bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance of a Potentially Invasive Species of Ornamental Seaweed Caulerpa sertularioides in Acidifying and Warming Oceans
Authors: Kang Eun Ju , Lee Sukyeon , Kang Juhyun , Moon Hanbi , Kim Il-Nam , Kim Ju-Hyoung
Published: December 2021

Caulerpa, a (sub) tropical seaweed, is a notorious taxonomic group and an invasive seaweed worldwide. Similar to several species that have been introduced to benthic habitats through aquariums, Caulerpa sertularioides has also been introduced into Korean aquariums, although it is not native to the region. Thus, it is necessary to evaluate the potential of this species for invading domestic macroalgal habitats. Therefore, an indoor mesocosm experiment was conducted to examine the ecophysiological invasion risk of non-native seaweed C. sertularioides under various climate conditions and exposure to three future climate scenarios: acidification (doubled CO2), warming (5 °C increase from ambient temperature), and greenhouse (GR: combination of acidification and warming); additionally, we compared the invasion risk between future and present climates (control: 20 °C and 470 µatm CO2). High CO2 concentrations and increased temperatures positively affected the photosynthesis and growth of C. sertularioides. Photosynthesis and growth were more synergistically increased under GR conditions than under acidification and warming. Consequently, the performance of this potentially invasive species in the native macroalgal Korean habitat will be higher in the future in coastal environments. Therefore, proper management is required to prevent the geographic expansion of C. sertularioides in the Korean coastal ocean.
Emergency Situation Safety Evaluation of Marine Ship Collision Accident Based on Extension Cloud Model
Authors: Zou Yiyang , Zhang Yingjun , Ma Zhihong
Published: December 2021

After collisions at sea, situation evaluation and analysis are very important to follow-up rescue operations. At present, there are few ways give weights in the current situational safety evaluation methods after collisions of marine ships. Most safety evaluation models ignore the blurred boundaries of evaluation grades. To solve these issues, this paper identifies the safety evaluation indicator system and evaluation standards, and establishes an after-collisions safety evaluation model of maritime ships based on the extension cloud theory. This model combines the extension cloud model, the analytic hierarchy process, the entropy weight method, and game theory. Using this model, the situation safety of two collisions was evaluated. The evaluation results reflect the effectiveness of the model. In order to ensure the safety of the lives and property of marine personnel, suggestions have been made to strengthen crew training, improve ship’s self-rescue ability at sea, and establish a complete marine emergency response rescue system.
Effects of the Dark Septate Endophyte (DSE) Exophiala pisciphila on the Growth of Root Cell Wall Polysaccharides and the Cadmium Content of Zea mays L. under Cadmium Stress
Authors: Xiao Yao , Dai Meng-Xue , Zhang Guang-Qun , Yang Zhi-Xin , He Yong-Mei , Zhan Fang-Dong
Published: December 2021

This paper aims to investigate the mechanism by which dark septate endophytes (DSEs) enhance cadmium (Cd) tolerance in there host plants. Maize (Zea mays L.) was inoculated with a DSE, Exophiala pisciphila, under Cd stress at different concentrations (0, 5, 10, and 20 mg·kg−1). The results show that, under 20 mg/kg Cd stress, DSE significantly increased maize biomass and plant height, indicating that DSE colonization can be utilized to increase the Cd tolerance of host plants. More Cd was retained in DSE-inoculated roots, especially that fixed in the root cell wall (RCW). The capability of DSE to induce a higher Cd holding capacity in the RCW is caused by modulation of the total sugar and uronic acid of DSE-colonized RCW, mainly the pectin and hemicellulose fractions. The fourier-transform spectroscopy analysis results show that carboxyl, hydroxyl, and acidic groups are involved in Cd retention in the DSE-inoculated RCW. The promotion of the growth of maize and improvement in its tolerance to Cd due to DSEs are related to restriction of the translocation of Cd from roots to shoots; resistance of Cd uptake Cd inside cells; and the increase in RCW-integrated Cd through modulating RCW polysaccharide components.
MicroRNA-Target Interaction Regulatory Network in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Turk Aleksander , Kunej Tanja , Peterlin Borut
Published: December 2021

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia; however, early diagnosis of the disease is challenging. Research suggests that biomarkers found in blood, such as microRNAs (miRNA), may be promising for AD diagnostics. Experimental data on miRNA–target interactions (MTI) associated with AD are scattered across databases and publications, thus making the identification of promising miRNA biomarkers for AD difficult. In response to this, a list of experimentally validated AD-associated MTIs was obtained from miRTarBase. Cytoscape was used to create a visual MTI network. STRING software was used for protein–protein interaction analysis and mirPath was used for pathway enrichment analysis. Several targets regulated by multiple miRNAs were identified, including: BACE1, APP, NCSTN, SP1, SIRT1, and PTEN. The miRNA with the highest numbers of interactions in the network were: miR-9, miR-16, miR-34a, miR-106a, miR-107, miR-125b, miR-146, and miR-181c. The analysis revealed seven subnetworks, representing disease modules which have a potential for further biomarker development. The obtained MTI network is not yet complete, and additional studies are needed for the comprehensive understanding of the AD-associated miRNA targetome.
Telomere Length and Arterial Stiffness Reflected by Brachial–Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Wai Kyi Mar , Kaori Sawada , Itoh Ken , Shinya Okuyama , Uchikawa Yuka , Hayashi Sakura , Shiraki Akiko , Murashita Koichi , Nakaji Shigeyuki , Ihara Kazushige
Published: December 2021

