bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fast Fiber Orientation Estimation in Diffusion MRI from kq-Space Sampling and Anatomical Priors
Authors: Pesce Marica , Repetti Audrey , Auría Anna , Daducci Alessandro , Thiran Jean-Philippe , Wiaux Yves
Published: October 2021

High spatio-angular resolution diffusion MRI (dMRI) has been shown to provide accurate identification of complex neuronal fiber configurations, albeit, at the cost of long acquisition times. We propose a method to recover intra-voxel fiber configurations at high spatio-angular resolution relying on a 3D kq-space under-sampling scheme to enable accelerated acquisitions. The inverse problem for the reconstruction of the fiber orientation distribution (FOD) is regularized by a structured sparsity prior promoting simultaneously voxel-wise sparsity and spatial smoothness of fiber orientation. Prior knowledge of the spatial distribution of white matter, gray matter, and cerebrospinal fluid is also leveraged. A minimization problem is formulated and solved via a stochastic forward–backward algorithm. Simulations and real data analysis suggest that accurate FOD mapping can be achieved from severe kq-space under-sampling regimes potentially enabling high spatio-angular resolution dMRI in the clinical setting.
Resonance Control Based on Hydrodynamic Analysis for Underwater Direct Drive Wave Energy Converter
Authors: Li Yang , Huang Lei , Tan Peiwen , Chen Minshuo , Chen Junquan
Published: October 2021

Wave energy has great prospect among many forms of marine renewable energy for its high density and storage. This paper proposes an underwater direct drive wave energy converter (UDDWEC), which is composed of a submerged point absorbing buoy and a linear-rotating axial flux permanent magnetic generator (LR-AFPMG). In addition, a maximum energy capture control strategy, resonance control, is derived for UDDWEC, based on small amplitude oscillation and hydrodynamic analysis. The proposed control strategy assumes the availability of sea condition such as wave height and period. This control strategy has three main characteristics. Firstly, this control strategy is derived based on hydrodynamic analysis of the submerged point absorber. Added mass, radiation damping and other hydrodynamic parameters are obtained to participate in UDDWEC dynamic model. Secondly, a LR-AFPMG is applied as power take-off device to realize energy conversion, which can improve the power density. Thirdly, small amplitude oscillation can be changed into long stroke rotary motion through the LR-AFPMG. The reliability and effectiveness of the proposed control strategy are assessed at various operation conditions for a heaving system and the validity for the UDDWEC is verified.
Systematic Validation Study of an Unsteady Cavitating Flow over a Hydrofoil Using Conditional Averaging: LES and PIV
Authors: Ivashchenko Elizaveta , Hrebtov Mikhail , Timoshevskiy Mikhail , Pervunin Konstantin , Mullyadzhanov Rustam
Published: October 2021

We present results of Large-eddy simulations (LES) modeling of steady sheet and unsteady cloud cavitation on a two-dimensional hydrofoil which are validated against Particle image velocimetry (PIV) data. The study is performed for the angle of attack of 9° and high Reynolds numbers ReC of the order of 106 providing a strong adverse pressure gradient along the surface. We employ the Schnerr–Sauer and Kunz cavitation models together with the adaptive mesh refinement in critical flow regions where intensive phase transitions occur. Comparison of the LES and visualization results confirms that the flow dynamics is adequately reproduced in the calculations. To correctly match averaged velocity distributions, we propose a new methodology based on conditional averaging of instantaneous velocity fields measured by PIV which only provides information on the liquid phase. This approach leads to an excellent overall agreement between the conditionally averaged fields of the mean velocity and turbulence intensity obtained experimentally and numerically. The benefits of second-order discretization schemes are highlighted as opposed to the lower-order TVD scheme.
Fungal Metagenome of Chernevaya Taiga Soils: Taxonomic Composition, Differential Abundance and Factors Related to Plant Gigantism
Authors: Rayko Mikhail , Sokornova Sophie , Lapidus Alla
Published: October 2021

