bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antibody Responses to SARS-CoV-2 Following an Outbreak Among Marine Recruits With Asymptomatic or Mild Infection
Authors: Ramos Irene , Goforth Carl , Soares-Schanoski Alessandra , Weir Dawn L. , Samuels Emily C. , Phogat Shreshta , Meyer Michelle , Huang Kai , Pietzsch Colette A. , Ge Yongchao , Pike Brian L. , Regeimbal James , Simons Mark P. , Termini Michael S. , Vangeti Sindhu , Marjanovic Nada , Lizewski Stephen , Lizewski Rhonda , George Mary-Catherine , Nair Venugopalan D. , Smith Gregory R. , Mao Weiguang , Chikina Maria , Broder Christopher C. , Laing Eric D. , Bukreyev Alexander , Sealfon Stuart C. , Letizia Andrew G.
Published: June 2021

We investigated serological responses following a SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in spring 2020 on a US Marine recruit training base. 147 participants that were isolated during an outbreak of respiratory illness were enrolled in this study, with visits approximately 6 and 10 weeks post-outbreak (PO). This cohort is comprised of young healthy adults, ages 18-26, with a high rate of asymptomatic infection or mild symptoms, and therefore differs from previously reported longitudinal studies on humoral responses to SARS-CoV-2, which often focus on more diverse age populations and worse clinical presentation. 80.9% (119/147) of the participants presented with circulating IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) receptor-binding domain (RBD) at 6 weeks PO, of whom 97.3% (111/114) remained positive, with significantly decreased levels, at 10 weeks PO. Neutralizing activity was detected in all sera from SARS-CoV-2 IgG positive participants tested (n=38) at 6 and 10 weeks PO, without significant loss between time points. IgG and IgA antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 RBD, S1, S2, and the nucleocapsid (N) protein, as well neutralization activity, were generally comparable between those participants that had asymptomatic infection or mild disease. A multiplex assay including S proteins from SARS-CoV-2 and related zoonotic and human endemic betacoronaviruses revealed a positive correlation for polyclonal cross-reactivity to S after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Overall, young adults that experienced asymptomatic or mild SARS-CoV-2 infection developed comparable humoral responses, with no decrease in neutralizing activity at least up to 10 weeks after infection.
Diel Feeding Rhythm and Grazing Selectivity of Small-Sized Copepods in a Subtropical Embayment, the Northern South China Sea
Authors: He Xuejia , Wang Ziyu , Bai Ziqing , Han Liuyu , Chen Mianrun
Published: June 2021

Small marine copepods are key components of the pelagic food webs in Chinese coastal waters, but very few studies have addressed their trophodynamics, with even fewer studies addressing their diel feeding rhythms. In this study, the diel feeding rhythm and grazing selectivity of the copepod assemblage in Daya Bay during September 30 to October 2, 2014, were studied based on gut pigment analysis. Small copepods (body length < 1.5 mm) including Paracalanus parvus, Temora turbinata, Acrocalanus gibber, Temora stylifera, Euterpe acutifrons, and Acrocalanus gracilis, accounted for 73.9–100% of the total copepod abundance. The copepod assemblage generally exhibited a diurnal feeding pattern, characterized by a higher gut pigment content and ingestion rate during the daytime, consistent with variation in the ambient Chl α concentration. Fifty-five percent of the phytoplankton standing stock per day was consumed by the copepod assemblage, wherein diatoms, prymnesiophytes, and cyanobacteria were the main prey items with average contributions of 19.4–32.9% to the gut pigment contents. The copepod assemblage showed a strong feeding preference for prymnesiophytes, a weak feeding preference for diatoms, and avoidance of cyanobacteria. These results suggest a strong top-down control on phytoplankton community, especially on small groups from small copepods in the Daya Bay ecosystem.
Planktic Foraminiferal and Pteropod Contributions to Carbon Dynamics in the Arctic Ocean (North Svalbard Margin)
Authors: Anglada-Ortiz Griselda , Zamelczyk Katarzyna , Meilland Julie , Ziveri Patrizia , Chierici Melissa , Fransson Agneta , Rasmussen Tine L.
Published: June 2021

Planktic foraminifera and shelled pteropods are some of the major producers of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in the ocean. Their calcitic (foraminifera) and aragonitic (pteropods) shells are particularly sensitive to changes in the carbonate chemistry and play an important role for the inorganic and organic carbon pump of the ocean. Here, we have studied the abundance distribution of planktic foraminifera and pteropods (individuals m–3) and their contribution to the inorganic and organic carbon standing stocks (μg m–3) and export production (mg m–2day–1) along a longitudinal transect north of Svalbard at 81° N, 22–32° E, in the Arctic Ocean. This transect, sampled in September 2018 consists of seven stations covering different oceanographic regimes, from the shelf to the slope and into the deep Nansen Basin. The sea surface temperature ranged between 1 and 5°C in the upper 300 m. Conditions were supersaturated with respect to CaCO3(Ω > 1 for both calcite and aragonite). The abundance of planktic foraminifera ranged from 2.3 to 52.6 ind m–3and pteropods from 0.1 to 21.3 ind m–3. The planktic foraminiferal population was composed mainly of the polar speciesNeogloboquadrina pachyderma(55.9%) and the subpolar speciesTurborotalita quinqueloba(21.7%),Neogloboquadrina incompta(13.5%) andGlobigerina bulloides(5.2%). The pteropod population was dominated by the polar speciesLimacina helicina(99.6%). The rather high abundance of subpolar foraminiferal species is likely connected to the West Spitsbergen Current bringing warm Atlantic water to the study area. Pteropods dominated at the surface and subsurface. Below 100 m water depth, foraminifera predominated. Pteropods contribute 66–96% to the inorganic carbon standing stocks compared to 4–34% by the planktic foraminifera. The inorganic export production of planktic foraminifera and pteropods together exceeds their organic contribution by a factor of 3. The overall predominance of pteropods over foraminifera in this high Arctic region during the sampling period suggest that inorganic standing stocks and export production of biogenic carbonate would be reduced under the effects of ocean acidification.
Bacterial Communities Associated With Healthy and Bleached Crustose Coralline Alga Porolithon onkodes
Authors: Yang Fangfang , Xiao Zhiliang , Wei Zhangliang , Long Lijuan
Published: June 2021

