bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4 (BMP4) Enhances the Differentiation of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells into Limbal Progenitor Cells
Authors: Lee Hyun Soo , Mok Jeewon , Joo Choun-Ki
Published: December 2021

Corneal epithelium maintains visual acuity and is regenerated by the proliferation and differentiation of limbal progenitor cells. Transplantation of human limbal progenitor cells could restore the integrity and functionality of the corneal surface in patients with limbal stem cell deficiency. However, multiple protocols are employed to differentiate human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells into corneal epithelium or limbal progenitor cells. The aim of this study was to optimize a protocol that uses bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) and limbal cell-specific medium. Human dermal fibroblast-derived iPS cells were differentiated into limbal progenitor cells using limbal cell-specific (PI) medium and varying doses (1, 10, and 50 ng/mL) and durations (1, 3, and 10 days) of BMP4 treatment. Differentiated human iPS cells were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blotting, and immunocytochemical studies at 2 or 4 weeks after BMP4 treatment. Culturing human dermal fibroblast-derived iPS cells in limbal cell-specific medium and BMP4 gave rise to limbal progenitor and corneal epithelial-like cells. The optimal protocol of 10 ng/mL and three days of BMP4 treatment elicited significantly higher limbal progenitor marker (ABCG2, ∆Np63α) expression and less corneal epithelial cell marker (CK3, CK12) expression than the other combinations of BMP4 dose and duration. In conclusion, this study identified a successful reprogramming strategy to induce limbal progenitor cells from human iPS cells using limbal cell-specific medium and BMP4. Additionally, our experiments indicate that the optimal BMP4 dose and duration favor limbal progenitor cell differentiation over corneal epithelial cells and maintain the phenotype of limbal stem cells. These findings contribute to the development of therapies for limbal stem cell deficiency disorders.
Molecular Genetics of Pre-B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Sister Cell Lines during Disease Progression
Authors: Quentmeier Hilmar , Pommerenke Claudia , Drexler Hans G.
Published: December 2021

For many years, immortalized tumor cell lines have been used as reliable tools to understand the function of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. Today, we know that tumors can comprise subclones with common and with subclone-specific genetic alterations. We sequenced DNA and RNA of sequential sister cell lines obtained from patients with pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia at different phases of the disease. All five pairs of cell lines carry alterations that are typical for this disease: loss of tumor suppressors (CDKN2A, CDKN2B), expression of fusion genes (ETV6-RUNX1, BCR-ABL1, MEF2D-BCL9) or of genes targeted by point mutations (KRAS A146T, NRAS G12C, PAX5 R38H). MEF2D-BCL9 and PAX R38H mutations in cell lines have hitherto been undescribed, suggesting that YCUB-4 (MEF2D-BCL9), PC-53 (PAX R38H) and their sister cell lines will be useful models to elucidate the function of these genes. All aberrations mentioned above occur in both sister cell lines, demonstrating that the sisters derive from a common ancestor. However, we also found mutations that are specific for one sister cell line only, pointing to individual subclones of the primary tumor as originating cells. Our data show that sequential sister cell lines can be used to study the clonal development of tumors and to elucidate the function of common and clone-specific mutations.
Majorana Zero Modes in Ferromagnetic Wires without Spin-Orbit Coupling
Authors: Livanas Giorgos , Vanas Nikolaos , Varelogiannis Georgios
Published: December 2021

We present a novel controllable platform for engineering Majorana zero modes. The platform consists of a ferromagnetic metallic wire placed among conventional superconductors, which are in proximity to ferromagnetic insulators. We demonstrate that Majorana zero modes emerge localised at the edges of the ferromagnetic wire, due to the interplay of the applied supercurrents and the induced by proximity exchange fields with conventional superconductivity. Our mechanism does not rely on the pairing of helical fermions by combining conventional superconductivity with spin-orbit coupling, but rather exploits the misalignment between the magnetization of the ferromagnetic insulators and that of the ferromagnetic wire.
Silicon Drift Detectors’ Spectroscopic Response during the SIDDHARTA-2 Kaonic Helium Run at the DAΦNE Collider
Authors: Miliucci Marco , Bazzi Massimiliano , Bosnar Damir , Bragadireanu Mario , Carminati Marco , Cargnelli Michael , Clozza Alberto , Curceanu Catalina , Deda Griseld , De Paolis Luca , Del Grande Raffaele , Fiorini Carlo , Guaraldo Carlo , Iliescu Mihail , Iwasaki Masahiko , King Pietro , Levi Sandri Paolo , Marton Johann , Moskal Paweł , Napolitano Fabrizio , Niedźwiecki Szymon , Piscicchia Kristian , Scordo Alessandro , Sgaramella Francesco , Shi Hexi , Silarski Michał , Sirghi Diana , Sirghi Florin , Skurzok Magdalena , Spallone Antonio , Tüchler Marlene , Vazquez Doce Oton , Zmeskal Johann
Published: December 2021