Telomere (TL) is a biomarker of biological aging, and its shortening is associated with major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This study aimed to identify whether TL is associated with arterial stiffness as reflected by brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). This population-based cross-sectional study involved 1065 individuals in the Iwaki area, Japan. Total TL length and TL G-tail length were measured by hybridization protection assay. The baPWV was measured on the right and left sides using a non-invasive vascular screening device. The associations between TL and baPWV were assessed by multivariate linear regression. Compared with the shortest total TL tertile, the longest total TL group showed a significant decrease in baPWV (lowest vs. highest tertile: adjusted beta: −41.24, 95% confidence interval (CI): −76.81, −5.68). The mean baPWV decreased with a longer TL (TL G-tail length: p trend < 0.001, total TL: p trend < 0.001). TL G-tail and total TL lengths were inversely associated with baPWV, implicating TL shortening in the development of CVD. This study provides evidence of the factors influencing CVD risks at a very early stage when individuals can still take necessary precautions before CVD gives rise to a symptomatic health outcome.
Artificial Intelligence Evidence-Based Current Status and Potential for Lower Limb Vascular Management
Authors: Butova Xenia , Shayakhmetov Sergey , Fedin Maxim , Zolotukhin Igor , Gianesini Sergio
Published: December 2021

Consultation prioritization is fundamental in optimal healthcare management and its performance can be helped by artificial intelligence (AI)-dedicated software and by digital medicine in general. The need for remote consultation has been demonstrated not only in the pandemic-induced lock-down but also in rurality conditions for which access to health centers is constantly limited. The term “AI” indicates the use of a computer to simulate human intellectual behavior with minimal human intervention. AI is based on a “machine learning” process or on an artificial neural network. AI provides accurate diagnostic algorithms and personalized treatments in many fields, including oncology, ophthalmology, traumatology, and dermatology. AI can help vascular specialists in diagnostics of peripheral artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, and deep vein thrombosis by analyzing contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasound data and in diagnostics of pulmonary embolism on multi-slice computed angiograms. Automatic methods based on AI may be applied to detect the presence and determine the clinical class of chronic venous disease. Nevertheless, data on using AI in this field are still scarce. In this narrative review, the authors discuss available data on AI implementation in arterial and venous disease diagnostics and care.
Plasma BDNF and Cytokines Correlated with Protein Biomarkers for Bipolar II Disorder
Authors: Lee Sheng-Yu , Wang Tzu-Yun , Lu Ru-Band , Wang Liang-Jen , Chang Cheng-Ho , Chiang Yung-Chih , Pan Chih-Chuan , Tsai Kuo-Wang
Published: December 2021

We have previously identified five candidate proteins (matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9), phenylalanyl-TRNA synthetase subunit beta (FARSB), peroxiredoxin 2 (PRDX2), carbonic anhydrase 1 (CA-1), and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin Type 9 (PCSK9)) as potential biomarkers for bipolar II disorder (BD-II). These candidate proteins have been associated with neuroprotective factors (BDNF) and inflammatory factors (cytokines, C-reactive protein (CRP), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)). However, the correlations between these proteins with plasma BDNF and inflammatory factors remain unknown. We recruited a total of 185 patients with BD-II and 186 healthy controls. Plasma levels of candidate proteins, BDNF, cytokines (TNF-α, CRP, and interleukin-8 (IL-8)) were assessed from each participant. The correlations between levels of candidate proteins, BDNF, and cytokines were analyzed. In the BD-II group, we found that the level of FARSB was positively correlated with the BDNF level (r = 0.397, p < 0.001) and IL-8 (r = 0.320, p < 0.001). The CA-1 level positively correlated with IL-8 (r = 0.318, p < 0.001). In the control group, we found that the FARSB level positively correlated with the BDNF level (r = 0.648, p < 0.001). The CA-1 level positively correlated with TNF-α (r = 0.231, p = 0.002), while the MMP-9 level positively correlated with the CRP level (r = 0.227, p = 0.002). Our results may help in clarifying the underlying mechanism of these candidate proteins for BD-II.
An Analysis of the Effects of Public Investment on Labor Demand through the Channel of Economic Growth with a Focus on Socio-Professional Categories and Gender
Authors: Sall Mame Cheikh Anta , Burlea-Schiopoiu Adriana
Published: December 2021

The paper aims to analyze the impact of public investments generated by implementing the Emerging Senegal Plan (ESP) on economic growth and gender inequalities observed in the labor market in Senegal. A dynamic computable general equilibrium modeling was carried out for this purpose using a social accounting matrix (SAM) based on an extensive segmentation of the labor market according to gender and socio-professional category. The results prove that the investments made in priority market sectors led, overall, to a good trajectory of economic growth. Moreover, job creation followed the expansion of sectors of the economy, which increased their demand for labor because of the capital increase. In conclusion, there is a strong demand for qualified women (senior executives and middle executives). We recommend considering positive discrimination in favor of women by implementing public employment programs and the importance of recovery sectors affected by the pandemic.
Viewpoints on Cooperative Peatland Management: Expectations and Motives of Dutch Farmers
Authors: Norris Johanna , Matzdorf Bettina , Barghusen Rena , Schulze Christoph , van Gorcum Bart
Published: December 2021

