bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Water Pipes Corrosion Inhibitors for Q235 Steel in Hydrochloric Acid Medium Using Spiropyrazoles Derivatives
Authors: Eldesoky A. M. , Hassan Hala. M. , Subaihi Abdu , El Shahawy Abeer , Farghaly Thoraya A.
Published: February 2020

Water pipes and drinking water quality deterioration in distribution systems and sea water desalination impose the use of corrosion inhibitors. The protective effect of spiropyrazole derivatives against Q235 steel and its adsorption performance were examined in solution of 1 M HCl utilizing TP (Tafel polarization), electrochemical frequency modulation (EFM), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) tests. The outcome data from hindrance efficiency rise with the dose of inhibitor. The orders of %IE of spiropyrazole derivatives are given: (1) > (2) > (3).It was noted that the values of EHOMO and ELUMO dropping in order run parallel to the improvement in %IE, which support the preceding order. EIS spectra exhibited one capacitive loop and approve the protective ability. Molecular docking was utilized to get a full picture on the binding mode among spiropyrazoles derivatives and the receptor of 3tt8-hormone of crystal structure examination of Cu human insulin derivative. The morphology of protected Q235 steel was evaluated by checking electron magnifying instrument innovation with energy dispersive X-beam spectroscopy (SEM–EDX).
Effect of Emulsifier on the Structure and Properties of Waterborne Silicone Antifouling Coating
Authors: Liu Sikui , Zhang Zhanping , Qi Yuhong
Published: February 2020

Three-component waterborne silicone antifouling coatings, which could cured at room temperature, were prepared, respectively, with cationic (stearyl trimethyl ammonium bromide) or anionic (sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate) silicone emulsion as a film-forming substance, γ-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane as a curing agent and dibutyltin dilaurate as a catalyst. The effect of emulsifier on the structure and properties of silicone coating was studied. The results showed that the coating with cationic silicone emulsion had high crosslinking density, and its surface is smooth. The surface of the coating prepared by the anionic silicone emulsion is rough. Emulsifier type had no obvious effect on the surface free energy of the waterborne silicone coating. The coatings have the characteristics of low surface energy and excellent bacterial desorption properties. Stearyl trimethyl ammonium bromide in the cured coating can reduce the adhesion of marine bacteria on the coating surface. Both the emulsifiers can inhibit the activity of Navicula Tenera. The waterborne silicone coating prepared by cationic silicone emulsion has better comprehensive mechanical properties and antifouling performance.
Salt Effects on Formation and Stability of Colloidal Gas Aphrons Produced by Anionic and Zwitterionic Surfactants in Xanthan Gum Solution
Authors: Keshavarzi Behnam , Mahmoudvand Mohsen , Javadi Aliyar , Bahramian Alireza , Miller Reinhard , Eckert Kerstin
Published: February 2020

This work is devoted to the influence of NaCl salt concentration on the formation and stability of colloidal gas aphrons (CGA) produced by the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and zwitterionic surfactant coco amido propyl betaine (CAPB) in the presence of xanthan gum (XG) as a stabilizer. Dynamic surface tension measurements as well as volume and half-life time of the produced foams are considered for stability analysis. A sharp decrease of the half-life time and volume of the CGAs at NaCl concentrations larger than 20,000 ppm was observed, which was attributed to the precipitation of SDS in the solution. The mentioned SDS precipitation altered the dynamic surface tension behavior, dilational surface elasticity, and turbidity of the solution. The main reason for the precipitation of SDS is the increased Krafft point caused by the addition of salt. However, for the zwitterionic surfactant CAPB, the effects of added NaCl on the interfacial properties required for CGAs production was negligible due to the simultaneous effects on the cationic and anionic head groups in the CAPB leading to negligible changes in the net repulsion forces. Yet, an overall reduction in the half-life time of CGAs with increasing salt concentration, even when we have no precipitation, was observed for both surfactants, which could be explained by the reduction in the ability of XG to increase the viscosity with increasing salt concentration.
Improved Sampling in Ab Initio Free Energy Calculations of Biomolecules at Solid–Liquid Interfaces: Tight-Binding Assessment of Charged Amino Acids on TiO2 Anatase (101)
Authors: Agosta Lorenzo , Brandt Erik G. , Lyubartsev Alexander
Published: February 2020

Atomistic simulations can complement the scarce experimental data on free energies of molecules at bio-inorganic interfaces. In molecular simulations, adsorption free energy landscapes are efficiently explored with advanced sampling methods, but classical dynamics is unable to capture charge transfer and polarization at the solid–liquid interface. Ab initio simulations do not suffer from this flaw, but only at the expense of an overwhelming computational cost. Here, we introduce a protocol for adsorption free energy calculations that improves sampling on the timescales relevant to ab initio simulations. As a case study, we calculate adsorption free energies of the charged amino acids Lysine and Aspartate on the fully hydrated anatase (101) TiO2 surface using tight-binding forces. We find that the first-principle description of the system significantly contributes to the adsorption free energies, which is overlooked by calculations with previous methods.
A Promising View of Kudzu Plant, Pueraria montana var. lobata (Willd.) Sanjappa & Pradeep: Flavonoid Phytochemical Compounds, Taxonomic Data, Traditional Uses and Potential Biological Activities for Future Cosmetic Application
Authors: Tungmunnithum Duangjai , Intharuksa Aekkhaluck , Sasaki Yohei
Published: February 2020

