bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison Approach for Identifying Missed Invasive Fungal Infections in Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded Autopsy Specimens
Authors: Sadamoto Sota , Mitsui Yurika , Nihonyanagi Yasuhiro , Amemiya Kazuki , Shinozaki Minoru , Murayama Somay Yamagata , Abe Masahiro , Umeyama Takashi , Tochigi Naobumi , Miyazaki Yoshitsugu , Shibuya Kazutoshi
Published: March 2022

Invasive fungal infection (IFI) has a high mortality rate in patients who undergo hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and it is often confirmed by postmortem dissection. When IFI is initially confirmed after an autopsy, the tissue culture and frozen section are challenging to secure, and in many cases, formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples represent the only modality for identifying fungi. Histopathological diagnosis is a useful method in combination with molecular biological methods that can achieve more precise identification with reproducibility. Meanwhile, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using fungal-specific primers helps identify fungi from FFPE tissues. Autopsy FFPE specimens have a disadvantage regarding the quality of DNA extracted compared with that of specimens obtained via biopsy or surgery. In the case of mucormycosis diagnosed postmortem histologically, we examined currently available molecular biological methods such as PCR, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and in situ hybridization (ISH) to identify fungi. It is reasonable that PCR with some modification is valuable for identifying fungi in autopsy FFPE specimens. However, PCR does not always correctly identify fungi in autopsy FFPE tissues, and other approaches such as ISH or IHC are worth considering for clarifying the broad classification (such as the genus- or species-level classification).
The Effect of Index Option Trading on Stock Market Volatility in China: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Wu Kai , Liu Yi , Feng Weiyang
Published: March 2022

In this study, we examine the effect of introducing SSE 50ETF index options trading on stock market volatility using a panel data evaluation approach. Based on the cross-sectional dependence among international stock indices and macroeconomic indicators, we estimate the counterfactual volatility of the SSE 50 index and find that the introduction of index options reduces stock market volatility significantly in the long term. The primary findings are robust to alternative econometric models, including principal component analysis, GARCH-family model, and LASSO regression. The results of this paper suggest that the introduction of SSE index options provides investors with risk management tools and improves price discovery in the stock market.
Are Villagers Willing to Enter the Rural Collective Construction Land Market under the Arrangement of Transaction Rules?—Evidence from Ezhou, China
Authors: Deng Meie , Zhang Anlu , Cheng Congxi , Hu Canwei
Published: March 2022

In China, rural construction land refers to the construction land of townships (town) and villages. The construction land of townships (town) and villages refers to the land used by township (town) and village collective economic organizations and rural individuals to invest or raise funds for various non-agricultural construction. Rural collective construction land is divided into three categories: homestead, land for public welfare public facilities, and land for business. Complete market transaction rules can make the market of rural collective construction land run more openly, fairly, and justly, thus protecting the rights of villagers and collective economic organizations and, at the same time, reducing the transaction cost of the village collective. In this paper, we choose the formal rules of the urban and rural land linking quota trading market in Ezhou, Hubei Province, China, to analyze the three dimensions of the market transaction rules and villagers’ willingness. We also provide suggestions for the development of the RCCL market and the improvement of trading rules. The research results of the logistic model show the following: (1) Under the arrangement of the transaction rules of the RCCL, there are high transaction costs, especially labor costs and time costs, so the villagers’ willingness to enter the market is not very strong. (2) Asset specificity affects villagers’ willingness. The larger the area of RCCL involved in the transaction, the higher the transaction cost, the lower the villagers’ willingness to support the RCCL transfer. (3) The greater the uncertainty of the RCCL transaction environment—mainly due to the problems of the openness, equity, and justice of the transaction rules, which lies in the transaction information not being transparent and the income distribution and the pricing being unreasonable, resulting in villagers’ rights being denied—the more the villagers are unwilling to support the RCCL entering the market. Therefore, we suggest that more open, fair, and just trading rules of the RCCL market should be formulated to protect the security of villagers’ property rights. Moreover, the land value should be displayed reasonably, which can also standardize the good trading order and trading environment, thus making the market development more effective and stable. Our work provides some insights for improving the efficiency of the land market, which will contribute to the development of the worldwide RCCL market.
Rainfall Erosivity Impact on Sustainable Management of Agricultural Land in Changing Climate Conditions
Authors: Šarapatka Bořivoj , Bednář Marek
Published: March 2022

Soil is negatively affected by many degradation factors, of which soil erosion is the most serious, affecting soil quality, crop production, and environmental components. Soil quality is an issue dealt with in the New European Green Deal. In order to meet the set goals, it will be necessary to address soil degradation and water erosion in the agricultural landscape, and increase the area of green infrastructure within the landscape (e.g., fragments of woodland, windbreaks, and grassland). In this context, climate change is also expected to affect the frequency and intensity of torrential rainfall, leading to increased runoff, reduced infiltration, and greater soil loss. Therefore, in this study, we have elaborated the issue of agricultural landscape and erosion, looking at erosion control measures necessary in dealing with existing erosion processes in an intensively farmed area with chernozem soils, and compared these with scenarios assumed for 2050. In these future scenarios, the commonly applied agrotechnical measures will not suffice to keep soil loss at a tolerable level. In the future, it will be necessary to discuss a further reduction in the size of land blocks, with the inclusion of green infrastructure in the landscape. In addition to solving problems of erosion, this would increase diversity in the area and enable sustainable agricultural management.
Individual Differences in Singing Behavior during Childhood Predicts Language Performance during Adulthood
Authors: Christiner Markus , Bernhofs Valdis , Groß Christine
Published: March 2022

