bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial Distribution of China’s Industrial Output Values under Global Warming Scenarios RCP4.5 and RCP8.5
Authors: Xue Qian , Song Wei
Published: December 2020

Climatic changes significantly impact the socio-economic system. Compared with research on the impacts of climate change on the agricultural economic system, researches on the impacts on the industrial economic system are still scarce. This is mainly because of the difficulties in matching climate data with socio-economic data in terms of spatiotemporal resolution, which has greatly limited the exposure degree assessment and the risk assessment of industrial economic systems. In view of this, based on remote sensing inversion and multi-source data fusion, we generated kilometer-grid data of China’s industrial output in 2010 and built the spatial distribution model of industrial output, based on random forest, to simulate the spatial distribution of China’s industrial output under different climate change scenarios. The results showed that (1) our built spatial distribution simulation model of China’s industrial output under different climate change scenarios had an accuracy of up to 93.77%; (2) from 2010 to 2050, the total growth of China’s industrial output under scenario RCP8.5 is estimated to be 4.797% higher than that under scenario RCP4.5; and (3) the increasing rate of the average annual growth rate of China’s industrial output slows down significantly under both scenarios from 2030 to 2050, and the average annual growth rate will decrease by 7.31 and 6.54%, respectively, under scenarios RCP8.5 and RCP4.5 compared with that from 2010 to 2020.
Assessment of Microvessel Permeability in Murine Atherosclerotic Vein Grafts Using Two-Photon Intravital Microscopy
Authors: Baganha Fabiana , Ritsma Laila , Quax Paul H. A. , de Vries Margreet R.
Published: December 2020

Plaque angiogenesis and plaque hemorrhage are major players in the destabilization and rupture of atherosclerotic lesions. As these are dynamic processes, imaging of plaque angiogenesis, especially the integrity or leakiness of angiogenic vessels, can be an extremely useful tool in the studies on atherosclerosis pathophysiology. Visualizing plaque microvessels in 3D would enable us to study the architecture and permeability of adventitial and intimal plaque microvessels in advanced atherosclerotic lesions. We hypothesized that a comparison of the vascular permeability between healthy continuous and fenestrated as well as diseased leaky microvessels, would allow us to evaluate plaque microvessel leakiness. We developed and validated a two photon intravital microscopy (2P-IVM) method to assess the leakiness of plaque microvessels in murine atherosclerosis-prone ApoE3*Leiden vein grafts based on the quantification of fluorescent-dextrans extravasation in real-time. We describe a novel 2P-IVM set up to study vessels in the neck region of living mice. We show that microvessels in vein graft lesions are in their pathological state more permeable in comparison with healthy continuous and fenestrated microvessels. This 2P-IVM method is a promising approach to assess plaque angiogenesis and leakiness. Moreover, this method is an important advancement to validate therapeutic angiogenic interventions in preclinical atherosclerosis models.
In Vitro Evaluation of Gentamicin or Vancomycin Containing Bone Graft Substitute in the Prevention of Orthopedic Implant-Related Infections
Authors: Bidossi Alessandro , Bottagisio Marta , Logoluso Nicola , De Vecchi Elena
Published: December 2020

Antibiotic-loaded bone graft substitutes are attractive clinical options and have been used for years either for prophylaxis or therapy for periprosthetic and fracture-related infections. Calcium sulfate and hydroxyapatite can be combined in an injectable and moldable bone graft substitute that provides dead space management with local release of high concentrations of antibiotics in a one-stage approach. With the aim to test preventive strategies against bone infections, a commercial hydroxyapatite/calcium sulfate bone graft substitute containing either gentamicin or vancomycin was tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, harboring different resistance determinants. The prevention of bacterial colonization and biofilm development by selected microorganisms was investigated along with the capability of the eluted antibiotics to select for antibiotic resistance. The addition of antibiotics drastically affected the ability of the selected strains to adhere to the tested compound. Furthermore, both the antibiotics eluted by the bone graft substitutes were able to negatively impair the biofilm maturation of all the staphylococcal strains. As expected, P. aeruginosa was significantly affected only by the gentamicin containing bone graft substitutes. Finally, the prolonged exposure to antibiotic-containing sulfate/hydroxyapatite discs did not lead to any stable or transient adaptations in either of the tested bacterial strains. No signs of the development of antibiotic resistance were found, which confirms the safety of this strategy for the prevention of infection in orthopedic surgery.
Functional Validation of Glutamine synthetase and Glutamate synthase Genes in Durum Wheat near Isogenic Lines with QTL for High GPC
Authors: Nigro Domenica , Fortunato Stefania , Giove Stefania Lucia , Mazzucotelli Elisabetta , Gadaleta Agata
Published: December 2020

Durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. ssp. durum) is a minor crop grown on about 17 million hectares of land worldwide. Several grain characteristics determine semolina’s high end-use quality, such as grain protein content (GPC) which is directly related to the final products’ nutritional and technological values. GPC improvement could be pursued by considering a candidate gene approach. The glutamine synthetase (GS)/glutamate synthase (GOGAT) cycle represents a bottleneck in the first step of nitrogen assimilation. QTL for GPC have been located on all chromosomes, and several major ones have been reported on 2A and 2B chromosomes, where GS2 and Fd-GOGAT genes have been mapped. A useful and efficient method to validate a putative QTL is the constitution of near-isogenic lines (NILs) by using the marker found to be associated to that QTL. Here, we present the development of two distinct sets of heterogeneous inbred family (HIF)- based NILs segregating for GS2 and Fd-GOGAT genes obtained from heterozygous lines at those loci, as well as their genotypic and phenotypic characterizations. The results allow the validation of the previously identified GPC QTL on 2A and 2B chromosomes, along with the role of these key genes in GPC control.
Copper Dyshomeostasis in Neurodegenerative Diseases—Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Gromadzka Grażyna , Tarnacka Beata , Flaga Anna , Adamczyk Agata
Published: December 2020

Copper is one of the most abundant basic transition metals in the human body. It takes part in oxygen metabolism, collagen synthesis, and skin pigmentation, maintaining the integrity of blood vessels, as well as in iron homeostasis, antioxidant defense, and neurotransmitter synthesis. It may also be involved in cell signaling and may participate in modulation of membrane receptor-ligand interactions, control of kinase and related phosphatase functions, as well as many cellular pathways. Its role is also important in controlling gene expression in the nucleus. In the nervous system in particular, copper is involved in myelination, and by modulating synaptic activity as well as excitotoxic cell death and signaling cascades induced by neurotrophic factors, copper is important for various neuronal functions. Current data suggest that both excess copper levels and copper deficiency can be harmful, and careful homeostatic control is important. This knowledge opens up an important new area for potential therapeutic interventions based on copper supplementation or removal in neurodegenerative diseases including Wilson’s disease (WD), Menkes disease (MD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and others. However, much remains to be discovered, in particular, how to regulate copper homeostasis to prevent neurodegeneration, when to chelate copper, and when to supplement it.
Hourly Capacity of a Two Crossing Runway Airport
Authors: Mascio Paola Di , Moretti Laura
Published: December 2020

At the international level, the interest in airport capacity is growing in the last years because its maximization ensures the best performances of the infrastructure. However, infrastructure, procedure, human factor constraints should be considered to ensure a safe and regular flow to the flights. This paper analyzed the airport capacity of an airport with two crossing runways. The fast time simulation allowed modeling the baseline scenario (current traffic volume and composition) and six operative scenarios; for each scenario, the traffic was increased until double the current volume. The obtained results in terms of average delay and throughput were analyzed to identify the best performing and operative layout and the most suitable to manage increasing hourly movements within the threshold delay of 10 min. The obtained results refer to the specific examined layout, and all input data were provided by the airport management body: the results are reliable, and the pursued approach could be implemented to different airports.
Therapeutic Effect of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Ulcerative Colitis: A Review on Achievements and Challenges
Authors: Hosseini-Asl Seyed-Kazem , Mehrabani Davood , Karimi-Busheri Feridoun
Published: December 2020

The worldwide epidemiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), still shows an increasing trend in Asia and Iran. Despite an improvement in the treatment landscape focused on symptomatic control, long-term colectomies have not decreased over the last 10-year period. Thus, novel therapies are urgently needed in clinics to supplement the existing treatments. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent adult stem cells with immunosuppressive effects, targeting IBD as a new treatment strategy. They have recently received global attention for their use in cell transplantation due to their easy expansion and wide range of activities to be engrafted, and because they are home to the mucosa of the intestine. Moreover, MSCs are able to differentiate into epithelial and other cells that can directly promote repair in the mucosal damages in UC. It seems that there is a need to deepen our understanding to target MSCs as a promising treatment option for UC patients who are refractory to conventional therapies. Here, we overviewed the therapeutic effects of MSCs in UC and discussed the achievements and challenges in the cell transplantation of UC.
Tissue Viability of Free Flaps after Extracorporeal Perfusion Using a Modified Hydroxyethyl Starch Solution
Authors: Taeger Christian D. , Friedrich Oliver , Horch Raymund E. , Distler Caroline , Kengelbach-Weigand Annika , Wenzel Carina , Prantl Lukas , Präbst Konstantin
Published: December 2020

Background: In free flap surgery, tissue is stored under hypothermic ischemia. Extracorporeal perfusion (EP) has the potential to extend storage time and the tissue’s perspective of survival. In the present study, the aim is to improve a recently established, simplified extracorporeal perfusion system. Methods: Porcine musculus rectus abdominis were stored under different conditions. One group was perfused continuously with a simplified one-way perfusion system for six hours, while the other received only a single flush but no further treatment. A modified hydroxyethyl starch solution was used as a perfusion and flushing solution. Vitality, functionality, and metabolic activity of both groups were analyzed. Results: Perfused muscles, in contrast to the ischemically stored ones, showed no loss of vitality and significantly less functionality loss, confirming the superiority of storage under continuous perfusion over ischemic storage. Furthermore, in comparison to a previous study, the results were improved even further by using a modified hydroxyethyl starch solution. Conclusion: The use of EP has major benefits compared to the clinical standard static storage at room temperature. Continuous perfusion not only maintains the oxygen and nutrient supply but also removes toxic metabolites formed due to inadequate storage conditions.
Deep Brain Stimulation Selection Criteria for Parkinson’s Disease: Time to Go beyond CAPSIT-PD
Authors: Artusi Carlo Alberto , Lopiano Leonardo , Morgante Francesca
Published: December 2020

