bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Before and after the Quarantine: An Approximate Study on the Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on the Italian Population during the Lockdown Period
Authors: Marotta Lorena , Pesce Andrea , Guazzini Andrea
Published: December 2020

COVID-19 (Corona-Virus Disease 2019) in Italy and the measures that were adopted to contain its diffusion had a strong impact on people’s quality of life and mental health. The objective of the study was to quantify the psychological impact of the lockdown period on the general Italian population during the two weeks when the COVID-19 emergency in Italy was at its peak. The study (1556 adults) was conducted from April 6th to April 12th, 2020. A survey was developed through Google Forms in order to assess different psychological measures (Self Efficacy, Locus of Control, Social Connectedness, Sense of Virtual Community, Flourishing, Positive and Negative Affect, Life Satisfaction, and Risk Propensity). The results were then compared to reference data. Thelockdown period increased arousal mainly for negative emotions, but also for positive emotions, and quality of life seemed to be reduced. From a psychosocial point of view, while social connectedness has decreased during lockdown, probably because of isolation and social distancing, the virtual social community seemed to increase in the same period. Interestingly, we revealed how self efficacy increased during the lockdown period, and, at the same time, the Locus of control appeared as externalized, and the risk propensity as reduced. The results are discussed considering previous literature, and a coherent theoretical framework is proposed in order to refine the forecasting model for the psychological impact of the lockdown.
Biological and Chemical Control of Mosquito Population by Optimal Control Approach
Authors: Arias-Castro Juddy Heliana , Martinez-Romero Hector Jairo , Vasilieva Olga
Published: December 2020

This paper focuses on the design and analysis of short-term control intervention measures seeking to suppress local populations of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the major transmitters of dengue and other vector-borne infections. Besides traditional measures involving the spraying of larvicides and/or insecticides, we include biological control based on the deliberate introduction of predacious species feeding on the aquatic stages of mosquitoes. From the methodological standpoint, our study relies on application of the optimal control modeling framework in combination with the cost-effectiveness analysis. This approach not only enables the design of optimal strategies for external control intervention but also allows for assessment of their performance in terms of the cost-benefit relationship. By examining numerous scenarios derived from combinations of chemical and biological control measures, we try to find out whether the presence of predacious species at the mosquito breeding sites may (partially) replace the common practices of larvicide/insecticide spraying and thus reduce their negative impact on non-target organisms. As a result, we identify two strategies exhibiting the best metrics of cost-effectiveness and provide some useful insights for their possible implementation in practical settings.
Association of Long Non-Coding RNA Polymorphisms with Gastric Cancer and Atrophic Gastritis
Authors: Petkevicius Vytenis , Streleckiene Greta , Balciute Kotryna , Link Alexander , Leja Marcis , Malfertheiner Peter , Skieceviciene Jurgita , Kupcinskas Juozas
Published: December 2020

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) play an important role in the carcinogenesis of various tumours, including gastric cancer. This study aimed to assess the associations of lncRNA ANRIL, H19, MALAT1, MEG3, HOTAIR single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with gastric cancer and atrophic gastritis. SNPs were analyzed in 613 gastric cancer patients, 118 patients with atrophic gastritis and 476 controls from three tertiary centers in Germany, Lithuania and Latvia. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes. SNPs were genotyped by the real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results showed that carriers of MALAT1 rs3200401 CT genotype had the significantly higher odds of atrophic gastritis than those with CC genotype (OR-1.81; 95% CI 1.17–2.80, p = 0.0066). Higher odds of AG were found in a recessive model (CC vs. TT + CT) for ANRIL rs1333045 (OR-1.88; 95% CI 1.19–2.95, p = 0.0066). Carriers of ANRIL (rs17694493) GG genotype had higher odds of gastric cancer (OR-4.93; 95% CI 1.28–19.00) and atrophic gastritis (OR-5.11; 95% CI 1.10–23.80) compared with the CC genotype, and carriers of HOTAIR rs17840857 TG genotype had higher odds of atrophic gastritis (OR-1.61 95% CI 1.04–2.50) compared with the TT genotype; however, the ORs did not reach the adjusted significance threshold (p < 0.007). In summary, our data provide novel evidence for a possible link between lncRNA SNPs and premalignant condition of gastric cancer, suggesting the involvement of lncRNAs in gastric cancer development.
Review of Impact Factors of the Velocity of Large Hailstones for Laboratory Hail Impact Testing Consideration
Authors: Dieling Christian , Smith Milton , Beruvides Mario
Published: December 2020

The terminal velocity of hailstones is an essential quantity in hail research. It is an important value for the kinetic energy of hailstones and has to be carefully considered when laboratory hail impact testing is being planned. Many standardized hail impact testing procedures require specific impact velocities. Several empirical models for various hailstone diameter ranges have been developed to calculate the velocity based on the diameter, indicating somewhat inconsistent results. The velocity is influenced by factors such as their density, drag coefficient, shape or air density, and strong winds. This article takes a closer look into each of these factors and how they influence the velocity of hailstones and the damage potential of hailstorms. Implications are made for laboratory testing of hail impact testing procedures and how the geographic location of hailstorms might be a considerable factor when designing a test.
Playing at the Margins: Colonizing Fictions in New England Larp
Authors: Eddy Zoë Antoinette
Published: December 2020

