bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Model-Based Probabilistic Inversion Using Magnetic Data: A Case Study on the Kevitsa Deposit
Authors: Güdük Nilgün , de la Varga Miguel , Kaukolinna Janne , Wellmann Florian
Published: March 2021

Structural geological models are widely used to represent relevant geological interfaces and property distributions in the subsurface. Considering the inherent uncertainty of these models, the non-uniqueness of geophysical inverse problems, and the growing availability of data, there is a need for methods that integrate different types of data consistently and consider the uncertainties quantitatively. Probabilistic inference provides a suitable tool for this purpose. Using a Bayesian framework, geological modeling can be considered as an integral part of the inversion and thereby naturally constrain geophysical inversion procedures. This integration prevents geologically unrealistic results and provides the opportunity to include geological and geophysical information in the inversion. This information can be from different sources and is added to the framework through likelihood functions. We applied this methodology to the structurally complex Kevitsa deposit in Finland. We started with an interpretation-based 3D geological model and defined the uncertainties in our geological model through probability density functions. Airborne magnetic data and geological interpretations of borehole data were used to define geophysical and geological likelihoods, respectively. The geophysical data were linked to the uncertain structural parameters through the rock properties. The result of the inverse problem was an ensemble of realized models. These structural models and their uncertainties are visualized using information entropy, which allows for quantitative analysis. Our results show that with our methodology, we can use well-defined likelihood functions to add meaningful information to our initial model without requiring a computationally-heavy full grid inversion, discrepancies between model and data are spotted more easily, and the complementary strength of different types of data can be integrated into one framework.
Hybridity and Ethnic Invisibility of the “Chitty” Heritage Community of Melaka
Authors: Moorthy Ravichandran
Published: March 2021

Migration has produced many ethnic minority communities worldwide owing to sea-borne trade, religious evangelicalism, and colonialism. For centuries, these communities have existed alongside other cultures, creating multiethnic societies. However, changes in political, economic, and sociocultural conditions have caused these communities, typically with varying degrees of social alignment and sociocultural adaptation, to re-strategize their inter-ethnic interactions. One such minority community is the “Chitty” of Melaka, a distinct Tamil community that migrated to Melaka, a coastal port city that has flourished in trade and commerce since the late 14th century. This paper investigates the historiography, its hybridity and adaptation, and the concerns of ethnic invisibility faced by this community throughout its 700-year history. Through historical analysis and ethnographic observations, the study finds that the Chitty community has contributed significantly to the sociocultural, economic, and political fabrics of Melaka in different periods of history. Secondly, the Chitty’s hybridity nature enabled them greater dexterity to socioculturally adapt to the changing surroundings and dynamics in Melaka for the last seven centuries. Thirdly, the study finds that due to their marginality in numbers and the mass arrival of new Indian migrants, the ethnic visibility of the Chitty has diminished in the new Malaysian demographic.
Multimodal Imaging in Susac Syndrome: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Bagaglia Simone Alex , Passani Franco , Oliverio Giovanni William , Inferrera Leandro , Menna Feliciana , Meduri Alessandro , Mazzotta Cosimo
Published: March 2021

Susac syndrome (SS) is a rare microangiopathy that involves arterioles of the brain, retina, and cochlea. Diagnosis is extremely difficult because of the rarity of the disease and because the signs and symptoms often occur at different times. Multidisciplinary approaches and multimodal images are mandatory for diagnosis and prompt therapy. In this report, we describe a case of SS and the application of multimodal retinal imaging to evaluate the ophthalmologic changes and to confirm diagnosis. Early diagnosis and therapy based on the associations of steroids and immunosuppressants are necessary to limit the sequelae of the disease.
Timing of Cervico-Vaginal Cytokine Collection during Pregnancy and Preterm Birth: A Comparative Analysis in the PRINCESA Cohort
Authors: Buxton Miatta A. , Meraz-Cruz Noemi , Sanchez Brisa N. , Foxman Betsy , Castillo-Castrejon Marisol , O’Neill Marie S. , Vadillo-Ortega Felipe
Published: March 2021

Preterm birth (PTB), defined as birth before 37 completed weeks of gestation, is a major cause of infant morbidity and mortality. Inflammation is an important component in the physiopathologic pathway leading to PTB but results from cross-sectional studies on associations between inflammation, as measured by cytokines, and PTB are inconsistent. Timing of cytokine measurement during pregnancy varies between studies and may contribute to inconsistent findings. We investigated the effects of timing on associations between 16 cervico-vaginal cytokines (Eotaxin, IL-10, IL-12p40, IL-17, IL-1RA, sIL-2rα, IL-1a, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IP-10, MCP-1, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, TNFα, and VEGF) and PTB among 90 women throughout pregnancy. We used logistic regression to compare associations between concentrations of cervico-vaginal cytokines from periods in pregnancy and PTB. Trimester 1 cytokines had the strongest positive associations with PTB; for example, OR = 1.76 (95% confidence interval: 1.28, 2.42) for IL-6. Second and third trimester associations were weaker but largely positive. IL-1α was the only cytokine with a negative association (trimesters 2, 3 and overall pregnancy). Strong first trimester associations between cytokines and PTB suggest that measuring cytokines early in pregnancy may hold promise for early identification of PTB risk. Variations in cytokine measurement during pregnancy may contribute to inconsistencies among studies.
Parents and Mobile Devices, from Theory to Practice: Comparison between Perception and Attitudes to 0–5 Year Old Children’s Use
Authors: Covolo Loredana , Zaniboni Daniela , Roncali Jacopo , Mapelli Valentina , Ceretti Elisabetta , Gelatti Umberto
Published: March 2021

