bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Underlying RANS Turbulence Models in Zonal Detached Eddy Simulation: Application to a Compressor Rotor
Authors: Marty Julien , Uribe Cédric
Published: August 2020

The present study focuses on the impact of the underlying RANS turbulence model in the Zonal Detached Eddy Simulation (ZDES) method when used for secondary flow prediction. This is carried out in light of three issues commonly investigated for hybrid RANS/LES methods (detection and protection of attached boundary layer, emergence, and growth of resolved turbulent fluctuations and accurate prediction of separation front due to progressive adverse pressure gradient). The studied configuration is the first rotor of a high pressure compressor. Three different turbulence modelings (Spalart and Allmaras model (SA), Menter model with (SST) and without (BSL) shear stress correction) are assessed as ZDES underlying turbulence model and also as turbulence model of unsteady RANS simulations. Whatever the underlying turbulence model, the ZDES behaves well with respect to the first two issues as the boundary layers appear effectively shielded and the RANS-to-LES switch is close downstream of trailing edges and separation fronts leading to a quick LES treatment of wakes and shear layers. Both tip leakage and corner flows are strongly influenced by the Navier–Stokes resolution approach (unsteady RANS vs. ZDES) but the underlying turbulence modelling (SA vs. SST vs. BSL) impacts mainly the junction flow near the hub for both approaches. ZDES underlying turbulence model choice appear essential since it leads to quite different corner flow separation topologies and so to inversion of the downstream stagnation pressure radial gradient.
Synthesis and Thermochromic Luminescence of Ag(I) Complexes Based on 4,6-Bis(diphenylphosphino)-Pyrimidine
Authors: Artem’ev Alexander V. , Davydova Maria P. , Berezin Alexey S. , Samsonenko Denis G.
Published: August 2020

Two Ag(I)-based metal-organic compounds have been synthesized exploiting 4,6-bis(diphenylphosphino)pyrimidine (L). The reaction of this ligand with AgNO3 and AgBF4 in acetonitrile produces dinuclear complex, [Ag2L2(MeCN)2(NO3)2] (1) and 1D coordination polymer, [Ag2L(MeCN)3]n(BF4)2n (2), respectively. In complex 1, µ2-P,P′-bridging coordination pattern of the ligand L is observed, whereas its µ4-P,N,N′,P′-coordination mode appears in 2. Both compounds exhibit pronounced thermochromic luminescence expressed by reversible changing of the emission chromaticity from a yellow at 300 K to an orange at 77 K. At room temperature, the emission lifetimes of 1 and 2 are 15.5 and 9.4 µs, the quantum efficiency being 18 and 56%, respectively. On account of temperature-dependent experimental data, the phenomenon was tentatively ascribed to alteration of the emission nature from thermally activated delayed fluorescence at 300 K to phosphoresce at 77 K.
The Biology and Immature Stages of the Moss-Eating Flea Beetle Cangshanaltica fuanensis sp. nov. (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae, Alticini), with Description of a Fan-Driven High-Power Berlese Funnel
Authors: Ruan Yongying , Konstantinov Alexander S. , Damaška Albert F.
Published: August 2020

The biology of the moss and leaf litter inhabiting flea beetles is poorly understood. In this study, a new species of moss-eating flea beetles Cangshanaltica fuanensis sp. nov. is described; the morphology of adult and immature stages is examined and illustrated. Its life history and biology are studied. The remarkable and unique biological features are revealed: (1) females deposit one large egg at a time, egg length equals 0.4–0.5 times the female body length, these are unusual in Chrysomelidae; (2) females have only two ovarioles on each side of the ovary, which has not been reported in other Chrysomelidae species; (3) females lay and hide each egg under a spoon-shaped moss leaf; (4) cannibalism of a second instar larva on an egg was observed. Both adults and larvae feed on moss and are polyphagous; their feces mainly consist of un-digested moss fragments; high humidity is essential for the survival of eggs and larvae and expedites the hatching. In addition, a modified fan-driven Berlese funnel is designed for faster extraction of moss inhabiting flea beetles. This device could also be used for collecting other ground-dwelling arthropods. Its working diagram is illustrated and described.
Thromboprophylaxis for Hospitalized Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease—Are We There Yet?
Authors: Levartovsky Asaf , Barash Yiftach , Ben-Horin Shomron , Ungar Bella , Klang Eyal , Soffer Shelly , Kopylov Uri
Published: August 2020

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have a high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) events in both hospitalized patients and outpatients. Although thromboprophylaxis is recommended for hospitalized patients with IBD, implementation is not universal, especially for non IBD-related hospitalizations. Our objective was to present VTE and thromboprophylaxis adherence rates among hospitalized patients with IBD. An electronic data repository was created of all patients with IBD who visited the emergency department (ED) of our tertiary medical center between 2012 and 2018. The data included tabular variables and free-text physician records. We searched the data for VTE events, using ICD10 coding. Overall, there were 7009 ED visits of 2405 patients with IBD, 1556 (64.7%) with Crohn’s disease (CD) and 849 (35.3%) with ulcerative colitis (UC). Thromboprophylaxis was administered in 463 hospitalizations (12.4% of IBD-related and 10.9% of non IBD-related hospitalizations, p = 0.13). Nineteen VTEs were diagnosed in the ED and seventeen were diagnosed during hospitalization (11 non IBD-related and 6 IBD-related hospitalizations, 0.6% and 0.28% respectively, p = 0.12). One patient died during hospitalization and an additional two in the 90 days post-discharge from hospitalization (unrelated to VTEs). In conclusion, thromboprophylaxis rates in hospitalized patients with IBD are low, despite possible implications and established guidelines. Thromboprophylaxis should be implemented in patients with IBD hospitalized for all indications.
Socioeconomic Position, Multimorbidity and Mortality in a Population Cohort: The HUNT Study
Authors: Vinjerui Kristin Hestmann , Bjorngaard Johan H. , Krokstad Steinar , Douglas Kirsty A. , Sund Erik R.
Published: August 2020