Crustose coralline algae (CCA) play vital roles in producing and stabilizing reef structures and inducing the settlement and metamorphosis of invertebrate larvae in coral reef ecosystems. However, little is known about the bacterial communities associated with healthy and bleached CCA and their interactions with coral larval settlement. We collected samples of healthy, middle semi-bleached, and bleached CCA Porolithon onkodes from Sanya Bay in the South China Sea and investigated their influences on the larval settlement and metamorphosis of the reef-building coral Pocillopora damicornis. The larval settlement/metamorphosis rates all exceeded 70% when exposed to healthy, middle semi-bleached, and bleached algae. Furthermore, the compositions of bacterial community using amplicon pyrosequencing of the V3–V4 region of 16S rRNA were investigated. There were no obvious changes in bacterial community structure among healthy, middle semi-bleached, and bleached algae. Alphaproteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Gammaproteobacteria were dominant in all samples, which may contribute to coral larval settlement. However, the relative abundances of several bacterial communities varied among groups. The relative abundances of Mesoflavibacter, Ruegeria, Nautella, and Alteromonas in bleached samples were more than double those in the healthy samples, whereas Fodinicurvata and unclassified Rhodobacteraceae were significantly lower in the bleached samples. Additionally, others at the genus level increased significantly from 8.5% in the healthy samples to 22.93% in the bleached samples, which may be related to algal bleaching. These results revealed that the microbial community structure associated with P. onkodes generally displayed a degree of stability. Furthermore, bleached alga was still able to induce larval settlement and metamorphosis.
The Ameliorative Effects of Isorhynchophylline on Morphine Dependence Are Mediated Through the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis
Authors: Chen Zhu , Zhijie Chen , Yuting Zhou , Chan Li , Shilin Xiao , Qichun Zhou , Jinying Ou , Jing Li , Chaohua Luo , Zhixian Mo
Published: June 2021

Morphine abuse is a global public health problem. Increasing evidence has shown that gut microbiota dysbiosis plays an important role in several central nervous system diseases. However, whether there is an association between gut microbiota and morphine dependence remains unclear. In this study, the effects of isorhynchophylline on morphine dependence were evaluated based on the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA). The results showed that isorhynchophylline could reverse the changes in alpha and beta diversity, composition, and richness of the intestinal flora occurring in morphine-dependent zebrafish, as well as the morphine-induced changes in the expression of MGBA-related genes in BV2 cells and the brain and intestine of zebrafish. Based on the results, we then used antibiotics to evaluate whether disrupting the gut microbiota would affect morphine addiction in zebrafish. The results showed that the antibiotic-induced intestinal floral imbalance changed the behavior of morphine-dependent zebrafish, the characteristics of the zebrafish intestinal flora, and the expression of MGBA-related genes in the zebrafish brain and intestine. Importantly, we also show that, following antibiotic administration, the ameliorative effects of isorhynchophylline on morphine addiction were lost. Together, our results indicate that the gut microbiota interacts with the brain, and dysbiosis of the intestinal flora may affect the efficacy of isorhynchophylline in the body. Our findings provide a novel framework for understanding the mechanisms of morphine addiction through the MGBA and may provide new therapeutic strategies for the use of Chinese medicines in the prevention of drug addiction.
Influence of Psychological Vulnerability Factors for Bipolar Disorders on a Semantic Mediated Priming Task
Authors: Labalestra Mélanie , Stefaniak Nicolas , Lefebvre Laurent , Besche-Richard Chrystel
Published: June 2021

Hypomanic personality, hyperthymic temperament and irritable temperament are considered as psychological vulnerability factors to bipolar disorders. Semantic memory is impaired in bipolar patients. Spreading activation is among the probable candidates for accounting this impairment. The aim of this study was to assess spreading activation according to vulnerability factors continuum to determine whether it could be a factor of vulnerability to bipolar disorders. A sample of 61 healthy volunteers was recruited. Spreading activation was assessed by semantic mediated priming implemented in a double lexical decision task. Results shown that semantic mediated priming was negatively associated to hyperthymic temperament and irritable temperament. Impairment in semantic memory, and more specifically spreading activation, appear to be a cognitive factor of vulnerability to bipolar disorders. Our results can contribute to a better understanding of semantic impairment in vulnerable population and in bipolar disorder.
Dual Stressors and Female Pre-school Teachers' Job Satisfaction During the COVID-19: The Mediation of Work-Family Conflict
Authors: Hong Xiumin , Liu Qianqian , Zhang Mingzhu
Published: June 2021