A large-area silicon drift detectors (SDDs) system has been developed by the SIDDHARTA-2 collaboration for high precision light kaonic atom X-ray spectroscopy at the DAΦNE collider of Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare—Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati. The SDDs’ geometry and electric field configuration, combined with their read-out electronics, make these devices suitable for performing high precision light kaonic atom spectroscopy measurements in the background of the DAΦNE collider. This work presents the spectroscopic response of the SDDs system during the first exotic atoms run of SIDDHARTA-2 with kaonic helium, a preliminary to the kaonic deuterium data taking campaign. The SIDDHARTA-2 spectroscopic system has good energy resolution and a 2 μs timing window which rejects the asynchronous events, scaling the background by a factor of 10−5. The results obtained for the first exotic atoms run of SIDDHARTA-2 prove this system to be ready to perform the challenging kaonic deuterium measurement.
Cryptography as the Means to Protect Fundamental Human Rights
Authors: Limniotis Konstantinos
Published: December 2021

Cryptography is traditionally considered as a main information security mechanism, providing several security services such as confidentiality, as well as data and entity authentication. This aspect is clearly relevant to the fundamental human right of privacy, in terms of securing data from eavesdropping and tampering, as well as from masquerading their origin. However, cryptography may also support several other (legal) requirements related to privacy. For example, in order to fulfil the data minimisation principle—i.e., to ensure that the personal data that are being processed are adequate and limited only to what is necessary in relation to the purposes for which they are processed—the use of advanced cryptographic techniques such as secure computations, zero-knowledge proofs or homomorphic encryption may be prerequisite. In practice though, it seems that the organisations performing personal data processing are not fully aware of such solutions, thus adopting techniques that pose risks for the rights of individuals. This paper aims to provide a generic overview of the possible cryptographic applications that suffice to address privacy challenges. In the process, we shall also state our view on the public “debate” on finding ways so as to allow law enforcement agencies to bypass the encryption of communication.
Accuracy of Subclinical Ketosis Detection with Rapid Test Methods for BHBA in Blood in Commercial Dairy Farms
Authors: Jansen Henrike , Zschiesche Marleen , Albers Dirk , Wemheuer Wilhelm , Sharifi A. , Hummel Jürgen
Published: December 2021

This study gives an overview of the performance and accuracy of devices used for the fast measurement of β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) in blood for the on-farm indication of subclinical ketosis. Data were collected on ten dairy farms. In each farm, blood samples were taken from ten cows on four test days (2, 4, 9 and 11), resulting in 400 samples. The reference method was the BHBA concentration in blood serum (BHBALAB). Four different devices that measure BHBA in whole blood were tested. The thresholds applied for identifying subclinical ketosis were ≥1.0, ≥1.2 and ≥1.4 mmol/L in blood serum. The BHBALAB was assigned in three classes: low—≤0.9 mmol/L; high—>0.9 mmol/L; and total—all values unclassified. Due to initial negative effects on the health and performance of cows with BHBA levels ≥0.9 mmol/L, this cut-off was chosen. The Passing–Bablok regression revealed different constant as well as absolute biases for each device in the aforementioned classes. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve indicated highly accurate results, with 94–97% accuracy levels. As an overall conclusion, the performance of the devices was good and supports their use by farmers for the detection of subclinical ketotic cows in their herds.
Nutraceuticals for Knee Osteoarthritis Pain Relief. Results from a Preliminary Randomised Clinical Trial
Authors: Valsamidou Evdokia , Amerikanou Charalampia , Tzavara Chara , Zoumpoulakis Panagiotis , Mariolis-Sapsakos Theodoros D. , Skarpas George , Kaliora Andriana C.
Published: December 2021

Osteoarthritis is the most common inflammation-based joint disease. Polyphenols are plant secondary metabolites with established antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Recognizing the need for holistic approaches in the management of knee osteoarthritis, we designed a two-arm, randomised clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of a supplement rich in phenolic compounds in OA. Primary outcomes included changes in Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) pain subscale. Secondary outcome measures were the changes in WOMAC stiffness and functionality subscales. Patients were randomised (1:1) to receive a mixture of phenolic compounds and ascorbic acid (PhAA,) or ascorbic acid (AA). Μedical history, biochemical profile and anthropometric measurements were obtained. Eighty-six patients were screened and 25 were randomly allocated in a pilot study to receive a mixture of phenolic compounds and ascorbic acid (PhAA,) or ascorbic acid (AA) adjunct to stable medical treatment. The nutraceutical supplements were well tolerated and no adverse events were reported. VAS decreased in the PhAA group (p < 0.001). Additionally, WOMAC composite score decreased significantly only in the PhAA group (p < 0.05). The WOMAC subscale of pain decreased in both treatment groups (p = 0.001 for the PhAA group, p < 0.05 for the AA group). The decrease in the subscales of stiffness and physical function was not significant for either group. A possible improvement in the quality of life of these patients using nutraceutical supplements is apparent. Although preliminary, our positive results support the hypothesis that treatment with nutraceuticals may be effective for pain relief in osteoarthritis. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04783792.
Optimum Sizing of Photovoltaic-Battery Power Supply for Drone-Based Cellular Networks
Authors: Javidsharifi Mahshid , Pourroshanfekr Arabani Hamoun , Kerekes Tamas , Sera Dezso , Spataru Sergiu Viorel , Guerrero Josep M.
Published: December 2021

