bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Gut Viral Metagenome Analysis of Domestic Dogs Captures Snapshot of Viral Diversity and Potential Risk of Coronavirus
Authors: Shi Ying , Tao Jie , Li Benqiang , Shen Xiaohui , Cheng Jinghua , Liu Huili
Published: July 2021

The close relations between dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) and humans lay a foundation for cross species transmissions of viruses. The co-existence of multiplex viruses in the host accelerate viral variations. For effective prediction and prevention of potential epidemic or even pandemic, the metagenomics method was used to investigate the gut virome status of 45 domestic healthy dogs which have extensive contact with human beings. A total of 248.6 GB data (505, 203, 006 valid reads, 150 bp in length) were generated and 325, 339 contigs, which were best matched with viral genes, were assembled from 46, 832, 838 reads. In the aggregate, 9,834 contigs (3.02%) were confirmed for viruses. The top 30 contigs with the most reads abundance were mapped to DNA virus families Circoviridae, Parvoviridae and Herpesviridae; and RNA virus families Astroviridae, Coronaviridae and Picornaviridae, respectively. Numerous sequences were assigned to animal virus families of Astroviridae, Coronaviridae, Circoviridae, etc.; and phage families of Microviridae, Siphoviridae, Ackermannviridae, Podoviridae, Myoviridae and the unclassified phages. Further, several sequences were homologous with the insect and plant viruses, which reflects the diet and habitation of dogs. Significantly, canine coronavirus was uniquely identified in all the samples with high abundance, and the phylogenetic analysis therefore showed close relationship with the human coronavirus strain 229E and NL63, indicating the potential risk of canine coronavirus to infect humans by obtaining the ability of cross-species transmission. This study emphasizes the high detection frequency of virus harbored in the enteric tract of healthy contacted animal, and expands the knowledge of the viral diversity and the spectrum for further disease-association studies, which is meaningful for elucidating the epidemiological and biological role of companion animals in public health.
Regulation of Agricultural Trade and Its Implications in the Reform of the CAP. The Continental Products Case Study
Authors: Castellano-Álvarez Francisco J. , Parejo-Moruno Francisco M. , Rangel-Preciado J. Francisco , Cruz-Hidalgo Esteban
Published: July 2021

The evolution of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has been conditioned by a number of factors. Among them is the so-called external aspect of the CAP on which this work focuses, being the main objective to analyze the relationship between the evolution of the CAP and the negotiations leading to the liberalization of international agricultural trade, which were held within the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). In the same way, we also consider the consequences for European agricultural foreign trade derived from the commitments assumed by the European Union (EU) in those two negotiating forums. To achieve these objectives, this research proposes two working lines: first, a literature review for better understanding how international agricultural trade has been regulated since the end of the Second World War to the present, and second, a research effort to know the possible implications that said regulation have had for the evolution of European agricultural foreign trade. In this latter case, the issue is addressed through an empirical analysis using two of the main specialized statistical databases in international trade: EUROSTAT and COMTRADE. The results of the research show that, as the changes introduced by the CAP reforms have been consolidated (based on the trade commitments assumed by the EU), there has been a gradual decrease in the share of European exports in the international markets for continental products.
The Airflow Field Characteristics of UAV Flight in a Greenhouse
Authors: Shi Qiang , Pan Yulei , He Beibei , Zhu Huaiqun , Liu Da , Shen Baoguo , Mao Hanping
Published: July 2021

The downwash airflow field of UAVs is insufficient under the dual influence of greenhouse structure and crop occlusion, and the distribution characteristics of the flight flow field of UAVs in greenhouses are unclear. In order to promote the application of UAVs in greenhouses, the flow field characteristics of UAVs in a greenhouse were studied herein. In a greenhouse containing tomato plants, a porous media model was used to simulate the obstacle effect of crops on the airflow. The multi-reference system model method was selected to solve the flow field of the UAV. Studies have shown that the airflow field generated by UAV flight in a greenhouse is mainly affected by the greenhouse structure. With the increase in UAV flight height, the ground effect of the downwash flow field weakened, and the flow field spread downward and around. The area affected by the flow field of the crops became larger, while the development of the crop convection field was less affected. The simulation was verified by experiments, and linear regression analysis was carried out between the experimental value and the simulation value. The experimental results were found to be in good agreement with the simulation results.
Identifying Within-Field Spatial and Temporal Crop Water Stress to Conserve Irrigation Resources with Variable-Rate Irrigation
Authors: Svedin Jeffrey D. , Kerry Ruth , Hansen Neil C. , Hopkins Bryan G.
Published: July 2021

