bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Moderate Nitrate and Low Sulphate Depositions on the Status of Soil Base Cation Pools and Recent Mineral Soil Acidification at Forest Conversion Sites with European Beech (“Green Eyes”) Embedded in Norway Spruce and Scots Pine Stands
Authors: Achilles Florian , Tischer Alexander , Bernhardt-Römermann Markus , Chmara Ines , Achilles Mareike , Michalzik Beate
Published: May 2021

High N depositions of past decades brought changes to European forests including impacts on forest soil nutrition status. However, the ecosystem responses to declining atmospheric N inputs or moderate N depositions attracted only less attention so far. Our study investigated macronutrient (N, S, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+) pools and fluxes at forest conversion sites over 80 years old in Central Germany with European beech (so-called “Green Eyes” (GE)). The GE are embedded in large spruce and pine stands (coniferous stands: CS) and all investigated forest stands were exposed to moderate N deposition rates (6.8 ± 0.9 kg ha−1 yr−1) and acidic soil conditions (pHH2O < 4.7). Since the understanding of forest soil chemical and macronutrient status is essential for the evaluation of forest conversion approaches, we linked patterns in water-bound nutrient fluxes (2001–2018) and in predicted macronutrient storage in the herbaceous and tree layer to patterns in litter fall (2016–2017) and in forest floor and mineral soil macronutrient stocks at GE and CS assessed in 2018. Our results exhibited 43% (Nt) and 21% (S) higher annual throughfall fluxes at CS than at GE. Seepage water at 100 cm mineral soil depth (2001–2018) of CS is characterized by up to fivefold higher NO3− (GE: 2 ± 0.7 µmolc L−1; CS: 9 ± 1.4 µmolc L−1) and sevenfold higher SO42− (GE: 492 ± 220 µmolc L−1; CS: 3672 ± 2613 µmolc L−1) concentrations. High base cation (∑ Ca2+, Mg2+, K+) concentrations in CS mineral soil seepage water (100 cm depth: 2224 ± 1297 µmolc L−1) show significant positive correlations with SO42−. Tree uptake of base cations at GE is associated especially with a Ca2+ depletion from deeper mineral soil. Foliar litter fall turns out to be the main pathway for litter base cation return to the topsoil at GE (>59%) and CS (>66%). The litter fall base cation return at GE (59 ± 6 kg ha−1 yr−1) is almost twice as large as the base cation deposition (30 ± 5 kg ha−1 yr−1) via throughfall and stemflow. At CS, base cation inputs to the topsoil via litter fall and depositions are at the same magnitude (24 ± 4 kg ha−1 yr−1). Macronutrient turnover is higher at GE and decomposition processes are hampered at CS maybe through higher N inputs. Due to its little biomass and only small coverage, the herbaceous layer at GE and CS do not exert a strong influence on macronutrient storage. Changes in soil base cation pools are tree species-, depth- and might be time-dependent, with recently growing forest floor stocks. An ongoing mineral soil acidification seems to be related to decreasing mineral soil base cation stocks (through NO3− and especially SO42− leaching as well as through tree uptake).
Modeling of Hydrogen Production by Applying Biomass Gasification: Artificial Neural Network Modeling Approach
Authors: Safarian Sahar , Ebrahimi Saryazdi Seyed Mohammad , Unnthorsson Runar , Richter Christiaan
Published: May 2021

In order to accurately anticipate the proficiency of downdraft biomass gasification linked with a water–gas shift unit to produce biohydrogen, a model based on an artificial neural network (ANN) approach is established to estimate the specific mass flow rate of the biohydrogen output of the plant based on different types of biomasses and diverse operating parameters. The factors considered as inputs to the models are elemental and proximate analysis compositions as well as the operating parameters. The model structure includes one layer for input, a hidden layer and output layer. One thousand eight hundred samples derived from the simulation of 50 various feedstocks in different operating situations were utilized to train the developed ANN model. The established ANN in the case of product biohydrogen presents satisfactory agreement with input data: absolute fraction of variance (R2) is more than 0.999 and root mean square error (RMSE) is lower than 0.25. In addition, the relative impact of biomass properties and operating parameters on output are studied. At the end, to have a comprehensive evaluation, variations of the inputs regarding hydrogen-content are compared and evaluated together. The results show that almost all of the inputs show a significant impact on the smhydrogen output. Significantly, gasifier temperature, SBR, moisture content and hydrogen have the highest impacts on the smhydrogen with contributions of 19.96, 17.18, 15.3 and 10.48%, respectively. In addition, other variables in feed properties, like C, O, S and N present a range of 1.28–8.6% and proximate components like VM, FC and A present a range of 3.14–7.67% of impact on smhydrogen.
Formation of Polysulfone Hollow Fiber Membranes Using the Systems with Lower Critical Solution Temperature
Authors: Plisko Tatiana V. , Bildyukevich Alexandr V. , Zhao Liang , Huang Weiqing , Volkov Vladimir V. , Huang Zuohua
Published: May 2021

