bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure and Topology Prediction of Phage Adhesion Devices Using AlphaFold2: The Case of Two Oenococcus oeni Phages
Authors: Goulet Adeline , Cambillau Christian
Published: October 2021

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are important microorganisms in food fermentation. In the food industry, bacteriophages (phages or bacterial viruses) may cause the disruption of LAB-dependent processes with product inconsistencies and economic losses. LAB phages use diverse adhesion devices to infect their host, yet the overall picture of host-binding mechanisms remains incomplete. Here, we aimed to determine the structure and topology of the adhesion devices of two lytic siphophages, OE33PA and Vinitor162, infecting the wine bacteria Oenococcus oeni. These phages possess adhesion devices with a distinct composition and morphology and likely use different infection mechanisms. We primarily used AlphaFold2, an algorithm that can predict protein structure with unprecedented accuracy, to obtain a 3D model of the adhesion devices’ components. Using our prior knowledge of the architecture of the LAB phage host-binding machineries, we also reconstituted the topology of OE33PA and Vinitor162 adhesion devices. While OE33PA exhibits original structures in the assembly of its bulky adhesion device, Vinitor162 harbors several carbohydrate-binding modules throughout its long and extended adhesion device. Overall, these results highlight the ability of AlphaFold2 to predict protein structures and illustrate its great potential in the study of phage structures and host-binding mechanisms.
Effect of Vitamin C Source on Its Stability during Storage and the Properties of Milk Fermented by Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Authors: Znamirowska Agata , Szajnar Katarzyna , Pawlos Małgorzata
Published: October 2021

The enrichment of commonly consumed foods with bioactive components might be helpful in promoting health and reducing the risk of disease, so the enrichment of probiotic fermented milk with vitamin C can be considered appropriate. The effect of vitamin C addition depends on the source of origin (rosehip, acerola and ascorbic acid in powder form) on the growth and survival of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and the quality of fermented milk on the 1st and 21st day of storage was analyzed. The pH, total acidity, vitamin C, syneresis, color, texture profile and numbers of bacterial cells in fermented milk were determined. The organoleptic evaluation was also performed. The degradation of vitamin C in milk was shown to depend on its source. The lowest reduction of vitamin C was determined in milk with rosehip. The least stable was vitamin C naturally found in control milk. The addition of rosehip and acerola decreased syneresis and lightness of milk color, increasing the yellow and red color proportion. In contrast, milk with ascorbic acid was the lightest during the whole experimental period and was characterized by a very soft gel. The growth of Lactobacillus rhamnosus during fermentation was most positively affected by the addition of rosehip. However, the best survival of Lactobacillus rhamnosus was demonstrated in milk with acerola. On the 21st day of storage, the number of L. rhamnosus cells in the control milk and the milk with vitamin C was >8 log cfu g−1, so these milks met the criterion of therapeutic minimum. According to the assessors, the taste and odor contributed by the addition of rosehip was the most intense of all the vitamin C sources used in the study.
Standardized Extract of Asparagus officinalis Stem Attenuates SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein-Induced IL-6 and IL-1β Production by Suppressing p44/42 MAPK and Akt Phosphorylation in Murine Primary Macrophages
Authors: Shirato Ken , Takanari Jun , Kizaki Takako
Published: October 2021

Excessive host inflammation following infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is associated with severity and mortality in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We recently reported that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein S1 subunit (S1) induces pro-inflammatory responses by activating toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling in macrophages. A standardized extract of Asparagus officinalis stem (EAS) is a unique functional food that elicits anti-photoaging effects by suppressing pro-inflammatory signaling in hydrogen peroxide and ultraviolet B-exposed skin fibroblasts. To elucidate its potential in preventing excessive inflammation in COVID-19, we examined the effects of EAS on pro-inflammatory responses in S1-stimulated macrophages. Murine peritoneal exudate macrophages were co-treated with EAS and S1. Concentrations and mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and reverse transcription and real-time polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Expression and phosphorylation levels of signaling proteins were analyzed using western blotting and fluorescence immunomicroscopy. EAS significantly attenuated S1-induced secretion of interleukin (IL)-6 in a concentration-dependent manner without reducing cell viability. EAS also markedly suppressed the S1-induced transcription of IL-6 and IL-1β. However, among the TLR4 signaling proteins, EAS did not affect the degradation of inhibitor κBα, nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB p65 subunit, and phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase p54 subunit after S1 exposure. In contrast, EAS significantly suppressed S1-induced phosphorylation of p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and Akt. Attenuation of S1-induced transcription of IL-6 and IL-1β by the MAPK kinase inhibitor U0126 was greater than that by the Akt inhibitor perifosine, and the effects were potentiated by simultaneous treatment with both inhibitors. These results suggest that EAS attenuates S1-induced IL-6 and IL-1β production by suppressing p44/42 MAPK and Akt signaling in macrophages. Therefore, EAS may be beneficial in regulating excessive inflammation in patients with COVID-19.
Synthesis of Calcium Silicate Hydrate from Coal Gangue for Cr(VI) and Cu(II) Removal from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Zhang Qing , Liu Guijian , Peng Shuchuan , Zhou Chuncai
Published: October 2021