Addressing within-field and within-season variability of crop water stress is critical for spatially variable irrigation. This study measures interactions between spatially variable soil properties and temporally variable crop water dynamics; and whether modelling soil water depletion is an effective approach to guide variable-rate irrigation (VRI). Energy and water balance equations were used to model crop water stress at 85 locations within a 22 ha field of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under uniform and spatially variable irrigation. Significant within-field variability of soil water holding capacity (SWHC; 145–360 mm 1.2 m−1), soil electrical conductivity (0.22–49 mS m−1), spring soil water (314–471 mm 1.2 m−1), and the onset of crop water stress were observed. Topographic features and modelled onset of crop water stress were significant predictors of crop yield while soil moisture at spring green-up, elevation, and soil electrical conductivity were significant predictors of the onset of crop water stress. These results show that modelling soil water depletion can be an effective scheduling tool in VRI. Irrigation zones and scheduling efforts should consider expanding to include temporally dynamic factors, including spring soil water content and the onset of crop water stress.
Integrated Decision Support Systems (IDSS) for Dairy Farming: A Discussion on How to Improve Their Sustained Adoption
Authors: Baldin Michel , Breunig Tom , Cue Roger , De Vries Albert , Doornink Mark , Drevenak Jan , Fourdraine Robert , George Regi , Goodling Robert , Greenfield Randall , Jorgensen Matthew W. , Lenkaitis Andy , Reinemann Doug , Saha Amit , Sankaraiah Chakra , Shahinfar Saleh , Siberski Cori , Wade Kevin M. , Zhang Fan , Fadul-Pacheco Liliana , Wangen Steven , da Silva Tadeu E. , Cabrera Victor E.
Published: July 2021

Dairy farm decision support systems (DSS) are tools which help dairy farmers to solve complex problems by improving the decision-making processes. In this paper, we are interested in newer generation, integrated DSS (IDSS), which additionally and concurrently: (1) receive continuous data feed from on-farm and off-farm data collection systems and (2) integrate more than one data stream to produce insightful outcomes. The scientific community and the allied dairy community have not been successful in developing, disseminating, and promoting a sustained adoption of IDSS. Thus, this paper identifies barriers to adoption as well as factors that would promote the sustained adoption of IDSS. The main barriers to adoption discussed include perceived lack of a good value proposition, complexities of practical application, and ease of use; and IDSS challenges related to data collection, data standards, data integration, and data shareability. Success in the sustainable adoption of IDSS depends on solving these problems and also addressing intrinsic issues related to the development, maintenance, and functioning of IDSS. There is a need for coordinated action by all the main stakeholders in the dairy sector to realize the potential benefits of IDSS, including all important players in the dairy industry production and distribution chain.
Cinnamon: A Natural Feed Additive for Poultry Health and Production—A Review
Authors: Ali Akhtar , Ponnampalam Eric N. , Pushpakumara Gamini , Cottrell Jeremy J. , Suleria Hafiz A. R. , Dunshea Frank R.
Published: July 2021

The increased bacterial resistance to synthetic antibiotics and consumer awareness about the health and food safety concerns have triggered the ban on the use of antibiotic growth promotors (AGPs) in the poultry industry. This situation encouraged the poultry sector and industry to explore safe alternatives to AGPs and focus on developing more sustainable feed management strategies to improve the intestinal health and growth performance of poultry. Consequently, phytogenic feed additives (PFAs) have emerged as natural alternatives to AGPs and have great potential in the poultry industry. In recent years, cinnamon (one of the most widely used spices) has attracted attention from researchers as a natural product with numerous health benefits for poultry. The essential oils in cinnamon, in particular, are of interest because of their antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and hypocholesterolaemic effects, in addition to their ability to stimulate digestive enzymes in the gut. This review mainly emphasizes the potential impact of cinnamon as a natural feed additive on overall gut health, nutrient digestibility, blood biochemical profile, gene expression, gut microbiota and immune response.
Evaluation of Simulated Shelf-Life Conditions for Food Service Applications on Chicken Tenderloins
Authors: Yoder Laura E. , Rehm John G. , Smith Hunter R. , Tigue Daniel A. , Wilborn Barney , Morey Amit , Bratcher Christy L. , Blythe Eugene , Sawyer Jason T.
Published: July 2021

The objective of this study was to validate the shelf-life of marinated and frozen chicken tenderloins. Treatments were randomly assigned to the age of the tenderloins post-harvest, days aged (DA): DA4, DA5, DA6, DA7, and DA8. Microbial analyses were used to analyze the growth of aerobic, psychotropic, and lactobacilli bacteria to assess the shelf-life of bulk-packaged chicken tenderloins. Tenderloins were sampled fresh, then vacuum tumbled in a marinade. After marination, the tenderloins were sampled with the remaining tenderloins packaged and frozen (−25 °C). After freezing the chicken tenderloins were slacked in a refrigerated cooler (2.2 °C) for up to 132 h (h) and sampled at 36 h, then every 24 h following. After marination, each treatment significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in aerobic and psychotropic counts except DA4. During slacking, no treatment crossed the threshold of 106 CFU/mL (Log 6) set for this study. Though none crossed the threshold, treatments DA4, DA5, and DA6 had significant (p < 0.05) increases in aerobic bacteria after 7 days of age. The psychotropic bacteria continuously grew at each sampling period, with DA4 and DA5 surpassing the other treatments (p < 0.05) at 108 h and 132 h reaching 105 CFU/mL. Every treatment remained below the spoilage threshold, suggesting that this method of storage is suitable for chicken tenderloin shelf-life.
Screening of New Potential Probiotics Strains against Photobacterium damselae Subsp. piscicida for Marine Aquaculture
Authors: Gutiérrez Falcón Ana , Padilla Daniel , Real Fernando , Ramos Sosa María José , Acosta-Hernández Begoña , Sánchez Henao Andrés , García-Álvarez Natalia , Rosario Medina Inmaculada , Silva Sergent Freddy , Déniz Soraya , Martín-Barrasa José Luís
Published: July 2021