This study deals with the investigation of the phase state of the polymer systems from polysulfone (PSF) with the addition of polyethylene glycol (PEG-400, Mn = 400 g·mol−1) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K-30, Mn = 40,000 g·mol−1) in N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMA), which feature lower critical solution temperatures (LCSTs). A fragment of the phase state diagram of the system PSF —PEG-400—PVP K-30—DMA was experimentally constructed in the following range of component concentrations: PSF 20–24 wt.%, PEG-400—35–38 wt.% and PVP—0–8 wt.%. It has been established that PVP addition substantially reduces the phase separation temperature down to 50–60 °C. Based on the obtained phase diagrams, a method for preparation of highly permeable hollow fiber membranes from PSF, which involves the processing of the dope solution at a temperature close to the LCST and the temperature of the bore fluid above the LCST, was proposed. Hollow fiber membranes with pure water flux of 1200 L·m−2·h−1 and a sponge-like macrovoid-free structure were obtained via LCST-thermally induced phase separation by free fall spinning technique.
River Flows Are a Reliable Index of Forest Fire Risk in the Temperate Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Australia
Authors: Bowman David M. J. S. , Williamson Grant J.
Published: May 2021

Fire risk can be defined as the probability that a fire will spread across a landscape, that therefore determines the likely area burnt by a wildfire. Reliable monitoring of fire risk is essential for effective landscape management. Compilation of fire risk records enable identification of seasonal and inter-annual patterns and provide a baseline to evaluate the trajectories in response to climate change. Typically, fire risk is estimated from meteorological data. In regions with sparse meteorological station coverage environmental proxies provide important additional data source for estimating past and current fire risk. Here, we use a 60-year record of daily flows (ML day−1 past a fixed-point river gauge) from two rivers (Franklin and Davey) in the remote Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA) to characterize seasonal patterns in fire risk in temperate Eucalyptus forests and rainforests. We show that river flows are strongly related to landscape soil moisture estimates derived from down-scaled re-analysis of meteorological data available since 1990. To identify river flow thresholds where forests are likely to burn, we relate river flows to known forest fires that have occurred in the previously defined ecohydrological domains that surround the Franklin and Davey catchments. Our analysis shows that the fire season in the TWWHA is centered on February (70% of all years below the median river flow threshold), with shoulders on December-January and March. Since 1954, forest fire can occur in at least one month for all but four summers in the ecohydrological domain that includes the Franklin catchment, and since 1964 fire could occur in at least one month in every summer in the ecohydrological domain that includes the Davey catchment. Our analysis shows that managers can use river flows as a simple index that indicates landscape-scale forest fire risk in the TWWHA.
Do Soil Chemical Changes Contribute to the Dominance of Blady Grass (Imperata cylindrica) in Surface Fire-Affected Forests?
Authors: Butler Orpheus M. , Lewis Tom , Chen Chengrong
Published: May 2021

Imperata cylindrica is a perennial grass that often proliferates in fire-affected forests. Recent fire events have been consistently associated with a lowering of soil nitrogen (N) to phosphorus (P) ratios. Thus, I. cylindrica might have a tendency toward P-limited growth and/or tolerance for low soil N availability that confers a competitive advantage post-fire. We contrasted soil and I. cylindrica chemistry between recently burned and unburned areas in eastern Australia. Imperata cylindrica foliar N:P ratios were 21% lower in burned areas than in unburned areas, reflecting an increase in the uptake of P, but not N, post-fire, consistent with P-limitation. We then grew I. cylindrica seedlings in soils with differing fire-exposure histories and subjected them to various resource amendments (including N and P addition). Survival of I. cylindrica seedlings was not affected by the fire-exposure history of soil, but was reduced by 66% through N-addition. Soil fire history did not significantly affect I. cylindrica growth, but addition of P greatly enhanced I. cylindrica growth, particularly on unburned soils. Our results indicate that the association between I. cylindrica and forest fire regime could be facilitated, in part, by the short-term positive effect of fire on soil phosphorus and the long-term positive effect of fire-exclusion on soil nitrogen, particularly on well-weathered soils.
Diffusion Mechanisms for the Occurrence of the Instability of Mechanical Equilibrium of a Ternary Gas Mixture Containing Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Kossov Vladimir , Fedorenko Olga , Kalimov Adilet , Zhussanbayeva Aiym
Published: May 2021

Mixing of carbon dioxide dissolved in a multicomponent gas mixture at different pressures was researched. It was found that the mechanical equilibrium of the ternary gas mixture 0.4163H2 (1) + 0.5837CO2 (2) − N2 (3) is violated at a pressure of p = 0.7 MPa and structured flows appear in the system. The pressure area (from 0.7 to 1.5 MPa) at which the conditions of priority transfer of components with the highest molecular weight in the mixture are realised in the system is fixed. To analyse the effect of pressure on the process of changing “diffusion–convection” modes, a mathematical model, which takes into account the kinetic features of multicomponent mixing, was applied. It was shown that the change in the modes of mass transfer is associated with a significant difference in the diffusion ability of the components. It is noted that the difference in the diffusion coefficients of components results in the nonlinearity of the concentration distribution, which leads to the inversion of the density gradient of the gas mixture, which is the cause of convective flows.
Rheological Characterization of a Concentrated Phosphate Slurry
Authors: Maazioui Souhail , Maazouz Abderrahim , Benkhaldoun Fayssal , Ouazar Driss , Lamnawar Khalid
Published: May 2021