Both the accumulation of coal gangue and potentially toxic elements in aqueous solution have caused biological damage to the surrounding ecosystem of the Huainan coal mining field. In this study, coal gangue was used to synthesize calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) to remove Cr(VI) and Cu(II)from aqueous solutions and aqueous solution. The optimum parameters for C-S-H synthesis were 700 °C for 1 h and a Ca/Si molar ratio of 1.0. Quantitative sorption analysis was done at variable temperature, C-S-H dosages, solution pH, initial concentrations of metals, and reaction time. The solution pH was precisely controlled by a pH meter. The adsorption temperature was controlled by a thermostatic gas bath oscillator. The error of solution temperature was controlled at ± 0.3, compared with the adsorption temperature. For Cr(VI) and Cu(II), the optimum initial concentration, temperature, and reaction time were 200 mg/L, 40 °C and 90 min, pH 2 and 0.1 g C-S-H for Cr(VI), pH 6 and 0.07 g C-S-H for Cu(II), respectively. The maximum adsorption capacities of Cr(VI) and Cu(II) were 68.03 and 70.42 mg·g−1, respectively. Furthermore, the concentrations of Cu(II) and Cr(VI) in aqueous solution could meet the surface water quality standards in China. The adsorption mechanism of Cu(II) and Cr(VI) onto C-S-H were reduction, electrostatic interaction, chelation interaction, and surface complexation. It was found that C-S-H is an environmentally friendly adsorbent for effective removal of metals from aqueous solution through different mechanisms.
Effects of Zeolite as a Drug Delivery System on Cancer Therapy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hao Jessica , Stavljenić Milašin Ivana , Batu Eken Zeynep , Mravak-Stipetic Marinka , Pavelić Krešimir , Ozer Fusun
Published: October 2021

Zeolites and zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) are widely studied as drug carrying nanoplatforms to enhance the specificity and efficacy of traditional anticancer drugs. At present, there is no other systematic review that assesses the potency of zeolites/ZIFs as anticancer drug carriers. Due to the porous nature and inherent pH-sensitive properties of zeolites/ZIFs, the compounds can entrap and selectively release anticancer drugs into the acidic tumor microenvironment. Therefore, it is valuable to provide a comprehensive overview of available evidence on the topic to identify the benefits of the compound as well as potential gaps in knowledge. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential therapeutic applications of zeolites/ZIFs as drug delivery systems delivering doxorubicin (DOX), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), curcumin, cisplatin, and miR-34a. Following PRISMA guidelines, an exhaustive search of PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science was conducted. No language or time limitations were used up to 25th August 2021. Only full text articles were selected that pertained to the usage of zeolites/ZIFs in delivering anticancer drugs. Initially, 1279 studies were identified, of which 572 duplicate records were excluded. After screening for the title, abstract, and full texts, 53 articles remained and were included in the qualitative synthesis. An Inter-Rater Reliability (IRR) test, which included a percent user agreement and reliability percent, was conducted for the 53 articles. The included studies suggest that anticancer drug-incorporated zeolites/ZIFs can be used as alternative treatment options to enhance the efficacy of cancer treatment by mitigating the drawbacks of drugs under conventional treatment.
Characterization of Volatile Compounds of Rosa roxburghii Tratt by Gas Chromatography-Olfactometry, Quantitative Measurements, Odor Activity Value, and Aroma Intensity
Authors: Niu Yunwei , Wang Ruolin , Xiao Zuobing , Sun Xiaoxin , Wang Pinpin , Zhu Jiancai , Cao Xueying
Published: October 2021

Rosa roxburghii tratt (RRT), widely distributed in the southwest of China, is favored by consumers for its good taste and healthy functions. In this study, thirty-seven compounds of Rosa roxburghii Tratt (RRT) were identified and quantified by gas chromatography–olfactometry (G–O) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis. Furthermore, ethyl 2-methylpropanoate, ethyl butanoate, ethyl 2-methylbutyrate, and ethyl hexanoate were present with much higher odor activity values (OAVs) than other compounds. The key notes were confirmed by omission tests. Possible interaction among key notes was investigated through odor intensity determination and sensory analysis. It showed fruity and woody notes had synergistic effects. Full factorial design was used to evaluate the notes contribution to the whole odor. One important finding is the major effect of order interactions, fruity note (X1) and woody note (X4) especially, emphasizing the existence of complex interactions occurring between odor notes. The interaction X1X4 was further investigated. The woody note has a positive effect when the fruity note is also in the mixture but tends to show a negative effect otherwise.
Construction of a Tandem Repeat Peptide Sequence with Pepsin Cutting Sites to Produce Recombinant α-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone
Authors: Jiang Dai-Lin , Yao Chao-Ling , Hu Nien-Jen , Liu Yung-Chuan
Published: October 2021