The Chernevaya taiga of Western Siberia is a unique and complex ecosystem, distinguished by the unusually large sizes of herbaceous plants, the reasons for which are poorly understood. Here, we explored the fungal diversity of the Chernevaya taiga soils in the Tomsk regions of Western Siberia in comparison with other soil types. The soil biomes of Chernevaya taiga and the control regions were investigated using Illumina ITS rRNA sequencing, and taxonomic analysis revealed a predominance of fungal phyla in the different soils. These results demonstrate that the fungi of the Chernevaya taiga regions have a higher species diversity (Faith’s PD) vs. the control soils, and the diversity is due more to the sampling sites rather than to the seasons (Bray-Curtis distance). We studied most of the differentially abundant taxa among the soil types, and we annotated the taxa with their ecological guilds and trophic types. Some of the abundant fungal taxa in the summer- and fall-Chernevaya taiga samples belong to the phylum Glomeromycota—arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiotrophs, which are known to establish symbiotic relationships and enhance plant growth. Additionally, several OTUs were assigned to novel genera in the Glomeraceae and Claroideoglomeraceae families. Our findings add a potential explanation of the high productivity and plant gigantism in Chernevaya taiga and expand our knowledge of fungal biodiversity.
Identification of the Aldo-Keto Reductase Responsible for d-Galacturonic Acid Conversion to l-Galactonate in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Rippert Dorthe , Linguardo Federica , Perpelea Andreea , Klein Mathias , Nevoigt Elke
Published: October 2021

d-galacturonic acid (d-GalUA) is the main constituent of pectin, a complex polysaccharide abundant in several agro-industrial by-products such as sugar beet pulp or citrus peel. During several attempts to valorise d-GalUA by engineering the popular cell factory Saccharomyces cerevisiae, it became obvious that d-GalUA is, to a certain degree, converted to l-galactonate (l-GalA) by an endogenous enzymatic activity. The goal of the current work was to clarify the identity of the responsible enzyme(s). A protein homology search identified three NADPH-dependent unspecific aldo-keto reductases in baker’s yeast (encoded by GCY1, YPR1 and GRE3) that show sequence similarities to known d-GalUA reductases from filamentous fungi. Characterization of the respective deletion mutants and an in vitro enzyme assay with a Gcy1 overproducing strain verified that Gcy1 is mainly responsible for the detectable reduction of d-GalUA to l-GalA.
Investigating the Role of Leukocyte Telomere Length in Treatment-Resistant Depression and in Response to Electroconvulsive Therapy
Authors: Pisanu Claudia , Vitali Erika , Meloni Anna , Congiu Donatella , Severino Giovanni , Ardau Raffaella , Chillotti Caterina , Trabucchi Luigi , Bortolomasi Marco , Gennarelli Massimo , Minelli Alessandra , Squassina Alessio
Published: October 2021

Psychiatric disorders seem to be characterized by premature cell senescence. However, controversial results have also been reported. In addition, the relationship between accelerated aging and treatment-resistance has scarcely been investigated. In the current study, we measured leukocyte telomere length (LTL) in 148 patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD, 125 with major depressive disorder, MDD, and 23 with bipolar disorder, BD) treated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and analyzed whether LTL was associated with different response profiles. We also compared LTL between patients with TRD and 335 non-psychiatric controls. For 107 patients for which genome-wide association data were available, we evaluated whether a significant overlap among genetic variants or genes associated with LTL and with response to ECT could be observed. LTL was negatively correlated with age (Spearman’s correlation coefficient = −0.25, p < 0.0001) and significantly shorter in patients with treatment-resistant MDD (Quade’s F = 35.18, p < 0.0001) or BD (Quade’s F = 20.84, p < 0.0001) compared to controls. Conversely, baseline LTL was not associated with response to ECT or remission. We did not detect any significant overlap between genetic variants or genes associated with LTL and response to ECT. Our results support previous findings suggesting premature cell senescence in patients with severe psychiatric disorders and suggest that LTL could not be a predictive biomarker of response to ECT.
Diagnostic, Predictive, and Prognostic Biomarkers in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Management
Authors: Šutić Maja , Vukić Ana , Baranašić Jurica , Försti Asta , Džubur Feđa , Samaržija Miroslav , Jakopović Marko , Brčić Luka , Knežević Jelena
Published: October 2021

