bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated Analysis of miRNA-mRNA Expression in Mink Lung Epithelial Cells Infected With Canine Distemper Virus
Authors: Chen Qiang , Tong Mingwei , Sun Na , Yang Yong , Cheng Yuening , Yi Li , Wang Gaili , Cao Zhigang , Zhao Quan , Cheng Shipeng
Published: May 2022

Canine distemper (CD) caused by canine distemper virus (CDV) is one of the major infectious diseases in minks, bringing serious economic losses to the mink breeding industry. By an integrated analysis of microRNA (miRNA)-messenger RNA (mRNA), the present study analyzed the changes in the mink transcriptome upon CDV infection in mink lung epithelial cells (Mv. l. Lu cells) for the first time. A total of 4,734 differentially expressed mRNAs (2,691 upregulated and 2,043 downregulated) with |log2(FoldChange) |>1 and P-adj<0.05 and 181 differentially expressed miRNAs (152 upregulated and 29 downregulated) with |log2(FoldChange) |>2 and P-adj<0.05 were identified. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment indicated that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were associated with various biological processes and molecular function, such as response to stimulus, cell communication, signaling, cytokine activity, transmembrane signaling receptor activity and signaling receptor activity. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis of the combination of miRNA and mRNA was done for immune and inflammatory responses, such as Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator (STAT) signaling pathway and nuclear factor (NF)-kappa B signaling pathway. The enrichment analysis of target mRNA of differentially expressed miRNA revealed that mir-140-5p and mir-378-12 targeted corresponding genes to regulate NF-kappa B signaling pathway. JAK-STAT signaling pathway could be modulated by mir-425-2, mir-139-4, mir-140-6, mir-145-3, mir-140-5p and mir-204-2. This study compared the influence of miRNA-mRNA expression in Mv. l. Lu cells before and after CDV infection by integrated analysis of miRNA-mRNA and analyzed the complex network interaction between virus and host cells. The results can help understand the molecular mechanism of the natural immune response induced by CDV infection in host cells.
Development of POLON—A Green Microsatellite Propulsion Module Utilizing 98% Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Gramatyka Jakub , Paszkiewicz Przemysław , Grabowski Damian , Parzybut Adrian , Bodych Daria , Wróblewski Krzysztof , Surmacz Paweł , Pietrzak Krzysztof
Published: May 2022

The following paper presents the key design and test activities associated with the development of POLON—a green microsatellite propulsion module using 98% Hydrogen Peroxide (HTP). POLON, which stands for “Polish Propulsion Module”, is the first step toward the development of a full, ready-to-be-commercialized satellite propulsion system at the Łukasiewicz—Institute of Aviation (Ł-IoA). The development of an entire microsatellite propulsion system within the frame of the POLON project effort is the natural milestone on the Ł-IoA green propulsion roadmap, which so far embodied research on fundamental HTP chemistry, work on elementary propulsion technologies, as well as the development of individual propulsion components. Within this article, POLON propulsion development logic is introduced first, and the major challenges associated with utilizing HTP for an orbital propulsion system are described. Consequently, the specific R&D activities aimed at mitigating the identified issues and risks are discussed. Those cover analytical as well as experimental work, including, but not limited to, HTP compatibility studies with candidate construction materials, waterhammer effect studies, HTP catalyst testing and evaluation, and propellant tank manufacturing studies. The initial results for those activities are presented and, finally, further development plans are discussed.
Diversity in Root Architecture of Durum Wheat at Stem Elongation under Drought Stress
Authors: Urbanavičiūtė Ieva , Bonfiglioli Luca , Pagnotta Mario A.
Published: May 2022

Durum wheat is a major crop in the Mediterranean basin, where water deficit is the most important factor affecting its production. Under drought conditions, the root system has a crucial role in crop productivity as a water and nutrition supplier. The aim of the study was to analyze root system diversity in six contrasting durum wheat accessions, including two hydric stress-tolerant genotypes, and to evaluate root traits using the high-throughput phenotyping scanner Win-RHIZO in order to determine the main traits to be used in breeding programs. Six durum wheat accessions were subjected to two drought events under greenhouse conditions from the seedlings stage (BBCH12) for 49 days. Root phenotyping data were validated with results from plants grown in the rainfed field. This study highlighted a great variability among the analyzed genotypes in terms of development, distribution, and architecture of the root system under difficult environments, underlining a good resilience to climate change. Interestingly, the two hydric stress-tolerant genotypes, Cham1 and J. Khetifa, showed different root system ideotypes and rooting patterns under drought conditions. The late flowering landrace J. Khetifa (as also genotypes; Pelsodur and Vulci) showed a steep and long root system ideotype that led to the maintaining of the highest root biomass, length, and volume under drought conditions, while the early flowering genotype Cham1 (as also genotype; Sebatel) was distinguished by a wider root system ideotype, and by increasing the root volume in the topsoil as a strategy to tolerate drought. Moreover, a significant positive correlation was obtained between the root angle of plants grown under greenhouse conditions and plants from the field. Our results demonstrated that screening plant roots in early stages grown under greenhouse conditions using high-throughput phenotyping systems can speed up the selection for crop improvement and future drought stress breeding programs.
Preliminary Study of Control and Biochemical Characteristics of Giant Hogweed (Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden.) Treated with Microwaves
Authors: Słowiński Krzysztof , Grygierzec Beata , Synowiec Agnieszka , Tabor Sylwester , Araniti Fabrizio
Published: May 2022

