bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elevated Pre- and Postoperative ROTEM™ Clot Lysis Indices Indicate Reduced Clot Retraction and Increased Mortality in Patients Undergoing Liver Transplantation
Authors: Hartmann Matthias , Lorenz Benedikt , Brenner Thorsten , Saner Fuat H.
Published: August 2022

Background: The ROTEM™ clot lysis index, describing the decrease in firmness of a clot with time, predicts mortality in various settings. The variability of the clot lysis index in surgical procedures and the involved pathophysiological mechanisms are unknown. We therefore compared pre- and postoperative clot lysis indices in liver transplantation (LTX) procedures, determined the eventual association with mortality, and investigated the mechanisms underlying decreased clot lysis index using inhibitors of fibrinolysis and clot retraction, respectively. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, data on pre- and post-transplant ROTEM™ findings as obtained with EXTEM (tissue factor activation), INTEM (intrinsic system activation), FIBTEM (extrinsic system activation and inhibition of clot retraction), APTEM (extrinsic system activation and fibrinolysis inhibition), conventional laboratory coagulation tests, blood loss, transfusion of blood products, and outcome were registered. Results: Pre-transplant clot lysis indices showed a broad distribution ranging from 75% to 99% independent of the activator used (EXTEM, INTEM). During the surgical procedure, median clot lysis index values markedly increased from 92% to 97% (EXTEM) and 93% to 98% (INTEM), respectively (p < 0.0001 each). Aprotinin had no effect on either pre- or postsurgical clot lysis indices. Inhibition of platelet clot retraction with cytochalasin D (FIBTEM) markedly increased the preoperative clot lysis index. High pre- and post-transplantation clot lysis indices were associated with increased mortality irrespective of the activator used (EXTEM, INTEM) and the inhibition of fibrinolysis (APTEM). Inhibition of clot retraction (FIBTEM) abolished the association of clot lysis index with mortality in both pre- and post-transplantation samples. Conclusion: Both pre- and postoperative ROTEM™ clot lysis indices predict mortality in patients following liver transplantation. Inhibitor experiments reveal that the clot lysis index is not an indicator of fibrinolysis, but indicates platelet clot retraction. The marked increase of clot lysis index during liver transplantation is caused by a decrease in clot retraction with eventual consequences for clot stability, retraction of wound margins, and reperfusion of vessels in case of thrombosis.
A New Epidemic Model for the COVID-19 Pandemic: The θ-SI(R)D Model
Authors: Rocchi Ettore , Peluso Sara , Sisti Davide , Carletti Margherita
Published: August 2022

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, a large number of epidemiological models have been developed. The principal objective of the present study is to provide a new six-compartment model for the COVID-19 pandemic, which takes into account both the possibility of re-infection and the differentiation between asymptomatic and symptomatic infected subjects. The model, denoted as θ-SI(R)D, is a six-compartment model, described by as many ordinary differential equations. The six compartments are denoted as Susceptible (S), Symptomatic Infected (Is), Asymptomatic Infected (Ia), Recovered from Asymptomatic fraction (Ra), Recovered from Symptomatic fraction (Rs), and Deceased (D). Such a model has no analytical solutions, so we performed both a simulation and a model validation (R2=0.829). Based on the results of our simulations (and, on the other hand, on the results of most of the models in the scientific literature), it is possible to draw the reasonable conclusion that the epidemic tends, even without vaccination, to a steady state.
Development of SSR Markers Linked to Stress Responsive Genes along Tomato Chromosome 3 (Solanum lycopersicum L.)
Authors: Brake Mohammad , Al-Qadumii Lana , Hamasha Hassan , Migdadi Hussein , Awad Abi , Haddad Nizar , Sadder Monther T.
Published: August 2022

This study aimed to develop novel SSR markers in tomato. Several BAC clones along chromosome 3 in tomato were selected based on their content. The criteria was the availability of genes, either directly or indirectly related to stress response (drought, salinity, and heat) in tomato. A total of 20 novel in silico SSR markers were developed and 96 important nearby genes were identified. The identified nearby genes represent different tomato genes involved in plant growth and development and biotic and abiotic stress tolerance. The developed SSR markers were assessed using tomato landraces. A total of 29 determinate and semi-determinate local tomato landraces collected from diverse environments were utilized. A total of 33 alleles with mean of 1.65 alleles per locus were scored, showing 100% polymorphic patterns, with a mean of 0.18 polymorphism information content (PIC) values. The mean of observed and expected heterozygosity were 0.19 and 0.24, respectively. The mean value of the Jaccard similarity index was used for clustering the landraces. The developed microsatellite markers showed potential to assess genetic variability among tomato landraces. The genetic distance information reported in this study can be used by breeders in future genetic improvement of tomato for tolerance against diverse stresses.
Incidence of Aflatoxin M1 in Milk and Milk Products from Punjab, Pakistan, and Estimation of Dietary Intake
Authors: Iqbal Shahzad Zafar , Waqas Muhammad , Latif Sidra
Published: August 2022