On intensive fish farms, 10% of the population dies exclusively from pathogens, and Photobacterium damselae subsp. Piscicida (Ph. damselae subsp. Piscicida), the bacteria causing pasteurellosis in marine aquaculture, is one of the major pathogens involved. The objective of this study was to obtain new probiotic strains against pasteurellosis in order to limit the use of chemotherapy, avoiding the environmental repercussions generated by the abusive use of these products. In this study, 122 strains were isolated from the gills and intestines of different marine fish species and were later evaluated in vitro to demonstrate the production of antagonistic effects, the production of antibacterial substances, adhesion and growth to mucus, resistance to bile and resistance to pH gradients, as well as its harmlessness and the dynamic of expression of immune-related genes by real-time PCR after administration of the potential probiotic in the fish diet. Only 1/122 strains showed excellent results to be considered as a potential probiotic strain and continue its characterization against Ph. damselae subsp. piscicida to determine its protective effect and elucidating in future studies its use as a possible probiotic strain for marine aquaculture.
On the Value of Community Association for Microgrid Development: Learnings from Multiple Deterministic and Stochastic Planning Designs
Authors: Mina-Casaran Juan David , Echeverry Diego Fernando , Lozano Carlos Arturo , Navarro-Espinosa Alejandro
Published: July 2021

The reliability of the power grid is a constant problem faced by those who operate, plan and study power systems. An alternative approach to this problem, and others related to the integration of renewable energy sources, is the microgrid. This research seeks to quantify the potential benefits of urban community microgrids, based on the development of planning models with deterministic and stochastic optimization approaches. The models ensure that supply meets demand whilst assuring the minimum cost of investment and operation. To verify their effectiveness, the planning of hundreds of microgrids was set in the city of Santiago de Chile. The most important results highlight the value of community association, such as: a reduction in investment cost of up to 35%, when community microgrids are planned with a desired level of reliability, compared to single residential household microgrids. This reduction is due to the diversity of energy consumption, which can represent around 20%, on average, of cost reduction, and to the Economies of Scale (EoS) present in the aggregation microgrid asset capacity, which can represent close to 15% of the additional reduction in investment costs. The stochastic planning approach also ensures that a community can prepare for different fault scenarios in the power grid. Furthermore, it was found that for approximately 90% of the planned microgrids with reliability requirements, the deterministic solution for the worst three fault scenarios is equivalent to the solution of the stochastic planning problem.
Compact Ultra-Wideband Series-Feed Microstrip Antenna Arrays for IoT Communications
Authors: Varum Tiago , Caiado João , Matos João N.
Published: July 2021

Modern communication systems require high bandwidth to meet the needs of the huge number of sensors and the growing amount of data consumed, and an exponential growth is expected in the future with the integration of internet of things networks. Spectrum regions in the millimeter waves have aroused new interests, mainly because of the contiguous bands available to meet these needs. In return, and to combat the high losses of propagation in these frequencies, higher gain antennas are needed. This paper describes the use of a logarithmic architecture in the design of microstrip antenna arrays, creating structures with high gain and ultra-wide bandwidth. Three different solutions are presented with five, seven, and nine elements, reaching about 25%, 30%, and 44% of bandwidth, achieving ultra-wideband behavior, efficient and with a compact structure operating at frequencies in around 28 GHz.
A Secure Internet of Things Smart Home Network: Design and Configuration
Authors: Baek Jinsuk , Kanampiu Munene W. , Kim Cheonshik
Published: July 2021

Many home IoT devices are joining IoT networks by gaining access to some home gateway that configures smart, multimedia, and home networks. To enable secure IoT-based home networking services, (1) an IoT network should be effectively designed and configured with a IoT server, (2) a messaging protocol is required to exchange information between the IoT server and IoT devices, and (3) the home gateway should monitor all safety aspects in both inbound and outbound traffic of the home network. However, not all home network users put in consideration the need for an adequate security posture. Instead, many users still rely on the minimum home network security by setting an easiest-to-guess password to restrict unauthorized access to their home gateway. In this paper, we propose a network design and configuration that enables secure IoT services with MQTT messaging protocol for home networks. With the proposed network design, a home network is interconnected to external networks through a home gateway. To separate the IoT-subnet from other parts of home network, the home gateway subdivides a home network into an inside-subnet and an IoT-subnet with a private IP address using subnet masking. The IoT server, located in the IoT-subnet can be implemented with either a general HTTP server or a security server that acts as an MQTT broker. The secure communications among network entities are governed by a home gateway operating a well-configured extended access control. The effectiveness of the proposed design and configuration is verified through a simulation by showing that it does not impose any significant performance degradation for reinforced security. We expect the proposed configuration to help facilitate interconnection among heterogeneous network entities.
Turning Agricultural Wastes into Biomaterials: Assessing the Sustainability of Scenarios of Circular Valorization of Corn Cob in a Life-Cycle Perspective
Authors: Santolini Enrica , Bovo Marco , Barbaresi Alberto , Torreggiani Daniele , Tassinari Patrizia
Published: July 2021

