bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeting the Extracellular Matrix in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Using Molecular Imaging Insights
Authors: Adams Lisa , Brangsch Julia , Hamm Bernd , Makowski Marcus R. , Keller Sarah
Published: March 2021

This review outlines recent preclinical and clinical advances in molecular imaging of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) with a focus on molecular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the extracellular matrix (ECM). In addition, developments in pharmacologic treatment of AAA targeting the ECM will be discussed and results from animal studies will be contrasted with clinical trials. Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is an often fatal disease without non-invasive pharmacologic treatment options. The ECM, with collagen type I and elastin as major components, is the key structural component of the aortic wall and is recognized as a target tissue for both initiation and the progression of AAA. Molecular imaging allows in vivo measurement and characterization of biological processes at the cellular and molecular level and sets forth to visualize molecular abnormalities at an early stage of disease, facilitating novel diagnostic and therapeutic pathways. By providing surrogate criteria for the in vivo evaluation of the effects of pharmacological therapies, molecular imaging techniques targeting the ECM can facilitate pharmacological drug development. In addition, molecular targets can also be used in theranostic approaches that have the potential for timely diagnosis and concurrent medical therapy. Recent successes in preclinical studies suggest future opportunities for clinical translation. However, further clinical studies are needed to validate the most promising molecular targets for human application.
Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Potentiates Resistance to Biotrophic Invasion of Fungal Pathogens in Barley
Authors: Ueda Kana , Nakajima Yuichi , Inoue Hiroshi , Kobayashi Kappei , Nishiuchi Takumi , Kimura Makoto , Yaeno Takashi
Published: March 2021

Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), a precursor of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), induces disease resistance to the Fusarium head blight fungus Fusarium graminearum in Arabidopsis and barley, but it is unknown at which stage of the infection it acts. Since the rate of haustorial formation of an obligate biotrophic barley powdery mildew fungus Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei (Bgh) was significantly reduced in NMN-treated coleoptile epidermal cells, the possibility that NMN induces resistance to the biotrophic stage of F. graminearum was investigated. The results show that NMN treatment caused the wandering of hyphal growth and suppressed the formation of appressoria-like structures. Furthermore, we developed an experimental system to monitor the early stage of infection in real-time and analyzed the infection behavior. We observed that the hyphae elongated windingly by NMN treatment. These results suggest that NMN potentiates resistance to the biotrophic invasion of F. graminearum as well as Bgh.
Prader–Willi Syndrome and Hypogonadism: A Review Article
Authors: Noordam Cees , Höybye Charlotte , Eiholzer Urs
Published: March 2021

Prader-Labhart-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by intellectual disability, behavioural problems, hypothalamic dysfunction and specific dysmorphisms. Hypothalamic dysfunction causes dysregulation of energy balance and endocrine deficiencies, including hypogonadism. Although hypogonadism is prevalent in males and females with PWS, knowledge about this condition is limited. In this review, we outline the current knowledge on the clinical, biochemical, genetic and histological features of hypogonadism in PWS and its treatment. This was based on current literature and the proceedings and outcomes of the International PWS annual conference held in November 2019. We also present our expert opinion regarding the diagnosis, treatment, care and counselling of children and adults with PWS-associated hypogonadism. Finally, we highlight additional areas of interest related to this topic and make recommendations for future studies.
Comparative Proteome Research in a Zebrafish Model for Vanishing White Matter Disease
Authors: Kim Doeun , Lee Yu-Ri , Choi Tae-Ik , Kim Se-Hee , Kang Hoon-Chul , Kim Cheol-Hee , Lee Sangkyu
Published: March 2021

Vanishing white matter (VWM) disease is a genetic leukodystrophy leading to severe neurological disease and early death. VWM is caused by bi-allelic mutations in any of the five genes encoding the subunits of the eukaryotic translation factor 2B (EIF2B). Previous studies have attempted to investigate the molecular mechanism of VWN by constructing models for each subunit of EIF2B that causes VWM disease. The underlying molecular mechanisms of the way in which mutations in EIF2B3 result in VWM are largely unknown. Based on our recent results, we generated an eif2b3 knockout (eif2b3−/−) zebrafish model and performed quantitative proteomic analysis between the wild-type (WT) and eif2b3−/− zebrafish, and identified 25 differentially expressed proteins. Four proteins were significantly upregulated, and 21 proteins were significantly downregulated in eif2b3−/− zebrafish compared to WT. Lon protease and the neutral amino acid transporter SLC1A4 were significantly increased in eif2b3−/− zebrafish, and crystallin proteins were significantly decreased. The differential expression of proteins was confirmed by the evaluation of mRNA levels in eif2b3−/− zebrafish, using whole-mount in situ hybridization analysis. This study identified proteins which candidates as key regulators of the progression of VWN disease, using quantitative proteomic analysis in the first EIF2B3 animal model of VWN disease.
Unfolding and Aggregation of Lysozyme under the Combined Action of Dithiothreitol and Guanidine Hydrochloride: Optical Studies
Authors: Sarimov Ruslan M. , Binhi Vladimir N. , Matveeva Tatiana A. , Penkov Nikita V. , Gudkov Sergey V.
Published: March 2021