Research on singing and language abilities has gained considerable interest in the past decade. While several studies about singing ability and language capacity have been published, investigations on individual differences in singing behavior during childhood and its relationship to language capacity in adulthood have largely been neglected. We wanted to focus our study on whether individuals who had sung more often during childhood than their peers were also better in language and music capacity during adulthood. We used questionnaires to assess singing behavior of adults during childhood and tested them for their singing ability, their music perception skills, and their ability to perceive and pronounce unfamiliar languages. The results have revealed that the more often individuals had sung during childhood, the better their singing ability and language pronunciation skills were, while the amount of childhood singing was less predictive on music and language perception skills. We suggest that the amount of singing during childhood seems to influence the ability to sing and the ability to acquire foreign language pronunciation later in adulthood.
Investigation of Flammability of Protective Clothing System for Firefighters
Authors: Hursa Šajatović Anica , Flinčec Grgac Sandra , Zavec Daniela
Published: March 2022

The main characteristic of clothing for protection against heat and flame is the protection of users from external influences and danger in the conditions of elevated temperatures and exposure to flame, fire, smoke, and water. The paper presents research on the clothing system for protection against heat and flame using a fire manikin and systematically analyses the damage caused after testing. As part of the damage analysis, the existence of microdamage and impurities on the clothing system was determined using a USB Dino-Lite microscope. In addition, the intensities and composition of gaseous decomposition products during the thermogravimetric analysis of samples were investigated. The results of the research using a fire manikin showed that the user of the examined clothing system would not have sustained injuries dangerous to health and life, which confirmed the protective properties. The results of the TG-FTIR indicate that the decomposition of the fabric sample of the modacrylic–cotton fiber mixture takes place in three stages, and the identified gaseous degradation products were H2O, CO2, and CO.
Durability Improvement of Biocemented Sand by Fiber-Reinforced MICP for Coastal Erosion Protection
Authors: Imran Md Al , Nakashima Kazunori , Evelpidou Niki , Kawasaki Satoru
Published: March 2022

Soil improvement via MICP (microbially induced carbonate precipitation) technologies has recently received widespread attention in the geoenvironmental and geotechnical fields. The durability of MICP-treated samples remains a critical concern in this novel method. In this work, fiber (jute)-reinforced MICP-treated samples were investigated to evaluate their durability under exposure to distilled water (DW) and artificial seawater (ASW), so as to advance the understanding of long-term performance mimicking real field conditions, along with improvement of the MICP-treated samples for use in coastal erosion protection. Primarily, the results showed that the addition of fiber (jute) improved the durability of the MICP-treated samples by more than 50%. Results also showed that the wet–dry (WD) cyclic process resulted in adverse effects on the mechanical and physical characteristics of fiber-reinforced MICP-treated samples in both DW and ASW. The breakdown of calcium carbonates and bonding effects in between the sand particles was discovered to be involved in the deterioration of MICP samples caused by WD cycles, and this occurs in two stages. The findings of this study would be extremely beneficial to extend the insight and understanding of improvement and durability responses for significant and effective MICP treatments and/or re-treatments.
Onion Peel Waste Mediated-Green Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and Their Phytotoxicity on Mung Bean and Wheat Plant Growth
Authors: Modi Shreya , Yadav Virendra Kumar , Choudhary Nisha , Alswieleh Abdullah M. , Sharma Anish Kumar , Bhardwaj Abhishek Kumar , Khan Samreen Heena , Yadav Krishna Kumar , Cheon Ji-Kwang , Jeon Byong-Hun
Published: March 2022

Nanoparticles and nanomaterials have gained a huge amount of attention in the last decade due to their unique and remarkable properties. Metallic nanoparticles like zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) have been used very widely as plant nutrients and in wastewater treatment. Here, ZnONPs were synthesized by using onion peel and characterized by various sophisticated instruments like Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and field emission scanning electron microscopes (FESEM). FTIR confirmed ZnONPs synthesis due to the formation of the band in the region of 400–800 cm−1, while FESEM confirmed the spherical shape of the particles whose size varies in the range of 20–80 nm. FTIR revealed several bands from 1000–1800 cm−1 which indicates the capping by the organic molecules on the ZnONPs, which came from onion peel. It also has carbonyl and hydroxyl groups, due to the organic molecules present in the Allium cepa peel waste. The average hydrodynamic size of ZnONPs was 500 nm as confirmed by DLS. The synthesized ZnONPs were then used as a plant nutrient where their effect was evaluated on the growth of Vigna radiate (mung bean) and Triticum aestivum (wheat seeds). The results revealed that the germination and seedling of mung and wheat seeds with ZnONPs were grown better than the control seed. However, seeds of mung and wheat with ZnONPs at median concentration exposure showed an enhancement in percent germination, root, and shoot length in comparison to control. Thus, the effect of ZnONPs has been proved as a nano-based nutrient source for agricultural purposes.
Analytical Modeling of the Interaction of a Four Implant-Supported Overdenture with Bone Tissue
Authors: Pelekhan Bohdan , Dutkiewicz Maciej , Shatskyi Ivan , Velychkovych Andrii , Rozhko Mykola , Pelekhan Liubomyr
Published: March 2022