Pediatrics associations recommend avoiding the use of mobile devices (MDs) in children aged 0–2 years and limiting them to one hour per day for children aged 3–5 years. This study aimed to explore public risk perception on MDs use by children aged 0–5 years and attitudes of parents to children’s use. Participants were recruited on a voluntary basis by social media using a self-administered survey. The study included 3115 participants, most of whom were parents of children aged under 5 years (n = 1901; 61%). Most of the respondents (74%) considered that MDs use could be harmful for children’s health. The awareness on a correct use did not always translate into avoiding MDs use as recommended, especially in parents of children aged 0–2 years. Half of the sample (54%) received or sought information on risks related to MDs use. The most consulted information sources were the web (78%), and pediatricians in only 22% of cases. Understanding the determinants of parents’ risk perception and behavior is necessary to design effective family-based interventions in order to guide parents to a moderate and more careful use of MDs by their children. To do so, public health actions must aim to strengthen awareness about conscious use of MDs.
Evaluating the Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication Mechanism and Its Risk Factors in England’s Cattle Farms
Authors: Sedighi Tabassom , Varga Liz
Published: March 2021

Controlling bovine tuberculosis (bTB) disease in cattle farms in England is seen as a challenge for farmers, animal health, environment and policy-makers. The difficulty in diagnosis and controlling bTB comes from a variety of factors: the lack of an accurate diagnostic test which is higher in specificity than the currently available skin test; isolation periods for purchased cattle; and the density of active badgers, especially in high-risk areas. In this paper, to enable the complex evaluation of bTB disease, a dynamic Bayesian network (DBN) is designed with the help of domain experts and available historical data. A significant advantage of this approach is that it represents bTB as a dynamic process that evolves periodically, capturing the actual experience of testing and infection over time. Moreover, the model demonstrates the influence of particular risk factors upon the risk of bTB breakdown in cattle farms.
Periodontitis Prevalence, Severity, and Risk Factors: A Comparison of the AAP/CDC Case Definition and the EFP/AAP Classification
Authors: Germen Meliha , Baser Ulku , Lacin Cagdas Caglar , Fıratlı Erhan , İşsever Halim , Yalcin Funda
Published: March 2021

Background: This cross-sectional study evaluated the utility of the 2018 European Federation of Periodontology/American Academy of Periodontology (EFP/AAP) classifications of epidemiological studies in terms of periodontitis severity, prevalence and associated risk factors and the 2012 American Academy of Periodontology/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (AAP/CDC) case definitions. Methods: We included 488 participants aged 35–74 years. Measurements were recorded at six sites per tooth by two qualified examiners. The evaluated parameters included pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL) and bleeding on probing (BOP). Periodontitis prevalence and severity were reported using the 2018 EFP/AAP classification and the AAP/CDC case definitions. The data were stratified by recognized risk factors (age, diabetes and smoking status). Results: The 2018 EFP/AAP classification indicated that all patients suffered from periodontitis. When CAL served as the main criterion, the frequency of patients with severe (Stages III–IV) periodontitis was 54%. When the AAP/CDC case definitions were applied, the prevalence of periodontitis was 61.9% and that of severe periodontitis 16.8%. Age was the most significant risk factor, regardless of the chosen case definition. Conclusion: It is essential to employ a globalized standard case definition when monitoring periodontitis and associated risk factors.
Different Doses of Carbohydrate Mouth Rinse Have No Effect on Exercise Performance in Resistance Trained Women
Authors: Karayigit Raci , Forbes Scott , Naderi Alireza , Candow Darren , Yildirim Ulas , Akca Firat , Aras Dicle , Yasli Burak , Sisman Aysegul , Mor Ahmet , Kaviani Mojtaba
Published: March 2021