Online education has become a vital weapon to fight against the COVID-19 epidemic in the world. In the home-based online education environment, female pre-school teachers are expected to balance the dual roles of teacher and mother at the same time, which may trigger the work-family conflict. Although previous studies analyzed individual stressors, work-family conflict and its outcomes, there is little research on pre-school teachers' work and parenting experience during major public health emergencies. The current study examined the associations among work overload, parenting stress, work-family conflict, and job satisfaction during the COVID-19. Seven hundred eighteen female pre-school teachers with children who worked online at home participated in the study. Female pre-school teachers reported that the COVID-19 has increased work overload and parenting stress. Moreover, work overload was negatively associated with job satisfaction via its positive association with work-to-family conflict. Parenting stress was negatively associated with job satisfaction via both family-to-work conflict and work-to-family conflict. The study contributes to a better understanding of the association among female pre-school teachers' work overload, parenting stress, work-family conflict, and job satisfaction. Our findings highlighted potential avenues for interventions aimed at balancing female pre-school teachers' work and family and improving their job satisfaction during the COVID-19.
The Impact of Assuming Perfect Foresight in Hydroeconomic Analysis of Yellow River Diversions to the Hai River Basin, China: A Framework Combining Linear Programming and Model Predictive Control
Authors: Martinsen Grith , Liu Suxia , Mo Xingguo , Davidsen Claus , Payet-Burin Raphaël , Bauer-Gottwein Peter
Published: June 2021

This study analyses the impact of assuming perfect foresight of future agro-hydrological events in hydroeconomic analysis of water infrastructure projects. The impact is evaluated based on the estimated monetary benefits of a proposed water infrastructure investment diverting Yellow River water to the Hai River basin in China, resulting in supply augmentation and improved water quality. The impact of foresight is quantified as the change in project benefits, evaluated with different assumed lengths of future foresight compared to a perfect foresight benchmark. A hydroeconomic optimization model formulated as a deterministic Linear Program, LP, is optimized to represent the perfect foresight benchmark. Imperfect foresight is modeled by wrapping the hydroeoconomic optimization model in a Model Predictive Control, MCP, framework. Using this LP-MPC framework, different lengths of foresight can be modeled by continuous re-optimizations with updated forecasts over a planning horizon. The framework is applied to the water-scarce and polluted Hai River basin in China, which is suffering from groundwater overdraft and is dominated by agricultural irrigation demands. The hydroeconomic optimization model describes the nine largest reservoirs in conjunctive use with the major groundwater aquifers. The water infrastructure project, allowing transfers of Yellow River water to the plain area of the Hai River basin, is evaluated under long-term sustainable groundwater abstraction constraints, and joint water allocation and water quality management. The value of foresight in agricultural water allocations is represented, using a model that links yield response to water allocations, accounting for delayed yields in agricultural irrigation. Estimated benefits of the proposed project evaluated with decreasing lengths of foresight and compared to the perfect foresight benchmark show that an assumption of perfect foresight underestimates the actual benefits of the water infrastructure investment in the irrigation intensive Hai River basin. This study demonstrates that it is important to evaluate the impact of assuming perfect foresight in any hydroeconomic analysis, to avoid misleading conclusions regarding the costs and benefits of planned projects.
The Case of Insertional Adductor Tendinopathy of an International-Level 3,000-m Steeplechase Runner
Authors: Thomas Ewan , Giaccone Marcello , Iovane Angelo , Polizzi Gaspare , Petrucci Marco , Messina Giuseppe , Palma Antonio
Published: June 2021

Background: Groin pain is a frequent condition among athletes. One of the causes of groin pain is tendinopathy, a frequently diagnosed medical condition, which can also occur in the adductor muscles. Despite the high prevalence of this medical condition among athletes, it is infrequent to observe tendinopathic groin pain in steeplechase runners. The aim of this case study is to describe the case of an international-level 3,000-m steeplechase runner with groin pain, who was subsequently diagnosed with adductor insertional tendinopathy.

Case Presentation: We present the case of an Italian 3,000-m steeplechase and long distance runner, Ala Zoghlami (180 cm, 57 kg), with groin pain, diagnosed as insertional adductor tendinopathy. The runner, after manifesting the painful symptomatology, underwent medical screening (ultrasound and MRI). The radiological investigations highlighted adductor tendinopathy. After refraining from training, the runner underwent medical and physical therapy which, in the first phase, did not improve the painful symptomatology. Further evaluation, after 6 months from the initial training cessation, highlighted a case of malocclusion. Such was treated from a dentistry perspective with the creation of a personalized dental bite.

Results: A multidisciplinary approach which included medical and physical therapy, osteopathy, and dentistry, in adjunct with refraining from training, was able to reduce the symptomatology and allowed a correct return to run (after 9 months from the first painful manifestation) of the steeplechase runner. To date, Ala Zoghlami has fully recovered and was able to win the 3,000-m steeplechase race during the 2021 national Italian competition.
Comparative Experimental Effects of Intercropping and Cypermethrin on Insect Pest Infestation and Yield of Maize, Cowpea and Okra in Two Cameroonian Agro-Ecological Zones
Authors: Farsia Djidjonri Patient , Nchiwan Nukenine Elias , Koehler Hartmut
Published: June 2021