There is an urgent need to develop new compensatory and human-safe methods for controlling invasive Heracleum species. This research aimed to determine the effectiveness of H. sosnowskyi control under microwave radiation and biochemical changes in tissues and sap after irradiation. In field experiments in southern Poland, the plants were cut and irradiated with a device generating electromagnetic waves (2.45 GHz, 32.8 kW/m2). The control efficacy of plants in the rosette phase irradiated for 5, 10, or 15 min was 20%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. The control efficacy of plants in the flowering phase irradiated for 7.5 or 15 min was 66% and 100%. The metabolomic analysis of tissues and sap of irradiated H. sosnowskyi showed significant changes, mainly in the content and composition of proteins and sugars. In tissues, the treatments resulted in protein denaturation and significant changes in the metabolism of amino acids and the glyoxylate and galactose pathways. The sap was rich in sugars, glutamic acid, glutamine, homoserine, serine, and methionine. More changes in metabolite levels were observed in the tissues irradiated for 7.5 min. In conclusion, microwave radiation of H. sosnowskyi for longer times, e.g., 10 and 15 min, efficiently controls it.
Citrus Fruit Movement Assessment Related to Fruit Damage during Harvesting with an Experimental Low-Frequency–High-Amplitude Device
Authors: Ortiz Coral , Torregrosa Antonio , Castro-García Sergio
Published: May 2022

The profitability of fresh citrus crops outlines the possibility of using mechanical systems to reduce the high cost of the manual harvesting operation. In this line, an experimental light shaker with low frequency and high amplitude and a hydraulic arm was developed. This device had been successfully used for harvesting ornamental citrus trees. In previous studies, it was proven that the removal percentage was adequate, but the percentage of slightly damaged fruit increased compared to a traditional fruit trunk shaker. Visualizing the fruit movements in high-speed video recording images during harvesting, a higher impact level was observed due to the higher amplitude. The aim of this study was to analyze the fruit movement during the vibration with the experimental shaker compared to the movement when vibrating with an orchard tractor mounted trunk shaker related to the increase of slightly damaged fruit when using the experimental shaker. Fruit movement parameters (fruit distance, fruit displacement, speed and acceleration) when using the two harvesting systems (experimental shaker and trunk shaker) were compared analyzing the high-speed video recordings. Results showed that the higher vibration amplitude produced a maximum distance experienced by the fruits (maximum displacement of 0.135 m with the experimental shaker compared to 0.078 m with the trunk shaker) that could cause a higher damage level (74% of slightly damaged fruits using the experiemntal shaker compared to 14% using the trunk shaker).
Single Plant Fertilization Using a Robotic Platform in an Organic Cropping Environment
Authors: Valero Constantino , Krus Anne , Cruz Ulloa Christyan , Barrientos Antonio , Ramírez-Montoro Juan José , del Cerro Jaime , Guillén Pablo
Published: May 2022

The growing demand for organically produced vegetables requires the adoption of new cropping systems such as strip-cropping. To counteract the additional labour mixed cropping entails, automation and robotics play a key role. This research focuses on the development of a proof-of-concept platform that combines optical sensors and an actuation system for targeted precision fertilization that encircles selected plants rather than a local field area. Two sensor types are used for the detection of a fertilisation need: a multispectral camera and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) devices in order to acquire information on plant health status and three-dimensional characterisation. Specific algorithms were developed to more accurately detect a change in fertilization need. An analysis of their results yields a prescription map for automatic fertilisation through a robotic arm. The relative location of the platform within the prescription map is essential for the correct application of fertilizers, and is acquired through live comparison of a LiDAR pushbroom with the known 3D world model. The geometry of each single plant is taken into account for the application of the sprayed fertiliser. This resulted in a reliable method for the detection of delayed growth and prototype localization within a changing natural environment without relying on external markers.
A Critical Review of the Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Safety Data of Antibiotics in Avian Species
Authors: Soh Hui Yun , Tan Prisca Xin Yi , Ng Tao Tao Magdeline , Chng Hui Ting , Xie Shangzhe
Published: May 2022