Carbohydrate (CHO) mouth rinse has been shown to enhance aerobic endurance performance. However, the effects of CHO mouth rinse on muscular strength and endurance are mixed and may be dependent on dosage of CHO. The primary purpose was to examine the effects of different dosages of CHO rinse on strength (bench press 1 repetition maximum [1-RM]) and muscular endurance (40% of 1-RM repetitions to failure) in female athletes. Sixteen resistance-trained females (age: 20 ± 1 years; height: 167 ± 3 cm; body mass: 67 ± 4 kg; BMI: 17 ± 2 kg/m2; resistance training experience: 2 ± 1 years) completed four conditions in random order. The four conditions consisted of a mouth rinse with 25 mL solutions containing either 6% of CHO (Low dose of CHO: LCHO), 12% CHO (Moderate dose of CHO: MCHO), 18% CHO (High dose of CHO: HCHO) or water (Placebo: PLA) for 10 s prior to a bench press strength and muscular endurance test. Maximal strength (1-RM), muscular endurance (reps and total volume), heart rate (HR), ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and glucose (GLU) were recorded each condition. There were no significant differences in strength (p = 0.95) or muscular endurance (total repetitions: p = 0.06; total volume: p = 0.20) between conditions. Similarly, HR (p = 0.69), RPE (p = 0.09) and GLU (p = 0.92) did not differ between conditions. In conclusion, various doses of CHO mouth rinse (6%, 12% and 18%) have no effect on upper body muscular strength or muscular endurance in female athletes.
Attitudes toward Homosexuality among Nurses in Taiwan: Effects of Survey Year and Sociodemographic Characteristics
Authors: Lin Huang-Chi , Lin Yi-Chun , Chang Yu-Ping , Lu Wei-Hsin , Yen Cheng-Fang
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to compare the level of attitudes toward homosexuality among nurses in Taiwan between 2005 and 2017 and with various demographic characteristics, as well as the roles of demographic characteristics in the changing trend of attitudes toward homosexuality between 2005 and 2017. This survey study recruited nurses from three hospitals in 2005 (Survey 2005, N = 1176) and 2017 (Survey 2017, N = 1519). Participants’ four dimensions of attitudes toward homosexuality, including condemnation, immorality, avoiding contact, and stereotypes, were assessed using the Taiwanese version of the Attitudes Toward Homosexuality Questionnaire. The results demonstrated that nurses in 2017 exhibited lower levels of avoiding contact with lesbian and gay patients and stereotypes toward homosexuality but higher levels of condemnation of gay and lesbian individuals and perceptions of gay and lesbian individuals as immoral than did nurses in 2005. Age moderated changes in some dimensions of attitudes toward homosexuality from 2005 to 2017. The need to develop training programs aimed at improving not only the quality of nursing skills but also their negative attitudes regarding homosexuality is urgent.
Variability in Forest Visit Numbers in Different Regions and Population Segments before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Pichlerová Magdaléna , Önkal Dilek , Bartlett Anthony , Výbošťok Jozef , Pichler Viliam
Published: March 2021

In view of the prevailing preferences for health and recreation revealed by previous studies as the main expected benefits of forest visits, the research presented herein focuses on whether such expectations would translate into a significant increase in the number of forest visits (NFV) following pandemic outbreaks. In this context, a Slovak nationwide survey on forests was conducted, with the main objective of casting light on possible changes in NFV as a coping mechanism or behavioral response to the discomfort and severe restrictions stemming from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the related measures. The survey was administered on a statistically representative sample after the pandemic’s first wave ebbed and restrictions were eased in the summer months of 2020. Collected data were assessed using ANOVA, the results of which supported the importance of forests as places providing opportunities for restoration of mental and physical resources. Forest accessibility as represented by forest coverage and settlement size emerged as a paramount factor affecting NFV rates both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic and its accompanying measures affected the relationships between NFV and average per capita income, type of employment, and most importantly age, highlighting possible vulnerabilities and disadvantages in certain population segments.
Stiffness and Aging in Cardiovascular Diseases: The Dangerous Relationship between Force and Senescence
Authors: Ferrari Silvia , Pesce Maurizio
Published: March 2021

Biological aging is a process associated with a gradual decline in tissues’ homeostasis based on the progressive inability of the cells to self-renew. Cellular senescence is one of the hallmarks of the aging process, characterized by an irreversible cell cycle arrest due to reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, telomeres shortening, chronic inflammatory activation, and chromatin modifications. In this review, we will describe the effects of senescence on tissue structure, extracellular matrix (ECM) organization, and nucleus architecture, and see how these changes affect (are affected by) mechano-transduction. In our view, this is essential for a deeper understanding of the progressive pathological evolution of the cardiovascular system and its relationship with the detrimental effects of risk factors, known to act at an epigenetic level.
The Role of B Cells in PE Pathophysiology: A Potential Target for Perinatal Cell-Based Therapy?
Authors: Magatti Marta , Masserdotti Alice , Cargnoni Anna , Papait Andrea , Stefani Francesca Romana , Silini Antonietta Rosa , Parolini Ornella
Published: March 2021

The pathophysiology of preeclampsia (PE) is poorly understood; however, there is a large body of evidence that suggests a role of immune cells in the development of PE. Amongst these, B cells are a dominant element in the pathogenesis of PE, and they have been shown to play an important role in various immune-mediated diseases, both as pro-inflammatory and regulatory cells. Perinatal cells are defined as cells from birth-associated tissues isolated from term placentas and fetal annexes and more specifically from the amniotic membrane, chorionic membrane, chorionic villi, umbilical cord (including Wharton’s jelly), the basal plate, and the amniotic fluid. They have drawn particular attention in recent years due to their ability to modulate several aspects of immunity, making them promising candidates for the prevention and treatment of various immune-mediated diseases. In this review we describe main findings regarding the multifaceted in vitro and in vivo immunomodulatory properties of perinatal cells, with a focus on B lymphocytes. Indeed, we discuss evidence on the ability of perinatal cells to inhibit B cell proliferation, impair B cell differentiation, and promote regulatory B cell formation. Therefore, the findings discussed herein unveil the possibility to modulate B cell activation and function by exploiting perinatal immunomodulatory properties, thus possibly representing a novel therapeutic strategy in PE.
Role of TRPA1 in Tissue Damage and Kidney Disease
Authors: Wu Chung-Kuan , Lin Ji-Fan , Lee Tzong-Shyuan , Kou Yu Ru , Tarng Der-Cherng
Published: March 2021