The European Union (EU) is globally the second highest emitter of greenhouse gases from drained peatlands. On the national level, 15% of agricultural peat soils in the Netherlands are responsible for 34% of agricultural emissions. Crucial to any successful policy is a better understanding of the behavioral change it will bring about among the target groups. Thus, we aim to explore farmers’ differing viewpoints to discuss how policy and planning can be improved to ensure landscape-scale climate mitigation on agriculturally used peatlands. Q methodology was used to interview fifteen farmers on Dutch peat soils, whereby 37 statements were ranked in a grid according to their level of agreement. Factor analysis revealed three main viewpoints: farmers with a higher peat proportion show an urgency in continuing to use their land (‘cooperative businesspeople’), while ‘independent opportunists’ are wary of cooperation compromising their sense of autonomy. Farmers who are ‘conditional land stewards’ are open to agriculture without drainage but require appropriate payments to do so. Future policy design must focus on providing support to farmers that go beyond compensation payments by providing information about funding sources as well as potential business models for peatland uses with raised water tables.
Nitrogen Accumulation in Oyster (Crassostrea gigas) Slurry Exposed to Virucidal Cold Atmospheric Plasma Treatment
Authors: Csadek Isabella , Paulsen Peter , Weidinger Pia , Bak Kathrine H. , Bauer Susanne , Pilz Brigitte , Nowotny Norbert , Smulders Frans J. M.
Published: December 2021

Viral contamination of edible bivalves is a major food safety issue. We studied the virucidal effect of a cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) source on two virologically different surrogate viruses [a double-stranded DNA virus (Equid alphaherpesvirus 1, EHV-1), and a single-stranded RNA virus (Bovine coronavirus, BCoV)] suspended in Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s Medium (DMEM). A 15 min exposure effectuated a statistically significant immediate reduction in intact BCoV viruses by 2.8 (ozone-dominated plasma, “low power”) or 2.3 log cycles (nitrate-dominated, “high power”) of the initial viral load. The immediate effect of CAP on EHV-1 was less pronounced, with “low power” CAP yielding a 1.4 and “high power” a 1.0 log reduction. We observed a decline in glucose contents in DMEM, which was most probably caused by a Maillard reaction with the amino acids in DMEM. With respect to the application of the virucidal CAP treatment in oyster production, we investigated whether salt water could be sanitized. CAP treatment entailed a significant decline in pH, below the limits acceptable for holding oysters. In oyster slurry (a surrogate for live oysters), CAP exposure resulted in an increase in total nitrogen, and, to a lower extent, in nitrate and nitrite; this was most probably caused by absorption of nitrate from the plasma gas cloud. We could not observe a change in colour, indicative for binding of NOx to haemocyanin, although this would be a reasonable assumption. Further studies are necessary to explore in which form this additional nitrogen is deposited in oyster flesh.
Modulation of Multiple Precipitates for High Strength and Ductility in Al-Cu-Mn Alloy
Authors: Liu Linxiang , Wang Zhijun , Wu Qingfeng , Yang Zhongsheng , Zhou Kexuan , Fan Xiaoguang , Li Junjie , Wang Jincheng
Published: December 2021

The category and morphology of precipitates are essential factors in determining the mechanical behaviors of aluminum alloys. It is a great challenge to synthetically modulate multiple precipitates to simultaneously improve strength and ductility. In the present work, by optimizing the precipitations of the GP zone, θ’-approximant and θ’ phase for an Al-Cu-Mn alloy, a high tensile strength of 585 MPa with large elongation of 12.35% was achieved through pre-deformation and aging. The microstructure evolution pattern was revealed by detailed characterizations of scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. It was found that such high tensile strength of the samples was due to a combination of strengthening by the high density of dispersive fine precipitates and dislocations, and the high elongation to failure was primarily attributed to the multimodal precipitates and elimination of precipitation-free zones along the grain boundaries. The strategy proposed here is a promising way of preparing ultra-strong Al-Cu-Mn alloys.
Recruiting Perovskites to Degrade Toxic Trinitrotoluene
Authors: Mastrikov Yuri A. , Tsyshevsky Roman , Wang Fenggong , Kuklja Maija M.
Published: December 2021

Everybody knows TNT, the most widely used explosive material and a universal measure of the destructiveness of explosions. A long history of use and extensive manufacture of toxic TNT leads to the accumulation of these materials in soil and groundwater, which is a significant concern for environmental safety and sustainability. Reliable and cost-efficient technologies for removing or detoxifying TNT from the environment are lacking. Despite the extreme urgency, this remains an outstanding challenge that often goes unnoticed. We report here that highly controlled energy release from explosive molecules can be accomplished rather easily by preparing TNT–perovskite mixtures with a tailored perovskite surface morphology at ambient conditions. These results offer new insight into understanding the sensitivity of high explosives to detonation initiation and enable many novel applications, such as new concepts in harvesting and converting chemical energy, the design of new, improved energetics with tunable characteristics, the development of powerful fuels and miniaturized detonators, and new ways for eliminating toxins from land and water.
A 3D LTCC-Based Ceramic Microfluidic System with RF Dielectric Heating of Liquids
Authors: Makarovič Kostja , Belavič Darko , Vidmar Matjaž , Malič Barbara
Published: December 2021