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Despite growing efforts for its early detection by screening populations at risk, the majority of lung cancer patients are still diagnosed in an advanced stage. The management of lung cancer has dramatically improved in the last decade and is no longer based on the “one-fits-all” paradigm or the general histological classification of non-small cell versus small cell lung cancer. Emerging options of targeted therapies and immunotherapies have shifted the management of lung cancer to a more personalized treatment approach, significantly influencing the clinical course and outcome of the disease. Molecular biomarkers have emerged as valuable tools in the prognosis and prediction of therapy response. In this review, we discuss the relevant biomarkers used in the clinical management of lung tumors, from diagnosis to prognosis. We also discuss promising new biomarkers, focusing on non-small cell lung cancer as the most abundant type of lung cancer.
Technical Analysis of Tourism Price Process in the Eurozone
Authors: Gričar Sergej , Bojnec Štefan
Published: October 2021

This study is a specific contribution to investigating normalities in prices to a well-established cointegrated vector autoregressive model (VAR). While the role of prices in computational economics has been investigated, the real prices vis-à-vis nominal prices in the decision process has been neglected. The paper investigates the transition from nominal to real time-series of prices without losing information in the data set when deflating or de-seasonalizing. The likelihood approach is based on careful specifications of the (co)integration characteristics of tourism prices. The results confirm that the transmission of tourism prices in the Eurozone positively impacts Slovenian tourism prices when the spatial consolidated cointegrated VAR model is used. The theoretical-conceptual and empirical contribution is twofold: first, the study develops and empirically applies bona fide divisor of normality consolidation for time-series in levels instead of routinely utilised inflation integers, and second, the study introduces perfection of prices on a long-run time-series treatment.
Practical Village Planning Strategy of Different Types of Villages—A Case Study of 38 Villages in Shapingba District, Chongqing
Authors: Chen Jing , Wang Cheng , Dai Ruilian , Xu Shuang , Shen Yue , Ji Mengzhu
Published: October 2021

Practical village planning is not only an important guide for implementing the rural revitalization strategy but also an important support for building a sustainable rural development model. The scientific measurement of rural development potential to effectively identify the future development direction and mode of rural areas is of great significance to realize the implementation of “hierarchical and key points” of village planning. Taking 38 villages in Shapingba District of Chongqing as the study area, this study comprehensively measures the rural development potential from four dimensions: location advantage, resource endowment, economic vitality, and development constraint. Results reveal the following: (1) the spatial distribution pattern of rural development potential in the study area is centered on the central and southern urban development area, gradually decreasing toward the peripheral area. The village development potential tends to be balanced overall, but differences are observed in advantage and development obstacles of villages in the district, and the four sub-dimensions show a large spatial heterogeneity;(2) the 38 administrative villages were divided into four types, namely, core planning area, important planning area, general planning area, and basic control area. Their percentages were 13.16%, 52.63%, 23.68%, and 10.53%, respectively; (3) differentiated planning contents and strategies for different types of areas are adopted to prepare well-detailed and clearly focused village plans to promote sustainable rural development.
Effect of Elevated Temperatures on the Mechanical Properties of a Direct Laser Deposited Ti-6Al-4V
Authors: Ivanov Sergei , Gushchina Marina , Artinov Antoni , Khomutov Maxim , Zemlyakov Evgenii
Published: October 2021

In the present work, the mechanical properties of the DLD-processed Ti-6Al-4V alloy were obtained by tensile tests performed at different temperatures, ranging from 20 °C to 800 °C. Thereby, the process conditions were close to the conditions used to produce large-sized structures using the DLD method, resulting in specimens having the same initial martensitic microstructure. According to the obtained stress curves, the yield strength decreases gradually by 40% when the temperature is increased to 500 °C. Similar behavior is observed for the tensile strength. However, further heating above 500 °C leads to a significant increase in the softening rate. It was found that the DLD-processed Ti-6Al-4V alloy had a Young’s modulus with higher thermal stability than conventionally processed alloys. At 500 °C, the Young’s modulus of the DLD alloy was 46% higher than that of the wrought alloy. The influence of the thermal history on the stress relaxation for the cases where 500 °C and 700 °C were the maximum temperatures was studied. It was revealed that stress relaxation processes are decisive for the formation of residual stresses at temperatures above 700 °C, which is especially important for small-sized parts produced by the DLD method. The coefficient of thermal expansion was investigated up to 1050 °C.
Rheological Model to Describe the Cyclic Load-Bearing Behaviour of Strain-Hardening Cement-Based Composites (SHCC)
Authors: Junger Dominik , Müller Steffen , Mechtcherine Viktor
Published: October 2021