Multimorbidity and socioeconomic position are independently associated with mortality. We investigated the association of occupational position and several multimorbidity measures with all-cause mortality. A cohort of people aged 35 to 75 years who participated in the Trøndelag Health Study in 2006–2008 and had occupational data was linked to the Norwegian National Population Registry for all-cause mortality from study entry until 1 February 2019. Logistic regression models for each occupational group were used to analyze associations between the number of conditions and 10-year risk of death. Cox regression models were used to examine associations between combinations of multimorbidity, occupational position, and mortality. Analyses were conducted for men and women. Included were 31,132 adults (16,950 women (54.4%)); occupational groups: high, 7501 (24.1%); low, 15,261 (49.0%)). Increased mortality was associated with lower occupational group, more chronic conditions, and all multimorbidity measures. The joint impact of occupational group and multimorbidity on mortality was greater in men than women. All multimorbidity measures are strongly associated with mortality, with varying occupational gradients. Social differences in multimorbidity are a public health challenge and necessitate consideration in health care. Men in lower occupational groups seem to be a particularly vulnerable group.
Improvement in Contrast Sensitivity Function after Lacrimal Passage Intubation in Eyes with Epiphora
Authors: Hoshi Sujin , Tasaki Kuniharu , Hiraoka Takahiro , Oshika Tetsuro
Published: August 2020

This prospective case series aimed to investigate the contrast sensitivity function before and after lacrimal passage intubation (LPI) in eyes with epiphora due to lacrimal passage obstruction. We included 58 eyes of 51 patients who underwent LPI for lacrimal passage obstruction. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), contrast sensitivity function, and lower tear meniscus were compared before LPI and one month after lacrimal duct stent removal. The area under the log contrast sensitivity function (AULCSF) was calculated for the analyses. Lower tear meniscus was assessed using anterior segment optical coherence tomography. The BCVA was comparable (p = 0.61) before and after LPI, while AULCSF increased significantly after treatment (before LPI: 1.29 ± 0.17, after LPI: 1.37 ± 0.14, p < 0.0001). Treatment resulted in a significant increase in contrast sensitivity at all spatial frequencies, 3–18 cycles/degree (p < 0.01 for 3, p < 0.01 for 6, p < 0.0005 for 12, p < 0.05 for 18 cycles/degree). The lower tear meniscus parameters improved significantly after treatment (p < 0.005); however, no correlation between the changes in the tear meniscus and those of the AULCSF was found. The contrast sensitivity significantly improved after LPI in eyes with epiphora due to lacrimal passage obstruction.
Could Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes Be a Therapeutic Option for Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients?
Authors: Gardin Chiara , Ferroni Letizia , Chachques Juan Carlos , Zavan Barbara
Published: August 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a pandemic viral disease originated in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The severe form of the disease is often associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and most critically ill patients require mechanical ventilation and support in intensive care units. A significant portion of COVID-19 patients also develop complications of the cardiovascular system, primarily acute myocardial injury, arrhythmia, or heart failure. To date, no specific antiviral therapy is available for patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are being explored for the management of a number of diseases that currently have limited or no therapeutic options, thanks to their anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and pro-angiogenic properties. Here, we briefly introduce the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 and its implications in the heart and lungs. Next, we describe some of the most significant clinical evidence of the successful use of MSC-derived exosomes in animal models of lung and heart injuries, which might strengthen our hypothesis in terms of their utility for also treating critically ill COVID-19 patients.
The Influence of Hypertensive Therapies on Circulating Factors: Clinical Implications for SCFAs, FGF21, TNFSF14 and TNF-α
Authors: Magno Aaron L. , Herat Lakshini Y. , Kiuchi Márcio G. , Schlaich Markus P. , Ward Natalie C. , Matthews Vance B.
Published: August 2020

Studying the role of circulatory factors in the pathogenesis of diseases has been key to the development of effective therapies. We sought to examine the effect of antihypertensive therapies on numerous circulatory factors including short chain fatty acids and growth factors in a human cohort. A subset of participants from an earlier study was characterized by their hypertensive and/or treatment status and separated into three groups: (i) normotensives; (ii) untreated hypertensive and (iii) treated hypertensive subjects. Circulating levels of short chain fatty acids, FGF21 and TNF superfamily members were measured as part of this study. Both F2-isoprostane and circulating lipid levels were reanalysed as part of this current study. We found that antihypertensive treatment increased butyrate levels and decreased acetate levels to levels similar to normotensives. We also found that antihypertensive treatments reduced levels of circulating FGF21, TNFSF14 and TNF-α. In conclusion, we identified several circulatory factors that are altered in hypertension.
The Effects of Adding Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation (tSCS) to Sit-To-Stand Training in People with Spinal Cord Injury: A Pilot Study
Authors: Al’joboori Yazi , Massey Sarah J. , Knight Sarah L. , Donaldson Nick de N. , Duffell Lynsey D.
Published: August 2020

