bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developments towards a Multiscale Meshless Rolling Simulation System
Authors: Hanoglu Umut , Šarler Božidar
Published: July 2021

The purpose of the present paper is to predict the grain size of steel during the hot-rolling process. The basis represents a macroscopic simulation system that can cope with temperatures, stresses and strains of steel in a complete continuous rolling mill, including reversible pre-rolling and finishing rolling with several tenths of rolling passes. The grain size models, newly introduced in the present paper, are one-way coupled to the macro-scale calculations performed with the slice model assumption. Macroscale solution is based on a novel radial basis function collocation method. This numerical method is truly meshless by involving the space discretization in arbitrarily distributed nodes without meshing. A new efficient node generation algorithm is implemented in the present paper and demonstrated for irregular domains of the slice as they appear in different rolling passes. Multiple grain size prediction models are considered. Grain size prediction models are based on empirical relations. Austenite grain size at each rolling pass as well as the ferrite grain size at the end of rolling are predicted in this simulation. It is also shown that based on the rolling schedule, it is highly likely that recrystallization takes place at each pass throughout a continuous rolling mill. The simulation system is coded as a user-friendly computer application for industrial use based on programming language C# and an open source developer platform NET and runs on regular personal computers the computational time for a typical rolling simulation is usually less than one hour and can thus be straightforwardly used to optimize the rolling mill design in a reasonable time.
Rough Set Approach for Identifying the Combined Effects of Heat and Mass Transfer Due to MHD Nanofluid Flow over a Vertical Rotating Frame
Authors: Alshber Sumayyah I. , Nabwey Hossam A.
Published: July 2021

The current work aims to investigate how to utilize rough set theory for generating a set of rules to investigate the combined effects of heat and mass transfer on entropy generation due to MHD nanofluid flow over a vertical rotating frame. The mathematical model describing the problem consists of nonlinear partial differential equations. By applying suitable transformations these equations are converted to non-dimensional form which are solved using a finite difference method known as “Runge-Kutta Fehlberg (RKF-45) method”. The obtained numerical results are depicted in tabular form and the basics of rough sets theory are applied to acquire all reductions. Finally; a set of generalized classification rules is extracted to predict the values of the local Nusselt number and the local Sherwood number. The resultant set of generalized classification rules demonstrate the novelty of the current work in using rough sets theory in the field of fluid dynamics effectively and can be considered as knowledge base with high accuracy and may be valuable in numerous engineering applications such as power production, thermal extrusion systems and microelectronics.
Modeling and Simulation of a miRNA Regulatory Network of the PTEN Gene
Authors: Carancini Gionmattia , Carletti Margherita , Spaletta Giulia
Published: July 2021

The PTEN onco-suppressor gene is likely to play an important role in the onset of brain cancer, namely glioblastoma multiforme. Consequently, the PTEN regulatory network, involving microRNAs and competitive endogenous RNAs, becomes a crucial tool for understanding the mechanism related to low levels of expression in cancer patients. This paper introduces a novel model for the regulation of PTEN whose solution is approximated by a high-dimensional system of ordinary differential equations under the assumption that the Law of Mass Action applies. Extensive numerical simulations are presented that mirror parts of the biological subtext that lies behind various alterations. Given the complexity of processes involved in the acquisition of empirical data, initial conditions and reaction rates were inferred from the literature. Despite this, the proposed model is shown to be capable of capturing biologically reasonable behaviors of inter-species interactions, thus representing a positive result, which encourages pursuing the possibility of experimenting on data hopefully provided by omics disciplines.
Some Aspects of Numerical Analysis for a Model Nonlinear Fractional Variable Order Equation
Authors: Parovik Roman , Tverdyi Dmitriy
Published: July 2021

The article proposes a nonlocal explicit finite-difference scheme for the numerical solution of a nonlinear, ordinary differential equation with a derivative of a fractional variable order of the Gerasimov–Caputo type. The questions of approximation, convergence, and stability of this scheme are studied. It is shown that the nonlocal finite-difference scheme is conditionally stable and converges to the first order. Using the fractional Riccati equation as an example, the computational accuracy of the numerical method is analyzed. It is shown that with an increase in the nodes of the computational grid, the order of computational accuracy tends to unity, i.e., to the theoretical value of the order of accuracy.
Effect of Osmotic Pressure on Whey Protein Concentration in Forward Osmosis
Authors: Oymaci Pelin , Offeringa Pauline E. , Borneman Zandrie , Nijmeijer Kitty
Published: July 2021

Forward osmosis (FO) is an emerging process to dewater whey streams energy efficiently. The driving force for the process is the concentration gradient between the feed (FS) and the concentrated draw (DS) solution. Here we investigate not only the effect of the DS concentration on the performance, but also that of the FS is varied to maintain equal driving force at different absolute concentrations. Experiments with clean water as feed reveal a flux increase at higher osmotic pressure. When high product purities and thus low reverse salt fluxes are required, operation at lower DS concentrations is preferred. Whey as FS induces severe initial flux decline due to instantaneous protein fouling of the membrane. This is mostly due to reversible fouling, and to a smaller extent to irreversible fouling. Concentration factors in the range of 1.2–1.3 are obtained. When 0.5 M NaCl is added to whey as FS, clearly lower fluxes are obtained due to more severe concentration polarization. Multiple runs over longer times show though that irreversible fouling is fully suppressed due to salting in/out effects and flux decline is the result of reversible fouling only.
Application and Analysis of Bipolar Membrane Electrodialysis for LiOH Production at High Electrolyte Concentrations: Current Scope and Challenges
Authors: González Alonso , Grágeda Mario , Quispe Adrián , Ushak Svetlana , Sistat Philippe , Cretin Marc
Published: July 2021