The design, fabrication and functional evaluation of the radio-frequency dielectric heating of liquids in an LTCC-based ceramic microfluidic system are described and discussed. The device, which relies on the dielectric heating of liquids, was fabricated using a low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) technology. A multilayered ceramic structure with integrated electrodes, buried channels and cavities in micro and millimetre scales was fabricated. The structure with the dimensions of 35 mm × 22 mm × 2.4 mm includes a buried cavity with a diameter of 17.3 mm and a volume of 0.3 mL. The top and bottom faces of the cavity consist of silver/palladium electrodes protected with 100 μm thick layers of LTCC. The power, used to heat a polar liquid (water) in the cavity with the volume of 0.3 mL, ranges from 5 to 40 W. This novel application of RF dielectric heating could enable the miniaturization of microfluidic systems in many applications. The working principle of such a device and its efficiency are demonstrated using water as the heated medium.
Evaluation and Multi-Objective Optimization of Lightweight Mortars Parameters at Elevated Temperature via Box–Behnken Optimization Approach
Authors: Kaya Mehmet , Yıldırım Zeynel Baran , Köksal Fuat , Beycioğlu Ahmet , Kasprzyk Izabela
Published: December 2021

In this research, the mechanical properties of lightweight mortars containing different percentages of additional powder materials has been investigated using response surface methodology (RSM). Box–Behnken design, one of the RSM techniques, was used to study the effects of silica fume content (5, 10, and 15%), vermiculite/cement (V/C) ratio (4, 6, and 8), and temperature (300, 600, and 900 °C) on the ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), bending strength, and compressive strength of lightweight mortars. Design expert statistical software was accustomed to determining and evaluating the mix-design of materials in mortar mixtures and temperature effect on mortars. After preliminary experimental research of the relationships between independent and response variables, regression models were built. During the selection of the model parameters, F value, p-value, and R2 values of the statistical models were taken into account by using the backward elimination technique. The results showed a high correlation between the variables and responses. Multi-objective optimization results showed that the critical temperatures for different levels of silica fume (5–10–15%) were obtained as 371.6 °C, 306.3 °C, and 436 °C, respectively, when the V/C ratio kept constant as 4. According to the results obtained at high desirability levels, it is found that the UPS values varied in the range of 2480–2737 m/s, flexural strength of 3.13–3.81 MPa, and compressive strength of 9.9–11.5 MPa at these critical temperatures. As a result of this research, RSM is highly recommended to evaluate mechanical properties where concrete includes some additional powder materials and was exposed to high temperature.
A Comparative Study on the Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Cement-Based Materials by Direct Electric Curing and Steam Curing
Authors: Yang Zhihan , Xie Youjun , He Jionghuang , Wang Fan , Zeng Xiaohui , Ma Kunlin , Long Guangcheng
Published: December 2021

Direct electric curing (EC) is a new green curing method for cement-based materials that improves the early mechanical properties via the uniform high temperature produced by Joule heating. To understand the effects of EC and steam curing (SC) on the mechanical properties and microstructure of cement-based materials, the mortar was cured at different temperature-controlled curing regimes (40 °C, 60 °C, and 80 °C). Meanwhile, the mechanical properties, hydrates and pore structures of the specimens were investigated. The energy consumption of the curing methods was compared. The results showed that the EC specimens had higher and more stable growth of mechanical strength. The hydration degree and products of EC samples were similar to that of SC samples. However, the pore structure of EC specimens was finer than that of SC specimens at different curing ages. Moreover, the energy consumption of EC was much lower than that of SC. This study provides an important technical support for the EC in the production of energy-saving and high early-strength concrete precast components.
Semiring-Valued Fuzzy Sets and F-Transform
Authors: Močkoř Jiří
Published: December 2021

The notion of a semiring-valued fuzzy set is introduced for special commutative partially pre-ordered semirings, including basic operations with these fuzzy structures. It is showed that many standard MV-algebra-valued fuzzy type structures with standard operations, such as hesitant, intuitionistic, neutrosophic or fuzzy soft sets are, for appropriate semirings, isomorphic to semiring-valued fuzzy sets with operations defined. F-transform and inverse F-transform are introduced for semiring-valued fuzzy sets and properties of these transformations are investigated. Using the transformation of MV-algebra-valued fuzzy type structures to semiring-valued fuzzy sets, the F-transforms for these fuzzy type structures is introduced. The advantage of this procedure is, among other things, that the properties of this F-transform are analogous to the properties of the classical F-transform and because these properties are proven for any semiring-valued fuzzy sets, it is not necessary to prove them for individual fuzzy type structures.
The STEM Methodology and Graph Theory: Some Practical Examples
Authors: Jordán Cristina , Murillo-Arcila Marina , Torregrosa Juan R.
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we highlight that Graph Theory is certainly well suited to an applications approach. One of the basic problems that this theory solves is finding the shortest path between two points. For this purpose, we propose two real-world problems aimed at STEM undergraduate students to be solved by using shortest path algorithms from Graph Theory after previous modeling.
Exploring the Potential of Nannochloropsis sp. Extract for Cosmeceutical Applications
Authors: Kim Sun Young , Kwon Yong Min , Kim Kyung Woo , Kim Jaoon Young Hwan
Published: December 2021