In avian medicine, the use of antibiotic dosing regimens based on species-specific pharmacological studies is ideal. However, due to a lack of such studies, dose extrapolation, which may cause inefficacy and toxicity, is common practice. Multiple searches were performed using the PubMed and Web of Science databases to extract relevant pharmacological studies performed in exotic avian species. The pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), and safety data of the selected antibiotics (enrofloxacin, marbofloxacin, gentamicin, amikacin, ceftiofur, doxycycline, and amoxicillin/clavulanate) from these studies were reviewed. This review aimed to identify trends amenable for safe inter-species dose extrapolation and provide updated findings on dosing regimens that are safe and efficacious for various exotic avian species. We observed that the half-life of antibiotics appears to be shorter in the common ostrich and that amikacin may be amenable to inter-species dose extrapolation as it is safe and shows little inter-species PK and PD variation. Species-specific enrofloxacin dosing regimens that were not listed in the Exotic Animal Formulary (5th ed.) were found for Caribbean flamingos, African penguins, southern crested caracaras, common ostriches, and greater rheas. Specific dosing regimens recommended for psittacine birds (doxycycline 130 mg/kg medicated water) and ratites (PO doxycycline 2–3.5 mg/kg q12 h, PO enrofloxacin 1.5–2.5 mg/kg q12 h and IM enrofloxacin 5 mg/kg q12 h) in the formulary may not be effective in budgerigars and common ostriches, respectively. Apart from the lack of species-specific pharmacological studies, a lack of multiple dose studies was also noted.
Candida Carriers among Individuals with Tongue Piercing—A Real-Time PCR Study
Authors: Tomov Georgi , Stamenov Nikola , Neychev Deyan , Atliev Kiril
Published: May 2022

Among the local factors for oral candidiasis, the piercing of the tongue is recognized by some authors as a risk factor for the colonization of Candida albicans. There are few case reports in which Candida spp. colonization and infection are associated with tongue piercing but only one microbiological study supports this hypothesis in general. The aim of this study was to examine this possible association between the presence of both tongue piercing and Candida spp. in healthy individuals. Positive results for tongue colonization with Candida spp. were found in four (12.9%) of the tongue-pierced subjects and in three (9.67%) subjects of the control group (p = 0.550). All samples were identified as Candida albicans. The univariate and logistic regression analyses of possible risk factors for tongue colonization revealed that gender (p = 0.024), smoking more than 10 cigarettes per day (p = 0.021), and improper hygiene (p = 0.028) were statistically significant influencing factors in the multivariate analysis. The results suggest that the piercing of the tongue is not a risk factor for colonization of Candida spp.
The Flow Resistance of the Filter Bags in the Dust Collector Operating in the Line of Wood-Based Furniture Panels Edge Banding
Authors: Dembiński Czesław , Potok Zbigniew , Kučerka Martin , Kminiak Richard , Očkajová Alena , Rogoziński Tomasz
Published: May 2022

The article describes the process of forming the wood dust filtration resistance generated during furniture production using the honeycomb board technology in a filtering installation operating in industrial conditions. The influence of the service life of the filter fabric on the filtration resistance values in industrial conditions for one installation and one type of filter fabric was analyzed. For this purpose, filter bags made of one type of filter material were used in an industrial filtering installation at four different times. The results were compared to those previously obtained at the same factory but with a different filter bag type. The analysis was based on the changes in the flow resistance of clean and dust-laden air through the filter fabric used at various times in the filtering installation of the narrow-surface treatment line in a furniture factory. This allowed for the determination of the dynamics and nature of changes in filtration resistance in industrial conditions for wood dust. The values of the dust resistance coefficient depend on the operating time and increased to the level of 20594 [s−1] for material A and from 6412.031 [s−1] to 10128.94 [s−1] for material B. The dimensional characteristics of the filtered dust and the technological conditions under which it was generated were also described.
Matching Measurement Strategy and Form Error Compensation for Freeform Surface Machining Based on STS Turning
Authors: Huang Yuetian , Li Shijie , Zhao Fengyuan , Zhang Jin , Yang Chen , Liu Weiguo
Published: May 2022

The freeform surface quality is limited by the measurement, and form error cannot be convergent via compensation machining. This paper proposed a surface matching measurement strategy based on the least squares principle and iterative precision adjustment to precisely obtain surface form error after manufacturing by single point diamond turning. Through the coordinate transformation of translation and rotation, the measured surface was aligned with theoretical surface at the same coordinate system. The corresponding simulation was carried out to verify the performance of the proposed method, and the simulation results indicated that this method can achieve accurate alignment in a sub-nanometer range. Finally, with XY polynomial freeform surface as the ideal surface, compensation experiments were undertaken. The form error of freeform converged continuously after compensation machining for three times, during which the form accuracy of PV and RMS were down to 335 nm and 34 nm respectively from 1.4 um and 173 nm. The results showed that capability of the proposed compensation method was verified and the form accuracy could be improved effectively.
Expedient Access to Type II Kinase Inhibitor Chemotypes by Microwave-Assisted Suzuki Coupling
Authors: Destro Lorenza , Van Melsen Ross , Gobbi Alex , Terzi Andrea , Genitoni Matteo , Zambon Alfonso
Published: May 2022

Functionalized pyrazole-urea scaffolds are a common type II chemotype for the inhibition of protein kinases (PKs), binding simultaneously into the ATP-binding pocket with an ATP bioisostere and into a vicinal allosteric pocket with a pyrazole group. Standard approaches to the scaffold require multi-step synthesis of the ATP bioisostere followed by phosgene or triphosgene-mediated coupling with the substituted pyrazole group. Here we report an expedient approach to the chemotype, characterized by an optimized MW-assisted Suzuki coupling on easily accessed bromo-phenyl pyrazole ureas. The new protocol allowed quick access a large library of target analogues covering a broad chemical space of putative protein kinases inhibitors (PKIs).
An Overview of the Practical Use of the CCTV System in a Simple Assembly in a Flexible Manufacturing System
Authors: Kostal Peter , Prajova Vanessa , Vaclav Stefan , Stan Sergiu-Dan
Published: May 2022

