bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Putative Prophylactic Solution for COVID-19: Development of Novel Multiepitope Vaccine Candidate against SARS-COV-2 by Comprehensive Immunoinformatic and Molecular Modelling Approach
Authors: Rehman Hafiz Muzzammel , Mirza Muhammad Usman , Ahmad Mian Azhar , Saleem Mahjabeen , Froeyen Matheus , Ahmad Sarfraz , Gul Roquyya , Alghamdi Huda Ahmed , Aslam Muhammad Shahbaz , Sajjad Muhammad , Bhinder Munir Ahmad
Published: September 2020

The outbreak of 2019-novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that causes severe respiratory infection (COVID-19) has spread in China, and the World Health Organization has declared it a pandemic. However, no approved drug or vaccines are available, and treatment is mainly supportive and through a few repurposed drugs. The urgency of the situation requires the development of SARS-CoV-2-based vaccines. Immunoinformatic and molecular modelling are time-efficient methods that are generally used to accelerate the discovery and design of the candidate peptides for vaccine development. In recent years, the use of multiepitope vaccines has proved to be a promising immunization strategy against viruses and pathogens, thus inducing more comprehensive protective immunity. The current study demonstrated a comprehensive in silico strategy to design stable multiepitope vaccine construct (MVC) from B-cell and T-cell epitopes of essential SARS-CoV-2 proteins with the help of adjuvants and linkers. The integrated molecular dynamics simulations analysis revealed the stability of MVC and its interaction with human Toll-like receptors (TLRs), which trigger an innate and adaptive immune response. Later, the in silico cloning in a known pET28a vector system also estimated the possibility of MVC expression in Escherichia coli. Despite that this study lacks validation of this vaccine construct in terms of its efficacy, the current integrated strategy encompasses the initial multiple epitope vaccine design concepts. After validation, this MVC can be present as a better prophylactic solution against COVID-19.
Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Bioactive Potential of Two New Haloarchaeal Strains Isolated from Odiel Salterns (Southwest Spain)
Authors: Gómez-Villegas Patricia , Vigara Javier , Vila Marta , Varela João , Barreira Luísa , Léon Rosa
Published: September 2020

The need to survive in extreme environments has furnished haloarchaea with a series of components specially adapted to work in such conditions. The possible application of these molecules in the pharmaceutical and industrial fields has received increasing attention; however, many potential bioactivities of haloarchaea are still poorly explored. In this paper, we describe the isolation and identification of two new haloarchaeal strains from the saltern ponds located in the marshlands of the Odiel River, in the southwest of Spain, as well as the in vitro assessment of their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and bioactive properties. The acetone extract obtained from the new isolated Haloarcula strain exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, while the acetone extracts from both isolated strains demonstrated a strong antimicrobial activity, especially against other halophilic microorganisms. Moreover, these extracts showed a remarkable ability to inhibit the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 and to activate the melanogenic enzyme tyrosinase, indicating their potential against chronic inflammation and skin pigmentation disorders. Finally, the aqueous protein-rich extracts obtained from both haloarchaea exhibited an important inhibitory effect on the activity of the acetylcholinesterase enzyme, involved in the hydrolysis of cholinergic neurotransmitters and related to several neurological diseases.
Bioprospecting of a Novel Plant Growth-Promoting Bacterium Bacillus altitudinis KP-14 for Enhancing Miscanthus × giganteus Growth in Metals Contaminated Soil
Authors: Pranaw Kumar , Pidlisnyuk Valentina , Trögl Josef , Malinská Hana
Published: September 2020

Use of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) for cultivation of the biofuel crop Miscanthus × giganteus (Mxg) in post-military and post-mining sites is a promising approach for the bioremediation of soils contaminated by metals. In the present study, PGPB were isolated from contaminated soil and screened for tolerance against abiotic stresses caused by salinity, pH, temperature, and lead (Pb). Selected strains were further assessed and screened for plant growth-promoting attributes. The isolate showing the most potential, Bacillus altitudinis KP-14, was tested for enhancement of Mxg growth in contaminated soil under greenhouse conditions. It was found to be highly tolerant to diverse abiotic stresses, exhibiting tolerance to salinity (0–15%), pH (4–8), temperature (4–50 °C), and Pb (up to 1200 ppm). The association of B. altitudinis KP-14 with Mxg resulted in a significant (p ≤ 0.001) impact on biomass enhancement: the total shoot and dry root weights were significantly enhanced by 77.7% and 55.5%, respectively. The significant enhancement of Mxg biomass parameters by application of B. altitudinis KP-14 strongly supports the use of this strain as a biofertilizer for the improvement of plant growth in metal-contaminated soils.
Nanomaterials and Annelid Immunity: A Comparative Survey to Reveal the Common Stress and Defense Responses of Two Sentinel Species to Nanomaterials in the Environment
Authors: Bodó Kornélia , Baranzini Nicoló , Girardello Rossana , Kokhanyuk Bohdana , Németh Péter , Hayashi Yuya , Grimaldi Annalisa , Engelmann Péter
Published: September 2020