Recently, there has been emerging interest in various natural products with skin protective effects as they are recognized as safe and efficient. Microalgae have developed chemical defense systems to protect themselves against oxidative stress caused by UV radiation by producing various bioactive compounds including a number of secondary metabolites, which have potential for cosmeceutical applications. In addition, microalgae have various advantages as a sustainable source for bioactive compounds with diverse functions due to their rapid growth rate, high productivity, and use of non-arable land. In this study, we aimed to investigate the cosmeceutical potential of ethanol extract from Nannochloropsis sp. G1-5 (NG15) isolated from the southern West Sea of the Republic of Korea. It contained PUFAs (including EPA), carotenoids (astaxanthin, canthaxanthin, β-carotene, zeaxanthin, violaxanthin), and phenolic compounds, which are known to have various skin protective functions. We confirmed that the NG15 extract showed various skin protective functions with low cytotoxicity, specifically anti-melanogenic, antioxidant, skin-moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, anti-wrinkling, and UV protective function, by measuring tyrosinase inhibition activity; melanin content; DPPH radical scavenging activity; expression of HAS-2, MMP-1, and Col1A1 genes; and elastase inhibition activity as well as cell viability after UV exposure. Our results indicated that the NG15 extract has the potential to be used for the development of natural cosmetics with a broad range of skin protective functions.
WAAM-Fabricated Laminated Metal Composites
Authors: Spalek Niclas , Brunow Jakob , Braun Moritz , Rutner Marcus
Published: December 2021

Laminated metal composites are a promising design since the hybrid design enables superior and tailorable material properties compared with bulk material. The article introduces for the first time, laminated metal composites consisting of multiple bilayers of alternating layers of ductile and high-strength steel processed by wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM). The layup of the laminated metal composites is built up by alternating deposits made of ductile steel and high-strength steel type wires. Governing parameters in the fabrication process affecting the material properties, such as dilution, are discussed. Enhanced material properties of the laminated metal composites fabricated by WAAM are investigated under static tensile, impact and tension-tension high-cycle-fatigue loading and compared to the relating homogenous weld metal. Potential reasons for the retardation of crack propagation in laminated metal composites fabricated by WAAM compared to findings in roll-bonded laminated metal composites are discussed. WAAM is conducted by a collaborative robot providing a high level of flexibility in respect to geometry and scalability. Tailorability of material properties through WAAM-fabricated laminated metal composites adds an important layer of flexibility which has not been explored yet.
First Evidence of the Post-Variscan Magmatic Pulse on the Western Edge of East European Craton: U-Pb Geochronology and Geochemistry of the Dolerite in the Lublin Podlasie Basin, Eastern Poland
Authors: Krzemińska Ewa , Krzemiński Leszek , Poprawa Paweł , Pacześna Jolanta , Nejbert Krzysztof
Published: December 2021

The U–Pb measurements of youngest, coherent group of zircons from the Mielnik IG1 dolerite at the Teisseyre-Tornquist margin (TTZ) of East European Craton (EEC) in Poland yielded age of 300 ± 4 Ma. Zircon dated an evolved portion of magma at the late stage crystallization. It is shown that this isolated dyke from the northern margin of the Lublin Podlasie basin (Podlasie Depression) and regional dyke swarms of close ages from the Swedish Scania, Bornholm and Rügen islands, Oslo rift, Norway, and the Great Whine Sill in northeastern England, were coeval. They have been controlled by the same prominent tectonic event. The Mielnik IG1 dolerite is mafic rock with Mg-number between 52 and 50 composed of the clinopyroxene, olivine-pseudomorph, plagioclase, titanite, magnetite mineral assemblage, indicating relatively evolved melt. This hypabyssal rock has been affected by postmagmatic alteration. The subalkaline basalt composition, enrichment in incompatible trace elements, progressive crustal contamination, including abundance of zircon xenocrysts determines individual characteristics of the Mielnik IG1 dolerite. The revised age of dolerite, emplaced in vicinity of TTZ provides more evidences documenting the reach of the Permo-Carboniferous extension and rifting accompanied by magmatic pulses, that were widespread across Europe including the margin of the EEC incorporated that time into the broad foreland of the Variscan orogen.
Synthesis of Energetic 7-Nitro-3,5-dihydro-4H-pyrazolo[4,3-d][1,2,3]triazin-4-one Based on a Novel Hofmann-Type Rearrangement
Authors: Bi Fu-Qiang , Luo Yi-Fen , Zhang Jun-Lin , Huo Huan , Wang Bo-Zhou
Published: December 2021