Phosphate ore slurry is a suspension of insoluble particles of phosphate rock, the primary raw material for fertilizer and phosphoric acid, in a continuous phase of water. This suspension has a non-Newtonian flow behavior and exhibits yield stress as the shear rate tends toward zero. The suspended particles in the present study were assumed to be noncolloidal. Various grades and phosphate ore concentrations were chosen for this rheological investigation. We created some experimental protocols to determine the main characteristics of these complex fluids and established relevant rheological models with a view to simulate the numerical flow in a cylindrical pipeline. Rheograms of these slurries were obtained using a rotational rheometer and were accurately modeled with commonly used yield-pseudoplastic models. The results show that the concentration of solids in a solid–liquid mixture could be increased while maintaining a desired apparent viscosity. Finally, the design equations for the laminar pipe flow of yield pseudoplastics were investigated to highlight the role of rheological studies in this context.
Genotoxicity Evaluation of Propyl-Propane-Thiosulfinate (PTS) from Allium genus Essential Oils by a Combination of Micronucleus and Comet Assays in Rats
Authors: Cascajosa-Lira Antonio , Puerto María , Prieto Ana I. , Pichardo Silvia , Díez-Quijada Jiménez Leticia , Baños Alberto , Guillamón Enrique , Moyano Rosario , Molina-Hernández Verónica , Jos Ángeles , Cameán Ana M.
Published: May 2021

Propyl-propanethiosulfinate (PTS) is a component of Allium essential oils. This organosulfur molecule can be used as a feed additive to decrease the appearance of bacterial resistances caused by the residues of antibiotics. In previous in vitro genotoxicity studies, contradictory results were reported for PTS. In this work, the in vivo genotoxicity of PTS in male and female rats was assessed for the first time, following OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) guidelines. After oral administration (doses: 5.5, 17.4, and 55.0 mg/kg PTS body weight), a combination of the micronucleus (MN) assay (OECD 474) in bone marrow and the standard and enzyme-modified comet assay (OECD 489) was performed. After necropsy, histopathological studies were also carried out. The results did not show the in vivo genotoxicity of PTS at any doses assayed, revealed by the absence of increased MN, and DNA strand breaks or oxidative DNA damage in the standard and enzyme-modified comet assays. The histopathological study revealed that only the highest dose tested (55.0 mg/kg) in the liver and all dose groups in the stomach presented minimal pathological lesions in the organs studied. Consequently, the present work confirms that PTS is not genotoxic at the doses assayed, and it is a promising natural alternative to synthetic preservatives and antibiotics in animal feed.
Consumer Acceptability and Sensory Profile of Sustainable Paper-Based Packaging
Authors: Lignou Stella , Oloyede Omobolanle O.
Published: May 2021

Sustainability appears to be increasingly important to consumers. In order for companies to reach their sustainability targets and offer more environmentally friendly solutions to consumers, food producers and retailers have begun to change their packaging to more recyclable, bio-based and biodegradable packaging. This study evaluated the sensory characteristics of paper-based prototype packages developed for two product categories (biscuit and meat packages) using a trained sensory panel. Consumer liking, preference and purchase intent were assessed by 130 participants. For the biscuit packages, no significant differences were observed for the liking of any of the four dimensions assessed (appearance, design, feel or overall liking). However, consumer segmentation identified three relatively homogeneous groups of consumers exhibiting differences in the hedonic reaction to the three packages. For the meat packages, significant differences and preference were observed between the original and paper-based packages. For both categories, the purchase intent was low, indicating that further work needed to be done to improve several quality characteristics (e.g., design, size and strength of the package), which would lead to better consumer acceptability.
Vacuum and Infrared-Assisted Hot Air Impingement Drying for Improving the Processing Performance and Quality of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf Cubes
Authors: Zhang Weipeng , Chen Chang , Pan Zhongli , Zheng Zhian
Published: May 2021

The objective of this study was to develop an efficient drying technology for poria cubes in order to improve product quality. Poria cubes were dried using different methods, including air impingement drying, infrared-assisted air impingement drying, vacuum drying, two-stage vacuum drying, and infrared-assisted air impingement drying. The results were compared with those from hot air drying. For the two-stage drying, the tested conditions were the first stage of vacuum drying with temperatures between 65–85 °C and a switching moisture ratio of 70–90%. The second stage infrared-assisted air impingement drying also had temperatures 65–85 °C. The drying kinetics (effective moisture diffusivity (Deff), Biot number (Bi), and mass transfer coefficient (k) were studied via the product qualities (broken ratio, firmness, microstructure, and water-soluble polysaccharide content) and specific energy consumption (SEC) of the drying processes. The results showed that two-stage drying led to the lowest drying time and energy consumption, and also obtained the best qualities. Box–Behnken experimental design with response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the two-stage operating conditions as 82 °C under vacuum drying until a moisture content of 81% and a temperature of 69 °C with infrared-assisted air impingement drying was achieved. These findings suggested that two-stage vacuum and infrared-assisted air impingement drying is a promising method for producing high quality and energy efficient dried poria cubes.
Sorghum Phenolic Compounds Are Associated with Cell Growth Inhibition through Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis in Human Hepatocarcinoma and Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Cells
Authors: Chen Xi , Shen Jiamin , Xu Jingwen , Herald Thomas , Smolensky Dmitriy , Perumal Ramasamy , Wang Weiqun
Published: May 2021