Earthworms and leeches are sentinel animals that represent the annelid phylum within terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems, respectively. One early stress signal in these organisms is related to innate immunity, but how nanomaterials affect it is poorly characterized. In this survey, we compare the latest literature on earthworm and leeches with examples of their molecular/cellular responses to inorganic (silver nanoparticles) and organic (carbon nanotubes) nanomaterials. A special focus is placed on the role of annelid immunocytes in the evolutionarily conserved antioxidant and immune mechanisms and protein corona formation and probable endocytosis pathways involved in nanomaterial uptake. Our summary helps to realize why these environmental sentinels are beneficial to study the potential detrimental effects of nanomaterials.
Triapine Derivatives Act as Copper Delivery Vehicles to Induce Deadly Metal Overload in Cancer Cells
Authors: Ohui Kateryna , Stepanenko Iryna , Besleaga Iuliana , Babak Maria V. , Stafi Radu , Darvasiova Denisa , Giester Gerald , Pósa Vivien , Enyedy Eva A. , Vegh Daniel , Rapta Peter , Ang Wee Han , Popović-Bijelić Ana , Arion Vladimir B.
Published: September 2020

Thiosemicarbazones continue to attract the interest of researchers as potential anticancer drugs. For example, 3-aminopyridine-2-carboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazone, or triapine, is the most well-known representative of this class of compounds that has entered multiple phase I and II clinical trials. Two new triapine derivatives HL1 and HL2 were prepared by condensation reactions of 2-pyridinamidrazone and S-methylisothiosemicarbazidium chloride with 3-N-(tert-butyloxycarbonyl) amino-pyridine-2-carboxaldehyde, followed by a Boc-deprotection procedure. Subsequent reaction of HL1 and HL2 with CuCl2·2H2O in 1:1 molar ratio in methanol produced the complexes [CuII(HL1)Cl2]·H2O (1·H2O) and [CuII(HL2)Cl2] (2). The reaction of HL2 with Fe(NO3)3∙9H2O in 2:1 molar ratio in the presence of triethylamine afforded the complex [FeIII(L2)2]NO3∙0.75H2O (3∙0.75H2O), in which the isothiosemicarbazone acts as a tridentate monoanionic ligand. The crystal structures of HL1, HL2 and metal complexes 1 and 2 were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The UV-Vis and EPR spectroelectrochemical measurements revealed that complexes 1 and 2 underwent irreversible reduction of Cu(II) with subsequent ligand release, while 3 showed an almost reversible electrochemical reduction in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Aqueous solution behaviour of HL1 and 1, as well as of HL2 and its complex 2, was monitored as well. Complexes 1−3 were tested against ovarian carcinoma cells, as well as noncancerous embryonic kidney cells, in comparison to respective free ligands, triapine and cisplatin. While the free ligands HL1 and HL2 were devoid of antiproliferative activity, their respective metal complexes showed remarkable antiproliferative activity in a micromolar concentration range. The activity was not related to the inhibition of ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) R2 protein, but rather to cancer cell homeostasis disturbance—leading to the disruption of cancer cell signalling.
Metabolic Diversity and Therapeutic Potential of Holarrhena pubescens: An Important Ethnomedicinal Plant
Authors: Zahara Kulsoom , Panda Sujogya Kumar , Swain Shasank Sekhar , Luyten Walter
Published: September 2020

Holarrhena pubescens is an important medicinal plant of the Apocynaceae family that is widely distributed over the Indian subcontinent. The plant is extensively used in Ayurveda and other traditional medicinal systems without obvious adverse effects. Beside notable progress in the biological and phytochemical evaluation of this plant over the past few years, comprehensive reviews of H. pubescens are limited in scope. It has economic importance due to the extensive use of seeds as an antidiabetic. Furthermore, the plant is extensively reported in traditional uses among the natives of Asia and Africa, while scientifical validation for various ailments has not been studied either in vitro or in vivo. This review aims to summarize information on the pharmacology, traditional uses, active constituents, safety and toxicity of H. pubescens. Chemical analysis of H. pubescens extracts revealed the presence of several bioactive compounds, such as conessine, isoconnessine, conessimine, conimine, conessidine, conkurchicine, holarrhimine, conarrhimine, mokluangin A-D and antidysentericine. Overall, this review covers the ethnopharmacology, phytochemical composition, and pharmacological potential of H. pubescens, with a critical discussion of its toxicity, biological activities (in vitro and in vivo), the mechanism of action, as well as suggestions for further basic and clinical research.
Cryo-EM Structure of Heterologous Protein Complex Loaded Thermotoga Maritima Encapsulin Capsid
Authors: Xiong Xiansong , Sun Chen , Vago Frank , Klose Thomas , Zhu Jiankang , Jiang Wen
Published: September 2020

Encapsulin is a class of nanocompartments that is unique in bacteria and archaea to confine enzymatic activities and sequester toxic reaction products. Here we present a 2.87 Å resolution cryo-EM structure of Thermotoga maritima encapsulin with heterologous protein complex loaded. It is the first successful case of expressing encapsulin and heterologous cargo protein in the insect cell system. Although we failed to reconstruct the cargo protein complex structure due to the signal interference of the capsid shell, we were able to observe some unique features of the cargo-loaded encapsulin shell, for example, an extra density at the fivefold pore that has not been reported before. These results would lead to a more complete understanding of the encapsulin cargo assembly process of T. maritima.
Molecular Topology for the Discovery of New Broad-Spectrum Antibacterial Drugs
Authors: Bueso-Bordils Jose I. , Alemán-López Pedro A. , Suay-García Beatriz , Martín-Algarra Rafael , Duart Maria J. , Falcó Antonio , Antón-Fos Gerardo M.
Published: September 2020