Despite being introduced in clinical practice more than 20 years ago, selection criteria for deep brain stimulation (DBS) in Parkinson’s disease (PD) rely on a document published in 1999 called ‘Core Assessment Program for Surgical Interventional Therapies in Parkinson’s Disease’. These criteria are useful in supporting the selection of candidates. However, they are both restrictive and out-of-date, because the knowledge on PD progression and phenotyping has massively evolved. Advances in understanding the heterogeneity of PD presentation, courses, phenotypes, and genotypes, render a better identification of good DBS outcome predictors a research priority. Additionally, DBS invasiveness, cost, and the possibility of serious adverse events make it mandatory to predict as accurately as possible the clinical outcome when informing the patients about their suitability for surgery. In this viewpoint, we analyzed the pre-surgical assessment according to the following topics: early versus delayed DBS; the evolution of the levodopa challenge test; and the relevance of axial symptoms; patient-centered outcome measures; non-motor symptoms; and genetics. Based on the literature, we encourage rethinking of the selection process for DBS in PD, which should move toward a broad clinical and instrumental assessment of non-motor symptoms, quantitative measurement of gait, posture, and balance, and in-depth genotypic and phenotypic characterization.
The Risk of Preterm Birth in Women with Three Consecutive Deliveries—The Effect of Number and Type of Prior Preterm Births
Authors: Hiersch Liran , Pasternak Yael , Melamed Nir , Meshulam Moshe , Shashar Reut , Hadar Eran , Aviram Amir , Yogev Yariv , Ashwal Eran
Published: December 2020

Background: We aimed to explore the association of the number, order, gestational age and type of prior PTB and the risk of preterm birth (PTB) in the third delivery in women who had three consecutive singleton deliveries. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of all women who had three consecutive singleton births at a single medical center over a 20-year period (1994–2013). The primary outcome was PTB (<37 weeks) in the third delivery. Results: 4472 women met inclusion criteria. The rate of PTB in the third delivery was 4.9%. In the adjusted analysis, the risk of PTB was 3.5% in women with no prior PTBs; 10.9% in women with prior one PTB only in the first pregnancy; 16.2% in women with prior one PTB only in the second pregnancy; and 56.5% in women with prior two PTBs. A similar trend was observed when the outcome of interest was spontaneous PTB and when the exposure was limited to prior spontaneous or indicated PTB. Conclusions: In women with a history of PTB, the risk of recurrent PTB in subsequent pregnancies is related to the number and order of prior PTBs. These factors should be taken into account when stratifying the risk of PTB.
MeSmart-Pro: Advanced Processing at the Edge for Smart Urban Monitoring and Reconfigurable Services
Authors: Galletta Antonino , Ruggeri Armando , Fazio Maria , Dini Gianluca , Villari Massimo
Published: December 2020

With reference to the MeSmart project, the Municipality of Messina is making a great investments to deploy several types of cameras and digital devices across the city for carrying out different tasks related to mobility management, such as traffic flow monitoring, number plate recognition, video surveillance etc. To this aim, exploiting specific devices for each task increases infrastructure and management costs, reducing flexibility. On the contrary, using general-purpose devices customized to accomplish multiple tasks at the same time can be a more efficient solution. Another important approach that can improve the efficiency of mobility services is moving computation tasks at the Edge of the managed system instead of in remote centralized serves, so reducing delays in event detection and processing and making the system more scalable. In this paper, we investigate the adoption of Edge devices connected to high-resolution cameras to create a general-purpose solution for performing different tasks. In particular, we use the Function as a Service (FaaS) paradigm to easily configure the Edge device and set up new services. The key results of our work is deploying versatile, scalable and adaptable systems able to respond to smart city’s needs, even if such needs change over time. We tested the proposed solution setting up a vehicle counting solution based on OpenCV, and automatically deploying necessary functions into an Edge device. From experimental results, it results that computing performance at the Edge overtakes the performance of a device specifically designed for vehicle counting under certain conditions and thanks to our reconfigurable functions.
Influence of Solid Lubricants on the Tribological Performance of Photocurable Resins for Vat Photopolymerization
Authors: Slapnik Janez , Stiller Tanja , Wilhelm Thomas , Hausberger Andreas
Published: December 2020