Circular economy plays a key role in increasing the sustainability of the agricultural sector, given the countless possibilities of transforming crop residues and recycling precious resources. The maize cultivation process produces a significant amount of residual organic materials, commonly left on the field, as a soil conditioner and source of nutrients even if some parts, such as the cob, play a minor role in these actions. The solutions for the valorization of this remnant depend on economic and environmental factors and the evaluation of the environmental performances of the processes in a life-cycle perspective is important to compare the overall sustainability of the valorization alternatives, maximizing their environmental added value. This work reports the results of Life Cycle Analysis, from cradle-to-gate of corn cob valorized as a raw material in two scenarios: corn cob pellet and corn cob abrasive grits to use as blasting or finishing media. A comparative study has been performed with two products available on the market and with the same functions. The results show that cob-based products have lower impact than those currently used. The work provides indication for evaluating the benefits of turning agricultural wastes in natural-based materials and intends to promote circular economy processes in agriculture production.
Multivariate Analysis of Vocal Fold Vibrations on Various Voice Disorders Using High-Speed Digital Imaging
Authors: Yamauchi Akihito , Imagawa Hiroshi , Yokonishi Hisayuki , Sakakibara Ken-Ichi , Tayama Niro
Published: July 2021

Although many quantitative parameters have been devised to describe abnormalities in vocal fold vibration, little is known about the priority of these parameters. We conducted a prospective study using high-speed digital imaging to elucidate disease-specific key parameters (KPs) to characterize the vocal fold vibrations of individual voice disorders. From 304 patients with various voice disorders and 46 normal speakers, high-speed digital imaging of a sustained phonation at a comfortable pitch and loudness was recorded and parameters from visual-perceptual rating, laryngotopography, digital kymography, and glottal area waveform were calculated. Multivariate analysis was then applied to these parameters to elucidate the KPs to explain each voice disorder in comparison to normal subjects. Four key parameters were statistically significant for all laryngeal diseases. However, the coefficient of determination (R2) was very low (0.29). Vocal fold paralysis (8 KPs, R2 = 0.76), sulcus vocalis (4 KPs, R2 = 0.74), vocal fold scarring (1 KP, R2 = 0.68), vocal fold atrophy (6 KPs, R2 = 0.53), and laryngeal cancer (1 KP, R2 = 0.52) showed moderate-to-high R2 values. The results identified different KPs for each voice disorder; thus, disease-specific analysis is a reasonable approach.
Identification of the Effect of Ultrasonic Friction Reduction in Metal-Elastomer Contacts Using a Two-Control-Loop Tribometer
Authors: Weinstein Michael , Nowroth Christian , Twiefel Jens , Wallaschek Jörg
Published: July 2021

Pneumatic cylinders are widely used in highly dynamic processes, such as handling and conveying tasks. They must work both reliably and accurately. The positioning accuracy suffers from the stick-slip effect due to strong adhesive forces during the seal contact and the associated high breakaway forces. To achieve smooth motion of the piston rod and increased position accuracy despite highly variable position dynamics, sliding friction and breakaway force must be reduced. This contribution presents a specially designed linear tribometer that has two types of control. Velocity control allows the investigation of sliding friction mechanisms. Friction force control allows investigation of the breakaway force. Due to its bearing type, the nearly disturbance-free detection of stick-slip transients and the dynamic contact behavior of the sliding friction force was possible. The reduction of the friction force was achieved by a superposition of the piston rod’s movement by longitudinal ultrasonic vibrations. This led to significant reductions in friction forces at the rubber/metal interface. In addition, the effects of ultrasonic frequency and vibration amplitude on the friction reduction were investigated. With regard to the breakaway force, significant success was achieved by the excitation. The force control made it possible to identify the characteristic movement of the sealing ring during a breakaway process.
The Potential Ozone Impacts of Landfills
Authors: Olaguer Eduardo P.
Published: July 2021

Landfill gas produces ozone precursors such as nitrogen oxides and formaldehyde when combusted in flares or stationary engines. Solid waste landfills are also the third largest anthropogenic source of methane in the United States. Methane is both a greenhouse gas and a tropospheric ozone precursor. Despite its low photochemical reactivity, methane may noticeably affect urban ozone if released in large quantities along with other organic compounds in landfill gas. A fine-scale 3D Eulerian chemical transport model was used to demonstrate that, under meteorological and background chemical conditions conducive to high ozone concentrations, typical emissions of ozone precursors from a single hypothetical landfill may result in persistent daytime additions to ozone of over 1 part per billion (ppb) by volume tens of kilometers downwind. Large leaks of landfill gas can enhance this ozone pollution by over a tenth of a ppb, and external sources of non-methane ozone precursors may further exacerbate this impact. In addition, landfill gas combustion may increase near-source exposure to toxic formaldehyde by well over half a ppb. In Southeast Michigan, the combined influence of several landfills upwind of key monitoring sites may contribute significantly to observed exceedances of the U.S. ozone standard.
Future Projection of Precipitation Changes in the Júcar and Segura River Basins (Iberian Peninsula) by CMIP5 GCMs Local Downscaling
Authors: Miró Juan Javier , Estrela María José , Olcina-Cantos Jorge , Martin-Vide Javier
Published: July 2021