In this study, molecular topology was used to develop several discriminant equations capable of classifying compounds according to their antibacterial activity. Topological indices were used as structural descriptors and their relation to antibacterial activity was determined by applying linear discriminant analysis (LDA) on a group of quinolones and quinolone-like compounds. Four equations were constructed, named DF1, DF2, DF3, and DF4, all with good statistical parameters such as Fisher–Snedecor’s F (over 25 in all cases), Wilk’s lambda (below 0.36 in all cases) and percentage of correct classification (over 80% in all cases), which allows a reliable extrapolation prediction of antibacterial activity in any organic compound. From the four discriminant functions, it can be extracted that the presence of sp3 carbons, ramifications, and secondary amine groups in a molecule enhance antibacterial activity, whereas the presence of 5-member rings, sp2 carbons, and sp2 oxygens hinder it. The results obtained clearly reveal the high efficiency of combining molecular topology with LDA for the prediction of antibacterial activity.
Protein Dynamics in F-like Bacterial Conjugation
Authors: Bragagnolo Nicholas , Rodriguez Christina , Samari-Kermani Naveed , Fours Alice , Korouzhdehi Mahboubeh , Lysenko Rachel , Audette Gerald F.
Published: September 2020

Efficient in silico development of novel antibiotics requires high-resolution, dynamic models of drug targets. As conjugation is considered the prominent contributor to the spread of antibiotic resistance genes, targeted drug design to disrupt vital components of conjugative systems has been proposed to lessen the proliferation of bacterial antibiotic resistance. Advancements in structural imaging techniques of large macromolecular complexes has accelerated the discovery of novel protein-protein interactions in bacterial type IV secretion systems (T4SS). The known structural information regarding the F-like T4SS components and complexes has been summarized in the following review, revealing a complex network of protein-protein interactions involving domains with varying degrees of disorder. Structural predictions were performed to provide insight on the dynamicity of proteins within the F plasmid conjugative system that lack structural information.
Direct Antiviral Treatments for Hepatitis C Virus Have Off-Target Effects of Oncologic Relevance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Giovannini Catia , Fornari Francesca , Indio Valentina , Trerè Davide , Renzulli Matteo , Vasuri Francesco , Cescon Matteo , Ravaioli Matteo , Perrucci Alessia , Astolfi Annalisa , Piscaglia Fabio , Gramantieri Laura
Published: September 2020

Background and Aims: HCV eradication by direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) reduces de novo hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence in cirrhosis; however, contrasting evidence about beneficial or detrimental effects still exists in patients who have already developed HCC. Methods: we investigated whether sofosbuvir and daclatasvir modulate cell proliferation, invasion capability and gene expression (RNA-seq) in HCC-derived cell lines, hypothesizing possible off-target effects of these drugs. Results observed in HCC cell lines were validated in non-HCC cancer-derived cell lines and a preliminary series of human HCC tissues by qPCR and IHC. Results: DAAs can affect HCC cell proliferation and migration capability by either increasing or reducing them, showing transcriptomic changes consistent with some unexpected drug-associated effects. Off-target gene modulation, mainly affecting ribosomal genes, mitochondrial functions and histones, points to epigenetics and proliferation as relevant events, consistent with matched phenotypic changes. A preliminary validation of in vitro findings was performed in a restricted cohort of HCC patients previously treated with DAAs, with immunohistochemical correlations suggesting DAA-treated HCCs to be more aggressive in terms of migration and epidermal-to-mesenchymal transition. Conclusions: Our findings suggested the possible occurrence of off-target effects ultimately modulating cell proliferation and/or migration and potentially justified previous findings showing some instances of particularly aggressive HCC recurrence as well as reduced incidence of recurrence of HCC following treatment with DAAs.
Exploring Metagenomic Enzymes: A Novel Esterase Useful for Short-Chain Ester Synthesis
Authors: Maester Thaís Carvalho , Pereira Mariana Rangel , Malaman Aliandra M. Gibertoni , Borges Janaina Pires , Pereira Pâmela Aparecida Maldaner , Lemos Eliana G. M.
Published: September 2020

Enzyme-mediated esterification reactions can be a promising alternative to produce esters of commercial interest, replacing conventional chemical processes. The aim of this work was to verify the potential of an esterase for ester synthesis. For that, recombinant lipolytic enzyme EST5 was purified and presented higher activity at pH 7.5, 45 °C, with a Tm of 47 °C. Also, the enzyme remained at least 50% active at low temperatures and exhibited broad substrate specificity toward p-nitrophenol esters with highest activity for p-nitrophenyl valerate with a Kcat/Km of 1533 s−1 mM−1. This esterase exerted great properties that make it useful for industrial applications, since EST5 remained stable in the presence of up to 10% methanol and 20% dimethyl sulfoxide. Also, preliminary studies in esterification reactions for the synthesis of methyl butyrate led to a specific activity of 127.04 U·mg−1. The enzyme showed higher esterification activity compared to other literature results, including commercial enzymes such as LIP4 and CL of Candida rugosa assayed with butyric acid and propanol which showed esterification activity of 86.5 and 15.83 U·mg−1, respectively. In conclusion, EST5 has potential for synthesis of flavor esters, providing a concept for its application in biotechnological processes.
Towards the Green Synthesis of Furfuryl Alcohol in A One-Pot System from Xylose: A Review
Authors: Gómez Millán Gerardo , Sixta Herbert
Published: September 2020