Today, an interdisciplinary approach to solving the problems of implantology is key to the effective use of intraosseous dental implantations. The functional properties of restoration structures for the dentition depend significantly on the mechanical stresses that occur in the structural elements and bone tissues in response to mastication loads. An orthopedic design with a bar fixation system connected to implants may be considered to restore an edentulous mandible using an overdenture. In this study, the problem of the mechanics of a complete overdenture based on a bar and four implants was formulated. A mathematical model of the interaction between the orthopedic structure and jawbone was developed, and a methodology was established for the analytical study of the stress state of the implants and adjacent bone tissue under the action of a chewing load. The novelty of the proposed model is that it operates with the minimum possible set of input data and provides adequate estimates of the most significant output parameters that are necessary for practical application. The obtained analytical results are illustrated by two examples of calculating the equivalent stresses in implants and the peri-implant tissue for real overdenture designs. To carry out the final assessment of the strength of the implants and bone, the prosthesis was loaded with mastication loads of different localization. In particular, the possibilities of loading the prosthesis in the area of the sixth and seventh teeth were investigated. Recommendations on the configuration of the distal cantilever of the overdenture and the acceptable level and distribution of the mastication load are presented. It was determined that, from a mechanical point of view, the considered orthopedic systems are capable of providing long-term success if they are used in accordance with established restrictions and recommendations.
A Study for Improved Prediction of the Cutting Force and Chip Shrinkage Coefficient during the SKD11 Alloy Steel Milling
Authors: Mac Thi-Bich , Luyen The-Thanh , Nguyen Duc-Toan
Published: March 2022

This study proposed an innovative method for improving the prediction of the cutting force (F) and chip shrinkage coefficient (K) for milling of SKD11 alloy steels using simulations and experimental results. Preliminary experimental measurements of the F and K were made for variable cutting speeds and depths, and simulations were then conducted using the Johnson–Cook model. However, significant discrepancies between the experiments and simulations were observed for the F and K. Therefore, an improved method was proposed, utilizing the relationship between simulation/experimental cutting forces and the equivalent fracture strain of simulation elements in the shear zone in the space of the stress triaxiality and equivalent strain. The progression of fracture strain paths according to the stress triaxiality until the desired cutting forces were achieved was utilized for adding new data to the fracture strain locus in the space of the stress triaxiality and equivalent strain. The new fracture strain locus was adopted again, to simulate and predict the F and K at full 2 × 3 levels of cutting speeds and cutting depths, and the results were compared with those of the corresponding experiments. Based on the highest deviations between the simulation and experimental data for the cutting force (5.29%) and chip shrinkage coefficient (5.08%), this study confirmed that the proposed method for determining the new fracture strain locus can improve the prediction of the F and K for milling of SKD11 alloy steels.
Stochastic Triad Topology Based Particle Swarm Optimization for Global Numerical Optimization
Authors: Yang Qiang , Bian Yu-Wei , Gao Xu-Dong , Xu Dong-Dong , Lu Zhen-Yu , Jeon Sang-Woon , Zhang Jun
Published: March 2022

Particle swarm optimization (PSO) has exhibited well-known feasibility in problem optimization. However, its optimization performance still encounters challenges when confronted with complicated optimization problems with many local areas. In PSO, the interaction among particles and utilization of the communication information play crucial roles in improving the learning effectiveness and learning diversity of particles. To promote the communication effectiveness among particles, this paper proposes a stochastic triad topology to allow each particle to communicate with two random ones in the swarm via their personal best positions. Then, unlike existing studies that employ the personal best positions of the updated particle and the neighboring best position of the topology to direct its update, this paper adopts the best one and the mean position of the three personal best positions in the associated triad topology as the two guiding exemplars to direct the update of each particle. To further promote the interaction diversity among particles, an archive is maintained to store the obsolete personal best positions of particles and is then used to interact with particles in the triad topology. To enhance the chance of escaping from local regions, a random restart strategy is probabilistically triggered to introduce initialized solutions to the archive. To alleviate sensitivity to parameters, dynamic adjustment strategies are designed to dynamically adjust the associated parameter settings during the evolution. Integrating the above mechanism, a stochastic triad topology-based PSO (STTPSO) is developed to effectively search complex solution space. With the above techniques, the learning diversity and learning effectiveness of particles are largely promoted and thus the developed STTPSO is expected to explore and exploit the solution space appropriately to find high-quality solutions. Extensive experiments conducted on the commonly used CEC 2017 benchmark problem set with different dimension sizes substantiate that the proposed STTPSO achieves highly competitive or even much better performance than state-of-the-art and representative PSO variants.
Gradient-Based Optimization Algorithm for Solving Sylvester Matrix Equation
Authors: Zhang Juan , Luo Xiao
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we transform the problem of solving the Sylvester matrix equation into an optimization problem through the Kronecker product primarily. We utilize the adaptive accelerated proximal gradient and Newton accelerated proximal gradient methods to solve the constrained non-convex minimization problem. Their convergent properties are analyzed. Finally, we offer numerical examples to illustrate the effectiveness of the derived algorithms.
Bipolar Complex Fuzzy Soft Sets and Their Applications in Decision-Making
Authors: Mahmood Tahir , Rehman Ubaid Ur , Jaleel Abdul , Ahmmad Jabbar , Chinram Ronnason
Published: March 2022