TRPA1, a nonselective cation channel, is expressed in sensory afferent that innervates peripheral targets. Neuronal TRPA1 can promote tissue repair, remove harmful stimuli and induce protective responses via the release of neuropeptides after the activation of the channel by chemical, exogenous, or endogenous irritants in the injured tissue. However, chronic inflammation after repeated noxious stimuli may result in the development of several diseases. In addition to sensory neurons, TRPA1, activated by inflammatory agents from some non-neuronal cells in the injured area or disease, might promote or protect disease progression. Therefore, TRPA1 works as a molecular sentinel of tissue damage or as an inflammation gatekeeper. Most kidney damage cases are associated with inflammation. In this review, we summarised the role of TRPA1 in neurogenic or non-neurogenic inflammation and in kidney disease, especially the non-neuronal TRPA1. In in vivo animal studies, TRPA1 prevented sepsis-induced or Ang-II-induced and ischemia-reperfusion renal injury by maintaining mitochondrial haemostasis or via the downregulation of macrophage-mediated inflammation, respectively. Renal tubular epithelial TRPA1 acts as an oxidative stress sensor to mediate hypoxia–reoxygenation injury in vitro and ischaemia–reperfusion-induced kidney injury in vivo through MAPKs/NF-kB signalling. Acute kidney injury (AKI) patients with high renal tubular TRPA1 expression had low complete renal function recovery. In renal disease, TPRA1 plays different roles in different cell types accordingly. These findings depict the important role of TRPA1 and warrant further investigation.
Raw Milk-Induced Protection against Food Allergic Symptoms in Mice Is Accompanied by Shifts in Microbial Community Structure
Authors: Abbring Suzanne , Engen Phillip A. , Naqib Ankur , Green Stefan J. , Garssen Johan , Keshavarzian Ali , van Esch Betty C. A. M.
Published: March 2021

The mechanism underlying the allergy-protective effects of raw cow’s milk is still unknown, but the modulation of the gut microbiome may play a role. The effects of consuming raw cow’s milk or processed milk on fecal microbial communities were therefore characterized in an experimental murine model. C3H/HeOuJ mice were treated with raw milk, pasteurized milk, skimmed raw milk, pasteurized milk supplemented with alkaline phosphatase (ALP), or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) for eight days prior to sensitization and challenge with ovalbumin (OVA). Fecal samples were collected after milk exposure and after OVA sensitization, and microbiomes were characterized using 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequencing. Treatment with raw milk prior to OVA sensitization increased the relative abundance of putative butyrate-producing bacteria from the taxa Lachnospiraceae UCG-001, Lachnospiraceae UCG-008, and Ruminiclostridium 5 (Clostridial clusters XIVa and IV), while it decreased the relative abundance of Proteobacterial genera such as Parasutterella, a putative pro-inflammatory bacterial genus. This effect was observed after eight days of raw milk exposure and became more pronounced five weeks later, after allergic sensitization in the absence of milk. Similar trends were observed after treatment with skimmed raw milk. Conversely, the feeding of pasteurized milk led to a loss of allergy protection and a putative dysbiotic microbiome. The addition of ALP to pasteurized milk restored the protective effect observed with raw milk and mitigated some of the microbial community alterations associated with milk pasteurization. Raw milk-induced protection against food allergic symptoms in mice is accompanied by an increased relative abundance of putative butyrate-producing Clostridiales and a decreased relative abundance of putative pro-inflammatory Proteobacteria. Given the safety concerns regarding raw milk consumption, this knowledge is key for the development of new, microbiologically safe, preventive strategies to reduce the incidence of allergic diseases.
Tracing dsDNA Virus–Host Coevolution through Correlation of Their G-Quadruplex-Forming Sequences
Authors: Bohálová Natália , Cantara Alessio , Bartas Martin , Kaura Patrik , Šťastný Jiří , Pečinka Petr , Fojta Miroslav , Brázda Václav
Published: March 2021

The importance of gene expression regulation in viruses based upon G-quadruplex may point to its potential utilization in therapeutic targeting. Here, we present analyses as to the occurrence of putative G-quadruplex-forming sequences (PQS) in all reference viral dsDNA genomes and evaluate their dependence on PQS occurrence in host organisms using the G4Hunter tool. PQS frequencies differ across host taxa without regard to GC content. The overlay of PQS with annotated regions reveals the localization of PQS in specific regions. While abundance in some, such as repeat regions, is shared by all groups, others are unique. There is abundance within introns of Eukaryota-infecting viruses, but depletion of PQS in introns of bacteria-infecting viruses. We reveal a significant positive correlation between PQS frequencies in dsDNA viruses and corresponding hosts from archaea, bacteria, and eukaryotes. A strong relationship between PQS in a virus and its host indicates their close coevolution and evolutionarily reciprocal mimicking of genome organization.
A Degeneration Gradient of Poplar Trees Contributes to the Taxonomic, Functional, and Resistome Diversity of Bacterial Communities in Rhizosphere Soils
Authors: Liu Juan , He Xiangwei , Sun Jingya , Ma Yuchao
Published: March 2021