Using a number of optical techniques (interferometry, dynamic light scattering, and spectroscopy), denaturation of hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) by treatment with a combination of dithiothreitol (DTT) and guanidine hydrochloride (GdnHCl) has been investigated. The denaturing solutions were selected so that protein denaturation occurred with aggregation (Tris-HCl pH = 8.0, 50 mM, DTT 30 mM) or without aggregation (Tris-HCl pH = 8.0, 50 mM, DTT 30 mM, GdnHCl 6 M) and can be evaluated after 60 min of treatment. It has been found that denatured by solution with 6 M GdnHCl lysozyme completely loses its enzymatic activity after 30 min and the size of the protein molecule increases by 1.5 times, from 3.8 nm to 5.7 nm. Denaturation without of GdnHCl led to aggregation with preserving about 50% of its enzymatic activity. Denaturation of HEWL was examined using interferometry. Previously, it has been shown that protein denaturation that occurs without subsequent aggregation leads to an increase in the refractive index (Δn ~ 4.5 × 10−5). This is most likely due to variations in the HEWL–solvent interface area. By applying modern optical techniques conjointly, it has been possible to obtain information on the nature of time-dependent changes that occur inside a protein and its hydration shell as it undergoes denaturation.
Evidence of p75 Neurotrophin Receptor Involvement in the Central Nervous System Pathogenesis of Classical Scrapie in Sheep and a Transgenic Mouse Model
Authors: Barrio Tomás , Vidal Enric , Betancor Marina , Otero Alicia , Martín-Burriel Inmaculada , Monzón Marta , Monleón Eva , Pumarola Martí , Badiola Juan José , Bolea Rosa
Published: March 2021

Neurotrophins constitute a group of growth factor that exerts important functions in the nervous system of vertebrates. They act through two classes of transmembrane receptors: tyrosine-kinase receptors and the p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR). The activation of p75NTR can favor cell survival or apoptosis depending on diverse factors. Several studies evidenced a link between p75NTR and the pathogenesis of prion diseases. In this study, we investigated the distribution of several neurotrophins and their receptors, including p75NTR, in the brain of naturally scrapie-affected sheep and experimentally infected ovinized transgenic mice and its correlation with other markers of prion disease. No evident changes in infected mice or sheep were observed regarding neurotrophins and their receptors except for the immunohistochemistry against p75NTR. Infected mice showed higher abundance of p75NTR immunostained cells than their non-infected counterparts. The astrocytic labeling correlated with other neuropathological alterations of prion disease. Confocal microscopy demonstrated the co-localization of p75NTR and the astrocytic marker GFAP, suggesting an involvement of astrocytes in p75NTR-mediated neurodegeneration. In contrast, p75NTR staining in sheep lacked astrocytic labeling. However, digital image analyses revealed increased labeling intensities in preclinical sheep compared with non-infected and terminal sheep in several brain nuclei. This suggests that this receptor is overexpressed in early stages of prion-related neurodegeneration in sheep. Our results confirm a role of p75NTR in the pathogenesis of classical ovine scrapie in both the natural host and in an experimental transgenic mouse model.
The Role of Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α) in Autoimmune Disease and Current TNF-α Inhibitors in Therapeutics
Authors: Jang Dan-in , Lee A-Hyeon , Shin Hye-Yoon , Song Hyo-Ryeong , Park Jong-Hwi , Kang Tae-Bong , Lee Sang-Ryong , Yang Seung-Hoon
Published: March 2021

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) was initially recognized as a factor that causes the necrosis of tumors, but it has been recently identified to have additional important functions as a pathological component of autoimmune diseases. TNF-α binds to two different receptors, which initiate signal transduction pathways. These pathways lead to various cellular responses, including cell survival, differentiation, and proliferation. However, the inappropriate or excessive activation of TNF-α signaling is associated with chronic inflammation and can eventually lead to the development of pathological complications such as autoimmune diseases. Understanding of the TNF-α signaling mechanism has been expanded and applied for the treatment of immune diseases, which has resulted in the development of effective therapeutic tools, including TNF-α inhibitors. Currently, clinically approved TNF-α inhibitors have shown noticeable potency in a variety of autoimmune diseases, and novel TNF-α signaling inhibitors are being clinically evaluated. In this review, we briefly introduce the impact of TNF-α signaling on autoimmune diseases and its inhibitors, which are used as therapeutic agents against autoimmune diseases.
Drosophila as a Model for Infectious Diseases
Authors: Harnish J. Michael , Link Nichole , Yamamoto Shinya
Published: March 2021

The fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, has been used to understand fundamental principles of genetics and biology for over a century. Drosophila is now also considered an essential tool to study mechanisms underlying numerous human genetic diseases. In this review, we will discuss how flies can be used to deepen our knowledge of infectious disease mechanisms in vivo. Flies make effective and applicable models for studying host-pathogen interactions thanks to their highly conserved innate immune systems and cellular processes commonly hijacked by pathogens. Drosophila researchers also possess the most powerful, rapid, and versatile tools for genetic manipulation in multicellular organisms. This allows for robust experiments in which specific pathogenic proteins can be expressed either one at a time or in conjunction with each other to dissect the molecular functions of each virulent factor in a cell-type-specific manner. Well documented phenotypes allow large genetic and pharmacological screens to be performed with relative ease using huge collections of mutant and transgenic strains that are publicly available. These factors combine to make Drosophila a powerful tool for dissecting out host-pathogen interactions as well as a tool to better understand how we can treat infectious diseases that pose risks to public health, including COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2.
Role of ADAM10 and ADAM17 in Regulating CD137 Function
Authors: Seidel Jana , Leitzke Sinje , Ahrens Björn , Sperrhacke Maria , Bhakdi Sucharit , Reiss Karina
Published: March 2021

