bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sowing and Harvesting Measures to Cope with Challenges of Cover Crops Experienced by Finnish Farmers
Authors: Peltonen-Sainio Pirjo , Jauhiainen Lauri , Joona Juuso , Mattila Tuomas , Hydén Tony , Känkänen Hannu
Published: February 2023

Farmers may promote the cultivation of under-sown cover crops (CCs) in various ways without jeopardizing the yield of a cash crop. With this survey, we aimed to understand how Finnish farmers manage possible challenges with under-sown CCs. A farmer survey was carried out in 2021. We invited 6493 farmers who had selected CCs as a registered measure to answer a questionnaire with 20 statements (a Likert scale), and 1130 responded (17.4%). A Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel test was used to measure the strength of the association between 11 farm/farmer characteristics of the respondents and 20 statements. Responses indicated that farmers often took under-sown CCs into account during the growing season. Sowing was considered an especially critical measure and the CC seeding rate was often assessed with a test run before sowing. Thirty-nine per cent of the respondents had made investments, most often to facilitate sowing. The farmers usually adjusted the fertilizer rate only according to the cash crop. Early harvesting of a cash crop was considered important by 58% of farmers to ensure that the CCs do not hamper the harvest. Farmers harvested cash crops as soon as they matured and were harvestable, though they had mixed views on whether CCs impacted the quality of the cash crop. Subsidized, investing farmers were likely to be oriented towards the benefits from the ecosystem services provided by CCs. Their experiences should be shared among the farming community to support the large-scale implementation of CCs.
Branch Interference Sensing and Handling by Tactile Enabled Robotic Apple Harvesting
Authors: Zhou Hongyu , Kang Hanwen , Wang Xing , Au Wesley , Wang Michael Yu , Chen Chao
Published: February 2023

In the dynamic and unstructured environment where horticultural crops grow, obstacles and interference frequently occur but are rarely addressed, which poses significant challenges for robotic harvesting. This work proposed a tactile-enabled robotic grasping method that combines deep learning, tactile sensing, and soft robots. By integrating fin-ray fingers with embedded tactile sensing arrays and customized perception algorithms, the robot gains the ability to sense and handle branch interference during the harvesting process and thus reduce potential mechanical fruit damage. Through experimental validations, an overall 83.3–87.0% grasping status detection success rate, and a promising interference handling method have been demonstrated. The proposed grasping method can also be extended to broader robotic grasping applications wherever undesirable foreign object intrusion needs to be addressed.
Long-Term Successive Seasonal Application of Rice Straw-Derived Biochar Improves the Acidity and Fertility of Red Soil in Southern China
Authors: He Lili , Zhao Jin , Wang Mengjie , Liu Yuxue , Wang Yuying , Yang Shengmao , Wang Shenqiang , Zhao Xu , Lyu Haohao
Published: February 2023

Soil acidity is a crop production problem of increasing concern in acid red soil. The potential of biochar as a soil amendment/for soil acid management in agricultural fields is a recently recognized yet underutilized technology. Related evidence is currently limited to short-term indoor experiments with one-time BC applications and no crop cultivation, yet the degree to which soil acidity may be impacted by the biochar aging process on long-time scale remains unclear. To evaluate the effects of successive seasonal applications of rice straw-derived biochar (BC) on acidity and fertility of soil, a five-year outdoor column trial was conducted using wheat-millet rotated acidic upland soils from the south of China. BC was applied to the top 0–15 cm of soil at the rates of 0 (BC0), 2.25 (BCL), and 22.5 (BCM) Mg ha−1 with an identical dose of NPK fertilizers at the beginning of each crop season. Our results showed that the wheat-millet biomass yield gradually decreased over five rotation cycles in BC0 without BC application. In contrast, after five rotations, BCM led to an increase in the total wheat/millet grain yield by 138%, and the straw yield increased by 253% compared to the control. The cumulative above-ground nutrient uptake of P, K, Ca, Na, and Mg in BCM also increased by 139%, 171%, 129%, 182%, and 71%, respectively, compared to that in the control. This positive effect was attributed to the increase in soil pH (3.29 units), cation exchange capacity (5.66 cmol kg−1), soil available P (241%), K (513%), Ca (245%), Mg (265%), exchange base (3.36 cmol kg−1), base saturation percentage (65.7%), and decrease in the exchangeable acidity, especially exchangeable Al3+ content (<0.1 cmol kg−1). Our results demonstrated that rice straw-derived BC application to soil at 22.5 t ha−1 was found to be highly consistent in decreasing soil acidity and reducing soluble and exchangeable Al3+, indicating its higher ameliorating capacity in the south of China in the long run.
Development of a Multiplex Crystal Digital RT-PCR for Differential Detection of Classical, Highly Pathogenic, and NADC30-like Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus
Authors: Long Feng , Chen Yating , Shi Kaichuang , Yin Yanwen , Feng Shuping , Si Hongbin
Published: February 2023