In the pursuit of establishing a sustainable biobased economy, valorization of lignocellulosic biomass is increasing its value as a feedstock. Nevertheless, to achieve the integrated biorefinery paradigm, the selective fractionation of its complex matrix to its single constituents must be complete. This review presents and examines the novel catalytic pathways to form furfuryl alcohol (FuOH) from xylose in a one-pot system. This production concept takes on chemical, thermochemical and biochemical transformations or a combination of them. Still, the bulk of the research is targeted to develop heterogeneous catalytic systems to synthesize FuOH from furfural and xylose. The present review includes an overview of the economic aspects to produce this platform chemical in an industrial manner. In the last section of this review, an outlook and summary of catalytic processes to produce FuOH are highlighted.
NIR-Triggered Hyperthermal Effect of Polythiophene Nanoparticles Synthesized by Surfactant-Free Oxidative Polymerization Method on Colorectal Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Bhattarai Deval Prasad , Kim Beom Su
Published: September 2020

In this work, polythiophene nanoparticles (PTh–NPs) were synthesized by a surfactant-free oxidative chemical polymerization method at 60 °C, using ammonium persulphate as an oxidant. Various physicochemical properties were studied in terms of field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infra-red (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)/thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Photothermal performance of the as-synthesized PTh–NPs was studied by irradiating near infra-red of 808 nm under different concentration of the substrate and power supply. The photothermal stability of PTh–NPs was also studied. Photothermal effects of the as-synthesized PTh–NPs on colorectal cancer cells (CT-26) were studied at 100 µg/mL concentration and 808 nm NIR irradiation of 2.0 W/cm2 power. Our in vitro results showed remarkable NIR laser-triggered photothermal apoptotic cell death by PTh–NPs. Based on the experimental findings, it is revealed that PTh–NPs can act as a heat mediator and can be an alternative material for photothermal therapy in cancer treatment.
Epitaxial Silver Films Morphology and Optical Properties Evolution over Two Years
Authors: Baburin Aleksandr S. , Ivanov Anton I. , Lotkov Evgeniy S. , Sorokina Olga S. , Boginskaya Irina A. , Sergeev Evgeniy V. , Buzaverov Kirill A. , Konstantinova Tatiana G. , Moskalev Dmitriy O. , Issabayeva Zhamila , Ryzhikov Ilya A. , Rodionov Ilya A.
Published: September 2020

Silver and gold are the most commonly used materials in optics and plasmonics. Silver has the lowest optical losses in the visible and near-infrared wavelength range, but it faces a serious problem—degradation over time. It has been repeatedly reported that the optical properties of silver thin films rapidly degrade when exposed to the atmosphere. This phenomenon was described by various mechanisms: rapid silver oxidation, sorption of sulfur or oxygen, formation of silver compounds with chlorine, sulfur, and oxygen. In this work, we systematically studied single-crystalline silver films from 25 to 70 nm thicknesses for almost two years. The surface morphology, crystalline structure and optical characteristics of the silver films were measured using spectroscopic ellipsometry, ultra-high-resolution scanning electron microscopy, and stylus profilometry under standard laboratory conditions. After 19 months, bulk structures appeared on the surface of thin films. These structures are associated with relaxation of internal stresses combined with dewetting. Single-crystalline silver films deposited using the single-crystalline continuous ultra-smooth, low-loss, low-cost (SCULL) technology with a thickness of 35–50 nm demonstrated the best stability in terms of degradation. We have shown that the number of defects (grain boundaries and joints of terraces) is one of the key factors that influence the degradation intensity of silver films.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Control through Domain-Based Automatic Speech Recognition
Authors: Contreras Ruben , Ayala Angel , Cruz Francisco
Published: September 2020

Currently, unmanned aerial vehicles, such as drones, are becoming a part of our lives and extend to many areas of society, including the industrialized world. A common alternative for controlling the movements and actions of the drone is through unwired tactile interfaces, for which different remote control devices are used. However, control through such devices is not a natural, human-like communication interface, which sometimes is difficult to master for some users. In this research, we experimented with a domain-based speech recognition architecture to effectively control an unmanned aerial vehicle such as a drone. The drone control was performed in a more natural, human-like way to communicate the instructions. Moreover, we implemented an algorithm for command interpretation using both Spanish and English languages, as well as to control the movements of the drone in a simulated domestic environment. We conducted experiments involving participants giving voice commands to the drone in both languages in order to compare the effectiveness of each, considering the mother tongue of the participants in the experiment. Additionally, different levels of distortion were applied to the voice commands to test the proposed approach when it encountered noisy input signals. The results obtained showed that the unmanned aerial vehicle was capable of interpreting user voice instructions. Speech-to-action recognition improved for both languages with phoneme matching in comparison to only using the cloud-based algorithm without domain-based instructions. Using raw audio inputs, the cloud-based approach achieves 74.81% and 97.04% accuracy for English and Spanish instructions, respectively. However, with our phoneme matching approach the results are improved, yielding 93.33% accuracy for English and 100.00% accuracy for Spanish.
Effect of Addition of PVA/PG to Oil-in-Water Nanoemulsion Kojic Monooleate Formulation on Droplet Size: Three-Factors Response Surface Optimization and Characterization
Authors: Jaslina Nur Farzana , Faujan Nur Hana , Mohamad Rosfarizan , Ashari Siti Efliza
Published: September 2020