In the present study, 124 samples of milk and milk products were analyzed for the presence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), which were purchased from the central cities of Punjab, Pakistan. The analysis was carried out using reverse-phase liquid chromatography, which was equipped with a fluorescence detector. The results showed that 66 samples (53.8%) of raw milk and milk products were found to be contaminated with detectable levels of AFM1 above ≤50 ng/L, and 24.2% of the samples had levels of AFM1 higher than the permissible limit of the European Union (EU; 50 ng/kg). In total, 53.6% of the raw milk, 57.8% of the UHT (ultra-heat-temperature) milk, 45% of the powdered milk, 57.1% of the yogurt, 55.5% of the cheese, and 50% of the buttermilk samples had levels higher than the LOD, i.e., 4 ng/L. The highest mean of 82.4 ± 7.8 ng/kg of AFM1 was present in the positive samples of raw milk. The highest dietary intake of AFM1 was found in infants’ milk (5.35 ng/kg/day), UHT milk (1.80 ng/kg/day), powdered milk (5.25 ng/kg/day), and yogurt (1.11 ng/kg/day). However, no dietary intake was detected in the cheese and butter milk samples used for infants. The results from the undertaken work are beneficial for establishing rigorous limits for AFB1 in animal feed, especially considering the high prevalence rate of hepatitis cases in the central cities of Punjab, Pakistan.
An Inventory of Large-Scale Landslides in Baoji City, Shaanxi Province, China
Authors: Li Lei , Xu Chong , Yang Zhiqiang , Zhang Zhongjian , Lv Mingsheng
Published: August 2022

Landslides are a typical geological hazard that endangers people’s lives and property in the Loess Plateau. The destructiveness of large-scale landslides, in particular, is incalculable. For example, traffic disruptions, river blockages, and house collapses may all result from landslides. Thus, it is urgent to compile a complete inventory of landslides in a specific region. The investigation object of this study is Baoji City, Shaanxi Province, China. Using the multi-temporal high-resolution remote sensing images from Google Earth, we preliminarily completed the cataloging of large-scale (area > 5000 m2) landslides in the study area through visual interpretation. The inventory was subsequently compared with the existing literature and hazard records for improvement and supplement. We identified 3422 landslides with a total area of 360.7 km2 and an average area of 105,400 m2 for each individual landslide. The largest landslide had an area of 1.71 km2, while the smallest one was 6042 m2. In previous studies, we analyzed these data without describing the data sources in detail. We now provide a shared dataset of each landslide in shp format, containing geographic location, boundary information, etc. The dataset is significantly useful for understanding the distribution characteristics of large-scale landslides in this region. Moreover, it can serve as basic data for the study of paleolandslide resurrection.
Link Prediction in Complex Networks Using Recursive Feature Elimination and Stacking Ensemble Learning
Authors: Wang Tao , Jiao Mengyu , Wang Xiaoxia
Published: August 2022

Link prediction is an important task in the field of network analysis and modeling, and predicts missing links in current networks and new links in future networks. In order to improve the performance of link prediction, we integrate global, local, and quasi-local topological information of networks. Here, a novel stacking ensemble framework is proposed for link prediction in this paper. Our approach employs random forest-based recursive feature elimination to select relevant structural features associated with networks and constructs a two-level stacking ensemble model involving various machine learning methods for link prediction. The lower level is composed of three base classifiers, i.e., logistic regression, gradient boosting decision tree, and XGBoost, and their outputs are then integrated with an XGBoost model in the upper level. Extensive experiments were conducted on six networks. Comparison results show that the proposed method can obtain better prediction results and applicability robustness.
A Spatial–Temporal Causal Convolution Network Framework for Accurate and Fine-Grained PM2.5 Concentration Prediction
Authors: Lin Shaofu , Zhao Junjie , Li Jianqiang , Liu Xiliang , Zhang Yumin , Wang Shaohua , Mei Qiang , Chen Zhuodong , Gao Yuyao
Published: August 2022

Accurate and fine-grained prediction of PM2.5 concentration is of great significance for air quality control and human physical and mental health. Traditional approaches, such as time series, recurrent neural networks (RNNs) or graph convolutional networks (GCNs), cannot effectively integrate spatial–temporal and meteorological factors and manage dynamic edge relationships among scattered monitoring stations. In this paper, a spatial–temporal causal convolution network framework, ST-CCN-PM2.5, is proposed. Both the spatial effects of multi-source air pollutants and meteorological factors are considered via spatial attention mechanism. Time-dependent features in causal convolution networks are extracted by stacked dilated convolution and time attention. All the hyper-parameters in ST-CCN-PM2.5 are tuned by Bayesian optimization. Haikou air monitoring station data are employed with a series of baselines (AR, MA, ARMA, ANN, SVR, GRU, LSTM and ST-GCN). Final results include the following points: (1) For a single station, the RMSE, MAE and R2 values of ST-CCN-PM2.5 decreased by 27.05%, 10.38% and 3.56% on average, respectively. (2) For all stations, ST-CCN-PM2.5 achieve the best performance in win–tie–loss experiments. The numbers of winning stations are 68, 63, and 64 out of 95 stations in RMSE (MSE), MAE, and R2, respectively. In addition, the mean MSE, RMSE and MAE of ST-CCN-PM2.5 are 4.94, 2.17 and 1.31, respectively, and the R2 value is 0.92. (3) Shapley analysis shows wind speed is the most influencing factor in fine-grained PM2.5 concentration prediction. The effects of CO and temperature on PM2.5 prediction are moderately significant. Friedman test under different resampling further confirms the advantage of ST-CCN-PM2.5. The ST-CCN-PM2.5 provides a promising direction for fine-grained PM2.5 prediction.
Asynchronous Stabilization for Two Classes of Stochastic Switching Systems with Applications on Servo Motors
Authors: Deng Yushu , Wang Shihao , Zheng Shiqi , Li Haiming , Jian Haitao , Tang Xiaoqi
Published: August 2022