New developments in additive manufacturing (AM) are enabling the use of 3D printed parts in increasingly demanding applications, such as in mechanical power transmission systems, where excellent build quality and tribological performance are required. The tribological properties of thermoplastic-based AM technologies are well knowninject, whereas the performance of photopolymer-based AM technologies is very rarely explored. This study aims to provide new insight into the tribological performance of 3D printed parts produced using vat photopolymerization (VPP). Photocurable resins based on aliphatic urethane acrylate oligomers were modified with different solid lubricants (polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), graphite and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2)) and 3D printed using Digital Light Processing (DLP). The mechanical and thermal properties were studied using the tensile tests, Charpy impact tests, Shore D, and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The tribological performance was studied using a Pin-on-Disk tribometer. Among the lubricants, PTFE had the highest impact on the coefficient of friction (µ) and the specific wear rate (ws). The hybrid lubricant system (PTFE/MoS2) resulted in excellent tribological performance, where the µ was reduced by up to 52% and ws by up to 92%.
N-(9,10-Dioxo-9,10-dihydroanthracen-1-yl)-2-methylbenzamide
Authors: Al Mamari Hamad H. , Al Sheidi Ahmed
Published: December 2020

In the present Short Note, we report a synthesis for the title compound, N-(9,10-dioxo-9,10-dihydroanthracen-1-yl)-2-methylbenzamide by reacting 2-methylbenzoyl chloride (or 2-methylbenzoic acid) with 1-aminoanthraquinone. The synthesized target compound was fully characterized by various spectroscopic methods (1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, IR, GC-MS). The importance of this compound lies its possession of an N,O-bidentate directing group, potentially suitable for metal-catalyzed C-H bond functionalization reactions.
Corrosion Resistance of Shape Recoverable Fe-17Mn-5Si-5Cr Alloy in Concrete Structures
Authors: Joo Jaehoon , Kang Minjoo , Shin Dongmin , Seo Eunhye , Kim Dohyung , Yeon Yeongmo , Hong Kinam , Lee Wookjin , Lee Junghoon
Published: December 2020

The shape memory effect of steel (i.e., Fe-Mn-Si alloys) enables the tensile strengthening of concrete against tensile stress and unexpected structural vibrations. For practical application, the corrosion resistance of shape-memorable Fe-based steel should be verified. In this study, the corrosion resistance of an Fe-based (Fe-16Mn-5Si-4Ni-5Cr-0.3C-1Ti) shape memory alloy (FSMA), a promising candidate for concrete reinforcement, was investigated by comparing it with general carbon steel (S400). The corrosion resistance of FSMA and S400 inserted in a cement mortar was evaluated using electrochemical methods. FSMA has a more stable passive oxide layer in aqueous solutions with various pH values. Thus, the corrosion resistance of the FSMA sample was much higher than that of the S400 carbon steel, which has a passivation layer in strongly alkaline solution. This stable oxide layer reduced the sensitivity of the corrosion resistance of FSMA to changes in the pH, compared to S400. Furthermore, owing to the stable passive oxide layer, FSMA exhibited a higher corrosion resistance in concrete and a lower decrease in corrosion resistance because of the neutralization of concrete. Therefore, FSMA is a promising candidate for providing reinforcement and reparability, resulting in stable and durable concrete.
Use of Maraging Steel 1.2709 for Implementing Parts of Pressure Mold Devices with Conformal Cooling System
Authors: Piekło Jarosław , Garbacz-Klempka Aldona
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we present the results of experimental tests and numerical calculations for parts of foundry mold devices made by selective laser melting (SLM). The main aim of this research was to compare the heat conduction efficiency of the conformal and the traditional channel arrangement. The infusion spreader with a conformal channel arrangement and the test material were made with an M2 Concept Laser Cusing machine using 1.2709 steel powder. Temperature changes in the spreaders were compared between conventional and conformal cooling channels using finite element method (FEM) calculations. The position of the so-called “thermal equilibrium isotherm” was determined for both sprue spreaders, which separate the area of the mold with a constant temperature from the zone of cyclic temperature changes. The components of the sprue spreaders in a stress state caused by temperature changes during the operation of the pressure machine were determined using the FEM model. It was found that the cooling system shortened the time of solidification and cooling of the alloy. Based on the analysis of the strength test results and the fracture surface of the samples, the relationship between heat treatment parameters and the strength, hardness, and elongation of the tested material was determined. The sprue spreaders were installed under a pressure machine and tested under production conditions. The use of a sprue spreader with a conformal cooling system shortened the time of a single cycle of the casting machine compared to the conventional solution.
Full-Field Strain Measurement and Numerical Analysis of a Microalloyed Steel Subjected to Deformation with Strain Path Change
Authors: Lisiecka-Graca Paulina , Majta Janusz , Muszka Krzysztof
Published: December 2020

This study presents an effective technique for taking advantage of the full-field measurement method of Digital Image Correlation (DIC) for the assessment of the strain distribution during the metal forming process when the strain path change was performed. The applied methodology is based on the combination of a numerical simulation for the stress calculation and full-field surface strain measurement in a forward/reverse three-point bending test. In the numerical part, the Chaboche model and dislocation density-based model were selected and verified in terms of the prediction of a softening/hardening effect occurring during strain reversal. The Chaboche model parameters identification procedure, on the basis of a cyclic torsion test, combined with inverse analysis, was also described. The results of the study showed the advantages and disadvantages of both of the analyzed work hardening models. The obtained results were analyzed in the light of the deformation inhomogeneity and reorganization of the dislocation structure during the cyclic deformation test.
Networks of Picture Processors with Filtering Based on Evaluation Sets as Solvers for Cryptographic Puzzles Based on Random Multivariate Quadratic Equations
Authors: Jiménez Karina Paola , Gómez-Canaval Sandra , Villanueva-Polanco Ricardo , Suazo Silvia Martín
Published: December 2020