Rearrangement reactions are efficient strategies in organic synthesis and contribute enormously to the development of energetic materials. Here, we report on the preparation of a fused energetic structure of 7-nitro-3,5-dihydro-4H-pyrazolo[4,3-d][1,2,3]triazin-4-one (NPTO) based on a novel Hofmann-type rearrangement. The 1,2,3-triazine unit was introduced into the fused bicyclic skeleton from a pyrazole unit for the first time. The new compound of NPTO was fully characterized using multinuclear NMR and IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis as well as X-ray diffraction studies. The thermal behaviors and detonation properties of NPTO were investigated through a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC-TG) approach and EXPLO5 program-based calculations, respectively. The calculation results showed similar detonation performances between NPTO and the energetic materials of DNPP and ANPP, indicating that NPTO has a good application perspective in insensitive explosives and propellants.
Chemical Diversity and Antimicrobial Potential of Cultivable Fungi from Deep-Sea Sediments of the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Villanueva-Silva Rodrigo , Velez Patricia , Riquelme Meritxell , Fajardo-Hernández Carlos A. , Martínez-Cárdenas Anahí , Arista-Romero Alejandra , Wan Baojie , Ma Rui , Qader Mallique , Franzblau Scott G. , Figueroa Mario
Published: December 2021

A collection of 29 cultivable fungal strains isolated from deep-sea sediments of the Gulf of Mexico were cultivated under the “one strain, many compounds” approach to explore their chemical diversity and antimicrobial potential. From the 87 extracts tested, over 50% showed antimicrobial activity, and the most active ones were those from cultures grown at 4 °C in darkness for 60 days (resembling deep-sea temperature). PCA analysis of the LC-MS data of all the extracts confirmed that culture temperature is the primary factor in the variation of the 4462 metabolite features, accounting for 21.3% of the variation. The bioactivity-guided and conventional chemical studies of selected fungal strains allowed the identification of several active and specialized metabolites. Finally, metabolomics analysis by GNPS molecular networking and manual dereplication revealed the biosynthetic potential of these species to produce interesting chemistry. This work uncovers the chemical and biological study of marine-derived fungal strains from deep-sea sediments of the Gulf of Mexico.
A Meta-Omics Analysis Unveils the Shift in Microbial Community Structures and Metabolomics Profiles in Mangrove Sediments Treated with a Selective Actinobacterial Isolation Procedure
Authors: Marfil-Santana Miguel David , Martínez-Cárdenas Anahí , Ruíz-Hernández Analuisa , Vidal-Torres Mario , Márquez-Velázquez Norma Angélica , Figueroa Mario , Prieto-Davó Alejandra
Published: December 2021

Mangrove sediment ecosystems in the coastal areas of the Yucatan peninsula are unique environments, influenced by their karstic origin and connection with the world’s largest underground river. The microbial communities residing in these sediments are influenced by the presence of mangrove roots and the trading chemistry for communication between sediment bacteria and plant roots can be targeted for secondary metabolite research. To explore the secondary metabolite production potential of microbial community members in mangrove sediments at the “El Palmar” natural reserve in Sisal, Yucatan, a combined meta-omics approach was applied. The effects of a cultivation medium reported to select for actinomycetes within mangrove sediments’ microbial communities was also analyzed. The metabolome of the microbial communities was analyzed by high-resolution liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and molecular networking analysis was used to investigate if known natural products and their variants were present. Metagenomic results suggest that the sediments from “El Palmar” harbor a stable bacterial community independently of their distance from mangrove tree roots. An unexpected decrease in the observed abundance of actinomycetes present in the communities occurred when an antibiotic-amended medium considered to be actinomycete-selective was applied for a 30-day period. However, the use of this antibiotic-amended medium also enhanced production of secondary metabolites within the microbial community present relative to the water control, suggesting the treatment selected for antibiotic-resistant bacteria capable of producing a higher number of secondary metabolites. Secondary metabolite mining of “El Palmar” microbial community metagenomes identified polyketide synthase and non-ribosomal peptide synthetases’ biosynthetic genes in all analyzed metagenomes. The presence of these genes correlated with the annotation of several secondary metabolites from the Global Natural Product Social Molecular Networking database. These results highlight the biotechnological potential of the microbial communities from “El Palmar”, and show the impact selective media had on the composition of communities of actinobacteria.
Extra-Low Dosage Graphene Oxide Cementitious Nanocomposites: A Nano- to Macroscale Approach
Authors: Chougan Mehdi , Lamastra Francesca Romana , Bolli Eleonora , Caschera Daniela , Kaciulis Saulius , Mazzuca Claudia , Montesperelli Giampiero , Ghaffar Seyed Hamidreza , Al-Kheetan Mazen J. , Bianco Alessandra
Published: December 2021

The impact of extra-low dosage (0.01% by weight of cement) Graphene Oxide (GO) on the properties of fresh and hardened nanocomposites was assessed. The use of a minimum amount of 2-D nanofiller would minimize costs and sustainability issues, therefore encouraging the market uptake of nanoengineered cement-based materials. GO was characterized by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy. GO consisted of stacked sheets up to 600 nm × 800 nm wide and 2 nm thick, oxygen content 31 at%. The impact of GO on the fresh admixtures was evaluated by rheology, flowability, and workability measurements. GO-modified samples were characterized by density measurements, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis, and compression and bending tests. Permeability was investigated using the boiling-water saturation technique, salt ponding test, and Initial Surface Absorption Test (ISAT). At 28 days, GO-nanocomposite exhibited increased density (+14%), improved compressive and flexural strength (+29% and +13%, respectively), and decreased permeability compared to the control sample. The strengthening effect dominated over the adverse effects associated with the worsening of the fresh properties; reduced permeability was mainly attributed to the refining of the pore network induced by the presence of GO.
Role and Treatment of Insulin Resistance in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Review
Authors: Nakashima Akio , Kato Kazuhiko , Ohkido Ichiro , Yokoo Takashi
Published: December 2021