This paper addresses the asynchronous stabilization problem of two typical stochastic switching systems, i.e., dual switching systems and semi-Markov jump systems. By dual switching, it means that the systems contain both deterministic and stochastic switching dynamics. New stability criteria are firstly proposed for these two switched systems, which can well handle the asynchronous phenomenon. The conditional expectation of Lyapunov functions is allowed to increase during some unmatched interval to reduce the conservatism. Next, we present numerically testable asynchronous controller design methods for the dual switching systems. The proposed method is suitable for the situation where the asynchronous modes come from both inaccurate mode detection and time varying delay. Meanwhile, the transition probabilities are both uncertain and partly accessible. Finally, novel asynchronous controller design methods are proposed for the semi-Markov jump systems. The sojourn time of the semi-Markov jump systems can have both lower and upper bounds, which could be more practical than previous scenarios. Examples are utilized to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Conceptual Errors in Actuator Disc Theory and Betz’s Law for Wind Turbines
Authors: Zhang Zh.
Published: August 2022

This paper started with the explanation of the conditions for using the momentum equation and with the presentation of the actuator disc theory. Focusing on the flow model used in actuator disk theory, both the Froude-Rankine theorem and Betz’s law have been examined. It has been found that the Froude-Rankine theorem is not justified because a stream-tube that is used as the control volume does not really exist (pseudo stream-tube). The theorem is also not justified because an unfounded velocity (v2) is used to connect the thrust of the actuator disc with the total power loss. Two flaws have been identified in Betz’s law. First, the use of both the unjustified Froude-Rankine theorem and the incorrect flow model totally violates the condition of determining the thrust of the actuator disc using the momentum equation. Second, the unfounded velocity (v2) from the Froude-Rankine theorem is misinterpreted and used for the volumetric flow rate through the actuator disc. These two main flaws lead to diverse computational contradictions and paradoxes, particularly when considering the case of an impermeable circular disc. The flaws in Betz’s law become evident when the law is applied to a rectangular actuator plate of infinite length. The possible solution for the actuator disc flow has been presented. This includes the additional consideration of energy dissipation in the flow downstream of the actuator disc, similar to the method used to calculate the Borda-Carnot shock loss.
Kick Prediction Method Based on Artificial Neural Network Model
Authors: Zhao Yulai , Huang Zhiqiang , Xin Fubin , Qi Guilin , Huang Hao
Published: August 2022

Kick is one of the most important drilling problems, and because its occurrence makes drilling engineering extremely complex, it is essential to predict the possibility of kick as soon as possible. In this study, k-means clustering was combined with four artificial neural networks: regularized RBFNN, generalized RBFNN, GRNN, and PNN, to estimate the kick risk. To reduce data redundancy and normalize the drilling data, which contain kick conditions, k-means clustering was introduced. The output layer weights were then determined using a brute-force search with different Gaussian function widths, resulting in a series of artificial neural networks composed of different clustering samples and different Gaussian function widths. The results showed that the prediction accuracy of regularized RBFNN + k-means model was the highest, that of the GRNN + k-means model was the lowest. The kick prediction accuracy for regularized RBFNN, generalized RBFNN, GRNN, and PNN were 75.90%, 65.20%, 51.70%, and 70.16%, respectively. This method can be used to enhance the speed and accuracy of kick risk prediction in the field while facilitating the use of and advances in risk warning technology for deep and high-temperature and high-pressure wells.
Study on Critical Drawdown Pressure of Sanding for Wellbore of Underground Gas Storage in a Depleted Gas Reservoir
Authors: Song Rui , Zhang Ping , Tian Xiaomin , Huang Famu , Li Zhiwen , Liu Jianjun
Published: August 2022

Accurately predicting the critical differential pressure (CDP) of sand production contributes to improving the peak-shaving capacity and ensuring safe operation of underground gas storage (UGS). The CDP of sanding production in the target wells of the UGS was predicted coupling laboratory tests, inversed analysis with well logging data and numerical simulations. The in-situ mechanical properties of rock were estimated by coupling the laboratory test results and well-logging data. The in-situ stress field of the target formation was then deduced through inversed analysis coupled finite element method (FEM) and genetic algorithm (GA), based on the existing known stress data and the seismic data of the measured points. Using the critical strain limit (CSL) of 5‰ as the sanding criterion of the wellbore, the CDPs of the gas production in the UGS were predicted, which was 5.59 MPa, 3.98 MPa, and 4.01 MPa for well #1, well #2 and well #3, when the pressure of the gas storage was 30 MPa, respectively. The simulation results showed good agreements with the field-measured benchmark data of well #2 and well #3. The effects of moisture contents (ranging from 10 to ~40%), and cycling times of gas injection and withdrawal (ranging from 40 to ~200 cycling times) on the critical differential pressure were simulated and analyzed. The results indicated that the CDP decreased with an increase of the moisture content and the cycling times. This study provides a reliable tool for the sanding prediction of the wellbore in the UGS.
Helium Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Jet (DBD Jet)-Processed Graphite Foil as Current Collector for Paper-Based Fluidic Aluminum-Air Batteries
Authors: Shih Chung-Yueh , Ni I-Chih , Chan Chih-Lin , Hsu Cheng-Che , Wu Chih-I , Cheng I-Chun , Chen Jian-Zhang
Published: August 2022

