filled epoxy nanocomposites containing electrochemically synthesized polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) functionalized superparamagnetic iron oxide (PVP-SPIO), Zn-doped PVP-SPIO (Zn-PVP-SPIO), and Mn-doped PVP-SPIO (Mn-PVP-SPIO) were studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and cure kinetics analyses. Integral and differential isoconversional methods were used to calculate the activation energies (Eα) and consequently propose the appropriate reaction model for the curing reaction under nonisothermal conditions. According to the alteration of Eα versus the fractional extent of conversion, the Eα trend was changed through the partial replacement of Fe2+ sites by the Zn2+ and Mn2+ cations in the general formula of MxFe3-xO4, due to smaller amounts of energy being required for curing by the incorporation of Zn-PVP-SPIO and Mn-PVP-SPIO nanoparticles into the epoxy resin. A good agreement was observed between the theoretical calculation and the observed calorimetric data for the model validation.
Implementation of a Fractional-Order Electronically Reconfigurable Lung Impedance Emulator of the Human Respiratory Tree
Authors: Kaskouta Elpida , Kapoulea Stavroula , Psychalinos Costas , Elwakil Ahmed S.
Published: May 2020

The fractional-order lung impedance model of the human respiratory tree is implemented in this paper, using Operational Transconductance Amplifiers. The employment of such active element offers electronic adjustment of the impedance characteristics in terms of both elements values and orders. As the MOS transistors in OTAs are biased in the weak inversion region, the power dissipation and the dc bias voltage of operation are also minimized. In addition, the partial fraction expansion tool has been utilized, in order to achieve reduction of the spread of the required time-constants and scaling factors. The performance of the proposed scheme has been evaluated, at post-layout level, using MOS transistors models provided by the 0.35 μ m Austria Mikro Systeme technology CMOS process, and the Cadence IC design suite.
Wave Load Mitigation by Perforation of Monopiles
Authors: Andersen Jacob , Abrahamsen Rune , Andersen Thomas , Andersen Morten , Baun Torben , Neubauer Jesper
Published: May 2020

The design of large diameter monopiles (8–10 m) at intermediate to deep waters is largely driven by the fatigue limit state and mainly due to wave loads. The scope of the present paper is to assess the mitigation of wave loads on a monopile by perforation of the shell. The perforation design consists of elliptical holes in the vicinity of the splash zone. Wave loads are estimated for both regular and irregular waves through physical model tests in a wave flume. The test matrix includes waves with Keulegan–Carpenter ( K C ) numbers in the range 0.25 to 10 and covers both fatigue and ultimate limit states. Load reductions in the order of 6%–20% are found for K C numbers above 1.5. Significantly higher load reductions are found for K C numbers less than 1.5 and thus the potential to reduce fatigue wave loads has been demonstrated.
Path Following of a Water-Jetted USV Based on Maneuverability Tests
Authors: Mou Junmin , He Yangying , Zhang Benren , Li Shixuan , Xiong Yong
Published: May 2020

Due to the high propulsive efficiency and better maneuverability under high speed, the water-jetted unmanned surface vehicle (USV) is widely studied and used. This paper presents complete maneuvering tests and control algorithm designed for a twin water-jetted USV model. Firstly, a wireless network control platform is established, and maneuvering tests, for instance, an inertia test, zig-zag test and turning test, are carried out to verify the maneuverability of the USV. In light of the complexity and uncertainty of ship sailing and ship handling, the Human Simulated Intelligent Control (HSIC) method is utilized to optimize the response time, accuracy and robustness of the controller. Finally, for the path following and track rectification part, a Line of Sight (LOS) algorithm is improved and proved practicable with triangle/square path tests. The proposed intelligent navigation algorithm specially designed for matching with the control methods, showing satisfactory improvements on the motion control and path following of the specific USV.
Systemic Colonization by Metarhizium robertsii Enhances Cover Crop Growth
Authors: Ahmad Imtiaz , Jiménez-Gasco María del Mar , Luthe Dawn S. , Barbercheck Mary E.
Published: May 2020

Fungi in the genus Metarhizium (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) are insect pathogens that can establish as endophytes and can benefit their host plant. In field experiments, we observed a positive correlation between the prevalence of M. robertsii and legume cover crops, and a negative relationship with brassicaceous cover crops and with increasing proportion of cereal rye in mixtures. Here, we report the effects of endophytic M. robertsii on three cover crop species under greenhouse conditions. We inoculated seeds of Austrian winter pea (Pisum sativum L., AWP), cereal rye (Secale cereale L.), and winter canola (Brassica napus L.) with conidia of M. robertsii to assess the effects of endophytic colonization on cover crop growth. We recovered M. robertsii from 59%, 46%, and 39% of seed-inoculated AWP, cereal rye, and canola plants, respectively. Endophytic M. robertsii significantly increased height and above-ground biomass of AWP and cereal rye but did not affect chlorophyll content of any of the cover crop species. Among inoculated plants from which we recovered M. robertsii, above-ground biomass of AWP was positively correlated with the proportion of colonized root but not leaf tissue sections. Our results suggest that winter cover crops may help to conserve Metarhizium spp. in annual cropping systems.
Antifungal Activity of Antimicrobial Peptides and Proteins against Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Ballard Eloise , Yucel Raif , Melchers Willem J. G. , Brown Alistair J. P. , Verweij Paul E. , Warris Adilia
Published: May 2020