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) type 1 (European genotype) and PRRSV type 2 (North American genotype) are prevalent all over the world. Nowadays, the North American genotype PRRSV (NA-PRRSV) has been widely circulating in China and has caused huge economic losses to the pig industry. In recent years, classical PRRSV (C-PRRSV), highly pathogenic PRRSV (HP-PRRSV), and NADC30-like PRRSV (NL-PRRSV) have been the most common circulating strains in China. In order to accurately differentiate the circulating strains of NA-PRRSV, three pairs of specific primers and corresponding probes were designed for the Nsp2 region of C-PRRSV, HP-PRRSV, and NL-PRRSV. After optimizing the annealing temperature, primer concentration, and probe concentration, a multiplex real-time quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) and a multiplex Crystal digital RT-PCR (cdRT-PCR) for the differential detection of C-PRRSV, HP-PRRSV, and NL-PRRSV were developed. The results showed that the two assays illustrated high sensitivity, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 3.20 × 100 copies/μL for the multiplex qRT-PCR and 3.20 × 10−1 copies/μL for the multiplex cdRT-PCR. Both assays specifically detected the targeted viruses, without cross-reaction with other swine viruses, and indicated excellent repeatability, with coefficients of variation (CVs) of less than 1.26% for the multiplex qRT-PCR and 2.68% for the multiplex cdRT-PCR. Then, a total of 320 clinical samples were used to evaluate the application of these assays, and the positive rates of C-PRRSV, HP-PRRSV, and NL-PRRSV by the multiplex qRT-PCR were 1.88%, 21.56%, and 9.69%, respectively, while the positive rates by the multiplex cdRT-PCR were 2.19%, 25.31%, and 11.56%, respectively. The high sensitivity, strong specificity, excellent repeatability, and reliability of these assays indicate that they could provide useful tools for the simultaneous and differential detection of the circulating strains of C-PRRSV, HP-PRRSV, and NL-PRRSV in the field.
Mathematical Modeling and Software Tools for Breeding Value Estimation Based on Phenotypic, Pedigree and Genomic Information of Holstein Friesian Cattle in Serbia
Authors: Štrbac Ljuba , Pracner Doni , Šaran Momčilo , Janković Dobrila , Trivunović Snežana , Ivković Mirko , Tarjan Laslo , Dedović Nebojša
Published: February 2023

In this paper, six univariate and two multivariate best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) models were tested for the estimation of breeding values (BV) in Holstein Friesian cattle in Serbia. Two univariate models were formed using the numerator relationship matrix (NRM), four using the genomic relationship matrix (GRM). Multivariate models contained only an NRM. Two cases were studied, the first when only first lactations were observed, and the second when all lactations were observed using a repeatability model. A total of 6041 animals were included, and of them, 2565 had data on milk yield (MY), milk fat yield (FY), milk fat content (FC), milk protein yield (PY) and milk protein content (PC). Finally, out of those 2565 cows, 1491 were genotyped. A higher accuracy of BV was obtained when using a combination of NRM and GRM compared to NRM alone in univariate analysis, while multivariate analysis with repeated measures gave the highest accuracy with all 6041 animals. When only genotyped animals were observed, the highest accuracy of the estimated BV was calculated by the ssGBLUPp model, and the lowest by the univariate BLUP model. In conclusion, the current breeding programs in Serbia should be changed to use multivariate analysis with repeated measurements until the optimal size of the reference population, which must include genotyping data on both bulls and cows, is reached.
Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy for Infective Endocarditis—Model of Care
Authors: Rajaratnam Dylan , Rajaratnam Rohan
Published: February 2023

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious infectious disease with significant mortality and morbidity placing a burden on healthcare systems. Outpatient antimicrobial therapy in selected patients has been shown to be safe and beneficial to both patients and the healthcare system. In this article, we review the literature on the model of care for outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy in infective endocarditis and propose that systems of care be developed based on local resources and all patients admitted with infective endocarditis be screened appropriately for outpatient antimicrobial therapy.
Penetration through Outer Membrane and Efflux Potential in Pseudomonas aeruginosa of Bulgecin A as an Adjuvant to β-Lactam Antibiotics
Authors: Kim Choon , Tomoshige Shusuke , Lee Mijoon , Zgurskaya Helen I. , Mobashery Shahriar
Published: February 2023

The treatment of infections by Gram-negative bacteria remains a difficult clinical challenge. In the light of the dearth of discovery of novel antibiotics, one strategy that is being explored is the use of adjuvants to enhance antibacterial activities of existing antibiotics. One such adjuvant is bulgecin A, which allows for the lowering of minimal-inhibitory concentrations for β-lactam antibiotics. We have shown that bulgecin A inhibits three of the pseudomonal lytic transglycosylases in its mode of action, yet high concentrations are needed for potentiation activity. Herein, we document that bulgecin A is not a substrate for pseudomonal efflux pumps, whose functions could have been a culprit in the need for high concentrations. We present evidence that the penetration barrier into the periplasm is at the root of the need for high concentrations of bulgecin A in its potentiation of β-lactam antibiotics.
Occurrence of cfr-Positive Linezolid-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus and Non-aureus Staphylococcal Isolates from Pig Farms
Authors: Lee Gi Yong , Yang Soo-Jin
Published: February 2023