A helium (He) dielectric barrier discharge plasma jet (DBD jet) was used for the first time for treating graphite foil as the current collector of a paper-based fluidic aluminum-air battery. The main purpose was to improve the distribution of the catalyst layer through modification and functionalization of the graphite foil surface. The plasma functionalized the graphite foil surface to enhance the wettability where the more hydroxyl could be observed from XPS results. The 30 s-He DBD jet treatment on the graphite foil significantly improved the battery performance. The best current density of 85.6 mA/cm2 and power density of 40.98 mW/cm2 were achieved. The energy density was also improved to 720 Wh/kg.
Steel Converter Slag as an Oxygen Carrier—Interaction with Sulfur Dioxide
Authors: Hildor Fredrik , Leion Henrik , Mattisson Tobias
Published: August 2022

Steel converter slag, also called Linz-Donawitz (LD) slag, has been considered as an oxygen carrier for biofuel chemical looping applications due to its high availability. In addition to its content of iron which contributes to its oxygen-carrying capacity, LD slag also contains a significant amount of calcium. Calcium, however, is known to interact with sulfur, which may affect the usability of LD slag. To get a better understanding of the interaction between sulfur and LD slag, batch scale experiments have been performed using solid and gaseous fuel with or without sulfur dioxide, together with LD slag as an oxygen carrier. The reactivity and sulfur interaction were compared to the benchmark oxygen carrier ilmenite. Sulfur increases the gasification rate of biofuel char and the conversion of CO for both LD slag and ilmenite. However, no effect of sulfur could be seen on the conversion of the model tar species benzene. The increased gasification rate of char was suspected to originate from both surface-active sulfur and gaseous sulfur, increasing the reactivity and oxygen transfer of the oxygen carrier. Sulfur was partly absorbed into the LD slag particles with calcium, forming CaS and/or CaSO4. This, in turn, blocks the catalytic effect of CaO towards the water gas shift reaction. When the SO2 vapor pressure was decreased, the absorbed sulfur was released as SO2. This indicates that sulfur may be released in loop-seals or in the air reactor in a continuous process.
Inhabited Institutionalism
Authors: Cleckner Callie , Hallett Tim
Published: August 2022

Inhabited Institutionalism is a meso-level theoretical approach for evaluating the recursive relationships among institutions, social interactions, and organizations. This theoretical framework offers organizational scholars a multi-faceted consideration of coupling configurations that highlight how institutional processes are maintained, challenged, and transformed without reverting to nested yet binary arguments about individual agency and structural conditions.
Research Progress on the Construction of Artificial Pathways for the Biosynthesis of Adipic Acid by Engineered Microbes
Authors: Ning Yuchen , Liu Huan , Zhang Renwei , Jin Yuhan , Yu Yue , Deng Li , Wang Fang
Published: August 2022

Adipic acid is an important bulk chemical used in the nylon industry, as well as in food, plasticizers and pharmaceutical fields. It is thus considered one of the most important 12 platform chemicals. The current production of adipic acid relies on non-renewable petrochemical resources and emits large amounts of greenhouse gases. The bio-production of adipic acid from renewable resources via engineered microorganisms is regarded as a green and potential method to replace chemical conversion, and has attracted attention all over the world. Herein we review the current status of research on several artificial pathways for the biosynthesis of adipic acid, especially the reverse degradation pathway, which is a full biosynthetic method and has achieved the highest titer of adipic acid so far. Other artificial pathways including the fatty acid degradation pathway, the muconic acid conversion pathway, the polyketide pathway, the α-ketopimelate pathway and the lysine degradation pathway are also discussed. In addition, the challenges in the bio-production of adipic acid via these artificial pathways are analyzed and the prospects are presented with the intention of providing some significant points for the promotion of adipic acid biosynthesis.
Delirium in Nursing Home Residents: A Narrative Review
Authors: Komici Klara , Guerra Germano , Addona Franco , Fantini Carlo
Published: August 2022

Delirium is an important component of the geriatric syndromes and has been recognized to negatively influence the prognosis of older people in hospital and in a post-acute setting. About 2–5% of older people world-wide live in nursing homes and are characterized by functional impairment, cognitive decline, dementia, comorbidities, and polypharmacotherapy, all factors which influence the development of delirium. However, in this setting, delirium remains often understudied. Therefore, in this narrative review, we aimed to describe the latest evidence regarding delirium screening tools, epidemiology characteristics, outcomes, risk factors, and preventions strategies in nursing homes.
Age-Dependent Variations in Functional Quality and Proteomic Characteristics of Canine (Canis lupus familiaris) Epididymal Spermatozoa
Authors: Zmudzinska Anna , Wisniewski Jerzy , Mlynarz Piotr , Olejnik Beata , Mogielnicka-Brzozowska Marzena
Published: August 2022