Bacterial communities associated with roots influence the health and nutrition of the host plant. However, the microbiome discrepancy are not well understood under different healthy conditions. Here, we tested the hypothesis that rhizosphere soil microbial diversity and function varies along a degeneration gradient of poplar, with a focus on plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) and antibiotic resistance genes. Comprehensive metagenomic analysis including taxonomic investigation, functional detection, and ARG (antibiotics resistance genes) annotation revealed that available potassium (AK) was correlated with microbial diversity and function. We proposed several microbes, Bradyrhizobium, Sphingomonas, Mesorhizobium, Nocardioides, Variovorax, Gemmatimonadetes, Rhizobacter, Pedosphaera, Candidatus Solibacter, Acidobacterium, and Phenylobacterium, as candidates to reflect the soil fertility and the plant health. The highest abundance of multidrug resistance genes and the four mainly microbial resistance mechanisms (antibiotic efflux, antibiotic target protection, antibiotic target alteration, and antibiotic target replacement) in healthy poplar rhizosphere, corroborated the relationship between soil fertility and microbial activity. This result suggested that healthy rhizosphere soil harbored microbes with a higher capacity and had more complex microbial interaction network to promote plant growing and reduce intracellular levels of antibiotics. Our findings suggested a correlation between the plant degeneration gradient and bacterial communities, and provided insight into the role of high-turnover microbial communities as well as potential PGPB as real-time indicators of forestry soil quality, and demonstrated the inner interaction contributed by the bacterial communities.
Toll-Like Receptors in the Pathogenesis of Essential Hypertension. A Forthcoming Immune-Driven Theory in Full Effect
Authors: Lazaridis Antonios , Gavriilaki Eleni , Douma Stella , Gkaliagkousi Eugenia
Published: March 2021

Essential hypertension (EH) is a highly heterogenous disease with a complex etiology. Recent evidence highlights the significant contribution of subclinical inflammation, triggered and sustained by excessive innate immune system activation in the pathogenesis of the disease. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have been implied as novel effectors in this inflammatory environment since they can significantly stimulate the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, the migration and proliferation of smooth muscle cells and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), facilitating a low-intensity inflammatory background that is evident from the very early stages of hypertension. Furthermore, the net result of their activation is oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, vascular remodeling, and finally, vascular target organ damage, which forms the pathogenetic basis of EH. Importantly, evidence of augmented TLR expression and activation in hypertension has been documented not only in immune but also in several non-immune cells located in the central nervous system, the kidneys, and the vasculature which form the pathogenetic core systems operating in hypertensive disease. In this review, we will try to highlight the contribution of innate immunity in the pathogenesis of hypertension by clarifying the deleterious role of TLR signaling in promoting inflammation and facilitating hypertensive vascular damage.
What If Keys Are Leaked? towards Practical and Secure Re-Encryption in Deduplication-Based Cloud Storage
Authors: You Weijing , Lei Lei , Chen Bo , Liu Limin
Published: March 2021

By only storing a unique copy of duplicate data possessed by different data owners, deduplication can significantly reduce storage cost, and hence is used broadly in public clouds. When combining with confidentiality, deduplication will become problematic as encryption performed by different data owners may differentiate identical data which may then become not deduplicable. The Message-Locked Encryption (MLE) is thus utilized to derive the same encryption key for the identical data, by which the encrypted data are still deduplicable after being encrypted by different data owners. As keys may be leaked over time, re-encrypting outsourced data is of paramount importance to ensure continuous confidentiality, which, however, has not been well addressed in the literature. In this paper, we design SEDER, a SEcure client-side Deduplication system enabling Efficient Re-encryption for cloud storage by (1) leveraging all-or-nothing transform (AONT), (2) designing a new delegated re-encryption (DRE), and (3) proposing a new proof of ownership scheme for encrypted cloud data (PoWC). Security analysis and experimental evaluation validate security and efficiency of SEDER, respectively.
Ultrastructure of the Olfactory Sensilla across the Antennae and Maxillary Palps of Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Liu Zhao , Hu Ting , Guo Huai-Wang , Liang Xiao-Fei , Cheng Yue-Qing
Published: March 2021

The sensilla on the antennae and maxillary palps are the most important olfactory organs, via which the insect can perceive the semiochemicals to adjust their host seeking and oviposition behaviors. The oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is a major agricultural quarantine pest infesting more than 250 different fruits and vegetables. However, the sensilla involved in olfaction have not been well documented even though a variety of control practices based on chemical communication have already been developed. In this study, the ultrastructure of the sensilla, especially the olfactory sensilla on the antennae and maxillary palps of both males and females, were investigated with field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Three types of olfactory sensillum types including trichodea, basiconica, and coeloconica, and two non-olfactory sensilla including both chaetica and microtrichia, were observed. Each of these three types of olfactory sensilla on the antennae of B. dorsalis were further classified into two subtypes according to the morphology and number of receptor cells. For the first time, the pores on the sensilla trichodea and basiconica cuticular wall were observed in this species, suggesting they are involved in semiochemical perception. This study provides new information on B. dorsalis olfaction, which can be connected to other molecular, genetic, and behavioral research to construct an integral olfactory system model for this species.
Forgetting Unwanted Memories: Active Forgetting and Implications for the Development of Psychological Disorders
Authors: Costanzi Marco , Cianfanelli Beatrice , Santirocchi Alessandro , Lasaponara Stefano , Spataro Pietro , Rossi-Arnaud Clelia , Cestari Vincenzo
Published: March 2021