North American larping (live-action roleplaying) is a collaborative performance that encourages critical and creative engagement with cooperative, improvisational narratives. Nevertheless, larping often relies on problematic engagements with race and racial stereotypes. Like many gaming hobbies, larp uses the idea of a “playable race”. Unlike other gaming arenas, however, larping necessitates that players physically embody a character in order to participate in the collaborative narrative: larpers embody fictional races and engage in a complex form of “race play”. Within this context, non-Indigenous players frequently appropriate Indigenous cultural practices and mobilize racist stereotypes. This paper explores this phenomenon and its ramifications. Based on seven years of ethnographic fieldwork and community participation in New England larping communities, I examine how concepts of Indigenous identity manifest in New England larp. I explore both Indigenous and non-Indigenous perspectives in order to demonstrate (a) how fantastical play facilitates cultural appropriation and damaging “race play” and (b) how these spaces affect Indigenous players. I close with Indigenous perspectives on new possibilities for Indigenous larp projects and cultural reclamation.
Black Egyptians and White Greeks?: Historical Speculation and Racecraft in the Video Game Assassin’s Creed: Origins
Authors: Banker Bryan
Published: December 2020

Recent portrayals of ancient Egypt in popular culture have renewed attention concerning the historical accuracy of how race and racism appear in representations of antiquity. Historians of the antiquity have robustly dismissed racist claims of whitewashing or blackwashing historical and cultural material in both scholarship and in popular culture. The 2017 video game Assassin’s Creed: Origins is a noteworthy site to examine this debate, as the game was designed with the assistance of historians and cultural experts, presenting players with an “historically accurate” ancient Egypt. Yet, if race is a fantasy, as Karen Fields and Barbara Fields’ “racecraft” articulates, then what historians have speculated in their study of race and racism are presentations of a proto-racecraft, borrowing from historian Benjamin Isaac. This essay argues that Assassin’s Creed: Origins racecrafts through the paradigm of historical speculation. As historians have speculated on meanings and operations of “race” and racism in ancient Egypt, Origins has made those speculations visible through its depiction of a racially diverse Ptolemaic Egypt. Yet, this racecraft is paradoxically good, as the game does so to push back against the hegemony of whiteness and whitewashing in contemporary popular culture.
Surgical Diseases in North Korea: An Overview of North Korean Medical Journals
Authors: Choi Sejin , Kim Taehoon , Choi Soyoung , Shin Hee Young
Published: December 2020

Information regarding surgical diseases in North Korea is not fully reported despite their clear clinical significance. The current study aimed to indirectly assess the contemporary research trends and medical infrastructure related to surgical diseases in North Korea. We analyzed and categorized articles from the journal Surgery that were published during the Kim Jong-un era (2012–2018). The framework for categorization was primarily based on disease entities, surgical specialty, and research methodology. A total of 1792 articles in 28 issues were included in the current study. The frequency of detailed surgical cases and their associated characteristics based on their specialty were investigated. The types of medical imaging techniques and anesthetics that were commonly utilized in clinical fields in North Korea were also evaluated. A large proportion of essential surgeries were covered, with the exception of those for congenital diseases; however, a lack of surgical techniques and infrastructure was revealed. Going forward, further evaluation of the surgical system and a greater focus on non-communicable diseases in North Korea are needed.
Self-Quantification Systems to Support Physical Activity: From Theory to Implementation Principles
Authors: Dulaud Paul , Di Loreto Ines , Mottet Denis
Published: December 2020

Since the emergence of the quantified self movement, users aim at health behavior change, but only those who are sufficiently motivated and competent with the tools will succeed. Our literature review shows that theoretical models for quantified self exist but they are too abstract to guide the design of effective user support systems. Here, we propose principles linking theory and implementation to arrive at a hierarchical model for an adaptable and personalized self-quantification system for physical activity support. We show that such a modeling approach should include a multi-factors user model (activity, context, personality, motivation), a hierarchy of multiple time scales (week, day, hour), and a multi-criteria decision analysis (user activity preference, user measured activity, external parameters). This theoretical groundwork, which should facilitate the design of more effective solutions, has now to be validated by further empirical research.
Clinical Profile, Treatment and Predictors during the First COVID-19 Wave: A Population-Based Registry Analysis from Castile and Leon Hospitals
Authors: Gutiérrez-Abejón Eduardo , Tamayo Eduardo , Martín-García Débora , Álvarez F. Javier , Herrera-Gómez Francisco
Published: December 2020

The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic collapsed the hospitals in Castile and Leon (Spain). An analysis of the clinical characteristics, drug therapies and principal outcome predictors in the COVID-19 hospitalized patients from 1 March to 31 May 2020 is presented through a population-based registry study. Hospital stay variables, ventilation mode data and clinical outcomes were observed. In Castile and Leon hospitals, 7307 COVID-19 patients were admitted, with 57.05% being male and a median of 76 years. The mortality rate was 24.43%, with a high incidence of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) (14.03%) and acute kidney injury (AKI) (10.87%). The most used medicines were antibiotics (90.83%), antimalarials (42.63%), steroids (44.37%) and antivirals, such as lopinavir/ritonavir (42.63%). The use of tocilizumab (9.37%) and anti-SIRS (systemic inflammatory response syndrome) medicines (7.34%) were remarkable. Fundamentally, death occurred more likely over 65 years of age (OR: 9.05). In addition, the need for ventilation was associated with a higher probability of death (OR: 3.59), SARS (OR: 5.14) and AKI (OR: 2.31). The drug-use pattern had been modified throughout the COVID-19 first wave. Multiple factors, such as age, gender and the need for mechanical ventilation, were related to the worst evolution prognosis of the disease.
Development and Evaluation of a Classified and Tailored Community-Based Exercise Program According to the Mobility Level of People with Stroke Using the Knowledge to Action Framework
Authors: Lee Minyoung , Eun Seon-Deok , Cho Tae Hyun , Shin Young-Il , Song Jiyeon , Ho Seung Hee
Published: December 2020