Increased male age is associated with a significant reduction in semen quality. Little is known about the sperm proteome changes resulting from the aging process. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the functional quality and proteome of epididymal spermatozoa of dogs that were differing in age. The study was conducted on 30 male dogs that were divided into three age groups. G1—12 to 41 months old, G2—42 to 77 months old, and G3—78 to 132 months old. The sperm samples were assessed using a computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA). The epididymal sperm proteins were analyzed using gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), nano-liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (NanoUPLC-Q-TOF/MS) and bioinformatic tools. The sperm quality parameters were significantly lower in older dogs. NanoUPLC-Q-TOF/MS identification resulted in 865 proteins that were found in the G1, 472 in G2, and 435 in G3. There were seven proteins that were present in all three age groups, and four of them (ACTB, CE10, NPC2, CRISP2) showed significant changes among the studied groups. Age-dependent variations were detected in the sperm proteome composition and were related to important metabolite pathways, which might suggest that several proteins are implicated in sperm maturation and could be potential aging biomarkers.
Cultured Myoblasts Derived from Rat Soleus Muscle Show Altered Regulation of Proliferation and Myogenesis during the Course of Mechanical Unloading
Authors: Komarova Margarita Y. , Rozhkov Sergey V. , Ivanova Oksana A. , Turtikova Olga V. , Mirzoev Timur M. , Dmitrieva Renata I. , Shenkman Boris S. , Vilchinskaya Natalia A.
Published: August 2022

The structure and function of soleus muscle fibers undergo substantial remodeling under real or simulated microgravity conditions. However, unloading-induced changes in the functional activity of skeletal muscle primary myoblasts remain poorly studied. The purpose of our study was to investigate how short-term and long-term mechanical unloading would affect cultured myoblasts derived from rat soleus muscle. Mechanical unloading was simulated by rat hindlimb suspension model (HS). Myoblasts were purified from rat soleus at basal conditions and after 1, 3, 7, and 14 days of HS. Myoblasts were expanded in vitro, and the myogenic nature was confirmed by their ability to differentiate as well as by immunostaining/mRNA expression of myogenic markers. The proliferation activity at different time points after HS was analyzed, and transcriptome analysis was performed. We have shown that soleus-derived myoblasts differently respond to an early and later stage of HS. At the early stage of HS, the proliferative activity of myoblasts was slightly decreased, and processes related to myogenesis activation were downregulated. At the later stage of HS, we observed a decrease in myoblast proliferative potential and spontaneous upregulation of the pro-myogenic program.
Paradoxical Anxiety Level Reduction in Animal Chronic Stress: A Unique Role of Hippocampus Neurobiology
Authors: Tseilikman Vadim , Akulov Andrey , Shevelev Oleg , Khotskina Anna , Kontsevaya Galina , Moshkin Mikhail , Fedotova Julia , Pashkov Anton , Tseilikman Olga , Agletdinov Eduard , Tseilikman David , Kondashevskaya Marina , Zavjalov Evgenii
Published: August 2022

A paradoxical reduction in anxiety levels in chronic predator stress paradigm (PS) in Sprague–Dawley rats has recently been shown in previous works. In this paper, we studied the possible neurobiological mechanism of this phenomenon. We segregated PS-exposed Sprague–Dawley rats into the high- and low-anxiety phenotypes. The long-lasting effects of PS on corticosterone levels, blood flow speed in the carotid arteries, diffusion coefficient, and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectra in the hippocampus were compared in the high-anxiety and low-anxiety rats. In addition, we evaluated the gene BDNF expression in the hippocampus which is considered to be a main factor of neuroplasticity. We demonstrated that in low-anxiety rats, the corticosterone level was decreased and carotid blood flow speed was increased. Moreover, in the hippocampus of low-anxiety rats compared to the control group and high-anxiety rats, the following changes were observed: (a) a decrease in N-acetyl aspartate levels with a simultaneous increase in phosphoryl ethanol amine levels; (b) an increase in lipid peroxidation levels; (c) a decrease in apparent diffusion coefficient value; (d) an increase in BDNF gene expression. Based on these findings, we proposed that stress-induced anxiety reduction is associated with the elevation of BDNF gene expression directly. Low corticosterone levels and a rise in carotid blood flow speed might facilitate BDNF gene expression. Meanwhile, the decrease in apparent diffusion coefficient value and decrease in N-acetyl aspartate levels, as well as an increase in the lipid peroxidation levels, in the hippocampus possibly reflected destructive changes in the hippocampus. We suggested that in Sprague–Dawley rats, these morphological alterations might be considered as an impetus for further increase in neuroplasticity in the hippocampus.
Electrochemical and Ion Transport Studies of Li+ Ion-Conducting MC-Based Biopolymer Blend Electrolytes
Authors: Dannoun Elham M. A. , Aziz Shujahadeen B. , Brza Mohamad A. , Al-Saeedi Sameerah I. , Nofal Muaffaq M. , Mishra Kuldeep , Abdullah Ranjdar M. , Karim Wrya O. , Hadi Jihad M.
Published: August 2022

A facile methodology system for synthesizing solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) based on methylcellulose, dextran, lithium perchlorate (as ionic sources), and glycerol (such as a plasticizer) (MC:Dex:LiClO4:Glycerol) has been implemented. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and two imperative electrochemical techniques, including linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), were performed on the films to analyze their structural and electrical properties. The FTIR spectra verify the interactions between the electrolyte components. Following this, a further calculation was performed to determine free ions (FI) and contact ion pairs (CIP) from the deconvolution of the peak associated with the anion. It is verified that the electrolyte containing the highest amount of glycerol plasticizer (MDLG3) has shown a maximum conductivity of 1.45 × 10−3 S cm−1. Moreover, for other transport parameters, the mobility (μ), number density (n), and diffusion coefficient (D) of ions were enhanced effectively. The transference number measurement (TNM) of electrons (tel) was 0.024 and 0.976 corresponding to ions (tion). One of the prepared samples (MDLG3) had 3.0 V as the voltage stability of the electrolyte.
Combining Deep Phenotyping of Serum Proteomics and Clinical Data via Machine Learning for COVID-19 Biomarker Discovery
Authors: Beltrami Antonio Paolo , De Martino Maria , Dalla Emiliano , Malfatti Matilde Clarissa , Caponnetto Federica , Codrich Marta , Stefanizzi Daniele , Fabris Martina , Sozio Emanuela , D’Aurizio Federica , Pucillo Carlo E. M. , Sechi Leonardo A. , Tascini Carlo , Curcio Francesco , Foresti Gian Luca , Piciarelli Claudio , De Nardin Axel , Tell Gianluca , Isola Miriam
Published: August 2022