The emergence and spread of cfr-mediated resistance to linezolid in staphylococci have become a serious global concern. The acquisition of cfr confers multidrug resistance to phenicols, lincosamides, oxazolidinones, pleuromutilins, and streptogramin A (PhLOPSA phenotype). However, occurrence of cfr-positive and linezolid-susceptible staphylococci has been identified. To investigate the mechanism underlying linezolid susceptibility in cfr-positive Staphylococcus aureus and non-aureus staphylococci (NAS) isolates from pig farms in Korea. Eleven cfr-positive and linezolid-susceptible staphylococci were analyzed for mutations in domain V of 23S rRNA, ribosomal proteins (L3, L4, and L22), cfr open reading frames (ORFs), and cfr promoter regions. The effect of the cfr mutation (Q148K) on the PhLOPSA phenotype was determined using plasmid constructs expressing either the mutated (cfrQ148K) or nonmutated cfr genes. All 11 (six S. aureus and five NAS) cfr-positive and linezolid-susceptible isolates had a point mutation at position 442 in cfr ORFs (C to A) that resulted in the Q148K mutation. No mutations were detected in 23S rRNA, L3, L4, or L22. The Q148K mutation in Cfr is responsible for phenotypes susceptible to PhLOPSA antimicrobial agents. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report the causal role of a single nucleotide mutation (Q148K) in cfr of S. aureus and NAS isolates in PhLOPSA resistance. Continued nationwide surveillance is necessary to monitor the occurrence and dissemination of mutations in cfr that affect resistance phenotypes in staphylococci of human and animal origin.
Characterization of Phage vB_SalM_SPJ41 and the Reduction of Risk of Antibiotic-Resistant Salmonella enterica Contamination in Two Ready-to-Eat Foods
Authors: Li Tengteng , Chen Hong , Zhao Jiayi , Tao Zhenxiang , Lan Weiqing , Zhao Yong , Sun Xiaohong
Published: February 2023

Salmonella enterica is a major cause of foodborne illness, and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has led to huge pressures on public health. Phage is a promising strategy for controlling foodborne pathogens. In this study, a novel Salmonella phage vB_SalM_SPJ41 was isolated from poultry farms in Shanghai, China. Phage vB_SalM_SPJ41 was able to lyse multiple serotypes of antibiotic-resistant S. enterica, including S. Enteritidis, S. Typhimurium, S. Shubra, S. Derby, and S. Nchanga. It had a short incubation period and was still active at a temperature <80 °C and in the pH range of 3~11. The phage can effectively inhibit the growth of S. enterica in liquid culture and has a significant inhibitory and destructive effect on the biofilm produced by antibiotic-resistant S. enterica. Moreover, the phage was able to reduce S. Enteritidis and MDR S. Derby in lettuce to below the detection limit at 4 °C. Furthermore, the phage could reduce S. Enteritidis and S. Derby in salmon below the limit of detection at 4 °C, and by 3.9 log10 CFU/g and· 2.1 log10 CFU/g at 15 °C, respectively. In addition, the genomic analysis revealed that the phages did not carry any virulence factor genes or antibiotic resistance genes. Therefore, it was found that vB_SalM_SPJ41 is a promising candidate phage for biocontrol against antibiotic-resistant Salmonella in ready-to-eat foods.
Antimicrobial Treatment of Serratia marcescens Invasive Infections: Systematic Review
Authors: Zivkovic Zaric Radica , Zaric Milan , Sekulic Marija , Zornic Nenad , Nesic Jelena , Rosic Vesna , Vulovic Tatjana , Spasic Marko , Vuleta Marko , Jovanovic Jovan , Jovanovic Dalibor , Jakovljevic Stefan , Canovic Petar
Published: February 2023

Background: Serratia marcescens (SM) is a Gram-negative pathogen discovered by Italian pharmacist, Bizio, in 1819. According to the literature, S. marcescens is resistant to a wide range of antibiotics, including penicillin, cephalosporin, tetracycline, macrolide, nitrofurantoin, and colistin. We conducted a systematic review of published reports, determined what invasive infections could cause SM, and established the most appropriate antibiotic therapy. Methods: We registered this systematic review on the PROSPERO registry of systematic reviews–meta-analyses before we started our research (registration number CRD42022323159). The online searches of published studies were implemented via MEDLINE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EBSCO, Scopus, Google Scholar, SCIndex, and the registry of clinical studies of human participants (ClinicalTrials.gov). Results: Our study included 32 published articles (9 case series and 23 case reports). There were 57 individual cases, respectively. The oldest patient was 97 years and the youngest patient was a newborn. S. marcescens was, in most cases, isolated from blood followed by urine and cerebrospinal fluid. In most cases, sensitivity was tested to cotrimoxazole (from 27 isolates, 10 showed resistance) followed by gentamicin (from 26 isolates, 3 showed resistance) as well as amikacin (from 21 isolates, none showed resistance). Patients died from an infection in 21 cases (31%). Conclusions: Treatment of SM infections should include carbapenems or aminoglycosides in combination with third-generation (and eventually fourth-generation) cephalosporin. Cotrimoxazole should be considered in cases of uncomplicated urinary infections.
By-Products of Fruit and Vegetables: Antioxidant Properties of Extractable and Non-Extractable Phenolic Compounds
Authors: Zeng Yu , Zhou Wenyi , Yu Jiahao , Zhao Lei , Wang Kai , Hu Zhuoyan , Liu Xuwei
Published: February 2023