In order to provide Internet access to rural areas and places without a reliable economic electricity grid, self-sustainable drone-based cellular networks have recently been presented. However, the difficulties of power consumption and mission planning lead to the challenge of optimal sizing of the power supply for future cellular telecommunication networks. In order to deal with this challenge, this paper presents an optimal approach for sizing the photovoltaic (PV)-battery power supply for drone-based cellular networks in remote areas. The main objective of the suggested approach is to minimize the total cost, including the capital and operational expenditures. The suggested framework is applied to an off-grid cellular telecommunication network with drone-based base stations that are powered by PV-battery systems-based recharging sites in a rural location. The PV-battery system is optimally designed for three recharging sites with three different power consumption profiles with different peak and cumulative loads. Results show that the optimal design of the PV-battery system is dependent on geographical data, solar irradiation, and ambient temperature, which affect the output power of the PV system, as well as the power consumption profile, which affects the required number of PV panels and battery capacity.
Second-Order Least Squares Estimation in Nonlinear Time Series Models with ARCH Errors
Authors: Salamh Mustafa , Wang Liqun
Published: December 2021

Many financial and economic time series exhibit nonlinear patterns or relationships. However, most statistical methods for time series analysis are developed for mean-stationary processes that require transformation, such as differencing of the data. In this paper, we study a dynamic regression model with nonlinear, time-varying mean function, and autoregressive conditionally heteroscedastic errors. We propose an estimation approach based on the first two conditional moments of the response variable, which does not require specification of error distribution. Strong consistency and asymptotic normality of the proposed estimator is established under strong-mixing condition, so that the results apply to both stationary and mean-nonstationary processes. Moreover, the proposed approach is shown to be superior to the commonly used quasi-likelihood approach and the efficiency gain is significant when the (conditional) error distribution is asymmetric. We demonstrate through a real data example that the proposed method can identify a more accurate model than the quasi-likelihood method.
Numerical Modelling of Moisture Loss during Controlled Drying of Marine Archaeological Wood
Authors: Lipkowitz Gabriel , Hennum Karoline Sofie , Piva Eleonora , Schofield Eleanor
Published: December 2021

If left to dry uncontrollably following excavation, marine archaeological wood suffers significant and irreparable damage. Conservation treatments are required to consolidate degraded wood and to remove residual water. Drying must be controlled to eliminate erratic and heterogeneous water removal. Monitoring and understanding the drying process progression is invaluable information to garner real-time knowledge to correlate with chemical and physical material properties, and to develop future conservation strategies. Here, polyethylene glycol (PEG) consolidated marine archaeological wood was periodically sampled during drying to determine the moisture content as a function of location, time, and sample depth. The heterogeneous nature of the material leads to significant noise across spatial and temporal measurements, making it challenging to elucidate meaningful conclusions from visual observation of the raw data. Therefore, the spatiotemporal data was computationally analysed to produce a representative model of the ship’s drying, illustrated by a dynamic simulation. From this we can quantitatively predict the drying rate, determine the depth-dependence of drying, and estimate the resulting equilibrium moisture content. This is the first time such simulations have been carried out on this material and conservation process, demonstrating the power of applying numerical modelling to further our understanding of complex heritage data.
Phytophthora Root and Collar Rot of Paulownia, a New Disease for Europe
Authors: Aloi Francesco , Riolo Mario , La Spada Federico , Bentivenga Gaetano , Moricca Salvatore , Santilli Elena , Pane Antonella , Faedda Roberto , Cacciola Santa Olga
Published: December 2021

Paulownia species are fast growing trees native to China, which are being grown in managed plantings in several European countries for the production of wood and biomasses. In 2018, wilting, stunting, leaf yellowing, and collapse, as a consequence of root and crown rot, were observed in around 40% of trees of a 2-year-old planting of Paulownia elongata × P. fortunei in Calabria (Southern Italy). Two species of Phytophthora were consistently recovered from roots, basal stem bark, and rhizosphere soil of symptomatic trees and were identified as Ph. nicotianae and Ph. palmivora on the basis of both morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis of rDNA ITS sequences. Koch’s postulates were fulfilled by reproducing the symptoms on potted paulownia saplings transplanted into infested soil or stem-inoculated by wounding. Both Phytophthora species were pathogenic and caused root rot and stem cankers. Even though P. palmivora was the only species recovered from roots of naturally infected plants, in pathogenicity tests through infested soil P. nicotianae was more virulent. This is the first report of Phytophthora root and crown rot of a Paulownia species in Europe. Strategies to prevent this emerging disease include the use of healthy nursery plants, choice of well-drained soils for new plantations, and proper irrigation management.
Opposing Ecological Strategies Together Promote Biomass Carbon Storage in Homegardens Agroforestry of Southern Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Md Mizanur , Kundu Gauranga Kumar , Kabir Md Enamul , Ahmed Heera , Xu Ming
Published: December 2021