The persistence of long-term coronavirus-induced disease 2019 (COVID-19) sequelae demands better insights into its natural history. Therefore, it is crucial to discover the biomarkers of disease outcome to improve clinical practice. In this study, 160 COVID-19 patients were enrolled, of whom 80 had a “non-severe” and 80 had a “severe” outcome. Sera were analyzed by proximity extension assay (PEA) to assess 274 unique proteins associated with inflammation, cardiometabolic, and neurologic diseases. The main clinical and hematochemical data associated with disease outcome were grouped with serological data to form a dataset for the supervised machine learning techniques. We identified nine proteins (i.e., CD200R1, MCP1, MCP3, IL6, LTBP2, MATN3, TRANCE, α2-MRAP, and KIT) that contributed to the correct classification of COVID-19 disease severity when combined with relative neutrophil and lymphocyte counts. By analyzing PEA, clinical and hematochemical data with statistical methods that were able to handle many variables in the presence of a relatively small sample size, we identified nine potential serum biomarkers of a “severe” outcome. Most of these were confirmed by literature data. Importantly, we found three biomarkers associated with central nervous system pathologies and protective factors, which were downregulated in the most severe cases.
New Derivatives of 5-((1-Methyl-Pyrrol-2-yl) Methyl)-4-(Naphthalen-1-yl)-1,2,4-Triazoline-3-Thione and Its Coordination Compounds with Anticancer Activity
Authors: Czylkowska Agnieszka , Lanka Suneel , Szczesio Małgorzata , Czarnecka Kamila , Szymański Paweł , Pitucha Monika , Drabińska Aneta , Camargo Bruno Cury , Szczytko Jacek
Published: August 2022

A new ligand 5-((1-methyl-pyrrol-2-yl) methyl)-4-(naphthalen-1-yl)-1,2,4-triazoline-3-thione (C15) and its metal complexes with formulae: Mn(C15)Cl2MeOH (1), Fe(C15)Cl2MeOH (2), Ni(C15)Cl2MeOH (3), Cu(C15)2Cl2 (4) and Zn(C15)4Cl2 (5) have been synthesized. The C15 ligand and complexes were characterized by NMR, elemental analysis, FT-IR, EPR, magnetic and TGA studies. The anticancer activities of the organic ligand (C15) and complexes (1–5) were evaluated against human colon adenocarcinoma (HT29) and human lung (A549) cancer cell lines. The complex (1) exhibited potential activity at concentration of 794.37 μM (A549) and 654.31 μM (HT29) in both cancer cells. The complex (3) showed significant activity against the HT29 cancer cell line with an IC50 value of 1064.05 μM. This article highlights some of the metals that have become important in the development of new coordination complexes and the treatment of cancer. Additionally, for C15, the toxicity was predicted by ADMET analysis and molecular docking.
Morphological and Functional Alterations Induced by Two Ecologically Relevant Concentrations of Lead on Danio rerio Gills
Authors: Curcio Vittoria , Macirella Rachele , Sesti Settimio , Ahmed Abdalmoiz I. M. , Talarico Federica , Tagarelli Antonio , Mezzasalma Marcello , Brunelli Elvira
Published: August 2022

Lead (Pb), due to its high toxicity and bioaccumulation tendency, is one of the top three pollutants of concern for both humans and wildlife and occupies second place in the Priority List of Hazardous Substances. In freshwater fish, Pb is mainly absorbed through the gills, where the greatest accumulation occurs. Despite the crucial role of gills in several physiological functions such as gas exchange, water balance, and osmoregulation, no studies evaluated the effects of environmentally relevant concentrations of Pb on this organ, and existing literature only refers to high levels of exposure. Herein we investigated for the first time the molecular and morphological effects induced by two low and environmentally relevant concentrations of Pb (2.5 and 5 μg/L) on the gills of Danio rerio, a model species with a high translational value for human toxicity. It was demonstrated that Pb administration at even low doses induces osmoregulatory dysfunctions by affecting Na+/K+-ATPase and AQP3 expression. It was also shown that Pb upregulates MTs as a protective response to prevent cell damage. Modulation of SOD confirms that the production of reactive oxygen species is an important toxicity mechanism of Pb. Histological and morphometric analysis revealed conspicuous pathological changes, both dose- and time-dependent.
Modified Polymer Surfaces: Thin Films of Silicate Composites via Polycaprolactone Melt Fusion
Authors: Skoura Eva , Boháč Peter , Barlog Martin , Palková Helena , Danko Martin , Šurka Juraj , Mautner Andreas , Bujdák Juraj
Published: August 2022

