bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DPCat: Specification for an Interoperable and Machine-Readable Data Processing Catalogue Based on GDPR
Authors: Ryan Paul , Brennan Rob , Pandit Harshvardhan J.
Published: May 2022

The GDPR requires Data Controllers and Data Protection Officers (DPO) to maintain a Register of Processing Activities (ROPA) as part of overseeing the organisation’s compliance processes. The ROPA must include information from heterogeneous sources such as (internal) departments with varying IT systems and (external) data processors. Current practices use spreadsheets or proprietary systems that lack machine-readability and interoperability, presenting barriers to automation. We propose the Data Processing Catalogue (DPCat) for the representation, collection and transfer of ROPA information, as catalogues in a machine-readable and interoperable manner. DPCat is based on the Data Catalog Vocabulary (DCAT) and its extension DCAT Application Profile for data portals in Europe (DCAT-AP), and the Data Privacy Vocabulary (DPV). It represents a comprehensive semantic model developed from GDPR’s Article and an analysis of the 17 ROPA templates from EU Data Protection Authorities (DPA). To demonstrate the practicality and feasibility of DPCat, we present the European Data Protection Supervisor’s (EDPS) ROPA documents using DPCat, verify them with SHACL to ensure the correctness of information based on legal and contextual requirements, and produce reports and ROPA documents based on DPA templates using SPARQL. DPCat supports a data governance process for data processing compliance to harmonise inputs from heterogeneous sources to produce dynamic documentation that can accommodate differences in regulatory approaches across DPAs and ease investigative burdens toward efficient enforcement.
Identification and Characterization of Antioxidant Enzyme Genes in Parasitoid Aphelinus asychis (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) and Expression Profiling Analysis under Temperature Stress
Authors: Liu Xiang , Fu Zhi-Xiao , Kang Zhi-Wei , Li Hao , Liu Tong-Xian , Wang Dun
Published: May 2022

It is well known that high temperature, a typically negative environmental factor, reduces the parasitism of a parasitoid. Generally, high temperature causes the rapid overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in organisms, and antioxidative enzymes participate in the process of resisting environmental stress by eliminating excess ROS. In the present study, we identify two superoxide dismutase (SOD), one catalase (CAT), six peroxidases (POD), and five glutathione-S-transferase (GST) genes; and the survival rate and antioxidative enzyme patterns under short-term high temperature exposure of the parasitoid wasp, A.asychis, are examined. Survival results of A.asychis reveal that females show higher thermal tolerance than males. Under short-term high-temperature exposure, in females, the expression levels of most antioxidant enzyme genes decreased first and then increased to a peak at 41 °C, while only the expression of AasyGST4 showed a continuous increase. In males, the expression patterns of most antioxidant enzyme genes fluctuated and reached a maximum at 41 °C. Moreover, the expression levels of the majority of antioxidant enzyme genes were higher in females than in males. In addition, at temperatures of and above 35 °C, the activities of these four antioxidant enzymes were induced. The results show that the antioxidant enzymes confer thermo-tolerance to A. asychis against lethal thermal stress. Our observations enrich the understanding of the response mechanism to high-temperature assaults of A. asychis.
Notes on the Genus Aceratoneuromyia Girault (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae)
Authors: Huangfu Ning , Cao Huan-Xi , Zhu Chao-Dong
Published: May 2022

Fruit flies in the family Tephritidae are well known as economically important pests of edible fruits and can often cause serious damage and losses to both agriculture and the economy. One of the common parasitoids of fruit flies, Aceratoneuromyia indica (Silvestri), has been used in biological programs. However, the biocontrol utilities of parasitoids are impeded by the difficulties of proper identification. Species of the genus Aceratoneuromyia Girault (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), usually developed as parasitoids of fruit flies, are studied here. Trjapitzinichus Kostjukov and Kosheleva is proposed as a new synonym under Aceratoneuromyia. Three new species of Aceratoneuromyia, A. bilinis Huangfu and Cao sp. nov., A. carinata Cao and Zhu sp. nov., and A. trilinus Cao and Zhu sp. nov., are described and illustrated from China. Aceratoneuromyia indica is also treated here with diagnosis and illustrations. DNA barcodes of A. bilinis and A. indica and a key to the world species of Aceratoneuromyia are provided. This study provided important identification information of parasitoids with morphology and molecular evidence, which is useful for imperative needs regarding the identity of parasitoids attacking fruit flies.
Modelling of Positive Streamers in SF6 Gas under Non-Uniform Electric Field Conditions: Effect of Electronegativity on Streamer Discharges
Authors: Boakye-Mensah Francis , Bonifaci Nelly , Hanna Rachelle , Niyonzima Innocent , Timoshkin Igor
Published: May 2022