Exploration of the biodiversity–environmental factors–carbon storage relationships have been a central research question in the changing global climate over the last few decades. However, in comparison to other forest ecosystems, very few studies have been conducted in homegarden agroforestry plantations, which have a tremendous capacity to battle global climate change sustainably. We hypothesized that (i) soil organic matter content has both a direct and indirect effect on aboveground carbon storage through species richness, structural diversity, functional diversity (FD) and functional composition (FC); (ii) some facets of diversity (structural diversity, FD and FC) would be more important in linking species richness to aboveground carbon; (iii) species richness, FC, structural diversity and FD would have a positive impact on aboveground carbon storage (AGC) after considering the effect of soil fertility; and (iv) FC would have a greater effect on AGC than the other three components of biodiversity. These hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling with field data obtained from 40 homesteads in southwestern Bangladesh. We observed that species richness, FC of maximum canopy height and structural diversity had significant effects on AGC, while soil organic matter and FD of wood density had an insignificant effect. Among the four biodiversity components, the structural diversity had a greater influence on AGC. Contrary to our hypothesis, soil fertility and species richness did not have a significant indirect effect on AGC through their mediators. These four components of biodiversity, along with soil organic matter together explained 49% of the variance in AGC. Our findings indicate that both niche complementarity and selection effects regulate AGC in homegardens, where the former theory had stronger control of AGC in homegardens. Therefore, we need to maintain not only the species diversity but also structural diversity (DBH) and functional composition (canopy height) for enhancing aboveground carbon storage on a sustainable basis in homegardens and other restoration programs under nature-based solution.
Does Mixing Tree Species Affect Water Storage Capacity of the Forest Floor? Laboratory Test of Pine-Oak and Fir-Beech Litter Layers
Authors: Ilek Anna , Szostek Małgorzata , Mikołajczyk Anna , Rajtar Marta
Published: December 2021

During the last decade, tree species mixing has been widely supported as a silvicultural approach to reduce drought stress. However, little is known on the influence of tree species mixing on physical properties and the water storage capacity of forest soils (including the forest floor). Thus, the study aimed to analyze the effect of mixing pine needles and oak leaves and mixing fir needles and beech leaves on hydro-physical properties of the litter layer during laboratory tests. We used fir-beech and pine-oak litter containing various shares of conifer needles (i.e., 0, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 and 100%) to determine the influence of the needle admixture on bulk density, total porosity, macroporosity, water storage capacity, the amount of water stored in pores between organic debris and the degree of saturation of mixed litter compared to broadleaf litter (oak or beech). We found that the admixture of fir needles increased the bulk density of litter from 7.9% with a 5% share of needles to 55.5% with a 50% share (compared to pure beech litter), while the share of pine needles < 40% caused a decrease in bulk density by an average of 3.0–11.0% (compared to pure oak litter). Pine needles decreased the water storage capacity of litter by about 13–14% with the share of needles up to 10% and on average by 28% with the 40 and 50% shares of pine needles in the litter layer. Both conifer admixtures reduced the amount of water stored in the pores between organic debris (pine needles more than fir needles).
Exploration of the Potential for Efficient Fiber Degradation by Intestinal Microorganisms in Diqing Tibetan Pigs
Authors: Yang Lijie , Wang Gang , Zhou Junyan , Yang Yuting , Pan Hongbin , Zeng Xiangfang , Qiao Shiyan
Published: December 2021

In order to study the potential for efficient fiber degradation by intestinal microorganisms in Diqing Tibetan pigs, we first investigated the dietary structure of Diqing Tibetan pigs in their original habitat, then 60 healthy adult Diqing Tibetan pigs were randomly divided into 2 groups with 6 replicates each and 5 pigs in each replicate. The content of neutral detergent fiber in treatment 1 and 2 were adjusted to 20% and 40%, respectively. The total tract digestibility of nutrients and the degradation efficiency of fecal microorganisms to different types of fiber were determined. Results showed that the composition and nutritional level of Diqing Tibetan pig original diet differed greatly in different seasons. The content of crude fiber in the original diet was as high as 12.3% and the neutral detergent fiber was 32.5% in April, while the content of crude fiber was 4.9% and the neutral detergent fiber was 13.3% in October. With the increase of dietary fiber level, the total tract apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude fiber, crude protein, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, ether extract, and organic matter decreased significantly (p < 0.05), and the contents of acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, isobutyric acid, valeric acid, and isovaleric acid in the feces were also significantly (p < 0.05) reduced. The ability of Diqing Tibetan pig fecal microorganisms to degrade neutral detergent fiber was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than “Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire” pig. In addition, there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the degradation efficiency of the same type of fiber between NDF-20 and NDF-40 groups. Our results strongly suggested that Diqing Tibetan pigs have the potential to efficiently utilize fiber, and their unique intestinal microbial composition is the main reason for their efficient utilization of dietary fiber.
Applying Cassava Stems Biochar Produced from Agronomical Waste to Enhance the Yield and Productivity of Maize in Unfertile Soil
Authors: Wijitkosum Saowanee , Sriburi Thavivongse
Published: December 2021