The basins of the Júcar and Segura rivers, on the Mediterranean coast of the Iberian Peninsula, present a special water problem and are of particular interest regarding climate change. These basins are very vulnerable to a possible scenario of decreasing water resources. Recent studies on historic rainfall since 1955 have indicated an ongoing loss of precipitation in their headwaters, especially in the case of the Júcar river. The aim of the present study is to perform climate projections for the precipitation variable for several future periods (2021–2040, 2051–2070, 2081–2100) and emission scenarios (RCPs 4.5, 8.5) within the Júcar and Segura River Basin authorities. For this purpose, a set of CMIP5 global models have been used, as well as the CDRD-HR-EIP-1955-2016 database, as a source of local observed information. This database comprises nearly 900 precipitation series in both basins and has been used in recent studies to determine historic trends of change in these basins. A statistical downscaling of the global models for all available observed series has been applied using the LARS-WG method. The results, although variable according to the CMIP5 model used, show the continuation of the patterns of precipitation change in the future, as already observed in the historical series. The results also predict a clear reduction in precipitation in the long term. However, torrential rainfall tends to increase in the coastal areas in relation to that observed in the short-term predictions. These results, due to their high spatial resolution, are of great interest for their use in small-scale hydrological and spatial planning (regional and local), which is one of the current challenges of climate modeling.
The Effect of Increased Ozone Levels on the Stable Carbon and Nitrogen Isotopic Signature of Wheat Cultivars and Landraces
Authors: Chang-Espino Melissa , González-Fernández Ignacio , Alonso Rocío , Araus Jose Luis , Bermejo-Bermejo Victoria
Published: July 2021

Several studies have highlighted the negative effects of ozone (O3) on wheat development and productivity. The negative effects of O3 are mediated by changes in photosynthetic carbon and nitrogen metabolism, which are difficult and time-consuming to assess and are thus only measured sporadically throughout the plant cycle. Stable isotope measurements in grains can help integrate the effects of chronic O3 exposure over the lifespan of the plant. This particular study focuses on the extent to which the stomatal conductance and productivity of Mediterranean wheat are related to carbon and nitrogen isotopic signatures under chronic O3 exposure. An open top chamber experiment was designed to analyse the effects of the pollutant on 12 Spanish wheat genotypes, which included modern cultivars, old cultivars and landraces. Four O3 treatments were considered. Stomatal conductance (gs) measurements were carried out during anthesis, and yield and nitrogen content parameters were taken at maturity, along with the carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotopic composition measured in grains. Modern and old cultivars responded similarly to O3 and were sensitive to the pollutant regarding yield parameters and gs, while landraces were more O3-tolerant. Grain δ13C had a strong negative correlation with grain yield and stomatal conductance across genotypes and O3 conditions, and increased under higher O3 concentrations, showing its capacity to integrate O3 stress throughout the wheat cycle. Meanwhile, a higher nitrogen concentration in grains, coupled with smaller grains, led to an overall decreased grain nitrogen yield under higher O3 concentrations. This nitrogen concentration effect within the grain differed among genotypes bred at different ages, following their respective O3-sensitivity. δ15N showed a possible indirect effect of O3 on nitrogen redistribution, particularly under the highest O3 concentration. The correlations of δ15N and δ13C to the usual effects of ozone on the plant suggest their potential as indicators of chronic ozone exposure.
Detection of Lithium Plating in Li-Ion Cell Anodes Using Realistic Automotive Fast-Charge Profiles
Authors: Dotoli Matteo , Milo Emanuele , Giuliano Mattia , Rocca Riccardo , Nervi Carlo , Baricco Marcello , Ercole Massimiliano , Sgroi Mauro Francesco
Published: July 2021

The widespread use of electric vehicles is nowadays limited by the “range anxiety” of the customers. The drivers’ main concerns are related to the kilometric range of the vehicle and to the charging time. An optimized fast-charge profile can help to decrease the charging time, without degrading the cell performance and reducing the cycle life. One of the main reasons for battery capacity fade is linked to the Lithium plating phenomenon. This work investigates two methodologies, i.e., three-electrode cell measurement and internal resistance evolution during charging, for detecting the Lithium plating conditions. From this preliminary analysis, it was possible to develop new Multi-Stage Constant-Current profiles, designed to improve the performance in terms of charging time and cells capacity retention with respect to a reference profile. Four new profiles were tested and compared to a reference. The results coming from the new profiles demonstrate a simultaneous improvement in terms of charging time and cycling life, showing the reliability of the implemented methodology in preventing Lithium plating.
Circulating Extracellular Vesicle Proteins and MicroRNA Profiles in Subcortical and Cortical-Subcortical Ischaemic Stroke
Authors: Otero-Ortega Laura , Alonso-López Elisa , Pérez-Mato María , Laso-García Fernando , Gómez-de Frutos Mari Carmen , Diekhorst Luke , García-Bermejo María Laura , Conde-Moreno Elisa , Fuentes Blanca , de Leciñana María Alonso , Bravo Susana B. , Díez-Tejedor Exuperio , Gutiérrez-Fernández María
Published: July 2021