Pueraria montana var. lobata is widely known as kudzu especially in Japan, China, Korea, and other Asian countries. This plant is an ingredient for traditional food and an herbal ingredient for traditional medicines, particular in Japan and China. There are a few reports on its cosmetic uses. Interestingly, many phytochemical compounds from this plant have been continuously reported, particularly flavonoid compounds, which are well-known as potential bioactive ingredients for cosmetics. This work aims to illustrate promising views of kudzu plant, focusing on the diversity of flavonoid phytochemical compounds, taxonomic data, traditional uses, and potential biological activities for future cosmetic applications, i.e., antioxidant, antiglycation, skin regeneration, and melanogenesis inhibitory activities.
Respiration by the Opportunistic Spionid Polychaete Streblospio gynobranchiata during Adjustment to and Recovery from Moderate Hypoxia
Authors: Bennett Alyssa D. , Rakocinski Chet F.
Published: February 2020

Understanding the capacity of estuarine organisms to acclimate to stressful conditions provides insights into how communities cope within fluctuating environments. The opportunistic spionid polychaete, Streblospio gynobranchiata Rice and Levin, 1998, regularly experiences intermittent moderate hypoxia within shallow sedimentary habitats. To better understand fine-scale adjustments by this opportunistic species to short-term moderate hypoxia, the aerobic respiration response of three size classes was examined over a 12 h period and after 24 h of exposure to moderate hypoxia (i.e., 20% air saturation) at 25 °C. In addition, the capacity to resume standard respiration was examined over a 12 h period following a 24 h period of exposure to moderate hypoxia. Mass-specific respiration varied with body size during both exposure and recovery from hypoxia. Small worms switched from an oxyregulating to an oxyconforming strategy within 6 h of exposure to moderate hypoxia at 25 °C. After 24 h of hypoxia exposure, small worms hypo-regulated at 81% of the preceding 24 h normoxic reference level. By contrast, medium and large worms hyper-regulated during the first 12 h exposure period, but hypo-regulated at 70% and 79% of the preceding 24 h normoxic reference levels after 24 h of hypoxia exposure. Fluctuations in respiration levels during the recovery period revealed a temporal recovery pattern implying cycling energetic processes. The recovery pattern also indicated some respiration overshoot to compensate for oxygen debt. The timing of the cycling recovery pattern also differed with body size. The ability of S. gynobranchiata to dynamically adjust its metabolic response to low oxygen stress underscores the ecologically important role of tolerant organisms within estuarine benthic habitats subject to recurrent diel or intermittent hypoxia.
Livelihood, Food and Nutrition Security in Southern Africa: What Role Do Indigenous Cattle Genetic Resources Play?
Authors: Mapiye Obvious , Chikwanha Obert C. , Makombe Godswill , Dzama Kennedy , Mapiye Cletos
Published: February 2020

Of the 345 million people in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), 30.6% are severely food insecure, 8% malnourished and 50% live with less than US $1 per day, respectively. Livelihood, food and nutrition security have, therefore, become key priorities for the SADC region in response to these complex challenges. Given that 70% of the SADC population directly rely on agriculture for food, nutrition and income, sustained agricultural productivity may play an important role in achieving livelihood, food and nutrition security in the region. Being an important part of the agri-food system of marginalised communities in the region, cattle have great potential to contribute to the goal of reducing food and nutrition insecurity. The region has a population size of about 64 million cattle of which 75% of the population is kept under the smallholder farming systems, and primarily composed of indigenous tropical breeds. Most indigenous cattle breeds are, however, either undergoing rapid genetic dilution or at risk of extinction. At the same time, their environments, production and marketing systems are experiencing high rates of change in time and space. More importantly, indigenous cattle breeds in the region are undervalued. This makes it uncertain that future systems will have the adapted cattle breeds required for optimal livelihoods, food and nutrition security. To this end, the promotion of sustainable use of indigenous cattle for livelihood, food and nutrition security in the SADC region is strongly recommended.
Serous Tubal Intraepithelial Carcinoma: A Concise Review for the Practicing Pathologist and Clinician
Authors: Bachert S. Emily , McDowell Anthony , Piecoro Dava , Baldwin Branch Lauren
Published: February 2020

Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecologic malignancy, accounting for more than 14,000 deaths each year. With no established way to prevent or screen for it, the vast majority of cases are diagnosed as International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage III or higher. Individuals with germline BRCA mutations are at particularly high risk for epithelial ovarian cancer and have been the subject of many risk-reducing strategies. In the past ten years, studies looking at risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) in this population have uncovered an interesting association: up to 8% of women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations who underwent RRSO had an associated serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (STIC). The importance of this finding is highlighted by the fact that up to 60% of ovarian cancer patients will also have an associated STIC. These studies have led to a paradigm shift that a subset of epithelial ovarian cancer originates not in the ovarian epithelium, but rather in the distal fallopian tube. In response to this, many providers have changed their practice by expanding the role of routine salpingectomy, hysterectomy, and sterilization procedures. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has acknowledged opportunistic salpingectomy as a safe strategy to reduce the risk of epithelial ovarian cancer in Committee Opinion #774. It is thus important for pathologists and clinicians to understand the definition of STIC; how it is diagnosed; and, most importantly, its clinical significance.
Study on Operational Characteristics of Protection Relay with Fault Current Limiters in an LVDC System
Authors: Lee Hyeong-Jin , Kim Jin-Seok , Kim Jae-Chul , Yun Sang-Yun , Cho Sung-Min
Published: February 2020

As the application of low-voltage-direct-current system increases, fault analysis in the low-voltage-direct-current system has essential because the fault response has different from the conventional AC distribution system. Especially, the fault current by the discharge current of the capacitor in the low-voltage-direct-current distribution system has very large compared with the conventional AC distribution system. Therefore, this paper proposed the application of the superconducting fault current limiter for limiting the fault current on the low-voltage-direct-current system. As one of the protected methods against fault current, the superconducting fault current limiter which could quickly limit the fault current has been noticed as an attractive method. However, the protection relay may malfunction such as over current relay, selective protection relay due to limiting fault current by applying superconducting fault current limiter. Therefore, in this paper proposed a solution to malfunction problem of the protection relay using the voltage components of the high temperature superconductivity. This paper verified the effect of the proposed method through test modelling and PSCAD/EMTDC.
SDN Controller Placement and Switch Assignment for Low Power IoT
Authors: Choumas Kostas , Giatsios Dimitris , Flegkas Paris , Korakis Thanasis
Published: February 2020

Software defined networking (SDN) complements low power Internet of Things (IoT), since the former offers dynamicity and the latter is susceptible to environmental changes. The SDN controller placement refers to the selection of the IoT sensors running the controllers, while the switch assignment is the process of mapping each sensor to a controller. Both choices affect the volume of the control traffic, a significant metric in low power wireless IoT networks where bandwidth is scarce or energy consumption is important. In this paper, we model an optimization problem for minimum control traffic, assess its complexity and devise a set of heuristic algorithms for expediting its solution. We initially present a fast and simple heuristic algorithm, which is then extended to two iterative algorithms with even better performance at the cost of time complexity. Our simulations and testbed experimentation reveal close to optimal performance of all heuristic solutions with significantly less computation time than explicitly solving the optimization problem. At the end, we provide insights for further enhancements of these heuristics with a bias for minimum control delay.
Hydrological and Environmental Impact of Wastewater Treatment and Reuse on Zarqa River Basin in Jordan
Authors: Almanaseer Naser , Hindiyeh Muna , Al-Assaf Raha
Published: February 2020

Treated wastewater is an important component of the water resource in Jordan. As Samra wastewater treatment plant—the largest treatment plant in Jordan—discharges ~110 MCM per year of secondary treated municipal wastewater to Zarqa River, and eventually to Jordan Valley. This research aims at assessing the impact of treated wastewater reuse on the hydrology and environment in the most vulnerable areas within Amman-Zarqa Basin, specifically from As Samra treatment plant to Jerash Bridge. Historical data is collected, field survey is performed, and chemical and biological analyses are performed at eleven selected locations along the study area. Afterwards, all collected data is managed using suitable tools to address the impact. The findings of this research demonstrate high improvement in biological and microbial parameters along the flow path, yet the salinity is increased downstream. It is found that this increase is due to brackish water intrusion, apparently from sandstone aquifer. Analysis of BOD and COD carried out as part of this research showed effective system recovery with COD reduction from 130 mg/L at the effluent to less than 50 mg/l in the downstream. Moreover, microbial activities are reduced, mainly due to self-purification in the river.
Comparative Transcriptomic Response of Two Pinus Species to Infection with the Pine Wood Nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus
Authors: Gaspar Daniel , Trindade Cândida , Usié Ana , Meireles Brigida , Fortes Ana Margarida , Guimarães Joana Bagoin , Simões Fernanda , Costa Rita Lourenço , Ramos António Marcos
Published: February 2020

Pine wilt disease (PWD) caused by pine wood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, is a serious threat to global forest populations of conifers, in particular Pinus spp. Recently, the presence of PWN was reported in dead Yunnan pine (Pinus yunnanensis) trees under natural conditions. To further understand the potential impact caused by PWN in Yunnan pine populations, a transcriptional profiling analysis was performed over different time points (0 hours (h), 6 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 7 days) after PWN inoculation. A total of 9961 differentially expressed genes were identified after inoculation, which suggested a dynamic response against the pathogen, with a more intense pattern at 48 h after inoculation. The results also highlighted a set of biological mechanisms triggered after inoculation that provide valuable information regarding the response of Yunnan pine to PWN infection. When compared with maritime pine (Pinus pinaster), the Yunnan pine response was less complex and involved a smaller number of differentially expressed genes, which may be associated with the increased degree of resistance to PWN displayed by Yunnan pine. These results revealed different strategies to cope with PWN infection by these two pine species, which display contrasting degrees of susceptibility, especially in the timely perception of the infection and response magnitude.
Effect of Different Soil Treatments with Hydrogel on the Performance of Drought-Sensitive and Tolerant Tree Species in a Semi-Arid Region
Authors: Tomášková Ivana , Svatoš Michal , Macků Jan , Vanická Hana , Resnerová Karolina , Čepl Jaroslav , Holuša Jaroslav , Hosseini Seyed Mohammad , Dohrenbusch Achim
Published: February 2020