Attempts to classify the mobility levels of people with stroke (PWS) for a tailored exercise program in community settings have been few. We developed and evaluated a classified and tailored community-based (CTC) exercise program according to the mobility level of PWS. Forty-two PWS were classified into the Supine and Sitting, Sitting and Standing, and Standing and Gait groups, based on a newly developed classification model and participated in a group-based CTC exercise program for 1 h/day twice/week for 10 weeks. The health outcome measures were blood pressure, lipid profile, glucose control, body composition, ventilatory capacity, and physical and psychological function. The rate of agreement on classification results among the physiotherapists was analysed. For all participants, significant improvements were noted in the blood pressure, lipid profile, body composition, ventilatory capacity, and physical and psychological function. The lower mobility groups showed significant improvements in a greater number of health outcomes than the higher mobility group. The physiotherapists’ agreement regarding the classification results was 91.16 ± 5.14%, verifying the model’s possible high relevance to the community. The effective improvement in participant health implied that the CTC exercise program was well tailored to the participants’ mobility levels, particularly the lower mobility groups.
Technical Efficiency of Regional Public Hospitals in China Based on the Three-Stage DEA
Authors: Chen Zhensheng , Chen Xueli , Gan Xiaoqing , Bai Kaixuan , Baležentis Tomas , Cui Lixin
Published: December 2020

Many countries are facing the increasing cost of healthcare services and the low efficiency of public hospitals. These issues are also evident in China. This paper offers a comprehensive assessment of the efficiency of public hospitals operating in China’s 31 regions. The impact of the third round of reform of the health system in 2009 is assessed based on the three-stage data envelopment analysis procedure. The time period from 2011 to 2018 is covered in this study. Due to different functions performed by the public hospitals and other ones, the number of patients with infectious diseases is incorporated as an output variable reflecting the social function. The outpatient visits and inpatient visits are considered to reflect the outputs related to the private functions. The results imply an increase in the mean efficiency of public hospitals from 0.927 to 0.981 after taking the impact of environmental variables and statistic noise into account. These results indicate that the efficiency of public hospitals is dependent in the operational environment. There are 11 regions whose hospitals operate on the efficiency frontier during the whole period covered. Therefore, the Chinese government should reasonably design and apply the regulatory tools to improve the efficiency of public hospitals.
Hypertension Prevalence Based on Blood Pressure Measurements on Two vs. One Visits: A Community-Based Screening Programme and a Narrative Review
Authors: Plumettaz Chloé , Viswanathan Bharathi , Bovet Pascal
Published: December 2020

We assessed the difference in the prevalence of hypertension in community surveys when blood pressure (BP) was measured on two vs. one visits and its impact on hypertension awareness, treatment and control proportions. A community-based BP screening programme was conducted in public places in the Seychelles (619 adults) and BP was rechecked a few days later among untreated participants with high BP (≥140/90 mmHg). A narrative review of the literature on this question was also conducted. Only 64% of untreated participants with high BP still had high BP at the second visit. The prevalence of hypertension in the whole sample decreased by 13% (from 33.8% to 29.5%) when BP was measured on two vs. one visits. These results concurred with our findings in our narrative review based on 10 surveys. In conclusion, the prevalence of hypertension can be markedly overestimated in community surveys when BP is measured on two vs. one visits. The overestimation could be addressed by measuring BP on a second visit among untreated individuals with high BP or, possibly, by taking more readings at the first visit. These findings have relevance for clinical practice, policy and surveillance.
COVID-Well: Evaluation of the Implementation of Supported Wellbeing Centres for Hospital Employees during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Blake Holly , Yildirim Mehmet , Wood Ben , Knowles Steph , Mancini Helen , Coyne Emma , Cooper Joanne
Published: December 2020

Supported Wellbeing Centres have been set up in UK hospital trusts in an effort to mitigate the psychological impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers, although the extent to which these are utilised and the barriers and facilitators to access are not known. The aim of the study was to determine facility usage and gather insight into employee wellbeing and the views of employees towards this provision. The study included (i) 17-week service use monitoring, (ii) employee online survey with measures of wellbeing, job stressfulness, presenteeism, turnover intentions, job satisfaction, and work engagement, as well as barriers and facilitators to accessing the Wellbeing Centres. Over 17 weeks, 14,934 facility visits were recorded across two sites (peak attendance in single week n = 2605). Facilities were highly valued, but the service model was resource intensive with 134 wellbeing buddies supporting the centres in pairs. 819 hospital employees completed an online survey (88% female; 37.7% working in COVID-19 high risk areas; 52.4% frontline workers; 55.2% had accessed a wellbeing centre). There was moderate-to-high job stress (62.9%), low wellbeing (26.1%), presenteeism (68%), and intentions to leave (31.6%). Wellbeing was higher in those that accessed a wellbeing centre. Work engagement and job satisfaction were high. Healthcare organisations are urged to mobilise access to high-quality rest spaces and psychological first aid, but this should be localised and diversified. Strategies to address presenteeism and staff retention should be prioritised, and the high dedication of healthcare workers should be recognised.
The Role of Astrocytes in the Modulation ofK+-Cl−-Cotransporter-2 Function
Authors: Kitayama Tomoya
Published: December 2020