Many agronomical wastes are produced annually in significant amounts after cultivation, especially in agricultural countries. This study applied biochar produced from the pyrolysis of cassava stems to improve soil with low fertility for maize cultivation. The effect of soil biochar incorporation on maize yield and productivity was also investigated. Eight experimental plots, each with four replicates, were applied with cassava stem biochar (CSB) at different rates of 0.5 kg/m2 (TB0.5), 2.5 kg/m2 (TB2.5) and 3.0 kg/m2 (TB3.0), fertilizer at 0.56 kg/m2 (TM), fertilizer at 0.56 kg/m2 mixed with CSB at 0.5 kg/m2 (TMB0.5), 2.5 kg/m2 (TMB2.5), 3.0 kg/m2 (TMB3.0) and untreated soil (TC). Pyrolysis of cassava stems at 450–500 °C produced strongly alkaline CSB with pH 9.6 and increased nutrient contents. Specific surface area and total pore volume increased, and pores were classified as mesoporous, while average pore diameter decreased. CSB had a highly stable carbon content of 58.46%, with high aromaticity and polarity obtained from O/C and H/C ratios. Results indicated that CSB enhanced and supported maize growth by improving soil physicochemical properties to suit cultivation. Applying CSB into the soil gave higher maize yield and productivity than cultivation using fertilizer. The highest yield and nutrition contents were obtained in seed from cultivation using fertilizer mixed with biochar at 3.0 kg/m2. Biochar production from cassava stems generated a useful commodity from waste material.
An Advanced Deep Learning Approach for Multi-Object Counting in Urban Vehicular Environments
Authors: Dirir Ahmed , Ignatious Henry , Elsayed Hesham , Khan Manzoor , Adib Mohammed , Mahmoud Anas , Al-Gunaid Moatasem
Published: December 2021

Object counting is an active research area that gained more attention in the past few years. In smart cities, vehicle counting plays a crucial role in urban planning and management of the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). Several approaches have been proposed in the literature to address this problem. However, the resulting detection accuracy is still not adequate. This paper proposes an efficient approach that uses deep learning concepts and correlation filters for multi-object counting and tracking. The performance of the proposed system is evaluated using a dataset consisting of 16 videos with different features to examine the impact of object density, image quality, angle of view, and speed of motion towards system accuracy. Performance evaluation exhibits promising results in normal traffic scenarios and adverse weather conditions. Moreover, the proposed approach outperforms the performance of two recent approaches from the literature.
Comparative Pharmacokinetics and Tissue Concentrations of Flunixin Meglumine and Meloxicam in Tilapia (Oreochromis spp.)
Authors: Martin Miriam , Smith Stephen , Kleinhenz Michael , Magnin Geraldine , Lin Zhoumeng , Kuhn David , Montgomery Shawnee , Coetzee Johann
Published: December 2021

Evidence of pain perception in fish is well established, but analgesic use in aquaculture is limited. The objective was to investigate the comparative pharmacokinetics of flunixin administered intramuscularly (IM) and meloxicam administered IM or orally (PO) in tilapia. Two hundred and seventy fish were assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups: flunixin meglumine IM (2.2 mg/kg); meloxicam IM (1 mg/kg); or meloxicam PO (1 mg/kg). Blood and tissue samples were collected from 6 fish per treatment at 14 time points for 10 days. Drug concentrations were determined using ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectroscopy. Plasma concentration versus time data were analyzed with a non-compartmental approach using a commercially available software. Flunixin reached a mean maximum concentration (Cmax) of 4826.7 ng/mL at 0.5 h, had a terminal half-life (T1/2) of 7.34 h, and an area under the concentration–time curve extrapolated to infinity (AUCINF_obs) of 25,261.62 h·ng/mL. Meloxicam IM had a T1/2 of 9.4 h after reaching a Cmax of 11.3 ng/mL at 2 h, with an AUCINF_obs of 150.31 h·ng/mL. Meloxicam PO had a T1/2 of 1.9 h after reaching a Cmax of 72.2 ng/mL at 2 h, with an AUCINF_obs of 400.83 h·ng/mL. Tissue concentrations of both drugs were undetectable by 9 h. Flunixin reached a sufficient plasma concentration to potentially have an analgesic effect, while meloxicam, when administered at the given dosage, likely would not.
Introduction to the Biology and Control of Invasive Fishes and a Special Issue on This Topic
Authors: Sorensen Peter W.
Published: December 2021

Across the globe, dozens of species of invasive fish are now found in fresh as well as marine waters, where they alter habitats, compete with native fish for food, and prey on native fishes, exerting both indirect and direct effects on ecosystems and economies. While efforts to understand and control these species are growing, most are still in their infancy; however, a few examples stand out. This special issue is comprised of 11 notable articles on freshwater invasive fish and is the first to address this topic. This introductory article serves as an introduction to these articles which focus on 5 topics on invasive freshwater fish: (1) the damage they cause (one article); (2) techniques to ascertain their presence (one article); (3) techniques to restrict their movement (one article); (4) strategies to control them (three articles); and (5) lessons learned from ongoing management efforts (five articles). This introduction notes that successful management efforts share a few approaches: (1) they develop and use a deep understanding of local species and their abundance as well as distribution; (2) they focus on reducing reproductive success; (3) they use multiple complimentary control strategies; and (4) they use a long-term approach.
Fineness of Coal Fly Ash for Use in Cement and Concrete
Authors: Sanjuán Miguel Ángel , Argiz Cristina
Published: December 2021