Human CD137 (4-1BB), a member of the TNF receptor family, and its ligand CD137L (4-1BBL), are expressed on immune cells and tumor cells. CD137/CD137L interaction mediates bidirectional cellular responses of potential relevance in inflammatory diseases, autoimmunity and oncology. A soluble form of CD137 exists, elevated levels of which have been reported in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and various malignancies. Soluble CD137 (sCD137) is considered to represent a splice variant of CD137. In this report, however, evidence is presented that A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase (ADAM)10 and potentially also ADAM17 are centrally involved in its generation. Release of sCD137 by transfected cell lines and primary T cells was uniformly inhibitable by ADAM10 inhibition. The shedding function of ADAM10 can be blocked through inhibition of its interaction with surface exposed phosphatidylserine (PS), and this effectively inhibited sCD137 generation. The phospholipid scramblase Anoctamin-6 (ANO6) traffics PS to the outer membrane and thus modifies ADAM10 function. Overexpression of ANO6 increased stimulated shedding, and hyperactive ANO6 led to maximal constitutive shedding of CD137. sCD137 was functionally active and augmented T cell proliferation. Our findings shed new light on the regulation of CD137/CD137L immune responses with potential impact on immunotherapeutic approaches targeting CD137.
Gate Control of Superconductivity in Mesoscopic All-Metallic Devices
Authors: Puglia Claudio , De Simoni Giorgio , Giazotto Francesco
Published: March 2021

The possibility to tune, through the application of a control gate voltage, the superconducting properties of mesoscopic devices based on Bardeen–Cooper–Schrieffer metals was recently demonstrated. Despite the extensive experimental evidence obtained on different materials and geometries, a description of the microscopic mechanism at the basis of such an unconventional effect has not been provided yet. This work discusses the technological potential of gate control of superconductivity in metallic superconductors and revises the experimental results, which provide information regarding a possible thermal origin of the effect: first, we review experiments performed on high-critical-temperature elemental superconductors (niobium and vanadium) and show how devices based on these materials can be exploited to realize basic electronic tools, such as a half-wave rectifier. Second, we discuss the origin of the gating effect by showing gate-driven suppression of the supercurrent in a suspended titanium wire and by providing a comparison between thermal and electric switching current probability distributions. Furthermore, we discuss the cold field-emission of electrons from the gate employing finite element simulations and compare the results with experimental data. In our view, the presented data provide a strong indication regarding the unlikelihood of the thermal origin of the gating effect.
Dual Laser Beam Processing of Semiconducting Thin Films by Excited State Absorption
Authors: Wenisch Christoph , Engel Sebastian , Gräf Stephan , Müller Frank A.
Published: March 2021

We present a unique dual laser beam processing approach based on excited state absorption by structuring 200 nm thin zinc oxide films sputtered on fused silica substrates. The combination of two pulsed nanosecond-laser beams with different photon energies—one below and one above the zinc oxide band gap energy—allows for a precise, efficient, and homogeneous ablation of the films without substrate damage. Based on structuring experiments in dependence on laser wavelength, pulse fluence, and pulse delay of both laser beams, a detailed concept of energy transfer and excitation processes during irradiation was developed. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the thermal and electronic processes during ablation. To quantify the efficiency improvements of the dual-beam process compared to single-beam ablation, a simple efficiency model was developed.
Experimental Study on Biaxial Dynamic Compressive Properties of ECC
Authors: Gao Shuling , Hu Guanhua
Published: March 2021

An improved hydraulic servo structure testing machine has been used to conduct biaxial dynamic compression tests on eight types of engineered cementitious composites (ECC) with lateral pressure levels of 0, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0 (the ratio of the compressive strength applied laterally to the static compressive strength of the specimen), and three strain rates of 10−4, 10−3 and 10−2 s−1. The failure mode, peak stress, peak strain, deformation modulus, stress-strain curve, and compressive toughness index of ECC under biaxial dynamic compressive stress state are obtained. The test results show that the lateral pressure affects the direction of ECC cracking, while the strain rate has little effect on the failure morphology of ECC. The growth of lateral pressure level and strain rate upgrades the limit failure strength and peak strain of ECC, and the small improvement is achieved in elastic modulus. A two-stage ECC biaxial failure strength standard was established, and the influence of the lateral pressure level and peak strain was quantitatively evaluated through the fitting curve of the peak stress, peak strain, and deformation modulus of ECC under various strain rates and lateral pressure levels. ECC’s compressive stress-strain curve can be divided into four stages, and a normalized biaxial dynamic ECC constitutive relationship is established. The toughness index of ECC can be increased with the increase of lateral pressure level, while the increase of strain rate can reduce the toughness index of ECC. Under the effect of biaxial dynamic load, the ultimate strength of ECC is increased higher than that of plain concrete.
GAKTpore: Stereological Characterisation Methods for Porous Foams in Biomedical Applications
Authors: Sheppard Gareth , Tassenberg Karl , Nenchev Bogdan , Strickland Joel , Mesalam Ramy , Shepherd Jennifer , Williams Hugo
Published: March 2021