In this article, experiments are realized in the flexible manufacturing system ICIM 3000 (FESTO, Germany), and its assembly system, located at the Institute of production technologies, Faculty of Material Sciences and Technologies, Slovak University of Technology. The assembly system is the final product assembled, and this process consists of five components. Unwanted inaccuracies in the assembly process of the elements, such as the insertion of thermometers and hygrometers into the base plate, usually arise. Based on these inaccuracies, we realize some experiments by the camera system SBOC-Q-R3-WB. This deals with the method of image processing. The camera system parameters are set-up. At the end of this contribution, a base of evaluated results is suggested and some minor design changes are realized in the assembly station. The goal of these changes is the higher reliability of the assembly process.
WOJR: A Recommendation System for Providing Similar Problems to Programming Assignments
Authors: Yoshimura Ryoya , Sakamoto Kazunori , Washizaki Hironori , Fukazawa Yoshiaki
Published: May 2022

Programming education for beginners often employs online judges. Although this helps improve coding skills, students may not obtain sufficient educational effects if the assignment is too difficult. Instead of presenting a model answer to an assignment, this paper proposes an approach to provide students with problems that have content and answer source code similar to the assignment. The effectiveness of our approach is evaluated via an intervention experiment in a university lecture course. The improvement in the number of correct answers is statistically significant compared to the same course offered in a different year without the proposed system. Therefore, the proposed approach should aid in the understanding of an assignment and enhance the educational effect.
The Footprint of Exosomes in the Radiation-Induced Bystander Effects
Authors: Jokar Safura , Marques Inês A. , Khazaei Saeedeh , Martins-Marques Tania , Girao Henrique , Laranjo Mafalda , Botelho Maria Filomena
Published: May 2022

Radiation therapy is widely used as the primary treatment option for several cancer types. However, radiation therapy is a nonspecific method and associated with significant challenges such as radioresistance and non-targeted effects. The radiation-induced non-targeted effects on nonirradiated cells nearby are known as bystander effects, while effects far from the ionising radiation-exposed cells are known as abscopal effects. These effects are presented as a consequence of intercellular communications. Therefore, a better understanding of the involved intercellular signals may bring promising new strategies for radiation risk assessment and potential targets for developing novel radiotherapy strategies. Recent studies indicate that radiation-derived extracellular vesicles, particularly exosomes, play a vital role in intercellular communications and may result in radioresistance and non-targeted effects. This review describes exosome biology, intercellular interactions, and response to different environmental stressors and diseases, and focuses on their role as functional mediators in inducing radiation-induced bystander effect (RIBE).
Orchestrating the Dermal/Epidermal Tissue Ratio during Wound Healing by Controlling the Moisture Content
Authors: Tuca Alexandru-Cristian , Bernardelli de Mattos Ives , Funk Martin , Winter Raimund , Palackic Alen , Groeber-Becker Florian , Kruse Daniel , Kukla Fabian , Lemarchand Thomas , Kamolz Lars-Peter
Published: May 2022

A balanced and moist wound environment and surface increases the effect of various growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines, stimulating cell growth and wound healing. Considering this fact, we tested in vitro and in vivo water evaporation rates from the cellulose dressing epicitehydro when combined with different secondary dressings as well as the resulting wound healing efficacy in a porcine donor site model. The aim of this study was to evaluate how the different rates of water evaporation affected wound healing efficacy. To this end, epicitehydro primary dressing, in combination with different secondary dressing materials (cotton gauze, JELONET◊, AQUACEL® Extra ™, and OPSITE◊ Flexifix), was placed on 3 × 3 cm-sized dermatome wounds with a depth of 1.2 mm on the flanks of domestic pigs. The healing process was analyzed histologically and quantified by morphometry. High water evaporation rates by using the correct secondary dressing, such as cotton gauze, favored a better re-epithelialization in comparison with the low water evaporation resulting from an occlusive secondary dressing, which favored the formation of a new and intact dermal tissue that nearly fully replaced all the dermis that was removed during wounding. This newly available evidence may be of great benefit to clinical wound management.
The Emerging Role of Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitors in Treating Diet-Induced Obesity: New Opportunities for Breast and Ovarian Cancers?
Authors: Benot-Dominguez Reyes , Cimini Annamaria , Barone Daniela , Giordano Antonio , Pentimalli Francesca
Published: May 2022