The use of SF6 in electrical insulation and fast-switching applications cannot be overemphasized. This is due to its excellent dielectric properties and high breakdown voltage, which are especially important for practical applications such as gas-insulated switchgears and pulsed power switches where pressurized SF6 is used. Breakdown in the gas occurs via streamer–leader transition; however, this transition is difficult to quantify numerically at atmospheric pressure because of the electronegativity of the gas. In the present work, streamer discharges in SF6 gas at pressures of 10 and 100 kPa were studied using a plasma fluid model implementation. Analysis of the electric field in the streamer body, streamer velocity, diameter, and the effect of the high electronegativity of the gas on streamer parameters are presented for positive polarity in a point-to-plane geometry. The streamers in SF6 for non-uniform background fields are compared to those in air, which have already been studied extensively in the literature.
Duodenal Gastric Metaplasia and Duodenal Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: More Than a Simple Coincidence?
Authors: Massironi Sara , Rossi Roberta Elisa , Milanetto Anna Caterina , Andreasi Valentina , Campana Davide , Nappo Gennaro , Partelli Stefano , Gallo Camilla , Scaravaglio Miki , Zerbi Alessandro , Panzuto Francesco , Pasquali Claudio , Falconi Massimo , Invernizzi Pietro ,   on behalf of ItaNet (Italian Association for Neuroendocrine Tumours) Study Group
Published: May 2022

Background: Duodenal gastric metaplasia (DGM) is considered a precancerous lesion. No data are available regarding its possible role as a risk factor for duodenal neuroendocrine neoplasms (dNENs). Aims: To assess the prevalence of DGM in a cohort of dNENs. Methods: Subgroup analysis of a retrospective study including dNEN patients who underwent surgical resection between 2000 and 2019 and were observed at eight Italian tertiary referral centers. Results: 109 dNEN patients were evaluated. Signs of DGM associated with the presence of dNEN were reported in 14 patients (12.8%). Among these patients, nine (64.4%) had a dNEN of the superior part of the duodenum, one (7.1%) a periampullary lesion, three (21.4%) a dNEN located in the second portion of the duodenum, with a different localization distribution compared to patients without DGM (p = 0.0332). Ten were G1, three G2, and in one patient the Ki67 was not available. In the group with DGM, six patients (35.7%) were classified at stage I, five (28.6%) at stage II, three (21.4%) at stage III, and no one at stage IV. In the group without DGM, 20 patients (31%) were at stage I, 15 (15%) at stage II, 42 (44%) at stage III, and 19 (20%) at stage IV (p = 0.0236). At the end of the study, three patients died because of disease progression. Conclusions: our findings might suggest that DGM could represent a feature associated with the occurrence of dNEN, especially for forms of the superior part of the duodenum, which should be kept in mind in the endoscopic follow up of patients with DGM. Interestingly, dNEN inside DGM showed a more favorable staging, with no patients in stage IV. The actual relationship and the clinical relevance of this possible association require further clarification.
Triglyceride-Glucose Index for Early Prediction of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Meta-Analysis of 121,975 Individuals
Authors: Beran Azizullah , Ayesh Hazem , Mhanna Mohammed , Wahood Waseem , Ghazaleh Sami , Abuhelwa Ziad , Sayeh Wasef , Aladamat Nameer , Musallam Rami , Matar Reem , Malhas Saif-Eddin , Assaly Ragheb
Published: May 2022

Insulin resistance (IR) is a major contributor to the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index has recently gained popularity for the assessment of IR and NAFLD due to its ease of acquisition and calculation. Therefore, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the existing studies in the literature and provide a quantitative assessment of the significance of the TyG index in predicting the incidence of NAFLD. A comprehensive literature search in PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases from inception until 25 March 2022 was conducted. Published observational studies that evaluated the association between TyG index and NAFLD among the adult population and reported the hazard ratio (HR) or odds ratio (OR) for this association after multivariate analysis were included. The random-effects model was used as the primary statistical analysis model in the estimation of pooled ORs and HRs with the corresponding confidence intervals (CIs). A total of 17 observational studies, including 121,975 participants, were included. For studies analyzing the TyG index as a categorical variable, both pooled OR (6.00, CI 4.12–8.74) and HR (1.70, CI 1.28–2.27) were significant for the association between TyG index and incident NAFLD. For studies analyzing the TyG index as a continuous variable, pooled OR (2.25, CI 1.66–3.04) showed similar results. Consistent results were obtained in subgroup analyses according to the study design, sample size, ethnicity, and diabetic status. In conclusion, our meta-analysis demonstrates that a higher TyG index is associated with higher odds of NAFLD. TyG index may serve as an independent predictive tool to screen patients at high risk of NAFLD in clinical practice, especially in primary care settings. Patients with a high TyG index should be referred for a liver ultrasound and start intense lifestyle modifications. However, further large-scale prospective cohort studies are necessary to validate our findings.
Standardization of Post-Vitrification Human Blastocyst Expansion as a Tool for Implantation Prediction
Authors: Hershko-Klement Anat , Raviv Shaul , Nemerovsky Luba , Rom Tal , Itskovich Ayelet , Bakhshi Danit , Shulman Adrian , Ghetler Yehudith
Published: May 2022

The increased use of vitrified blastocysts has encouraged the development of various criteria for selecting the embryo most likely to implant. Post-thaw assessment methods and timetables vary among investigators. We investigated the predictive value of well-defined measurements of human blastocyst re-expansion, following a fixed incubation period. Post-thaw measurements were taken exactly at 0 and 120 ± 15 min. Minimum and maximum cross-sectional axes were measured. Three groups were defined: Group 1: embryos that continued to shrink by 10 µm or more; group 2: embryos that ranged from −9 to +9 µm; and group 3: re-expansion of 10 µm or more. Patient and morphokinetic data were collected and integrated into the analysis. A total of 115 cases were included. The clinical pregnancy rate for group 1 was 18.9%; group 2, 27%; and group 3, 51.2% (p = 0.007). Pre-thaw morphologic grading and morphokinetic scores of the study groups did not reveal differences. p-values were 0.17 for the pre-thaw morphologic score, 0.54 for KID3, and 0.37 for KID5. The patients’ demographic and clinical data were similar. The clinical pregnancy rate correlated with the degree of thawed blastocyst re-expansion measured 2 h after incubation. This standardized measure is suggested as a tool to predict the potential of treatment success before embryo transfer.
Survivorship of Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty According to Indication, Age and Gender
Authors: Chelli Mikaël , Boileau Pascal , Domos Peter , Clavert Philippe , Berhouet Julien , Collin Philippe , Walch Gilles , Favard Luc
Published: May 2022