Antimicrobial peptides and proteins (AMPs) provide an important line of defence against invading microorganisms. However, the activity of AMPs against the human fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus remains poorly understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterise the anti-Aspergillus activity of specific human AMPs, and to determine whether A. fumigatus can possess resistance to specific AMPs, as a result of in-host adaptation. AMPs were tested against a wide range of clinical isolates of various origins (including cystic fibrosis patients, as well as patients with chronic and acute aspergillosis). We also tested a series of isogenic A. fumigatus isolates obtained from a single patient over a period of 2 years. A range of environmental isolates, obtained from soil in Scotland, was also included. Firstly, the activity of specific peptides was assessed against hyphae using a measure of fungal metabolic activity. Secondly, the activity of specific peptides was assessed against germinating conidia, using imaging flow cytometry as a measure of hyphal growth. We showed that lysozyme and histones inhibited hyphal metabolic activity in all the A. fumigatus isolates tested in a dose-dependent fashion. In addition, imaging flow cytometry revealed that histones, β-defensin-1 and lactoferrin inhibited the germination of A. fumigatus conidia.
Encochleated Amphotericin B: Is the Oral Availability of Amphotericin B Finally Reached?
Authors: Aigner Maria , Lass-Flörl Cornelia
Published: May 2020

As the oldest and for many decades the only available agent for the treatment of life-threatening invasive fungal diseases, amphotericin B (AmB) is known for its broad-spectrum fungicidal activity against a wide range of yeasts and molds. However, the main drawback of the present formulations remains its toxicity, the limited use to intravenous administration, and the higher costs associated with the better tolerated lipid formulations. The novel nanoparticle-based encochleated AmB (CAmB) formulation encapsulates, protects, and delivers its cargo molecule AmB in the interior of a calcium-phospholipid anhydrous crystal. Protecting AmB from harsh environmental conditions and gastrointestinal degradation, CAmB offers oral availability in conjunction with reduced toxicity. Matinas BioPharma, Bedminster, NJ is on the way to develop CAmB named MAT2203, currently undergoing Phase II clinical trials.
Analyst Forecast Dispersion and Market Return Predictability: Does Conditional Equity Premium Play a Role?
Authors: Liu Shuang , Yao Juan , Satchell Stephen
Published: May 2020

Prior studies found that analyst forecast dispersion predicts future market returns. Some prior studies attribute this predictability to the short-sale constraints in the market according to the overpricing theory. Using the U.S. data from 1981 to 2014, we find that the return predictive power of aggregate dispersion only exists prior to 2005. The investor sentiment index, as a proxy of short-sale constraints used by many studies, can only explain the dispersion effect prior to 2005. The investor sentiment index and other proxies such as institutional ownership and put options cannot explain the significant weakening of the dispersion effect after the global financial crisis. We argue that the dispersion-return relation is partly driven by the correlation between dispersion and conditional equity premium. Our evidence suggests that the short-sale constrained stocks do not experience a higher dispersion effect, which is contrary to what the overpricing theory predicts.
Code-Switching in Linguistics: A Position Paper
Authors: Deuchar Margaret
Published: May 2020

This paper provides a critical review of the state of the art in code-switching research being conducted in linguistics. Three issues of theoretical and practical importance are explored: (a) code-switching vs. borrowing; (b) grammaticality; and (c) variability vs. uniformity, and I take a position on all three issues. Regarding switching vs. borrowing, I argue that not all lone other-language items are borrowings once more subtle measures of integration are used. I defend the use of empirical data to compare competing theoretical frameworks of grammaticality, and I exemplify quantitative research on variability in code-switching, showing that it also reveals uniformity and the possible influence of community norms. I conclude that more research is needed on a range of bilingual communities in order to determine the relative contribution of individual factors, processing and community norms to the variability and uniformity of code-switching.
Subtypes of Depression: Latent Class Analysis in Spanish Old People with Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Pérez-Belmonte Sergio , Galiana Laura , Sancho Patricia , Oliver Amparo , Tomás José M.
Published: May 2020