Neuropathic pain is characterized by spontaneous pain, pain sensations, and tactile allodynia. The pain sensory system normally functions under a fine balance between excitation and inhibition. Neuropathic pain arises when this balance is lost for some reason. In past reports, various mechanisms of neuropathic pain development have been reported, one of which is the downregulation of K+-Cl−-cotransporter-2 (KCC2) expression. In fact, various neuropathic pain models indicate a decrease in KCC2 expression. This decrease in KCC2 expression is often due to a brain-derived neurotrophic factor that is released from microglia. However, a similar reaction has been reported in astrocytes, and it is unclear whether astrocytes or microglia are more important. This review discusses the hypothesis that astrocytes have a crucial influence on the alteration of KCC2 expression.
Towards an Ultra-High-Speed Combustion Pyrometer
Authors: Sposito Alberto , Lowe Dave , Sutton Gavin
Published: December 2020

Measuring reliably the correct temperature of a sooty flame in an internal combustion engine is important to optimise its efficiency; however, conventional contact thermometers, such as thermocouples, are not adequate in this context, due to drift, temperature limitation (≤2100 K) and slow response time (~10 ms). In this paper, we report on the progress towards the development of a novel ultra-high-speed combustion pyrometer, based on collection of thermal radiation via an optical fibre, traceably calibrated to the International Temperature Scale of 1990 (ITS-90) over the temperature range T = (1073–2873) K, with residuals <1%, and capable of measuring at a sampling rate of 250 kHz.
Prior Experience with Food Reward Influences the Behavioral Responses of the Honeybee Apis mellifera and the Bumblebee Bombus lantschouensis to Tomato Floral Scent
Authors: Zhang Hong , Shan Shuang , Gu Shaohua , Huang Xinzheng , Li Zibo , Khashaveh Adel , Zhang Yongjun
Published: December 2020

Bee responses to floral scent are usually influenced by both innate biases and prior experience. Honeybees are less attracted than bumblebees to tomato flowers. However, little is known about how tomato floral scent regulates the foraging behaviors of honeybees and bumblebees. In this study, the foraging behaviors of the honeybee Apis mellifera and the bumblebee Bombus lantschouensis on tomato flowers in greenhouses were investigated. Whether the two bee species exhibit different responses to tomato floral scent and how innate biases and prior experience influence bee choice behavior were examined. In the greenhouses, honeybees failed to collect pollen from tomato flowers, and their foraging activities decreased significantly over days. Additionally, neither naïve honeybees nor naïve bumblebees showed a preference for tomato floral scent in a Y-tube olfactometer. However, foraging experience in the tomato greenhouses helped bumblebees develop a strong preference for the scent, whereas honeybees with foraging experience continued to show aversion to tomato floral scent. After learning to associate tomato floral scent with a sugar reward in proboscis extension response (PER) assays, both bee species exhibited a preference for tomato floral scent in Y-tube olfactometers. The findings indicated that prior experience with a food reward strongly influenced bee preference for tomato floral scent.
Club Cell Secreted Protein CC16: Potential Applications in Prognosis and Therapy for Pulmonary Diseases
Authors: Almuntashiri Sultan , Zhu Yin , Han Yohan , Wang Xiaoyun , Somanath Payaningal R. , Zhang Duo
Published: December 2020

Club cell secretory protein (CC16) is encoded by the SCGB1A1 gene. It is also known as CC10, secretoglobin, or uteroglobin. CC16 is a 16 kDa homodimeric protein secreted primarily by the non-ciliated bronchial epithelial cells, which can be detected in the airways, circulation, sputum, nasal fluid, and urine. The biological activities of CC16 and its pathways have not been completely understood, but many studies suggest that CC16 has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects. The human CC16 gene is located on chromosome 11, p12-q13, where several regulatory genes of allergy and inflammation exist. Studies reveal that factors such as gender, age, obesity, renal function, diurnal variation, and exercise regulate CC16 levels in circulation. Current findings indicate CC16 not only may reflect the pathogenesis of pulmonary diseases, but also could serve as a potential biomarker in several lung diseases and a promising treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In this review, we summarize our current understanding of CC16 in pulmonary diseases.
Peripheral Giant Cell Granuloma of the Jaws as First Sign of Primary Hyperparathyroidism: A Case Series
Authors: Limongelli Luisa , Tempesta Angela , Lauritano Dorina , Maiorano Eugenio , Ingravallo Giuseppe , Favia Gianfranco , Capodiferro Saverio
Published: December 2020

Peripheral giant cell granulomas (PGCG) associated with hyperparathyroidism (HPT) are rare clinical entities. The aim of this study is to report on 21 PGCGs of the oral cavity as the first clinical sign of unknown primary HPT (PHPT) referred to the Complex Operating Unit of Odontostomatology of Aldo Moro University of Bari from 2009 to 2019. Surgical treatment consisted in conservative enucleation of the lesion, if possible, with contextual bone rim osteoplasty with piezosurgical tools and following histological examination. After histological diagnosis of PGCG, PHPT screening was performed dosing parathyroid hormone and serum calcium. In all the patients haematological investigation demonstrated elevated values of parathyroid hormone and serum calcium ruling out an unknown PHPT. Specifically, after endocrinological evaluation, patients showed PHPT related to: parathyroid adenoma (13), parathyroid hyperplasia (two, one of which occurred in a intra-thyroidal parathyroid), and parathyroid carcinoma (1) and were scheduled for surgical treatment. Considering that PGCGs could represent the first clinical sign of an undiagnosed PHPT and the screening of PHPT is a non-invasive and cheap exam, in case of histological diagnosis of a giant cell lesion, both central and peripheral, especially in patients with synchronous or history of methacronous giant cell lesions, parathyroidal screening should be mandatory.
Highly Hydrophobic, Homogeneous Suspension and Resin by Graft Copolymerization Modification of Cellulose Nanocrystal (CNC)
Authors: Xu Zhuofan , Peng Shuting , Zhou Guofu , Xu Xuezhu
Published: December 2020

Cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) is a nanoscale colloid with superior potential for coatings, liquid crystal displays, and optoelectronics. However, to date, the presence of hydrophilicity still limits its application. Multifunction via graft copolymerization modification of CNC appears to be breaking into a new direction. In this study, we used the residual hydroxyl groups on the CNC to react with 2-bromoisobu-tyryl bromide, and the initiator was therefore anchored on the CNC surface. Through atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), CNC was successfully grafted to azobenzene monomer, i.e., 9-[4-[2-[4-(trifluorometh) phenyl] diazenyl] phenoxy] nonayl acrylate (FAZO). After a series of characterization methods, such as FTIR, NMR and XRD, it was found that the surface water contact angle of the CNC-PFAZO prepared by the modification was as high as 134.4°, and the high hydrophilicity of this material could be maintained for up to one month, even longer.
Compensated Evaluation of Tensor Product Surfaces in CAGD
Authors: Delgado Gracia Jorge
Published: December 2020

In computer-aided geometric design, a polynomial surface is usually represented in Bézier form. The usual form of evaluating such a surface is by using an extension of the de Casteljau algorithm. Using error-free transformations, a compensated version of this algorithm is presented, which improves the usual algorithm in terms of accuracy. A forward error analysis illustrating this fact is developed.
LCA of a Membrane Bioreactor Compared to Activated Sludge System for Municipal Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Banti Dimitra C. , Tsangas Michail , Samaras Petros , Zorpas Antonis
Published: December 2020

Membrane bioreactor (MBR) systems are connected to several advantages compared to the conventional activated sludge (CAS) units. This work aims to the examination of the life cycle environmental impact of an MBR against a CAS unit when treating municipal wastewater with similar influent loading (BOD = 400 mg/L) and giving similar high-quality effluent (BOD < 5 mg/L). The MBR unit contained a denitrification, an aeration and a membrane tank, whereas the CAS unit included an equalization, a denitrification, a nitrification, a sedimentation, a mixing, a flocculation tank and a drum filter. Several impact categories factors were calculated by implementing the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, including acidification potential, eutrophication potential, global warming potential (GWP), ozone depletion potential and photochemical ozone creation potential of the plants throughout their life cycle. Real data from two wastewater treatment plants were used. The research focused on two parameters which constitute the main differences between the two treatment plants: The excess sludge removal life cycle contribution—where GWPMBR = 0.50 kg CO2-eq*FU−1 and GWPCAS = 2.67 kg CO2-eq*FU−1 without sludge removal—and the wastewater treatment plant life cycle contribution—where GWPMBR = 0.002 kg CO2-eq*FU−1 and GWPCAS = 0.14 kg CO2-eq*FU−1 without land area contribution. Finally, in all the examined cases the environmental superiority of the MBR process was found.
High Velocity Oxygen Liquid-Fuel (HVOLF) Spraying of WC-Based Coatings for Transport Industrial Applications
Authors: Brezinová Janette , Guzanová Anna , Tkáčová Jana , Brezina Jakub , Ľachová Kristína , Draganovská Dagmar , Pastorek Filip , Maruschak Pavlo , Prentkovskis Olegas
Published: December 2020

In this article, we analyse five types of coatings, in terms of their microstructure, hardness, porosity, and wear resistance, in the as-sprayed state. The coatings are WC-based (WC-FeCrAl, WC-WB-Co, and WC-NiMoCrFeCo), alloy-based (Co-MoCrSi), or nanoWC coating-based (nanoWC-CoCr). Two tests were applied to assess the wear resistance of the coatings: a dry-pot wear test with two impact angles and an abrasive test using an abrasive cloth with two grit sizes. Porosity was determined by image analysis. Vickers impression was performed on cross-sections of the coatings, in order to determine their indentation fracture toughness. The highest hardness of the tested coatings was recorded for the nanoWC coating, followed by the rest of the WC-based coatings; meanwhile, the lowest hardness was recorded for the alloy coating. Minimal porosity was achieved by the alloy coating, due to its different nature and the absence of hard particles with a higher melting point. The NanoWC coating and other WC-based coatings had a higher porosity; however, porosity did not exceed 1% for each coating. The best wear resistance was achieved by the nanoWC coating, followed by the other WC-based coatings, with the lowest obtained by the alloy coating. The same tendency was recorded when determining the indentation fracture toughness. From a microscopic point of view, the structure of the evaluated coatings is not compact; nevertheless, their properties are excellent, and they act as compact coatings under load.
The Paleozoic-Aged University Foidolite-Gabbro Pluton of the Northeastern Part of the Kuznetsk Alatau Ridge, Siberia: Geochemical Characterization, Geochronology, Petrography and Geophysical Indication of Potential High-Grade Nepheline Ore
Authors: Mustafaev Agababa A. , Gertner Igor F. , Ernst Richard E. , Serov Pavel A. , Kolmakov Yurii V.
Published: December 2020