Background. The indications for reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) have been widely expanded, but only a few studies report the long-term survival of these implants. Our objective was to report the long-term survivorship of a large series of RSAs implanted for different etiologies. Methods. A retrospective multicenter study including all the RSAs was performed in six shoulder-specialized centers with at least 2 years of follow up. We reviewed 1611 RSAs, operated between 1993 and 2010, including 497 cuff-tear arthropathies (CTA), 239 revision RSAs, 188 massive cuff tears (MCT), 185 fracture sequelae (FS), 183 failed previous cuff repairs (FCR), and 142 primary osteoarthritis (POA). The mean follow-up was 5.6 ± 3.9 years (range 2–20). Results. Overall, 266 RSAs (16.5%) had at least one complication leading to 64 reoperations (4.0%) and 110 revision surgeries (6.8%). The most frequent complications were infection (3.8%), instability (2.8%), and humerus-related complications (2.8%). At 10 years, the survival without revision surgery was 91.0% in primary RSAs and 80.9% in revision RSAs for failed arthroplasty (p < 0.001). In the primary RSA group, MCT and FCR led to 10-year survivals for over 95% but fracture sequelae and tumors had the lowest 10-year survivals (83.9% and 53.1%). Younger patients had a lower 10-year survival. In revision RSAs, male patients had a significantly lower survival than females (72.3% vs. 84.5% at 10 years, p = 0.020). Discussion. Primary RSA for cuff-deficient shoulders or POA leads to a high 10-year survival, but revision RSA or primary RSA for FS and tumors are at high-risk for revision. Surgeons should be aware of high rates of complications and lower survival rates of RSA in younger patients, in males, and in RSAs for revision surgery.
Factors Influencing the Outcome of Head and Neck Cancer of Unknown Primary (HNCUP)
Authors: Balk Matthias , Rupp Robin , Mantsopoulos Konstantinos , Sievert Matti , Gostian Magdalena , Allner Moritz , Grundtner Philipp , Eckstein Markus , Iro Heinrich , Hecht Markus , Gostian Antoniu-Oreste
Published: May 2022

Background: This study on patients with head and neck cancer of unknown primary (HNCUP) assesses the impact of surgical and non-surgical treatment modalities and the tumour biology on the oncological outcome. Methods: A total of 80 patients with HNCUP (UICC I–IV) were treated with simultaneous neck dissection followed by adjuvant therapy, between 1 January 2007 and 31 March 2020. As the primary objective, the influence of treatment modalities on the overall survival (OS), the disease-specific survival (DSS) and the progression-free survival (PFS) were analysed in terms of cox regression and recursive partitioning. The tumour biology served as secondary objectives. Results: The 5-year OS for the entire cohort was 67.7%, (95% CI: 54.2–81.2%), the 5-year DSS was 82.3% (72.1–92.5%) and the 5-year PFS was 72.8% (61.8–83.8%). Cox regression revealed that patients undergoing adjuvant radiotherapy only had a four times higher risk to die compared to patients receiving chemoradiation therapy (HR = 4.45 (1.40; 14.17), p = 0.012). The development of distant metastases had a significantly negative impact on OS (HR = 8.24 (3.21–21.15), p < 0.001) and DSS (HR = 23.79 (6.32–89.56), p < 0.001). Recursive portioning underlined the negative influence of distant metastases on OS (3.2-fold increase in death probability) and DSS (4.3-fold increase in death probability), while an UICC stage of IVb increased the risk for further progression of the disease by a factor of 2. Conclusions: The presence of distant metastases as well as adjuvant treatment with radiation without concomitant chemotherapy, were among others, significant predictors for the overall survival of HNCUP patients, with distant metastases being the most significant predictor.
Pulsatile Trabecular Meshwork Motion: An Indicator of Intraocular Pressure Control in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma
Authors: Du Rong , Xin Chen , Xu Jingjiang , Hu Jianping , Wang Huaizhou , Wang Ningli , Johnstone Murray
Published: May 2022