Intrusive memories are a common feature of many psychopathologies, and suppression-induced forgetting of unwanted memories appears as a critical ability to preserve mental health. In recent years, biological and cognitive studies converged in revealing that forgetting is due to active processes. Recent neurobiological studies provide evidence on the active role of main neurotransmitter systems in forgetting, suggesting that the brain actively works to suppress retrieval of unwanted memories. On the cognitive side, there is evidence that voluntary and involuntary processes (here termed “intentional” and “incidental” forgetting, respectively) contribute to active forgetting. In intentional forgetting, an inhibitory control mechanism suppresses awareness of unwanted memories at encoding or retrieval. In incidental forgetting, retrieval practice of some memories involuntarily suppresses the retrieval of other related memories. In this review we describe recent findings on deficits in active forgetting observed in psychopathologies, like post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, schizophrenia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Moreover, we report studies in which the role of neurotransmitter systems, known to be involved in the pathogenesis of mental disorders, has been investigated in active forgetting paradigms. The possibility that biological and cognitive mechanisms of active forgetting could be considered as hallmarks of the early onset of psychopathologies is also discussed.
Different Impact of Definitions of Sarcopenia in Defining Frailty Status in a Population of Older Women with Early Breast Cancer
Authors: Bellieni Andrea , Fusco Domenico , Sanchez Alejandro Martin , Franceschini Gianluca , Di Capua Beatrice , Allocca Elena , Di Stasio Enrico , Marazzi Fabio , Tagliaferri Luca , Masetti Riccardo , Bernabei Roberto , Colloca Giuseppe Ferdinando
Published: March 2021

Sarcopenia is a geriatric syndrome characterized by losses of quantity and quality of skeletal muscle, which is associated with negative outcomes in older adults and in cancer patients. Different definitions of sarcopenia have been used, with quantitative data more frequently used in oncology, while functional measures have been advocated in the geriatric literature. Little is known about the correlation between frailty status as assessed by comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) and sarcopenia in cancer patients. We retrospectively analyzed data from 96 older women with early breast cancer who underwent CGAs and Dual X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) scans for muscle mass assessment before cancer treatment at a single cancer center from 2016 to 2019 to explore the correlation between frailty status as assessed by CGA and sarcopenia using different definitions. Based on the results of the CGA, 35 patients (36.5%) were defined as frail. Using DXA Appendicular Skeletal Mass (ASM) or the Skeletal Muscle Index (SMI=ASM/height^2), 41 patients were found to be sarcopenic (42.7%), with no significant difference in prevalence between frail and nonfrail subjects. Using the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2) definition of sarcopenia (where both muscle function and mass are required), 58 patients were classified as “probably” sarcopenic; among these, 25 were sarcopenic and 17 “severely” sarcopenic. Only 13 patients satisfied both the requirements for being defined as sarcopenic and frail. Grade 3-4 treatment-related toxicities (according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events) were more common in sarcopenic and frail sarcopenic patients. Our data support the use of a definition of sarcopenia that includes both quantitative and functional data in order to identify frail patients who need tailored treatment.
Or-Based Intelligent Decision Support System for E-Commerce
Authors: Zong Ke , Yuan Yuan , Montenegro-Marin Carlos Enrique , Kadry Seifedine Nimer
Published: March 2021

Aim: This paper aims to analyze, prepare, and review the general guidelines and rules that govern the development of key factors influencing the enhancement of emotionally supportive networks and selection models using fuzzy logic theory. The researchers have identified eight important components of the information society (IS), representing the computerized economy’s growth to explain a realistic framework for medium-term gauges and proposals. Materials and methods: A discrete-nonstop opportunity paradigm portrays the creation of the general framework, in which the mutual effects of each of the components are spoken to models within the state-space. The software’s mechanical quality offers improvement displayed along these lines that may indicate future interest to programing suppliers. The researchers have given supposed to the developments and interests of information technology (IT) professionals in R&D to provide insightful foundations. For example, this study will demonstrate the development of emotionally supportive networks and recommendations of choices for 3D-web-based businesses and their impact on mechanical advancement, examples of use and social behavior. Results: During an IS/IT foreknowledge undertaking completed in Poland in 2019 and sponsored by the Education Research and Development Foundation ERDF, the results were obtained.
Hydrophilic Cross-Linked Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Diblock Copolymer as Proton Exchange Membrane for Fuel Cells
Authors: Julius David , Lee Jim Yang , Hong Liang
Published: March 2021