Geological, geochemical and ground magnetic techniques are used to characterize the University alkaline-gabbroid pluton and crosscutting N-S trending alkaline dikes, located northeast of the Kuznetsk Alatau ridge, Siberia. Trace element concentrations and isotopic compositions of the igneous units were determined by XRF, ICP-MS and isotope analysis. The Sm-Nd age of subalkaline (melanogabbro, leucogabbro 494–491 Ma) intrusive phases and crosscutting alkaline dikes (plagioclase ijolite, analcime syenite 392–389 Ma) suggests two stages of activity, likely representing separate events. The subalkaline and alkaline rocks are characterized by low silicic acidity (SiO2 = 41–49 wt %), wide variations in alkalinity (Na2O + K2O = 3–19 wt %; Na2O/K2O = 1.2–7.2 wt %), high alumina content (Al2O3 = 15–28 wt %) and low titanium content (TiO2 = 0.07–1.59 wt %). The new trace element data for subalkaline rocks (∑REE 69–280 ppm; La/Yb 3.7–10.2) of the University pluton and also the crosscutting younger (390 Ma) alkaline dikes (∑REE 10–1567 ppm; La/Yb 0.7–17.8 ppm) both reflect an intermediate position between oceanic island basalts (OIBs) and island arc basalts (IABs). The presence of a negative Nb–Ta anomaly and the relative enrichment in Rb, Ba, Sr, and U indicate a probable interaction of mantle plume material with the lithospheric mantle beneath previously formed accretion complexes of subduction zones. The isotopic signatures of strontium (εSr(T) +3.13–+28.31) and neodymium (εNd(T) +3.2–+8.7) demonstrate the evolution of parental magmas from a plume source from moderately depleted PREMA mantle, whose derivatives underwent selective crustal contamination.
Stereoselective Synthesis of Multisubstituted Cyclohexanes by Reaction of Conjugated Enynones with Malononitrile in the Presence of LDA
Authors: Igushkina Anastasiya V. , Golovanov Alexander A. , Boyarskaya Irina A. , Kolesnikov Ilya E. , Vasilyev Aleksander V.
Published: December 2020

Reaction of linear conjugated enynones, 1,5-diarylpent-2-en-4-yn-1-ones, with malononitrile in the presence of lithium diisopropylamide LDA, as a base, in THF at room temperature for 3–7 h resulted in the formation of the product of dimerization, multisubstituted polyfunctional cyclohexanes, 4-aryl-2,6-bis(arylethynyl)-3-(aryloxomethyl)-4-hydroxycyclohexane-1,1-dicarbonitriles, in yields up to 60%. Varying the reaction conditions by decreasing time and temperature and changing the ratio of starting compounds (enynone and malononitrile) allowed isolating some intermediate compounds, which confirmed a plausible reaction mechanism. The relative stability of possible stereoisomers of such cyclohexanes was estimated by quantum chemical calculations (DFT method). The obtained cyclohexanes were found to possess photoluminescent properties.
Synthesis, Structure and Cytotoxicity Testing of Novel 7-(4,5-Dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-2-aryl-6,7-dihydro-2H-imidazo[2,1-c][1,2,4]triazol-3(5H)-Imine Derivatives
Authors: Balewski Łukasz , Sączewski Franciszek , Bednarski Patrick J. , Wolff Lisa , Nadworska Anna , Gdaniec Maria , Kornicka Anita
Published: December 2020

The appropriate 1-arylhydrazinecarbonitriles 1a–c are subjected to the reaction with 2-chloro-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole (2), yielding 7-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-2-aryl-6,7-dihydro-2H-imidazo[2,1-c][1,2,4]triazol-3(5H)-imines 3a–c, which are subsequently converted into the corresponding amides 4a–e, 8a–c, sulfonamides 5a–n, 9, ureas 6a–I, and thioureas 7a–d. The structures of the newly prepared derivatives 3a–c, 4a–e, 5a–n, 6a–i, 7a–d, 8a–c, and 9 are confirmed by IR, NMR spectroscopic data, as well as single-crystal X-ray analyses of 5e and 8c. The in vitro cytotoxic potency of these compounds is determined on a panel of human cancer cell lines, and the relationships between structure and antitumor activity are discussed. The most active 4-chloro-N-(2-(4-chlorophenyl)-7-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-6,7-dihydro-2H-imidazo[2,1-c][1,2,4]triazol-3(5H)-ylidene)benzamide (4e) and N-(7-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-2-(p-tolyl)-6,7-dihydro-2H-imidazo[2,1-c][1,2,4]triazol-3(5H)-ylidene)-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-sulfonamide (5l) inhibits the growth of the cervical cancer SISO and bladder cancer RT-112 cell lines with IC50 values in the range of 2.38–3.77 μM. Moreover, N-(7-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-2-phenyl-6,7-dihydro-2H-imidazo[2,1-c][1,2,4]triazol-3(5H)-ylidene)-4-phenoxybenzenesulfonamide (5m) has the best selectivity towards the SISO cell line and induces apoptosis in this cell line.
Stacking Effects on Anthraquinone/DNA Charge-Transfer Electronically Excited States
Authors: Cárdenas Gustavo , Nogueira Juan J.
Published: December 2020