Phenolic compounds in some specialty sorghums have been associated with cancer prevention. However, direct evidence and the underlying mechanisms for this are mostly unknown. In this study, phenolics were extracted from 13 selected sorghum accessions with black pericarp while F10000 hybrid with white pericarp was used as a control, and cell growth inhibition was studied in hepatocarcinoma HepG2 and colorectal adenocarcinoma Caco-2 cells. Total phenolic contents of the 13 high phenolic grains, as determined by Folin–Ciocalteu, were 30–64 mg GAE/g DW in the phenolic extracts of various accessions compared with the control F10000 at 2 mg GAE/g DW. Treatment of HepG2 with the extracted phenolics at 0–200 μM GAE up to 72 h resulted in a dose- and time-dependent reduction in cell numbers. The values of IC50 varied from 85 to 221 mg DW/mL while the control of F10000 was 1275 mg DW/mL. The underlying mechanisms were further examined using the highest phenolic content of PI329694 and the lowest IC50 of PI570481, resulting in a non-cytotoxic decrease in cell number that was significantly correlated with increased cell cycle arrest at G2/M and apoptotic cells in both HepG2 and Caco-2 cells. Taken together, these results indicated, for the first time, that inhibition of either HepG2 or Caco-2 cell growth by phenolic extracts from 13 selected sorghum accessions was due to cytostatic and apoptotic but not cytotoxic mechanisms, suggesting some specialty sorghums are a valuable, functional food, providing sustainable phenolics for potential cancer prevention.
Consumer Preferences for Origin and Organic Attributes of Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A Choice Experiment in the Italian Market
Authors: Carzedda Matteo , Gallenti Gianluigi , Troiano Stefania , Cosmina Marta , Marangon Francesco , de Luca Patrizia , Pegan Giovanna , Nassivera Federico
Published: May 2021

The paper investigates Italian consumers’ behavior towards characteristics of extra virgin olive oil, in particular organic production methods and geographical origin. On the basis of the existing literature, the concepts of sustainability of food systems, diets, and the olive oil supply chain are analyzed. A choice experiment (CE), using a face-to-face questionnaire with over 1000 participants, was conducted to quantify the willingness to pay (WTP) for these two attributes. Findings show positive preference for origin attributes, while the organic attribute is not highly valued. The article also offers some perspectives on future research to improve the competitiveness and sustainability of the Italian olive oil supply chain.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO): Quality, Safety, Authenticity, and Adulteration
Authors: Varzakas Theodoros
Published: May 2021

The prevention and bioactivity effects associated with the so-called “Mediterranean diet” make olive oil the most consumed edible fat in the food intake of the Mediterranean basin [...]
Effect of Pretreatment Processes on Biogenic Amines Content and Some Bioactive Compounds in Hericium erinaceus Extract
Authors: Makhamrueang Netnapa , Sirilun Sasithorn , Sirithunyalug Jakkapan , Chaiyana Wantida , Wangcharoen Wiwat , Peerajan Sartjin , Chaiyasut Chaiyavat
Published: May 2021

Hericium erinaceus is reported as a source of several nutritional contents and bioactive compounds, especially β-glucan. However, various uncontrolled processes lead to the formation of byproducts that can affect human health, including biogenic amines. These amines are concerning, because their presence is an important indicator of the process of hygiene and food spoilage or quality. A better understanding of various pretreatment processes can control the content of biogenic amines. In this work, we studied the effect of pretreatment processes, i.e., sample size (whole, ripping, and chopping); heating process (non-heating, blanching, and boiling); and drying method (nondrying, hot air drying, and freeze-drying) on biogenic amine contents in H. erinaceus extract. A method of the post-column high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique was used for the analysis of putrescine (PUT) and spermidine (SPD) in H. erinaceus extract following the acceptable guidelines. In this study, treatment 20 (chopping/non-heating/hot air drying) was suggested as a good choice for the pretreatment process, because low levels of PUT and SPD were shown in the extract while high levels of the bioactive compounds β-glucan and antioxidant activity were presented. This treatment process can be applied to the industry because of its easy operation and cost-saving.
A Preliminary Study of Chemical Profiles of Honey, Cerumen, and Propolis of the African Stingless Bee Meliponula ferruginea
Authors: Popova Milena , Gerginova Dessislava , Trusheva Boryana , Simova Svetlana , Tamfu Alfred Ngenge , Ceylan Ozgur , Clark Kerry , Bankova Vassya
Published: May 2021