The objective of this work was to evaluate obtaining LiOH directly from brines with high LiCl concentrations using bipolar membrane electrodialysis by the analysis of Li+ ion transport phenomena. For this purpose, Neosepta BP and Fumasep FBM bipolar membranes were characterized by linear sweep voltammetry, and the Li+ transport number in cation-exchange membranes was determined. In addition, a laboratory-scale reactor was designed, constructed, and tested to develop experimental LiOH production tests. The selected LiCl concentration range, based on productive process concentrations for Salar de Atacama (Chile), was between 14 and 34 wt%. Concentration and current density effects on LiOH production, current efficiency, and specific electricity consumption were evaluated. The highest current efficiency obtained was 0.77 at initial concentrations of LiOH 0.5 wt% and LiCl 14 wt%. On the other hand, a concentrated LiOH solution (between 3.34 wt% and 4.35 wt%, with a solution purity between 96.0% and 95.4%, respectively) was obtained. The results of this work show the feasibility of LiOH production from concentrated brines by means of bipolar membrane electrodialysis, bringing the implementation of this technology closer to LiOH production on a larger scale. Moreover, being an electrochemical process, this could be driven by Solar PV, taking advantage of the high solar radiation conditions in the Atacama Desert in Chile.
Sensory Circumventricular Organs, Neuroendocrine Control, and Metabolic Regulation
Authors: Jeong Jin Kwon , Dow Samantha A. , Young Colin N.
Published: July 2021

The central nervous system is critical in metabolic regulation, and accumulating evidence points to a distributed network of brain regions involved in energy homeostasis. This is accomplished, in part, by integrating peripheral and central metabolic information and subsequently modulating neuroendocrine outputs through the paraventricular and supraoptic nucleus of the hypothalamus. However, these hypothalamic nuclei are generally protected by a blood-brain-barrier limiting their ability to directly sense circulating metabolic signals—pointing to possible involvement of upstream brain nuclei. In this regard, sensory circumventricular organs (CVOs), brain sites traditionally recognized in thirst/fluid and cardiovascular regulation, are emerging as potential sites through which circulating metabolic substances influence neuroendocrine control. The sensory CVOs, including the subfornical organ, organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis, and area postrema, are located outside the blood-brain-barrier, possess cellular machinery to sense the metabolic interior milieu, and establish complex neural networks to hypothalamic neuroendocrine nuclei. Here, evidence for a potential role of sensory CVO-hypothalamic neuroendocrine networks in energy homeostasis is presented.
Oral Factors That Impact the Oral Microbiota in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Rozas Natalia S. , Tribble Gena D. , Jeter Cameron B.
Published: July 2021

Patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) are at increased risk of aspiration pneumonia, their primary cause of death. Their oral microbiota differs from healthy controls, exacerbating this risk. Our goal was to explore if poor oral health, poor oral hygiene, and dysphagia status affect the oral microbiota composition of these patients. In this cross-sectional case-control study, the oral microbiota from hard and soft tissues of patients with PD (n = 30) and age-, gender-, and education-matched healthy controls (n = 30) was compared using 16S rRNA gene sequencing for bacterial identification. Study participants completed dietary, oral hygiene, drooling, and dysphagia questionnaires, and an oral health screening. Significant differences in soft tissue beta-diversity (p < 0.005) were found, and a higher abundance of opportunistic oral pathogens was detected in patients with PD. Factors that significantly influenced soft tissue beta-diversity and microbiota composition include dysphagia, drooling (both p < 0.05), and salivary pH (p < 0.005). Thus, patients with PD show significant differences in their oral microbiota compared to the controls, which may be due, in part, to dysphagia, drooling, and salivary pH. Understanding factors that alter their oral microbiota could lead to the development of diagnostic and treatment strategies that improve the quality of life and survivability of these patients.
Does Organic Farming Increase Raspberry Quality, Aroma and Beneficial Bacterial Biodiversity?
Authors: Sangiorgio Daniela , Cellini Antonio , Spinelli Francesco , Farneti Brian , Khomenko Iuliia , Muzzi Enrico , Savioli Stefano , Pastore Chiara , Rodriguez-Estrada María Teresa , Donati Irene
Published: July 2021