The mechanical behaviour of strain-hardening cement-based composites (SHCC) under monotonic tensile loading has been the subject of research for many years. The recent research on the SHCC’s performance under cyclic loading has enabled the identification of a wide variety of damage phenomena different to those observed under monotonic loading. The article at hand first summarises the experimental evidence of such phenomena in the context of the material performance observed. On this basis, the mechanisms behind these phenomena are discussed and explained using rheological modelling.
Plasma Electrolytic Polishing of Nitinol: Investigation of Functional Properties
Authors: Navickaitė Kristina , Ianniciello Lucia , Tušek Jaka , Engelbrecht Kurt , Bahl Christian R. H. , Penzel Michael , Nestler Klaus , Böttger-Hiller Falko , Zeidler Henning
Published: October 2021

A novel, environmentally friendly, fast, and flexible polishing process for Nitinol parts is presented in this study. Nitinol samples with both superelastic and shape memory properties at room temperature were investigated. The chemical contamination and surface roughness of superelastic Nitinol plates were examined before and after plasma electrolytic polishing. The shift in phase transformation temperature and tensile strength before and after the polishing process were analysed using Nitinol wire with shape memory properties. The obtained experimental results were compared to the data obtained on reference samples examined in the as-received condition. It was found that plasma electrolytic polishing, when the right process parameters are applied, is capable of delivering Nitinol parts with extremely high surface quality. Moreover, it was experimentally proven that plasma electrolytic polishing does not have a negative impact on functionality or mechanical properties of polished parts.
The Influence of the Affinity between Aggregate and Bitumen on the Mechanical Performance Properties of Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: Maia Maria M. A. S. , Dinis-Almeida Marisa , Martinho Fernando C. G.
Published: October 2021

Two of the main problems encountered in flexible pavements are the stripping of coarse aggregates and the formation of rut depth due to increases in the volume of road traffic and heavy vehicle loads, especially in areas where speeds are low. The existence of rut depth also affects the comfort and safety of road users due to the water accumulation on the pavement surface and reducing tire/pavement friction, which can lead to hydroplaning phenomena. In this research, it was proven that the use of fillers of different origins influences the affinity between aggregates and the binder. The effect of an adhesion promoter in the mix design (such as the amine included in cellulosic fiber pellets) was also studied. Several tests were carried out to determine the binder/aggregate adhesiveness, water sensitivity and resistance to permanent deformation, to evaluate the performance of different blends. It was found that the addition of this additive increased 10% of the aggregate surfaces covered with bitumen when compared with the aggregates without this addition. As expected, the water sensitivity tests showed that the mixture with granitic filler had the lowest indirect tensile strength ratio (ITSR) value (70%), while the mixtures with limestone filler led to the highest percentages (ranging from 83 to 93%). As for the results of the wheel tracking tests (WTT), it was confirmed that the use of limestone filler translates into an improvement in the performance against the permanent deformation of the asphalt mixtures. The mixture with higher bitumen content and adhesion promoter revealed the best average results.
Properties of Concrete Prepared with Silane Coupling Agent-Impregnated Coral Aggregate and Coral Concrete
Authors: Liu Jinming , Ju Boyu , Yin Qing , Xie Wei , Xiao Haiying , Dong Shanliang , Yang Wenshu
Published: October 2021

Silane coupling agent (SCA), a kind of organic solvent, was introduced to improve the performance of coral coarse aggregates and enhance the interfacial adhesion between the inorganic coral aggregate and the cement paste of coral concrete. The crushing indicator and water absorption of the coral aggregates over various dipping times were measured, and the slump, interface microhardness, and compressive strength of coral concrete tested. The microscopic appearances of the coral concrete before and after modification were analyzed based on SEM images. The experimental results indicate that SCA can effectively reduce the crushing indicator and water absorption of coral coarse aggregates, and the modification performance becomes better over time. SCA facilitates the generation of chemical forces between the coral aggregates and cement mortars, improves adhesion between the aggregates and mortars, augments the microhardness of the interface, and increases the compressive strength. According to the microscopic appearance of the treated and untreated coral aggregate interfaces, the aggregates and the mortars are in closer combination after modification.
Magnetic Force Microscopy on Nanofibers—Limits and Possible Approaches for Randomly Oriented Nanofiber Mats
Authors: Ehrmann Andrea , Blachowicz Tomasz
Published: October 2021