Overweight and obesity constitute the most impactful lifestyle-dependent risk factors for cancer and have been tightly linked to a higher number of tumor-related deaths nowadays. The excessive accumulation of energy can lead to an imbalance in the level of essential cellular biomolecules that may result in inflammation and cell-cycle dysregulation. Nutritional strategies and phytochemicals are gaining interest in the management of obesity-related cancers, with several ongoing and completed clinical studies that support their effectiveness. At the same time, cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are becoming an important target in breast and ovarian cancer treatment, with various FDA-approved CDK4/6 inhibitors that have recently received more attention for their potential role in diet-induced obesity (DIO). Here we provide an overview of the most recent studies involving nutraceuticals and other dietary strategies affecting cell-cycle pathways, which might impact the management of breast and ovarian cancers, as well as the repurposing of already commercialized chemotherapeutic options to treat DIO.
Association between Breast Cancer Polygenic Risk Score and Chemotherapy-Induced Febrile Neutropenia: Null Results
Authors: Ong Seeu Si , Ho Peh Joo , Khng Alexis Jiaying , Lim Elaine Hsuen , Wong Fuh Yong , Tan Benita Kiat-Tee , Lim Swee Ho , Tan Ern Yu , Tan Su-Ming , Tan Veronique Kiak Mien , Dent Rebecca , Tan Tira Jing Ying , Ngeow Joanne , Madhukumar Preetha , Hamzah Julie Liana Bte , Sim Yirong , Lim Geok Hoon , Pang Jinnie Siyan , Alcantara Veronica Siton , Chan Patrick Mun Yew , Chen Juliana Jia Chuan , Kuah Sherwin , Seah Jaime Chin Mui , Buhari Shaik Ahmad , Tang Siau Wei , Ng Celene Wei Qi , Li Jingmei , Hartman Mikael
Published: May 2022

Background: The hypothesis that breast cancer (BC) susceptibility variants are linked to chemotherapy-induced toxicity has been previously explored. Here, we investigated the association between a validated 313-marker-based BC polygenic risk score (PRS) and chemotherapy-induced neutropenia without fever and febrile neutropenia (FNc) in Asian BC patients. Methods: This observational case-control study of Asian BC patients treated with chemotherapy included 161 FNc patients, 219 neutropenia patients, and 936 patients who did not develop neutropenia. A continuous PRS was calculated by summing weighted risk alleles associated with overall, estrogen receptor- (ER-) positive, and ER-negative BC risk. PRS distributions neutropenia or FNc cases were compared to controls who did not develop neutropenia using two-sample t-tests. Odds ratios (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals were estimated for the associations between PRS (quartiles and per standard deviation (SD) increase) and neutropenia-related outcomes compared to controls. Results: PRS distributions were not significantly different in any of the comparisons. Higher PRSoverall quartiles were negatively correlated with neutropenia or FNc. However, the associations were not statistically significant (PRS per SD increase OR neutropenia: 0.91 [0.79–1.06]; FNc: 0.87 [0.73–1.03]). No dose-dependent trend was observed for the ER-positive weighted PRS (PRSER-pos) and ER-negative weighted PRS (PRSER-neg). Conclusion: BC PRS was not strongly associated with chemotherapy-induced neutropenia or FNc.
Exercise and Prebiotic Fiber Provide Gut Microbiota-Driven Benefit in a Survivor to Germ-Free Mouse Translational Model of Breast Cancer
Authors: Sampsell Kara , Wang Weilan , Ohland Christina , Mager Lukas F. , Pett Nicola , Lowry Dana E. , Sales Kate M. , McNeely Margaret L. , McCoy Kathy D. , Culos-Reed S. Nicole , Reimer Raylene A.
Published: May 2022

The gut microbiota plays a role in shaping overall host health and response to several cancer treatments. Factors, such as diet, exercise, and chemotherapy, can alter the gut microbiota. In the present study, the Alberta Cancer Exercise (ACE) program was investigated as a strategy to favorably modify the gut microbiota of breast cancer survivors who had received chemotherapy. Subsequently, the ability of post-exercise gut microbiota, alone or with prebiotic fiber supplementation, to influence breast cancer outcomes was interrogated using fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) in germ-free mice. While cancer survivors experienced little gut microbial change following ACE, in the mice, tumor volume trended consistently lower over time in mice colonized with post-exercise compared to pre-exercise microbiota with significant differences on days 16 and 22. Beta diversity analysis revealed that EO771 breast tumor cell injection and Paclitaxel chemotherapy altered the gut microbial communities in mice. Enrichment of potentially protective microbes was found in post-exercise microbiota groups. Tumors of mice colonized with post-exercise microbiota exhibited more favorable cytokine profiles, including decreased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels. Beneficial microbial and molecular outcomes were augmented with prebiotic supplementation. Exercise and prebiotic fiber demonstrated adjuvant action, potentially via an enhanced anti-tumor immune response modulated by advantageous gut microbial shifts.
A Ratiometric Selective Fluorescent Probe Derived from Pyrene for Cu2+ Detection
Authors: Yu Chunwei , Yang Mei , Cui Shuhua , Ji Yuxiang , Zhang Jun
Published: May 2022

A novel ratiometric Cu2+-selective probe was rationally constructed based on pyrene derivative. Compared to other tested metal ions, the probe presented the selective recognition for Cu2+ which could be detected by a significant turn-on fluorescent response at 393 nm and 415 nm. Under the optimized conditions, a detection limit of 0.16 μM Cu2+ in aqueous media was found. Besides this, a 1:1 metal–ligand complex was confirmed by MS spectra and Job’s plot experiment, and the binding mode was also studied by 1H NMR experiment. Meanwhile, the fluorescence imaging in living cells was performed to detect Cu2+ with satisfactory results.
Arabic Validation of the Pragmatic Language Skills Inventory to Assess Pragmatic Language Development in Preschoolers with and without Pragmatic Language Impairment
Authors: Alduais Ahmed , Qasem Fawaz , Alfadda Hind , Alfadda Najla , AlAmri Lujain
Published: May 2022