Plant-associated microbes can shape plant phenotype, performance, and productivity. Cultivation methods can influence the plant microbiome structure and differences observed in the nutritional quality of differently grown fruits might be due to variations in the microbiome taxonomic and functional composition. Here, the influence of organic and integrated pest management (IPM) cultivation on quality, aroma and microbiome of raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) fruits was evaluated. Differences in the fruit microbiome of organic and IPM raspberry were examined by next-generation sequencing and bacterial isolates characterization to highlight the potential contribution of the resident-microflora to fruit characteristics and aroma. The cultivation method strongly influenced fruit nutraceutical traits, aroma and epiphytic bacterial biocoenosis. Organic cultivation resulted in smaller fruits with a higher anthocyanidins content and lower titratable acidity content in comparison to IPM berries. Management practices also influenced the amounts of acids, ketones, aldehydes and monoterpenes, emitted by fruits. Our results suggest that the effects on fruit quality could be related to differences in the population of Gluconobacter, Sphingomonas, Rosenbergiella, Brevibacillus and Methylobacterium on fruit. Finally, changes in fruit aroma can be partly explained by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by key bacterial genera characterizing organic and IPM raspberry fruits.
Hematological Changes in Dogs with Visceral Leishmaniasis Are Associated with Increased IFN-γ and TNF Gene Expression Levels in the Bone Marrow
Authors: Almeida Valter , Lima Isadora , Fraga Deborah , Carrillo Eugenia , Moreno Javier , dos-Santos Washington L. C.
Published: July 2021

Visceral leishmaniasis is associated with a variety of hematological abnormalities. In this study, we correlated the hematological changes in the peripheral blood of dogs naturally infected with Leishmania infantum (L. infantum) with the distribution of cell lineages and cytokine gene expression patterns in the bone marrow. Samples from 63 naturally semidomiciled dogs living in an endemic area of visceral leishmaniasis were analyzed. L. infantum infection was detected in 50 dogs (79.3%). Among those, 18 (32%) had positive splenic cultures and showed more clinical signs. They also had lower red blood cell counts and leukocytosis with an increased number of neutrophils and monocytes in peripheral blood compared to dogs negative to this test. L. infantum DNA was detected in the bone marrow of 8/14 dogs with positive splenic culture. Dogs with L. infantum infection in the bone marrow presented with histiocytosis (p = 0.0046), fewer erythroid cell clusters (p = 0.0127) and increased gene expression levels of IFN-γ (p = 0.0015) and TNF (p = 0.0091). The data shown herein suggest that inflammatory and cytokine gene expression changes in bone marrow may contribute to the peripheral blood hematological changes observed in visceral leishmaniasis.
Understanding Wine through Yeast Interactions
Authors: Zilelidou Evangelia A. , Nisiotou Aspasia
Published: July 2021

Wine is a product of microbial activities and microbe–microbe interactions. Yeasts are the principal microorganisms responsible for the evolution and fulfillment of alcoholic fermentation. Several species and strains coexist and interact with their environment and with each other during the fermentation course. Yeast–yeast interactions occur even from the early stages of fermentation, determining yeast community structure and dynamics during the process. Different types of microbial interactions (e.g., mutualism and commensalism or competition and amensalism) may exert positive or negative effects, respectively, on yeast populations. Interactions are intimately linked to yeast metabolic activities that influence the wine analytical profile and shape the wine character. In this context, much attention has been given during the last years to the interactions between Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) and non-Saccharomyces (NS) yeast species with respect to their metabolic contribution to wine quality. Yet, there is still a significant lack of knowledge on the interaction mechanisms modulating yeast behavior during mixed culture fermentation, while much less is known about the interactions between the various NS species or between SC and Saccharomyces non-cerevisiae (SNC) yeasts. There is still much to learn about their metabolic footprints and the genetic mechanisms that alter yeast community equilibrium in favor of one species or another. Gaining deeper insights on yeast interactions in the grape–wine ecosystem sets the grounds for understanding the rules underlying the function of the wine microbial system and provides means to better control and improve oenological practices.
Genome-Wide Expression Patterns of Rhoptry Kinases during the Eimeria tenella Life-Cycle
Authors: Ribeiro E Silva Adeline , Sausset Alix , Bussière Françoise I. , Laurent Fabrice , Lacroix-Lamandé Sonia , Silvestre Anne
Published: July 2021

Kinome from apicomplexan parasites is composed of eukaryotic protein kinases and Apicomplexa specific kinases, such as rhoptry kinases (ROPK). Ropk is a gene family that is known to play important roles in host–pathogen interaction in Toxoplasma gondii but is still poorly described in Eimeria tenella, the parasite responsible for avian coccidiosis worldwide. In the E. tenella genome, 28 ropk genes are predicted and could be classified as active (n = 7), inactive (incomplete catalytic triad, n = 12), and non-canonical kinases (active kinase with a modified catalytic triad, n = 9). We characterized the ropk gene expression patterns by real-time quantitative RT-PCR, normalized by parasite housekeeping genes, during the E. tenella life-cycle. Analyzed stages were: non-sporulated oocysts, sporulated oocysts, extracellular and intracellular sporozoites, immature and mature schizonts I, first- and second-generation merozoites, and gametes. Transcription of all those predicted ropk was confirmed. The mean intensity of transcription was higher in extracellular stages and 7–9 ropk were specifically transcribed in merozoites in comparison with sporozoites. Transcriptional profiles of intracellular stages were closely related to each other, suggesting a probable common role of ROPKs in hijacking signaling pathways and immune responses in infected cells. These results provide a solid basis for future functional analysis of ROPK from E. tenella.
Preparation of High-Performance Metal-Free UV/Near Infrared-Shielding Films for Human Skin Protection
Authors: Liang Chih-Hao , Chen Ying-Jung
Published: July 2021