Non-extractable phenolic compounds (NEPs), or bound phenolic compounds, represent a crucial component of polyphenols. They are an essential fraction that remains in the residual matrix after the extraction of extractable phenolic compounds (EPs), making them a valuable resource for numerous applications. These compounds encompass a diverse range of phenolic compounds, ranging from low molecular weight phenolic to high polymeric polyphenols attached to other macro molecules, e.g., cell walls and proteins. Their status as natural, green antioxidants have been well established, with numerous studies showcasing their anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, anti-cancer, and hypoglycemic activities. These properties make them a highly desirable alternative to synthetic antioxidants. Fruit and vegetable (F&Veg) wastes, e.g., peels, pomace, and seeds, generated during the harvest, transport, and processing of F&Vegs, are abundant in NEPs and EPs. This review delves into the various types, contents, structures, and antioxidant activities of NEPs and EPs in F&Veg wastes. The relationship between the structure of these compounds and their antioxidant activity is explored in detail, highlighting the importance of structure-activity relationships in the field of natural antioxidants. Their potential applications ranging from functional food and beverage products to nutraceutical and cosmetic products. A glimpse into their bright future as a valuable resource for a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future, and calling for researchers, industrialists, and policymakers to explore their full potential, are elaborated.
3D-Printed, Liquid-Filled Capsules of Concentrated and Stabilized Polyphenol Epigallocatechin Gallate, Developed in a Clinical Trial
Authors: Secretan Philippe-Henri , Vieillard Victoire , Thirion Olivier , Annereau Maxime , Yayé Hassane Sadou , Astier Alain , Paul Muriel , Damy Thibaud , Do Bernard
Published: February 2023

In vitro studies have shown that epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the most potent antioxidant of the green tea polyphenol catechins, is able to effectively prevent the formation of amyloid plaques and induce their clearance. However, its high chemical reactivity promotes high chemical instability, which represents a major obstacle for the development of pharmaceutical forms containing solubilized EGCG, an essential condition for a better systemic passage via the oral route. After discovering that EGCG forms a deep eutectic with choline chloride, we exploited this property to formulate and patent liquid-filled capsules containing 200–800 mg of soluble EGCG in easy-to-administer sizes. The gelatin envelopes used are of the conventional type and their filling has been achieved using 3D printing technology. Not only did the EGCG-choline complex allow the formulation of hydrophilic solutions with a high concentration of active substance but it also contributed significantly to its chemical stability, since after at least 18 months of storage at 25 °C/60% RH and one year at 40 °C/75% RH, the capsules show unchanged hardness, chromatographic profiles and antioxidant activity compared to T0. Preclinical studies in monkeys showed that bioavailability was increased by a factor of 10 compared to marketed capsules comprising EGCG powder. This pharmaceutical development was conducted in the context of upcoming clinical trials to evaluate EGCG alone or in combination when treating transthyretin and light-chain cardiac amyloidosis.
Echinacea purpurea Fractions Represent Promising Plant-Based Anti-Inflammatory Formulations
Authors: Vieira Sara F. , Gonçalves Samuel M. , Gonçalves Virgínia M. F. , Llaguno Carmen P. , Macías Felipe , Tiritan Maria Elizabeth , Cunha Cristina , Carvalho Agostinho , Reis Rui L. , Ferreira Helena , Neves Nuno M.
Published: February 2023

Echinacea purpurea is traditionally used in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Therefore, we investigated the anti-inflammatory capacity of E. purpurea dichloromethanolic (DE) and ethanolic extracts obtained from flowers and roots (R). To identify the class of compounds responsible for the strongest bioactivity, the extracts were fractionated into phenol/carboxylic acid (F1) and alkylamide fraction (F2). The chemical fingerprint of bioactive compounds in the fractions was evaluated by LC-HRMS. E. purpurea extracts and fractions significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin 6 and/or tumor necrosis factor) and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) production by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated primary human monocyte-derived macrophages. Dichloromethanolic extract obtained from roots (DE-R) demonstrated the strongest anti-inflammatory activity. Moreover, fractions exhibited greater anti-inflammatory activity than whole extract. Indeed, alkylamides must be the main compounds responsible for the anti-inflammatory activity of extracts; thus, the fractions presenting high content of these compounds presented greater bioactivity. It was demonstrated that alkylamides exert their anti-inflammatory activity through the downregulation of the phosphorylation of p38, ERK 1/2, STAT 3, and/or NF-κB signaling pathways, and/or downregulation of cyclooxygenase 2 expression. E. purpurea extracts and fractions, mainly DE-R-F2, are promising and powerful plant-based anti-inflammatory formulations that can be further used as a basis for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
Non-Esterified Fatty Acid-Induced Apoptosis in Bovine Granulosa Cells via ROS-Activated PI3K/AKT/FoxO1 Pathway
Authors: Lei Zhiqi , Ali Ilyas , Yang Min , Yang Caixia , Li Yifei , Li Lian
Published: February 2023