An oil in water (O/W) nanoemulsion formulation containing kojic monooleate (KMO) in thin film system was developed. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize and analyzed the effect of three variables, namely concentration of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) (20–30% w/w), concentration of propylene glycol (PG) (1–10% w/w), and shear rate of high shear homogenizer (3000–9000 rpm) on droplet size as a response, while other compositions remained constant such as KMO (10.0% w/w), Tween 80 (3.19% w/w), castor oil (3.74% w/w), xanthan gum (0.70% w/w), and germall plus (0.7% w/w, PG (and) diazolidinyl urea (and) iodopropynyl butylcarbamate). The optimized KMO nanoemulsion formulation with desirable criteria was PVA (27.61% w/w) and PG (1.05% w/w), and shear rate (8656.17 rpm) with a predicted droplet size (110.21 nm) and actual droplet size (105.93 nm) with a residual standard error (RSE) of less than 2.0% was obtained. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the fitness of the quadratic polynomial fit the experimental data with a F-value of 65.30, p–value of p < 0.0001, and a non-significant lack-of-fit. The optimized KMO formulation shows the desired criteria of the thin film system and the physicochemical properties (Zeta potential −37.37 mV, PDI 0.13, pH 4.74) and stability at four different conditions indicate its suitability for cosmeceutical applications.
The Role of Breast Cancer Stem Cell-Related Biomarkers as Prognostic Factors
Authors: Ko Clarence Ching Huat , Chia Wai Kit , Selvarajah Gayathri Thevi , Cheah Yoke Kqueen , Wong Yin Ping , Tan Geok Chin
Published: September 2020

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in women worldwide, and its incidence is on the rise. A small fraction of cancer stem cells was identified within the tumour bulk, which are regarded as cancer-initiating cells, possess self-renewal and propagation potential, and a key driver for tumour heterogeneity and disease progression. Cancer heterogeneity reduces the overall efficacy of chemotherapy and contributes to treatment failure and relapse. The cell-surface and subcellular biomarkers related to breast cancer stem cell (BCSC) phenotypes are increasingly being recognised. These biomarkers are useful for the isolation of BCSCs and can serve as potential therapeutic targets and prognostic tools to monitor treatment responses. Recently, the role of noncoding microRNAs (miRNAs) has extensively been explored as novel biomarker molecules for breast cancer diagnosis and prognosis with high specificity and sensitivity. An in-depth understanding of the biological roles of miRNA in breast carcinogenesis provides insights into the pathways of cancer development and its utility for disease prognostication. This review gives an overview of stem cells, highlights the biomarkers expressed in BCSCs and describes their potential role as prognostic indicators.
Long Term Follow-Up of Polish Patients with Isovaleric Aciduria. Clinical and Molecular Delineation of Isovaleric Aciduria
Authors: Szymańska Edyta , Jezela-Stanek Aleksandra , Bogdańska Anna , Rokicki Dariusz , Ehmke vel Emczyńska-Seliga Ewa , Pajdowska Magdalena , Ciara Elżbieta , Tylki-Szymańska Anna
Published: September 2020

Isovaleric acidemia (IVA) is an autosomal recessive leucine inborn error of metabolism caused by isovaleryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency. The disease has various courses, from severe ones manifesting in newborns to the intermittent form with first manifestation in children and adults. The aim of this study was to analyze clinical and neurological outcomes in Polish patients with IVA. Ten patients diagnosed and treated in The Children’s Memorial Health Institute were included in the study. The diagnosis was based on tandem MS (increased level of C5 acylcarnitine) and urine GCMS (increased isovalerylglycine, and 3-hydroxyisovaleric acid). Molecular analysis was performed in seven patients (70%) leading to the detection of pathogenic variants in the IVD gene in all of them. A retrospective analysis of patients’ medical records included: demographics, symptoms at diagnosis, medical management, and biochemical and clinical outcomes following therapy. The median follow-up time (median; Q1–Q2) was 2.5 years (1.5–9.0) for newborn screening (NBS) and family screening (FS) children, and 17 years (5.0–20) for symptomatic patients. Five patients were in a good clinical state, four children presented mild neurological symptoms, and one—severely delayed child. In the IVD gene, five known and two novel variants (p.466C>G, c.1132G>A) were identified. Molecular analysis was performed in seven patients leading to identification of biallelic pathogenic variants in the IVD gene in all of them. We can conclude that long-term clinical and neurological outcomes of patients with IVA were satisfactory as a result of an early diagnosis and proper management. Although early treatment did not prevent decompensations, they were milder in these patients.
Open-Circuit Fault Tolerance Method for Three-Level Hybrid Active Neutral Point Clamped Converters
Authors: Halabi Laith M. , Mohd Alsofyani Ibrahim , Lee Kyo-Beum
Published: September 2020