A series of metal-free UV/near infrared (NIR)-shielding coatings are successfully fabricated by shielded cathodic arc plasma evaporation (CAPE) and substrate-biased RF magnetron sputtering processes. The UV/NIR-shielding coatings comprising quarter-wave stacks of TiO2/SiO2 multilayers and high-conductivity sputter-deposited ITO films with a thickness in the range of 200–600 nm could block IRA and IRB radiations, respectively. The total thicknesses of UV/near infrared-shielding films are in the range from 375 nm to 1513.8 nm. The anatase-phase TiO2 films with absorption edge located at ∼375 nm were deposited by shielded CAPE at ∼100 °C. Further, the well-crystallized ITO films were found to have high free-electron concentrations (1.12 × 1021 cm−3), resulting in strong absorption of IRB due to the plasmon resonance absorption. The optimal optical design and ITO film thickness were investigated, and the TiO2(SiO2/TiO2)3 multilayer combined with an ITO film thickness of 400 nm was found to provide a high NIR-shielding rate of 94.8%, UVB to UVA-shielding rate of 92.7%, and average visible light transmittance of 68.1%. Further, human skin cells protected by a UV/NIR-shielding coating showed significantly decreased reactive oxygen species generation and inflammatory cytokine expression as compared to those of unprotected cells. The results demonstrate that the development of multifunction coatings have potential for transparent heat insulation windows and human skin protection against UV/IR radiations.
Morphological Analysis of PSMA/PEI Core–Shell Nanoparticles Synthesized by Soap-Free Emulsion Polymerization
Authors: Park Jae-Jung , Kim Yongsoo , Lee Chanmin , Kim Donghyun , Choi Wonjun , Kwon Hyukjun , Kim Jung-Hyun , Hwang Ki-Seob , Lee Jun-Young
Published: July 2021

Emulsion polymerization presents the disadvantage that the physical properties of polymer particles are altered by surfactant adsorption. Therefore, in the soap-free emulsion polymerization method, a hydrophilic initiator is utilized while inducing repulsion among particles on the polymer particle surface, resulting in stable polymer particle production. In this study, we developed a methodology wherein spherical and uniform poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride) (PSMA)/polyethyleneimine (PEI) core–shell nanoparticles were prepared. Further, their morphology was analyzed. During PSMA polymerization, the addition of up to 30% maleic anhydride (MA) resulted in stable polymerization. In PSMA/PEI nanoparticle fabrication, the number of reactants increased with increased initial monomer feed amounts; consequently, the particle size increased, and as the complete monomer consumption time increased, the particle distribution widened. The styrene (St) copolymer acted as a stabilizer, reducing particle size and narrowing particle distribution. Furthermore, the monomers were more rapidly consumed at high initiator concentrations, irrespective of the initiator used, resulting in increased particle stability and narrowed particle distribution. The shell thickness and particle size were PEI feed ratio dependent, with 0.08 being the optimal PEI-to-MA ratio. The fabricated nanoparticles possess immense potential for application in environmental science and in chemical and health care industries.
The Role of Reduced Methionine in Mediating the Metabolic Responses to Protein Restriction Using Different Sources of Protein
Authors: Fang Han , Stone Kirsten P. , Ghosh Sujoy , Forney Laura A. , Gettys Thomas W.
Published: July 2021

Dietary protein restriction and dietary methionine restriction (MR) produce a comparable series of behavioral, physiological, biochemical, and transcriptional responses. Both dietary regimens produce a similar reduction in intake of sulfur amino acids (e.g., methionine and cystine), and both diets increase expression and release of hepatic FGF21. Given that FGF21 is an essential mediator of the metabolic phenotype produced by both diets, an important unresolved question is whether dietary protein restriction represents de facto methionine restriction. Using diets formulated from either casein or soy protein with matched reductions in sulfur amino acids, we compared the ability of the respective diets to recapitulate the metabolic phenotype produced by methionine restriction using elemental diets. Although the soy-based control diets supported faster growth compared to casein-based control diets, casein-based protein restriction and soy-based protein restriction produced comparable reductions in body weight and fat deposition, and similar increases in energy intake, energy expenditure, and water intake. In addition, the prototypical effects of dietary MR on hepatic and adipose tissue target genes were similarly regulated by casein- and soy-based protein restriction. The present findings support the feasibility of using restricted intake of diets from various protein sources to produce therapeutically effective implementation of dietary methionine restriction.
Phycobiliproteins Ameliorate Gonadal Toxicity in Male Mice Treated with Cyclophosphamide
Authors: Briseño-Bugarín Jorge , Hernández-Ochoa Isabel , Araujo-Padilla Xelha , Mojica-Villegas María Angélica , Montaño-González Ricardo Iván , Gutiérrez-Salmeán Gabriela , Chamorro-Cevallos Germán
Published: July 2021