(1) Background: To investigate the value of pulsatile trabecular meshwork (TM) motion in predicting the diurnal intraocular pressure (IOP) fluctuation of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). (2) Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 20 normal patients and 30 patients with POAG. Of the POAG group, 20 had stable diurnal IOP and 10 had high IOP fluctuation. A clinical prototype phase-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PhS-OCT) model was used to measure TM pulsatile motion with maximum velocity (MV) and cumulative displacement (CDisp). (3) Results: MV and CDisp were higher in the external region in both normal and POAG patients. All MV and CDisp reduced significantly in the POAG group (p < 0.001). In the POAG group, except MV in the external region (p = 0.085), MV and CDisp in the nasal area were significantly higher than those in the temporal area (p < 0.05). The MV and CDisp in the external region in the nasal area of POAG patients with high IOP fluctuation were much lower than those with stable IOP (pEMV3 = 0.031, pECDisp3 < 0.001); (4) Conclusions: Pulsatile TM motion reduced in POAG patients relevant to the level of diurnal IOP fluctuation. This study presents the segmental variance of TM stiffness in human living eyes and suggests the clinical potential of the measurement of pulsatile TM motion with PhS-OCT for the evaluation of diurnal IOP fluctuation.
A Review of Disturbances to the Ecosystems of the Mexican Caribbean, Their Causes and Consequences
Authors: Gómez Izchel , Silva Rodolfo , Lithgow Debora , Rodríguez Janner , Banaszak Anastazia Teresa , van Tussenbroek Brigitta
Published: May 2022

In a relatively short timescale (less than 50 years), urbanization has caused many anthropogenic disturbances that have affected ecosystem health and, directly or indirectly, quality of life for the local human population. Global disturbances, such as climate change, can also have a substantial, overarching impact on ecosystems. In this scenario, natural disturbances, previously considered an integral part of ecosystem dynamics, can now cause irreversible change to the state of ecosystems, and at the same time, negatively impact social and economic systems. The objective of this study was to identify ecosystem disturbances at a site of interest to recommend strategies to improve coastal zone management. We chose the Mexican Caribbean as a case study, because its biological and cultural complexity render it an interesting location from a coastal management point of view. The PRISMA framework was used to conduct a systematic literature review to identify the ecosystem disturbances that affect this area, as well as the main causes and consequences of these disturbances. Additionally, we discuss how disturbances and their impacts, as screened through PRISMA, can be incorporated into a coastal zone management framework. Results need to consider the limitations associated with using this technique e.g., the degree of impact from a current disturbance may vary from that reported in an earlier publication. Despite its limitations, we believe that this methodology proves useful for identifying key ecosystem disturbances and their consequences, providing a useful tool for identifying appropriate actions to inform coastal zone management plans.
Discovering the Fine-Scale Morphology of the Gulf of Cádiz: An Underwater Imaging Analysis
Authors: Jiménez-Romero Raúl , Fernández-Salas Luis Miguel , Palomino Desirée , Sánchez-Leal Ricardo Félix , Vila Yolanda
Published: May 2022

The dense and deep water flow that leaves the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic flows through the upper and middle slope of the Gulf of Cádiz as a powerful bottom stream that models and interacts with bathymetry. The detailed analysis of underwater images, obtained with a photogrammetric sled in the central area of the upper and middle slope of the Gulf of Cádiz, together with multibeam bathymetry and oceanographic and sediment types data, has allowed conducting a detailed study of the seafloor microtopography and the predominant oceanographic dynamics in the study area. Different fine-scale spatial bedforms were identified, such as ripples, dunes, burrows, mounds, obstacle marks, rock bottoms, and low-roughness bottoms using underwater images. Besides, a geostatistical study of the different video transects studied was carried out and allowed us to differentiate three types of bottoms depending on the processes that affect their microtopography.
Extracellular Vesicles—A New Potential Player in the Immunology of Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Kleibert Marcin , Majka Miłosz , Łakomska Klaudia , Czystowska-Kuźmicz Małgorzata
Published: May 2022

The incidence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has doubled in the developed world within the last fifty years, and now it is responsible for 2–3% of diagnosed cancers. The delay in diagnosis and the not fully understood pathogenesis are the main challenges that have to be overcome. It seems that extracellular vesicles (EVs) are one of the key players in tumor development since they ensure a proper microenvironment for the tumor cells. The stimulation of angiogenesis and immunosuppression is mediated by molecules contained in EVs. It was shown that EVs derived from cancer cells can inhibit T cell proliferation, natural killer lymphocyte activation, and dendritic cell maturation by this mechanism. Moreover, EVs may be a biomarker for the response to anti-cancer treatment. In this review, we sum up the knowledge about the role of EVs in RCC pathogenesis and show their future perspectives in this field.
Last-Mile Capacity Constraints in Online Grocery Fulfilment in Great Britain
Authors: Urquhart Ryan , Newing Andy , Hood Nicholas , Heppenstall Alison
Published: May 2022

Forecast growth in e-commerce home-delivery demand provides retailers with opportunities for expansion and increased levels of investment. To maximise these growth opportunities, retailers face operational and logistical challenges related to order fulfilment and the last mile. In contrast to other sectors, many grocers operate a store-based delivery model rather than a separate distribution channel. Under this model, orders are picked from store shelves and store-based fleets of delivery vehicles are used for last-mile fulfilment (delivery to the consumers’ home). With very rare access to commercial data from Sainsbury’s, the second largest grocer in Great Britain, we analyse the geographical variations of online groceries fulfilment capacity at store, region, and rural–urban geography levels, exploring the interrelated impact of capacity constraints related to storage and delivery in limiting the further growth of these services. The spatial extent of delivery service areas are found to considerably vary between stores and the existing store network presents barriers to further capacity expansion in some regions. We argue factors associated with the last mile are an important capacity constraint/enabler in the e-groceries sector and suggest that the effective expansion of these services requires further research into online service area delineation to maximise delivery efficiency and capacity. The approach used here is readily transferable to other online service delivery providers in both GB and elsewhere.
The Role of Actors in Social Innovation in Rural Areas
Authors: Vercher Néstor
Published: May 2022