Networks of picture processors is a massively distributed and parallel computational model inspired by the evolutionary cellular processes, which offers efficient solutions for NP-complete problems. This bio-inspired model computes two-dimensional strings (pictures) using simple rewriting rules (evolutionary operations). The functioning of this model mimics a community of cells (pictures) that are evolving according to these bio-operations via a selection process that filters valid surviving cells. In this paper, we propose an extension of this model that empowers it with a flexible method that selects the processed pictures based on a quantitative evaluation of its content. In order to show the versatility of this extension, we introduce a solver for a cryptographic proof-of-work based on the hardness of finding a solution to a set of random quadratic equations over the finite field F2. This problem is demonstrated to be NP-hard, even with quadratic polynomials over the field F2, when the number of equations and the number of variables are of roughly the same size. The proposed solution runs in O(n2) computational steps for any size (n,m) of the input pictures. In this context, this paper opens up a wide field of research that looks for theoretical and practical solutions of cryptographic problems via software/hardware implementations based on bio-inspired computational models.
Efficient Purification of R-phycoerythrin from Marine Algae (Porphyra yezoensis) Based on a Deep Eutectic Solvents Aqueous Two-Phase System
Authors: Xu Yifeng , Wang Quanfu , Hou Yanhua
Published: December 2020

R-phycoerythrin (R-PE), a marine bioactive protein, is abundant in Porphyra yezoensis with high protein content. In this study, R-PE was purified using a deep eutectic solvents aqueous two-phase system (DES-ATPS), combined with ammonium sulphate precipitation, and characterized by certain techniques. Firstly, choline chloride-urea (ChCl-U) was selected as the suitable DES to form ATPS for R-PE extraction. Then, single-factor experiments were conducted: the purity (A565/A280) of R-PE was 3.825, and the yield was 69.99% (w/w) under optimal conditions (adding 0.040 mg R-PE to ChCl-U (0.35 g)/K2HPO4 (0.8 g/mL, 0.5 mL) and extracting for 20 min). The sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) results revealed that the purified R-PE contained three main bands. One band was presented after purification in native-PAGE. The UV-vis spectra showed characteristic absorption peaks at 495, 540, and 565 nm. R-PE displayed an emission wavelength at 570 nm when excited at 495 nm. All spectra results illustrated that the structure of R-PE remained unchanged throughout the process, proving the effectiveness of this method. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) showed that aggregation and surrounding phenomena were the driving forces for R-PE extraction. This study could provide a green and simple purification method of R-PE in drug development.
“NETs and EETs, a Whole Web of Mess”
Authors: Williams Tyler L. , Rada Balázs , Tandon Eshaan , Gestal Monica C.
Published: December 2020

Neutrophils and eosinophils are granulocytes that have very distinct functions. Neutrophils are first responders to external threats, and they use different mechanisms to control pathogens. Phagocytosis, reactive oxygen species, and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are some of the mechanisms that neutrophils utilize to fight pathogens. Although there is some controversy as to whether NETs are in fact beneficial or detrimental to the host, it mainly depends on the biological context. NETs can contribute to disease pathogenesis in certain types of diseases, while they are also undeniably critical components of the innate immune response. On the contrary, the role of eosinophils during host immune responses remains to be better elucidated. Eosinophils play an important role during helminthic infections and allergic responses. Eosinophils can function as effector cells in viral respiratory infections, gut bacterial infections, and as modulators of immune responses by driving the balance between Th1 and Th2 responses. In particular, eosinophils have biological activities that appear to be quite similar to those of neutrophils. Both possess bactericidal activity, can activate proinflammatory responses, can modulate adaptive immune responses, can form extracellular traps, and can be beneficial or detrimental to the host according to the underlying pathology. In this review we compare these two cell types with a focus on highlighting their numerous similarities related to extracellular traps.
PCR Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in European Wild Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) from Portugal
Authors: Coelho Catarina , Vieira-Pinto Madalena , Vilares Anabela , Gargaté Maria João , Rodrigues Manuela , Cardoso Luís , Lopes Ana Patrícia
Published: December 2020