This article introduces the notion of bipolar complex fuzzy soft set as a generalization of bipolar complex fuzzy set and soft set. Furthermore, this article contains elementary operations for bipolar complex fuzzy soft sets such as complement, union, intersection, extended intersection, and related properties. The OR and AND operations for bipolar complex fuzzy soft set are also initiated in this study. Moreover, this study contains the decision-making algorithm and real-life examples to display the success and usability of bipolar complex fuzzy soft sets. Finally, the comparative study of initiated notions with some prevailing ideas are also interpreted in this study.
Automatic Classification Framework of Tongue Feature Based on Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Li Jiawei , Zhang Zhidong , Zhu Xiaolong , Zhao Yunlong , Ma Yuhang , Zang Junbin , Li Bo , Cao Xiyuan , Xue Chenyang
Published: March 2022

Tongue diagnosis is an important part of the diagnostic process in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It primarily relies on the expertise and experience of TCM practitioners in identifying tongue features, which are subjective and unstable. We proposed a tongue feature classification framework based on convolutional neural networks to reduce the differences in diagnoses among TCM practitioners. Initially, we used our self-designed instrument to capture 482 tongue photos and created 11 data sets based on different features. Then, the tongue segmentation task was completed using an upgraded facial landmark detection method and UNET. Finally, we used ResNet34 as the backbone to extract features from the tongue photos and classify them. Experimental results show that our framework has excellent results with an overall accuracy of over 86 percent and is particularly sensitive to the corresponding feature regions, and thus it could assist TCM practitioners in making more accurate diagnoses.
Cyanobacteria: Model Microorganisms and Beyond
Authors: Mehdizadeh Allaf Malihe , Peerhossaini Hassan
Published: March 2022

In this review, the general background is provided on cyanobacteria, including morphology, cell membrane structure, and their photosynthesis pathway. The presence of cyanobacteria in nature, and their industrial applications are discussed, and their production of secondary metabolites are explained. Biofilm formation, as a common feature of microorganisms, is detailed and the role of cell diffusion in bacterial colonization is described. Then, the discussion is narrowed down to cyanobacterium Synechocystis, as a lab model microorganism. In this relation, the morphology of Synechocystis is discussed and its different elements are detailed. Type IV pili, the complex multi-protein apparatus for motility and cell-cell adhesion in Synechocystis is described and the underlying function of its different elements is detailed. The phototaxis behavior of the cells, in response to homogenous or directional illumination, is reported and its relation to the run and tumble statistics of the cells is emphasized. In Synechocystis suspensions, there may exist a reciprocal interaction between the cell and the carrying fluid. The effects of shear flow on the growth, doubling per day, biomass production, pigments, and lipid production of Synechocystis are reported. Reciprocally, the effects of Synechocystis presence and its motility on the rheological properties of cell suspensions are addressed. This review only takes up the general grounds of cyanobacteria and does not get into the detailed biological aspects per se. Thus, it is substantially more comprehensive in that sense than other reviews that have been published in the last two decades. It is also written not only for the researchers in the field, but for those in physics and engineering, who may find it interesting, useful, and related to their own research.
The Distribution of Gas Components within a Shale System and Its Implication for Migration
Authors: Fan Bojiang , Shi Liang , Wang Xia , Wang Chi , Li Yating , Huang Feifei
Published: March 2022

Experimental studies on the desorption and adsorption of shale are conducted extensively and used for in-depth research on shale gas components and isotopic components. However, there is little systematic research aimed at a given shale stratum. This study takes the Chang-7 shale of the YC23 Well in the Ordos Basin as the research object, and attempts to obtain a full understanding of the distribution characteristics of different gas components, and to explore the migration ability of different gas components. In this study, Chang-7 shale gas in Well YC23 can be sorted into three categories: generated gas, retained gas and accumulated gas. Geochemical parameters including TOC, S1 and S2 are used to evaluate the generated gas, and the fractionation of hydrocarbon components is used to distinguish retained gas and migrated gas. The fractionation of non-hydrocarbon components as well as carbon isotopes is also analyzed and discussed. This study confirms that shale gas in different locations has unique gas components due to gas migration.
Hybrid Classification/Regression Approach to QSAR Modeling of Stoichiometric Antiradical Capacity Assays’ Endpoints
Authors: Alov Petko , Tsakovska Ivanka , Pajeva Ilza
Published: March 2022