Social innovation is gaining momentum in academia, policy and practice, as a process by which local communities generate new social relations and become more capable of addressing social needs and opportunities. However, there is significant ambiguity about the role of the different types of actors involved in social innovation, particularly in rural areas. This article aims to examine which actors make social innovation in rural areas possible, and the roles they play in these processes. Drawing on 33 interviews carried out with key informants of three socially innovative initiatives developed in rural areas of Spain and Scotland, this paper illustrates the scale, role and logic of the actors involved. The findings of the study clarify the central role of local processes and local actors, the impact of facilitators and perceived neutrality. They also show the contribution of social economy organizations as an arena for coordinating plural networks and civil society initiatives. The way the public sector and LEADER participate in social innovation processes in rural areas are also reflected in the results.
Combining Tabular and Satellite-Based Datasets to Better Understand Cropland Change
Authors: Copenhaver Kenneth Lee
Published: May 2022

In recent years, regulatory agencies in the USA and Europe have begun to require documentation that land used to produce crops and biofuels has not been converted from carbon-capturing grasslands or forests. Precise measurement of these land cover changes, however, has proven difficult. Analysis to date has focused primarily on moderate resolution (30 m) satellite imagery, which has not provided the land cover granularity or accuracy needed. These studies have estimated large-scale land conversion to crops in the USA. This study analyzed the satellite datasets but included tabular datasets and aerial imagery of the USA to determine whether the combination of datasets, focusing on more detailed analysis in these locations, could more accurately identify potential locations of land use change. Analyses of satellite imagery data from 1985 to 2020 found that much of the land that 2008 to 2020 satellite datasets classified as natural-to-crop land change was idle cropland. The results indicate a dynamic landscape of marginal land moving in and out of cropland. Approximately as much land was allowed to go fallow (6145 hectares) as land going into crop (7901 hectares) from 1985 to 2020. The results from this study indicate regulatory agencies could more accurately measure the impacts of conversion of natural lands to crop if long-term historical land cover/land use was also analyzed.
Can We Foresee Landscape Interest? Maximum Entropy Applied to Social Media Photographs: A Case Study in Madrid
Authors: Marine Nicolas , Arnaiz-Schmitz Cecilia , Santos-Cid Luis , Schmitz María F.
Published: May 2022

Cultural Ecosystem Services (CES) are undervalued and poorly understood compared to other types of ecosystem services. The sociocultural preferences of the different actors who enjoy a landscape are intangible aspects of a complex evaluation. Landscape photographs available on social media have opened up the possibility of quantifying landscape values and ecosystem services that were previously difficult to measure. Thus, a new research methodology has been developed based on the spatial distribution of geotagged photographs that, based on probabilistic models, allows us to estimate the potential of the landscape to provide CES. This study tests the effectiveness of predictive models from MaxEnt, a software based on a machine learning technique called the maximum entropy approach, as tools for land management and for detecting CES hot spots. From a sample of photographs obtained from the Panoramio network, taken between 2007 and 2008 in the Lozoya Valley in Madrid (Central Spain), we have developed a predictive model of the future and compared it with the photographs available on the social network between 2009 and 2015. The results highlight a low correspondence between the prediction of the supply of CES and its real demand, which indicates that MaxEnt is not a sufficiently useful predictive tool in complex and changing landscapes such as the one studied here.
Does Glyphosate Affect the Human Microbiota?
Authors: Puigbò Pere , Leino Lyydia I. , Rainio Miia J. , Saikkonen Kari , Saloniemi Irma , Helander Marjo
Published: May 2022

Glyphosate is the world’s most widely used agrochemical. Its use in agriculture and gardening has been proclaimed safe because humans and other animals do not have the target enzyme 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS). However, increasing numbers of studies have demonstrated risks to humans and animals because the shikimate metabolic pathway is present in many microbes. Here, we assess the potential effect of glyphosate on healthy human microbiota. Our results demonstrate that more than one-half of human microbiome are intrinsically sensitive to glyphosate. However, further empirical studies are needed to determine the effect of glyphosate on healthy human microbiota.
Treatment of Inherited Retinal Dystrophies with Somatic Cell Therapy Medicinal Product: A Review
Authors: Bacci Giacomo Maria , Becherucci Valentina , Marziali Elisa , Sodi Andrea , Bambi Franco , Caputo Roberto
Published: May 2022

Inherited retinal dystrophies and retinal degenerations related to more common diseases (i.e., age-related macular dystrophy) are a major issue and one of the main causes of low vision in pediatric and elderly age groups. Advancement and understanding in molecular biology and the possibilities raised by gene-editing techniques opened a new era for clinicians and patients due to feasible possibilities of treating disabling diseases and the reduction in their complications burden. The scope of this review is to focus on the state-of-the-art in somatic cell therapy medicinal products as the basis of new insights and possibilities to use this approach to treat rare eye diseases.
Influence of Additive Chemistry on the Tribological Behavior of Steel/Copper Friction Pairs
Authors: Su Huaigang , Chen Yunlong , Ma Rui , Li Weimin , Zhao Gaiqing , Qi Yanxing , Lou Wenjing
Published: May 2022