This study proposes a hydrophobic and hydrophilic aliphatic diblock copolymer wherein the hydrophobic block contains glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) units that are distanced by poly(acrylonitrile) (PAN) segments to fabricate a proton exchange membrane (PEM). This diblock copolymer also known as ionomer due to the hydrophilic block comprising 3-sulfopropyl methacrylate potassium salt (SPM) block. The diblock copolymer was synthesized in the one-pot atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) synthesis. Subsequently, the membrane was fabricated by means of solution casting in which an organic diamine, e.g., ethylene diamine (EDA), was introduced to crosslink the diblock copolymer chains via the addition of amine to the epoxide group of GMA. As a result, the PEM attained possesses dual continuous phases, in which the hydrophobic domains are either agglomerated or bridged by the EDA-derived crosslinks, whereas the hydrophilic domains constitute the primary proton conducting channels. The in-situ crosslinking hydrophobic block by using a hydrophilic cross-linker represents the merit aspect since it leads to both improved proton conductivity and dimensional stability in alcohol fuel. To characterize the above properties, Nafion® 117 and random copolymer of P(AN-co-GMA-co-SPM) were used as control samples. The PEM with the optimized composition demonstrates slightly better fuel cell performance than Nafion 117. Lastly, this diblock ionomer is nonfluorinated and hence favors lowering down both material and environmental costs.
Fibrin Biopolymer Incorporated with Antimicrobial Agents: A Proposal for Coating Denture Bases
Authors: Venante Helena Sandrini , Chappuis-Chocano Ana Paula , Marcillo-Toala Oscar Oswaldo , da Silva Rafaela Alves , da Costa Rodrigo Moreira Bringel , Pordeus Mariana Domingues , Barraviera Benedito , Ferreira Junior Rui Seabra , Lara Vanessa Soares , Neppelenbroek Karin Hermana , Honório Heitor Marques , Porto Vinicius Carvalho
Published: March 2021

The characteristics of the denture base surface, in combination with the oral environment, promote the colonization and development of Candida albicans biofilm, which is the main cause of denture stomatitis. This study evaluated the effectiveness of fibrin biopolymer with digluconate chlorhexidine or Punica granatum alcoholic extract to prevent C. albicans biofilm. Conventional heat polymerized and pre-polymerized poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) circular specimens (10 × 2 mm) were fabricated (n = 504) and randomly divided into groups: no treatment (control—CT), fibrin biopolymer coating (FB), fibrin biopolymer with P. granatum (FBPg), or digluconate of chlorhexidine (FBCh) coating. The specimens were inoculated with C. albicans SC5314 (1 × 107 cells/mL) and incubated for 24, 48, and 72 h. Crystal violet and colony-forming unit assays were used to quantify the total biofilm biomass and biofilm-living cells. A qualitative analysis was performed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Data obtained are expressed as means and standard deviations and were statistically analyzed using a three-way analysis of variance (α = 0.05). The FBPg and FBCh groups inhibited the growth of C. albicans biofilm in both PMMA materials analyzed, with FBCh performing better in all periods evaluated (p < 0.0001). The colony forming unit (CFU) assay showed that the FB group favored the C. albicans biofilm growth at 24 h and 48 h (p < 0.0001), with no differences with CT group at 72 h (p = 0.790). All groups showed an enhancement in biofilm development up to 72 h (p < 0.0001), except the FBCh group (p = 0.100). No statistical differences were found between the PMMA base materials (p > 0.050), except in the FB group (p < 0.0001). Fibrin biopolymer, albeit a scaffold for the growth of C. albicans, when combined with chlorhexidine digluconate or P. granatum, demonstrated excellent performance as a drug delivery system, preventing and controlling the formation of denture biofilm.
Quantification of Carbonic Contamination of Fused Silica Surfaces at Different Stages of Classical Optics Manufacturing
Authors: Köhler Robert , Hellrung Domenico , Tasche Daniel , Gerhard Christoph
Published: March 2021

The chemical composition of ground and polished fused silica glass surfaces plays a decisive role in different applications of optics. In particular, a high level of carbon impurities is often undesirable for further processing and especially for gluing or cementing where adhesion failure may be attributed to carbonic surface-adherent contaminants. In this study, the surface carbon content at different stages of classical optics manufacturing was thus investigated. Two different standard processes—grinding and lapping with two final polishing processes using both polyurethane and pitch pads—were considered. After each process step, the chemical composition and roughness of the surface were analysed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. An obvious correlation between surface roughness and effective surface area, respectively, and the proportion of carbon contamination was observed. The lowest carbon contamination was found in case of lapped and pitch polished surfaces.
Ductile-to-Brittle Transition and Brittle Fracture Stress of Ultrafine-Grained Low-Carbon Steel
Authors: Inoue Tadanobu , Qiu Hai , Ueji Rintaro , Kimura Yuuji
Published: March 2021

Ductile-to-brittle transition (DBT) temperature and brittle fracture stress, σF, are important toughness criteria for structural materials. In this paper, low-carbon steels with an ultrafine elongated grain (UFEG) structure (transverse grain size 1.2 μm) and with two ferrite (α)-pearlite structure with grain sizes 10 µm and 18 µm were prepared. The UFEG steel was fabricated using multipass warm biaxial rolling. The tensile tests with a cylindrical specimen and three-point bending tests with a single-edge-notched specimen were performed at −196 °C. The local stress near the notch was quantitatively calculated via finite element analysis (FEA). The σF for each sample was quantified based on the experimental results and FEA. The relationship between σF and dα in the wide range of 1.0 μm to 138 μm was plotted, including data from past literature. Finally, the conditions of grain size and temperature that cause DBT fracture in low-carbon steel were shown via the stress−d−1/2 map. The results quantitatively showed the superiority of α grain size for brittle fracture.
Up-Scaling of Thermomechanically Induced Laves Phase Precipitation in High Performance Ferritic (HiperFer) Stainless Steels
Authors: Pöpperlová Jana , Fan Xiuru , Kuhn Bernd , Krupp Ulrich
Published: March 2021