Spinal cord stimulation may enable recovery of volitional motor control in people with chronic Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). In this study we explored the effects of adding SCS, applied transcutaneously (tSCS) at vertebral levels T10/11, to a sit-to-stand training intervention in people with motor complete and incomplete SCI. Nine people with chronic SCI (six motor complete; three motor incomplete) participated in an 8-week intervention, incorporating three training sessions per week. Participants received either tSCS combined with sit-to-stand training (STIM) or sit-to-stand training alone (NON-STIM). Outcome measures were carried out before and after the intervention. Seven participants completed the intervention (STIM N = 5; NON-STIM N = 2). Post training, improvements in International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI) motor scores were noted in three STIM participants (range 1.0–7.0), with no change in NON-STIM participants. Recovery of volitional lower limb muscle activity and/or movement (with tSCS off) was noted in three STIM participants. Unassisted standing was not achieved in any participant, although standing with minimal assistance was achieved in one STIM participant. This pilot study has shown that the recruitment of participants, intervention and outcome measures were all feasible in this study design. However, some modifications are recommended for a larger trial.
Predictive Factors Associated with Complications after Laparoscopic Distal Pancreatectomy
Authors: Song Ki Byung , Hong Sarang , Kim Hwa Jung , Park Yejong , Kwon Jaewoo , Lee Woohyung , Jun Eunsung , Lee Jae Hoon , Hwang Dae Wook , Kim Song Cheol
Published: August 2020

Although laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) has become more popular, the postoperative complication rate remains high. We sought to identify the risk factors for post-LDP complications. We examined 1227 patients who underwent LDP between March 2005 and December 2015 at a single large-volume center. We used logistic regression for the analysis. The overall (13.2%) and major (3.3%) complication rates were determined. Postoperative pancreatic fistula was the most frequent complication, and 58 patients (4.7%) had clinically significant (grade B) pancreatic fistulas. No 90-day mortality was recorded. Long operative time (≥200 min), large estimated blood loss (≥320 mL), LDP performed by an inexperienced surgeon (<50 cases), and concomitant splenectomy were identified as risk factors for overall complications using a logistic regression model. For major complications, male sex (p = 0.020), long operative time (p = 0.005), and LDP performed by an inexperienced surgeon (p = 0.026) were significant predictive factors. Using logistic regression analysis, surgery-related factors, including long operative time and LDP performed by an inexperienced surgeon, were correlated with overall and major complications of LDP. As LDP is a technically challenging procedure, surgery-related variables emerged as the main risk factors for postoperative complications. Appropriate patient selection and sufficient surgeon experience may be essential to reduce the complications of LDP.
Diabetes and Obesity—Cumulative or Complementary Effects On Adipokines, Inflammation, and Insulin Resistance
Authors: Sitar-Taut Adela-Viviana , Coste Sorina Cezara , Tarmure Simina , Orasan Olga Hilda , Fodor Adriana , Negrean Vasile , Pop Dana , Zdrenghea Dumitru , Login Cezar , Tiperciuc Brandusa , Cozma Angela
Published: August 2020

Background: Diabetes and obesity are increasingly significant public health issues. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between adipocytokines (leptin, ghrelin, and chemerin), inflammation (sVCAM1—soluble vascular adhesion molecule 1, sICAM1—soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1), and insulin resistance in the presence of obesity and diabetes mellitus. Methods: 88 subjects, with a mean age of 61.96 ± 10.15 years, 75% of whom were women, were evaluated (in order to consider different associations between obesity and diabetes, subjects were categorized into four groups). Results: Overall, we found significant correlations between sICAM1-sVCAM1 rho = 0.426 and ghrelin-chemerin rho = −0.224. In the obesity + diabetes group, leptin correlated with sICAM1 rho = 0.786, and sVCAM1 negatively with glycemia/insulin rho = −0.85. Significant differences were found between the groups regarding sVCAM1 (p = 0.0134), leptin (p = 0.0265) and all insulin resistance scores, with differences influenced by the subjects’ gender. In conclusion, although there are currently many unknown aspects of the release and the role of various adipokines, in particular chemerin, its implication in early glucose metabolism dysregulation disorders seems very likely.
Modifications of Titin Contribute to the Progression of Cardiomyopathy and Represent a Therapeutic Target for Treatment of Heart Failure
Authors: Tharp Charles , Mestroni Luisa , Taylor Matthew
Published: August 2020