Three-level converters are the most important technologies used in high power applications. Among these technologies, active neutral point clamped (ANPC) converters are mainly used for industrial applications. Meanwhile, recent developments have reduced losses and increased efficiency by using a hybrid combination of Si-IGBT and SiC-MOSFET switches to achieve hybrid ANPC (HANPC) converters. Open-circuit failure is regarded as a common and serious problem that affects the operational performance. In this paper, an effective fault-tolerant method is proposed for HANPC converters to safely re-utilize normal operation and increase the reliability of the system under fault conditions. Sequentially, regarding different topologies with reference to earlier fault tolerance methods which could not be applied to the HANPC, the proposed strategy enables continuous operation under faulty conditions effectively without using any additional devices by creating new voltage references, voltage offset, and switching sequences under the faulty conditions. Consequently, no additional costs or changes are associated with the inverter. A detailed analysis of the proposed strategy is presented highlighting the effects on the voltage, currents, and the corresponding total harmonic distortion (THD). The simulation and experimental results demonstrate the capability and effectiveness of the proposed method to maintain normal operation and eliminate the output distortion.
Four-Level Hysteresis-Based DTC for Torque Capability Improvement of IPMSM Fed by Three-Level NPC Inverter
Authors: Hakami Samer Saleh , Lee Kyo-Beum
Published: September 2020

Direct torque control (DTC) is considered one of the simplest and fastest control strategies used in motor drives. However, it produces large torque and flux ripples. Replacing the conventional two-level hysteresis torque controller (HTC) with a four-level HTC for a three-level neutral-point clamped (NPC) inverter can reduce the torque and flux ripples in interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM) drives. However, the torque will not be controlled properly within the upper HTC bands when driving the IPMSM in the medium and high-speed regions. This problem causes the stator current to drop, resulting in poor torque control. To resolve this problem, a simple algorithm based on a torque error average calculation is proposed. Firstly, the proposed algorithm reads the information of the calculated torque and the corresponding torque reference to calculate the torque error. Secondly, the average value of torque error is calculated instantaneously as the reference torque changes. Finally, the average value of the torque error is used to indicate the operation of the proposed algorithm without the need for motor speed information. By using the proposed algorithm, the torque can be controlled well in all speed regions, and thus, a better stator current waveform can be obtained. Simulation and experimental results validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Technical Definition of the TetraSpar Demonstrator Floating Wind Turbine Foundation
Authors: Borg Michael , Walkusch Jensen Morten , Urquhart Scott , Andersen Morten Thøtt , Thomsen Jonas Bjerg , Stiesdal Henrik
Published: September 2020

With the deployment of the TetraSpar demonstrator, a significant cost-reduction is realized in the field of offshore floating wind turbines. The TetraSpar floating wind turbine foundation brings a milestone that emphasizes on a modular and fully industrialized foundation that consists of main components already widely available in the current wind energy supply chain. In an effort to provide an open approach to the development of the concept, this paper aims at giving a description of the design in order to enable an educated discussion of different design philosophies and their influence on material usage and production times. The description of the different subcomponents of the system should allow any entity to build a model for comparison and/or benchmarking any of their own findings against this concept. It is the authors’ expectation that this open approach to technological discussion is paramount to obtaining continued cost-reduction in the area of floating offshore wind—for this concept and others.
Variational Control Approach to Energy Extraction from a Fluid Flow
Authors: Pepe Gianluca , Mezzani Federica , Carcaterra Antonio , Cedola Luca , Rispoli Franco
Published: September 2020

Energy harvesting from the environment is an important aspect of many technologies. The scale of energy capturing and storage can involve the power range from mWatt up to MWatt, depending on the used devices and the considered environments (from ambient acoustic and vibration to ocean wave motion, or wind). In this paper, the wind turbine energy harvesting problem is approached as an optimal control problem, where the objective function is the absorption of an amount of energy in a given time interval by a fluid-flow environment, that should be maximized. The interest relies on outlining general control models of fluid-flow-based extraction plants and identifying an optimum strategy for the regulation of an electrical machine to obtain a maximum-efficiency process for the related energy storage. The mathematical tools are found in the light of optimal control theory, where solutions to the fundamental equations are in the frame of Variational Control (the basis of the Pontryagin optimal control theory). A special problem, named Optimally Controlled Betz’s Machine OCBM-optimal control steady wind turbine, is solved in closed form, and it is shown that, in the simpler steady case, it reproduces the maximum efficiency machine developed in Betz’s theory.
The Role of Electrification in the Decarbonization of Central-Western Europe
Authors: de Maere d’Aertrycke Gauthier , Smeers Yves , de Peufeilhoux Hugues , Lucille Pierre-Laurent
Published: September 2020