Tribological properties of five anti-wear additives for a steel-copper contact were investigated. It was found that the tribological performances are closely related to the molecular structure of additives. The protic ionic liquid anti-wear additive AW316 exhibits the best tribological performance with the lowest mean friction coefficient of 0.082, and the smallest wear volume, which is more than one order of magnitude smaller than base oil. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) tests reveal that a 10–15 nm thickness uniform boundary lubrication film composed of oxides, phosphates, and cuprous oxide was formed on the copper disc, which was responsible for its outstanding tribological performances.
Research on the Controllable Interface Response Enhancement of the Textured Pilot Valve
Authors: Xu Jing , Zhang Guiming , Fan Shaochao , Ni Jing , Lian Jiadi
Published: May 2022

Based on the textured controllable interface effect, the dynamic performances of the textured and ordinary pilot valve are analyzed experimentally, and the influence of the textured controllable interface on the response of pilot valve is studied. Results show that when Pin is small, the textured surface shortens the reciprocating time of valve core, increasing the flow rate, and speeds up the piston stroke of oil cylinder. The valve core actions much more stable and sensitivity. Meanwhile, combined with the theoretical calculation, the operation mechanism of texturing the pilot valve is analyzed. It is concluded that the stress of textured valve core sealing surface is greater than that of ordinary one, and the pressure difference gradually decreases with the increase in Pin, and the flow difference is basically the same as the force on the sealing surface. This indicates that the textured surface improves lubrication characteristics, reduces the friction between components. The textured valve makes the velocity changes gently, and enhances the responsiveness and stability of the valve. Those related results provide a new idea for enhancing the response design of the pilot valve.
Competition of Magnetic Anisotropies in Permalloy Antidot Lattices
Authors: Porro Jose M. , Villar Aritz , Redondo Carolina , Río-López Natalia A. , Lasheras Andoni , Salazar Daniel , Morales Rafael , Fernández-Martín Eduardo
Published: May 2022

Antidot lattices made of magnetic thin films are good candidates to be employed in future magnetic recording media. In this manuscript we present a study on the effect of shape and field-induced magnetic anisotropies on the magnetization reversal of 10 nm and 50 nm thick permalloy antidot lattices. Rounded antidot square lattices were fabricated using a combination of electron beam evaporation and laser interference lithography, covering surfaces of a few cm2. We demonstrate that a magnetic anisotropy induced in the samples, as a consequence of an applied magnetic field during growth, competes with the shape anisotropy that dominates the response of the patterned thin films, and that the effect of the field-induced magnetic anisotropy scales with the thickness of the antidot thin films. Finally, we have quantified the anisotropy constant attributable to the uniaxial field-induced magnetic anisotropy in our antidot lattices. These findings are supported by micromagnetic simulations performed using MuMax3.
Common Fixed-Point and Fixed-Circle Results for a Class of Discontinuous F-Contractive Mappings †
Authors: Debnath Pradip
Published: May 2022

The exploration of contractive inequalities which do not imply the continuity of the mapping at fixed points was an interesting open problem for quite some time. A significant amount of progress was made in the last two decades towards the solution of this problem. In the current paper, we attempt to address the question of discontinuity at fixed point with the help of F-contractions in a metric space. We establish a common fixed-point (CFP) result for such contractive mappings and investigate its discontinuity at the CFP. A fixed-circle result is also obtained consequently.
Inhibition of Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Signaling by Soft Coral-Derived Prostaglandin A2 in RAW264.7 Cells
Authors: Ohno Osamu , Mizuno Eika , Miyamoto Junichiro , Hoshina Tomoyuki , Sano Takuya , Matsuno Kenji
Published: May 2022

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria and causes inflammatory diseases. We searched MeOH extracts of collected marine organisms for inhibitors of LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW264.7 cells and identified prostaglandin A2 (PGA2) as an active compound from the MeOH extract of the soft coral Lobophytum sp. PGA2 inhibited the production of NO and reduced the expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Although short preincubation with PGA2 did not inhibit LPS-induced degradation and resynthesis of IκBα, the suppressive effect of PGA2 was observed only after a prolonged incubation period prior to LPS treatment. In addition, PGA2-inhibited NO production was negated by the addition of the EP4 antagonist L161982. Thus, PGA2 was identified as an inhibitor of LPS-induced inflammatory signaling in RAW264.7 cells.
Enhanced Erosion Resistance of an Ultrafine-Grained Ti Alloy with a PVD Coating
Authors: Valiev Roman R. , Selivanov Konstantin S. , Smyslova Marina K. , Dyblenko Yuri M. , Savina Yana N. , Valiev Ruslan Z. , Semenova Irina P.
Published: May 2022

This paper presents the results of a comprehensive study of the erosive wear resistance, strength, and adhesive characteristics of the high-temperature structural titanium alloy Ti-5.7Al-3.8Mo-1.2Zr-1.3Sn (the Russian grade VT8M-1) with coarse-grained and ultrafine-grained (UFG) structures and a protective erosion-resistant TiVN coating produced by physical vapor deposition (PVD), deposited on the alloy surface. A microscopic analysis of the areas subjected to the action of abrasive particles was performed, and different characters of erosive wear were revealed depending on the structural state of the alloy. The obtained results convincingly demonstrate that by means of refining the grain structure of alloys and depositing a protective ion-plasma TiVN coating on the alloy surface, it is possible to significantly increase the erosion resistance of materials operating under high loads and in aggressive environments.
High Potential Decolourisation of Textile Dyes from Wastewater by Manganese Peroxidase Production of Newly Immobilised Trametes hirsuta PW17-41 and FTIR Analysis
Authors: Thampraphaphon Bancha , Phosri Cherdchai , Pisutpaisal Nipon , Thamvithayakorn Pisit , Chotelersak Kruawan , Sarp Sarper , Suwannasai Nuttika
Published: May 2022