Wildlife plays an important role in the epidemiological cycle of Toxoplasma gondii. The European wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) can be a source of infection to wild and domestic hosts, including human beings. Additionally, as an herbivorous animal, the European wild rabbit may also be a sentinel of environmental contamination with T. gondii and, consequently, an indicator of the potential transmission of this parasite. The purpose of the present work was to detect T. gondii DNA in European wild rabbit from central Portugal, as well as the possible implications for public health. Heart and diaphragm samples were obtained from 28 rabbits hunted in central Portugal. Nested PCR separately amplified the 5′ and 3′ ends of the surface antigen 2 (SAG2) gene. T. gondii DNA was detected in 19 out of the 28 sampled animals, resulting in a prevalence of 67.9%. These results show that T. gondii infection occurs in European wild rabbit and therefore may pose a potential risk for humans if consumed as raw or undercooked meat. Measures should be taken in order to prevent infection by this zoonotic parasite and for the conservation of wildlife. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study performed by means of PCR on T. gondii in European wild rabbit meat samples.
Detection of Viral −RNA and +RNA Strands in Enterovirus-Infected Cells and Tissues
Authors: Salmikangas Sami , Laiho Jutta E. , Kalander Kerttu , Laajala Mira , Honkimaa Anni , Shanina Iryna , Oikarinen Sami , Horwitz Marc S. , Hyöty Heikki , Marjomäki Varpu
Published: December 2020

The current methods to study the distribution and dynamics of viral RNA molecules inside infected cells are not ideal, as electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry can only detect mature virions, and quantitative real-time PCR does not reveal localized distribution of RNAs. We demonstrated here the branched DNA in situ hybridization (bDNA ISH) technology to study both the amount and location of the emerging −RNA and +RNA during acute and persistent enterovirus infections. According to our results, the replication of the viral RNA started 2–3 h after infection and the translation shortly after at 3–4 h post-infection. The replication hotspots with newly emerging −RNA were located quite centrally in the cell, while the +RNA production and most likely virion assembly took place in the periphery of the cell. We also discovered that the pace of replication of −RNA and +RNA strands was almost identical, and −RNA was absent during antiviral treatments. ViewRNA ISH with our custom probes also showed a good signal during acute and persistent enterovirus infections in cell and mouse models. Considering these results, along with the established bDNA FISH protocol modified by us, the effects of antiviral drugs and the emergence of enterovirus RNAs in general can be studied more effectively.
Migration, Crystallization and Dissolution Changes of Salt Solution with Color Rendering Property in Porous Quartz Materials
Authors: Zhao Jing , Luo Hongjie , Huang Xiao
Published: December 2020

In order to visually display the migration and crystallization process of salt solution in porous cultural relics, copper sulfate solution with color rendering property was selected to record the migration, crystallization and resolution of salt solution in simulated SiO2 samples under different environmental conditions in real time through high-resolution recording system, scanning electron microscope system, salt phase X-ray diffraction system, and so on. The results showed the migration of salt solution in porous samples was related to the structural characteristics of the porous samples, the migration rate of salt solution, the evaporation rate and the change frequency of crystallization–resolution, etc., in which the large pore size of the sample, the higher the concentration and the faster migration and evaporation rate of salt solution, the greater the change rate of the brine accumulation zone or salt crystallization zone in the different porous samples. During the humidification–drying cycles of rainfall, the higher the cycle frequency of humidification–drying was, the higher the drying temperature was, the more frequent the crystallization-analysis change of salt in the salt-bearing sample was, and the more extensive the distribution of salt crystal zone was. This is the first time to visualize the salt belt by simulating the changing process of a salt solution with a color rendering property in porous samples. This has scientific theoretical guidance for the study of the migration–crystallization changes of soluble salts contained in porous silicate cultural relics. The visibility analysis results of multilayer salt crystal belts can also provide the preliminary basis for further effective desalination of salt bearing cultural relics.
Ethylene Induction of Non-Enzymatic Metabolic Antioxidants in Matricaria chamomilla
Authors: Petrulova Veronika , Vilkova Maria , Kovalikova Zuzana , Sajko Matus , Repcak Miroslav
Published: December 2020

Phytochemical investigations of Matricaria chamomilla L. (Asteraceae) stated the presence of several compounds with an established therapeutic and antioxidant potential. The chamomile non-enzymatic antioxidant system includes low molecular mass compounds, mainly polyphenols such as cinnamic, hydroxybenzoic and chlorogenic acids, flavonoids and coumarins. The objective of this work was to evaluate the role of the non-enzymatic antioxidant system after stimulation by ethylene in tetraploid chamomile plants. Seven days of ethylene treatment significantly increased the activity of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, which influenced the biosynthesis of protective polyphenols in the first step of their biosynthetic pathway. Subsequently, considerable enhanced levels of phenolic metabolites with a substantial antioxidant effect (syringic, vanillic and caffeic acid, 1,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, quercetin, luteolin, daphnin, and herniarin) were determined by HPLC-DAD-MS. The minimal information on the chlorogenic acids function in chamomile led to the isolation and identification of 5-O-feruloylquinic acid. It is accumulated during normal conditions, but after the excessive effect of abiotic stress, its level significantly decreases and levels of other caffeoylquinic acids enhance. Our results suggest that ethephon may act as a stimulant of the production of pharmaceutically important non-enzymatic antioxidants in chamomile leaves and thus, lead to an overall change in phytochemical content and therapeutic effects of chamomile plants, as well.
Additive Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Thiazolidinediones in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet: Triacylglycerol/Fatty Acid Cycling in Adipose Tissue
Authors: Bardova Kristina , Funda Jiri , Pohl Radek , Cajka Tomas , Hensler Michal , Kuda Ondrej , Janovska Petra , Adamcova Katerina , Irodenko Ilaria , Lenkova Lucie , Zouhar Petr , Horakova Olga , Flachs Pavel , Rossmeisl Martin , Colca Jerry , Kopecky Jan
Published: December 2020