Research Highlights: Although a number of forestry studies have found that hydrogel improves tree performance, studies that are located in semi-arid regions and that include a broad spectrum of tree species and the assessment of multiple physiological traits are lacking. Background and Objectives: The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effects of hydrogel treatments (with sawdust, organic fertilizer, compost, wheat straw, subsoil, or subsoil with a cobble cover) applied during planting on the survival, growth, and physiological traits of 20 tree species. Materials and Methods: In a field experiment (factorial design with seven treatments including a control, 20 species, and ten replicates) in a semi-arid part of Iran, we applied water alone (control) or water with hydrogel and other materials to recently planted samplings. We evaluated tree height, health, osmotic potential, and biochemical properties after 6 months and survival after 12 months. Results: Hydrogel treatment (regardless of other material) significantly improved the performance of drought-sensitive but not of drought-tolerant species. Conclusions: The benefits of hydrogel treatment are substantial for drought-sensitive species but are insignificant for drought-resistant species.
Evaluating the Effects of Pressure Indicators on Riparian Zone Health Conditions in the Three Gorges Dam Reservoir, China
Authors: Arif Muhammad , Zhang Songlin , Jie Zheng , Charles Wokadala , Sanelisiwe Mzondi Pinky , Li Changxiao
Published: February 2020

The possible negative impacts of flow regulation on riparian zone conditions can be observed due to the disruption of the natural flow regime in reservoirs. In spite of considerable literature on the qualitative effects of external disturbances on riparian health indicators (RHIs), quantitative evaluations of such changes induced by pressure are rare in the literature. Our study evaluated the effects of pressure indicators on the RHIs, and the responses of RHIs relevant to the riparian zones of the Three Gorges Dam Reservoir (TGDR), China, by using the field-based approach. This paper is a component of a large project—rapid appraisal of riparian condition for the TGDR, China. The analysis has compared pressures (13 indicators) and RHIs (27 indicators) determined from the transects (259) identified throughout the TGDR (within 15 counties) by categorizing into upstream, midstream, and downstream. By using basic statistical techniques (Kruskal-Wallis tests and Pearson’s correlation), pressure indicators were found to significantly differently influence RHIs for the categorized three sections of the riparian zones of the TGDR. The correlation analysis confirmed that the pressure indicators correlated (range of r = −0.496–0.971) with the RHIs (enlisted as habitat, plant cover, regeneration, erosion, and exotic parameters). Moreover, pressure indicators were found to have a highly significant influence on erosion and habitat parameters, but moderate effects on plant cover, exotic and regeneration parameters. In addition, the highest relative effect of the pressure indicators was detected in the upstream transects, whereas the lowest was in the downstream transects. Agglomerative Hierarchical Cluster analysis also confirmed the substantial dissimilarity in the upstream transects, whereas significant similarities were identified between midstream and downstream transects. These results may be particularly important in the planning stages, to help administrators and planners form better priorities and treatments for reach-scale conservation and restoration of wide-ranging riparian zones.
Advance Regeneration of Norway Spruce and Scots Pine in Hemiboreal Forests in Latvia
Authors: Luguza Solveiga , Snepsts Guntars , Donis Janis , Desaine Iveta , Baders Endijs , Kitenberga Mara , Elferts Didzis , Jansons Aris
Published: February 2020

Continuous cover forestry (CCF) aims to emulate small natural disturbances and take advantage of natural regeneration. To implement these management practices successfully, knowledge of advance regeneration under the canopy in different conditions is crucial. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the influence of stand inventory parameters of canopy layer (age, basal area, height, and density) on the probability and density of advance regeneration of the Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in hemiboreal forests in Latvia. The data were obtained from the National Forest Inventory, from a total of 879 plots. In the study, only Norway spruce or Scots pine dominated stands were used and the sampled stand age ranged from 21 to 218 years. The probability of advance regeneration differed between stands dominated by Scots pine versus Norway spruce. The probability and density of the advance regeneration of Norway spruce were positively linked to increased stand age, whereas the probability of the advance regeneration of Scots pine was negatively linked to the basal area of the stand. In stands dominated by Norway spruce and Scots pine on mesic soils, the advance regeneration of Norway spruce has a high density, whereas the advance regeneration of Scots pine is sporadic and scarce.
Information-Centric Networking (ICN)
Authors: Fotiou Nikos
Published: February 2020

Information-Centric Networking (ICN) is novel paradigm considered for the future Internet, as well as for emerging architectures, such as the Internet of Things. Despite the significant research efforts that take place all around the world there are still many challenges and open issues related to the applicability of ICN. The papers of this special issue, six in total, identify such challenges, and propose solutions, design guidelines, and new research directions.
Using Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication to Improve Traffic Safety in Sand-dust Environment
Authors: Tan Jinhua , Qin Xuqian , Gong Li
Published: February 2020