Recently, the honey and propolis of stingless bees have been attracting growing attention because of their health-promoting properties. However, studies on these products of African Meliponini are still very scarce. In this preliminary study, we analyzed the chemical composition of honey, two cerumen, and two resin deposits (propolis) samples of Meliponula ferruginea from Tanzania. The honey of M. ferruginea was profiled by NMR and indicated different long-term stability from Apis mellifera European (Bulgarian) honey. It differed significantly in sugar and organic acids content and had a very high amount of the disaccharide trehalulose, known for its bioactivities. We suggested trehalulose to be a potential marker for African stingless bee honey analogously to the recent proposal for Meliponini honey from Asia, South America, and Australia and demonstrated its easy discrimination by 13C NMR. Propolis and cerumen were studied by GC-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectometry). The samples contained mainly terpenoids (di-and triterpenes) but demonstrated qualitative and quantitative differences. This fact was an indication that possibly M. ferruginea has no strict preferences for resins used to construct and protect their nests. The antimicrobial and anti-quorum sensing properties of the two materials were also tested. These first results demonstrated that the honey, cerumen, and propolis of African stingless bees were rich in biologically active substances and deserved further research.
Investigation by Synchrotron Radiation Circular Dichroism of the Secondary Structure Evolution of Pepsin under Oxidative Environment
Authors: Théron Laetitia , Bonifacie Aline , Delabre Jérémy , Sayd Thierry , Aubry Laurent , Gatellier Philippe , Ravel Christine , Chambon Christophe , Astruc Thierry , Rouel Jacques , Santé-Lhoutellier Véronique , Réfrégiers Matthieu , Wien Frank
Published: May 2021

Food processing affects the structure and chemical state of proteins. In particular, protein oxidation occurs and may impair protein properties. These chemical reactions initiated during processing can develop during digestion. Indeed, the physicochemical conditions of the stomach (oxygen pressure, low pH) favor oxidation. In that respect, digestive proteases may be affected as well. Yet, very little is known about the link between endogenous oxidation of digestive enzymes, their potential denaturation, and, therefore, food protein digestibility. Thus, the objective of this study is to understand how oxidative chemical processes will impact the pepsin secondary structure and its hydrolytic activity. The folding and unfolding kinetics of pepsin under oxidative conditions was determined using Synchrotron Radiation Circular Dichroism. SRCD gave us the possibility to monitor the rapid kinetics of protein folding and unfolding in real-time, giving highly resolved spectral data. The proteolytic activity of control and oxidized pepsin was investigated by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry on a meat protein model, the creatine kinase. MALDI-TOF MS allowed a rapid evaluation of the proteolytic activity through peptide fingerprint. This study opens up new perspectives by shifting the digestion paradigm taking into account the gastric digestive enzyme and its substrate.
Utilizing Fractals for Modeling and 3D Printing of Porous Structures
Authors: Ullah AMM Sharif , D’Addona Doriana Marilena , Seto Yusuke , Yonehara Shota , Kubo Akihiko
Published: May 2021

Porous structures exhibiting randomly sized and distributed pores are required in biomedical applications (producing implants), materials science (developing cermet-based materials with desired properties), engineering applications (objects having controlled mass and energy transfer properties), and smart agriculture (devices for soilless cultivation). In most cases, a scaffold-based method is used to design porous structures. This approach fails to produce randomly sized and distributed pores, which is a pressing need as far as the aforementioned application areas are concerned. Thus, more effective porous structure design methods are required. This article presents how to utilize fractal geometry to model porous structures and then print them using 3D printing technology. A mathematical procedure was developed to create stochastic point clouds using the affine maps of a predefined Iterative Function Systems (IFS)-based fractal. In addition, a method is developed to modify a given IFS fractal-generated point cloud. The modification process controls the self-similarity levels of the fractal and ultimately results in a model of porous structure exhibiting randomly sized and distributed pores. The model can be transformed into a 3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD) model using voxel-based modeling or other means for digitization and 3D printing. The efficacy of the proposed method is demonstrated by transforming the Sierpinski Carpet (an IFS-based fractal) into 3D-printed porous structures with randomly sized and distributed pores. Other IFS-based fractals than the Sierpinski Carpet can be used to model and fabricate porous structures effectively. This issue remains open for further research.
Carbocycle-Based Organogelators: Influence of Chirality and Structural Features on Their Supramolecular Arrangements and Properties
Authors: Ortuño Rosa M.
Published: May 2021

The rational design and engineer of organogel-based smart materials and stimuli-responsive materials with tuned properties requires the control of the non-covalent forces driving the hierarchical self-assembly. Chirality, as well as cis/trans relative configuration, also plays a crucial role promoting the morphology and characteristics of the aggregates. Cycloalkane derivatives can provide chiral chemical platforms allowing the incorporation of functional groups and hydrophobic structural units able for a convenient molecular stacking leading to gels. Restriction of the conformational freedom imposed by the ring strain is also a contributing issue that can be modulated by the inclusion of flexible segments. In addition, donor/acceptor moieties can also be incorporated favoring the interactions with light or with charged species. This review offers a perspective on the abilities and properties of carbocycle-based organogelators starting from simple cycloalkane derivatives, which were the key to establish the basis for an effective self-assembling, to sophisticated polycyclic compounds with manifold properties and applications.
Sensitivity to Immune Checkpoint Blockade in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients with EGFR Exon 20 Insertion Mutations
Authors: Metro Giulio , Baglivo Sara , Bellezza Guido , Mandarano Martina , Gili Alessio , Marchetti Giovanni , Toraldo Marco , Molica Carmen , Reda Maria Sole , Tofanetti Francesca Romana , Siggillino Annamaria , Prosperi Enrico , Giglietti Antonella , Di Girolamo Bruna , Garaffa Miriam , Marasciulo Francesca , Minotti Vincenzo , Gunnellini Marco , Guida Annalisa , Sassi Monica , Sidoni Angelo , Roila Fausto , Ludovini Vienna
Published: May 2021