The production of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), a peptide hormone composed of 13 amino acids, is attempted by recombinant expression using E. coli as the host. To achieve this aim, a synthetic gene containing eight tandem repeats of msh gene (8msh) was designed for ribosomal synthesis of 8 α-MSH. The merit of the strategy is to diminish the peptide toxicity against the host cell and to achieve a higher production yield. Pepsin cleavage sites are introduced between the peptides for enzymatic proteolysis to obtain the monomeric peptide of α-MSH. The constructed plasmid was transformed into different strains of E. coli hosts, and E. coli XL1-Blue with gene 8msh revealed the highest yield of 8 α-MSH. Although 8 α-MSH was fractionalized in the insoluble pellets after cell lysis, pepsin cleavage was able to produce soluble α-MSH peptide, as analyzed and confirmed by mass spectrometry and peptide activity assays. The production of α-MSH was quantified using HPLC with a yield of 42.9 mg/L of LB culture. This study demonstrates the feasibility of producing α-MSH using recombinant expression of tandem repeat gene. The production procedure involves minimal post-treatment and processing and can be scaled up for industrial application.
Phenolic Characterization and Neuroprotective Properties of Grape Pomace Extracts
Authors: Chiavaroli Annalisa , Balaha Marwa , Acquaviva Alessandra , Ferrante Claudio , Cataldi Amelia , Menghini Luigi , Rapino Monica , Orlando Giustino , Brunetti Luigi , Leone Sheila , Recinella Lucia , di Giacomo Viviana
Published: October 2021

Vitis vinifera (grape) contains various compounds with acknowledged phytochemical and pharmacological properties. Among the different parts of the plant, pomace is of particular interest as a winemaking industry by-product. A characterization of the water extract from grape pomace from Montepulciano d’Abruzzo variety (Villamagna doc) was conducted, and the bioactive phenolic compounds were quantified through HPLC-DAD-MS analysis. HypoE22, a hypothalamic cell line, was challenged with an oxidative stimulus and exposed to different concentrations (1 µg/mL−1 mg/mL) of the pomace extract for 24, 48, and 72 h. In the same conditions, cells were exposed to the sole catechin, in a concentration range (5–500 ng/mL) consistent with the catechin level in the extract. Cell proliferation was investigated by MTT assay, dopamine release through HPLC-EC method, PGE2 amount by an ELISA kit, and expressions of neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) by RT-PCR. The extract reverted the cytotoxicity exerted by the oxidative stimulus at all the experimental times in a dose-dependent manner, whereas the catechin was able to revert the oxidative stress-induced depletion of dopamine 48 h and 72 h after the stimulus. The extract and the catechin were also effective in preventing the downregulation of BDNF and the concomitant upregulation of COX-2 gene expression. In accordance, PGE2 release was augmented by the oxidative stress conditions and reverted by the administration of the water extract from grace pomace and catechin, which were equally effective. These results suggest that the neuroprotection induced by the extract could be ascribed, albeit partially, to its catechin content.
Effects of Natural Reduced Water on Cognitive Function, Body Composition, and Psychological Function in Older Adults: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Shinada Takamitsu , Takano Yuji , Kokubun Keisuke , Iki Hikari , Taki Yasuyuki
Published: October 2021

Natural reduced water is natural water that contains active hydrogen and reduces oxidation. It is rare in the world, and in Japan, it is produced in the Hita area of Oita Prefecture (Hita Tenryosui water). Previous studies in humans have examined the effects of natural reduced water on diabetes, which is one of the known risks for dementia. Animal studies of natural reduced water have revealed anti-obesity and anti-anxiety effects. However, the effects of natural reduced water on cognitive function, body composition, and psychological function in humans are unknown. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between these items in elderly people who continuously consume natural reduced water. In this study, we recruited participants aged between 65 and 74 years. The participants were randomly and blindly assigned to a natural reduced water (Hita Tenryosui water) group or a control (tap water) group and drank 1 L of water daily for 6 months. Cognitive function, body composition, and psychological function were measured before and after the 6-month intervention period.
Efficient Ex Vivo Screening of Agents Targeting Thrombospondin1-Induced Vascular Dysfunction Using a Digital Multiwire Myograph System
Authors: Yao Molly , Ganguly Samayita , Shin Jane Hae Soo , Elbayoumi Tamer
Published: October 2021

Homeostasis of vascular tone is intricately and delicately maintained systemically and locally, by autonomic nerves and hormones in the blood and by intimal vasoactive substances, respectively. The balance can be acutely or chronically interrupted secondary to many alterations, especially under pathological conditions. Excessive matricellular glycoprotein thrombospondin 1 (TSP1) levels in circulation have been found to play an important role in ischemia-reperfusion injuries of different organs, by acutely suppressing vasorelaxation and chronically remodeling vascular bed. Our laboratory has been interested in identifying new drug moieties, which can selectively and effectively counteract TSP1-induced vascular dysfunction, in order to address associated clinical complications. Preliminary studies using computational docking and molecular models revealed potential drug candidates for further evaluation via vascular functional bioassay to prove the antagonism using an ex vivo vascular model. Herein, we described an efficient screening method for the identification of active drug candidates, by adapting a multiwire myograph system to perform a protocol with different treatments, in the presence of pathological levels of TSP1. We discussed the promising pharmacological evaluation results and suggested suitable modification for versatile applications. We also described the necessity of pre-determination of optimal resting tension to obtain the maximal response, if the experimental test model is different from those with determined optimal resting tension.
Synergistic Interaction of Dietary Pattern and Concordance Lifestyle with Abnormal Liver Function among Young Adults in Taiwan: A Population-Based Longitudinal Study
Authors: Paramastri Rathi , Hsu Chien-Yeh , Chuang Yung-Kun , Lee Hsiu-An , Wiratama Bayu Satria , Chao Jane C.-J.
Published: October 2021