Objective: An individual’s articulation of pragmatic language development (PLD) signifies successful social interaction with others. Therefore, it is important to detect early pragmatic language impairment (PLI), whether as a primary disorder or as a symptom of other neurodevelopmental disorders. This study reports on validating the Arabic version of the Pragmatic Language Skills Inventory (A-PLSI). Methods: The PLSI was subjected to various validation stages before the A-PLSI was created. To assess PLD in preschoolers with and without psychiatric histories, 264 preschoolers were assessed in several cities in Saudi Arabia by their teachers and speech–language pathologists. Results: The results of this study included three key findings. First, the established psychometric features, including construct validity, criterion-related validity, and (confirmatory) factor analysis, all reported a high level of measurability to consider the A-PLSI a valid instrument for assessing PLD in school settings and diagnosing PLI in clinical settings. Second, the A-PLSI provided empirical evidence by identifying children with and without PLI, documenting their progress on pragmatic language ability, and distinguishing between preschool children in school and clinical settings. In addition, the A-PLSI approved the typical norm that the older the children, the higher their level of PLD: the data showed higher performance for children aged 6–7 compared to the lower PLD level of children aged 4–5. Conclusion: The present study contributes to the existing literature on PLD assessment in a school setting and PLI diagnosis in a clinical setting. More importantly, it adds a new validated tool to the few available instruments in Arabic to assess PLD and diagnose PLI in Arabian contexts.
Associations between Maternal and Offspring Hair Cortisol Concentrations and Child Behavioral Symptoms in Mother-Child Pairs with Perinatal Mental Disorders
Authors: Agapaki Anna , Papagianni Fenia , Metallinou Dimitra , Valavani Eleni , Mantzou Aimilia , Kanelli Stamatia , Eleftheriades Makarios , Spyropoulou Areti C. , Zervas Ioannis , Chrousos George P. , Pervanidou Panagiota
Published: May 2022

Maternal perinatal mental disorders (PMD) are associated with developmental and behavioral problems in children, probably mediated by the programming of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. Increased cortisol concentrations during the antenatal and perinatal periods have been related to long-term effects on children’s behavior and stress response. We aimed to investigate the association of hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) between mothers, with (n = 16) and without PMD (n = 30), and their children, aged between 18 and 48 months. Participants were evaluated with a clinical interview and questionnaires for the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale and the Child Behavior Checklist for ages 1½–5. Maternal and child HCCs were compared between the two groups. Children of the PMD group had increased symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. A positive linear association between maternal and child HCC was observed only in the total sample of mother–child dyads and the control group. In the PMD group, children’s HCCs were significantly associated with child anxiety/depression symptoms. Aggressive behavior and oppositional/defiant problems correlated significantly with children’s own HCCs, and their mother’s too. These findings suggest that a chronic dysregulation of maternal and child HPA axis and their associations in the PMD dyads may underlie the linkage among prolonged maternal stress, child behavioral/emotional problems and stress responses.
Changes in Selected Low-Flow Characteristics in the 2001–2015 Period Compared to the 1961–2000 Reference Period in Slovakia
Authors: Blaškovičová Lotta , Jeneiová Katarína , Melová Katarína , Poórová Jana , Liová Soňa , Slivková Katarína , Síčová Beáta
Published: May 2022

This research is focused on the assessment of drought on surface watercourses in Slovakia. Low-flow characteristics and their changes in the 2001–2015 period in comparison with the 1961–2000 reference period were evaluated at selected representative water-gauging stations. Two different methods were used to calculate the flow duration curves (FDCs): the standard method, based on mean daily discharge data series for the whole evaluated period in descending order, and the alternative method, based on first calculating the values of FDCs for each year of the assessed period and then averaging the corresponding percentile values. The changes were evaluated for selected percentiles of the FDCs (330-, 355-, and 364-day discharge). The number of days with the mean daily flow below the set limits and the seasonality of their occurrence were assessed. The results show significant changes in cases of both methods in the compared time periods, while differences in individual regions of Slovakia were also found. The weakness of the standard method is in allowing the values of the smallest quantiles to be influenced by a small number of long-lasting drought episodes. The alternative method eliminates the aforementioned shortcoming and could be used to determine the ecological flows in Slovakia.
Abstracts of the 2022 Canadian Association of Medical Oncologists Annual Scientific Meeting
Authors: Ezeife Doreen , Aseyev Olexiy , Gill Sharlene , Welch Stephen , Colwell Bruce , Hao Desiree
Published: May 2022

On behalf of the Canadian Association of Medical Oncologists, we are pleased to present the abstracts of the 2022 Annual Meeting. The CAMO Virtual Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) took place on 28 April 2022. Twenty-five (25) abstracts were selected for presentation as oral presentations and poster presentations. Awards for the top three (3) abstracts were presented during the ASM. All of them are marked as “Award Recipient”. We congratulate all the presenters on their research work and contribution.
Antiangiogenic Drug-Induced Proteinuria as a Prognostic Factor in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Moisuc Diana Cornelia , Marinca Mihai Vasile , Gafton Bogdan , Alexa-Stratulat Teodora , Pavel-Tanasa Mariana , Cianga Petru
Published: May 2022