Long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (Omega-3) and anti-diabetic drugs thiazolidinediones (TZDs) exhibit additive effects in counteraction of dietary obesity and associated metabolic dysfunctions in mice. The underlying mechanisms need to be clarified. Here, we aimed to learn whether the futile cycle based on the hydrolysis of triacylglycerol and re-esterification of fatty acids (TAG/FA cycling) in white adipose tissue (WAT) could be involved. We compared Omega-3 (30 mg/g diet) and two different TZDs—pioglitazone (50 mg/g diet) and a second-generation TZD, MSDC-0602K (330 mg/g diet)—regarding their effects in C57BL/6N mice fed an obesogenic high-fat (HF) diet for 8 weeks. The diet was supplemented or not by the tested compound alone or with the two TZDs combined individually with Omega-3. Activity of TAG/FA cycle in WAT was suppressed by the obesogenic HF diet. Additive effects in partial rescue of TAG/FA cycling in WAT were observed with both combined interventions, with a stronger effect of Omega-3 and MSDC-0602K. Our results (i) supported the role of TAG/FA cycling in WAT in the beneficial additive effects of Omega-3 and TZDs on metabolism of diet-induced obese mice, and (ii) showed differential modulation of WAT gene expression and metabolism by the two TZDs, depending also on Omega-3.
Polyphenol-Rich Foods for Human Health
Authors: Restani Patrizia
Published: December 2020

In recent decades, foods rich in polyphenols have received great interest from researchers, who have performed numerous studies in in vitro and animal models and clinical trials [...]
Tsallis Statistics in High Energy Physics: Chemical and Thermal Freeze-Outs
Authors: Cleymans Jean , Paradza Masimba Wellington
Published: December 2020

We present an overview of a proposal in relativistic proton-proton (pp) collisions emphasizing the thermal or kinetic freeze-out stage in the framework of the Tsallis distribution. In this paper we take into account the chemical potential present in the Tsallis distribution by following a two step procedure. In the first step we used the redudancy present in the variables such as the system temperature, T, volume, V, Tsallis exponent, q, chemical potential, μ, and performed all fits by effectively setting to zero the chemical potential. In the second step the value q is kept fixed at the value determined in the first step. This way the complete set of variables T,q,V and μ can be determined. The final results show a weak energy dependence in pp collisions at the centre-of-mass energy s=20 TeV to 13 TeV. The chemical potential μ at kinetic freeze-out shows an increase with beam energy. This simplifies the description of the thermal freeze-out stage in pp collisions as the values of T and of the freeze-out radius R remain constant to a good approximation over a wide range of beam energies.
Transcriptome Analysis of Alternative Splicing Events Induced by Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (Rhizophagus irregularis) in Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Roots
Authors: Zorin Evgeny A. , Afonin Alexey M. , Kulaeva Olga A. , Gribchenko Emma S. , Shtark Oksana Y. , Zhukov Vladimir A.
Published: December 2020

Alternative splicing (AS), a process that enables formation of different mRNA isoforms due to alternative ways of pre-mRNA processing, is one of the mechanisms for fine-tuning gene expression. Currently, the role of AS in symbioses formed by plants with soil microorganisms is not fully understood. In this work, a comprehensive analysis of the transcriptome of garden pea (Pisum sativum L.) roots in symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhiza was performed using RNAseq and following bioinformatic analysis. AS profiles of mycorrhizal and control roots were highly similar, intron retention accounting for a large proportion of the observed AS types (67%). Using three different tools (SUPPA2, DRIMSeq and IsoformSwitchAnalyzeR), eight genes with AS events specific for mycorrhizal roots of pea were identified, among which four were annotated as encoding an apoptosis inhibitor protein, a serine/threonine-protein kinase, a dehydrodolichyl diphosphate synthase, and a pre-mRNA-splicing factor ATP-dependent RNA helicase DEAH1. In pea mycorrhizal roots, the isoforms of these four genes with preliminary stop codons leading to a truncated ORFs were up-regulated. Interestingly, two of these four genes demonstrating mycorrhiza-specific AS are related to the process of splicing, thus forming parts of the feedback loops involved in fine-tuning of gene expression during mycorrhization.
Plant Responses to Hypoxia: Signaling and Adaptation
Authors: Loreti Elena , Striker Gustavo G.
Published: December 2020

Molecular oxygen deficiency leads to altered cellular metabolism and can dramatically reduce crop productivity [...]
Plant Biodiversity and Genetic Resources Matter!
Authors: Ebert Andreas W. , Engels Johannes M. M.
Published: December 2020