Titin is the largest human protein and an essential component of the cardiac sarcomere. With multiple immunoglobulin(Ig)-like domains that serve as molecular springs, titin contributes significantly to the passive tension, systolic function, and diastolic function of the heart. Mutations leading to early termination of titin are the most common genetic cause of dilated cardiomyopathy. Modifications of titin, which change protein length, and relative stiffness affect resting tension of the ventricle and are associated with acquired forms of heart failure. Transcriptional and post-translational changes that increase titin’s length and extensibility, making the sarcomere longer and softer, are associated with systolic dysfunction and left ventricular dilation. Modifications of titin that decrease its length and extensibility, making the sarcomere shorter and stiffer, are associated with diastolic dysfunction in animal models. There has been significant progress in understanding the mechanisms by which titin is modified. As molecular pathways that modify titin’s mechanical properties are elucidated, they represent therapeutic targets for treatment of both systolic and diastolic dysfunction. In this article, we review titin’s contribution to normal cardiac physiology, the pathophysiology of titin truncation variations leading to dilated cardiomyopathy, and transcriptional and post-translational modifications of titin. Emphasis is on how modification of titin can be utilized as a therapeutic target for treatment of heart failure.
Assessment of Marine Litter in the Coralligenous Habitat of a Marine Protected Area along the Ionian Coast of Sicily (Central Mediterranean)
Authors: Costanzo Luca Giuseppe , Marletta Giuliana , Alongi Giuseppina
Published: August 2020

In the Mediterranean Sea, the coralligenous is an extremely important habitat for its biodiversity and role in carbon sequestration. However, coralligenous biocenosis is sensitive to many anthropogenic impacts, among which one of the major threats is the marine litter. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the marine litter present in the coralligenous habitat of the Marine Protected Area (MPA) Isole Ciclopi (Sicily, Italy). Through the analysis of frames obtained by Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV) videos, data on the type of marine litter, grade of organisms’ coverage, litter-organism interactions, and seabed coverage of items were gained. Through ROV surveys, a low number of marine litter items was observed and most of them were fishing gears. On the found items there was a high degree of organisms’ coverage, which suggests that probably the marine litter was abandoned or lost since a long time. Overall, it was observed that in recent years the fishing activity in the MPA has not affected the coralligenous habitat. The present study represents a baseline for future monitoring programmes, which will be useful to develop protection measures and sustainable fishing, in order to preserve the coralligenous habitat of the MPA.
Beach Nourishment as an Adaptation to Future Sandy Beach Loss Owing to Sea-Level Rise in Thailand
Authors: Somphong Chatuphorn , Udo Keiko , Ritphring Sompratana , Shirakawa Hiroaki
Published: August 2020

A recent study suggested that significant beach loss may take place on the coasts of Thailand by the end of the 21st century as per projections of sea-level rise by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The present study adapts a framework and provides broad estimations for sand volumes and costs required to apply beach nourishment to each coastal zone in Thailand using a technique based on the Bruun rule assumption. Results indicate that a minimum of USD 2981 million (the best scenario) to a maximum of USD 11,409 million (the worst scenario) would be required to maintain all sandy beaches at their present width. Further, the effect of filling particle size on beach nourishment was analyzed in this study. The cost of beach nourishment ranges between USD 1983 and 14,208 million when considering filling particle size diameters of 0.5 and 0.2 mm. A zonal sand volume map for all 51 sandy beach zones in Thailand was created for use as an overview to help decision makers develop a more feasible adaptation plan to deal with the future sea-level rise for Thailand.
Proteomic and Transcriptomic Analyses Indicate Metabolic Changes and Reduced Defense Responses in Mycorrhizal Roots of Oeceoclades maculata (Orchidaceae) Collected in Nature
Authors: Valadares Rafael B. S. , Perotto Silvia , Lucheta Adriano R. , Santos Eder C. , Oliveira Renato M. , Lambais Marcio R.
Published: August 2020

Orchids form endomycorrhizal associations with fungi mainly belonging to basidiomycetes. The molecular events taking place in orchid mycorrhiza are poorly understood, although the cellular changes necessary to accommodate the fungus and to control nutrient exchanges imply a modulation of gene expression. Here, we used proteomics and transcriptomics to identify changes in the steady-state levels of proteins and transcripts in the roots of the green terrestrial orchid Oeceoclades maculata. When mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal roots from the same individuals were compared, 94 proteins showed differential accumulation using the label-free protein quantitation approach, 86 using isobaric tagging and 60 using 2D-differential electrophoresis. After de novo assembly of transcriptomic data, 11,179 plant transcripts were found to be differentially expressed, and 2175 were successfully annotated. The annotated plant transcripts allowed the identification of up- and down-regulated metabolic pathways. Overall, proteomics and transcriptomics revealed, in mycorrhizal roots, increased levels of transcription factors and nutrient transporters, as well as ethylene-related proteins. The expression pattern of proteins and transcripts involved in plant defense responses suggested that plant defense was reduced in O. maculata mycorrhizal roots sampled in nature. These results expand our current knowledge towards a better understanding of the orchid mycorrhizal symbiosis in adult plants under natural conditions.
Endophytic Fungi Isolated from Plants Growing in Central Andean Precordillera of Chile with Antifungal Activity against Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Vidal Araceli , Parada Rodolfo , Mendoza Leonora , Cotoras Milena
Published: August 2020