In tissue engineering, scaffolds are a key component that possess a highly elaborate pore structure. Careful characterisation of such porous structures enables the prediction of a variety of large-scale biological responses. In this work, a rapid, efficient, and accurate methodology for 2D bulk porous structure analysis is proposed. The algorithm, “GAKTpore”, creates a morphology map allowing quantification and visualisation of spatial feature variation. The software achieves 99.6% and 99.1% mean accuracy for pore diameter and shape factor identification, respectively. There are two main algorithm novelties within this work: (1) feature-dependant homogeneity map; (2) a new waviness function providing insights into the convexity/concavity of pores, important for understanding the influence on cell adhesion and proliferation. The algorithm is applied to foam structures, providing a full characterisation of a 10 mm diameter SEM micrograph (14,784 × 14,915 px) with 190,249 pores in ~9 min and has elucidated new insights into collagen scaffold formation by relating microstructural formation to the bulk formation environment. This novel porosity characterisation algorithm demonstrates its versatility, where accuracy, repeatability, and time are paramount. Thus, GAKTpore offers enormous potential to optimise and enhance scaffolds within tissue engineering.
Effect of Buffer Layer Capacitance on the Electrical Characteristics of Ferroelectric Polymer Capacitors and Field Effect Transistors
Authors: Noh Eun-Kyung , Boampong Amos , Konno Yu , Shibasaki Yuji , Lee Jae-Hyun , Choi Yoonseuk , Kim Min-Hoi
Published: March 2021

We demonstrated the effect of a buffer layer on the electrical characteristics of ferroelectric polymer capacitors and field-effect transistors. Various polymer materials with a dielectric constant between 2 and 42 were used to form buffer layers with a similar thicknesses, but with different capacitances. In order to evaluate the characteristics of the ferroelectrics with a buffer layer, the polarization–voltage characteristics of the capacitor, the transfer characteristics, and the retention characteristics of the transistors were investigated. As the capacitance of the buffer layer increased, high remnant polarization (Pr), high hysteresis, and long retention times were observed. Exceptionally, when poly(methylmethacrylate) and rigid poly(aryl ether) (poly(9,9-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)fluorene-co-decafluorobiphenyl)) were used as the buffer layer, Pr had a value close to 0 in the dynamic measurement polarization–voltage (P–V) characteristic, but the quasi-static measurement transfer characteristic and the static measurement retention characteristic showed relatively high hysteresis and long retention times. Our study provides a scientific and technical basis for the design of ferroelectric memory and neuromorphic devices.
Effect of Fluence and Multi-Pass on Groove Morphology and Process Efficiency of Laser Structuring for 3D Electrodes of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Park Dongkyu , Lee Dongkyoung
Published: March 2021

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are widely used as energy storage systems. With the growing interest in electric vehicles, battery performance related to traveling distance has become more important. Therefore, there are various studies going on to achieve high-power and high-energy batteries. Laser structuring of electrodes involves a groove being produced on electrodes by a laser. This technique was used to show that battery performance can be enhanced due to improving Li-ion diffusion. However, there is a lack of studies about the morphological variation of grooves and process efficiency in laser parameters in the laser structuring of electrodes. In this study, the LiFePO4 cathode is structured by a nanosecond laser to analyze the morphological variation of grooves and process efficiency depending on laser fluence and the number of passes. First, the various morphologies of grooves are formed by a combination of fluences and the number of passes. At a fluence of 0.86 J/cm2 and three passes, the maximum aspect ratio of 1.58 is achieved and the surface area of structured electrodes is greater than that of unstructured electrodes. Secondly, three ablation phenomena observed after laser structuring are classified according to laser parameters through SEM images and EDX analysis. Finally, we analyze the amount of active material removal and process efficiency during laser structuring. In conclusion, applying low fluence and multi-pass is assumed to be advantageous for laser structuring of electrodes.
Pluronic F-127/Silk Fibroin for Enhanced Mechanical Property and Sustained Release Drug for Tissue Engineering Biomaterial
Authors: Youn Jina , Choi Joo Hee , Lee Sumi , Lee Seong Won , Moon Byung Kwan , Song Jeong Eun , Khang Gilson
Published: March 2021