The design of more efficient photosensitizers is a matter of great importance in the field of cancer treatment by means of photodynamic therapy. One of the main processes involved in the activation of apoptosis in cancer cells is the oxidative stress on DNA once a photosensitizer is excited by light. As a consequence, it is very relevant to investigate in detail the binding modes of the chromophore with DNA, and the nature of the electronically excited states that participate in the induction of DNA damage, for example, charge-transfer states. In this work, we investigate the electronic structure of the anthraquinone photosensitizer intercalated into a double-stranded poly(dG-dC) decamer model of DNA. First, the different geometric configurations are analyzed by means of classical molecular dynamics simulations. Then, the excited states for the most relevant poses of anthraquinone inside the binding pocket are computed by an electrostatic-embedding quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics approach, where anthraquinone and one of the nearby guanine residues are described quantum mechanically to take into account intermolecular charge-transfer states. The excited states are characterized as monomer, exciton, excimer, and charge-transfer states based on the analysis of the transition density matrix, and each of these contributions to the total density of states and absorption spectrum is discussed in terms of the stacking interactions. These results are relevant as they represent the footing for future studies on the reactivity of anthraquinone derivatives with DNA and give insights on possible geometrical configurations that potentially favor the oxidative stress of DNA.
Optimization of Bioprocess Extraction of Poria cocos Polysaccharide (PCP) with Aspergillus niger β-Glucanase and the Evaluation of PCP Antioxidant Property
Authors: Wu Peng , Tan Hongyuan , Zhan Jianfeng , Wang Weixin , Hu Ting , Li Shiming
Published: December 2020

Poria cocos mushroom is widely used as a food and an herb in East Asian and other countries due to its high nutritional value. Research has demonstrated that Poria cocos polysaccharides (PCP) are the major bioactives and possess antioxidation, anti-inflammation, immunoregulation, and other health promoting properties. However, the efficient preparation of PCP has been a challenge, particularly in large scale for industry. Herein, we investigated the biotransformation of PCP from Poria cocos, catalyzed by β-glucanase from Aspergillus niger and focused on optimizing the most four influencing parameters: Temperature, time, pH, and enzyme dosage in this study. After numerous optimizations with the assistance of response surface optimization methodology, we have established that the optimal conditions for the biotransformation PCP preparation were as following: Enzymolysis temperature 60 °C, time 120 min, pH 5.0 and enzyme dose 20 mL. Under these conditions, the extraction yield of PCP reached as high as 12.8%. In addition, the antioxidant activities of PCP were evaluated by reducing power assay and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl, superoxide anion, and hydroxyl radicals scavenging assays. Resulting data showed that PCP presented outstanding antioxidant capacity. Thus, these findings indicate that PCP could be produced as a natural antioxidant for further development.
The Role of Conformational Dynamics in the Recognition and Regulation of Ubiquitination
Authors: Khago Domarin , Fucci Ian J. , Byrd Robert Andrew
Published: December 2020

The ubiquitination pathway is central to many cell signaling and regulatory events. One of the intriguing aspects of the pathway is the combinatorial sophistication of substrate recognition and ubiquitin chain building determinations. The abundant structural and biological data portray several characteristic protein folds among E2 and E3 proteins, and the understanding of the combinatorial complexity that enables interaction with much of the human proteome is a major goal to developing targeted and selective manipulation of the pathway. With the commonality of some folds, there are likely other aspects that can provide differentiation and recognition. These aspects involve allosteric effects and conformational dynamics that can direct recognition and chain building processes. In this review, we will describe the current state of the knowledge for conformational dynamics across a wide timescale, address the limitations of present approaches, and illustrate the potential to make new advances in connecting dynamics with ubiquitination regulation.
(Z,Z)-Selanediylbis(2-propenamides): Novel Class of Organoselenium Compounds with High Glutathione Peroxidase-Like Activity. Regio- and Stereoselective Reaction of Sodium Selenide with 3-Trimethylsilyl-2-propynamides
Authors: V. Andreev Mikhail , Potapov Vladimir A. , Musalov Maxim V. , Amosova Svetlana V.
Published: December 2020

The efficient regio- and stereoselective synthesis of (Z,Z)-3,3′-selanediylbis(2-propenamides) in 76–93% yields was developed based on the reaction of sodium selenide with 3-trimethylsilyl-2-propynamides. (Z,Z)-3,3′-Selanediylbis(2-propenamides) are a novel class of organoselenium compounds. To date, not a single representative of 3,3′-selanediylbis(2-propenamides) has been described in the literature. Studying glutathione peroxidase-like properties by a model reaction showed that the activity of the obtained products significantly varies depending on the organic moieties in the amide group. Divinyl selenide, which contains two lipophilic cyclohexyl substituents in the amide group, exhibits very high glutathione peroxidase-like activity and this compound is considerably superior to other products in this respect.
Synthesis and In Vitro Antiprotozoan Evaluation of 4-/8-Aminoquinoline-based Lactams and Tetrazoles
Authors: Tukulula Matshawandile , Louw Stefan , Njoroge Mathew , Chibale Kelly
Published: December 2020