Quantitative structure–activity relationships (QSAR) are a widely used methodology allowing not only a better understanding of the mechanisms of chemical reactions, including radical scavenging, but also to predict the relevant properties of chemical compounds without their synthesis, isolation and experimental testing. Unlike the QSAR modeling of the kinetic antioxidant assays, modeling of the assays with stoichiometric endpoints depends strongly on the number of hydroxyl groups in the antioxidant molecule, as well as on some integral molecular descriptors characterizing the proportion of OH-groups able to enter and complete the radical scavenging reaction. In this work, we tested the feasibility of a “hybrid” classification/regression approach, consisting of explicit classification of individual OH-groups as involved in radical scavenging reactions, and using further the number of these OH-groups as a descriptor in simple-regression QSAR models of antiradical capacity assays with stoichiometric endpoints. A simple threshold classification based on the sum of trolox-equivalent antiradical capacity values was used, selecting OH-groups with specific radical stability- and reactivity-related electronic parameters or their combination as “active” or “inactive”. We showed that this classification/regression modeling approach provides a substantial improvement of the simple-regression QSAR models over those built on the number of total phenolic OH-groups only, and yields a statistical performance similar to that of the best reported multiple-regression QSARs for antiradical capacity assays with stoichiometric endpoints.
Experimental Design Optimization of Acrylate—Tannin Photocurable Resins for 3D Printing of Bio-Based Porous Carbon Architectures
Authors: Blyweert Pauline , Nicolas Vincent , Fierro Vanessa , Celzard Alain
Published: March 2022

In this work, porous carbons were prepared by 3D printing formulations based on acrylate–tannin resins. As the properties of these carbons are highly dependent on the composition of the precursor, it is essential to understand this effect to optimise them for a given application. Thus, experimental design was applied, for the first time, to carbon 3D printing. Using a rationalised number of experiments suggested by a Scheffé mixture design, the experimental responses (the carbon yield, compressive strength, and Young’s modulus) were modelled and predicted as a function of the relative proportions of the three main resin ingredients (HDDA, PETA, and CN154CG). The results revealed that formulations containing a low proportion of HDDA and moderate amounts of PETA and CN154CG gave the best properties. Thereby, the optimised carbon structures had a compressive strength of over 5.2 MPa and a Young’s modulus of about 215 MPa. The reliability of the model was successfully validated through optimisation tests, proving the value of experimental design in developing customisable tannin-based porous carbons manufactured by stereolithography.
Determination of Aniline in Soil by ASE/GC-MS
Authors: Shi Yongli , Zhang Kai
Published: March 2022

In this study, a rapid and simple method based on accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was established to determine the levels of aniline in soil. The matrix spike recovery rates of aniline were investigated by changing several experimental parameters such as vacuum freeze-drying, accelerated solvent extraction, sample transfer, nitrogen-blowing concentration and solvent exchange. Under optimized pretreatment conditions, the linearity of the method ranged from 0.5 to 20 μg mL−1 for aniline, and the correlation coefficient was 0.999. Recoveries of aniline from quartz sand and soil ranged from 76% to 98%, while the precision was excellent with average inter-day and intraday values ranging (n = 6) from 3.1% to 7.5% and 2.0% to 6.9%, respectively. The limits of quantification of the method were 0.04 mg kg−1. Notably, the results show that the method we developed is simple, fast, low cost and can meet the requirements for the determination of aniline in soil samples, sewage sludge, river and pond sediments.
Untargeted Metabolomics Reveals the Potential Antidepressant Activity of a Novel Adenosine Receptor Antagonist
Authors: Smith Arnold Petrus , Lindeque Jeremie Zander , van der Walt Mietha Magdalena
Published: March 2022

Depression is the most common mental illness, affecting approximately 4.4% of the global population. Despite many available treatments, some patients exhibit treatment-resistant depression. Thus, the need to develop new and alternative treatments cannot be overstated. Adenosine receptor antagonists have emerged as a promising new class of antidepressants. The current study investigates a novel dual A1/A2A adenosine receptor antagonist, namely 2-(3,4-dihydroxybenzylidene)-4-methoxy-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-one (1a), for antidepressant capabilities by determining its metabolic profiles and comparing them to those of two reference compounds (imipramine and KW-6002). The metabolic profiles were obtained by treating male Sprague-Dawley rats with 1a and the reference compounds and subjecting them to the forced swim test. Serum and brain material was consequently collected from the animals following euthanasia, after which the metabolites were extracted and analyzed through untargeted metabolomics using both 1H-NMR and GC-TOFMS. The current study provides insight into compound 1a’s metabolic profile. The metabolic profile of 1a was similar to those of the reference compounds. They potentially exhibit their antidepressive capabilities via downstream effects on amino acid and lipid metabolism.
Strongly Basic Anion Exchange Resin Based on a Cross-Linked Polyacrylate for Simultaneous C.I. Acid Green 16, Zn(II), Cu(II), Ni(II) and Phenol Removal
Authors: Wawrzkiewicz Monika , Wołowicz Anna , Hubicki Zbigniew
Published: March 2022