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and dialysis have higher mortality than those without, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the main cause of death. As CVD is caused by several mechanisms, insulin resistance plays an important role in CVD. This review summarizes the importance and mechanism of insulin resistance in CKD and discusses the current evidence regarding insulin resistance in patients with CKD and dialysis. Insulin resistance has been reported to influence endothelial dysfunction, plaque formation, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. A recent study also reported an association between insulin resistance and cognitive dysfunction, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, and malignancy. Insulin resistance increases as renal function decrease in patients with CKD and dialysis. Several mechanisms increase insulin resistance in patients with CKD, such as chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, obesity, and mineral bone disorder. There is the possibility that insulin resistance is the potential future target of treatment in patients with CKD.
Organic Food in the Diet of Residents of the Visegrad Group (V4) Countries—Reasons for and Barriers to Its Purchasing
Authors: Soroka Andrzej , Mazurek-Kusiak Anna Katarzyna , Trafialek Joanna
Published: December 2021

This study aimed to determine the differences in the frequency of, reasons for, and barriers to purchasing organic food among the inhabitants of the Visegrád Group member states. The selection of the countries for the study was dictated by the fact that the countries of Central and Eastern Europe play the role of a niche market in the European organic food market. This research employed the method of a diagnostic survey and the discriminant function. A chi-squared test, ANOVA, and Fisher’s Post Hoc LSD test were also used to present differences in individual groups. This research shows that respondents from Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia were guided by similar behaviors regarding the purchase of organic food. However, the attitudes of the respondents slightly differed between countries. In the case of the reasons for choosing organic food, the most important thing was that it is non-genetically modified food, especially for Polish consumers. The following were also mentioned: lack of chemical compounds (Slovaks and Czechs), high health value of such food (Czechs and Slovaks), and excellent taste (Hungarians). The most critical barriers against purchasing are the price (Poles and Hungarians), difficult access (Poles and Hungarians), and the short expiry time of such products (Slovaks).
Early Lesion of Post-Primary Tuberculosis: Subclinical Driver of Disease and Target for Vaccines and Host-Directed Therapies
Authors: Brown Robert E. , Hunter Robert L.
Published: December 2021

The characteristic lesion of primary tuberculosis is the granuloma as is widely studied in human tissues and animal models. Post-primary tuberculosis is different. It develops only in human lungs and begins as a prolonged subclinical obstructive lobular pneumonia that slowly accumulates mycobacterial antigens and host lipids in alveolar macrophages with nearby highly sensitized T cells. After several months, the lesions undergo necrosis to produce a mass of caseous pneumonia large enough to fragment and be coughed out to produce a cavity or be retained as the focus of a post-primary granuloma. Bacteria grow massively on the cavity wall where they can be coughed out to infect new people. Here we extend these findings with the demonstration of secreted mycobacterial antigens, but not acid fast bacilli (AFB) of M. tuberculosis in the cytoplasm of ciliated bronchiolar epithelium and alveolar pneumocytes in association with elements of the programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1), cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2, and fatty acid synthase (FAS) pathways in the early lesion. This suggests that M. tuberculosis uses its secreted antigens to coordinate prolonged subclinical development of the early lesions in preparation for a necrotizing reaction sufficient to produce a cavity, post-primary granulomas, and fibrocaseous disease.
A Squalene-Based Nanoemulsion for Therapeutic Delivery of Resiquimod
Authors: Zhang Zhongkun , Kuo Jimmy Chun-Tien , Zhang Chi , Huang Yirui , Zhou Zerui , Lee Robert J.
Published: December 2021

Agonists for toll-like receptors (TLRs) have shown promising activities against cancer. In the present study, a squalene-based nanoemulsion (NE) was loaded with resiquimod, a TLR7/8 agonist for therapeutic delivery. R848 NE was developed and characterized for long-term stability. In vitro and in vivo antitumor immunity of R848 NE were also evaluated in combination with SD-101, a CpG-containing TLR9 agonist. In vitro studies demonstrated strong long-term stability and immune responses to R848 NE. When combined with SD-101, strong antitumor activity was observed in MC38 murine colon carcinoma model with over 80% tumor growth inhibition. The combination treatment showed a 4-fold increase in systemic TNFa production and a 2.6-fold increase in Cd8a expression in tumor tissues, suggesting strong cell-mediated immune responses against the tumor. The treatment not only demonstrated a strong antitumor immunity by TLR7/8 and TLR9 activations but also induced PD-L1 upregulation in tumors, suggesting a potential therapeutic synergy with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Identification of Genes Associated with Nitrogen Stress Responses in Apple Leaves
Authors: Lee Youngsuk , Do Van Giap , Kim Seonae , Kweon Hunjoong
Published: December 2021