Botrytis cinerea is an important phytopathogenic fungus affecting the fruit production around the world. This fungus is controlled mainly by using synthetic fungicides, but many resistant isolates have been selected by the indiscriminate use of fungicides. Endophytic fungi or secondary metabolites obtained from them become an alternative method of control for this fungus. The aim of this work was to identify endophytic fungi with antifungal activity against the plant pathogenic fungus B. cinerea isolated from plants from Central Andean Precordillera of Chile. Three endophytic fungi (Ac1, Lc1 and Ec1) with antifungal activity against B. cinerea were isolated from native and endemic plants growing in Central Andean Precordillera of Chile. The isolates Lc1 (isolated from Lithraea caustica) and Ac1 (isolated from Acacia caven) were identified as Alternaria spp. and the isolate Ec1 (isolated from Echinopsis chiloensis) was identified as Aureobasidium spp. The isolated endophytic fungi would inhibit B. cinerea through the secretion of diffusible and volatile compounds affecting the mycelial growth, conidia germination and interestingly, it was also shown that the volatile compounds produced by the three isolated endophytic fungi suppressed the sporulation of B. cinerea.
The Relationship between Fungal Diversity and Invasibility of a Foliar Niche—The Case of Ash Dieback
Authors: Agan Ahto , Drenkhan Rein , Adamson Kalev , Tedersoo Leho , Solheim Halvor , Børja Isabella , Matsiakh Iryna , Timmermann Volkmar , Nagy Nina Elisabeth , Hietala Ari Mikko
Published: August 2020

European ash (Fraxinus excelsior) is threatened by the invasive ascomycete Hymenoscyphus fraxineus originating from Asia. Ash leaf tissues serve as a route for shoot infection but also as a sporulation substrate for this pathogen. Knowledge of the leaf niche partitioning by indigenous fungi and H. fraxineus is needed to understand the fungal community receptiveness to the invasion. We subjected DNA extracted from unwashed and washed leaflets of healthy and diseased European ash to PacBio sequencing of the fungal ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA region. Leaflets from co-inhabiting rowan trees (Sorbus aucuparia) served as a reference. The overlap in leaflet mycobiomes between ash and rowan was remarkably high, but unlike in rowan, in ash leaflets the sequence read proportion, and the qPCR-based DNA amount estimates of H. fraxineus increased vigorously towards autumn, concomitant with a significant decline in overall fungal richness. The niche of ash and rowan leaves was dominated by epiphytic propagules (Vishniacozyma yeasts, the dimorphic fungus Aureobasidion pullulans and the dematiaceous hyphomycete Cladosporium ramotenellum and H. fraxineus), and endophytic thalli of biotrophs (Phyllactinia and Taphrina species), the indigenous necrotroph Venturia fraxini and H. fraxineus. Mycobiome comparison between healthy and symptomatic European ash leaflets revealed no significant differences in relative abundance of H. fraxineus, but A. pullulans was more prevalent in symptomatic trees. The impacts of host specificity, spatiotemporal niche partitioning, species carbon utilization profiles and life cycle traits are discussed to understand the ecological success of H. fraxineus in Europe. Further, the inherent limitations of different experimental approaches in the profiling of foliicolous fungi are addressed.
Survey of Green Bond Pricing and Investment Performance
Authors: Liaw K. Thomas
Published: August 2020

Green bonds are similar to conventional bonds but are specifically earmarked to raise money to finance climate or environmental projects. There have been anecdotes of green bonds being priced tighter than similar conventional bonds by the same issuers. Our survey of academic literature indicates that most papers show the yield of a green bond is lower than that of the equivalent conventional bond at issuance (also known as green premium or greenium). However, green bond pricing studies by Climate Bonds Initiative produce mixed results. The conflicting results are likely explained by differences in sample selections, time periods, methodologies, and the properties of the respective issuing entity and the bond. In addition, we examine investment returns from select green bond funds and green bond indexes. The assets under management of those funds are still small and they underperform their benchmark indexes.
Stabilized Amorphous Calcium Carbonate as a Precursor of Microcoating on Calcite
Authors: Jeon Taeyoung , Na Ye-Eun , Jang Dongchan , Kim Il Won
Published: August 2020

Highly controlled biomineralization of calcium carbonate is via non-classical mesocrystallization of amorphous precursors. In the present study, a simple in vitro assay was developed to mimic the biological process, which involved stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate and a single crystal substrate of calcite. The microcoating layer formed on the calcite substrate displayed mesocrystalline characteristics, and the layers near the substrate were strongly influenced by the epitaxy to the substrate. This behavior was preserved even when the morphology of the coating layer was modified with poly(acrylic acid), a model anionic macromolecule. Interestingly, the extent of the epitaxy increased substantially with poly(ethylene imine), which barely affected the crystal morphology. The in vitro assay in the present study will be useful in the investigations of the biomineralization and bioinspired crystallization of calcium carbonate in general.
Calibration Method for Monitoring Hygro-Mechanical Reactions of Pine and Oak Wood by Acoustic Emission Nondestructive Testing
Authors: Bertolin Chiara , de Ferri Lavinia , Berto Filippo
Published: August 2020

The main issue of wood is its sensitivity to Relative Humidity (RH) variations, affecting its dimensional stability, and thus leading to crack formations and propagations. In situ structural health monitoring campaigns imply the use of portable noninvasive techniques such as acoustic emission, used for real-time detection of energy released when cracks form and grow. This paper proposes a calibration method, i.e., acoustic emission, as an early warning tool for estimating the length of new formed cracks. The predictability of ductile and brittle fracture mechanisms based on acoustic emission features was investigated, as well as climate-induced damage effect, leading to a strain-hardening mechanism. Tensile tests were performed on specimens submitted to a 50% RH variation and coated with chemicals to limit moisture penetration through the radial surfaces. Samples were monitored for acoustic emission using a digital camera to individuate calibration curves that correlated the total emitted energy with the crack propagation, specifically during brittle fracture mechanism, since equations provide the energy to create a new surface as the crack propagates. The dynamic surface energy value was also evaluated and used to define a Locus of Equilibrium of the energy surface rate for crack initiation and arrest, as well as to experimentally demonstrate the proven fluctuation concept.
Birnessite: A New Oxidant for Green Rust Formation
Authors: Doggaz Amira , Coustel Romain , Durand Pierrick , Humbert François , Ruby Christian
Published: August 2020