While diet and lifestyle are independently implicated in the etiology of liver disease, the interaction of diet and lifestyle may be more helpful for determining the risk of liver abnormality. Thus, our study aimed to evaluate the interaction between the dietary pattern associated with liver biomarkers and lifestyle factors among Taiwanese adults with abnormal liver enzymes. A liver-associated dietary pattern, generated using reduced rank regression, was characterized by high intake of soy sauce or other dips, sugar sweetened beverages, and preserved and processed foods, but low intake of seafood, fruits, eggs, and dark-colored vegetables. In the fully adjusted model, liver-associated dietary patterns or unhealthy concordance lifestyle factors were associated with an increased risk of having liver function abnormality (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.12 and OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.31, 1.53, respectively). Moreover, the interaction between liver-associated dietary pattern and unhealthy concordance lifestyle factors showed more significant correlation, with an elevated risk of abnormal liver function (OR = 2.14, 95% CI: 2.02, 2.26). Therefore, our study suggests that participants who have a strong liver-associated dietary pattern along with unhealthy concordance lifestyles are likely to have increased odds of abnormal liver function.
Global and Regional Patterns in Noncommunicable Diseases and Dietary Factors across National Income Levels
Authors: Kang Sooyoung , Kang Minji , Lim Hyunjung
Published: October 2021

Background: Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading global cause of death and share common risk factors. Little quantitative data are available on the patterns of each NCDs death and dietary factors by national income level and region. We aimed to identify the trend of NCDs deaths and dietary factors with other health-related behaviors across national income levels and geographical regions. Methods: Three databases were collected, including the World Health Organization, Food and Agriculture Organization, and World Bank in 2014. These were analyzed to describe the trend for NCDs deaths and dietary factors with health-related behaviors across national income levels (high income, upper-middle income, lower-middle income, and low income) from 151 countries using variance-weighted least-squares linear regression. Results: Lower-middle-income and low-income countries in Africa and Asia had higher death rates of NCDs. More than 30% of the population had raised blood pressure with higher carbohydrate intake and lower protein and fat intake compared to high-income European countries in 2014. High-income countries had the highest prevalence of raised total cholesterol, overweight, and obesity, the highest total energy, fat, and protein intake, and the highest supplies of animal fat, stimulants, sugar and sweetener, vegetable oil, and milk, as well as insufficient activity with an increasing trend (p for trend < 0.001). Conclusion: There were differences in NCDs risk factors and dietary factors by national income and region. Accordingly, measures should be taken to suit the situation in each country. Our findings have significance for health workers and health policies preventing and controlling the rise of NCDs.
Processed Meat Consumption and the Risk of Cancer: A Critical Evaluation of the Constraints of Current Evidence from Epidemiological Studies
Authors: Händel Mina Nicole , Rohde Jeanett Friis , Jacobsen Ramune , Heitmann Berit Lilienthal
Published: October 2021

Based on a large volume of observational scientific studies and many summary papers, a high consumption of meat and processed meat products has been suggested to have a harmful effect on human health. These results have led guideline panels worldwide to recommend to the general population a reduced consumption of processed meat and meat products, with the overarching aim of lowering disease risk, especially of cancer. We revisited and updated the evidence base, evaluating the methodological quality and the certainty of estimates in the published systematic reviews and meta-analyses that examined the association between processed meat consumption and the risk of cancer at different sites across the body, as well as the overall risk of cancer mortality. We further explored if discrepancies in study designs and risks of bias could explain the heterogeneity observed in meta-analyses. In summary, there are severe methodological limitations to the majority of the previously published systematic reviews and meta-analyses that examined the consumption of processed meat and the risk of cancer. Many lacked the proper assessment of the methodological quality of the primary studies they included, or the literature searches did not fulfill the methodological standards needed in order to be systematic and transparent. The primary studies included in the reviews had a potential risk for the misclassification of exposure, a serious risk of bias due to confounding, a moderate to serious risk of bias due to missing data, and/or a moderate to serious risk of selection of the reported results. All these factors may have potentially led to the overestimation of the risk related to processed meat intake across all cancer outcomes. Thus, with the aim of lowering the risk of cancer, the recommendation to reduce the consumption of processed meat and meat products in the general population seems to be based on evidence that is not methodologically strong.
Protective Effects of Individual and Combined Low Dose Beta-Carotene and Metformin Treatments against High-Fat Diet-Induced Responses in Mice
Authors: Stojnić Bojan , Serrano Alba , Sušak Lana , Palou Andreu , Bonet M. Luisa , Ribot Joan
Published: October 2021