Nowadays, coal is increasingly being used as an energy source in some countries. This coal-fired generation process, however, has the disadvantage that produces large quantities of coal fly ash. Its characteristics differ depending on the combustion conditions and the coal source. Fineness will influence early compressive strength in cement-based materials. The finer the binding material, the higher the early compressive strength. They can be used to produce high-volume fly ash (HVFA) concrete, self-compacting concrete (SCC), concrete for marine infrastructures, pervious concrete, roller compacted concrete (RCC) and so on.More than seven hundred samples of coal fly ash were collected from a coal-fired power plant for a period of ten years, and their fineness were characterized by sieving. The average fineness on 45 µm, 63 µm, 90 µm and 200 µm mesh sieves were 22.5%, 15.5%, 9.1% and 2.0%, respectively. Then, most of the coal fly ash particles were lower than 45 µm, i.e., from 15 to 30% were retained on the 45 µm sieve, and from 10 to 20% by mass of coal fly ash particles were retained on a 63 µm sieve. Fineness on a 45 µm sieve is a good indirect indicator of the residues on the 63 µm, 90 µm and 200 µm mesh sieves. Accordingly, it is suggested to broaden the range from ±5% to as high as ±7% regarding the fineness variation requirement. Finally, the tested coal fly ash can be applied as cement constituent.
Modeling the Effects of Implementation of Alternative Ways of Vehicle Powering
Authors: Wasiak Andrzej L.
Published: December 2021

The trend to replace traditional fossil fuel vehicles is becoming increasingly apparent. The replacement concerns the use of pure biofuels or in blends with traditional fuels, the use of hydrogen as an alternative fuel and, above all, the introduction of electric propulsion. The introduction of new types of vehicle propulsion affects the demand for specific fuels, the needs for new infrastructure, or the nature of the emissions to the environment generated by fuel production and vehicle operation. The article presents a mathematical model using the difference of two logistic functions, the first of which describes the development of the production of a specific type of vehicle, and the second, the withdrawal of this type of vehicle from traffic after its use. The model makes it possible to forecast both the number of vehicles of each generation as a function of time, as well as changes in energy demand from various sources and changes in exhaust emissions. The results of the numerical simulation show replacing classic vehicles with alternative vehicles increases the total energy demand if the generation of the next generation occurs earlier than the decay of the previous generation of vehicles and may decrease in the case of overlapping or delays in the creation of new vehicles compared to the course of the decay function of the previous generation. For electric vehicles, carbon dioxide emissions are largely dependent on the emissions from electricity generation. The proposed model can be used to forecast technology development variants, as well as analyze the current situation based on the approximation of real data from Vehicle Registration Offices.
Estimating the Potential of Electric Vehicles for Travelling to Work and Education in Melbourne, Victoria
Authors: Gezmish Mahmut , Truong Long T.
Published: December 2021

This paper aims to estimate the potential of electric vehicles (EVs) in Melbourne, Victoria, using the Victorian Integrated Survey of Travel and Activity (VISTA) data. The investigation of whether EVs with different all-electric ranges (AERs) can replace car travel to work and education is the focus of this paper. The results showed that EVs would be able to replace most car travel to work (68.5% to 97.1%) and car travel to education (71.9% to 96.9%), with AERs increasing from 40 km to 100 km, assuming car drivers are willing to use an EV. It is estimated that the average operating cost savings per person would be up to AUD 3.12 and AUD 2.79 each day, regarding travel to work and education, respectively. Considering both travel to work and education, EVs could replace up to 33.8 million kilometres of car travel, consuming around 7.6 GWh and resulting in a reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of about 610 tons each day.
Removal of Nickel Ions from Aqueous Solutions by 2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Itaconic Acid Hydrogels Optimized with Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Antić Katarina , Onjia Antonije , Vasiljević-Radović Dana , Veličković Zlate , Tomić Simonida Lj.
Published: December 2021

The adsorption of Ni2+ ions from water solutions by using hydrogels based on 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) and itaconic acid (IA) was studied. Hydrogel synthesis was optimized with response surface methodology (RSM). The hydrogel with the best adsorption capacity towards Ni2+ ions was chosen for further experiments. The hydrogel was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis before and after the adsorption of Ni2+ ions. Batch equilibrium experiments were conducted to investigate the influence of solution pH, hydrogel weight, ionic strength, adsorption time, temperature and initial concentration of nickel ions on the adsorption. Time-dependent adsorption fitted the best to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. A thermodynamic study revealed that the adsorption was an exothermic and non-spontaneous process. Five isotherm models were studied, and the best fit was obtained with the Redlich–Peterson model. Consecutive adsorption/desorption studies indicated that the HEA/IA hydrogel can be efficiently used as a sorbent for the removal of Ni2+ ions from the water solution. This study develops a potential adsorbent for the effective removal of trace nickel ions.
Multifunctional Polymeric Nanogels for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Kaewruethai Tisana , Laomeephol Chavee , Pan Yue , Luckanagul Jittima Amie
Published: December 2021