Polymer/layered silicate composites have gained huge attention in terms of research and industrial applications. Traditional nanocomposites contain particles regularly dispersed in a polymer matrix. In this work, a strategy for the formation of a composite thin film on the surface of a polycaprolactone (PCL) matrix was developed. In addition to the polymer, the composite layer was composed of the particles of saponite (Sap) modified with alkylammonium cations and functionalized with methylene blue. The connection between the phases of modified Sap and polymer was achieved by fusing the chains of molten polymer into the Sap film. The thickness of the film of several μm was confirmed using electron microscopy and X-ray tomography. Surfaces of precursors and composite materials were analyzed in terms of structure, composition, and surface properties. The penetration of polymer chains into the silicate, thus joining the phases, was confirmed by chemometric analysis of spectral data and changes in some properties upon PCL melting. Ultimately, this study was devoted to the spectral properties and photoactivity of methylene blue present in the ternary composite films. The results provide directions for future research aimed at the development of composite materials with photosensitizing, photodisinfection, and antimicrobial surfaces.
Spatial Distribution and Retention in Loblolly Pine Seedlings of Exogenous dsRNAs Applied through Roots
Authors: Bragg Zachary , Rieske Lynne K.
Published: August 2022

Exogenously applied double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) can induce potent host specific gene knockdown and mortality in insects. The deployment of RNA-interference (RNAi) technologies for pest suppression is gaining traction in both agriculture and horticulture, but its implementation in forest systems is lagging. While numerous forest pests have demonstrated susceptibility to RNAi mediated gene silencing, including the southern pine beetle (SPB), Dendroctonus frontalis, multiple barriers stand between laboratory screening and real-world deployment. One such barrier is dsRNA delivery. One possible delivery method is through host plants, but an understanding of exogenous dsRNA movement through plant tissues is essential. Therefore, we sought to understand the translocation and persistence of dsRNAs designed for SPB throughout woody plant tissues after hydroponic exposure. Loblolly pine, Pinus taeda, seedlings were exposed to dsRNAs as a root soak, followed by destructive sampling. Total RNA was extracted from different tissue types including root, stem, crown, needle, and meristem, after which gel electrophoresis confirmed the recovery of the exogenous dsRNAs, which were further verified using Sanger sequencing. Both techniques confirmed the presence of the exogenously applied target dsRNAs in each tissue type after 1, 3, 5, and 7 d of dsRNA exposure. These findings suggest that root drench applications of exogenous dsRNAs could provide a viable delivery route for RNAi technology designed to combat tree feeding pests.
The Emerging Key Role of the mGluR1-PKCγ Signaling Pathway in the Pathogenesis of Spinocerebellar Ataxias: A Neurodevelopmental Viewpoint
Authors: Wu Qin-Wei , Kapfhammer Josef P.
Published: August 2022

Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are a heterogeneous group of autosomal dominantly inherited progressive disorders with degeneration and dysfunction of the cerebellum. Although different subtypes of SCAs are classified according to the disease-associated causative genes, the clinical syndrome of the ataxia is shared, pointing towards a possible convergent pathogenic pathway among SCAs. In this review, we summarize the role of SCA-associated gene function during cerebellar Purkinje cell development and discuss the relationship between SCA pathogenesis and neurodevelopment. We will summarize recent studies on molecules involved in SCA pathogenesis and will focus on the mGluR1-PKCγ signaling pathway evaluating the possibility that this might be a common pathway which contributes to these diseases.
Resensitization of Fosfomycin-Resistant Escherichia coli Using the CRISPR System
Authors: Walflor Haniel Siqueira Mortagua , Lucena Aline Rodrigues Castro , Tuon Felipe Francisco , Medeiros Lia Carolina Soares , Faoro Helisson
Published: August 2022

Antimicrobial resistance is a public health burden with worldwide impacts and was recently identified as one of the major causes of death in 2019. Fosfomycin is an antibiotic commonly used to treat urinary tract infections, and resistance to it in Enterobacteriaceae is mainly due to the metalloenzyme FosA3 encoded by the fosA3 gene. In this work, we adapted a CRISPR-Cas9 system named pRE-FOSA3 to restore the sensitivity of a fosA3+  Escherichia coli strain. The fosA3+  E. coli strain was generated by transforming synthetic fosA3 into a nonpathogenic E. coli TOP10. To mediate the fosA3 disruption, two guide RNAs (gRNAs) were selected that used conserved regions within the fosA3 sequence of more than 700 fosA3+  E. coli isolates, and the resensitization plasmid pRE-FOSA3 was assembled by cloning the gRNA into pCas9. gRNA_195 exhibited 100% efficiency in resensitizing the bacteria to fosfomycin. Additionally, the edited strain lost the ampicillin resistance encoded in the same plasmid containing the synthetic fosA3 gene, despite not being the CRISPR-Cas9 target, indicating plasmid clearance. The in vitro analysis presented here points to a path that can be explored to assist the development of effective alternative methods of treatment against fosA3+ bacteria.
Comparative and Correlation Analysis of Young and Mature Kaffir Lime (Citrus hystrix DC) Leaf Characteristics
Authors: Budiarto Rahmat , Poerwanto Roedhy , Santosa Edi , Efendi Darda , Agusta Andria
Published: August 2022