Fully ferritic stainless steels, strengthened by Laves phase precipitates, were developed for high-temperature application in the next generation of ultra-super-critical thermal power plants. Based on the rapid occurrence of thermomechanically induced precipitation in strengthening Laves phase particles, a novel thermomechanical process route for this class of steels was developed. A controlled precipitation of particles, in a desired morphology and quantity, and an optimization of the corresponding forging parameters was achieved on a laboratory scale. This article outlines the very first up-scaling experiment with these optimized forging parameters from the laboratory scale to the industrial scale. The precipitation behavior was analyzed, utilizing digital particle analysis of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, to estimate and compare the phase fraction of the precipitated Laves phase, as well as the particle size and distribution. Due to the up-scaling in the forging process, the behavior of the precipitation changed and the precipitation strengthening effect was decreased, in comparison with the laboratory scale.
Utilization of Marine Waste to Obtain β-Chitin Nanofibers and Films from Giant Humboldt Squid Dosidicus gigas
Authors: Cabrera-Barjas Gustavo , González Cristian , Nesic Aleksandra , Marrugo Kelly P. , Gómez Oscar , Delattre Cédric , Valdes Oscar , Yin Heng , Bravo Gaston , Cea Juan
Published: March 2021

β-chitin was isolated from marine waste, giant Humboldt squid Dosidicus gigas, and further converted to nanofibers by use of a collider machine under acidic conditions (pH 3). The FTIR, TGA, and NMR analysis confirmed the efficient extraction of β-chitin. The SEM, TEM, and XRD characterization results verified that β-chitin crystalline structure were maintained after mechanical treatment. The mean particle size of β-chitin nanofibers was in the range between 10 and 15 nm, according to the TEM analysis. In addition, the β-chitin nanofibers were converted into films by the simple solvent-casting and drying process at 60 °C. The obtained films had high lightness, which was evidenced by the CIELAB color test. Moreover, the films showed the medium swelling degree (250–290%) in aqueous solutions of different pH and good mechanical resistance in the range between 4 and 17 MPa, depending on film thickness. The results obtained in this work show that marine waste can be efficiently converted to biomaterial by use of mild extractive conditions and simple mechanical treatment, offering great potential for the future development of sustainable multifunctional materials for various industrial applications such as food packaging, agriculture, and/or wound dressing.
Cytotoxic Polyketide Metabolites from a Marine Mesophotic Zone Chalinidae Sponge-Associated Fungus Pleosporales sp. NBUF144
Authors: Zhou Jing , Zhang Hairong , Ye Jing , Wu Xingxin , Wang Weiyi , Lin Houwen , Yan Xiaojun , Lazaro J. Enrico H. , Wang Tingting , Naman C. Benjamin , He Shan
Published: March 2021

Two new polyketide natural products, globosuxanthone F (1), and 2′-hydroxy bisdechlorogeodin (2), were isolated from the fungus Pleosporales sp. NBUF144, which was derived from a 62 m deep Chalinidae family sponge together with four known metabolites, 3,4-dihydroglobosuxanthone A (3), 8-hydroxy-3-methylxanthone-1-carboxylate (4), crosphaeropsone C (5), and 4-megastigmen-3,9-dione (6). The structures of these compounds were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis, including 1D and 2D NMR and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectra (HRESIMS) data. The absolute configuration of 1 was further established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Compounds 1-5 were evaluated for cytotoxicity towards CCRF-CEM human acute lymphatic leukemia cells, and it was found that 1 had an IC50 value of 0.46 µM.
IL-33 in Mental Disorders
Authors: Pandolfo Gianluca , Genovese Giovanni , Casciaro Marco , Muscatello Maria Rosaria Anna , Bruno Antonio , Pioggia Giovanni , Gangemi Sebastiano
Published: March 2021

Mental disorders are common in the general population; every year about 25% of the total European population is affected by a mental condition. The prevalence of psychiatric disorders might be underestimated. Emerging evidence highlights the role of immune response as a key factor in MDs. Immunological biomarkers seem to be related to illness progression and to treatment effectiveness; several studies suggest strong associations among IL-6, TNFa, S100b, IL 1b, and PCR with affective or schizophrenic disorders. The purpose of this review is to examine and to understand the possible link between mental disorders and interleukin 33 to clarify the role of this axis in the immune system. We found 13 research papers that evaluated interleukin 33 or interleukin 31 levels in subjects affected by mental disorders. Eight studies investigated cytokines in affective disorders. Three studies measured levels of IL-33 in schizophrenia and two studies focused on patients affected by autism spectrum disorders. Alterations in brain structure and neurodevelopmental outcome are affected by multiple levels of organization. Disorders of the autoimmune response, and of the IL-33/31 axis, may therefore be one of the factors involved in this process. These results support the evidence that alarmins, particularly the IL-33/31 axis, need more consideration among researchers and practitioners.