Scenario studies of energy transition generally point to the central role of electricity. This notion is ambiguous as its interpretation can range from an electricity-only policy to portfolios of different energy vectors with a dominance of electricity. This ambiguity adds to the uncertainty that already pervades today’s investment environment. This paper examines the centrality of electricity through a so-called “variational scenario” analysis with policies obtained by a mix of electricity-only and green gas penetration while maintaining constant decarbonization objectives. Electricity is a complex product that can only be further complicated by the high penetration of renewables and its interaction with the production and use of synthetic fuels. The variational scenario analysis is conducted with sufficiently fine (hourly) granularity to produce an adequate representation of these phenomena. It shows that tilting the central role of electricity to a mix of electricity and green gas offers several advantages in terms of efficiency, flexibility of investment strategies, and robustness with respect to major uncertainties. It shows that the variational scenario analysis can be extended to more complex mixes of policies.
Bioactive Phenolics and Antioxidant Capacity of Some Wild Edible Greens as Affected by Different Cooking Treatments
Authors: Sergio Lucrezia , Boari Francesca , Pieralice Maria , Linsalata Vito , Cantore Vito , Di Venere Donato
Published: September 2020

The study aimed to assess the influence of three cooking methods (boiling, steaming, and microwave-cooking) on (i) composition in individual phenolic compounds, (ii) total phenolic content (TPC), and (iii) total antioxidant activity (TAA) of eight Mediterranean wild edible species (Asparagus acutifolius, Asphodeline lutea, Beta vulgaris, Helminthotheca echioides, Sonchus oleraceus, Taraxacum officinale, Urospermum picroides, Urtica dioica). In raw greens, several caffeic acid derivatives (chicoric, caftaric, chlorogenic, neochlorogenic, 1,5-and 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acids) and flavonoids (glycosides of apigenin, luteolin, quercetin, isorhamnetin, kaempferol) were identified. Cooking treatments did not affect qualitative phenolic composition, while quantitative changes were recorded in some phenolic compounds and in TPC. Generally, boiling decreased TPC and TAA, while chicoric, caftaric, chlorogenic acids and quercetin-3-rutinoside increased in some species after steaming and microwave-cooking, showing positive correlation with TAA. Results confirmed steaming and microwave-cooking as mild procedures able to increase antioxidant capacity of some species, producing beneficial effects on their nutraceutical properties.
Mean-Field Dynamo Model in Anisotropic Uniform Turbulent Flow with Short-Time Correlations
Authors: Yushkov E. V. , Allahverdiyev R. , Sokoloff D. D.
Published: September 2020

The mean-field model is one of the basic models of the dynamo theory, which describes the magnetic field generation in a turbulent astrophysical plasma. The first mean-field equations were obtained by Steenbeck, Krause and Rädler for two-scale turbulence under isotropy and uniformity assumptions. In this article we develop the path integral approach to obtain mean-field equations for a short-correlated random velocity field in anisotropic streams. By this model we analyse effects of anisotropy and show the relation between dynamo growth and anisotropic tensors of helicity/turbulent diffusivity. Considering particular examples and comparing results with isotropic cases we demonstrate several mean-field effects: super-exponential growth at initial times, complex dependence of harmonics growth on the helicity tensor structure, when generation is possible for near-zero component or near-zero helicity trace, increase of the averaged magnetic field inclined to the initial current density that leads to effective Lorentz back-reaction and violation of force-free conditions.
Storm-Induced Boulder Displacements: Inferences from Field Surveys and Hydrodynamic Equations
Authors: Delle Rose Marco , Fidelibus Corrado , Martano Paolo , Orlanducci Luca
Published: September 2020

The storm of 12–13 November 2019 provoked the displacements of boulders on a central Mediterranean rocky coast; with reference to a selected area, prone to boulder production and geomorphologically monitored for years, a field-oriented study approach was applied for the phenomenon, by collating data concerning the pre-storm locations and kinematics of these boulders. The number of displaced boulders is 11, that is in terms of the morphological imprint of a specific storm, one of the major study cases for the Mediterranean. In addition, based on widely used hydrodynamic equations, the minimum wave height required to displace the boulders is assessed. The values conform with the expected values for the wave climate dominating during the causative meteorological event and give a measure of the energy of the storm slamming the coast. Boulder dislodgement usually plays a key role in determining the rate of the coastal recession, likely also in the investigated area. In view of an adverse climate evolution with a possible increase of the energy and frequency of severe storms, the results deriving from the study of this morphodynamics should be considered for hazard assessment and coastal management.
An Extension of the Data-Adaptive Probability-Based Electrical Resistivity Tomography Inversion Method (E-PERTI)
Authors: Cozzolino Marilena , Mauriello Paolo , Patella Domenico
Published: September 2020

About a decade ago, the PERTI algorithm was launched as a tool for a data-adaptive probability-based analysis of electrical resistivity tomography datasets. It proved to be an easy and versatile inversion method providing estimates of the resistivity values within a surveyed volume as weighted averages of the whole apparent resistivity dataset. In this paper, with the aim of improving the interpretative process, the PERTI method is extended by exploiting some peculiar aspects of the general theory of probability. Bernoulli’s conceptual scheme is assumed to comply with any resistivity dataset, which allows a multiplicity of mutually independent subsets to be extracted and analysed singularly. A standard least squares procedure is at last adopted for the statistical determination of the model resistivity at each point of the surveyed volume as the slope of a linear equation that relates the multiplicity of the resistivity estimates from the extracted data subsets. A 2D synthetic test and a field apparent resistivity dataset collected for archaeological purposes are discussed using the new extended PERTI (E-PERTI) approach. The comparison with the results from the original PERTI shows that by the E-PERTI approach a significantly greater robustness against noise can be achieved, besides a general optimisation of the estimates of the most probable resistivity values.
Subjective and Objective Mental and Physical Functions Affect Subjective Cognitive Decline in Community-Dwelling Elderly Japanese People
Authors: Goda Akio , Murata Shin , Nakano Hideki , Shiraiwa Kayoko , Abiko Teppei , Nonaka Koji , Iwase Hiroaki , Anami Kunihiko , Horie Jun
Published: September 2020