Treatment with bevacizumab is known to cause adverse events such as proteinuria and hypertension, amongst others. However, while bevacizumab-induced hypertension has been linked to increased overall survival (OS), data on proteinuria are controversial. We performed a retrospective analysis to observe the influence of adverse events developed during treatment with bevacizumab and chemotherapy on the OS in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Kaplan–Meier and log-rank analyses were used to assess differences in OS, and hazard ratios (HR) were estimated using Cox models. Out of the 3497 mCRC patients admitted to our center between 2014 and 2019, 150 met the criteria for inclusion in our analysis. Out of these, 50.7% experienced proteinuria and had reached a longer OS (40 versus 25 months, p = 0.015) and progression-free survival (15 versus 12 months, p = 0.039). The following groups were identified as having a lower risk of death: patients with proteinuria (HR 0.589; 95% CI 0.402–0.863; p = 0.007), one metastatic site (HR 0.533; 95% CI 0.363–0.783; p = 0.001), and non-metastatic stage at diagnosis (HR 0.459; 95% CI 0.293–0.720; p = 0.001). Patients with anemia and diabetes had an increased risk of death. Proteinuria emerges as a useful prognostic factor in mCRC patients undergoing bevacizumab-based systemic therapy, and it could be easily integrated into the decision-making process, thus allowing physicians to further individualize systemic treatments.
Ecotoxicological Evaluation of Products Obtained from Technical Cashew Nutshell Liquid (tCNSL) Proposed as Larvicide to Control Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Jorge Márcia Ramos , Merey Felipe Mendes , Crispim Bruno do Amaral , Kummrow Fábio , Barufatti Alexeia , Silva Dantas Fabiana Gomes da , Oliveira Kelly Mari Pires de , Arruda Eduardo José de
Published: May 2022

The development of new insecticides for vector control that are toxicologically safe and eco-friendly (such as those obtained from industrial by-products) is an important public health concern. Previous research has shown that the obtained tCNSL (technical cashew nutshell liquid) + NatCNSLS (sodium tCNSL sulfonate mixture) emulsion displayed both surfactant properties and larvicidal activity (LC50-24 h 110.6 mg/L). Thus, the emulsion is considered a promising alternative product for the control of Aedes aegypti. The goal of this study was an ecotoxicological evaluation of the tCNSL + NatCNSLS mixture emulsion and its components. In addition, we compared the toxicity of the tCNSL + NatCNSLS mixture emulsion with toxicity data from larvicide currently recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Ecotoxicological tests were performed to assess acute toxicity, phytotoxicity, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and mutagenicity using Daphnia similis, Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, Oreochromis niloticus, Allium cepa, and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. Regarding acute toxicity, D. similis was the most sensitive test organism for the three evaluated products, followed by P. subcapitata and O. niloticus. The highest acute toxicity product was tCNSL. The tCNSL + NatCNSLS mixture emulsion did not show cytotoxic, genotoxic, or mutagenic effects, and showed low acute toxicity to D. similis. In addition, the tCNSL + NatCNSLS mixture emulsion presented a lower or similar toxicological classification to the larvicides recommended by the WHO. Therefore, ecotoxicological tests suggest that the tCNSL + NatCNSLS mixture emulsion can be considered a larvicide environmentally safe way to control Ae. aegypti.
Political Capacity and Corruption Nexus: Re-Examining Evidence for Developing Countries
Authors: Baig Saranjam , Yenigun Cuneyt , Alam Khalid Mehmood
Published: May 2022

This article examines the question of whether developing countries with strong political capacity have lower levels of corruption. Despite the ubiquity of literature on corruption, the relationship between a state’s political capacity and corruption has not been addressed by the existing academic literature. To measure the political capacity of a country, the authors have used relative political capacity (RPC), an indicator that gauges the effectiveness of governance by its ability to meet or exceed their expected extractive capabilities and its ability to implement a set of policy choices. On the one hand, politically capable and stable governments are in a position to pursue their political and economic goals, such as reducing corruption. On the other hand, a strong political capacity provides them with the opportunity for rent-seeking and corruption. This implies that a state’s strong political capacity can be either a ‘boon’ or ‘bane’ to implement a set of desired policy goals. Based on this assertion, the authors test the hypothesis of whether a strong relative political capacity increases or reduces the level of corruption. The analysis uses the ordinary least-squares and two-stage least squares methods for 98 developing countries to test the hypothesis. The findings suggest that the explanatory power of political capacity is at least as important as conventionally accepted causes of corruption, such as economic development, and democracy.
Students’ Mathematics Anxiety at Distance and In-Person Learning Conditions during COVID-19 Pandemic: Are There Any Differences? An Exploratory Study
Authors: Pirrone Concetta , Di Corrado Donatella , Privitera Alessandra , Castellano Sabrina , Varrasi Simone
Published: May 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented changes in the educational system, requiring students to continually switch between distance and in-person learning conditions. Recent studies have revealed that students experienced severe levels of anxiety in the COVID-19 period. Considering the close relationship that has always linked anxiety to mathematics, the present study explores the differences in the anxiety levels of students towards mathematics during distance or in-person school learning. During the second wave of COVID-19, 405 students, recruited from twelve middle schools of Catania province (Italy), completed an online version of the MeMa questionnaire, answering each item twice and imagining themselves to be, respectively, in distance and in-person learning conditions. The items explored generalized school anxiety, learning and evaluation mathematics anxiety, mental states, and the metacognitive awareness associated with mathematical tasks. The results showed a minor state of anxiety experienced during distance learning. However, the students who preferred to learn mathematics in person revealed less mathematics anxiety and better mental states and metacognitive awareness; the same results were found in those who reported higher math marks and who preferred scientific subjects. It seems that math anxiety is not one of the various flaws that are imputed to distance learning. Our findings encourage a reflection on possible interventions to reduce students’ anxiety by working on motivation and dysfunctional beliefs.
Multi-Objective Bayesian Optimization of Lithium-Ion Battery Cells for Electric Vehicle Operational Scenarios
Authors: Gaonkar Ashwin , Valladares Homero , Tovar Andres , Zhu Likun , El-Mounayri Hazim
Published: May 2022