Kaffir lime is leaf-oriented minor citrus that required extra attention to study. This study aimed to (i) comparatively analyze the young and mature leaf morpho-ecophysiological characters; and (ii) perform a correlation analysis for revealing the relationship among the physiological characters. Plants were ten one-year-old kaffir lime trees cultured under full sun condition. Leaf size was measured by using a specific allometric model. The Li-6400XT portable photosynthesis system was used to observe the leaf ecophysiological characters. The statistical analysis revealed significant differences in leaf size and physiology as the effect of leaf age. A significant size enlargement in mature leaves was noticed, especially in terms of leaf length, area, and weight, of about 77%, 177%, and 196%, respectively. Young leaves experienced a significant improvement in photosynthetic rate and actual water use efficiency for about 39% and 53%, respectively. Additionally, a strong, significant, and positive correlation between leaf chlorophyll, carotenoid content, and photosynthetic rate was found in the present study. Further studies using a multi-omics approach may enrich the science between kaffir lime leaf maturation as the basis of agricultural modification practice.
Risk Management in the Internationalization of Small and Medium-Sized Spanish Companies
Authors: González Calzadilla Ana Cruz , Segovia Villarreal María , Ramón Jerónimo Juan Manuel , Flórez López Raquel
Published: August 2022

The aim of this study is to analyze how Spanish small and medium-sized enterprises (hereinafter SMEs) manage risks derived from internationalization to improve performance. For this purpose, a case study was elaborated to understand the different risk management strategies used by Spanish SMEs in order to improve performance. Data were collected through sixteen semi-structured interviews. Findings suggest that although the internationalization process involves risk, SMEs, despite their size, can develop a proper risk management which leads to improve performance. Additionally, it is suggested that internationalization risks are not an impediment for SMEs to become involved in international activity, but that it is the way they manage them which makes SMEs improve their performance. Furthermore, the internationalization strategy becomes more efficient when a differentiation and innovation strategy are followed simultaneously.
Management Control Systems and International Entrepreneurship in Small, Young Firms from Resource-Based Theory, Contingence, and Effectuation Approach Perspectives
Authors: Pérez Sigüenza Marta , Rodríguez-León Rodríguez Laura , Ramon Jeronimo Juan Manuel , Flórez López Raquel
Published: August 2022

This study analyses how entrepreneurs adapt or change international control management and organisation structures in response to their resources and capabilities and the context of the situation, from the resource-based theory (RBT) and contingency and effectuation framework approaches, taking the dynamism from knowledge-intensive services (KIS) into consideration. A multiple case study has been performed, based on semi-structured interviews with nine founders (entrepreneurs) of less-than 5-year-old international businesses who are actively involved in the management. All the interviews have been recorded, coded, and analysed through factsheets. The findings suggest that there is a relation between entrepreneurship and the characteristics of the entrepreneur; the character of owners or founders is key to embarking on this kind of business challenge. Furthermore, the age and nature of the manager—entrepreneur or non-entrepreneur—influence the business direction. This research analyses the role of the founder, owner, and/or management depending on the resources, capabilities, and uncertain contexts of the small, young firms. The age of the organisation’s and the degree of professionalism of the management’s impact on the management style and the use of control mechanisms are scarcely analysed yet, which could improve the relationships in MCS to achieve local and global control needs.
Research on the Bearing Sliding Loss Based on Time-Varying Contact Angle between Ball and Raceway
Authors: Ma Shuaijun , Yan Ke , Li Mengnan , Zhu Yongsheng , Hong Jun
Published: August 2022

Based on the mechanical model, the friction loss between the ball and the raceway along the major axis of the contact ellipse is analyzed. The result shows that this part of the loss accounts for about 13.67% of the overall loss, which is mainly determined by the ball sliding length and cannot be ignored. The effects of the radial force, torque, rotational speed and groove curvature ratio on the sliding are all studied. Compared with other factors, radial force has the greatest influence on the sliding loss. As bearing speed gradually grows, the sliding on the inner raceway gradually increases while it gradually decreases on the outer raceway. Compared to the outer raceway curvature ratio, the sliding length is less sensitive to changes in the curvature ratio of the inner raceway. The paper provides theoretical guidance for the design and application of low-friction bearings.
Combined Effects of Metakaolin and Hybrid Fibers on Self-Compacting Concrete
Authors: Bede Odorčić Natalija , Kravanja Gregor
Published: August 2022

There is a need to develop new construction materials with improved mechanical performance and durability that are low-priced and have environmental benefits at the same time. This paper focuses on the rheological, mechanical, morphological, and durability properties of synthetic and steel fiber reinforced self-compacting concrete (SCC) containing 5–15% metakaolin (M) by mass as a green replacement for Portland cement. Testing of the fresh mixes included a slump-flow test, density, and porosity tests. Mechanical properties were determined through compression and flexural strength. A rapid chloride penetrability test (RCPT) and the chloride migration coefficient were used to assess the durability of the samples. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) with energy dispersion spectrometry (EDS) was used to study the concrete microstructure and the interfacial transition zone (ITZ). The results show that a combination of metakaolin and hybrid fibers has a negative effect on the flowability of SCC. In contrast, the inclusion of M and hybrid fibers has a positive effect on the compressive and flexural strength of SCC. The fracture of SCC samples without fibers was brittle and sudden, unlike the fiber-reinforced SCC samples, which could still transfer a considerable load with increasing crack mouth opening deflection. Overall, the chloride migration coefficients were reduced by up to 71% compared to the control mix. The chloride reduction is consistent with the resulting compact concrete microstructure, which exhibits a strong bond between fibers and the concrete matrix.