Coloured wastewater from the textile industry is a very serious global problem. Among 16 different white-rot fungal isolates, Trametes hirsuta PW17-41 revealed high potential for decolourisation of mixed textile dyes (Navy EC-R, Ruby S3B and Super Black G) from real industrial wastewater samples. The efficiency of dye decolourisation was evaluated using the American Dye Manufacturers’ Institute (ADMI) standard methodology. The suitable support for fungal mycelium immobilisation was nylon sponges. The optimal dye decolourisation (95.39%) was achieved by using palm sugar and ammonium nitrate as carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. The initial pH was 5 and the agitation speed was 100 rpm at 30 °C. The ADMI values of textile dyes decreased from 2475 to 114 within two days, reducing the treatment time from seven days before optimisation. The major mechanism of dye decolourisation was biodegradation, which was confirmed by UV–visible and FTIR spectra. Manganese peroxidase (MnP) (4942 U L−1) was found to be the main enzyme during the decolourisation process at an initial dye concentration of 21,200 ADMI. The results indicated the strong potential of immobilised fungal cells to remove high concentrations of textile dyes from industrial wastewater and their potential ability to produce high MnP and laccase activities that can be used in further application.
Aging Stability Analysis of Slope Considering Cumulative Effect of Freeze–Thaw Damage—A Case Study
Authors: Chang Zhiguo , Zhang Weiguang , Zhao Gang , Dong Fa , Geng Xinyu
Published: May 2022

The change of physical and mechanical properties of slope rock mass in open-pit mines in seasonally frozen area under the action of freeze–thaw cycles is one of the main reasons for slope instability. In this paper, taking the mechanical parameters of coal seam and sandstone layer in the Beitashan Pasture Open-Pit Mine in Xinjiang as the research object, considering the combined effect of the frost-heave tensile stress in the crack perpendicular to the crack surface and the three-dimensional confining pressure in the crack, the criterion for cracking of fractured rock mass under freeze-thaw condition is determined by applying the principle of stress superposition and the theory of strain energy density factor, and the theoretical frost-heave stress required for cracking is deduced. On this basis, the sensitivity analysis of the fixed factors and variable factors to the theoretical frost-heave stress was performed, respectively. Finite element analysis was utilized to analyze the slope stability under the attenuation of five groups of different rock mass mechanical properties and to determine the slope angle required for the slope stability. Seven different slope angles of sidewall mining ranging from 36° to 51° are analyzed. The results of finite element analysis show that considering the timeliness difference of rock mass parameters with time, the safety factor of slope is reduced from the original 1.70 to 1.18, and 91,500 tons of coal resources can be recovered every year, with remarkable economic benefits.
Characterization of β-Glucan-Peanut Protein Isolate/Soy Protein Isolate Conjugates and Their Application on Low-Fat Sausage
Authors: Zhang Manli , Liu Hongzhi , Wang Qiang
Published: May 2022

Polysaccharide–protein conjugates can improve the functional properties and expand the application field. The emulsifying, thermal properties of WSG-PPI conjugates and WSG-SPI conjugates were improved, compared to WSG, PPI and SPI. The Maillard reaction was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Circular dichroism (CD) exhibited that the structure of the conjugates was more expanded. Cryo-SEM and AFM demonstrated that the WSG, WSG-PPI and WSG-SPI conjugates had a morphology of a chain. When the conjugates were added as fat substitutes to low-fat sausage, the cooking yield, hardness and chewiness increased. The objective of this research was to study the emulsifying property, thermal property and structural changes of β-glucan-peanut protein isolate (WSG-PPI) conjugates and β-glucan-soy protein isolate (WSG-SPI) conjugates prepared through wet-heated Maillard reaction, and their effect on the texture of low-fat sausage.
Facile Morphology and Porosity Regulation of Zeolite ZSM-5 Mesocrystals with Synergistically Enhanced Catalytic Activity and Shape Selectivity
Authors: Lin Feng , Ye Zhaoqi , Kong Lingtao , Liu Peng , Zhang Yahong , Zhang Hongbin , Tang Yi
Published: May 2022

The morphology and mesoporosity of zeolite are two vital properties to determine its performance in diverse applications involving adsorption and catalysis; while it remains a big challenge for the synthesis and regulation of zeolites with exceptional morphology/porosity only through inorganic-ions-based modification. Herein, by simply optimizing the alkali metal type (K+ or Na+), as well as alkali/water ratio and crystallization temperature, the zeolite ZSM-5 mesocrystals with diverse mesostructures are simply and controllably prepared via fine-tuning the crystallization mechanism in an organotemplate-free, ions-mediated seed-assisted system. Moreover, the impacts of these key parameters on the evolution of seed crystals, the development and assembly behavior of aluminosilicate species and the solution-phase process during zeolite crystallization are investigated by means of directional etching in NH4F or NaOH solutions. Except for the morphology/mesoporosity modulation, their physical and chemical properties, such as particle size, microporosity, Si/Al ratio and acidity, can be well maintained at a similar level. As such, the p/o-xylene adsorption and catalytic performance of o-xylene isomerization are used to exhaustively evaluate the synergistically enhanced catalytic activity and shape selectivity of the obtained products. This work demonstrates the possibility of effectively constructing novel zeolite mesostructures by simply altering parameters on simple ions-controlled crystallization and provides good models to inspect the impacts of mesoporosity or morphology on their catalytic performances.
Nanoparticles for Coronavirus Control
Authors: Kianpour Maryam , Akbarian Mohsen , Uversky Vladimir N.
Published: May 2022