Non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), one of negative energy balance (NEB)’s most well-known products, has a significant impact on cows’ reproductive potential. Our study used an in vitro model to investigate the deleterious effects of NEFA on bovine granulosa cells (BGCs) and its underlying molecular mechanism. The results showed that high levels of NEFA led to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), increased the expression of apoptosis-related factors such as Bcl2-Associated X/B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bax/Bcl-2) and Caspase-3, and down-regulated steroid synthesis-related genes such as sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP-1), cytochrome P450c17 (CYP17), and cytochrome P450 aromatase (CYP19), to promote oxidative stress, cell apoptosis, and steroid hormone synthesis disorders in BGCs. In addition, NEFA significantly inhibited phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-AKT) activity and increased forkhead box O1 (FoxO1) expression. To further explore the role of the PI3K/AKT/FoxO1 signaling pathway in NEFA, we found that pretreatment with AKT-specific activator SC79 (5 mg/mL) for 2 h or transfection with FoxO1 knockdown siRNA in BGCs could alleviate the negative effects of NEFA treatment by decreasing Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and Caspase-3 expression, and upregulating SREBP-1, CYP17, and CYP19 expression. Meanwhile, SC79 significantly inhibited NEFA-induced dephosphorylation and massive nuclear translocation of FoxO1. Taken together, the NEFA induced oxidative stress, apoptosis, and steroid hormone synthesis disorders in BGCs by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT pathway that regulates FoxO1 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. Our findings help to clarify the molecular mechanisms underlying the negative effects of high levels of NEFA on BGCs.
Bioactive Compounds of Shrimp Shell Waste from Palaemon serratus and Palaemon varians from Portuguese Coast
Authors: Maia Maria Luz , Grosso Clara , Barroso M. Fátima , Silva Aurora , Delerue-Matos Cristina , Domingues Valentina Fernandes
Published: February 2023

The production and consumption of shrimp species create massive amounts of shrimp bio-waste. In this study, shrimp shell waste from Palaemon serratus and Palaemon varians from the Portuguese coast was characterized. Regarding the antioxidant capacity, the obtained values were between 4.7 and 10.4 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g dry weight (dw) for Total phenolic content (TPC); 3 and 7 mg ascorbic acid equivalents (AAE)/g dw for Ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP); 0.4 and 1.2 mg Trolox equivalent (TE)/g dw for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate free radical scavenging (DPPH•); 4 and 11 mg TE/g dw for 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging activity (ABTS•+); and 72 and 130 mg TE/g dw for Oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC). For the antimicrobial activity, shrimp shell waste from P. varians formed inhibition zones between 14 and 23 mm. Total carotenoid content values were in the range of 28 and 134 μg/g dw, and according to their HPLC-PAD profile, β-carotene and astaxanthin contents were between 0.3 and 7.6 μg/g dw and 1.1 and 26.1 μg/g dw, respectively. These studies are critical to recognizing the potential added value of shrimp shell waste as possible colorants and preservatives with antioxidant protection capacity to be used in the food industry.
Hallmarks and Biomarkers of Skin Senescence: An Updated Review of Skin Senotherapeutics
Authors: Bulbiankova Darya , Díaz-Puertas Rocío , Álvarez-Martínez Francisco Javier , Herranz-López María , Barrajón-Catalán Enrique , Micol Vicente
Published: February 2023

Aging is a complex process characterized by an ongoing decline in physiological functions, leading to degenerative diseases and an increased probability of death. Cellular senescence has been typically considered as an anti-proliferative process; however, the chronic accumulation of senescent cells contributes to tissue dysfunction and aging. In this review, we discuss some of the most important hallmarks and biomarkers of cellular senescence with a special focus on skin biomarkers, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and senotherapeutic strategies to eliminate or prevent senescence. Although most of them are not exclusive to senescence, the expression of the senescence-associated beta-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) enzyme seems to be the most reliable biomarker for distinguishing senescent cells from those arrested in the cell cycle. The presence of a stable DNA damage response (DDR) and the accumulation of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) mediators and ROS are the most representative hallmarks for senescence. Senotherapeutics based on natural compounds such as quercetin, naringenin, and apigenin have shown promising results regarding SASP reduction. These compounds seem to prevent the accumulation of senescent cells, most likely through the inhibition of pro-survival signaling pathways. Although studies are still required to verify their short- and long-term effects, these therapies may be an effective strategy for skin aging.
Effects of Processing on Chemical Composition of Extracts from Sour Cherry Fruits, a Neglected Functional Food
Authors: Cairone Francesco , Fraschetti Caterina , Menghini Luigi , Zengin Gokhan , Filippi Antonello , Casadei Maria Antonietta , Cesa Stefania
Published: February 2023

Sour cherries fruits (Prunus cerasus L., syn P. cerasus var. austera) are locally known as “visciola di Sezze”, due to the name of the city where they are traditionally cultivated in Lazio Region, Italy. Fruit samples from three harvesting years (June 2019, 2020 and 2021), were submitted to a protocol of analyses to detect the bioactive content based on year of harvest, freezing, homogenization and thermic treatments. Polyphenolic components, particularly anthocyanin compounds, were extracted, purified and analyzed by HPLC-DAD and DI-ESI-MS. An anthocyanin content between 0.24 and 21 mg/g fresh weight and a flavonols content between 0.04 and 0.2 mg/g fresh weight were found, depending on the harvest year and the applied procedures. Anthocyanins, besides being the principal components, were mainly represented by cyanidin-3-glucosyl-rutinoside (about 80%), a not particularly widespread molecule, mostly accounting for polyphenolic content. Color analysis and anti-radical activity of the different obtained extracts were performed with the aim to correlate organoleptic characters and health potential to the detected anthocyanins and flavanols content. Results show that immediate post-harvest freezing is the best way to preserve the bioactive content, the correlated color expression and anti-radical activity.
Fatal Epileptic Seizures in Mice Having Compromised Glutathione and Ascorbic Acid Biosynthesis
Authors: Chen Ying , Holland Katherine D. , Shertzer Howard G. , Nebert Daniel W. , Dalton Timothy P.
Published: February 2023