In order to investigate the role of circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs), proteins, and microRNAs as damage and repair markers in ischaemic stroke depending on its topography, subcortical (SC), and cortical-subcortical (CSC) involvement, we quantified the total amount of EVs using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique and analysed their global protein content using proteomics. We also employed a polymerase chain reaction to evaluate the circulating microRNA profile. The study included 81 patients with ischaemic stroke (26 SC and 55 CSC) and 22 healthy controls (HCs). No differences were found in circulating EV levels between the SC, CSC, and HC groups. We detected the specific expression of C1QA and Casp14 in the EVs of patients with CSC ischaemic stroke and the specific expression of ANXA2 in the EVs of patients with SC involvement. Patients with CSC ischaemic stroke showed a lower expression of miR-15a, miR-424, miR-100, and miR-339 compared with those with SC ischaemic stroke, and the levels of miR-339, miR-100, miR-199a, miR-369a, miR-424, and miR-15a were lower than those of the HCs. Circulating EV proteins and microRNAs from patients with CSC ischaemic stroke could be considered markers of neurite outgrowth, neurogenesis, inflammation process, and atherosclerosis. On the other hand, EV proteins and microRNAs from patients with SC ischaemic stroke might be markers of an anti-inflammatory process and blood–brain barrier disruption reduction.
TREM2 Regulates High Glucose-Induced Microglial Inflammation via the NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Li Yuan , Long Weihong , Gao Menghan , Jiao Fangtai , Chen Zecai , Liu Mingyuan , Yu Lu
Published: July 2021

Background: TREM2 expressed on microglia plays an important role in modulating inflammation in neurodegenerative diseases. It remains unknown whether TREM2 modulates hyperglycemia-induced microglial inflammation. Methods: We investigated the molecular function of TREM2 in high glucose-induced microglial inflammation using western blotting, qPCR, ELISA, pulldown, and co-IP methods. Results: Our data showed that in high glucose-induced BV2 cells, TREM2 was increased, and the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β was increased. TREM2 knockout (KO) attenuated the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β; conversely, TREM2 overexpression (OE) exacerbated IL-1β expression. Furthermore, we found that high glucose promoted the interaction of TREM2 with NLRP3. TREM2 KO abolished the interaction of TREM2 with NLRP3, while TREM2 OE enhanced the interaction. Moreover, TREM2 KO reduced high glucose-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and TREM2 OE augmented high glucose-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation, indicating that high glucose enhances the expression of TREM2, which activates the NLRP3 inflammasome. To further clarify whether the NLRP3 signaling pathway mediates the TREM2-regulated inflammatory response, we blocked the NLRP3 inflammasome by knocking out NLRP3 and treating cells with a caspase1 inhibitor, which decreased the levels of the IL-1β proinflammatory cytokine but did not affect the high glucose-induced expression of TREM2. Conclusions: TREM2 modulates high glucose-induced microglial inflammation via the NLRP3 signaling pathway.
Quantitative Evaluation of Task-Induced Neurological Outcome after Stroke
Authors: Hussain Iqram , Park Se-Jin
Published: July 2021

Electroencephalography (EEG) can access ischemic stroke-derived cortical impairment and is believed to be a prospective predictive method for acute stroke prognostics, neurological outcome, and post-stroke rehabilitation management. This study aims to quantify EEG features to understand task-induced neurological declines due to stroke and evaluate the biomarkers to distinguish the ischemic stroke group and the healthy adult group. We investigated forty-eight stroke patients (average age 72.2 years, 62% male) admitted to the rehabilitation center and seventy-five healthy adults (average age 77 years, 31% male) with no history of known neurological diseases. EEG was recorded through frontal, central, temporal, and occipital cortical electrodes (Fz, C1, C2, T7, T8, Oz) using wireless EEG devices and a newly developed data acquisition platform within three months after the appearance of symptoms of ischemic stroke (clinically confirmed). Continuous EEG data were recorded during the consecutive resting, motor (walking and working activities), and cognitive reading tasks. The statistical results showed that alpha, theta, and delta activities are biomarkers classifying the stroke patients and the healthy adults in the motor and cognitive states. DAR and DTR of the stroke group differed significantly from those of the healthy control group during the resting, motor, and cognitive tasks. Using the machine-learning approach, the C5.0 model showed 78% accuracy for the resting state, 89% accuracy in the functional motor walking condition, 84% accuracy in the working condition, and 85% accuracy in the cognitive reading state for classification the stroke group and the control group. This study is expected to be helpful for post-stroke treatment and post-stroke recovery.
The Effect of Red Mud Content on the Compressive Strength of Geopolymers under Different Curing Systems
Authors: Ai Tao , Zhong Danni , Zhang Yao , Zong Jingshan , Yan Xin , Niu Yanhui
Published: July 2021