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is complex and not well understood, especially among Japanese people. In the present study, we aimed to elucidate the relationships of subjective and objective mental and physical function with SCD among older community-dwelling Japanese adults. SCD was evaluated using the Kihon Checklist: Cognitive Function. Other parameters were evaluated using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the five-item version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-5), for an objective mental function other than SCD. A timed up-and-go test (TUG) and knee extension strength were used to test objective physical function, and the Mental Component Summary (MCS) and Physical Component Summary (PCS) in the Health-Related Quality of Life survey eight-item short form (SF-8) were used for subjective mental and physical functions. The results of the MMSE, GDS-5, TUG, knee extension strength, and MCS were significantly worse in the SCD group. In addition, logistic regression analysis showed that GDS-5 and MCS were associated with SCD onset. Depressive symptoms and decreased subjective mental function contribute to SCD among community-dwelling Japanese adults. These findings will be useful for planning dementia prevention and intervention programs for older Japanese adults.
Information and Communications Technology-Based Telehealth Approach for Occupational Therapy Interventions for Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hwang Na-Kyoung , Jung Young-Jin , Park Ji-Su
Published: September 2020

(1) Background: Occupational therapy (OT) practice has a unique perspective that addresses the complex needs of cancer survivors. Despite the expanded research and application of OT services using telehealth (TH) to promote clients’ health and well-being, studies on OT services using TH for cancer survivors are rare. This study aimed to review the TH approaches in the scope of OT and the outcome of factors affecting occupational engagement in adult cancer survivors. (2) Materials and Methods: This systematic review performed a literature search of five databases (Medline Complete, PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science) using a combination of keywords and cross-referencing. Studies were included if they described a TH intervention within the scope of OT practice to improve occupational engagement. (3) Results: Fifteen studies (12 randomized controlled trials, three quasiexperimental studies) were reviewed. Physical activity had a positive effect on physical and cognitive function. Symptom self-management showed positive effects on the relief of symptom burden. Psychosocial interventions, which included cognitive behavioral therapy, problem-solving, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, mind–body training, reduced sleep disturbance, and improved physical activity. Lifestyle behavior change interventions improved participation in moderate-intensity physical activity and diet quality. In addition, these interventions reduced cancer-related symptoms such as pain, depression, fatigue, distress, and improved quality of life. There were no direct outcomes of occupational engagement, excluding sleep, that could be confirmed through this review. (4) Conclusion: This review explored and confirmed the usefulness of TH approaches in the scope of OT practice in adult cancer survivors. It also supports the notion that OT-specific research using TH interventions for cancer survivors will be needed in the future.
Fenton Reaction-Induced Oxidative Damage to Membrane Lipids and Protective Effects of 17β-Estradiol in Porcine Ovary and Thyroid Homogenates
Authors: Rynkowska Aleksandra , Stępniak Jan , Karbownik-Lewińska Małgorzata
Published: September 2020

The Fenton reaction (Fe2++H2O2→Fe3++•OH+OH-) results in strong oxidative damage to macromolecules when iron (Fe) or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) are in excess. This study aims at comparing Fe2++H2O2-induced oxidative damage to membrane lipids (lipid peroxidation, LPO) and protective effects of 17β-estradiol (a potential antioxidant) in porcine ovary and thyroid homogenates. Iron, as one of the Fenton reaction substrates, was used in the highest achievable concentrations. Thyroid or ovary homogenates were incubated in the presence of: (1st) FeSO4+H2O2 with/without 17β-estradiol (1 mM; 100, 10.0, 1.0 µM; 100, 10.0, 1.0 nM; 100, 10.0, 1.0 pM); five experiments were performed with different FeSO4 concentrations (2400, 1200, 600, 300, 150 µM); (2nd) FeSO4 (2400, 1200, 600, 300, 150 µM)+H2O2 with/without 17β-estradiol; three experiments were performed with three highest 17β-estradiol concentrations; (3rd) FeSO4 (2400, 1200, 1100, 1000, 900, 800, 700, 600, 300, 150, 75 µM)+H2O2 (5 mM). LPO level [MDA+4-HDA/mg protein] was measured spectrophotometrically. The basal LPO level is lower in ovary than in thyroid homogenates. However, experimentally-induced LPO was higher in the former tissue, which was confirmed for the three highest Fe2+ concentrations (2400, 1200, 1100 µM). Exogenous 17β-estradiol (1 mM, 100, and 10 µM) reduced experimentally-induced LPO independently of iron concentration and that protective effect did not differ between tissues. The ovary, compared to the thyroid, reveals higher sensitivity to prooxidative effects of iron, however, it showed similar responsivity to protective 17β-estradiol activity. The therapeutic effect of 17β-estradiol against iron overload consequences should be considered with relation to both tissues.