Currently, research in nanoparticles as a drug delivery system has broadened to include their use as a delivery system for bioactive substances and a diagnostic or theranostic system. Nanogels, nanoparticles containing a high amount of water, have gained attention due to their advantages of colloidal stability, core-shell structure, and adjustable structural components. These advantages provide the potential to design and fabricate multifunctional nanosystems for various biomedical applications. Modified or functionalized polymers and some metals are components that markedly enhance the features of the nanogels, such as tunable amphiphilicity, biocompatibility, stimuli-responsiveness, or sensing moieties, leading to specificity, stability, and tracking abilities. Here, we review the diverse designs of core-shell structure nanogels along with studies on the fabrication and demonstration of the responsiveness of nanogels to different stimuli, temperature, pH, reductive environment, or radiation. Furthermore, additional biomedical applications are presented to illustrate the versatility of the nanogels.
Whole Three-Dimensional Dosimetry of Carbon Ion Beams with an MRI-Based Nanocomposite Fricke Gel Dosimeter Using Rapid T1 Mapping Method
Authors: Mizukami Shinya , Watanabe Yusuke , Mizoguchi Takahiro , Gomi Tsutomu , Hara Hidetake , Takei Hideyuki , Fukunishi Nobuhisa , Ishikawa Kenichi L. , Fukuda Shigekazu , Maeyama Takuya
Published: December 2021

MRI-based gel dosimeters are attractive systems for the evaluation of complex dose distributions in radiotherapy. In particular, the nanocomposite Fricke gel dosimeter is one among a few dosimeters capable of accurately evaluating the dose distribution of heavy ion beams. In contrast, reduction of the scanning time is a challenging issue for the acquisition of three-dimensional volume data. In this study, we investigated a three-dimensional dose distribution measurement method for heavy ion beams using variable flip angle (VFA), which is expected to significantly reduce the MRI scanning time. Our findings clarified that the whole three-dimensional dose distribution could be evaluated within the conventional imaging time (20 min) and quality of one cross-section.
Synthesis of Novel Tamarind Gum-co-poly(acrylamidoglycolic acid)-Based pH Responsive Semi-IPN Hydrogels and Their Ag Nanocomposites for Controlled Release of Chemotherapeutics and Inactivation of Multi-Drug-Resistant Bacteria
Authors: Nagaraja Kasula , Krishna Rao Kummari S. V. , Zo Sunmi , Soo Han Sung , Rao Kummara Madhususdana
Published: December 2021

In this paper, novel pH-responsive, semi-interpenetrating polymer hydrogels based on tamarind gum-co-poly(acrylamidoglycolic acid) (TMGA) polymers were synthesized using simple free radical polymerization in the presence of bis[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl] phosphate as a crosslinker and potassium persulfate as a initiator. In addition, these hydrogels were used as templates for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (13.4 ± 3.6 nm in diameter, TMGA-Ag) by using leaf extract of Teminalia bellirica as a reducing agent. Swelling kinetics and the equilibrium swelling behavior of the TMGA hydrogels were investigated in various pH environments, and the maximum % of equilibrium swelling behavior observed was 2882 ± 1.2. The synthesized hydrogels and silver nanocomposites were characterized via UV, FTIR, XRD, SEM and TEM. TMGA and TMGA-Ag hydrogels were investigated to study the characteristics of drug delivery and antimicrobial study. Doxorubicin hydrochloride, a chemotherapeutic agent successfully encapsulated with maximum encapsulation efficiency, i.e., 69.20 ± 1.2, was used in in vitro release studies in pH physiological and gastric environments at 37 °C. The drug release behavior was examined with kinetic models such as zero-order, first-order, Higuchi, Hixson Crowell and Korsmeyer–Peppas. These release data were best fitted with the Korsemeyer–Peppas transport mechanism, with n = 0.91. The effects of treatment on HCT116 human colon cancer cells were assessed via cell viability and cell cycle analysis. The antimicrobial activity of TMGA-Ag hydrogels was studied against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumonia. Finally, the results demonstrate that TMGA and TMGA-Ag are promising candidates for anti-cancer drug delivery and the inactivation of pathogenic bacteria, respectively.
Thermal Gelation for Synthesis of Surface-Modified Silica Aerogel Powders
Authors: Lee Kyoung-Jin , Lee Jae Min , Nam Ki Sun , Hwang Haejin
Published: December 2021

A spherical silica aerogel powder with hydrophobic surfaces displaying a water contact angle of 147° was synthesized from a water glass-in-hexane emulsion through ambient pressure drying. Water glass droplets containing acetic acid and ethyl alcohol were stabilized in n-hexane with a surfactant. Gelation was performed by heating the droplets, followed by solvent exchange and surface modification using a hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS)/n-hexane solution. The pH of the silicic acid solution was crucial in obtaining a highly porous silica aerogel powder with a spherical morphology. The thermal conductivity, tapped density, pore volume, and BET surface area of the silica aerogel powder were 22.4 mW·m−1K−1, 0.07 g·cm−3, 4.64 cm3·g−1, and 989 m2·g−1, respectively. Fourier transform infrared (FT–IR) spectroscopy analysis showed that the silica granule surface was modified by Si-CH3 groups, producing a hydrophobic aerogel.
A Detailed Gene Expression Map of Giardia Encystation
Authors: Rojas-López Laura , Krakovka Sascha , Einarsson Elin , Ribacke Ulf , Xu Feifei , Jerlström-Hultqvist Jon , Svärd Staffan G.
Published: December 2021