More than 2 years have passed since the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak began, and many challenges that existed at the beginning of this pandemic have been solved. Some countries have been able to overcome this global challenge by relying on vaccines against the virus, and vaccination has begun in many countries. Many of the proposed vaccines have nanoparticles as carriers, and there are different nano-based diagnostic approaches for rapid detection of the virus. In this review article, we briefly examine the biology of SARS-CoV-2, including the structure of the virus and what makes it pathogenic, as well as describe biotechnological methods of vaccine production, and types of the available and published nano-based ideas for overcoming the virus pandemic. Among these issues, various physical and chemical properties of nanoparticles are discussed to evaluate the optimal conditions for the production of the nano-mediated vaccines. At the end, challenges facing the international community and biotechnological answers for future viral attacks are reviewed.
Plasmonic Ag Nanoparticle-Loaded n-p Bi2O2CO3/α-Bi2O3 Heterojunction Microtubes with Enhanced Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Li Haibin , Luo Xiang , Long Ziwen , Huang Guoyou , Zhu Ligang
Published: May 2022

In this study, n-p Bi2O2CO3/α-Bi2O3 heterojunction microtubes were prepared via a one-step solvothermal route in an H2O-ethylenediamine mixed solvent for the first time. Then, Ag nanoparticles were loaded onto the microtubes using a photo-deposition process. It was found that a Bi2O2CO3/α-Bi2O3 heterostructure was formed as a result of the in situ carbonatization of α-Bi2O3microtubes on the surface. The photocatalytic activities of α-Bi2O3 microtubes, Bi2O2CO3/α-Bi2O3 microtubes, and Ag nanoparticle-loaded Bi2O2CO3/α-Bi2O3 microtubes were evaluated based on their degradation of methyl orange under visible-light irradiation (λ > 420 nm). The results indicated that Bi2O2CO3/α-Bi2O3 with a Bi2O2CO3 mass fraction of 6.1% exhibited higher photocatalytic activity than α-Bi2O3. Loading the microtubes with Ag nanoparticles significantly improved the photocatalytic activity of Bi2O2CO3/α-Bi2O3. This should be ascribed to the internal static electric field built at the heterojunction interface of Bi2O2CO3 and α-Bi2O3 resulting in superior electron conductivity due to the Ag nanoparticles; additionally, the heterojunction at the interfaces between two semiconductors and Ag nanoparticles and the local electromagnetic field induced by the surface plasmon resonance effect of Ag nanoparticles effectively facilitate the photoinduced charge carrier transfer and separation of α-Bi2O3. Furthermore, loading of Ag nanoparticles leads to the formation of new reactive sites, and a new reactive species ·O2− for photocatalysis, compared with Bi2O2CO3/α-Bi2O3.
Overview of the Influence of Silver, Gold, and Titanium Nanoparticles on the Physical Properties of PEDOT:PSS-Coated Cotton Fabrics
Authors: Alhashmi Alamer Fahad , Beyari Rawan F.
Published: May 2022

Metallic nanoparticles have been of interest to scientists, and they are now widely used in biomedical and engineering applications. The importance, categorization, and characterization of silver nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, and titanium nanoparticles have been discussed. Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) is the most practical and reliable conductive polymer used in the manufacturing of conductive textiles. The effects of metallic nanoparticles on the performance of PEDOT:PSS thin films are discussed. The results indicated that the properties of PEDOT:PSS significantly depended on the synthesis technique, doping, post-treatment, and composite material. Further, electronic textiles known as smart textiles have recently gained popularity, and they offer a wide range of applications. This review provides an overview of the effects of nanoparticles on the physical properties of PEDOT:PSS-coated cotton fabrics.
The Impact of Flavonols on Cardiovascular Risk
Authors: Popiolek-Kalisz Joanna , Fornal Emilia
Published: May 2022

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of deaths globally. The main target for prevention of cardiovascular (CV) risk are lifestyle changes, including particular dietary recommendations, involving high intake of fruits and vegetables. Flavonols are a subgroup of flavonoids—compounds present in fruits, vegetables, and tea—known for their antioxidative properties. There are many findings about the beneficial impact of flavonols on general CV risk and its factors, but mainly from in vitro and animal model studies. This paper summarizes data from human studies about flavonols’ impact on general CV risk and its factors. A high dietary intake of flavonols could decrease CVD mortality directly or through impact on selected CV factors; however, available data are inconsistent. Nonetheless, specific groups of patients (smoking men, hypertensive and diabetic patients) can potentially benefit from selected dietary modifications or flavonols (quercetin) supplementation. Future investigations about kaempferol and myricetin are needed.