Iron and manganese are ubiquitous in the natural environment. FeII-FeIII layered double hydroxide, commonly called green rust (GR), and MnIII-MnIV birnessite (Bir) are also well known to be reactive solid compounds. Therefore, studying the chemical interactions between Fe and Mn species could contribute to understanding the interactions between their respective biogeochemical cycles. Moreover, ferromanganese solid compounds are potentially interesting materials for water treatment. Here, a {Fe(OH)2, FeIIaq} mixture was oxidized by Bir in sulphated aqueous media in the presence or absence of dissolved O2. In oxic conditions for an initial FeII/OH− ratio of 0.6, a single GR phase was obtained in a first step; the oxidation kinetics being faster than without Bir. In a second step, GR was oxidised into various final products, mainly in a spinel structure. A partial substitution of Fe by Mn species was suspected in both GR and the spinel. In anoxic condition, GR was also observed but other by-products were concomitantly formed. All the oxidation products were characterized by XRD, XPS, and Mössbauer spectroscopy. Hence, oxidation of FeII species by Bir can be considered as a new chemical pathway for producing ferromanganese spinels. Furthermore, these results suggest that Bir may participate in the formation of GR minerals.
Fast COVID-19 and Pneumonia Classification Using Chest X-ray Images
Authors: Luján-García Juan Eduardo , Moreno-Ibarra Marco Antonio , Villuendas-Rey Yenny , Yáñez-Márquez Cornelio
Published: August 2020

As of the end of 2019, the world suffered from a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which has become the pandemic COVID-19. This aggressive disease deteriorates the human respiratory system. Patients with COVID-19 can develop symptoms that belong to the common flu, pneumonia, and other respiratory diseases in the first four to ten days after they have been infected. As a result, it can cause misdiagnosis between patients with COVID-19 and typical pneumonia. Some deep-learning techniques can help physicians to obtain an effective pre-diagnosis. The content of this article consists of a deep-learning model, specifically a convolutional neural network with pre-trained weights, which allows us to use transfer learning to obtain new retrained models to classify COVID-19, pneumonia, and healthy patients. One of the main findings of this article is that the following relevant result was obtained in the dataset that we used for the experiments: all the patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 and all the patients infected with pneumonia were correctly classified. These results allow us to conclude that the proposed method in this article may be useful to help physicians decide the diagnoses related to COVID-19 and typical pneumonia.
H-Umbilical Lagrangian Submanifolds of the Nearly Kähler \( {\mathbb{S}^3\times\mathbb{S}^3} \)
Authors: Antić Miroslava , Moruz Marilena , Van der Veken Joeri
Published: August 2020

H-umbilicity was introduced as an analogue of total umbilicity for Lagrangian submanifolds since, in some relevant cases, totally umbilical Lagrangian submanifolds are automatically totally geodesic. In this paper, we show that, in the homogeneous nearly Kähler S3×S3, also H-umbilical Lagrangian submanifolds are automatically totally geodesic.
Minimising Blood Stream Infection: Developing New Materials for Intravascular Catheters
Authors: Casimero Charnete , Ruddock Todd , Hegarty Catherine , Barber Robert , Devine Amy , Davis James
Published: August 2020

Catheter related blood stream infection is an ever present hazard for those patients requiring venous access and particularly for those requiring long term medication. The implementation of more rigorous care bundles and greater adherence to aseptic techniques have yielded substantial reductions in infection rates but the latter is still far from acceptable and continues to place a heavy burden on patients and healthcare providers. While advances in engineering design and the arrival of functional materials hold considerable promise for the development of a new generation of catheters, many challenges remain. The aim of this review is to identify the issues that presently impact catheter performance and provide a critical evaluation of the design considerations that are emerging in the pursuit of these new catheter systems.
Development of Newly Synthesized Chromone Derivatives with High Tumor Specificity against Human Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Sugita Yoshiaki , Takao Koichi , Uesawa Yoshihiro , Nagai Junko , Iijima Yosuke , Sano Motohiko , Sakagami Hiroshi
Published: August 2020

Since many anticancer drugs show severe adverse effects such as mucositis, peripheral neurotoxicity, and extravasation, it was crucial to explore new compounds with much reduced adverse effects. Comprehensive investigation with human malignant and nonmalignant cells demonstrated that derivatives of chromone, back-bone structure of flavonoid, showed much higher tumor specificity as compared with three major polyphenols in the natural kingdom, such as lignin-carbohydrate complex, tannin, and flavonoid. A total 291 newly synthesized compounds of 17 groups (consisting of 12 chromones, 2 esters, and 3 amides) gave a wide range of the intensity of tumor specificity, possibly reflecting the fitness for the optimal 3D structure and electric state. Among them, 7-methoxy-3-[(1E)-2-phenylethenyl]-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one (compound 22), which belongs to 3-styrylchromones, showed the highest tumor specificity. 22 induced subG1 and G2 + M cell population in human oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line, with much less keratinocyte toxicity as compared with doxorubicin and 5-FU. However, 12 active compounds selected did not necessarily induce apoptosis and mitotic arrest. This compound can be used as a lead compound to manufacture more active compound.
Editorial for the Special Issue “Infrared Nanophotonics: Materials, Devices and Applications”
Authors: Nagao Tadaaki
Published: August 2020