Cyclophosphamide (CP)—which is used to treat autoimmune diseases and cancer—is related to gonadotoxicity attributed to oxidative stress. As phycobiliproteins (PBPs) are strong antioxidants that are unexplored as protective agents against male gonadotoxicity, our work aimed to investigate the effects of PBP crude extract on testicular damage and sperm parameter alterations caused by CP in mice. Three doses of PBP (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) were tested in the experimental groups (n = 8 per group), administered concomitantly with 100 mg/kg CP. After 42 days receiving PBP daily and CP weekly, body and relative testicular weights, serum testosterone levels, testicular lipoperoxidation and antioxidant enzyme activity levels, and testicular histology and sperm parameter alterations were assessed. The results showed that PBP crude extract at 200 mg/kg prevented testosterone serum reduction, body weight loss, lipoperoxidation and enzyme activity increments, and sperm parameter alterations and partially ameliorated relative testicular weight reductions and histological damage in CP-treated mice. In conclusion, we showed that PBP crude extract (200 mg/kg) mitigated oxidative damage in the testes and ameliorated alterations in sperm parameters in mice treated with CP (100 mg/kg); therefore, PBP extract could be considered as a potential protective agent against CP toxicity.
Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid: A Pharmaco-Nutraceutical Approach to Improve the Responsiveness to Ursodeoxycholic Acid
Authors: Thérien Ariane , Cieślak Anna , Verreault Mélanie , Perreault Martin , Trottier Jocelyn , Gobeil Stéphane , Vohl Marie-Claude , Barbier Olivier
Published: July 2021

Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is the first line therapy for the treatment of cholestatic and autoimmune liver diseases. Its clinical use is currently limited by a significant proportion of non-responder patients. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) possess important anti-inflammatory properties and protect liver cells against bile acid (BA)-induced toxicity. The present study was designed to rapidly evaluate whether combining n-3 PUFAs (i.e., eicosapentaenoic [EPA] and docosahexaenoic [DHA] acids) to UDCA would provide additional benefits when compared to the drug alone. The parameters evaluated were (i) the expression of genes governing BA synthesis, transport, and metabolism; (ii) the prevention of BA-induced apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-stress; and (iii) the control of BA- and LPS-dependent inflammation. In the absence of n-3 PUFAs, most of the parameters investigated were unaffected by UDCA or were only altered by the higher dose (500 µM) of the drug. By contrast, in the presence of EPA/DHA (50/50 µM), all parameters showed a strongly improved response and the lowest UDCA dosage (50 µM) provided equal or better benefits than the highest dose used alone. For example, the combination EPA/DHA + UDCA 50 µM caused comparable down-regulation of the CYP7A1 gene expression and of the BA-induced caspase 3 activity as observed with UDCA 500 µM. In conclusion, these results suggest that the addition of n-3 PUFAs to UDCA may improve the response to the drug, and that such a pharmaco-nutraceutical approach could be used in clinic to open the narrow therapeutic dose of UDCA in cholestatic liver diseases.
Oral Supplementation with Benzylamine Delays the Onset of Diabetes in Obese and Diabetic db-/- Mice
Authors: Iffiú-Soltesz Zsuzsa , Wanecq Estelle , Tóthfalusi László , Szökő Éva , Carpéné Christian
Published: July 2021

Substrates of semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO) exert insulin-like actions in adipocytes. One of them, benzylamine (Bza) exhibits antihyperglycemic properties in several rodent models of diabetes. To further study the antidiabetic potential of this naturally occurring amine, a model of severe type 2 diabetes, the obese db-/- mouse, was subjected to oral Bza administration. To this end, db-/- mice and their lean littermates were treated at 4 weeks of age by adding 0.5% Bza in drinking water for seven weeks. Body mass, fat content, blood glucose and urinary glucose output were followed while adipocyte insulin responsiveness and gene expression were checked at the end of supplementation, together with aorta nitrites. Bza supplementation delayed the appearance of hyperglycemia, abolished polydypsia and glycosuria in obese/diabetic mice without any detectable effect in lean control, except for a reduction in food intake observed in both genotypes. The improvement of glucose homeostasis was observed in db-/- mice at the expense of increased fat deposition, especially in the subcutaneous white adipose tissue (SCWAT), without sign of worsened inflammation or insulin responsiveness and with lowered circulating triglycerides and uric acid, while NO bioavailability was increased in aorta. The higher capacity of SSAO in oxidizing Bza in SCWAT, found in the obese mice, was unaltered by Bza supplementation and likely involved in the activation of glucose utilization by adipocytes. We propose that Bza oxidation in tissues, which produces hydrogen peroxide mainly in SCWAT, facilitates insulin-independent glucose utilization. Bza could be considered as a potential agent for dietary supplementation aiming at preventing diabetic complications.
Rotaviruses and Rotavirus Vaccines
Authors: Donato Celeste M. , Bines Julie E.
Published: July 2021

Group A rotaviruses belong to the Reoviridae virus family and are classified into G and P genotypes based on the outer capsid proteins VP7 and VP4, respectively [...]
A Novel Cardenolide Glycoside Isolated from Xysmalobium undulatum Reduces Levels of the Alzheimer’s Disease-Associated β-Amyloid Peptides Aβ42 In Vitro
Authors: Thakur Anuradha , Moyo Phanankosi , van der Westhuizen Carl Johan , Yang Hyun Ok , Maharaj Vinesh
Published: July 2021