Magnetic force microscopy (MFM) belongs to the methods that enable spatially resolved magnetization measurements on common thin-film samples or magnetic nanostructures. The lateral resolution can be much higher than in Kerr microscopy, another spatially resolved magnetization imaging technique, but since MFM commonly necessitates positioning a cantilever tip typically within a few nanometers from the surface, it is often more complicated than other techniques. Here, we investigate the progresses in MFM on magnetic nanofibers that can be found in the literature during the last years. While MFM measurements on magnetic nanodots or thin-film samples can often be found in the scientific literature, reports on magnetic force microscopy on single nanofibers or chaotic nanofiber mats are scarce. The aim of this review is to show which MFM investigations can be conducted on magnetic nanofibers, where the recent borders are, and which ideas can be transferred from MFM on other rough surfaces towards nanofiber mats.
Surface Characterization of Lipid Biomimetic Systems
Authors: Disalvo Anibal , Frias Maria A.
Published: October 2021

Zeta potential and dipole potential measures are direct operational methodologies to determine the adsorption, insertion and penetration of ions, amphipathic and neutral compounds into the membranes of cells and model systems. From these results, the contribution of charged and dipole groups can be deduced. However, although each method may give apparent affinity or binding constants, care should be taken to interpret them in terms of physical meaning because they are not independent properties. On the base of a recent model in which the lipid bilayer is considered as composed by two interphase regions at each side of the hydrocarbon core, this review describes how dipole potential and zeta potential are correlated due to water reorganization. From this analysis, considering that in a cell the interphase region the membrane extends to the cell interior or overlaps with the interphase region of another supramolecular structure, the correlation of dipole and electrostatic forces can be taken as responsible of the propagation of perturbations between membrane and cytoplasm and vice versa. Thus, this picture gives the membrane a responsive character in addition to that of a selective permeability barrier when integrated to a complex system.
Immunometabolic Therapeutic Targets of Graft-versus-Host Disease (GvHD)
Authors: Mhandire Kudakwashe , Saggu Komalpreet , Buxbaum Nataliya Prokopenko
Published: October 2021

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is a curative option in the treatment of aggressive malignant and non-malignant blood disorders. However, the benefits of allo-HSCT can be compromised by graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), a prevalent and morbid complication of allo-HSCT. GvHD occurs when donor immune cells mount an alloreactive response against host antigens due to histocompatibility differences between the donor and host, which may result in extensive tissue injury. The reprogramming of cellular metabolism is a feature of GvHD that is associated with the differentiation of donor CD4+ cells into the pathogenic Th1 and Th17 subsets along with the dysfunction of the immune-suppressive protective T regulatory cells (Tregs). The activation of glycolysis and glutaminolysis with concomitant changes in fatty acid oxidation metabolism fuel the anabolic activities of the proliferative alloreactive microenvironment characteristic of GvHD. Thus, metabolic therapies such as glycolytic enzyme inhibitors and fatty acid metabolism modulators are a promising therapeutic strategy for GvHD. We comprehensively review the role of cellular metabolism in GvHD pathogenesis, identify candidate therapeutic targets, and describe potential strategies for augmenting immunometabolism to ameliorate GvHD.
High Pressure Deuterium Passivation of Charge Trapping Layer for Nonvolatile Memory Applications
Authors: Sung Jae-Young , Jeong Jun-Kyo , Ko Woon-San , Byun Jun-Ho , Lee Hi-Deok , Lee Ga-Won
Published: October 2021

In this study, the deuterium passivation effect of silicon nitride (Si3N4) on data retention characteristics is investigated in a Metal-Nitride-Oxide-Silicon (MNOS) memory device. To focus on trap passivation in Si3N4 as a charge trapping layer, deuterium (D2) high pressure annealing (HPA) was applied after Si3N4 deposition. Flat band voltage shifts (ΔVFB) in data retention mode were compared by CV measurement after D2 HPA, which shows that the memory window decreases but charge loss in retention mode after program is suppressed. Trap energy distribution based on thermal activated retention model is extracted to compare the trap density of Si3N4. D2 HPA reduces the amount of trap densities in the band gap range of 1.06–1.18 eV. SIMS profiles are used to analyze the D2 profile in Si3N4. The results show that deuterium diffuses into the Si3N4 and exists up to the Si3N4-SiO2 interface region during post-annealing process, which seems to lower the trap density and improve the memory reliability.
Investigating the Function of Adult DRG Neuron Axons Using an In Vitro Microfluidic Culture System
Authors: Atmaramani Rahul , Veeramachaneni Srivennela , Mogas Liz Valeria , Koppikar Pratik , Black Bryan J. , Hammack Audrey , Pancrazio Joseph J. , Granja-Vazquez Rafael
Published: October 2021