Sand-dust environment affects drivers’ perceptions of surrounding traffic conditions, resulting in unsafe operations. From an ergonomics perspective, such adverse effects could be alleviated by environment control as well as the assistance of machines. Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication appears to be an important component of machines in future traffic systems, which could support the driving task. In order to explore what influences V2V communication would generate on traffic systems, this paper proposes a car-following model accounting for V2V communication in a sand-dust environment. The results indicate that V2V communication helps to reduce the fluctuations of acceleration, headway, and velocity, when a small perturbation is added to the traffic flow in sand-dust environment. If a vehicle in the traffic flow stops suddenly, the number of crumped vehicles decreases with V2V communication taken into account. Furthermore, the residual velocities of the crumped vehicles decrease, which means the severity of collision is suppressed. It is concluded that V2V communication can play an active role in the improvement of traffic safety in a sand-dust environment.
Investigating the Relationship between the Third Places and the Level of Happiness for Seniors in Taiwan
Authors: Tu Jui-che , Lin Kang-Chi , Chen Hong-Yi
Published: February 2020

Taiwan has actively promoted the concept of "successful aging" in recent years. The Executive Yuan drafted the White Paper for Aged Society, which set the primary goal to enable seniors to deal with daily life more independently. Although ‘third places’ enable seniors to live independently, the third places that Taiwanese seniors like are not well understood. Consequently, by investigating third places, this study will investigate the environment of achieving successful aging and happiness among seniors. This study uses the questionnaire survey, and the data of this study were collected from October to November 2018 in Taichung City Central District. A questionnaire survey was conducted in several administrative agencies and participants were selected by random sampling among the over-55-year-old citizens who were already retired. An estimate of 90% confidence limits with 5% marginal error gave us a sample size of 257. This study finally received 200 efficient samples. The women’s top five choices of third places are the traditional market, supermarket, restaurant, daily necessities shop, and coffee shop. The men’s top five choices of third places are the traditional market, supermarket, daily necessities shop, restaurant, and a friend’s house. For seniors familiar with the concept of third places, the more often they go to third places, the higher happiness they achieve. This result investigates the importance of having awareness of third places for seniors. Therefore, we should encourage them to go to third places and engage in social activities frequently to achieve successful aging.
Race Analysis of the World’s Best Female and Male Marathon Runners
Authors: Billat Véronique , Vitiello Damien , Palacin Florent , Correa Matthieu , Pycke Jean Renaud
Published: February 2020

Background: Beyond the difference in marathon performance when comparing female and male runners, we tested the hypothesis that running strategy does not different according to sex. The goal of the present study is to compare the running strategy between the best female and male marathon performances achieved in the last two years. Methods: Two aspects of the races were analyzed: (i) average speed relative to runner critical speed (CS) with its coefficient of variation and (ii) asymmetry and global tendency of race speed (i.e., the race’s Kendall τ ) . Results: The females’ best marathons were run at 97.6% ± 3% of CS for the new record (Brigid Kosgei, 2019) and at 96.1% ± 4.4% for the previous record (Paula Radcliffe, 2003). The best male performances (Eliud Kipchoge, 2018 and 2019) were achieved at a lower fraction of CS (94.7% ± 1.7% and 94.1% ± 2.3% in 2018 and 2019, respectively). Eliud Kipchoge (EK) achieved a significant negative split race considering the positive Kendall’s τ of pacing (i.e., time over 1 km) ( τ = 0.30; p = 0.007). Furthermore, EK ran more of the average distance below average speed (54% and 55% in 2018 and 2019, respectively), while female runners ran only at 46% below their average speed. Conclusions: The best female and male marathon performances were run differently considering speed time course (i.e., tendency and asymmetry), and fractional use of CS. In addition, this study shows a robust running strategy (or signature) used by EK in two different marathons. Improvement in marathon performance might depend on negative split and asymmetry for female runners, and on higher fractional utilization of CS for male runners.
The Prevalence and Characterization of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase- and Carbapenemase-Producing Bacteria from Hospital Sewage, Treated Effluents and Receiving Rivers
Authors: Zhang Luhua , Ma Xinyue , Luo Li , Hu Nan , Duan Jiayao , Tang Zhongjian , Zhong Rujie , Li Ying
Published: February 2020