Elevated levels of the amylo β-proteins (Aβ), particularly Aβ42, are associated with a high risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The Aβ proteins are produced from cellular processing of the amyloid precursor proteins (APPs). To identify natural products that block the formation of Aβ-proteins from APPs, we previously screened a library of plant extracts and identified Xysmalobium undulaum (Apocynaceae) as a potential plant for further research. Here, we provide a report on the isolation and identification of the active principles from the plant species using a bioassay-guided fractionation. Fractions and resulting pure compounds from the purification process of the extract of X. undulatum were screened in vitro against APPs transfected HeLa cell lines. Three compounds, acetylated glycosydated crotoxogenin (1), xysmalogenin-3, β-d-glucopyranoside (2), and crotoxigenin 3-O-glucopyranoside (3), were subsequently isolated and their structures elucidated using NMR and mass spectrometry. Compound 1, a novel cardenolide, and 2 significantly decreased the Aβ42 levels in a dose-dependent manner while compound 3 was inactive. In silico investigations identified the AD’s β-secretase enzyme, BACE1, as a potential target for these compounds with the glycoside moiety being of significance in binding to the enzyme active site. Our study provides the first report of a novel cardenolide and the potential of cardenolides as chemical scaffolds for developing AD treatment drugs.
In Vitro Culture of Rosmarinus officinalis L. in a Temporary Immersion System: Influence of Two Phytohormones on Plant Growth and Carnosol Production
Authors: Villegas-Sánchez Eder , Macías-Alonso Mariana , Osegueda-Robles Soraya , Herrera-Isidrón Lisset , Nuñez-Palenius Hector , González-Marrero Joaquín
Published: July 2021

Emerging infectious diseases have become a major global problem with public health and economic consequences. It is an urgent need to develop new anti-infective therapies. The natural diterpene carnosol exhibit a wide variety of interesting antibacterial and antiviral properties, and it is considered a theoretical inhibitor of COVID-19 Mpro. However, this compound is present in the family Lamiaceae in low quantities. To obtain carnosol in concentrations high enough to develop pharmacological studies, we evaluated the efficiency of a micropropagation protocol of Rosmarinus officinalis using a solid medium and a temporary immersion system (TIS), as well as the effect of 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BAP) and α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) on the growth of shoots. Moreover, we developed and validated an analytical method to quantify carnosol using the H-point standard additions method in the high-performance liquid chromatography diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). After 30 days of culture, TIS produced the maximum number of shoots per explant (24.33 ± 1.15) on a liquid medium supplemented with 6-BAP at 5.0 mg L−1. Next, we also evaluated the effect of immersion time and frequency for TIS. After 72 days of culture, the best results were obtained with an immersion cycle of 1 min every 12 h, yielding 170.33 ± 29.40 shoots. The quantification of carnosol on the samples was performed at a flow rate of 1.2 mL min−1 using binary isocratic mobile phase system 60:40 (v/v) 10 mM formic acid (pH 3.0) (A) and acetonitrile (B) on a reverse-phase column. The content of carnosol in the in vitro cultures was around 8-fold higher than in the wild plant. The present study represents an efficient alternative method to obtain carnosol for its pre-clinical and clinical development.
Diverse Effects of Natural and Synthetic Surfactants on the Inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus Biofilm
Authors: Allegrone Gianna , Ceresa Chiara , Rinaldi Maurizio , Fracchia Letizia
Published: July 2021

A major challenge in the biomedical field is the creation of materials and coating strategies that effectively limit the onset of biofilm-associated infections on medical devices. Biosurfactants are well known and appreciated for their antimicrobial/anti-adhesive/anti-biofilm properties, low toxicity, and biocompatibility. In this study, the rhamnolipid produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa 89 (R89BS) was characterized by HPLC-MS/MS and its ability to modify cell surface hydrophobicity and membrane permeability as well as its antimicrobial, anti-adhesive, and anti-biofilm activity against Staphylococcus aureus were compared to two commonly used surfactants of synthetic origin: Tween® 80 and TritonTM X-100. The R89BS crude extract showed a grade of purity of 91.4% and was composed by 70.6% of mono-rhamnolipids and 20.8% of di-rhamnolipids. The biological activities of R89BS towards S. aureus were higher than those of the two synthetic surfactants. In particular, the anti-adhesive and anti-biofilm properties of R89BS and of its purified mono- and di-congeners were similar. R89BS inhibition of S. aureus adhesion and biofilm formation was ~97% and 85%, respectively, and resulted in an increased inhibition of about 33% after 6 h and of about 39% after 72 h when compared to their chemical counterparts. These results suggest a possible applicability of R89BS as a protective coating agent to limit implant colonization.
Enzymatic Synthesis of Muconic Acid-Based Polymers: Trans, Trans-Dimethyl Muconate and Trans, β-Dimethyl Hydromuconate
Authors: Maniar Dina , Fodor Csaba , Karno Adi Indra , Woortman Albert J. J. , van Dijken Jur , Loos Katja
Published: July 2021