Anti-obesity activity has been reported for beta-carotene (BC) supplementation at high doses and metformin (MET). We studied whether BC treatment at a closer to dietary dose and MET treatment at a lower than therapeutic dose are effective in ameliorating unwanted effects of an obesogenic diet and whether their combination is advantageous. Obesity-prone mice were challenged with a high-fat diet (HFD, 45% energy as fat) for 4 weeks while receiving a placebo or being treated orally with BC (3 mg/kg/day), MET (100 mg/kg/day), or their combination (BC+MET); a fifth group received a placebo and was kept on a normal-fat diet (10% energy as fat). HFD-induced increases in body weight gain and inguinal white adipose tissue (WAT) adipocyte size were attenuated maximally or selectively in the BC+MET group, in which a redistribution towards smaller adipocytes was noted. Cumulative energy intake was unaffected, yet results suggested increased systemic energy expenditure and brown adipose tissue activation in the treated groups. Unwanted effects of HFD on glucose control and insulin sensitivity were attenuated in the treated groups, especially BC and BC+MET, in which hepatic lipid content was also decreased. Transcriptional analyses suggested effects on skeletal muscle and WAT metabolism could contribute to better responses to the HFD, especially in the MET and BC+MET groups. The results support the benefits of the BC+MET cotreatment.
Corylin Ameliorates LPS-Induced Acute Lung Injury via Suppressing the MAPKs and IL-6/STAT3 Signaling Pathways
Authors: Chen I-Chen , Wang Shu-Chi , Chen Yi-Ting , Tseng Hsin-Han , Liu Po-Len , Lin Tzu-Chieh , Wu Hsin-En , Chen Yuan-Ru , Tseng Yu-Hsin , Hsu Jong-Hau , Dai Zen-Kong , Suen Jau-Ling , Li Chia-Yang
Published: October 2021

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a high mortality disease with acute inflammation. Corylin is a compound isolated from the whole plant of Psoralea corylifolia L. and has been reported to have anti-inflammatory activities. Herein, we investigated the therapeutic potential of corylin on lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced ALI, both in vitro and in vivo. The levels of proinflammatory cytokine secretions were analyzed by ELISA; the expressions of inflammation-associated proteins were detected using Western blot; and the number of immune cell infiltrations in the bronchial alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were detected by multicolor flow cytometry and lung tissues by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, respectively. Experimental results indicated that corylin attenuated LPS-induced IL-6 production in human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC3-KT cells). In intratracheal LPS-induced ALI mice, corylin attenuated tissue damage, suppressed inflammatory cell infiltration, and decreased IL-6 and TNF-α secretions in the BALF and serum. Moreover, it further inhibited the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), including p-JNK, p-ERK, p-p38, and repressed the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in lungs. Collectively, our results are the first to demonstrate the anti-inflammatory effects of corylin on LPS-induced ALI and suggest corylin has significant potential as a novel therapeutic agent for ALI.
Formulation Study of a Co-Processed, Rice Starch-Based, All-in-One Excipient for Direct Compression Using the SeDeM-ODT Expert System
Authors: Trisopon Karnkamol , Kittipongpatana Nisit , Wattanaarsakit Phanphen , Kittipongpatana Ornanong Suwannapakul
Published: October 2021

A co-processed, rice starch-based excipient (CS), previously developed and shown to exhibit good pharmaceutical properties, is investigated as an all-in-one excipient for direct compression (DC). An SeDeM-ODT expert system is applied to evaluate the formulation containing CS, in comparison with those containing the physical mixture and the commercial DC excipients. The results revealed that CS showed acceptable values in all six incidence factors of the SeDeM-ODT diagram. In addition, the comprehensive indices (IGC and IGCB) were higher than 5.0, which indicated that CS could be compressed with DC technique without additional blending with a disintegrant in tablet formulation. The formulation study suggested that CS can be diluted up to 60% in the formulation to compensate for unsatisfactory properties of paracetamol. At this percentage, CS-containing tablets exhibited narrow weight variation (1.5%), low friability (0.43%), acceptable drug content (98%), and rapid disintegration (10 s). The dissolution profile of CS displayed that more than 80% of the drug content was released within 2 min. The functionality of CS was comparable to that of high functionality excipient composite (HFEC), whereas other excipients were unsuccessful in formulating the tablets. These results indicated that CS was a suitable all-in-one excipient for application in DC of tablets.
Safety Valves of the Psyche: Reading Freud on Aggression, Morality, and Internal Emotions
Authors: O’Shiel Daniel
Published: October 2021