To maximize the utilization of red mud in geopolymers, a red mud–metakaolin (RM-MK) geopolymer and red mud–fly ash (RM-FA) geopolymer were prepared, respectively. The effects of red mud content on the compressive strength and microstructure of the geopolymers were investigated under three different curing conditions. The results showed that the strength of the geopolymer decreased linearly with an increase in the red mud content, whether curing at room temperature or 80 °C. Surprisingly, curing in an autoclave, the appropriate amount of red mud had a favorable impact on the mechanical properties of the geopolymers. When the amount of red mud was 50%, the strength of the RM-MK geopolymer reached its highest compressive strength, 36.3 MPa, and the strength of the RM-FA geopolymer reached its highest at 31.7 MPa. Compared with curing at low temperature, curing the red mud-based geopolymers under a higher temperature and higher pressure can maximize the use of red mud. XRD analysis indicated that zeolite minerals formed. The SEM results showed that the geopolymers cured in an autoclave had a dense structure.
Harnessing Carcinoma Cell Plasticity Mediated by TGF-β Signaling
Authors: Wang Xuecong , Thiery Jean Paul
Published: July 2021

Epithelial cell plasticity, a hallmark of carcinoma progression, results in local and distant cancer dissemination. Carcinoma cell plasticity can be achieved through epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), with cells positioned seemingly indiscriminately across the spectrum of EMT phenotypes. Different degrees of plasticity are achieved by transcriptional regulation and feedback-loops, which confer carcinoma cells with unique properties of tumor propagation and therapy resistance. Decoding the molecular and cellular basis of EMT in carcinoma should enable the discovery of new therapeutic strategies against cancer. In this review, we discuss the different attributes of plasticity in carcinoma and highlight the role of the canonical TGFβ receptor signaling pathway in the acquisition of plasticity. We emphasize the potential stochasticity of stemness in carcinoma in relation to plasticity and provide data from recent clinical trials that seek to target plasticity.
Advances in Immunotherapy for Adult Glioblastoma
Authors: Chokshi Chirayu R. , Brakel Benjamin A. , Tatari Nazanin , Savage Neil , Salim Sabra K. , Venugopal Chitra , Singh Sheila K.
Published: July 2021

Despite aggressive multimodal therapy, glioblastoma (GBM) remains the most common malignant primary brain tumor in adults. With the advent of therapies that revitalize the anti-tumor immune response, several immunotherapeutic modalities have been developed for treatment of GBM. In this review, we summarize recent clinical and preclinical efforts to evaluate vaccination strategies, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. Although these modalities have shown long-term tumor regression in subsets of treated patients, the underlying biology that may predict efficacy and inform therapy development is being actively investigated. Common to all therapeutic modalities are fundamental mechanisms of therapy evasion by tumor cells, including immense intratumoral heterogeneity, suppression of the tumor immune microenvironment and low mutational burden. These insights have led efforts to design rational combinatorial therapies that can reignite the anti-tumor immune response, effectively and specifically target tumor cells and reliably decrease tumor burden for GBM patients.
Late Neurological and Cognitive Sequelae and Long-Term Monitoring of Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma and Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Survivors: A Systematic Review by the Fondazione Italiana Linfomi
Authors: Franceschetti Silvia , Annunziata Maria Antonietta , Agostinelli Giulia , Gerardi Chiara , Allocati Eleonora , Minoia Carla , Guarini Attilio
Published: July 2021

Background: The continuously improving treatment outcome for classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) over the last 25 years has led to a high number of long-term survivors. The impact of treatment, however, can sometimes be dramatic and long-lasting. Focusing on peripheral neuropathy (PN), cognitive impairment, fatigue, anxiety, and depression, researchers of the Fondazione Italiana Linfomi conducted a systematic review of the literature to collect the available data on sequelae incidence as well as evidence of follow-up strategies for long-term cHL and DLBCL survivors. Methods: The review was carried out under the methodological supervision of the Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche “Mario Negri”, Milan, Italy. The literature search was conducted on three databases (MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library) updated to November 2019. The selection process and data extraction were conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Results: A total of 2236 abstracts were screened, 247 full texts were analyzed, and 35 papers were included in the final analysis. Fatigue was the most extensively studied among neuropsychological sequelae, with a mean prevalence among cHL survivors of 10–43%. Although many of the papers showed an increased incidence of PN, cognitive impairment, and anxiety and depression in long-term cHL and DLBCL survivors, no definite conclusions can be drawn because of the methodological limitations of the analyzed studies. No data on monitoring and follow-up strategies of PN and other neuropsychological sequelae were highlighted. Conclusions: Based on our findings, future studies in this setting should include well-defined study populations and have a longitudinal trial design to assess the outcomes of interest over time, thus as to structure follow-up programs that can be translated into daily practice.
Tyrosine Phosphoproteomics of Patient-Derived Xenografts Reveals Ephrin Type-B Receptor 4 Tyrosine Kinase as a Therapeutic Target in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Renuse Santosh , Madamsetty Vijay S. , Mun Dong-Gi , Madugundu Anil K. , Singh Smrita , Udainiya Savita , Mangalaparthi Kiran K. , Kim Min-Sik , Liu Ren , Kumar S. Ram , Krasnoperov Valery , Truty Mark , Graham Rondell P. , Gill Parkash S. , Mukhopadhyay Debabrata , Pandey Akhilesh
Published: July 2021