The present study investigates the effect of intercropping (maize-cowpea, maize-okra, maize-okra-cowpea, okra-cowpea) compared to insecticide application on the level of infestation of insect pests and the final yield of maize, cowpea and okra. Field experiments were conducted during the 2016 and 2017 cropping seasons in the Guinean Savannah (Dang-Ngaoundere) and Sudano Sahelian (Gouna-Garoua) agro-ecological zones in Cameroon. Our experimental design was a split plot arrangement in a randomized complete block with four replications. The main factor was assigned to the use of insecticide (Cypermethrin) and sub plots were devoted for cropping systems. We compared the efficiency of intercropping to that of Cypermethrin application on the Yield of maize, cowpea and okra as influenced by insect pest damages. The comparison of monocropped sprayed by Cypermethrin to unsprayed showed that, in Dang, insect pests reduced maize yield by 37% and 24% in 2016 and 2017, respectively, whereas in Gouna, it was lower than 8% during the both years. Reduction in seed yield by insect pests on cowpea in Dang represented 47% and 50% in 2016 and 2017, respectively, whereas in Gouna, it was 55% and 63% in 2016 and 2017, respectively. For okra, insect pests reduced okra fruit yield by 25% and 44% in Dang and 23% and 28% in Gouna, respectively, in 2016 and 2017. Crop yield was lower in intercropping compared to monoculture due to competition of plants in association on different resources. Considering the total yields obtained from each intercropping, intercropping trials resulted generally in higher yields compared to mono-culture (LER > 1) in both sites and years but the respective yields were quite different. On the basis of the results obtained, we recommend maize-cowpea intercropping as a sustainable solution to reduce the infestation level of their pest insects.
The Antioxidant Activity of Limonene Counteracts Neurotoxicity Triggered byAβ1-42 Oligomers in Primary Cortical Neurons
Authors: Piccialli Ilaria , Tedeschi Valentina , Caputo Lucia , Amato Giuseppe , De Martino Laura , De Feo Vincenzo , Secondo Agnese , Pannaccione Anna
Published: June 2021

Many natural-derived compounds, including the essential oils from plants, are investigated to find new potential protective agents in several neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In the present study, we tested the neuroprotective effect of limonene, one of the main components of the genus Citrus, against the neurotoxicity elicited by Aβ1-42 oligomers, currently considered a triggering factor in AD. To this aim, we assessed the acetylcholinesterase activity by Ellman’s colorimetric method, the mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity by MTT assay, the nuclear morphology by Hoechst 33258, the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by DCFH-DA fluorescent dye, and the electrophysiological activity of KV3.4 potassium channel subunits by patch-clamp electrophysiology. Interestingly, the monoterpene limonene showed a specific activity against acetylcholinesterase with an IC50 almost comparable to that of galantamine, used as positive control. Moreover, at the concentration of 10 µg/mL, limonene counteracted the increase of ROS production triggered by Aβ1-42 oligomers, thus preventing the upregulation of KV3.4 activity. This, in turn, prevented cell death in primary cortical neurons, showing an interesting neuroprotective profile against Aβ1-42-induced toxicity. Collectively, the present results showed that the antioxidant properties of the main component of the genus Citrus, limonene, may be useful to prevent neuronal suffering induced by Aβ1-42 oligomers preventing the hyperactivity of KV3.4.
Self-Rated Aversion to Taste Qualities and the PROP Taster Phenotype Associate with Alcoholic Beverage Intake and Preference
Authors: Pickering Gary J. , Thibodeau Margaret K.
Published: June 2021

Consumers often identify “taste” as an important factor when selecting alcoholic beverages. Although it is assumed that reduced alcohol consumption in PROP super-tasters is due to a greater dislike of the nominally aversive sensations that they experience more intensely (e.g., bitterness) when compared to PROP non-tasters, this question has not been specifically asked to them. Therefore, we examined consumers’ self-reported aversion towards specific sensory attributes (bitter, hot/burn, dry, sour, sweet, carbonation) for four alcoholic beverage types (white wine, red wine, beer, spirits) using a convenience sample of U.S. wine consumers (n = 925). Participants rated 18 statements describing different combinations of sensory attributes and alcoholic beverages on a 5-point Likert scale (e.g., Beer tastes too bitter for me). Individuals who tended to agree more strongly with the statements (i.e., they were more averse; p(F) < 0.05) tended to (i) consume less of all beverage types, (ii) consume a higher proportion of white wine (p(r) < 0.05), and (iii) were more likely to be female or PROP super-tasters. The results suggest that self-reported aversion to specific sensory attributes is associated with not only lower overall intake of alcoholic beverages, but also a shift in the relative proportions of beverage type consumed; a key finding for studies investigating how taste perception impacts alcohol consumption.
Carbon Nanotube-Based Scaffolds for Cardiac Tissue Engineering—Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis
Authors: Scott Louie , Jurewicz Izabela , Jeevaratnam Kamalan , Lewis Rebecca
Published: June 2021