Hospital sewage plays a key role in the dissemination of antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs) by serving as an environmental antimicrobial resistance reservoir. In this study, we aimed to characterize the cephalosporin- and carbapenem-resistant isolates from hospital sewage and receiving rivers. The results showed that ESBL (blaCTX-M) and carbapenemase genes (blaNDM and blaKPC) were widely detected in a number of different bacterial species. These resistance genes were mainly harbored in Enterobacteriaceae, followed by Acinetobacter and Aeromonas isolates. More attention should be given to these bacteria as important vectors of ARGs in the environment. Furthermore, we showed that the multidrug resistance phenotype was highly prevalent, which was found in 85.5% Enterobacteriaceae and 75% Acinetobacter strains. Notably, the presence of carbapenemase genes in isolates from treated effluents and receiving rivers indicates that the discharges of wastewater treatment plants could be an important source for high-risk resistance genes propagation to the environment. In conclusion, this study shows a high prevalence of ESBL- and carbapenemase-producing bacteria in hospital sewage and receiving rivers in China. These findings have serious implications for human health, and also suggest the need for more efforts to control the dissemination of resistant bacteria from hospital sewage into the environment.
Influence of Contextual Variables on Physical and Technical Performance in Male Amateur Basketball: A Case Study
Authors: Fernández-Leo Antonio , Gómez-Carmona Carlos D. , García-Rubio Javier , Ibáñez Sergio J.
Published: February 2020

Currently, most basketball research is focused on professional and elite players. Studies at the amateur level are important to explain the physical and technical demands of competition and thus improve players’ and teams’ performance. The purpose of the present study was to describe the competitive demands of an amateur-level basketball team and to analyze the influence of different situational variables on the physical and technical performance indicators. Eleven amateur senior basketball players participated in six official final-round games during the 2018/2019 season. External, internal load, and notational analysis were registered by inertial devices, heart rate bands, and video analysis. The Kruskal-Wallis H-test was applied for comparisons based on playing positions, periods, and final quarter game outcome, with the post hoc comparison accomplished by a Mann-Whitney U test. The Spearman correlation coefficient was realized for the relational analysis. The results showed that: (a) guards covered more volume of displacements (effective on-court time: p < 0.01, E R 2 = 0.05; steps/min: p < 0.01, E R 2 = 0.28) and the centers performed competitive actions of higher load ([>8G] Imp/min: p < 0.01, E R 2 = 0.20; jumps/min: p < 0.01, E R 2 = 0.33); (b) a performance decreasing was found between the first and second half of the game; (c) in balanced matches there was the most individual technical performance (PIR/min: p < 0.98, E R 2 = 0.01), while in the unbalanced games more high-intensity impacts were seen ([>8G] Imp/min: p < 0.01, E R 2 = 0.07). The situational variables analyzed had an influence on athletic performance in amateur senior basketball players and should be considered for designing training sessions and planning strategies during official matches.
Association between Smoking and Noise-Induced Hearing Loss: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies
Authors: Li Xiaowen , Rong Xing , Wang Zhi , Lin Aihua
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this study was to synthesize the results of previously published observational studies through meta-analysis to clarify the association between smoking and noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). We searched several databases as of October 2019. Based on the results of heterogeneity analysis (Q statistic and I2 statistic), a fixed effect model (for no heterogeneity; Q test P > 0.1 and I2 ≤ 50%) or a random effects model (for heterogeneity) was used to calculate the pooled odds ratios (ORs). We explored the potential dose-response relationship between smoking and NIHL as well. In total, 27 studies involving 30,465 participants were included. Compared with non-smokers, the pooled OR of current smokers was 2.05 (95% Confidence interval (CI): 1.71–2.46), and of former smokers was 1.11 (95% CI: 1.05–1.18). We found a curve linear association between an increasing number of pack-years (packages/day × smoking years) and risk of NIHL. The dose-response meta-analysis suggested that when the number of pack-years was less than fifteen, the risk of NIHL was increasing, and the highest combined OR was 5.25 (95% CI: 2.30–11.96) for pack-years of fifteen. After fifteen pack-years, the pooled OR had a slow decline. Our study indicated that smoking is a risk factor for NIHL. Current smokers have a higher risk than former smokers, and there is a positive dose-response relationship between smoking and NIHL.
The Role of Emotional Intelligence and Sociocultural Adjustment on Migrants’ Self-reported Mental Well-Being in Spain: A 14 Month Follow-Up Study
Authors: González-Castro José Luis , Ubillos Landa Silvia , Puente Martínez Alicia , Vera Perea Maria
Published: February 2020

The analysis of mental and psychological health is a relevant public issue in modern societies. Migration is a process that may have a lasting impact on a person’s mental well-being. In this study, perceived health, emotional intelligence, sociocultural adjustment and the participants’ perceived general situation, not only economical, were analyzed to attest their impact on psychological distress as a measure of mental well-being. Sixty-three migrants from Romania and Ecuador were contacted twice during a 14 month period in a middle-sized Spanish city. Attrition analyses show no significant differences in perceived psychological distress between those who participated only one time or who participated in both waves. Less psychological distress is related to less attention to one’s feelings and higher mood repair in both data waves. Stronger behavioral adjustment is also linked to less distress. Less distress in time 1 led to better perceived health, sociocultural adjustment and a perception of a better general situation in Spain in comparison to their home country in time 2. In general, more attention to negative feelings triggered more perceived psychological distress, whereas mood repair elicited less psychological distress, in time 2. The relevance of understanding the impact of emotional intelligence to health promotion programs with migrants is discussed.
Syntaxin 1: A Novel Robust Immunophenotypic Marker of Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Kővári Bence , Turkevi-Nagy Sándor , Báthori Ágnes , Fekete Zoltán , Krenács László
Published: February 2020