Reduced glutathione (GSH) and ascorbic acid (AA) are the two most abundant low-molecular-weight antioxidants in mammalian tissues. GclmKO knockout mice lack the gene encoding the modifier subunit of the rate-limiting enzyme in GSH biosynthesis; GclmKO mice exhibit 10–40% of normal tissue GSH levels and show no overt phenotype. GuloKO knockout mice, lacking a functional Gulo gene encoding L-gulono-γ-lactone oxidase, cannot synthesize AA and depend on dietary ascorbic acid for survival. To elucidate functional crosstalk between GSH and AA in vivo, we generated the GclmKO/GuloKO double-knockout (DKO) mouse. DKO mice exhibited spontaneous epileptic seizures, proceeding to death between postnatal day (PND)14 and PND23. Histologically, DKO mice displayed neuronal loss and glial proliferation in the neocortex and hippocampus. Epileptic seizures and brain pathology in young DKO mice could be prevented with AA supplementation in drinking water (1 g/L). Remarkably, in AA-rescued adult DKO mice, the removal of AA supplementation for 2–3 weeks resulted in similar, but more severe, neocortex and hippocampal pathology and seizures, with death occurring between 12 and 21 days later. These results provide direct evidence for an indispensable, yet underappreciated, role for the interplay between GSH and AA in normal brain function and neuronal health. We speculate that the functional crosstalk between GSH and AA plays an important role in regulating glutamatergic neurotransmission and in protecting against excitotoxicity-induced brain damage.
Exploring the Relative Importance and Interactive Impacts of Explanatory Variables of the Built Environment on Ride-Hailing Ridership by Using the Optimal Parameter-Based Geographical Detector (OPGD) Model
Authors: Wang Zhenbao , Liu Shuyue , Zhang Yuchen , Gong Xin , Li Shihao , Liu Dong , Chen Ning
Published: February 2023

The impact of the built environment on the ridership of ride-hailing results depends on the spatial grid scale. The existing research on the demand model of ride-hailing ignores the modifiable areal unit problem (MAUP). Taking Chengdu as an example, and taking the density of pick-ups and drop-offs as dependent variables, 12 explanatory variables were selected as independent variables according to the “5D” built environment theory. The nugget–sill ratio (NSR) method and optimal parameter-based geographical detector (OPGD) model were used to determine the optimal grid scale for the aggregation of the built environment variables and the ridership of ride-hailing. Based on the optimal grid scale, the optimal data discretization method of the explanatory variables was determined by comparing the results of the geographic detector under different discretization methods (such as the natural break method, k-means clustering method, equidistant method, and quantile method); we utilized the geographic detector model to explore the relative importance and the interactive impacts of the explanatory variables on the ridership of ride-hailing under the optimal grid scale and optimal data discretization method. The results indicated that: (1) the suggested grid scale for the aggregation of the built environment and ride-hailing ridership in Chengdu is 1100 m; (2) the optimal data discretization method is the quantile method; (3) the floor area ratio (FAR), distance from the nearest subway station, and residential POI (point of interest) density resulted in a relatively high importance of the explanatory variable that affects the ridership of ride-hailing; and (4) the interactions of the diversity index of mixed land use ∩ FAR, distance to the nearest subway station ∩ FAR, transportation POI density ∩ FAR, and distance to the central business district (CBD) ∩ FAR made a higher contribution to ride-hailing ridership than the single-factor effect of FAR, which had the highest contribution compared with the other explanatory variables. The proposed grid scale can provide the basis for the partitioning management and scheduling optimization of ride-hailing. In the process of adjusting the ride-hailing demand, the ranking results of the importance and interaction of the built-environment explanatory variables offer valuable references for formulating the priority renewal order and proposing a scientific combination scheme of the built-environment factors.
Experimental and Numerical Investigations on Curing a Polyester-Based Powder Coating by Catalytic Infrared Radiation
Authors: Yuan Yindong , Pan Song , Wang Tongzhao , Xia Liang , Liu Yiqiao , Wang Xinru , Li Lei , Wang Tian
Published: February 2023

Catalytic combustion can effectively and cleanly convert the chemical energy of fossil fuels into infrared radiation energy. However, there is little research on the use of this technology to cure powder coatings. Therefore, catalytic infrared heating equipment based on a Pt/Al2O3 noble metal catalyst was designed, constructed, and tested in this study. The optimal curing parameters for the catalytic infrared curing process for powder coatings were determined via experiments at 220 °C for 3 min and 230 °C for 2 min. As the curing temperature increased and the curing time increased, the mechanical properties of the coating were found to improve. However, the gloss of the coating was reduced and the color darkened. A one-dimensional heat transfer model was developed to investigate the heat transfer process for powder coatings. This study introduced an internal heat source for the first time, and the heat transfer process for polyester-based powder coatings with different substrate thicknesses was numerically simulated. The numerical simulations demonstrated that the efficiency of the heat transfer between the catalytic infrared gas supply and the coating surface was 0.4. When the substrate thickness was 1 mm, the coating was most rapidly cured at 230 °C. When the substrate thickness was ≥2 mm, the most rapid curing occurred at 220 °C.
Novel Pointing and Stabilizing Manipulator for Optical Space Payloads
Authors: Zhang Hui , Xu Zhenbang , Xu Anpeng , Zhang Enyang
Published: February 2023