Plant biodiversity is the foundation of our present-day food supply (including functional food and medicine) and offers humankind multiple other benefits in terms of ecosystem functions and resilience to climate change, as well as other perturbations. This Special Issue on ‘Plant Biodiversity and Genetic Resources’ comprises 32 papers covering a wide array of aspects from the definition and identification of hotspots of wild and domesticated plant biodiversity to the specifics of conservation of genetic resources of crop genepools, including breeding and research materials, landraces and crop wild relatives which collectively are the pillars of modern plant breeding, as well as of localized breeding efforts by farmers and farming communities. The integration of genomics and phenomics into germplasm and genebank management enhances the value of crop germplasm conserved ex situ, and is likely to increase its utilization in plant breeding, but presents major challenges for data management and the sharing of this information with potential users. Furthermore, also a better integration of in situ and ex situ conservation efforts will contribute to a more effective conservation and certainly to a more sustainable and efficient utilization. Other aspects such as policy, access and benefit-sharing that directly impact the use of plant biodiversity and genetic resources, as well as balanced nutrition and enhanced resilience of production systems that depend on their increased use, are also being treated. The editorial concludes with six key messages on plant biodiversity, genetic erosion, genetic resources and plant breeding, agricultural diversification, conservation of agrobiodiversity, and the evolving role and importance of genebanks.
Analysis of Stored mRNA Degradation in Acceleratedly Aged Seeds of Wheat and Canola in Comparison to Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhao Liang , Wang Hong , Fu Yong-Bi
Published: December 2020

Seed aging has become a topic of renewed interest but its mechanism remains poorly understood. Our recent analysis of stored mRNA degradation in aged Arabidopsis seeds found that the stored mRNA degradation rates (estimated as the frequency of breakdown per nucleotide per day or β value) were constant over aging time under stable conditions. However, little is known about the generality of this finding to other plant species. We expanded the analysis to aged seeds of wheat (Triticum aestivum) and canola (Brassica napus). It was found that wheat and canola seeds required much longer periods than Arabidopsis seeds to lose seed germination ability completely under the same aging conditions. As what had been observed for Arabidopsis, stored mRNA degradation (∆Ct value in qPCR) in wheat and canola seeds correlated linearly and tightly with seed aging time or mRNA fragment size, while the quality of total RNA showed little change during seed aging. The generated β values reflecting the rate of stored mRNA degradation in wheat or canola seeds were similar for different stored mRNAs assayed and constant over seed aging time. The overall β values for aged seeds of wheat and canola showed non-significant differences from that of Arabidopsis when aged under the same conditions. These results are significant, allowing for better understanding of controlled seed aging for different species at the molecular level and for exploring the potential of stored mRNAs as seed aging biomarkers.
“Slaves of the State”: Christianity and Convict Labor in the Postbellum South
Authors: Stoddard Brad
Published: December 2020

In the wake of the Civil War, southern states incarcerated record numbers of black men and women, closed their prisons, and sent convicted criminals to convict lease camps. Inside these camps, convict laborers worked for businesses, for individual entrepreneurs, on plantations, and on public works projects contracted to private businesses. Due to the Thirteenth Amendment’s “slaves of the state” clause, these laborers were legally classified as slaves and treated as such by labor camp operators. Conditions inside these camps were quite harsh, and in most camps, state-sanctioned Protestant socialization efforts were the laborers’ primary source of leisure. This essay provides a preliminary overview of the convergence of Protestant Christianity and convict lease camps as it calls scholars to explore this convergence in greater detail in future scholarship.
Simulation-Based Evaluation of the Estimation Methods of Far-Red Solar-Induced Chlorophyll Fluorescence Escape Probability in Discontinuous Forest Canopies
Authors: Liu Weiwei , Luo Shezhou , Lu Xiaoliang , Atherton Jon , Gastellu-Etchegorry Jean-Philippe
Published: December 2020

The escape probability of Solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) can be remotely estimated using reflectance measurements based on spectral invariants theory. This can then be used to correct the effects of canopy structure on canopy-leaving SIF. However, the feasibility of these estimation methods is untested in heterogeneous vegetation such as the discontinuous forest canopy layer under evaluation here. In this study, the Discrete Anisotropic Radiative Transfer (DART) model is used to simulate canopy-leaving SIF, canopy total emitted SIF, canopy interceptance, and the fraction of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation (fAPAR) in order to evaluate the estimation methods of SIF escape probability in discontinuous forest canopies. Our simulation results show that the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) can be used to partly eliminate the effects of background reflectance on the estimation of SIF escape probability in most cases, but fails to produce accurate estimations if the background is partly or totally covered by vegetation. We also found that SIF escape probabilities estimated at a high solar zenith angle have better estimation accuracy than those estimated at a lower solar zenith angle. Our results show that additional errors will be introduced to the estimation of SIF escape probability with the use of satellite products, especially when the product of leaf area index (LAI) and clumping index (CI) was underestimated. In other results, fAPAR has comparable estimation accuracy of SIF escape probability when compared to canopy interceptance. Additionally, fAPAR for the entire canopy has better estimation accuracy of SIF escape probability than fPAR for leaf only in sparse forest canopies. These results help us to better understand the current estimation results of SIF escape probability based on spectral invariants theory, and to improve its estimation accuracy in discontinuous forest canopies.