Cardiovascular disease is currently the top global cause of death, however, research into new therapies is in decline. Tissue engineering is a solution to this crisis and in combination with the use of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), which have drawn recent attention as a biomaterial, could facilitate the development of more dynamic and complex in vitro models. CNTs’ electrical conductivity and dimensional similarity to cardiac extracellular proteins provide a unique opportunity to deliver scaffolds with stimuli that mimic the native cardiac microenvironment in vitro more effectively. This systematic review aims to evaluate the use and efficacy of CNTs for cardiac tissue scaffolds and was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Three databases were searched: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Papers resulting from these searches were then subjected to analysis against pre-determined inclusion and quality appraisal criteria. From 249 results, 27 manuscripts met the criteria and were included in this review. Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were most commonly used in the experiments, with multi-walled CNTs being most common in tissue scaffolds. Immunofluorescence was the experimental technique most frequently used, which was employed for the staining of cardiac-specific proteins relating to contractile and electrophysiological function.
Three-Dimensional Reconstructed Bone Marrow Matrix Culture Improves the Viability of Primary Myeloma Cells In-Vitro via a STAT3-Dependent Mechanism
Authors: Huang Yung-Hsing , Almowaled Meaad , Li Jing , Venner Christopher , Sandhu Irwindeep , Peters Anthea , Lavasanifar Afsaneh , Lai Raymond
Published: June 2021

Primary myeloma (PM) cells are short-lived in conventional culture, which limited their usefulness as a study model. Here, we evaluated if three-dimensional (3D) culture can significantly prolong the longevity of PM cells in-vitro. We employed a previously established 3D model for culture of bone marrow mononuclear cells isolated from 15 patients. We assessed the proportion of PM cells, viability and proliferation using CD38 staining, trypan blue exclusion assays and carboxy fluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE) staining, respectively. We observed significantly more CD38+ viable cells in 3D than in conventional culture (65% vs. 25%, p = 0.006) on day 3. CFSE staining showed no significant difference in cell proliferation between the two culture systems. Moreover, we found that PM cells in 3D culture are more STAT3 active by measure of pSTAT3 staining (66% vs. 10%, p = 0.008). Treatment of IL6, a STAT3 activator significantly increased CD38+ cell viability (41% to 68%, p = 0.021). In comparison, inhibition of STAT3 with Stattic significantly decreased PM cell viability in 3D culture (38% to 17% p = 0.010). Neither IL6 nor Stattic affected the PM cell viability in conventional culture. This study suggests that 3D culture can significantly improve the longevity of PM cells in-vitro, and STAT3 activation can further improve their viability.
A New MMC Sub-Module Topology with DC Fault Blocking Capability and Capacitor Voltage Self-Balancing Capability
Authors: Pang Yuqi , Ma Gang , Liu Xunyu , Xu Xiaotian , Zhang Xinyuan
Published: June 2021

A large number of modular multilevel converters (MMC) are connected to HVDC transmission systems nowadays. This paper aims at the short-circuit fault in the DC line of the HVDC transmission system and the problem of capacitor voltage imbalance in MMC, proposing a new type of MMC sub-module, which has both the DC fault self-clearing ability and the capacitor voltage self-balancing ability. This sub-module combines the topology of half bridge and full bridge. It uses the reverse capacitor voltage to forcibly turn off the conducting diode to block the fault current loop. At the same time, the two capacitances charge and discharge states are consistent by utilizing the operating mode of the sub-module. It is possible to directly achieve a self-balancing capacitor voltage without complex balancing voltage control. The MATLAB/Simulink simulation verifies the effectiveness of the DC fault blocking capability and capacitor voltage balance capability of the proposed sub-module.
Improving the Functionality of Proso Millet Protein and Its Potential as a Functional Food Ingredient by Applying Nitrogen Fertiliser
Authors: Wang Honglu , Li Dongmei , Wan Chenxi , Luo Yan , Yang Qinghua , Gao Xiaoli , Feng Baili
Published: June 2021

Nitrogen is required for proso millet growth and has a critical influence on yield and quality. However, the effect of nitrogen fertilisation on proso millet protein properties remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate how nitrogen fertiliser treatment (180 kg/hm2) affects the structural and functional properties of proso millet protein. In comparison with the control group (N0), nitrogen fertiliser treatment loosened the dense structure of the protein and presented a larger particle size. Nitrogen treatment did not change the main subunit composition, and β-sheet and α-helix were the main secondary structures of proso millet protein based on Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. In addition, nitrogen fertiliser treatment improved the content of hydrophobic amino acids and β-sheet proportion from proso millet protein, and high water/oil absorption capacity and thermal stability was observed, but the solubility, emulsion stability and foaming properties from proso millet protein decreased. Proso millet proteins exhibited high amino acid content and good functional properties, including solubility, foaming capacity and emulsifying properties, especially the w139 variety. Results show that proso millet protein has great potential for food applications. The above results provide useful information for the food industry to determine emerging gluten-free protein resources.
Magnetic Fields in Molecular Clouds—Observation and Interpretation
Authors: Li Hua-Bai
Published: June 2021

The Zeeman effect and dust grain alignment are two major methods for probing magnetic fields (B-fields) in molecular clouds, largely motivated by the study of star formation, as the B-field may regulate gravitational contraction and channel turbulence velocity. This review summarizes our observations of B-fields over the past decade, along with our interpretation. Galactic B-fields anchor molecular clouds down to cloud cores with scales around 0.1 pc and densities of 104–5 H2/cc. Within the cores, turbulence can be slightly super-Alfvénic, while the bulk volumes of parental clouds are sub-Alfvénic. The consequences of these largely ordered cloud B-fields on fragmentation and star formation are observed. The above paradigm is very different from the generally accepted theory during the first decade of the century, when cloud turbulence was assumed to be highly super-Alfvénic. Thus, turbulence anisotropy and turbulence-induced ambipolar diffusion are also revisited.
A New Marine Disaster Assessment Model Combining Bayesian Network with Information Diffusion
Authors: Li Ming , Zhang Ren , Liu Kefeng
Published: June 2021