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is a recalcitrant tumor with minimal response to conventional chemotherapeutic approaches. Oncogenic signaling by activated tyrosine kinases has been implicated in cancers resulting in activation of diverse effector signaling pathways. Thus, the discovery of aberrantly activated tyrosine kinases is of great interest in developing novel therapeutic strategies in the treatment and management of pancreatic cancer. Patient-derived tumor xenografts (PDXs) in mice serve as potentially valuable preclinical models as they maintain the histological and molecular heterogeneity of the original human tumor. Here, we employed high-resolution mass spectrometry combined with immunoaffinity purification using anti-phosphotyrosine antibodies to profile tyrosine phosphoproteome across 13 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma PDX models. This analysis resulted in the identification of 1199 tyrosine-phosphorylated sites mapping to 704 proteins. The mass spectrometric analysis revealed widespread and heterogeneous activation of both receptor and non-receptor tyrosine kinases. Preclinical studies confirmed ephrin type-B receptor 4 (EphB4) as a potential therapeutic target based on the efficacy of human serum albumin-conjugated soluble EphB4 in mice bearing orthotopic xenografts. Immunohistochemistry-based validation using tissue microarrays from 346 patients with PDAC showed significant expression of EphB4 in >70% of patients. In summary, we present a comprehensive landscape of tyrosine phosphoproteome with EphB4 as a promising therapeutic target in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
Immunotherapy in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients with Brain Metastases: Clinical Challenges and Future Directions
Authors: Pathak Ranjan , Amini Arya , Hill Addie , Massarelli Erminia , Salgia Ravi
Published: July 2021

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized the treatment landscape for patients with non-small cell lung cancers. Existing treatment paradigms for brain metastases in lung cancer patients leave patients with adverse neurocognitive function, poor quality of life, and dismal prognosis, thus highlighting the need to develop more effective systemic therapies. Although data are limited, emerging knowledge suggests promising activity and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors in brain metastases in non-small cell lung cancer patients. This review aims to summarize the current data, highlight the challenges of incorporating immune checkpoint inhibitors in treating these patients, and identify areas for future research.
Chemical Composition and Corrosion Behavior of a-C:H/DLC Film-Coated Titanium Substrate in Simulated PEMFC Environment
Authors: Han Beibei , Yan Mengyuan , Ju Dongying , Chai Maorong , Sato Susumu
Published: July 2021

The amorphous hydrogenated (a-C:H) film-coated titanium, using different CH4/H2 and deposition times, was prepared by the ion beam deposition (IBD) method, which has the advantage of high adhesion because of the graded interface mixes at the atomic level. The chemical characterizations and corrosion behaviors of a-C:H film were investigated and evaluated by SEM, AFM, Raman spectroscopy, EPMA, TEM and XPS. An a-C:H film-coated titanium was corroded at 0.8 V, 90 °C in a 0.5 mol/L H2SO4 solution for 168 h. The metal ion concentration in the H2SO4 corrosion solution and the potentiodynamic polarization behavior were evaluated. Results indicate that a higher CH4/H2 of 1:0 and a deposition time of 12 h can result in a minimum ID/IG ratio of 0.827, Ra of 5.76 nm, metal ion concentration of 0.34 ppm in the corrosion solution and a corrosion current of 0.23 µA/cm2. The current density in this work meets the DOE’s 2020 target of 1 µA/cm2. Electrical conductivity is inversely proportional to the corrosion resistance. The significant improvement in the corrosion resistance of the a-C:H film was mainly attributed to the increased sp3 element and nanocrystalline TiC phase in the penetration layer. As a result, the a-C:H film-coated titanium at CH4/H2 = 1:0 with improved anti-corrosion behavior creates a great potential for PEMFC bipolar plates.
A Decommissioned Wind Blade as a Second-Life Construction Material for a Transmission Pole
Authors: Alshannaq Ammar A. , Bank Lawrence C. , Scott David W. , Gentry Russell
Published: July 2021

This paper demonstrates the concept of adaptive repurposing of a portion of a decommissioned Clipper C96 wind turbine blade as a pole in a power transmission line application. The current research program is aimed at creating a path towards sustainable repurposing of wind turbine blades after they are removed from service. The present work includes modelling and analysis of expected load cases as prescribed in ASCE 74 and NESC using simplified boundary conditions for tangent pole applications. Load cases involving extreme wind, concurrent ice and wind, extreme ice, differential ice, broken conductor, and broken shield have been analyzed and governing load cases for bending, shear, and torsion have been examined. Relative stiffnesses of different parts forming the wind blade’s cross section (i.e., shell, web, and spar cap) are determined. The corresponding stresses associated with each part under the governing loads are compared to allowable strength values which are determined from composite laminate theory and modelling of the known laminate structure of the E-Glass FRP material. Stresses and deflections obtained are compared with governing reliability-based design criteria and code requirements. The results of the structural analysis indicate that the wind blade can resist the expected loads with reasonable safety factors and that the expected deflections are within permissible limits. Recommendations are provided for detailing and modification of the wind blade for a power pole application in which crossarm and davit connections are highlighted, and foundation details are emphasized.