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most disabling disorders and the one that most contributes to disability. When it occurs in older people, it is an additional burden to their potential physical and cognitive deficiencies, making MDD an important public health problem that supposes a large investment in health. There is a clear lack of consistency between the subtypes of depression found in the literature, ranging from two to seven classes, with three being the most commonly found non-melancholic, melancholic and psychotic, or putative psychotics. The aim of this research is to add knowledge to the profiles of depressive symptoms in a representative sample of older Spanish people, and to study the possible relationship of these symptom profiles with variables that have traditionally been related to depression. Spanish data from the sixth wave of SHARE were used, with 612 Spanish older adults living in Spain. A routine of several LCAs with a different number of classes was performed to answer this first aim to classify Spanish adults with depression symptoms. The results pointed out the presence of three different classes among the participants in the study: psychosomatic (11.12%), melancholic (14.21%), and anhedonic (74.67%). This work represents a step forward to understand the heterogeneity of major depressive disorder, facilitating the diagnosis, and subsequent treatment of older adults.
1-Benzyl-2-(thien-2-yl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole
Authors: Golubenkova Alexandra S. , Golantsov Nikita E. , Festa Alexey A. , Voskressensky Leonid G.
Published: May 2020

Imidazolines are a valuable class of organic compounds, namely ligands of imidazoline receptors, chiral ligands for metal catalysis, synthetic intermediates. The title compound has been prepared through a modified procedure, employing N-benzylethylenediamine and thiophene-2-carbaldehyde under the action of N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) in dichloromethane (DCM) in a good 78% yield.
Attitudes Towards Statistics in Secondary Education: Findings from fsQCA
Authors: Peiró-Signes Ángel , Trull Óscar , Segarra-Oña Marival , García-Díaz J. Carlos
Published: May 2020

Students report a high degree of anxiety and reduced self-confidence when facing statistical subjects, especially in secondary education. This anxiety turns into poor academic performance. Most studies have used linear models for studying the interrelation between different attitudes and proving their impact on performance or related variables. This study uses a different approach to explain and better understand the causal patterns of factors stimulating lower levels of anxiety in students when facing statistics in secondary education. We employed the Multi-factorial Scale of Attitudes Toward Statistics (MSATS) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) on a sample of 95 secondary school students in Spain. We identified the recipes or causal combination of factors, leading to low and high levels of anxiety. The results indicate that self-confidence and motivation are important factors in these recipes, but there is no single necessary condition that ensures lower levels of anxiety.
Nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag Approach: An Application on the Connectedness between Bitcoin Returns and the Other Ten Most Relevant Cryptocurrency Returns
Authors: González María de la O , Jareño Francisco , Skinner Frank S.
Published: May 2020

This article examines the connectedness between Bitcoin returns and returns of ten additional cryptocurrencies for several frequencies—daily, weekly, and monthly—over the period January 2015–March 2020 using a nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) approach. We find important and positive interdependencies among cryptocurrencies and significant long-run relationships among most of them. In addition, non-Bitcoin cryptocurrency returns seem to react in the same way to positive and negative changes in Bitcoin returns, obtaining strong evidence of asymmetry in the short run. Finally, our results show high persistence in the impact of both positive and negative changes in Bitcoin returns on most of the other cryptocurrency returns. Thus, our model explains about 50% of the other cryptocurrency returns with changes in Bitcoin returns.
Novel Extension of DEMATEL Method by Trapezoidal Fuzzy Numbers and D Numbers for Management of Decision-Making Processes
Authors: Pribićević Ivan , Doljanica Suzana , Momčilović Oliver , Das Dillip Kumar , Pamučar Dragan , Stević Željko
Published: May 2020

The decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method is one of the most significant multi-criteria techniques for defining the relationships among criteria and for defining the weight coefficients of criteria. Since multi-criteria models are very often used in management and decision-making under conditions of uncertainty, the fuzzy DEMATEL model has been extended in this paper by D numbers (fuzzy DEMATEL-D). The aim of this research was to develop a multi-criteria methodology that enables the objective processing of fuzzy linguistic information in the pairwise comparison of criteria. This aim was achieved through the development of the fuzzy DEMATEL-D method. Combining D numbers with trapezoidal fuzzy linguistic variables (LVs) allows for the additional processing of uncertainties and ambiguities that exist in experts’ preferences when comparing criteria with each other. In addition, the fuzzy DEMATEL-D methodology has a unique reasoning algorithm that allows for the rational processing of uncertainties when using fuzzy linguistic expressions for pairwise comparisons of criteria. The fuzzy DEMATEL-D methodology provides an original uncertainty management framework that is rational and concise. In order to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology, a case study with the application of the proposed multi-criteria methodology is presented.
Maps Preserving k-Jordan Products on Operator Algebras
Authors: Qi Xiaofei , Wang Miaomiao
Published: May 2020

For any positive integer k, the k-Jordan product of a , b in a ring R is defined by { a , b } k = { { a , b } k − 1 , b } 1 , where { a , b } 0 = a and { a , b } 1 = a b + b a . A map f on R is k-Jordan zero-product preserving if { f ( a ) , f ( b ) } k = 0 whenever { a , b } k = 0 for a , b ∈ R ; it is strong k-Jordan product preserving if { f ( a ) , f ( b ) } k = { a , b } k for all a , b ∈ R . In this paper, strong k-Jordan product preserving nonlinear maps on general rings and k-Jordan zero-product preserving additive maps on standard operator algebras are characterized, generalizing some known results.