Herein, an injectable thermosensitive hydrogel was developed for a drug and cellular delivery system. The composite was prepared by facile physical mixing of pluronic F-127 (PF) and silk fibroin (SF) in an aqueous solution. The chemical structure, transparency, viscosity, injectability, degradation kinetic, cumulative release of dexamethasone (Dex), a type of corticosteroid drug, and size distribution of the fabricated hydrogels were characterized. Cytotoxicity of the hydrogels was also studied to verify the biocompatibility of the hydrogels. The addition of a proper amount of SF to PF not only improved the mechanical strength but also decreased the degradation rate which improved the fast rate release of hydrophobic drugs. The cytotoxicity of the hydrogel decreased when SF was added to PF in a proper amount. Overall, the results confirm that the composite of PF and SF can be a promising cell and drug delivery system for future application in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Reduced Carbonation, Sulfate and Chloride Ingress Due to the Substitution of Cement by 10% Non-Precalcined Bentonite
Authors: Andrade Carmen , Martínez-Serrano Ana , Sanjuán Miguel Ángel , Tenorio Ríos José Antonio
Published: March 2021

The Portland cement industry is presently deemed to account for around 7.4% of the carbon dioxide emitted annually worldwide. Clinker production is being reduced worldwide in response to the need to drastically lower greenhouse gas emissions. The trend began in the nineteen seventies with the advent of mineral additions to replace clinker. Blast furnace slag and fly ash, industrial by-products that were being stockpiled in waste heaps at the time, have not commonly been included in cements. Supply of these additions is no longer guaranteed, however, due to restrained activity in the source industries for the same reasons as in clinker production. The search is consequently on for other additions that may lower pollutant gas emissions without altering cement performance. In this study, bentonite, a very common clay, was used as such an addition directly, with no need for precalcination, a still novel approach that has been scantly explored to date for reinforced structural concrete with structural applications. The results of the mechanical strength and chemical resistance (to sulfates, carbonation and chlorides) tests conducted are promising. The carbonation findings proved to be of particular interest, for that is the area where cement with mineral additions tends to be least effective. In the bentonite-bearing material analysed here, however, carbonation resistance was found to be as low as or lower than that observed in plain Portland cement.
Effect of Elicitation with Iron Chelate and Sodium Metasilicate on Phenolic Compounds in Legume Sprouts
Authors: Dębski Henryk , Wiczkowski Wiesław , Horbowicz Marcin
Published: March 2021

Seven-day-old sprouts of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.), lentil (Lens culinaris L.), and alfalfa (Medicagosativa L.) were studied. The legume seeds and then sprouts were soaked each day for 30 min during 6 days with water (control) or mixture of Fe-EDTA and sodium silicate (Optysil), or sodium silicate (Na-Sil) alone. Germination and sprout growing was carried out at temperature 20 ± 2 °C in 16/8 h (day/night) conditions. Phenolic compounds (free, ester, and glycosides) content were determined by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS using a multiple reaction monitoring of selected ions. Flavonoids and phenolic acids were released from their esters after acid hydrolysis and from glycosides by alkaline hydrolysis. The presence and high content of (−)-epicatechin (EC) in fenugreek sprouts was demonstrated for the first time. Applied elicitors decreased the level of free EC in fenugreek and alfalfa sprouts but enhanced the content of its esters. Besides, elicitors decreased the content of quercetin glycosides in lentil and fenugreek sprouts but increased the content of quercetin and apigenin glycosides in alfalfa sprouts. The applied elicitors decreased the glycoside levels of most phenolic acids in lentil and p-hydroxybenzoic acid in fenugreek, while they increased the content of this acid in alfalfa. The mixture of iron chelate and sodium silicate had less effect on changes in flavonoid and phenolic acid content in legume sprouts than silicate alone. In general, the used elicitors increased the content of total phenolic compounds in fenugreek and alfalfa sprouts and decreased the content in lentil sprouts. Among the evaluated elicitors, Optysil seems to be worth recommending due to the presence of iron chelate, which can be used to enrich sprouts with this element.
Chemical Composition and Bioactive Characterisation of Impatiens walleriana
Authors: Pires Eleomar de O. , Pereira Eliana , Pereira Carla , Dias Maria Inês , Calhelha Ricardo C. , Ćirić Ana , Soković Marina , Hassemer Gustavo , Garcia Carolina Castilho , Caleja Cristina , Barros Lillian , Ferreira Isabel C. F. R.
Published: March 2021

The attractive colour characteristics of the flowers of the species Impatiens walleriana have been arousing great interest in the food industry, which is looking for potential natural sources of colouring ingredients. In this sense, the present work focused on the chemical and bioactive characterization of pink and orange flowers of I. walleriana. The phenolic compounds were determined by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS; in addition, different bioactivities (antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxicity) were also analysed. Both samples studied showed significant amounts of phenolic compounds, especially phenolic acids, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, which justifies the excellent performance in the different bioactivities studied. The orange variety, despite having a greater variety of phenolic compounds, showed a total amount of compounds lower than the pink variety. Overall, the flowers of I. walleriana emerge as a promising resource to be explored by the food industry.
Biotransformation of Cortisone with Rhodococcus rhodnii: Synthesis of New Steroids
Authors: Zappaterra Federico , Costa Stefania , Summa Daniela , Bertolasi Valerio , Semeraro Bruno , Pedrini Paola , Buzzi Raissa , Vertuani Silvia
Published: March 2021