Giardia intestinalis is an intestinal protozoan parasite that causes diarrheal infections worldwide. A key process to sustain its chain of transmission is the formation of infectious cysts in the encystation process. We combined deep RNAseq of a broad range of encystation timepoints to produce a high-resolution gene expression map of Giardia encystation. This detailed transcriptomic map of encystation confirmed a gradual change of gene expression along the time course of encystation, showing the most significant gene expression changes during late encystation. Few genes are differentially expressed early in encystation, but the major cyst wall proteins CWP-1 and -2 are highly up-regulated already after 3.5 h encystation. Several transcription factors are sequentially up-regulated throughout the process, but many up-regulated genes at 7, 10, and 14 h post-induction of encystation have binding sites in the upstream regions for the Myb2 transcription factor, suggesting that Myb2 is a master regulator of encystation. We observed major changes in gene expression of several meiotic-related genes from 10.5 h of encystation to the cyst stage, and at 17.5 h encystation, there are changes in many different metabolic pathways and protein synthesis. Late encystation, 21 h to cysts, show extensive gene expression changes, most of all in VSP and HCMP genes, which are involved in antigenic variation, and genes involved in chromatin modifications. This high-resolution gene expression map of Giardia encystation will be an important tool in further studies of this important differentiation process.
Imaging the “Hot Phase” of a Familiar Left-Dominant Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Rubino Marta , Scatteia Alessandra , Frisso Giulia , Pacileo Giuseppe , Caiazza Martina , Pascale Carmine Emanuele , Guarini Pasquale , Limongelli Giuseppe , Dellegrottaglie Santo
Published: December 2021

We describe the case of a young man with an initial diagnosis of acute myocarditis that was finally recognized as a familial left-dominant arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. The diagnostic process was also based on demonstration, serial cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and typical patterns of myocardial damage, including features of the disease’s inflammatory “hot phase”.
Role of Basal ABA in Plant Growth and Development
Authors: Brookbank Benjamin P. , Patel Jasmin , Gazzarrini Sonia , Nambara Eiji
Published: December 2021

Abscisic acid (ABA) regulates various aspects of plant physiology, including promoting seed dormancy and adaptive responses to abiotic and biotic stresses. In addition, ABA plays an im-portant role in growth and development under non-stressed conditions. This review summarizes phenotypes of ABA biosynthesis and signaling mutants to clarify the roles of basal ABA in growth and development. The promotive and inhibitive actions of ABA in growth are characterized by stunted and enhanced growth of ABA-deficient and insensitive mutants, respectively. Growth regulation by ABA is both promotive and inhibitive, depending on the context, such as concentrations, tissues, and environmental conditions. Basal ABA regulates local growth including hyponastic growth, skotomorphogenesis and lateral root growth. At the cellular level, basal ABA is essential for proper chloroplast biogenesis, central metabolism, and expression of cell-cycle genes. Basal ABA also regulates epidermis development in the shoot, by inhibiting stomatal development, and deposition of hydrophobic polymers like a cuticular wax layer covering the leaf surface. In the root, basal ABA is involved in xylem differentiation and suberization of the endodermis. Hormone crosstalk plays key roles in growth and developmental processes regulated by ABA. Phenotypes of ABA-deficient and insensitive mutants indicate prominent functions of basal ABA in plant growth and development.
Introduction to Painful Laughter: Media and Politics in the Age of Cringe
Authors: Schwanebeck Wieland
Published: December 2021

This introduction to the Special Issue on cringe humour briefly traces the starting point of the contemporary cringe boom, and it looks into the roots of awkwardness as a cultural phenomenon in the 1960s. Moreover, the introduction argues for the cathartic potential of cringe humour in the context of sociopolitical issues, and briefly presents the subsequent articles.
Buccal Bone Thickness in Anterior and Posterior Teeth—A Systematic Review
Authors: Heimes Diana , Schiegnitz Eik , Kuchen Robert , Kämmerer Peer W. , Al-Nawas Bilal
Published: December 2021

(1) Background: Immediate dental implant placement has been a subject of great interest over the last decade. Here, information regarding the anatomy and bone thickness of the jaw prior to dental implant placement is crucial to increase the surgery’s success and the patient’s safety. The clinical premises for this approach have been controversially discussed. One of those heavily discussed premises is a buccal bone thickness of at least 1 mm thickness. This meta-analysis aims to systematically review buccal bone thickness (BBT) in healthy patients. Thus, the feasibility of immediate dental implant placement in daily practice can be assessed. (2) Methods: A search in the electronic databases was performed to identify articles reporting on BBT that was measured by computed tomography in adults. (3) Results: We were able to find 45 studies, including 4324 patients with 25,452 analyzed teeth. The analysis showed a BBT at the alveolar crest of 0.76 ± 0.49 mm in the maxillary frontal and of 1.42 ± 0.74 mm in the maxillary posterior region. In the mandible, the average measured values were similar to those in the maxilla (front: 0.95 ± 0.58 mm; posterior: 1.20 ± 0.96 mm). In the maxillary frontal region 74.4% and in the mandibular frontal region 61.2% of the crestal buccal bones showed widths <1 mm. (4) Conclusions: In more than 60% of the cases, the BBT at the alveolar crest is <1 mm in maxillary and mandibular frontal regions. This anatomic data supports careful pre-surgical assessment, planning of a buccal graft, and critical selection of indication for immediate implant placement, especially in the maxillary and mandibular frontal and premolar region.