The adsorption ability of Lewatit S5528 (S5528) resin for C.I. Acid Green 16 (AG16), heavy metals (Zn(II), Cu(II) and Ni(II)) and phenol removal from single-component aqueous solutions is presented in this study to assess its suitability for wastewater treatment. Kinetic and equilibrium studies were carried out in order to determine adsorption capacities, taking into account phase contact time, adsorbates’ initial concentration, and auxiliary presence (NaCl, Na2SO4, anionic (SDS) and non-ionic (Triton X100) surfactants). The pseudo-second-order kinetic model described experimental data better than pseudo-first-order or intraparticle diffusion models. The adsorption of AG16 (538 mg/g), phenol (14.5 mg/g) and Cu(II) (5.8 mg/g) followed the Langmuir isotherm equation, while the uptake of Zn(II) (0.179 mg1−1/nL1/n/g) and Ni(II) (0.048 mg1−1/nL1/n/g) was better described by the Freundlich model. The auxiliary’s presence significantly reduced AG16 removal efficiency, whereas in the case of heavy metals the changes were negligible. The column studies proved the good adsorption ability of Lewatit S5528 towards AG16 and Zn(II). The desorption was the most effective for AG16 (>90% of dye was eluted using 1 mol/L HCl + 50% v/v MeOH and 1 mol/L NaCl + 50% v/v MeOH solutions).
Selective Formation of Intramolecular Hydrogen-Bonding Palladium(II) Complexes with Nucleosides Using Unsymmetrical Tridentate Ligands
Authors: Mitsuhashi Ryoji , Imai Yuya , Suzuki Takayoshi , Hayashi Yoshihito
Published: March 2022

Three palladium(II) complexes with amino-amidato-phenolato-type tridentate ligands were synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. The strategic arrangement of a hydrogen-bond donor and acceptor adjacent to the substitution site of the PdII complex allowed the selective coordination of nucleosides. Among two pyrimidine-nucleosides, cytidine and 5-methyluridine, cytidine was successfully coordinated to the PdII complex while 5-methyluridne was not. On the other hand, both purine-nucleosides, adenosine and guanosine, were coordinated to the PdII complex. As purines have several coordination sites, adenosine afforded three kinds of coordination isomers expected from the three different donors. However, guanosine afforded a sole product according to the ligand design such that the formation of double intramolecular hydrogen-bond strongly induced the specific coordination by N1-position of guanine moiety. Furthermore, the preference of the nucleosides was evaluated by scrambling reactions. It was found that the preference of guanosine is nearly twice as high as adenosine and cytidine, owing to the three-point interaction of a coordination bond and two hydrogen bonds. These results show that the combination of a coordination and hydrogen bonds, which is reminiscent of the Watson–Crick base pairing, is an effective tool for the precise recognition of nucleosides.
Curcuma phaeocaulis Inhibits NLRP3 Inflammasome in Macrophages and Ameliorates Nanoparticle-Induced Airway Inflammation in Mice
Authors: Nam Yeon-Ju , Choi Jiwon , Lee Jong Suk , Seo Changon , Lee Gyeongbeen , Lee Youngsu , Kim Jin Kyu , Kim Pansoo , Lim Jeong Ju , Choi Hyeon-Son , Choi Yongmun
Published: March 2022

The activation of NLRP3 results in the assembly of inflammasome that regulates caspase-1 activation and the subsequent secretion of bioactive interleukin (IL)-1β. Excessive activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome is mechanistically linked to diverse pathophysiological conditions, including airway inflammation. Here, we discovered that Curcuma phaeocaulis can suppress caspase-1 activation and processing of pro-IL-1β into mature cytokine in macrophages stimulated with NLRP3 inflammasome activators, such as SiO2 or TiO2 nanoparticles. Furthermore, in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluids of animals administered the nanoparticles, the in vitro effects of C. phaeocaulis translated into a decrease in IL-1β levels and cell infiltration. Demethoxycurcumin (DMC) and curcumin were found to be responsible for the inflammasome inhibitory activity of C. phaeocaulis. Interestingly, in contrast to the previously reported higher antioxidant- and NFκB-inhibitory activities of curcumin, DMC exhibited approximately two-fold stronger potency than curcumin against nanoparticle induced activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. In the light of these results, both compounds seem to act independently of their antioxidant- and NFκB-inhibitory properties. Although how C. phaeocaulis inhibits nanoparticle-activated NLRP3 inflammasome remains to be elucidated, our results provide a basis for further research on C. phaeocaulis extract as an anti-inflammatory agent for the treatment of disorders associated with excessive activation of NLRP3 inflammasome.
Estimation of the Annual Effective Dose Due to the Ingestion of 210Pb and 210Po in Crops from a Site of Coal Mining and Processing in Southwest China
Authors: Wang Chenxiao , Wu Qifan , Pan Ziqiang , Liu Senlin , Cao Zhonggang , Yu Yilin
Published: March 2022