Nitrogen (N) is an essential macronutrient that regulates diverse physiological processes for plant survival and development. In apple orchards, inappropriate N conditions can cause imbalanced growth and subsequent physiological disorders in trees. In order to investigate the molecular basis underlying the physiological signals for N stress responses, we examined the metabolic signals responsive to contrasting N stress conditions (deficient/excessive) in apple leaves using transcriptome approaches. The clustering of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) showed the expression dynamics of genes associated with each N stress group. Functional analyses of gene ontology and pathway enrichments revealed the potential candidates of metabolic signals responsible for N-deficient/excessive stress responses. The functional interactions of DEGs in each cluster were further explored by protein–protein interaction network analysis. Our results provided a comprehensive insight into molecular signals responsive to N stress conditions, and will be useful in future research to enhance the nutrition tolerance of tree crops.
Cartels and militias in Brazil in the system of modern hybrid wars
Authors: Manoilo Andrey Viktorovich , Strigunov Konstantin Sergeevich
Published: December 2021

Aim. The aim of this work is to determine the mechanisms of the destructive influence of criminal organizations on the Brazilian State and the acceleration of their evolution under the influence of the narco-industry. Methodology. The study was conducted on the example of Brazilian criminal organizations and using The Trilateral Continuum "crime-terrorism-state". The methods of systemic and comparative analysis, synthesis, generalization and interpretation of the results were used. The mechanism of the destructive influence of criminal communities on the Brazilian State is revealed, The Trilateral Continuum is improved, and an explanation is given for the effect of the acceleration of the evolution of criminal communities under the influence of the narco-industry. Research implications. The results of the study significantly expand the understanding of the influence of criminal communities on the state, and also reveal the interdependence of the crisis of the capitalist system and the growth of the narco-industry which accelerates the evolution of criminal organizations.
Gene and protein expression of epithelial to mesenchymal transition for intestinal and anal fistula: a systematic review
Authors: Osman Nadila Haryani , Jailani Ruhi Fadzlyana , Rahman Hayati Abd , Hamid Nazefah Abdul
Published: December 2021

Purpose: Intestinal fibrosis is a common complication of inflammatory bowel diseases. However, the possible involvement of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been scarcely investigated. This systematic review aims to search through research papers that are focusing on messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression profile in EMT in fistula or in intestinal fibrosis.Methods: Electronic exploration was performed until April 24, 2019 through PubMed, Ovid, Science Direct, and Scopus databases with the terms of “fistula” OR “intestinal fibrosis” AND “epithelial-mesenchymal transition”. Two independent reviewers scrutinized the suitability of the title and abstract before examining the full text that met the inclusion criteria. For each study, the sample types that were used, methods for analysis, and genes expressed were identified. The list of genes was further analyzed using DAVID (Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery) and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathway.Results: There were 896 citations found; however, only 3 studies fulfilled the requirements. Among the EMT-related genes, 5 were upregulated genes at mRNA level while 6 were at protein level. However, only 2 downregulated genes were found at each mRNA and protein level. Of the 4 inflammation-related genes found, 3 genes were upregulated at mRNA level and 1 at protein level. These genes were confirmed to be involved in the development of inflammatory induced fibrosis and fistula through EMT. Results from quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis were consistent with the process of EMT, confirmed by the western blot protein analysis.Conclusion: Many significant genes which are involved in the process of EMT in fistula and intestinal fibrosis have been identified. With high-end technology many more genes could be identified. These genes will be good molecular targets in the development of biomarkers for precision drug targeting in the future treatment of intestinal fibrosis and fistula.
Blood pressure and cholesterol measurements in primary care: cross-sectional analyses in a dynamic cohort
Authors: de Boer Annemarijn R , Hollander Monika , van Dis Ineke , Visseren Frank LJ , Bots Michiel L , Vaartjes Ilonca
Published: December 2021

Background

Guidelines on cardiovascular risk management (CVRM) recommend blood pressure (BP) and cholesterol measurements every 5 years in men aged ≥40 years and (post-menopausal) women aged ≥50 years.

Aim

To evaluate CVRM guideline implementation.

Design & setting

Cross-sectional analyses in a dynamic cohort using primary care electronic health record (EHR) data from the Julius General Practitioners’ Network (JGPN) (n= 388 929).

Method

Trends (2008–2018) were assessed in the proportion of patients with at least one measurement (BP and cholesterol) every 1, 2, and 5 years, in those with:

1. a history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes mellitus (DM);

2. a history of DM only;

3. a history of CVD only;

4. a cardiovascular risk assessment (CRA) indication based on other medical history, or;

5. no CRA indication.

Trends were evaluated over time using logistic regression mixed-model analyses.

Results

Trends in annual BP and cholesterol measurement increased for patients with a history of CVD from 37.0% to 48.4% (P<0.001) and 25.8% to 40.2% (P<0.001). In the 5-year window from 2014–2018, BP and cholesterol measurements were performed respectively in 78.5% and 74.1% of all men aged ≥40 years and 82.2% and 78.5% of all women aged ≥50 years. Least measured were patients without a CRA indication (men 60.2% and 62.4%; women 55.5% and 59.3%).

Conclusion

The fairly high frequency of CVRM measurements available in the EHR of patients in primary care suggests an adequate implementation of the CVRM guideline. As nearly all individuals visit the GP at least once within a 5-year time window, improvement of CVRM remains possible, especially in those without a CRA indication.