Infrared light radiates from almost all the matter on earth and its strategic use will be an important issue for the enhancement of human life and the sustainable development of modern industry [...]
Thermobarometry and Geochemistry of Mantle Xenoliths from Zapolyarnaya Pipe, Upper Muna Field, Yakutia: Implications for Mantle Layering, Interaction with Plume Melts and Diamond Grade
Authors: Ashchepkov Igor , Medvedev Nikolay , Vladykin Nikolay , Ivanov Alexander , Downes Hilary
Published: August 2020

Minerals from mantle xenoliths in the Zapolyarnaya pipe in the Upper Muna field, Russia and from mineral separates from other large diamondiferous kimberlite pipes in this field (Deimos, Novinka and Komsomolskaya-Magnitnaya) were studied with EPMA and LA-ICP-MS. All pipes contain very high proportions of sub-calcic garnets. Zapolyarnaya contains mainly dunitic xenoliths with veinlets of garnets, phlogopites and Fe-rich pyroxenes similar in composition to those from sheared peridotites. PT estimates for the clinopyroxenes trace the convective inflection of the geotherm (40–45 mW·m−2) to 8 GPa, inflected at 6 GPa and overlapping with PT estimates for ilmenites derived from protokimberlites. The Upper Muna mantle lithosphere includes dunite channels from 8 to 2 GPa, which were favorable for melt movement. The primary layering deduced from the fluctuations of CaO in garnets was smoothed by the refertilization events, which formed additional pyroxenes. Clinopyroxenes from the Novinka and Komsomolskaya-Magnitnaya pipes show a more linear geotherm and three branches in the P-Fe# plot from the lithosphere base to the Moho, suggesting several episodes of pervasive melt percolation. Clinopyroxenes from Zapolyarnaya are divided into four groups according to thermobarometry and trace element patterns, which show a stepwise increase of REE and incompatible elements. Lower pressure groups including dunitic garnets have elevated REE with peaks in Rb, Th, Nb, Sr, Zr, and U, suggesting mixing of the parental protokimberlitic melts with partially melted metasomatic veins of ancient subduction origin. At least two stages of melt percolation formed the inclined PT paths: (1) an ancient garnet semi-advective geotherm (35–45 mW·m−2) formed by volatile-rich melts during the major late Archean event of lithosphere growth; and (2) a hotter megacrystic PT path (Cpx-Ilm) formed by feeding systems for kimberlite eruptions (40–45 mW·m−2). Ilmenite PT estimates trace three separate PT trajectories, suggesting a multistage process associated with metasomatism and formation of the Cpx-Phl veinlets in dunites. Heating associated with intrusions of protokimberlite caused reactivation of the mantle metasomatites rich in H2O and alkali metals and possibly favored the growth of large megacrystalline diamonds.
Biased versus Partial Agonism in the Search for Safer Opioid Analgesics
Authors: Azevedo Neto Joaquim , Costanzini Anna , De Giorgio Roberto , Lambert David G. , Ruzza Chiara , Calò Girolamo
Published: August 2020

Opioids such as morphine—acting at the mu opioid receptor—are the mainstay for treatment of moderate to severe pain and have good efficacy in these indications. However, these drugs produce a plethora of unwanted adverse effects including respiratory depression, constipation, immune suppression and with prolonged treatment, tolerance, dependence and abuse liability. Studies in β-arrestin 2 gene knockout (βarr2(−/−)) animals indicate that morphine analgesia is potentiated while side effects are reduced, suggesting that drugs biased away from arrestin may manifest with a reduced-side-effect profile. However, there is controversy in this area with improvement of morphine-induced constipation and reduced respiratory effects in βarr2(−/−) mice. Moreover, studies performed with mice genetically engineered with G-protein-biased mu receptors suggested increased sensitivity of these animals to both analgesic actions and side effects of opioid drugs. Several new molecules have been identified as mu receptor G-protein-biased agonists, including oliceridine (TRV130), PZM21 and SR–17018. These compounds have provided preclinical data with apparent support for bias toward G proteins and the genetic premise of effective and safer analgesics. There are clinical data for oliceridine that have been very recently approved for short term intravenous use in hospitals and other controlled settings. While these data are compelling and provide a potential new pathway-based target for drug discovery, a simpler explanation for the behavior of these biased agonists revolves around differences in intrinsic activity. A highly detailed study comparing oliceridine, PZM21 and SR–17018 (among others) in a range of assays showed that these molecules behave as partial agonists. Moreover, there was a correlation between their therapeutic indices and their efficacies, but not their bias factors. If there is amplification of G-protein, but not arrestin pathways, then agonists with reduced efficacy would show high levels of activity at G-protein and low or absent activity at arrestin; offering analgesia with reduced side effects or ‘apparent bias’. Overall, the current data suggests—and we support—caution in ascribing biased agonism to reduced-side-effect profiles for mu-agonist analgesics.
The Inhibitory Effects of Heterotrigona Itama Honey Marinades on the Formation of Carcinogenic Heterocyclic Amines in Grilled Beef Satay
Authors: Shamsudin Sharina , Selamat Jinap , Sanny Maimunah , Jambari Nuzul Noorahya , Sukor Rashidah , Praveena Sarva Mangala , Khatib Alfi
Published: August 2020