The development of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) based on current practice allows an energy density increase estimated at 10% per year. However, the required power for portable electronic devices is predicted to increase at a much faster rate, namely 20% per year. Similarly, the global electric vehicle battery capacity is expected to increase from around 170 GWh per year today to 1.5 TWh per year in 2030—this is an increase of 125% per year. Without a breakthrough in battery design technology, it will be difficult to keep up with their increasing energy demand. The objective of this investigation is to develop a design methodology to accelerate the LIB development through the integration of electro-chemical numerical simulations and machine learning algorithms. In this work, the Gaussian process (GP) regression model is used as a fast approximation of numerical simulation (conducted using Simcenter Battery Design Studio®). The GP regression models are systematically updated through a multi-objective Bayesian optimization algorithm, which enables the exploration of innovative designs as well as the determination of optimal configurations. The results reported in this work include optimal thickness and porosities of LIB electrodes for several practical charge–discharge scenarios which maximize energy density and minimize capacity fade.
Nanofiber-Based Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalysts with Improved Mass Transfer Kinetics in a Meso-Porous Structure and Enhanced Reaction Kinetics by Confined Fe and Fe3C Particles for Anion-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Luo Wenzhe , Cao Longsheng , Hou Ming , He Liang , Zhou Yawen , Xie Feng , Shao Zhigang
Published: May 2022

The development of high-performance nonprecious metal catalysts for oxygen reduction reactions is critical for the commercialization of fuel cells. In this paper, we report a non-precious catalyst with high-performance, in which Fe and Fe3C is embedded in nitrogen-doped carbon nanofibers (MIL-N-CNFs) by co-electrospinning Fe-MIL and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and pyrolyzing. The mass ratio of Fe-MIL to PAN in the precursors and the pyrolysis temperature were optimized to be 1.5 and treated at 800 °C, respectively. The optimized catalyst exhibited an onset potential of 0.950 V and a half-wave potential of 0.830 V in alkaline electrolytes, thanks to the improved mass transfer kinetics in a meso-porous structure and enhanced reaction kinetics by confined Fe and Fe3C particles. Additionally, the optimized catalyst showed a better methanol tolerance than the commercial 20 wt.% Pt/C, indicating a potential application in direct methanol fuel cells. Serving as the cathode in CCM, the anion-exchange membrane fuel cell reaches a power density of 192 mW cm−2 at 428 mA cm−2 and 80 °C.
An Agent-Based Model of Heterogeneous Driver Behaviour and Its Impact on Energy Consumption and Costs in Urban Space
Authors: Olmez Sedar , Thompson Jason , Marfleet Ellie , Suchak Keiran , Heppenstall Alison , Manley Ed , Whipp Annabel , Vidanaarachchi Rajith
Published: May 2022

By 2020, over 100 countries had expanded electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (EV/PHEV) technologies, with global sales surpassing 7 million units. Governments are adopting cleaner vehicle technologies due to the proven environmental and health implications of internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs), as evidenced by the recent COP26 meeting. This article proposes an agent-based model of vehicle activity as a tool for quantifying energy consumption by simulating a fleet of EV/PHEVs within an urban street network at various spatio-temporal resolutions. Driver behaviour plays a significant role in energy consumption; thus, simulating various levels of individual behaviour and enhancing heterogeneity should provide more accurate results of potential energy demand in cities. The study found that (1) energy consumption is lowest when speed limit adherence increases (low variance in behaviour) and is highest when acceleration/deceleration patterns vary (high variance in behaviour); (2) vehicles that travel for shorter distances while abiding by speed limit rules are more energy efficient compared to those that speed and travel for longer; and (3) on average, for tested vehicles, EV/PHEVs were £233.13 cheaper to run than ICEVs across all experiment conditions. The difference in the average fuel costs (electricity and petrol) shrinks at the vehicle level as driver behaviour is less varied (more homogeneous). This research should allow policymakers to quantify the demand for energy and subsequent fuel costs in cities.