Considering that the Line-Of-Sight (LOS) of a small optical payload is mainly connected with the angular motions while insensitive to linear motion, a novel pointing and stabilizing manipulator was proposed for small payloads on a large spacecraft. By integrating fine and coarse actuators in parallel, the proposed manipulator could isolate spacecraft vibration and independently adjust the LOS on a large scale at the same time. On this basis, the study revealed the key kinematic and dynamic characteristics and then designed an operation scheme, including the large-scale angular motion algorithm and the active isolation algorithm. Finally, the proposed pointing solution was comprehensively verified through simulation.
Antioxidant Activity of Sulfate Metabolites of Chlorogenic Acid
Authors: Rogozinska Malgorzata , Lisiecki Kamil , Czarnocki Zbigniew , Biesaga Magdalena
Published: February 2023

This study aimed to determine the antioxidant properties of the sulfate monoesters of ferulic, caffeic, dihydroferulic and dihydrocaffeic acids, the main metabolites of chlorogenic acids. These compounds are not commercially available, so they were synthesized in the laboratory. The LC-MS/MS analysis allowed for the full characterization of these derivatives, which has made them reliable standards for further research. Purified metabolites including ferulic acid-4-O-sulfate, caffeic acid-4-O-sulfate and caffeic acid-3-O-sulfate, dihydrocaffeic acid-4-O-sulfate and caffeic acid-3-O-sulfate were examined for their antioxidant capacities and compared to their precursor compounds using Folin–Ciocalteu, CUPRAC (cupric ion—reducing) and DPPH• (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) methods. This study shows that hydrogenation of caffeic and ferulic acids into dihydrocaffeic and dihydroferulic acids has a positive influence on their reducing properties. Moreover, all synthesized sulfate monoesters exhibited very weak antioxidant properties compared to precursor compounds. The presented results show that the transformation of phenolic acids via sulfation leads to the inhibition of antioxidant properties due to the blockage of hydroxyl groups.
Parameter Study for Child Booster Seats in Frontal Collisions
Authors: Zhang Xuerong , Gao Jing , Tu Wenqiong
Published: February 2023

To improve the safety of middle-aged and older child occupants, this paper proposes a framework to effectively design the layout parameters of child booster seats. The layout parameters of the child booster seat include both the three-point seat belt restraint path parameters and the structural design parameters. First, based on a validated frontal collision simulation model with the sled test, a parametric study of child booster seats for different injury indices is performed based on ECE R129 regulations in terms of a Q6 child dummy. To evaluate the effects of each parameter on the overall injury for children, the modified Weighted Injury Criterion (WIC) is proposed. Then, a parameter sensitivity based on the modified WIC is conducted to screen out parameters that have a significant impact on the response of injury indices. The position of the shoulder belt guide and the stiffness of the backrest have dominant effects on the WIC. Finally, a full factorial experiment is conducted for the above selected design variables based on the newly proposed WIC. The identified design position of the shoulder belt guide is 48 mm and its value corresponds to 30 mm of the relevant headrest position, which is explicitly utilized in the design process. The identified stiffness of the backrest is 30,400 Nm/rad. The corresponding WIC is decreased significantly, and the value is reduced by 19.6% compared with the reference model.
Challenge Test in Catalan “Mató” Fresh Cheese to Assess the Antimicrobial Activity of Ericaria selaginoides Extracts against Bacillus cereus
Authors: Rubiño Susana , Aymerich Teresa , Peteiro César , Bover-Cid Sara , Hortós María
Published: February 2023

Growing consumer demand for high-quality products coupled with minimally processed products and a minor use of synthetic food additives have increased the need to search for new sources of natural antimicrobials to ensure product safety. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of extracts from the brown algae Ericaria selaginoides against Bacillus cereus in typical Catalan fresh cheese (“mató”) by means of challenge testing. Three concentrations of a crude extract and its corresponding two subfractions (non-polar and mid-polar) obtained after purification showed an antimicrobial dose-dependent effect on B. cereus, from inhibition to inactivation. The best results were obtained with higher concentrations of the non-polar subfraction that caused a total inactivation of the inoculated pathogen after 2 or 4 days, followed by the mid-polar that inactivated B. cereus after 2 or 6 days. The results showed an improvement in the antimicrobial effect after purification compared with the effect observed when the crude extract was tested. Moreover, compounds of different chemical natures may be involved in this antimicrobial activity since it remained in both subfractions after purification. The results obtained in this work show the great potential of macroalgae extracts as natural food preservatives against B. cereus in fresh cheese.
Perceiving Conflict of Interest Experts Recommendation System Based on a Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Im Yunjeong , Song Gyuwon , Cho Minsang
Published: February 2023