Cortisone is a steroid widely used as an anti-inflammatory drug able to suppress the immune system, thus reducing inflammation and attendant pain and swelling at the site of an injury. Due to its numerous side effects, especially in prolonged and high-dose therapies, the development of the pharmaceutical industry is currently aimed at finding new compounds with similar activities but with minor or no side effects. Biotransformations are an important methodology towards more sustainable industrial processes, according to the principles of “green chemistry”. In this work, the biotransformation of cortisone with Rhodococcus rhodnii DSM 43960 to give two new steroids, i.e., 1,9β,17,21-tetrahydoxy-4-methyl-19-nor-9β-pregna-1,3,5(10)-trien-11,20-dione and 1,9β,17,20β,21-pentahydoxy-4-methyl-19-nor-9β-pregna-1,3,5(10)-trien-11-one, is reported. These new steroids have been fully characterized.
Modification of Polylactide Nonwovens with Carbon Nanotubes and Ladder Poly(silsesquioxane)
Authors: Svyntkivska Mariia , Makowski Tomasz , Piorkowska Ewa , Brzezinski Marek , Herc Agata , Kowalewska Anna
Published: March 2021

Electrospun nonwovens of poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) modified with multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and linear ladder-like poly(silsesquioxane) with methoxycarbonyl side groups (LPSQ-COOMe) were obtained. MWCNT and LPSQ-COOMe were added to the polymer solution before the electrospinning. In addition, nonwovens of PLLA grafted to modified MWCNT were electrospun. All modified nonwovens exhibited higher tensile strength than the neat PLA nonwoven. The addition of 10 wt.% of LPSQ-COOMe and 0.1 wt.% of MWCNT to PLLA increased the tensile strength of the nonwovens 2.4 times, improving also the elongation at the maximum stress.
Circulating GLP-1 Levels as a Potential Indicator of Metabolic Syndrome Risk in Adult Women
Authors: Seon Min Joo , Hwang So Yoon , Son Yujeong , Song Juhyun , Kim Oh Yoen
Published: March 2021

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), an incretin hormone, plays an important role in regulating glucose homeostasis. In this study, the applicability of circulating GLP-1 levels as an early indicator of metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk was examined. Women without diagnosed diseases were grouped according to their number of MetS risk factors (MetS RFs) (no RFs as Super-healthy, n = 61; one or two RFs as MetS risk carriers, n = 60; 3 ≤ RFs as MetS, n = 19). The circulating GLP-1 levels and homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) scores were significantly higher in the MetS group than in the other two groups. The GLP-1 levels correlated positively with adiposity, HOMA-IR, blood pressure, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), but not with fasting glucose and lipid profiles, whose significances were maintained after adjustments for age, smoking and drinking habits, menopausal status, and total calorie intake. The GLP-1 levels also increased proportionally with the number of MetS RFs. In the MetS group, the GLP-1 levels were much higher in individuals with obesity (body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2). In conclusion, the circulating GLP-1 level may be applicable as a potential early indicator of MetS risk in women without diagnosed diseases. Further study with a large population is needed to confirm the conclusion.
Phenol-Rich Food Acceptability: The Influence of Variations in Sweetness Optima and Sensory-Liking Patterns
Authors: Spinelli Sara , Prescott John , Pierguidi Lapo , Dinnella Caterina , Arena Elena , Braghieri Ada , Di Monaco Rossella , Gallina Toschi Tullia , Endrizzi Isabella , Proserpio Cristina , Torri Luisa , Monteleone Erminio
Published: March 2021

The consumption of phenol-rich foods is limited by their prominent bitterness and astringency. This issue has been addressed by adding sweet tastes, which suppress bitterness, but this is not a complete solution since individuals also differ in their preference for sweetness. In this study, we aimed at identifying groups of consumers differing in sweetness optima and sensory-liking patterns. To this end, increasing concentrations of sucrose were added to a chocolate pudding base. This allowed us to (1) investigate if individual differences in sensory responses are associated with different sweet liking optima in a product context, (2) define the psychological and oro-sensory profile of sweet liker phenotypes derived using a product context, and (3) assess if individuals differing in sweet liking optima differ also in consumption and liking of phenol-rich foods and beverages as a function of their sensory properties (e.g., sweeter vs. more bitter and astringent products). Individuals (1208; 58.4% women, 18–69 years) were characterised for demographics, responsiveness to 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP), personality traits and attitudes toward foods. Three clusters were identified based on correlations between sensory responses (sweetness, bitterness and astringency) and liking of the samples: liking was positively related to sweetness and negatively to bitterness and astringency in High and Moderate Sweet Likers, and the opposite in Inverted U-Shaped. Differences between clusters were found in age, gender and personality. Furthermore, the Inverted-U Shaped cluster was found to have overall healthier food behaviours and preferences, with higher liking and consumption of phenol-rich vegetables and beverages without added sugar. These findings point out the importance of identifying the individual sensory-liking patterns in order to develop more effective strategies to promote the acceptability of healthy phenol-rich foods.
Caffeine and Cognitive Functions in Sports: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lorenzo Calvo Jorge , Fei Xueyin , Domínguez Raúl , Pareja-Galeano Helios
Published: March 2021