A second generation of 4-aminoquinoline- and 8-aminoquinoline-based tetrazoles and lactams were synthesized via the Staudinger and Ugi multicomponent reactions. These compounds were subsequently evaluated in vitro for their potential antiplasmodium activity against a multidrug-resistant K1 strain and for their antitrypanosomal activity against a cultured T. b. rhodesiense STIB900 strain. Several of these compounds (4a–g) displayed good antiplasmodium activities (IC50 = 0.20–0.62 µM) that were comparable to the reference drugs, while their antitrypanosomal activity was moderate (<20 µM). Compound 4e was 2-fold more active than primaquine and was also the most active (IC50 = 7.01 µM) against T. b. rhodesiense and also exhibited excellent aqueous solubility (>200 µM) at pH 7.
High-Load Resistance Exercise Augments Androgen Receptor–DNA Binding and Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling without Increases in Serum/Muscle Androgens or Androgen Receptor Content
Authors: Cardaci Thomas D. , Machek Steven B. , Wilburn Dylan T. , Heileson Jeffery L. , Willoughby Darryn S.
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this study was (1) to determine the effect of single bouts of volume- and intensity-equated low- (LL) and high-load (HL) full-body resistance exercise (RE) on AR-DNA binding, serum/muscle testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, muscle androgen receptor (AR), and AR-DNA binding; and, (2) to determine the effect of RE on sarcoplasmic and nucleoplasmic β-catenin concentrations in order to determine their impact on mediating AR-DNA binding in the absence/presence of serum/muscle androgen and AR protein. In a cross-over design, 10 resistance-trained males completed volume- and intensity-equated LL and HL full-body RE. Blood and muscle samples were collected at pre-, 3 h-, and 24 h post-exercise. Separate 2 × 3 factorial analyses of variance (ANOVAs) with repeated measures and pairwise comparisons with a Bonferroni adjustment were used to analyze the main effects. No significant differences were observed in muscle AR, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, or serum total testosterone in either condition (p > 0.05). Serum-free testosterone was significantly decreased 3 h post-exercise and remained significantly less than baseline 24 h post-exercise in both conditions (p < 0.05). In response to HL, AR-DNA binding significantly increased at 3 h post-exercise (p < 0.05), whereas no significant differences were observed at any time in response to LL (p > 0.05). Moreover, sarcoplasmic β-catenin was significantly greater in HL (p < 0.05) without significant changes in nucleoplasmic β-catenin (p > 0.05). In conclusion, increases in AR-DNA binding in response to HL RE indicate AR signaling may be load-dependent. Furthermore, despite the lack of increase in serum and muscle androgens or AR content following HL RE, elevations in AR-DNA binding with elevated sarcoplasmic β-catenin suggests β-catenin may be facilitating this response.
Effects of the Glass-Forming Ability and Annealing Conditions on Cocrystallization Behaviors via Rapid Solvent Removal: A Case Study of Voriconazole
Authors: Wong Si Nga , Chan Susan Wing Sze , Peng Xuexin , Xuan Bianfei , Lee Hok Wai , Tong Henry H. Y. , Chow Shing Fung
Published: December 2020

The kinetic entrapment of molecules in an amorphous phase is a common obstacle to cocrystal screening using rapid solvent removal, especially for drugs with a moderate or high glass-forming ability (GFA). The aim of this study was to elucidate the effects of the coformer’s GFA and annealing conditions on the nature of amorphous phase transformation to the cocrystal counterpart. Attempts were made to cocrystallize voriconazole (VRC) with four structural analogues, namely fumaric acid (FUM), tartaric acid (TAR), malic acid (MAL), and maleic acid (MAE). The overall GFA of VRC binary systems increased with decreasing glass transition temperatures (Tgs) of these diacids, which appeared as a critical parameter for predicting the cocrystallization propensity such that a high-Tg coformer is more desirable. A new 1:1 VRC-TAR cocrystal was successfully produced via a supercooled-mediated re-cocrystallization process, and characterized by PXRD, DSC, and FTIR. The cocrystal purity against the annealing temperature displayed a bell-shaped curve, with a threshold at 40 °C. The isothermal phase purity improved with annealing and adhered to the Kolmogorov–Johnson–Mehl–Avrami kinetics. The superior dissolution behavior of the VRC-TAR cocrystal could minimize VRC precipitation upon gastric emptying. This study offers a simple but useful guide for efficient cocrystal screening based on the Tg of structurally similar coformers, annealing temperature, and time.
Pitfall Flower Development and Organ Identity of Ceropegia sandersonii (Apocynaceae-Asclepiadoideae)
Authors: Heiduk Annemarie , Pramanik Dewi , Spaans Marlies , Gast Loes , Dorst Nemi , van Heuven Bertie Joan , Gravendeel Barbara
Published: December 2020

Deceptive Ceropegia pitfall flowers are an outstanding example of synorganized morphological complexity. Floral organs functionally synergise to trap fly-pollinators inside the fused corolla. Successful pollination requires precise positioning of flies headfirst into cavities at the gynostegium. These cavities are formed by the corona, a specialized organ of corolline and/or staminal origin. The interplay of floral organs to achieve pollination is well studied but their evolutionary origin is still unclear. We aimed to obtain more insight in the homology of the corona and therefore investigated floral anatomy, ontogeny, vascularization, and differential MADS-box gene expression in Ceropegia sandersonii using X-ray microtomography, Light and Scanning Electronic Microscopy, and RT-PCR. During 10 defined developmental phases, the corona appears in phase 7 at the base of the stamens and was not found to be vascularized. A floral reference transcriptome was generated and 14 MADS-box gene homologs, representing all major MADS-box gene classes, were identified. B- and C-class gene expression was found in mature coronas. Our results indicate staminal origin of the corona, and we propose a first ABCDE-model for floral organ identity in Ceropegia to lay the foundation for a better understanding of the molecular background of pitfall flower evolution in Apocynaceae.