The vast majority of commodity polymers are acquired from petrochemical feedstock, and these resources will plausibly be depleted within the next 100 years. Therefore, the utilization of carbon-neutral renewable resources for the production of polymers is crucial in modern green chemistry. Herein, we report an eco-friendly strategy that uses enzyme catalysis to design biobased unsaturated (co)polyesters from muconic acid derivatives. This method is an attractive pathway for the production of well-defined unsaturated polyesters with minimum side reactions. A suite of characterization techniques was performed to probe the reaction mechanism and properties of the obtained polyesters. It is rationalized that the alkene functionality of the muconate monomers plays an important role in the enzyme catalysis mechanism. The rendered polyesters possessed excellent thermal stabilities and unreacted alkene functionality that can consecutively undergo chain extension, copolymerization, or act as an anchor for other functional groups. These properties open new avenues in the fields of unsaturated polyester resins and photosensitive coatings.
Bending and Shear Behaviour of Waste Rubber Concrete-Filled FRP Tubes with External Flanges
Authors: Ferdous Wahid , Manalo Allan , AlAjarmeh Omar S. , Zhuge Yan , Mohammed Ali A. , Bai Yu , Aravinthan Thiru , Schubel Peter
Published: July 2021

An innovative beam concept made from hollow FRP tube with external flanges and filled with crumbed rubber concrete was investigated with respect to bending and shear. The performance of the rubberised-concrete-filled specimens was then compared with hollow and normal-concrete-filled tubes. A comparison between flanged and non-flanged hollow and concrete-filled tubes was also implemented. Moreover, finite element simulation was conducted to predict the fundamental behaviour of the beams. The results showed that concrete filling slightly improves bending performance but significantly enhances the shear properties of the beam. Adding 25% of crumb rubber in concrete marginally affects the bending and shear performance of the beam when compared with normal-concrete-filled tubes. Moreover, the stiffness-to-FRP weight ratio of a hollow externally flanged round tube is equivalent to that of a concrete-filled non-flanged round tube. The consideration of the pair-based contact surface between an FRP tube and infill concrete in linear finite element modelling predicted the failure loads within a 15% margin of difference.
3D-Printable Hierarchical Nanogel-GelMA Composite Hydrogel System
Authors: Zu Guangyue , Meijer Marnix , Mergel Olga , Zhang Heng , van Rijn Patrick
Published: July 2021

The strength of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is that it is hierarchical in terms of matrix built-up, matrix density and fiber structure, which allows for hormones, cytokines, and other small biomolecules to be stored within its network. The ECM-like hydrogels that are currently used do not possess this ability, and long-term storage, along with the need for free diffusion of small molecules, are generally incompatible requirements. Nanogels are able to fulfill the additional requirements upon successful integration. Herein, a stable hierarchical nanogel–gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) composite hydrogel system is provided by covalently embedding nanogels inside the micropore network of GelMA hydrogel to allow a controlled local functionality that is not found in a homogenous GelMA hydrogel. Nanogels have emerged as a powerful tool in nanomedicine and are highly versatile, due to their simplicity of chemical control and biological compatibility. In this study, an N-isopropylacrylamide-based nanogel with primary amine groups on the surface was modified with methacryloyl groups to obtain a photo-cross-linking ability similar to GelMA. The nanogel-GelMA composite hydrogel was formed by mixing the GelMA and the photo-initiator within the nanogel solution through UV irradiation. The morphology of the composite hydrogel was observed by scanning electron microscopy, which clearly showed the nanogel wrapped within the GelMA network and covering the surface of the pore wall. A release experiment was conducted to prove covalent bonding and the stability of the nanogel inside the GelMA hydrogel. In addition, 3D printability studies showed that the nanogel-GelMA composite ink is printable. Therefore, the suggested stable hierarchical nanogel-GelMA composite hydrogel system has great potential to achieve the in situ delivery and controllable release of bioactive molecules in 3D cell culture systems.
PROMANCOA Modular Technology for the Valorization of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) and Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) Agricultural Biowastes
Authors: Núñez-Sellés Alberto J. , Abril-González Alejandro J. , Ramil-Mesa Marlen
Published: July 2021

PROMANCOA modular technology (PMT) aims at the development of modular agricultural biowaste valorization of mango (Mangifera indica L.) and cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) cultivars within the concept of circular economy in agriculture management. The modular design includes four modules: (1) green raw material (GRM) selection and collection, (2) GRM processing, (3) GRM extraction, in order to obtain bioactive green extracts (BGE) and bioactive green ingredients (BGI), and (4) quality control, which lead to formula components for food, feed, nutraceutical and/or cosmeceutical products. PMT was applied to mango stem bark and tree branches, and cocoa pod husk and bean shells, from cultivars of mango and cocoa in provinces of the Dominican Republic (DR). PMT might be applied to other agricultural biowastes, where a potential of value-added BGE/BGI may be present. Alongside the market potential of these bioactive ingredients, the reduction of carbon dioxide and methane emissions of agricultural biowastes would be a significant contribution in order to reduce the greenhouse effect of these residuals.
A Mechanistic Model to Assess the Fate of Naphthalene and Benzo(a)pyrene in a Chilean WWTP
Authors: Arroyo Antonia , Provoste Fabián , Rodríguez Montserrat , Prieto Ana L.
Published: July 2021