Besides platinum-based chemotherapy, no established treatment option exists for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with EGFR exon 20 (Ex20ins) insertion mutations. We sought to determine the clinical outcome of patients with this EGFR mutation subtype in the immunotherapy era. Thirty NSCLCs with EGFR Ex20ins mutations were identified, of whom 15 had received immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) treatment as monotherapy (N = 12), in combination with chemotherapy (N = 2) or with another immunotherapeutic agent (N = 1). The response rate was observed in 1 out of 15 patients (6.7%), median progression-free survival (PFS) was 2.0 months and median overall survival (OS) was 5.3 months. A trend towards an inferior outcome in terms of PFS and OS was observed for patients receiving ICB treatment in the first versus second line setting (PFS: 1.6 months versus 2.7 months, respectively, p = 0.16—OS: 2.0 months versus 8.1 months, respectively, p = 0.09). Median OS from the time of diagnosis of advanced disease was shorter for patients treated with ICB versus those who did not receive immunotherapy (12.9 months versus 25.2 months, respectively, p = 0.08), which difference remained associated with a worse survival outcome at multivariate analysis (p = 0.04). Treatment with ICB is poorly effective in NSCLCs with EGFR Ex20ins mutations, especially when given in the first-line setting. This information is crucial in order to select the optimal treatment strategy for patients with this subtype of EGFR mutation.
Epigenetic Contribution and Genomic Imprinting Dlk1-Dio3 miRNAs in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Dai Rujuan , Wang Zhuang , Ahmed S. Ansar
Published: May 2021

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multifactorial autoimmune disease that afflicts multiple organs, especially kidneys and joints. In addition to genetic predisposition, it is now evident that DNA methylation and microRNAs (miRNAs), the two major epigenetic modifications, are critically involved in the pathogenesis of SLE. DNA methylation regulates promoter accessibility and gene expression at the transcriptional level by adding a methyl group to 5′ cytosine within a CpG dinucleotide. Extensive evidence now supports the importance of DNA hypomethylation in SLE etiology. miRNAs are small, non-protein coding RNAs that play a critical role in the regulation of genome expression. Various studies have identified the signature lupus-related miRNAs and their functional contribution to lupus incidence and progression. In this review, the mutual interaction between DNA methylation and miRNAs regulation in SLE is discussed. Some lupus-associated miRNAs regulate DNA methylation status by targeting the DNA methylation enzymes or methylation pathway-related proteins. On the other hand, DNA hyper- and hypo-methylation are linked with dysregulated miRNAs expression in lupus. Further, we specifically discuss the genetic imprinting Dlk1-Dio3 miRNAs that are subjected to DNA methylation regulation and are dysregulated in several autoimmune diseases, including SLE.
40 Years of RAS—A Historic Overview
Authors: Fernández-Medarde Alberto , De Las Rivas Javier , Santos Eugenio
Published: May 2021

It has been over forty years since the isolation of the first human oncogene (HRAS), a crucial milestone in cancer research made possible through the combined efforts of a few selected research groups at the beginning of the 1980s. Those initial discoveries led to a quantitative leap in our understanding of cancer biology and set up the onset of the field of molecular oncology. The following four decades of RAS research have produced a huge pool of new knowledge about the RAS family of small GTPases, including how they regulate signaling pathways controlling many cellular physiological processes, or how oncogenic mutations trigger pathological conditions, including developmental syndromes or many cancer types. However, despite the extensive body of available basic knowledge, specific effective treatments for RAS-driven cancers are still lacking. Hopefully, recent advances involving the discovery of novel pockets on the RAS surface as well as highly specific small-molecule inhibitors able to block its interaction with effectors and/or activators may lead to the development of new, effective treatments for cancer. This review intends to provide a quick, summarized historical overview of the main milestones in RAS research spanning from the initial discovery of the viral RAS oncogenes in rodent tumors to the latest attempts at targeting RAS oncogenes in various human cancers.
L2HGDH Missense Variant in a Cat with L-2-Hydroxyglutaric Aciduria
Authors: Christen Matthias , Janzen Nils , Fraser Anne , Sewell Adrian C. , Jagannathan Vidhya , Guevar Julien , Leeb Tosso , Sanchez-Masian Daniel
Published: May 2021