This article argues for a Freudian theory of internal emotion, which is best characterised as key “safety valves of the psyche”. After briefly clarifying some of Freud’s metapsychology, I present an account regarding the origin of (self-)censorship and morality as internalised aggression. I then show how this conception expands and can be detailed through a defence of a hydraulic model of the psyche that has specific “safety valves” of disgust, shame, and pity constantly counteracting specific sets of Freudian drives. This model is important for explicating Freud’s crucial concept of sublimation, which continues to have key therapeutic and normative relevance today, which I show through the case of jokes. I finish with the argument that largely happy, productive lives can be seen as in a dynamic between the release of too much (perversion) and too little (neurosis) psychical pressure through these mechanisms.
Research on X-ray Fluorescence Enhanced Fluoroscopy Imaging Technology
Authors: Yan Zhenyao , Li Liang , Qiu Rui , Chen Zhiqiang
Published: October 2021

Chest X-ray fluoroscopy is a commonly used medical imaging method, which has a wide range of applications in the diagnosis of lung diseases and other fields. However, due to low contrast and relatively close linear attenuation coefficients, some early small lesions are difficult to detect in time. Using the X-ray fluorescent effect of high atomic number metal elements and metal atom-containing agents that can be enriched in the lesion, the fluoroscopy signal and the fluorescent signal emitted by the metal atoms can be detected at the same time during the fluoroscopy, and the images of the two can be integrated, which can theoretically enhance the contrast between the lesion and the surrounding tissue. Based on GEANT4, this paper conducts Monte Carlo simulations to explore the feasibility and enhancement effects of three enhancement schemes: the pencil beam spot scanning method, cone-beam collimation method, and slit scanning method, and discusses the specific geometric structure and material selection.
Proposal for a Skin Layer-Wise Decomposition Model of Spatially-Resolved Diffuse Reflectance Spectra Based on Maximum Depth Photon Distributions: A Numerical Study
Authors: Colas Victor , Blondel Walter , Khairallah Grégoire , Daul Christian , Amouroux Marine
Published: October 2021

In the context of cutaneous carcinoma diagnosis based on in vivo optical biopsy, Diffuse Reflectance (DR) spectra, acquired using a Spatially Resolved (SR) sensor configuration, can be analyzed to distinguish healthy from pathological tissues. The present contribution aims at studying the depth distribution of SR-DR-detected photons in skin from the perspective of analyzing how these photons contribute to acquired spectra carrying local physiological and morphological information. Simulations based on modified Cuda Monte Carlo Modeling of Light transport were performed on a five-layer human skin optical model with epidermal thickness, phototype and dermal blood content as variable parameters using (i) wavelength-resolved scattering and absorption properties and (ii) the geometrical configuration of a multi-optical fiber probe implemented on an SR-DR spectroscopic device currently used in clinics. Through histograms of the maximum probed depth and their exploitation, we provide numerical evidence linking the characteristic penetration depth of the detected photons to their wavelengths and four source–sensor distances, which made it possible to propose a decomposition of the DR signals related to skin layer contributions.
Bisphenol A: Quantification in Complex Matrices and Removal by Anaerobic Sludges
Authors: Hardegen Justus , Braeutigam Patrick , Abendroth Christian , Wichard Thomas
Published: October 2021

The endocrine disruptor bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the most commonly found micropollutants in the environment. However, the biodegradation of BPA under anaerobic (methanogenic) conditions is still an understudied process in wastewater treatment systems. The current study thus addresses the need for a simple and user-friendly analytical method for the rapid and accurate quantification of BPA in complex matrices such as digested and co-digester sludges. We established a microwave-assisted extraction method, followed by derivatization and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry to quantify BPA by comparing it with a deuterated internal standard. The BPA removal capabilities of three digester sludges and three co-digester sludges were examined under mesophilic methanogenic conditions in biogas plants. The endogenous BPA concentration (dry weight) ranged from 1596 to 10,973 µg kg−1 in digested sewage sludges, and from below the limit of quantification to 9069 µg kg−1 in co-digester sludges. When BPA was added to the sludges, the removal capabilities ranged from not significant to 50% after 21 days of incubation. Biogas production was unaffected by the addition of BPA (228 µg kg−1) to the aqueous sludge. The study demonstrated that BPA could be removed under anaerobic conditions in accustomed inoculates. The findings have far-reaching implications for understanding BPA persistence and detoxification under anaerobic conditions.
Learning Future-Aware Correlation Filters for Efficient UAV Tracking
Authors: Zhang Fei , Ma Shiping , Yu Lixin , Zhang Yule , Qiu Zhuling , Li Zhenyu
Published: October 2021

In recent years, discriminative correlation filter (DCF)-based trackers have made considerable progress and drawn widespread attention in the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) tracking community. Most existing trackers collect historical information, e.g., training samples, previous filters, and response maps, to promote their discrimination and robustness. Under UAV-specific tracking challenges, e.g., fast motion and view change, variations of both the target and its environment in the new frame are unpredictable. Interfered by future unknown environments, trackers that trained with historical information may be confused by the new context, resulting in tracking failure. In this paper, we propose a novel future-aware correlation filter tracker, i.e., FACF. The proposed method aims at effectively utilizing context information in the new frame for better discriminative and robust abilities, which consists of two stages: future state awareness and future context awareness. In the former stage, an effective time series forecast method is employed to reason a coarse position of the target, which is the reference for obtaining a context patch in the new frame. In the latter stage, we firstly obtain the single context patch with an efficient target-aware method. Then, we train a filter with the future context information in order to perform robust tracking. Extensive experimental results obtained from three UAV benchmarks, i.e., UAV123_10fps, DTB70, and UAVTrack112, demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed tracker. Our tracker has comparable performance with other state-of-the-art trackers while running at ∼49 FPS on a single CPU.
Hyperspectral Super-Resolution Via Joint Regularization of Low-Rank Tensor Decomposition
Authors: Cao Meng , Bao Wenxing , Qu Kewen
Published: October 2021