A critical role of the peripheral axons of nociceptors of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) is the conduction of all-or-nothing action potentials from peripheral nerve endings to the central nervous system for the perception of noxious stimuli. Plasticity along multiple sites along the pain axis has now been widely implicated in the maladaptive changes that occur in pathological pain states such as neuropathic and inflammatory pain. Notably, increasing evidence suggests that nociceptive axons actively participate through the local expression of ion channels, receptors, and signal transduction molecules through axonal mRNA translation machinery that is independent of the soma component. In this report, we explore the sensitization of sensory neurons through the treatment of compartmentalized axon-like structures spanning microchannels that have been treated with the cytokine IL-6 and, subsequently, capsaicin. These data demonstrate the utility of isolating DRG axon-like structures using microfluidic systems, laying the groundwork for constructing the complex in vitro models of cellular networks that are involved in pain signaling for targeted pharmacological and genetic perturbations.
Exploring the Diversity and Biotechnological Potential of Cultured and Uncultured Coral-Associated Bacteria
Authors: Vilela Caren Leite Spindola , Villela Helena Dias Müller , Rachid Caio Tavora Coelho da Costa , Carmo Flávia Lima do , Vermelho Alane Beatriz , Peixoto Raquel Silva
Published: October 2021

Coral-associated microbes are crucial for the biology of their hosts, contributing to nutrient cycling, adaptation, mitigation of toxic compounds, and biological control of pathogens. Natural products from coral-associated micro-organisms (CAM) may possess unique traits. Despite this, the use of CAM for biotechnological purposes has not yet been adequately explored. Here, we investigated the production of commercially important enzymes by 37 strains of bacteria isolated from the coral species Mussismilia braziliensis, Millepora alcicornis, and Porites astreoides. In-vitro enzymatic assays showed that up to 56% of the isolates produced at least one of the seven enzymes screened (lipase, caseinase, keratinase, cellulase, chitinase, amylase, and gelatinase); one strain, identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens produced all these enzymes. Additionally, coral species-specific cultured and uncultured microbial communities were identified. The phylum Firmicutes predominated among the isolates, including the genera Exiguobacterium, Bacillus, and Halomonas, among others. Next-generation sequencing and bacteria culturing produced similar but also complementary data, with certain genera detected only by one or the other method. Our results demonstrate the importance of exploring different coral species as sources of specific micro-organisms of biotechnological and industrial interest, at the same time reinforcing the economic and ecological importance of coral reefs as reservoirs of such diversity.
Modified Red Muds and Slag Based Hydraulic Binders for Zn Removal: A Matrix-Spiking Approach Applied on Clayey Sediments
Authors: Mahamat Ahmat Adoum , Maherzi Walid , Le Milbeau Claude , Benzerzour Mahfoud , Abriak Nor-Edine
Published: October 2021

Dredging sediments can be implemented as primary resources in several civil engineering applications, on the condition that the release of anthropogenic compounds meets environmental requirements. The remediation of sedimentary wastes constitutes therefore, a key step before valorization consideration in circular economy schemes. This study focused on Zn removal from clayey river sediments dredged in northern France (Lille, Saint-Omer and Aire-Sur-La Lys) using a Thermo-Evolved Red Mud (TERM) and a Slag Based Hydraulic Binder (SBHB). The first step consisted in investigating Zn-trapping mechanisms prior to TERM and SBHB application as Zn-stabilizers. Results underlined poorer metal retention within the most organic sediment (high fatty acids and polycyclic aromatic molecules concentrations), emphasizing the minor role of the organic fraction typology during Zn-trapping. The pollutant displayed its best binding yields within the sediment with the highest interstitial pH and specific areas, which stressed out the preponderant influence of alkalinization ability and particles size distribution. In a second step, the spiked sediments were treated with TERM and SBHB, which resulted in a substantial lowering of Zn release at 12% of stabilizer/sediment ratio. Even though the organic content role was not preeminent during the pollutant trapping, it appeared here influential as delays in removal efficiencies were observed for the most endowed sediment. Two preferential geochemical pathways were adopted during the remediation operations with significant promotive roles of basic background pH. Indeed, Zn removal with TERM consisted mainly in sorptive mechanisms involving exchanges with Ca and Mg ions, whereas binding onto SBHB was principally achieved through precipitation phenomena.
Heavy Mineral Compositions of Sediments in the Southern Okinawa Trough and Their Provenance-Tracing Implication
Authors: Zhu Bowen , Zeng Zhigang
Published: October 2021