A 7-month-old, spayed female, domestic longhair cat with L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria (L-2-HGA) was investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical signs, metabolic changes and underlying genetic defect. The owner of the cat reported a 4-month history of multiple paroxysmal seizure-like episodes, characterized by running around the house, often in circles, with abnormal behavior, bumping into obstacles, salivating and often urinating. The episodes were followed by a period of disorientation and inappetence. Neurological examination revealed an absent bilateral menace response. Routine blood work revealed mild microcytic anemia but biochemistry, ammonia, lactate and pre- and post-prandial bile acids were unremarkable. MRI of the brain identified multifocal, bilaterally symmetrical and T2-weighted hyperintensities within the prosencephalon, mesencephalon and metencephalon, primarily affecting the grey matter. Urinary organic acids identified highly increased levels of L-2-hydroxyglutaric acid. The cat was treated with the anticonvulsants levetiracetam and phenobarbitone and has been seizure-free for 16 months. We sequenced the genome of the affected cat and compared the data to 48 control genomes. L2HGDH, coding for L-2-hydroxyglutarate dehydrogenase, was investigated as the top functional candidate gene. This search revealed a single private protein-changing variant in the affected cat. The identified homozygous variant, XM_023255678.1:c.1301A>G, is predicted to result in an amino acid change in the L2HGDH protein, XP_023111446.1:p.His434Arg. The available clinical and biochemical data together with current knowledge about L2HGDH variants and their functional impact in humans and dogs allow us to classify the p.His434Arg variant as a causative variant for the observed neurological signs in this cat.
The Cause of Hereditary Hearing Loss in GJB2 Heterozygotes—A Comprehensive Study of the GJB2/DFNB1 Region
Authors: Safka Brozkova Dana , Uhrova Meszarosova Anna , Lassuthova Petra , Varga Lukáš , Staněk David , Borecká Silvia , Laštůvková Jana , Čejnová Vlasta , Rašková Dagmar , Lhota Filip , Gašperíková Daniela , Seeman Pavel
Published: May 2021

Hearing loss is a genetically heterogeneous sensory defect, and the frequent causes are biallelic pathogenic variants in the GJB2 gene. However, patients carrying only one heterozygous pathogenic (monoallelic) GJB2 variant represent a long-lasting diagnostic problem. Interestingly, previous results showed that individuals with a heterozygous pathogenic GJB2 variant are two times more prevalent among those with hearing loss compared to normal-hearing individuals. This excess among patients led us to hypothesize that there could be another pathogenic variant in the GJB2 region/DFNB1 locus. A hitherto undiscovered variant could, in part, explain the cause of hearing loss in patients and would mean reclassifying them as patients with GJB2 biallelic pathogenic variants. In order to detect an unknown causal variant, we examined 28 patients using NGS with probes that continuously cover the 0.4 Mb in the DFNB1 region. An additional 49 patients were examined by WES to uncover only carriers. We did not reveal a second pathogenic variant in the DFNB1 region. However, in 19% of the WES-examined patients, the cause of hearing loss was found to be in genes other than the GJB2. We present evidence to show that a substantial number of patients are carriers of the GJB2 pathogenic variant, albeit only by chance.
miRNA Profiling in the Chicken Liver under the Influence of Early Microbiota Stimulation with Probiotic, Prebiotic, and Synbiotic
Authors: Sikorska Michalina , Siwek Maria , Slawinska Anna , Dunislawska Aleksandra
Published: May 2021

Epigenetic regulation of gene expression is a form of interaction of the external environment on reading and transcription of genetic information encoded in nucleic acids. We provided evidence that early stimulation of the chicken microbiota with in ovo delivered synbiotics influenced gene expression and DNA methylation in the liver. Therefore, we hypothesize that the stimulation of microbiota by administering bioactive substances in ovo also affects the activity of miRNA in liver. For the analysis of miRNA activity, RNA was isolated from liver of adult broiler chicken and native chicken breed. The animals received a prebiotic, probiotic and synbiotic in ovo on day 12 of egg incubation. The analysis of miRNA expression was performed using the LNA method on a miRNA panel selected on the basis of previous microarray experiments. We have found increased miRNA expression activity after probiotic and synbiotic administration, especially in native chicken breed. Our results suggest that prebiotics reduce or do not affect miRNA activity. We have also shown that miRNA activity is regulated by the substance and genotype of the chicken. We can conclude that miRNAs constitute an important component of the molecular mechanism of host–probiotic interaction in liver.
Displacement Analyses for a Natural Slope Considering Post-Peak Strength of Soils
Authors: Lo Chien-Li , Huang Ching-Chuan
Published: May 2021

A natural slope undergoing recurrent movements caused by rainfall-induced groundwater table rises is studied using a novel method. The strength and displacement parameters are back-calculated using a force-equilibrium-based finite displacement method (FFDM) based on the first event of slope movement recorded in the monitoring period. Slope displacements in response to subsequent rainfall-induced groundwater table rises are predicted using FFDM based on the back-calculated material parameters. Important factors that may influence the accuracy of slope displacement predictions, namely, the curvature of the Mohr-Coulomb (M-C) failure envelope and post-peak strength softening, are investigated. It is found that the accuracy of slope displacement predictions can be improved by taking into account post-peak stress-displacement relationship in the analysis. The accuracy of slope displacement predictions is not influenced by the curvature of the M-C failure envelope in the displacement analysis.
Bathymetric Survey for Enhancing the Volumetric Capacity of Tagwai Dam in Nigeria via Leapfrogging Approach
Authors: Ibrahim Pius Onoja , Sternberg Harald
Published: May 2021