Cognitive functions are essential in any form of exercise. Recently, interest has mounted in addressing the relationship between caffeine intake and cognitive performance during sports practice. This review examines this relationship through a structured search of the databases Medline/PubMed and Web of Science for relevant articles published in English from August 1999 to March 2020. The study followed PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria were defined according to the PICOS model. The identified records reported on randomized cross-over studies in which caffeine intake (as drinks, capsules, energy bars, or gum) was compared to an identical placebo situation. There were no filters on participants’ training level, gender, or age. For the systematic review, 13 studies examining the impacts of caffeine on objective measures of cognitive performance or self-reported cognitive performance were selected. Five of these studies were also subjected to meta-analysis. After pooling data in the meta-analysis, the significant impacts of caffeine only emerged on attention, accuracy, and speed. The results of the 13 studies, nevertheless, suggest that the intake of a low/moderate dose of caffeine before and/or during exercise can improve self-reported energy, mood, and cognitive functions, such as attention; it may also improve simple reaction time, choice reaction time, memory, or fatigue, however, this may depend on the research protocols.
Synthesis, Characterization and Safety Evaluation of Sericin-Based Hydrogels for Controlled Delivery of Acyclovir
Authors: Al-Tabakha Moawia M. , Khan Shujaat Ali , Ashames Akram , Ullah Hamid , Ullah Kaleem , Murtaza Ghulam , Hassan Nageeb
Published: March 2021

Conventional formulations of antiviral drug acyclovir have various limitations such as low bioavailability. The current study was aimed at developing polymeric matrices for the controlled delivery of acyclovir using sericin as polymer and acrylic acid (AA) as a monomer. The free radical polymerization technique was used for hydrogel formulation. Briefly, sericin was chemically cross-linked with acrylic acid. N′-N′-methylene bis-acrylamide (MBA) and ammonium persulfate (APS) were used as cross-linker and initiator, respectively. FTIR spectra showed that acyclovir was successfully loaded into sericin hydrogel. SEM micrographs revealed that the outer surface was solid-like and smooth. According to DSC thermograms, the developed polymeric network was thermally stable. Amorphous nature of acyclovir was observed in XRD. The pH of medium and reactants’ concentration affected swelling dynamics and acyclovir release pattern. In addition, drug release occurred through a diffusion-controlled process. Sericin hydrogel suspension was well tolerable up to 3800 mg/kg of rabbits’ body weight. Haematology and serum chemistry results were well within the range signifying normal liver and kidney functions. Similarly, histopathology slides of the rabbit’s vital organs were also in normal condition without causing any histopathological change. It was concluded from the findings that sericin-co-AA polymeric matrices are ideal for the pH-dependent delivery of acyclovir.
Rethinking the Fourier-Mellin Transform: Multiple Depths in the Camera’s View
Authors: Xu Qingwen , Kuang Haofei , Kneip Laurent , Schwertfeger Sören
Published: March 2021

Remote sensing and robotics often rely on visual odometry (VO) for localization. Many standard approaches for VO use feature detection. However, these methods will meet challenges if the environments are feature-deprived or highly repetitive. Fourier-Mellin Transform (FMT) is an alternative VO approach that has been shown to show superior performance in these scenarios and is often used in remote sensing. One limitation of FMT is that it requires an environment that is equidistant to the camera, i.e., single-depth. To extend the applications of FMT to multi-depth environments, this paper presents the extended Fourier-Mellin Transform (eFMT), which maintains the advantages of FMT with respect to feature-deprived scenarios. To show the robustness and accuracy of eFMT, we implement an eFMT-based visual odometry framework and test it in toy examples and a large-scale drone dataset. All these experiments are performed on data collected in challenging scenarios, such as, trees, wooden boards and featureless roofs. The results show that eFMT performs better than FMT in the multi-depth settings. Moreover, eFMT also outperforms state-of-the-art VO algorithms, such as ORB-SLAM3, SVO and DSO, in our experiments.
KVGCN: A KNN Searching and VLAD Combined Graph Convolutional Network for Point Cloud Segmentation
Authors: Luo Nan , Yu Hongquan , Huo Zhenfeng , Liu Jinhui , Wang Quan , Xu Ying , Gao Yun
Published: March 2021

Semantic segmentation of the sensed point cloud data plays a significant role in scene understanding and reconstruction, robot navigation, etc. This work presents a Graph Convolutional Network integrating K-Nearest Neighbor searching (KNN) and Vector of Locally Aggregated Descriptors (VLAD). KNN searching is utilized to construct the topological graph of each point and its neighbors. Then, we perform convolution on the edges of constructed graph to extract representative local features by multiple Multilayer Perceptions (MLPs). Afterwards, a trainable VLAD layer, NetVLAD, is embedded in the feature encoder to aggregate the local and global contextual features. The designed feature encoder is repeated for multiple times, and the extracted features are concatenated in a jump-connection style to strengthen the distinctiveness of features and thereby improve the segmentation. Experimental results on two datasets show that the proposed work settles the shortcoming of insufficient local feature extraction and promotes the accuracy (mIoU 60.9% and oAcc 87.4% for S3DIS) of semantic segmentation comparing to existing models.
Estimating the Characteristic Spatiotemporal Variation in Habitat Quality Using the InVEST Model—A Case Study from Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area
Authors: Wu Linlin , Sun Caige , Fan Fenglei
Published: March 2021