Heavy mineral assemblages have been widely used to effectively trace sediment sources. Heavy mineral assemblages are rarely used in research to trace sediment sources in the southern Okinawa Trough compared with geochemical proxies. In this study, the TESCAN Integrated Mineral Analyzer (TIMA) revealed the full-size heavy mineral assemblages in the five layers of the core sediment H4-S2 in the southern Okinawa Trough. During the past 700 years, the heavy mineral assemblages in the sediments of the southern Okinawa Trough were very similar to the East China Sea shelf/Yangtze River, mainly composed of mica and chlorite; dolomite; actinolite; and hematite/magnetite. The grain size distribution of heavy minerals is in the clay–sand range and mainly in silt. Actinolite and hornblende can indicate the supply of sediments from the East China Sea shelf/Yangtze River to the southern Okinawa Trough. Due to their complex sources, pyrite, epidote, and hematite/magnetite are not adequate indicators for distinguishing between the different provenance areas. Because previous studies have used a variety of analytical methods, especially using heavy liquids with different densities, dolomite cannot be used as a marker for sediments on the Yangtze River/East China Sea shelf. Therefore, the East China Sea shelf/Yangtze River is a vital provenance of sediments from the southern Okinawa Trough since the late Holocene period.
Morphometric Analysis through 3D Modelling of Bronze Age Stone Moulds from Central Sardinia
Authors: Cara Stefano , Valera Paolo , Matzuzzi Carlo
Published: October 2021

Stone moulds were basic elements of metallurgy during the Bronze Age, and their analysis and characterization are very important to improve the knowledge on these artefacts useful for typological characterization. The stone moulds investigated in this study were found during an archaeological field survey in several Nuragic (Bronze Age) settlements in Central Sardinia. Recent studies have shown that photogrammetry can be effectively used for the 3D reconstruction of small and medium-sized archaeological finds, although there are still many challenges in producing high-quality digital replicas of ancient artefacts due to their surface complexity and consistency. In this paper, we propose a multidisciplinary approach using mineralogical (X-ray powder diffraction) and petrographic (thin section) analysis of stone materials, as well as an experimental photogrammetric method for 3D reconstruction from multi-view images performed with recent software based on the CMPMVS algorithm. The photogrammetric image dataset was carried out using an experimental rig equipped with a 26.2 Mpix full frame digital camera. We also assessed the accuracy of the reconstruction models in order to verify their precision and readability according to archaeological goals. This allowed us to provide an effective tool for more detailed study of the geometric-dimensional aspects of the moulds. Furthermore, this paper demonstrates the potentialities of an integrated minero-petrographic and photogrammetric approach for the characterization of small artefacts, providing an effective tool for more in-depth investigation of future typological comparisons and provenance studies.
Multivariate Optimization of Pb2+ Adsorption onto Ethiopian Low-Cost Odaracha Soil Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Birhanu Yohanis , Leta Seyoum
Published: October 2021