The exploitation of mineral resources may cause the environmental release of radionuclides and their introduction in the human trophic chain, affecting public health in the short and long term. A case study of the environmental radiation impact from coal mining and germanium processing was carried out in southwest China. The coal mines contain germanium and uranium and have been exploited for more than 40 years. The farmlands around the site of the coal mining and germanium processing have been contaminated by the solid waste and mine water to some extent since then. Samples of crops were collected from contaminated farmlands in the research area. The research area covers a radius of 5 km, in which there are two coal mines. 210Pb and 210Po were analyzed as the key radionuclides during the monitoring program. The average activity concentrations of 210Pb and 210Po in the crops were 1.38 and 1.32 Bq/kg in cereals, 4.07 and 2.19 Bq/kg in leafy vegetables and 1.63 and 1.32 Bq/kg in root vegetables. The annual effective doses due to the ingestion of 210Pb and 210Po in consumed crops were estimated for adult residents living in the research area. The average annual effective dose was 0.336 mSv/a, the minimum was 0.171 mSv/a and the maximum was 0.948 mSv/a. The results show that the crops grown on contaminated farmland contained an enhanced level of radioactivity concentration. The ingestion doses of local residents in the research area were significantly higher than the average level of 0.112 mSv/a in China, and the world average level of 0.042 mSv/a through 210Pb and 210Po in crop intake, respectively.
Fast and Efficient Mouse Pluripotency Reprogramming Using a Chemically-Defined Medium
Authors: Huang Junju , Yang Xuejie , Wang Jie , Wu Haoyu , Pei Duanqing , Chen Jiekai
Published: March 2022

The reprogramming of somatic cells to obtain induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) is an important biological and medical breakthrough, providing important applications for fields such as regenerative medicine and disease modeling. However, this promising technology is damped due to its low efficiency and slow kinetics. Therefore, we generated a practical workflow to rapidly and efficiently induce iPSCs from mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) using iCD1 (iPS chemically-defined medium 1). This protocol can easily be implemented in a standard cell culture laboratory and be applied to cell fate research.
Modified Breath Figure Methods for the Pore-Selective Functionalization of Honeycomb-Patterned Porous Polymer Films
Authors: Falak Shahkar , Shin Bokyoung , Huh Dosung
Published: March 2022

Recent developments in the field of the breath figure (BF) method have led to renewed interest from researchers in the pore-selective functionalization of honeycomb-patterned (HCP) films. The pore-selective functionalization of the HCP film gives unique properties to the film which can be used for specific applications such as protein recognition, catalysis, selective cell culturing, and drug delivery. There are several comprehensive reviews available for the pore-selective functionalization by the self-assembly process. However, considerable progress in preparation technologies and incorporation of new materials inside the pore surface for exact applications have emerged, thus warranting a review. In this review, we have focused on the pore-selective functionalization of the HCP films by the modified BF method, in which the self-assembly process is accompanied by an interfacial reaction. We review the importance of pore-selective functionalization, its applications, present limitations, and future perspectives.
Novel Titanium Nanospike Structure Using Low-Energy Helium Ion Bombardment for the Transgingival Part of a Dental Implant
Authors: Mukaddam Khaled , Astasov-Frauenhoffer Monika , Fasler-Kan Elizaveta , Marot Laurent , Kisiel Marcin , Steiner Roland , Sanchez Fabien , Meyer Ernst , Köser Joachim , Bornstein Michael M. , Kühl Sebastian
Published: March 2022

Aim(s): The aim of the study was to fabricate a nanospike surface on a titanium alloy surface using a newly established method of low-energy helium ion bombardment. Various methods to achieve nanospike formation on titanium have been introduced recently, and their antibacterial properties have been mainly investigated with respect to Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Oral pathogens such as Porphyromonas gingivalis play an important role in the development of peri-implantitis. For that reason, the antibacterial properties of the novel, nanostructured titanium surface against P. gingivalis were assessed, and a possible effect on the viability of gingival fibroblasts was evaluated. Materials and Methods: Helium sputtering was employed for developing titanium surfaces with nanospikes of 500 nm (ND) in height; commercially available smooth-machined (MD) and sandblasted and acid-etched titanium disks (SLA) were used as controls. Surface structure characterization was performed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Following incubation with P. gingivalis, antibacterial properties were determined via conventional culturing and SEM. Additionally, the viability of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) was tested through MTT assay, and cell morphology was assessed through SEM. Results: SEM images confirmed the successful establishment of a nanospike surface with required heights, albeit with heterogeneity. AFM images of the 500 nm nanospike surface revealed that the roughness is dominated by large-scale hills and valleys. For frame sizes of 5 × 5 μm and smaller, the average roughness is dominated by the height of the titanium spikes. ND successfully induces dysmorphisms within P. gingivalis cultures following the incubation period, while conventional culturing reveals a 17% and 20% reduction for ND compared to MD and SLA, respectively. Moreover, the nanospike surfaces did not affect the viability of human growth fibroblasts despite their sharp surface. Conclusion(s): This study successfully developed a novel titanium-nanospike-based structuration technique for titanium surfaces. In addition, the nanospikes did not hinder gingival fibroblast viability. Enhanced antimicrobial effects for such a novel nanospike-based resurfacing technique can be achieved through further optimizations for nanospike spacing and height parameters.
Chromium(VI) Removal from Water by Lanthanum Hybrid Modified Activated Carbon Produced from Coconut Shells
Authors: Tolkou Athanasia K. , Trikalioti Soultana , Makrogianni Olina , Xanthopoulou Maria , Deliyanni Eleni A. , Katsoyiannis Ioannis A. , Kyzas George Z.
Published: March 2022