Considering the specific clinical management of neuroendocrine (NE) neoplasms (NENs), immunohistochemistry (IHC) is required to confirm their diagnosis. Nowadays, synaptophysin (SYP), chromogranin A (CHGA), and CD56 are the most frequently used NE immunohistochemical markers; however, their sensitivity and specificity are less than optimal. Syntaxin 1 (STX1) is a member of a membrane-integrated protein family involved in neuromediator release, and its expression has been reported to be restricted to neuronal and NE tissues. In this study, we evaluated STX1 as an immunohistochemical marker of NE differentiation. STX1, SYP, CHGA, and CD56 expression was analyzed in a diverse series of NE tumors (NETs), NE carcinomas (NECs), and non-NE tumors. All but one (64/65; 98%) NETs and all (54/54; 100%) NECs revealed STX1 positivity in at least 50% of the tumor cells. STX1 showed the highest sensitivity both in NETs (99%) and NECs (100%) compared to CHGA (98% and 91%), SYP (96% and 89%), and CD56 (70% and 93%), respectively. A wide variety of non-NE tumors were tested and found to be uniformly negative, yielding a perfect specificity. We established that STX1 is a robust NE marker with an outstanding sensitivity and specificity. Its expression is independent of the site and grade of the NENs.
Shockwave Therapy Combined with Autologous Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Is Better than with Human Umbilical Cord Wharton’s Jelly-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Hsu Chieh-Cheng , Cheng Jai-Hong , Wang Ching-Jen , Ko Jih-Yang , Hsu Shan-Ling , Hsu Tsai-Chin
Published: February 2020

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been reported to have chondroprotective effects in knee osteoarthritis (OA). Here, we examined whether autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) and human umbilical cord Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJMSCs) increased the efficacy of ESWT in knee OA, and compared the efficacy of the two. The treatment groups exhibited significant improvement of knee OA according to pathological analysis, micro-computed tomography (CT), and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. The ADMSCs and ESWT+ADMSCs groups exhibited increased trabecular thickness and bone volume as compared with the ESWT, WJMSCs, and ESWT+WJMSCs groups individually. According to the results of IHC staining, Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) activity and caspase-3 were significantly reduced in the ADMSCs and ESWT+ADMSCs groups as compared with the WJMSCs and ESWT+WJMSC groups. In mechanistic factor analysis, the synergistic effect of ESWT+ADMSCs was observed as being greater than the efficacies of other treatments in terms of expressions of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, runt-related transcription factor (RUNX)-2 and sex determining region Y-box (SOX)-9. The type II collagen was expressed at a higher level in the WJMSCs group than in the others. Furthermore, ESWT+ADMSCs reduced the expression of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB and increased the expression of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-4. Therefore, we demonstrated that ESWT+ADMSCs had a synergistic effect greater than that of ESWT+WJMSCs for the treatment of early knee OA.
Salicylic Acid Protects Photosystem II by Alleviating Photoinhibition in Arabidopsis thaliana under High Light
Authors: Chen Yang-Er , Mao Hao-Tian , Wu Nan , Mohi Ud Din Atta , Khan Ahsin , Zhang Huai-Yu , Yuan Shu
Published: February 2020

Salicylic acid (SA) is considered to play an important role in plant responses to environmental stresses. However, the detailed protective mechanisms in photosynthesis are still unclear. We therefore explored the protective roles of SA in photosystem II (PSII) in Arabidopsis thaliana under high light. The results demonstrated that 3 h of high light exposure resulted in a decline in photochemical efficiency and the dissipation of excess excitation energy. However, SA application significantly improved the photosynthetic capacity and the dissipation of excitation energy under high light. Western blot analysis revealed that SA application alleviated the decrease in the levels of D1 and D2 protein and increased the amount of Lhcb5 and PsbS protein under high light. Results from photoinhibition highlighted that SA application could accelerate the repair of D1 protein. Furthermore, the phosphorylated levels of D1 and D2 proteins were significantly increased under high light in the presence of SA. In addition, we found that SA application significantly alleviated the disassembly of PSII-LHCII super complexes and LHCII under high light for 3 h. Overall, our findings demonstrated that SA may efficiently alleviate photoinhibition and improve photoprotection by dissipating excess excitation energy, enhancing the phosphorylation of PSII reaction center proteins, and preventing the disassembly of PSII super complexes.
TmAtg6 Plays an Important Role in Anti-Microbial Defense Against Listeria monocytogenes in the Mealworm, Tenebrio molitor
Authors: Edosa Tariku Tesfaye , Jo Yong Hun , Keshavarz Maryam , Park Ki Beom , Cho Jun Ho , Bae Young Min , Kim Bobae , Lee Yong Seok , Han Yeon Soo
Published: February 2020