The hyperspectral image super-resolution (HSI-SR) problem aims at reconstructing the high resolution spatial–spectral information of the scene by fusing low-resolution hyperspectral images (LR-HSI) and the corresponding high-resolution multispectral image (HR-MSI). In order to effectively preserve the spatial and spectral structure of hyperspectral images, a new joint regularized low-rank tensor decomposition method (JRLTD) is proposed for HSI-SR. This model alleviates the problem that the traditional HSI-SR method, based on tensor decomposition, fails to adequately take into account the manifold structure of high-dimensional HR-HSI and is sensitive to outliers and noise. The model first operates on the hyperspectral data using the classical Tucker decomposition to transform the hyperspectral data into the form of a three-mode dictionary multiplied by the core tensor, after which the graph regularization and unidirectional total variational (TV) regularization are introduced to constrain the three-mode dictionary. In addition, we impose the l1-norm on core tensor to characterize the sparsity. While effectively preserving the spatial and spectral structures in the fused hyperspectral images, the presence of anomalous noise values in the images is reduced. In this paper, the hyperspectral image super-resolution problem is transformed into a joint regularization optimization problem based on tensor decomposition and solved by a hybrid framework between the alternating direction multiplier method (ADMM) and the proximal alternate optimization (PAO) algorithm. Experimental results conducted on two benchmark datasets and one real dataset show that JRLTD shows superior performance over state-of-the-art hyperspectral super-resolution algorithms.
Optimal Vehicle Pose Estimation Network Based on Time Series and Spatial Tightness with 3D LiDARs
Authors: Wang Hanqi , Wang Zhiling , Lin Linglong , Xu Fengyu , Yu Jie , Liang Huawei
Published: October 2021

Vehicle pose estimation is essential in autonomous vehicle (AV) perception technology. However, due to the different density distributions of the point cloud, it is challenging to achieve sensitive direction extraction based on 3D LiDAR by using the existing pose estimation methods. In this paper, an optimal vehicle pose estimation network based on time series and spatial tightness (TS-OVPE) is proposed. This network uses five pose estimation algorithms proposed as candidate solutions to select each obstacle vehicle’s optimal pose estimation result. Among these pose estimation algorithms, we first propose the Basic Line algorithm, which uses the road direction as the prior knowledge. Secondly, we propose improving principal component analysis based on point cloud distribution to conduct rotating principal component analysis (RPCA) and diagonal principal component analysis (DPCA) algorithms. Finally, we propose two global algorithms independent of the prior direction. We provided four evaluation indexes to transform each algorithm into a unified dimension. These evaluation indexes’ results were input into the ensemble learning network to obtain the optimal pose estimation results from the five proposed algorithms. The spatial dimension evaluation indexes reflected the tightness of the bounding box and the time dimension evaluation index reflected the coherence of the direction estimation. Since the network was indirectly trained through the evaluation index, it could be directly used on untrained LiDAR and showed a good pose estimation performance. Our approach was verified on the SemanticKITTI dataset and our urban environment dataset. Compared with the two mainstream algorithms, the polygon intersection over union (P-IoU) average increased by about 5.25% and 9.67%, the average heading error decreased by about 29.49% and 44.11%, and the average speed direction error decreased by about 3.85% and 46.70%. The experiment results showed that the ensemble learning network could effectively select the optimal pose estimation from the five abovementioned algorithms, making pose estimation more accurate.
Rest Intervals during Virtual Reality Gaming Augments Standing Postural Sway Disturbance
Authors: Clark Ross Allan , Szpak Ancret , Michalski Stefan Carlo , Loetscher Tobias
Published: October 2021

Immersive virtual reality (VR) can cause acute sickness, visual disturbance, and balance impairment. Some manufacturers recommend intermittent breaks to overcome these issues; however, limited evidence examining whether this is beneficial exists. The aim of this study was to examine whether taking breaks during VR gaming reduced its effect on postural sway during standing balance assessments. Twenty-five people participated in this crossover design study, performing 50 min of VR gaming either continuously or with intermittent 10 min exposure/rest intervals. Standing eyes open, two-legged balance assessments were performed immediately pre-, immediately post- and 40 min post-exposure. The primary outcome measure was total path length; secondary measures included independent axis path velocity, amplitude, standard deviation, discrete and continuous wavelet transform-derived variables, and detrended fluctuation analysis. Total path length was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced immediately post-VR gaming exposure in the intermittent rest break group both in comparison to within-condition baseline values and between-condition timepoint results. Conversely, it remained consistent across timepoints in the continuous exposure group. These changes consisted of a more clustered movement speed pattern about a lower central frequency, evidenced by signal frequency content. These findings indicate that caution is required before recommending rest breaks during VR exposure until we know more about how balance and falls risk are affected.
A Review of Non-Invasive Optical Systems for Continuous Blood Glucose Monitoring
Authors: Alsunaidi Bushra , Althobaiti Murad , Tamal Mahbubunnabi , Albaker Waleed , Al-Naib Ibraheem
Published: October 2021