There are two challenges in the comprehensive marine hazard assessment. The influencing mechanism of marine disaster is uncertain and disaster data are sparse. Aiming at the uncertain knowledge and small sample in assessment modeling, we combine the information diffusion algorithm and Bayesian network to propose a novel assessment model. The information diffusion algorithm is adopted to expand associated samples between disaster losses and environmental conditions. Then the expanded data sets are used to build the BN-based assessment model through structural learning, parameter learning and probabilistic reasoning. The proposed model is applied to the hazard assessment of marine disasters in Shanghai. Experimental comparison results show that it is capable of dealing with uncertainty effectively and achieving more accuracy risk assessment under the small sample condition.
Identification of Volatile Sulfur Compounds Produced by Schizophyllum commune
Authors: Toyotome Takahito , Takino Masahiko , Takaya Masahiro , Yahiro Maki , Kamei Katsuhiko
Published: June 2021

Schizophyllum commune is a causative agent of allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis, allergic fungal rhinosinusitis, and basidiomycosis. Diagnosis of these diseases remains difficult because no commercially available tool exists to identify the pathogen. Unique volatile organic compounds produced by a pathogen might be useful for non-invasive diagnosis. Here, we explored microbial volatile organic compounds produced by S. commune. Volatile sulfur compounds, dimethyl disulfide (48 of 49 strains) and methyl ethyl disulfide (49 of 49 strains), diethyl disulfide (34 of 49 strains), dimethyl trisulfide (40 of 49 strains), and dimethyl tetrasulfide (32 of 49 strains) were detected from headspace air in S. commune cultured vials. Every S. commune strain produced at least one volatile sulfur compound analyzed in this study. Those volatile sulfur compounds were not detected from the cultures of Aspergillus spp. (A. fumigatus, A. flavus, A. niger, and A. terreus), which are other major causative agents of allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis. The last, we examined H2S detection using lead acetate paper. Headspace air from S. commune rapidly turned the lead acetate paper black. These results suggest that those volatile sulfur compounds are potent targets for the diagnosis of S. commune and infectious diseases.
Hidden Fungi: Combining Culture-Dependent and -Independent DNA Barcoding Reveals Inter-Plant Variation in Species Richness of Endophytic Root Fungi in Elymus repens
Authors: Høyer Anna K. , Hodkinson Trevor R.
Published: June 2021

The root endophyte community of the grass species Elymus repens was investigated using both a culture-dependent approach and a direct amplicon sequencing method across five sites and from individual plants. There was much heterogeneity across the five sites and among individual plants. Focusing on one site, 349 OTUs were identified by direct amplicon sequencing but only 66 OTUs were cultured. The two approaches shared ten OTUs and the majority of cultured endophytes do not overlap with the amplicon dataset. Media influenced the cultured species richness and without the inclusion of 2% MEA and full-strength MEA, approximately half of the unique OTUs would not have been isolated using only PDA. Combining both culture-dependent and -independent methods for the most accurate determination of root fungal species richness is therefore recommended. High inter-plant variation in fungal species richness was demonstrated, which highlights the need to rethink the scale at which we describe endophyte communities.
New Species of Trichoderma Isolated as Endophytes and Saprobes from Southwest China
Authors: Zheng Hua , Qiao Min , Lv Yifan , Du Xing , Zhang Ke-Qin , Yu Zefen
Published: June 2021

During the investigation of endophytic fungi diversity in aquatic plants and the fungal diversity in soil in southwest China, we obtained 208 isolates belonging to Trichoderma, including 28 isolates as endophytes from aquatic plants and 180 isolates as saprobes from soil, respectively. Finally, 23 new species of Trichoderma are recognized by further studies. Their phylogenetic positions are determined by sequence analyses of the combined partial sequences of translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1) and gene encoding of the second largest nuclear RNA polymerase subunit (rpb2). The results revealed that the 23 new species are distributed in nine known clades. The morphology and culture characteristics are observed, described and illustrated in detail. Distinctions between the new species and their close relatives were compared and discussed. These include: Trichoderma achlamydosporum, T. amoenum, T. anaharzianum, T. anisohamatum, T. aquatica, T. asiaticum, T. asymmetricum, T. inaequilaterale, T. inconspicuum, T. insigne, T. obovatum, T. paraviride, T. pluripenicillatum, T. propepolypori, T. pseudoasiaticum, T. pseudoasperelloides, T. scorpioideum, T. simile, T. subazureum, T. subuliforme, T. supraverticillatum, T. tibetica, and T. uncinatum.
A New Extended Geometric Distribution: Properties, Regression Model, and Actuarial Applications
Authors: Almazah Mohammed Mohammed Ahmed , Erbayram Tenzile , Akdoğan Yunus , AL Sobhi Mashail M. , Afify Ahmed Z.
Published: June 2021