Cr(VI) is considered to be the most hazardous and toxic oxidation state of chromium and hence the development of effective removal technologies, able to provide water with Cr(VI) below the drinking water limits (US EPA 100 μg/L, European Commission 50 μg/L, which will be reduced to 25 by 2036) is a very important issue in water treatment. This study aimed at examining the performance of activated carbon produced from coconut shells, modified by lanthanum chloride, for Cr(VI) removal from waters. The structure of the formed material (COC-AC-La) was characterized by the application of BET, FTIR and SEM techniques. The effect of the adsorbent’s dosage, pH value, contact time, initial Cr(VI) concentration and water matrix was examined with respect to Cr(VI) removal. The results indicated that the maximum Cr(VI) removal was observed at pH 5; 4 h contact time and 0.2 g/L of adsorbent’s dosage was adequate to reduce Cr(VI) from 100 μg/L to below 25 μg/L. Freundlich isotherm and pseudo-second order kinetic models fitted the experimental data sufficiently. The maximum adsorption capacity achieved was 6.3 μg/g at pH 5. At this pH value, the removal percentage of Cr(VI) reached 95% for an initial Cr(VI) concertation of 30 μg/L. At pH 7 the corresponding efficiency was roughly 60%, resulting in residual Cr(VI) concentrations below the anticipated drinking water limit of 25 μg/L of total chromium, when the initial Cr(VI) concentration was 50 μg/L. Consecutive adsorption and regeneration studies were conducted using 0.01 M of NaOH as an eluent to evaluate the reusability of the adsorbents, Results showed 20% decrease of adsorption capacity after 5 regeneration cycles of operation.
MOF-Derived Cu@N-C Catalyst for 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition Reaction
Authors: Wang Zhuangzhuang , Zhou Xuehao , Gong Shaofeng , Xie Jianwei
Published: March 2022

Cu(im)2-derived Cu@N-C composites were used for the first time as efficient heterogeneous catalysts for one-pot 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of terminal alkynes, aryl halides, and sodium azide to preparation of 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles with broad substrate scope and high yields. The catalyst can be easily reused without the changes of structure and morphology, and the heterogeneity nature was confirmed from the catalyst recyclability and metal leaching test.
Feeding during Dialysis Increases Intradialytic Blood Pressure Variability and Reduces Dialysis Adequacy
Authors: Fotiadou Elena , Georgianos Panagiotis I. , Vaios Vasilios , Sgouropoulou Vasiliki , Divanis Dimitrios , Karligkiotis Apostolos , Leivaditis Konstantinos , Chourdakis Michail , Zebekakis Pantelis E. , Liakopoulos Vassilios
Published: March 2022

Whether hemodialysis patients should be allowed or even encouraged to eat during dialysis remains a controversial topic. This cross-over study aimed to evaluate the impact of feeding during dialysis on intradialytic blood pressure (BP) profile and dialysis adequacy in 26 patients receiving thrice-weekly, in-center hemodialysis. Over three consecutive mid-week dialysis sessions, intradialytic BP was monitored using the Mobil-O-Graph device (IEM, Stolberg, Germany). Blood samples were also obtained for the determination of the urea reduction ratio (URR). At baseline, patients underwent dialysis without the provision of a meal. In phases A and B, a meal with either high-protein (1.5 gr/kg of body weight) or low-protein (0.7 gr/kg of body weight) content was administered 1 h after the initiation of dialysis. The sequence of meals (high-protein and low-protein or vice versa) was randomized. Average intradialytic systolic BP (SBP) was similar on all three occasions. However, compared with baseline, the standard deviation (SD) (11.7 ± 4.1 vs. 15.6 ± 7.6 mmHg, p < 0.01), coefficient of variation (CV) (9.5 ± 3.7% vs. 12.4 ± 6.0%, p < 0.01) and average real variability (ARV) (9.4 ± 3.9 vs. 12.1 ± 5.2 mmHg, p < 0.01) of intradialytic SBP were higher in phase A. Similarly, compared with the baseline evaluation, all three indices of intradialytic SBP variability were higher in phase B (SD: 11.7 ± 4.1 vs. 14.1 ± 4.5 mmHg, p < 0.05; CV: 9.5 ± 3.7% vs. 11.1 ± 3.8%, p < 0.05; ARV: 9.4 ± 3.9 vs. 10.9 ± 3.9 mmHg, p < 0.05). Compared with dialysis without a meal, the consumption of a high-protein or low-protein meal resulted in a lower URR (73.4 ± 4.3% vs. 65.7 ± 10.7%, p < 0.001 in phase A and 73.4 ± 4.3% vs. 67.6 ± 4.3%, p < 0.001 in phase B, respectively). In conclusion, in the present study, feeding during dialysis was associated with higher intradialytic SBP variability and reduced adequacy of the delivered dialysis.