Autophagy-related gene-6 (Beclin-1 in mammals) plays a pivotal role in autophagy and is involved in autophagosome formation and autolysosome maturation. In this study, we identified and characterized the autophagy-related gene-6 from Tenebrio molitor (TmAtg6) and analyzed its functional role in the survival of the insect against infection. The expression of TmAtg6 was studied using qRT-PCR for the assessment of the transcript levels at various developmental stages in the different tissues. The results showed that TmAtg6 was highly expressed at the 6-day-old pupal stage. Tissue-specific expression studies revealed that TmAtg6 was highly expressed in the hemocytes of late larvae. The induction patterns of TmAtg6 in different tissues of T. molitor larvae were analyzed by injecting Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, or Candida albicans. The intracellular Gram-positive bacteria, L. monocytogenes, solely induced the expression of TmAtg6 in hemocytes at 9 h-post-injection, whilst in the fat body and gut, bimodal expression times were observed. RNAi-mediated knockdown of the TmAtg6 transcripts, followed by a challenge with microbes, showed a significant reduction in larval survival rate against L. monocytogenes. Taken together, our results suggest that TmAtg6 plays an essential role in anti-microbial defense against intracellular bacteria.
Zinc Homeostasis in Bone: Zinc Transporters and Bone Diseases
Authors: Huang Tongling , Yan Guoyong , Guan Min
Published: February 2020

Zinc is an essential micronutrient that plays critical roles in numerous physiological processes, including bone homeostasis. The majority of zinc in the human body is stored in bone. Zinc is not only a component of bone but also an essential cofactor of many proteins involved in microstructural stability and bone remodeling. There are two types of membrane zinc transporter proteins identified in mammals: the Zrt- and Irt-like protein (ZIP) family and the zinc transporter (ZnT) family. They regulate the influx and efflux of zinc, accounting for the transport of zinc through cellular and intracellular membranes to maintain zinc homeostasis in the cytoplasm and in intracellular compartments, respectively. Abnormal function of certain zinc transporters is associated with an imbalance of bone homeostasis, which may contribute to human bone diseases. Here, we summarize the regulatory roles of zinc transporters in different cell types and the mechanisms underlying related pathological changes involved in bone diseases. We also present perspectives for further studies on bone homeostasis-regulating zinc transporters.
Identification and Molecular Characterization of a Pellino Protein in Kuruma Prawn (Marsupenaeus Japonicus) in Response to White Spot Syndrome Virus and Vibrio Parahaemolyticus Infection
Authors: Zhang Heqian , Cheng Wenzhi , Zheng Jinbin , Wang Panpan , Liu Qinghui , Li Zhen , Shi Tianyi , Zhou Yijian , Mao Yong , Yu Xiangyong
Published: February 2020

Kuruma prawn, Marsupenaeus japonicus, has the third largest annual yield among shrimp species with vital economic significance in China. White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is a great threat to the global shrimp farming industry and results in high mortality. Pellino, a highly conserved E3 ubiquitin ligase, has been found to be an important modulator of the Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathways that participate in the innate immune response and ubiquitination. In the present study, the Pellino gene from Marsupenaeus japonicus was identified. A qRT-PCR assay showed the presence of MjPellino in all the tested tissues and revealed that the transcript level of this gene was significantly upregulated in both the gills and hemocytes after challenge with WSSV and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. The function of MjPellino was further verified at the protein level. The results of the three-dimensional modeling and protein–protein docking analyses and a GST pull-down assay revealed that the MjPellino protein was able to bind to the WSSV envelope protein VP26. In addition, the knockdown of MjPellino in vivo significantly decreased the expression of MjAMPs. These results suggest that MjPellino might play an important role in the immune response of kuruma prawn.
Identifying the Translatome of Mouse NEBD-Stage Oocytes via SSP-Profiling; A Novel Polysome Fractionation Method
Authors: Masek Tomas , del Llano Edgar , Gahurova Lenka , Kubelka Michal , Susor Andrej , Roucova Kristina , Lin Chih-Jen , Bruce Alexander W. , Pospisek Martin
Published: February 2020

Meiotic maturation of oocyte relies on pre-synthesised maternal mRNA, the translation of which is highly coordinated in space and time. Here, we provide a detailed polysome profiling protocol that demonstrates a combination of the sucrose gradient ultracentrifugation in small SW55Ti tubes with the qRT-PCR-based quantification of 18S and 28S rRNAs in fractionated polysome profile. This newly optimised method, named Scarce Sample Polysome Profiling (SSP-profiling), is suitable for both scarce and conventional sample sizes and is compatible with downstream RNA-seq to identify polysome associated transcripts. Utilising SSP-profiling we have assayed the translatome of mouse oocytes at the onset of nuclear envelope breakdown (NEBD)—a developmental point, the study of which is important for furthering our understanding of the molecular mechanisms leading to oocyte aneuploidy. Our analyses identified 1847 transcripts with moderate to strong polysome occupancy, including abundantly represented mRNAs encoding mitochondrial and ribosomal proteins, proteasomal components, glycolytic and amino acids synthetic enzymes, proteins involved in cytoskeleton organization plus RNA-binding and translation initiation factors. In addition to transcripts encoding known players of meiotic progression, we also identified several mRNAs encoding proteins of unknown function. Polysome profiles generated using SSP-profiling were more than comparable to those developed using existing conventional approaches, being demonstrably superior in their resolution, reproducibility, versatility, speed of derivation and downstream protocol applicability.