In this paper, a new modified version of geometric distribution is proposed. The newly introduced model is called transmuted record type geometric (TRTG) distribution. TRTG distribution is a good alternative to the negative binomial, Poisson and geometric distributions in modeling real data encountered in several applied fields. The main statistical properties of the new distribution were obtained. We determined the measures of value at risk and tail value at risk for the TRTG distribution. These measures are important quantities in actuarial sciences for portfolio optimization under uncertainty. The TRTG parameters were estimated via maximum likelihood, moments, proportions, and Bayesian estimation methods, and the simulation results were determined to explore their performance. Furthermore, a new count regression model based on the TRTG distribution was proposed. Four real data applications were adopted to illustrate the applicability of the TRTG distribution and its count regression model. These applications showed empirically that the TRTG distribution outperforms some important discrete models such as the negative binomial, transmuted geometric, discrete Burr, discrete Chen, geometric, and Poisson distributions.
Identifying a Novel Bile Salt Hydrolase from the Keystone Gut Bacterium Christensenella minuta
Authors: Déjean Guillaume , Tudela Héloïse , Bruno Lisa , Kissi Déborah , Rawadi Georges , Claus Sandrine P.
Published: June 2021

Christensenella minuta are human gut dwelling bacteria that have been proposed as key members of the gut microbiome, regulating energy balance and adiposity of their host. We formerly identified that a novel strain of C. minuta (strain DSM33407) boosted microbiota diversity and stimulated deconjugation of the primary bile acid taurocholic acid in human samples. However, there is no description of a bile salt hydrolase (BSH) protein carried in the genome of C. minuta. Here, we identified and cloned a protein from C. minuta’s genome that carries a potent BSH activity, which preferentially deconjugates glycine-conjugated bile acids. We then retrieved 14,319 putative BSH sequences from the NCBI database and filtered them using the UHGP database to collect a total of 6701 sequences that were used to build the most comprehensive phylogenetic tree of BSH-related enzymes identified in the human microbiome so far. This phylogenetic tree revealed that C. minuta’s BSH amino acid sequence clusters away from others with a threshold of 70% identity. This is therefore the first description of C. minuta’s BSH protein, which may be involved in its unique role within the human gut microbial ecosystem.
First Report of Echinococcus ortleppi in Free-Living Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) from Portugal
Authors: Mateus Teresa Letra , Gargaté Maria João , Vilares Anabela , Ferreira Idalina , Rodrigues Manuela , Coelho Catarina , Vieira-Pinto Madalena
Published: June 2021

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonosis that is prevalent worldwide. It is considered endemic in Portugal but few studies have been performed on Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato and their hosts. In this study, CE cysts are reported for the first time in a free-living wild boar (Sus scrofa) in Portugal. The presence of the metacestodes in the liver of the wild boar was identified by morphological features, microscopic examination and molecular analysis. The sequencing of part of the DNA nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer-1 (ITS-1) region revealed a G5 genotype that presently corresponds to Echinococcus ortleppi. This is the first report of E. ortleppi in Portugal and to the best of the authors’ knowledge, in Europe. These results suggest that wild boar may be a host of CE, namely, crossing the livestock–wildlife interface, which has important public health implications. Wildlife reservoirs must be taken into account as CE hosts and surveillance of game as well as health education for hunters should be implemented using a One Health approach, with implementation of feasible and tailor-made control strategies, namely, proper elimination of byproducts in the field.
KI and WU Polyomavirus in Respiratory Samples of SARS-CoV-2 Infected Patients
Authors: Prezioso Carla , Moens Ugo , Oliveto Giuseppe , Brazzini Gabriele , Piacentini Francesca , Frasca Federica , Viscido Agnese , Scordio Mirko , Guerrizio Giuliana , Rodio Donatella Maria , Pierangeli Alessandra , d’Ettorre Gabriella , Turriziani Ombretta , Antonelli Guido , Scagnolari Carolina , Pietropaolo Valeria
Published: June 2021

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been declared a global pandemic. Our goal was to determine whether co-infections with respiratory polyomaviruses, such as Karolinska Institutet polyomavirus (KIPyV) and Washington University polyomavirus (WUPyV) occur in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients. Oropharyngeal swabs from 150 individuals, 112 symptomatic COVID-19 patients and 38 healthcare workers not infected by SARS-CoV-2, were collected from March 2020 through May 2020 and tested for KIPyV and WUPyV DNA presence. Of the 112 SARS-CoV-2 positive patients, 27 (24.1%) were co-infected with KIPyV, 5 (4.5%) were positive for WUPyV, and 3 (2.7%) were infected simultaneously by KIPyV and WUPyV. Neither KIPyV nor WUPyV DNA was detected in samples of healthcare workers. Significant correlations were found in patients co-infected with SARS-CoV-2 and KIPyV (p < 0.05) and between SARS-CoV-2 cycle threshold values and KIPyV, WUPyV and KIPyV and WUPyV concurrently detected (p < 0.05). These results suggest that KIPyV and WUPyV may behave as opportunistic respiratory pathogens. Additional investigations are needed to understand the epidemiology and the prevalence of respiratory polyomavirus in COVID-19 patients and whether KIPyV and WUPyV could potentially drive viral interference or influence disease outcomes by upregulating SARS-CoV-2 replicative potential.
Postprandial Triglycerides, Flow-Mediated Dilation, and the Inflammatory Cytokine Milieu in Metabolically Healthy Obesity: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study
Authors: Keirns Bryant H. , Hart Samantha M. , Sciarrillo Christina M. , Poindexter Kara L. , Clarke Stephen L. , Emerson Sam R.
Published: June 2021

The cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk of metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) remains controversial. We sought to further characterize the CVD risk profile in MHO by evaluating postprandial triglycerides, vascular function, and systemic inflammatory markers. Control individuals that were normal-weight and metabolically healthy (Con), MHO, and metabolic syndrome (MetS) were recruited (n = 10–11/group). Each participant underwent an abbreviated fat tolerance test, fasting and postprandial flow-mediated dilation (FMD), and had a panel of inflammatory cytokines measured. MHO displayed postprandial triglycerides similar to those in Con and both MHO and Con had lower values than those for MetS (p < 0.01). Fasting FMD was lower in MHO and MetS compared to that of Con (p < 0.01), but during the postprandial period the vasodilatory response of MHO was similar to that while fasting (p = 0.39), while FMD in Con and MetS decreased after the high-fat meal (p values < 0.01). MHO displayed a number of inflammatory cytokines greater than those of Con and MetS (all p values < 0.05), while MetS and MHO had higher TNF-α than did Con (p < 0.05). In conclusion, MHO was associated with lower fasting FMD and a greater inflammatory burden but did not suffer the same negative postprandial effects as did MetS.
Dark Fermentation of Sweet Sorghum Stalks, Cheese Whey and Cow Manure Mixture: Effect of pH, Pretreatment and Organic Load
Authors: Dareioti Margarita Andreas , Vavouraki Aikaterini Ioannis , Tsigkou Konstantina , Zafiri Constantina , Kornaros Michael
Published: June 2021

The aim of this study was to determine the optimal conditions for dark fermentation using agro-industrial liquid wastewaters mixed with sweet sorghum stalks (i.e., 55% sorghum, 40% cheese whey, and 5% liquid cow manure). Batch experiments were performed to investigate the effect of controlled pH (5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5) on the production of bio-hydrogen and volatile fatty acids. According to the obtained results, the maximum hydrogen yield of 0.52 mol H2/mol eq. glucose was measured at pH 5.5 accompanied by the highest volatile fatty acids production, whereas similar hydrogen productivity was also observed at pH 6.0 and 6.5. The use of heat-treated anaerobic sludge as inoculum had a positive impact on bio-hydrogen production, exhibiting an increased yield of 1.09 mol H2/mol eq. glucose. On the other hand, the pretreated (ensiled) sorghum, instead of a fresh one, led to a lower hydrogen production, while the organic load decrease did not affect the process performance. In all experiments, the main fermentation end-products were volatile fatty acids (i.e., acetic, propionic, butyric), ethanol and lactic acid.
A Dual Reactor for Isothermal Thermochemical Cycles of H2O/CO2 Co-Splitting Using La0.3Sr0.7Co0.7Fe0.3O3 as an Oxygen Carrier
Authors: Khamhangdatepon Tatiya , Sornchamni Thana , Siri-Nguan Nuchanart , Laosiripojana Navadol , Hartley Unalome Wetwatana
Published: June 2021

Catalytic performance of La0.3Sr0.7Co0.7Fe0.3O3 (LSCF3773 or LSCF) catalyst for syngas production via two step thermochemical cycles of H2O and CO2 co-splitting was investigated. Oxygen storage capacity (OSC) was found to depend on reduction temperature, rather than the oxidation temperature. The highest oxygen vacancy (Δδ) was achieved when the reduction and oxidation temperature were both fixed at 900 °C with the feed ratio (H2O to CO2) of 3 to 1, with an increasing amount of CO2 in the feed mixture. CO productivity reached its plateau at high ratios of H2O to CO2 (1:1, 1:2, and 1:2.5), while the total productivities were reduced with the same ratios. This indicated the existence of a CO2 blockage, which was the result of either high Ea of CO2 dissociation or high Ea of CO desorption, resulting in the loss in active species. From the results, it can be concluded that H2O and CO2 splitting reactions were competitive reactions. Ea of H2O and CO2 splitting was estimated at 31.01 kJ/mol and 48.05 kJ/mol, respectively, which agreed with the results obtained from the experimentation of the effect of the oxidation temperature. A dual-reactors system was applied to provide a continuous product stream, where the operation mode was switched between the reduction and oxidation step. The isothermal thermochemical cycles process, where the reduction and oxidation were performed at the same temperature, was also carried out in order to increase the overall efficiency of the process. The optimal time for the reduction and oxidation step was found to be 30 min for each step, giving total productivity of the syngas mixture at 28,000 μmol/g, approximately.
Research on Decision Optimization Model of Microgrid Participating in Spot Market Transaction
Authors: Dong Jun , Wang Yuanyuan , Dou Xihao , Chen Zhengpeng , Zhang Yaoyu , Liu Yao
Published: June 2021

The development of electricity spot trading provides an opportunity for microgrids to participate in the spot market transaction, which is of great significance to the research of microgrids participating in the electricity spot market. Under the background of spot market construction, this paper takes the microgrid including wind power, photovoltaic (PV), gas turbine, battery storage, and demand response as the research object, uses the stochastic optimization method to deal with the uncertainty of wind and PV power, and constructs a decision optimization model with the goal of maximizing the expected revenue of microgrids in the spot market. Through the case study, the optimal bidding electricity of microgrid operators in the spot market is obtained, and the revenue is USD 923.07. Then, this paper further investigates the effects of demand response, meteorological factors, market price coefficients, and cost coefficients on the expected revenue of microgrids. The results demonstrate that the demand response adopted in this paper has better social–economic benefits, which can reduce the peak load while ensuring the reliability of the microgrid, and the optimization model also ensure profits while extreme weather and related economic coefficients change, providing a set of scientific quantitative analysis tools for microgrids to trade electricity in the spot market.