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a family of organic compounds of widespread presence in the environment. They are recalcitrant, ubiquitous, prone to bioaccumulation, and potentially carcinogenic. Effluent from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) constitutes a major source of PAHs into water bodies, and their presence should be closely monitored, especially considering the increasing applications of potable and non-potable reuse of treated wastewater worldwide. Modeling the fate and distribution of PAHs in WWTPs is a valuable tool to overcome the complexity and cost of monitoring and quantifying PAHs. A mechanistic model was built to evaluate the fate of PAHs in both water and sludge lines of a Chilean WWTP. Naphthalene and benzo(a)pyrene were used as models of low-MW and high-MW PAHs. As there were no reported experimental data available for the case study, the influent load was determined through a statistical approach based on reported values worldwide. For both naphthalene and benzo(a)pyrene, the predominant mechanism in the water line was sorption to sludge, while that in the sludge line was desorption. Compared to other studies in the literature, the model satisfactorily describes the mechanisms involved in the fate and distribution of PAHs in a conventional activated sludge WWTP. Even though there is evidence of the presence of PAHs in urban centers in Chile, local regulatory standards do not consider PAHs in the disposal of WWTP effluents. Monitoring of PAHs in both treated effluents and biosolids is imperative, especially when considering de facto reuse and soil amendment in agricultural activities are currently practiced downstream of the studied WWTP.
Analysis of Turn-to-Turn Fault on Split-Winding Transformer Using Coupled Field-Circuit Approach
Authors: Yang Cunxiang , Ding Yiwei , Qiu Hongbo , Xiong Bin
Published: July 2021

The turn-to-turn faults (TTF) are also inevitable in split-winding transformers. The distorted leakage field generated by the TTF current results in large axial forces and end thrusts in the fault windings as well as affecting other branch windings normal operation, so it is of significance to study TTF of split-winding transformers. In this paper, the characteristics analysis of the split-winding transformer under the TTFs of the low voltage winding at different positions are presented. A 3600 KVA four split-windings transformer is taken as an example. Then, a simplified three-dimensional simplified model is established, taking into account the forces of the per-turn coil. The nonlinear-transient field-circuit coupled finite element method is used for the model. The leakage field distribution under the TTFs of the low voltage winding at different positions is studied. The resultant force of the short-circuit winding and the force of the per-turn coil are obtained. Subsequently, the force and current relationship between the branch windings are analyzed. The results show that the TTF at the specific location has a great influence on the axial windings on the same core, and the distorted leakage magnetic field will cause excessive axial force and end thrust of the normal and short-circuit windings. These results can provide a basis for the short-circuit design of split-winding transformer.
A Bibliometric Survey on Polyisobutylene Manufacture
Authors: Alves Jessica B. , Vasconcelos Mateus K. , Mangia Lys H. R. , Tatagiba Maxmiliano , Fidalgo Juliana , Campos Daniela , Invernici Pedro L. , Rebouças Marcio V. , Andrade Marcio Henrique S. , Pinto José Carlos
Published: July 2021

Polyisobutylenes (PIB) constitute a versatile family of polymer materials that have been used mainly as fuel and lubricant additives. Particularly, the current commercial demand for highly reactive polyisobutylene (HR-PIB) products motivates the development of new processes and procedures to produce PIBs with high polymer yields, narrow molar mass distributions and high vinyl contents. For this reason, a bibliometric survey is presented here to map and discuss important technical aspects and technological trends in the field of solution cationic polymerization of isobutylenes. It is shown that investigations in this field are concentrated mainly on developed countries and that industrial initiatives indicate high commercial interest and significant investments in the field. It is also shown that use of catalyst systems based on AlCl3 and ether cocatalysts can be very beneficial for PIB and HR-PIB manufacture. Finally, it is shown that investigations search for cheaper and environmentally friendly catalysts and solvents that can be employed at moderate temperatures, particularly for the production of HR-PIB.
Quality-Analysis-Based Process Monitoring for Multi-Phase Multi-Mode Batch Processes
Authors: Zhao Luping , Huang Xin , Yu Hao
Published: July 2021

In batch processing, not only the characteristics of different phases are different, but also there may be different characteristics between batches. These characteristics of different phases and batches will have different effects on the final product quality. In order to enhance the safety of batch processes, it is necessary to establish an appropriate monitoring system to monitor the production process based on quality-related information. In this work, based on multi-phase and multi-mode quality prediction, a new quality-analysis-based process-monitoring strategy is developed for batch processes. Firstly, the time-slice models are established to determine the critical-to-quality phases. Secondly, a multi-phase residual recursive model is established using each quality residual of the phase mean models. Subsequently, a new process-monitoring strategy based on quality analysis is proposed for a single mode. After that, multi-mode quality analysis is carried out to judge the relevance between the historical modes and the new mode. Further, online quality prediction is achieved applying the selected model based on multi-mode quality analysis, and an according process-monitoring strategy is developed. The simulation results show the availability of this method for multi-phase multi-mode batch processes.