Academic societies and funding bodies that conduct peer reviews need to select the best reviewers in each field to ensure publication quality. Conventional approaches for reviewer selection focus on evaluating expertise based on research relevance by subject or discipline. An improved perceiving conflict of interest (CoI) reviewer recommendation process that combines the five expertise indices and graph analysis techniques is proposed in this paper. This approach collects metadata from the academic database and extracts candidates based on research field similarities utilizing text mining; then, the candidate scores are calculated and ranked through a professionalism index-based analysis. The highly connected subgraphs (HCS) algorithm is used to cluster similar researchers based on their association or intimacy in the researcher network. The proposed method is evaluated using root mean square error (RMSE) indicators for matching the field of publication and research fields of the recommended experts using keywords of papers published in Korean journals over the past five years. The results show that the system configures a group of Top-K reviewers with an RMSE 0.76. The proposed method can be applied to the academic society and national research management system to realize fair and efficient screening and management.
Shock Vibration Control of SDOF Systems with Tubular Linear Eddy Current Dampers
Authors: Pu Yida , Huang Zhiwen , Zhang Hongyi , Hua Xugang , Xu Yousheng
Published: February 2023

The nonlinear dynamic characteristic of a tubular linear eddy current damper (TLECD) and the transient responses to shock excitations of a single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) system with the TLECD are studied. First, the nonlinear force-velocity relationship of the TLECD is discussed using the finite element simulation and mathematical model fitting. Next, the influences of three forms of shock excitation and various mechanical parameters of the TLECD on shock vibration control of an SDOF system with the TLECD are investigated. Moreover, for the SDOF systems with the TLECD or the nonlinear fluid viscous dampers (FVD) at the same maximum displacement and maximum damper force, the time to reach the maximum displacement, the time to reach one-third of the maximum displacement, the energy input of the external loading, and the energy dissipation of dampers are analyzed and compared. Finally, the shock response spectrums (SRSs) of the SDOF system and the design flowchart for the TLECD are presented to provide a reference for shock vibration control of the SDOF system with the nonlinear TLECD and the design of TLECDs. The results show that there is an optimal dimensionless critical relative velocity that minimizes the dimensionless maximum damping force for reaching the target maximum displacement, and compared to the FVD, the TLECD greatly shortens the time to reach one-third of the maximum displacement.
FocMech-Flow: Automatic Determination of P-Wave First-Motion Polarity and Focal Mechanism Inversion and Application to the 2021 Yangbi Earthquake Sequence
Authors: Li Shuai , Fang Lihua , Xiao Zhuowei , Zhou Yijian , Liao Shirong , Fan Liping
Published: February 2023

P-wave first-motion polarity is important for the inversion of earthquake focal mechanism solutions. The focal mechanism solution can further contribute to our understanding of the source rupture process, the fault structure, and the regional stress field characteristics. By using the abundant focal mechanism solutions of small and moderate earthquakes, we can deepen our understanding of fault geometry and the seismogenic environment. In this paper, we propose an automatic workflow, FocMech-Flow (Focal Mechanism-Flow), for identifying P-wave first-motion polarity and focal mechanism inversion with deep learning and applied it to the 2021 Yangbi earthquake sequence. We use a deep learning model named DiTingMotion to detect the P-wave first-motion polarity of 2389 waveforms, resulting in 98.49% accuracy of polarity discrimination compared with human experts. The focal mechanisms of 112 earthquakes are obtained by using the CHNYTX program, which is 3.7 times more than that of the waveform inversion method, and the results are highly consistent. The analysis shows that the focal mechanisms of the foreshock sequence of the Yangbi earthquake are highly consistent and are all of the strike-slip type; the focal mechanisms of the aftershock sequence are complex, mainly the strike-slip type, but there are also reverse and normal fault types. This study shows that the deep learning method has high reliability in determining the P-wave first-motion polarity, and FocMech-Flow can obtain a large number of focal mechanism solutions from small and moderate earthquakes, having promising application in fine-scale stress inversion.
Seismic Performance of Ductile Column with Rectangular Hollow Cross-Section in RC Building
Authors: Jin Kiwoong , Yamazaki Kaede , Takahashi Ryo
Published: February 2023

In order to reduce the self-weight of RC buildings and increase cost-savings, the seismic performance of rectangular hollow sectioned columns was investigated by experimental and analytical studies. Cyclic loading tests were carried out under compression axial force ratios from 0.16 to 0.3, and hysteresis curves, failure patterns, strain distributions of reinforcement, flexural and shear deformations, and energy absorption capacity were discussed in detail. Based on the experiments, under an axial force ratio of 0.16, the structural performances between hollow and solid sectioned columns were found to be almost equivalent. When the axial force ratio increased to 0.3, the structural performance was almost the same until the 2.0% drift angle; however, sudden deterioration of the load-bearing capacity occurred, with concrete compressive failure at the plastic hinge region near the column end. By means of numerical investigations by cross-sectional and FEM analysis, it was found that such brittle failure was induced by the neutral axis location and the concrete stress concentration on the hollow cross-section. Therefore, the appropriate separation of the hollow section from the plastic hinge region is recommended when the neutral axis is located beyond the flange at the ultimate flexural state.