The intensity of human activity, habitat loss and habitat degradation have significant impacts on biodiversity. Habitat quality plays an important role in spatial dynamics when evaluating fragmented landscapes and the effectiveness of biodiversity conservation. This study aimed to evaluate the status and characteristic variation in habitat quality to analyze the underlying factors affecting habitat quality in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). Here, we applied Kendall’s rank correlation method to calculate the sensitivity of habitat types to threat factors for the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs habitat quality (InVEST-HQ) model. The spatiotemporal variation in habitat quality of the GBA in the period 1995–2015 was estimated based on the InVEST-HQ model. We analyzed the characteristic habitat quality using different ecosystem classifications and at different elevation gradients. Fractional vegetation cover, the proportion of impervious surface, population distribution and gross domestic product were included as the effect factors for habitat quality. The correlation between the effect factors and habitat quality was analyzed using Pearson’s correlation tests. The results showed that the spatial pattern of habitat quality decreased from fringe areas to central areas in the GBA, that the forest ecosystem had the highest value of habitat quality, and that habitat quality increased with elevation. In the period from 1995 to 2015, habitat quality declined markedly and this could be related to vegetation loss, land use change and intensity of human activity. Built-up land expansion and forest land fragmentation were clear markers of land use change. This study has great significance as an operational approach to mitigating the tradeoff between natural environment conservation and rapid economic development.
Integration of Sentinel-3 OLCI Land Products and MERRA2 Meteorology Data into Light Use Efficiency and Vegetation Index-Driven Models for Modeling Gross Primary Production
Authors: Zhang Fengji , Zhang Zhijiang , Long Yi , Zhang Ling
Published: March 2021

Accurately and reliably estimating total terrestrial gross primary production (GPP) on a large scale is of great significance for monitoring the carbon cycle process. The Sentinel-3 satellite provides the OLCI FAPAR and OTCI products, which possess a higher spatial and temporal resolution than MODIS products. However, few studies have focused on using LUE models and VI-driven models based on the Sentinel-3 satellites to estimate GPP on a large scale. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance of Sentinel-3 OLCI FAPAR and OTCI products combined with meteorology reanalysis data in estimating GPP at site and regional scale. Firstly, we integrated OLCI FAPAR and meteorology reanalysis data into the MODIS GPP algorithm and eddy covariance light use efficiency (EC-LUE) model (GPPMODIS-GPP and GPPEC-LUE, respectively). Then, we combined OTCI and meteorology reanalysis data with the greenness and radiation (GR) model and vegetation index (VI) model (GPPGR and GPPVI, respectively). Lastly, GPPMODIS-GPP, GPPEC-LUE, GPPGR, and GPPVI were evaluated against the eddy covariance flux data (GPPEC) at the site scale and MODIS GPP products (GPPMOD17) at the regional scale. The results showed that, at the site scale, GPPMODIS-GPP and GPPEC-LUE agreed well with GPPEC for the US-Ton site, with R2 = 0.73 and 0.74, respectively. The performance of GPPGR and GPPVI varied across different biome types. Strong correlations were obtained across deciduous broadleaf forests, mixed forests, grasslands, and croplands. At the same time, there are overestimations and underestimations in croplands, evergreen needleleaf forests and deciduous broadleaf forests. At the regional scale, the annual mean and maximum daily GPPMODIS-GPP and GPPEC-LUE agreed well with GPPMOD17 in 2017 and 2018, with R2 > 0.75. Overall, the above findings demonstrate the feasibility of using Sentinel-3 OLCI FAPAR and OTCI products combined with meteorology reanalysis data through LUE and VI-driven models to estimate GPP, and fill in the gaps for the large-scale evaluation of GPP via Sentinel-3 satellites.
Spatiotemporal Variability of Mesoscale Eddies in the Indonesian Seas
Authors: Hao Zhanjiu , Xu Zhenhua , Feng Ming , Li Qun , Yin Baoshu
Published: March 2021

Mesoscale eddies are ubiquitous in the world ocean and well researched both globally and regionally, while their properties and distributions across the whole Indonesian Seas are not yet fully understood. This study investigates for the first time the spatiotemporal variations and generation mechanisms of mesoscale eddies across the whole Indonesian Seas. Eddies are detected from altimetry sea level anomalies by an automatic identification algorithm. The Sulu Sea, Sulawesi Sea, Maluku Sea and Banda Sea are the main eddy generation regions. More than 80% of eddies are short-lived with a lifetime below 30 days. The properties of eddies exhibit high spatial inhomogeneity, with the typical amplitudes and radiuses of 2–6 cm and 50–160 km, respectively. The most energetic eddies are observed in the Sulawesi Sea and Seram Sea. Eddies feature different seasonal cycles between anticyclonic and cyclonic eddies in each basin, especially given that the average latitude of the eddy centroid has inverse seasonal variations. About 48% of eddies in the Sulawesi Sea are highly nonlinear, which is the case for less than 30% in the Sulu Sea and Banda Sea. Instability analysis is performed using high-resolution model outputs from Bluelink Reanalysis to assess mechanisms of eddy generation. Barotropic instability of the mean flow dominates eddy generation in the Sulu Sea and Sulawesi Sea, while baroclinic instability is slightly more in the Maluku Sea and Banda Sea.