From a global perspective, dams are constructed to trap water flowing from a higher concentration to a lower concentration into a basin for several purposes to aid humanity. The continuous monitoring of dams is prudent for measuring the rate of sedimentation and siltation, and to ensure that it functions to its full capacity. The Tagwai dam is used for irrigation and domestic activities. It was observed that there is a shortage in its storage capacity and supplies due to sedimentation, and coupled with this is the fact that the majority of the communities are not connected to the tap water system; if not, the problem would have been evidently pronounced. However, to determine the present volume of water and provide possible ways of increasing the reservoir’s storage capacity, the leapfrogging approach was used to improve the basin. The data were collected using a single beam echosounder and Hi-Target V30 differential global positioning system (DGPS). The sounder was used to acquire bathymetric data, while the DGPS was used to delineate the shoreline. The data were interpolated using the ordinary Kriging technique. After that, the leapfrogging method was grouped into four scenarios: Scenario A, B, C, and D. In each stage, the volume was computed using Simpson’s 3/8 integrated model. Scenario A is the present stage of the reservoir. Consequently, the results show that, while scenario B and C presented an appreciable increase in volume at the instant, scenario D illustrated a tremendous improvement in the storage capacity, and it is a win-win situation. The decision on which leapfrogging approach to employ depends on the government’s willingness to enhance the reservoir’s capacity and the resources available, such as human and financial capital to execute the project.
Gaussian Transformation Methods for Spatial Data
Authors: Varouchakis Emmanouil A.
Published: May 2021

Data gaussianity is an important tool in spatial statistical modeling as well as in experimental data analysis. Usually field and experimental observation data deviate significantly from the normal distribution. This work presents alternative methods for data transformation and revisits the applicability of a modified version of the well-known Box-Cox technique. The recently proposed method has the significant advantage of transforming negative sign (fluctuations) data in advance to positive sign ones. Fluctuations derived from data detrending cannot be transformed using common methods. Therefore, the Modified Box-Cox technique provides a reliable solution. The method was tested in average rainfall data and detrended rainfall data (fluctuations), in groundwater level data, in Total Organic Carbon wt% residuals and using random number generator simulating potential experimental results. It was found that the Modified Box-Cox technique competes successfully in data transformation. On the other hand, it improved significantly the normalization of negative sign data or fluctuations. The coding of the method is presented by means of a Graphical User Interface format in MATLAB environment for reproduction of the results and public access.
Trustworthiness of Flexible Rockfall Protection Systems
Authors: Volkwein Axel , Fulde Marcel , Krieger Hauksson Ingvar
Published: May 2021

Flexible rockfall protection systems are an effective and efficient remedy against rockfalls with energy levels between 100 and up to 10,000 kJ. Although they are heavily in use all around the world, the backgrounds that guarantee a reliable barrier are not well known by most of intervening agents and users. This contribution gives some insights on how to judge the capability, reliability, and trustworthiness of a rockfall protection system. The paper focuses on three strategies to build up confidence and trustworthiness regarding the barrier’s correct or expected functioning: testing, certification, and how to assess adaptions of standard barrier systems.
Analysis of Facilitators and Barriers to the Delivery of Routine Care during the COVID-19 Global Pandemic: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lieneck Cristian , Herzog Brooke , Krips Raven
Published: May 2021

The delivery of routine health care during the COVID-19 global pandemic continues to be challenged as public health guidelines and other local/regional/state and other policies are enforced to help prevent the spread of the virus. The objective of this systematic review is to identify the facilitators and barriers affecting the delivery of routine health care services during the pandemic to provide a framework for future research. In total, 32 articles were identified for common themes surrounding facilitators of routine care during COVID-19. Identified constructed in the literature include enhanced education initiatives for parents/patients regarding routine vaccinations, an importance of routine vaccinations as compared to the risk of COVID-19 infection, an enhanced use of telehealth resources (including diagnostic imagery) and identified patient throughput/PPE initiatives. Reviewers identified the following barriers to the delivery of routine care: conservation of medical providers and PPE for non-routine (acute) care delivery needs, specific routine care services incongruent the telehealth care delivery methods, and job-loss/food insecurity. Review results can assist healthcare organizations with process-related challenges related to current and/or future delivery of routine care and support future research initiatives as the global pandemic continues.
The Public Servants’ Response When Facing Pandemic: The Role of Public Service Motivation, Accountability Pressure, and Emergency Response Capacity
Authors: Ye Yong , Liu Yang , Zhang Xiaojun
Published: May 2021

(1) Background: Public servants are regarded as guardians of the public interest, and their pandemic response played a vital role in controlling the spread of the epidemic. However, there is limited knowledge of the factors that influence public servants’ response (PSR) when facing pandemic prevention and control tasks. (2) Methods: Based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB), models were constructed and a regression method was employed with Chinese civil servant data to investigate how PSR is influenced by public service motivation (PSM), accountability pressure (AP), and emergency response capacity (ERC). (3) Results and discussion: PSM, AP, and ERC all have a positive effect on PSR, with AP having the greatest influence, followed by PSM and ERC. The effects of PSM, AP, and ERC on PSR have group heterogeneity, which had little effect on civil servants with very low levels of PSR and the greatest impact on civil servants with medium-level PSR. Job categories of civil servants also are a factor related to PSR; PSM and AP have the strongest effects on civil servants in professional technology, and ERC has the greatest influence on administrative law enforcement. Moreover, gender, administrative level, and leadership positions also have an impact on PSR. (4) Conclusions: Based on the factors of PSR, we found at least three important aspects that governments need to consider in encouraging PSR when facing a pandemic.