Heterocyclic amines (HCAs) are carcinogenic food toxicants formed in cooked meats, which may increase the risk of cancer development in humans. Therefore, in this study, the effect of stingless bee honey from different botanical origins on the formation of HCAs in grilled beef satay was investigated. HCAs concentration in grilled beef satay was determined by using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In total, six of the most toxigenic HCAs representing aminoimidazo-azaarenes (AIAs) (MeIQx, 4,8-DiMeIQx, and PhIP) and amino carbolines (norharman, harman, and AαC) groups were identified in all the beef samples investigated. A significant reduction in HCAs was observed in grilled beef marinated in honey as compared to beef samples marinated in table sugar (control), in which the reduction of 95.14%, 88.45%, 85.65%, and 57.22% was observed in gelam, starfruit, acacia, and Apis honey marinades, respectively. According to the partial least squares regression (PLS) model, the inhibition of HCAs in grilled beef was shown to be significantly correlated to the antioxidant activity (IC50) of the honey samples. Therefore, the results of this study revealed that the addition of stingless bee honey could play an important role in reducing HCAs in grilled beef.
Ethanolic Extract of Salvia hispanica L. Regulates Blood Pressure by Modulating the Expression of Genes Involved in BP-Regulatory Pathways
Authors: Arredondo-Mendoza Gerardo I. , Jiménez-Salas Zacarías , Garza Francisco Javier Guzmán-de la , Solís-Pérez Elizabeth , López-Cabanillas-Lomelí Manuel , González-Martínez Blanca Edelia , Campos-Góngora Eduardo
Published: August 2020

Hypertension (HT) is considered to be a potential risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and has been directly related to pathologies such as obesity and dyslipidemias. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) blocked the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone cascade diminishing the production of angiotensin II and the level of bradykinin, produced by the kallikrein-kinin system. Although ACEIs are effective therapeutics in regulating HT, they present several side-effects that can be due to their mechanism of action (as hypotension, cough, dizziness, light-headedness or hyperkalemia) to specific drug molecular structure (skin rash, neutropenia and tasting disorders) or due to associated pathologies in the patients (it has been considered a possible nephrotoxic effect when ACEIs are administered in combination with angiotensin receptor blockers, in patients that present comorbidities as diabetes, acute kidney injury or chronic kidney disease). Therefore, it is necessary the searching for new products with ACEI activity that do not produce side effects. Interestingly, species of the plant genus Salvia have been found to possess hypotensive effects. In the present study, we analyzed the effects of the ethanolic extract of Salvia hispanica L. seeds (EESH) on the expression of genes involved in pathways regulating HT. Administration of EESH to hypertensive rats inhibited the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity along with a decrease in Ace and elevation of Agtr1a and Nos3 gene expression, as compared to that in healthy rats. Moreover, these results were similar to those observed with captopril, an antihypertensive drug used as a control. No significant change in the expression of Bdkrb2 gene was observed in the different groups of rats. To conclude, our results demonstrate that EESH regulates blood pressure (BP) in hypertensive rats through transcriptionally regulating the expression of genes that participate in different pathways involving ACE.
Identification of Potential Chemical Substrates as Fuel for Hypoxic Tumors That May Be Linked to Invadopodium Formation in Hypoxia-Induced MDA-MB-231 Breast-Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Hamad Hamad Ali , Enezei Hamid Hammad , Alrawas Anmar , Zakuan Noraina Muhamad , Abdullah Nurul Akmaryanti , Cheah Yoke Kqueen , Hashim Nur Fariesha Md
Published: August 2020

Hypoxia plays a significant role in solid tumors by the increased expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), which is known to promote cancer invasion and metastasis. Cancer-cell invasion dynamically begins with the degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) via invadopodia formation. The chemical substrates that are utilized by hypoxic cells as fuel to drive invadopodia formation are still not fully understood. Therefore, the aim of the study was to maintain MDA-MB-231 cells under hypoxia conditions to allow cells to form a large number of invadopodia as a model, followed by identifying their nutrient utilization. The results of the study revealed an increase in the number of cells forming invadopodia under hypoxia conditions. Moreover, Western blot analysis confirmed that essential proteins for hypoxia and invadopodia, including HIF-1α, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), metallopeptidase-2 (MMP-2), and Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor 7 (β-PIX), significantly increased under hypoxia. Interestingly, phenotype microarray showed that only 11 chemical substrates from 367 types of substrates were significantly metabolized in hypoxia compared to in normoxia. This is thought to be fuel for hypoxia to drive the invasion process. In conclusion, we found 11 chemical substrates that could have potential energy sources for hypoxia-induced invadopodia formation of these cells. This may in part be a target in the hypoxic tumor and invadopodia formation. Additionally, these findings can be used as potential carrier targets in cancer-drug discovery, such as the usage of dextrin.