The prevalence of diabetes is increasing globally. More than 690 million cases of diabetes are expected worldwide by 2045. Continuous blood glucose monitoring is essential to control the disease and avoid long-term complications. Diabetics suffer on a daily basis with the traditional glucose monitors currently in use, which are invasive, painful, and cost-intensive. Therefore, the demand for non-invasive, painless, economical, and reliable approaches to monitor glucose levels is increasing. Since the last decades, many glucose sensing technologies have been developed. Researchers and scientists have been working on the enhancement of these technologies to achieve better results. This paper provides an updated review of some of the pioneering non-invasive optical techniques for monitoring blood glucose levels that have been proposed in the last six years, including a summary of state-of-the-art error analysis and validation techniques.
Hardware Implementation and RF High-Fidelity Modeling and Simulation of Compressive Sensing Based 2D Angle-of-Arrival Measurement System for 2–18 GHz Radar Electronic Support Measures
Authors: Wu Chen , Krishnasamy Denesh , Elangage Janaka
Published: October 2021

This article presents the hardware implementation and a behavioral model-based RF system modeling and simulation (M&S) study of compressive sensing (CS) based 2D angle-of-arrival (AoA) measurement system for 2–18 GHz radar electronic support measures (RESM). A 6-channel ultra-wideband RF digital receiver was first developed using a PXIe-based multi-channel digital receiver paired with a 6-element random-spaced 2D cavity-backed-spiral-antenna array. Then the system was tested in an open lab environment. The measurement results showed that the system can measure AoA of impinging signals from 2–18 (GHz) with overall RMSE of estimation at 3.60, 2.74, 1.16, 0.67 and 0.56 (deg) in L, S, C, X and Ku bands, respectively. After that, using the RF high-fidelity M&S (RF HF-M&S) approach, a 6-channel AoA measurement system behavioral model was also developed and studied using a radar electronic warfare (REW) engagement scenario. The simulation result showed that the airborne AoA measurement system could successfully measure an S-band ground-based target acquisition radar signal in the dynamic REW environment. Using the RF HF-M&S model, the applicability of the system in other frequencies within 2–18 (GHz) was also studied. The simulation results demonstrated that the airborne AoA measurement system can be used for 2–18 GHz RESM applications.
Protocol-Based and Hybrid Access Control for the IoT: Approaches and Research Opportunities
Authors: Pal Shantanu , Jadidi Zahra
Published: October 2021

Internet of Things (IoT) applications and services are becoming more prevalent in our everyday life. However, such an interconnected network of intelligent physical entities needs appropriate security to sensitive information. That said, the need for proper authentication and authorization is paramount. Access control is in the front line of such mechanisms. Access control determines the use of resources only to the specified and authorized users based on appropriate policy enforcement. IoT demands more sophisticated access control in terms of its usability and efficiency in protecting sensitive information. This conveys the need for access control to serve system-specific requirements and be flexibly combined with other access control approaches. In this paper, we discuss the potential for employing protocol-based and hybrid access control for IoT systems and examine how that can overcome the limitations of traditional access control mechanisms. We also focus on the key benefits and constraints of this integration. Our work further enhances the need to build hierarchical access control for large-scale IoT systems (e.g., Industrial IoT (IIoT) settings) with protocol-based and hybrid access control approaches. We, moreover, list the associated open issues to make such approaches efficient for access control in large-scale IoT systems.
Utilization of LED Grow Lights for Optical Wireless Communication-Based RF-Free Smart-Farming System
Authors: Javed Sana , Issaoui Louey , Cho Seonghyeon , Chun Hyunchae
Published: October 2021

Indoor smart-farming based on artificial grow lights has gained attention in the past few years. In modern agricultural technology, the growth status is generally monitored and controlled by radio-frequency communication networks. However, it is reported that the radio frequency (RF) could negatively impact the growth rate and the health condition of the vegetables. This work proposes an energy-efficient solution replacing or augmenting the current RF system by utilizing light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as the grow lights and adopting visible light communications and optical camera communication for the smart-farming systems. In particular, in the proposed system, communication data is modulated via a 24% additional green grow LED light that is also known to be beneficial for the growth of the vegetables. Optical cameras capture the modulated green light reflected from the vegetables for the uplink connection. A combination of white ceiling LEDs and photodetectors provides the downlink, enabling an RF-free communication network as a whole. In the proposed architecture, the smart-farming units are modularized, leading to flexible mobility. Following theoretical analysis and simulations, a proof-of-concept demonstration presents the feasibility of the proposed architecture by successfully demonstrating the maximum data rates of 840 b/s (uplink) and 20 Mb/s (downlink).