Lead pollution is a severe health concern for humankind. Utilizing water contaminated with lead can cause musculoskeletal, renal, neurological, and fertility impairments. Therefore, to remove lead ions, proficient, and cost-effective methods are imperative. In this study, the Odaracha soil which is traditionally used by the local community of the Saketa District was used as a novel low-cost technology to adsorb lead ions. Odaracha adsorbent was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The adsorption process followed the batch adsorption experiment. The response surface method was implemented to derive the operating variables’ binary interaction effect and optimize the process. According to the study’s experimental result, at optimum experimental conditions Odaracha adsorbent removes 98.17% of lead ions. Based on the result of the central composite design model, the Pb2+ ion removal efficiency of Odaracha was 97.193%, indicating an insignificant dissimilarity of the actual and predicted results. The coefficient of determination (R2) for Pb2+ was 0.9454. According to the factors’ influence indicated in the results of the central composite design model, all individual factors and the interaction effect between contact time and pH has a significant positive effect on lead adsorption. However, other interaction effects (contact time with dose and pH with dose) did not significantly influence the removal efficiency of lead ions. The adsorption kinetics were perfectly fitted with a pseudo-second-order model, and the adsorption isotherm was well fitted with the Freundlich isotherm model. In general, this study suggested that Odaracha adsorbent can be considered a potential adsorbent to remove Pb2+ ions and it is conceivable to raise its effectiveness by extracting its constituents at the industrial level.
Review: Radionuclide Molecular Imaging Targeting HER2 in Breast Cancer with a Focus on Molecular Probes into Clinical Trials and Small Peptides
Authors: Ge Shushan , Li Jihui , Yu Yu , Chen Zhengguo , Yang Yi , Zhu Liqing , Sang Shibiao , Deng Shengming
Published: October 2021

As the most frequently occurring cancer worldwide, breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of cancer-related death in women. The overexpression of HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) is found in about 15% of BC patients, and it is often associated with a poor prognosis due to the effect on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and survival. As a result of the heterogeneity of BC, molecular imaging with HER2 probes can non-invasively, in real time, and quantitatively reflect the expression status of HER2 in tumors. This will provide a new approach for patients to choose treatment options and monitor treatment response. Furthermore, radionuclide molecular imaging has the potential of repetitive measurements, and it can help solve the problem of heterogeneous expression and conversion of HER2 status during disease progression or treatment. Different imaging probes of targeting proteins, such as monoclonal antibodies, antibody fragments, nanobodies, and affibodies, are currently in preclinical and clinical development. Moreover, in recent years, HER2-specific peptides have been widely developed for molecular imaging techniques for HER2-positive cancers. This article summarized different types of molecular probes targeting HER2 used in current clinical applications and the developmental trend of some HER2-specific peptides.
Toxicological Stability of Ocimum basilicum Essential Oil and Its Major Components in the Control of Sitophilus zeamais
Authors: Moura Eridiane da Silva , Faroni Lêda Rita D’Antonino , Heleno Fernanda Fernandes , Rodrigues Alessandra Aparecida Zinato
Published: October 2021

Essential oils (EOs) are widely recognized as efficient and safe alternatives for controlling pest insects in foods. However, there is a lack of studies evaluating the toxicological stability of botanical insecticides in stored grains in order to establish criteria of use and ensure your efficiency. The objective of this work was to evaluate the toxicological stability of basil essential oil (O. basilicum) and its linalool and estragole components for Sitophilus zeamais (Motschulsky) adults in corn grains by fumigation. The identification of the chemical compounds of the essential oil was performed with a gas chromatograph coupled to a mass selective detector. Mortality of insects was assessed after 24 h exposure. After storage for six (EO) and two months (linalool and estragole) under different conditions of temperature (5, 20, and 35 °C) and light (with and without exposure to light), its toxicological stability was evaluated. Studies revealed that the essential oil of O. basilicum and its main components exhibited insecticidal potential against adults of S. zeamais. For greater toxicological stability, suitable storage conditions for them include absence of light and temperatures equal to or less than 20 °C.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Harmirins, Novel Harmine–Coumarin Hybrids as Potential Anticancer Agents
Authors: Pavić Kristina , Beus Maja , Poje Goran , Uzelac Lidija , Kralj Marijeta , Rajić Zrinka
Published: October 2021

As cancer remains one of the major health burdens worldwide, novel agents, due to the development of resistance, are needed. In this work, we designed and synthesized harmirins, which are hybrid compounds comprising harmine and coumarin scaffolds, evaluated their antiproliferative activity, and conducted cell localization and cell cycle analysis experiments. Harmirins were prepared from the corresponding alkynes and azides under mild reaction conditions using Cu(I) catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition, leading to the formation of the 1H-1,2,3-triazole ring. Antiproliferative activity of harmirins was evaluated in vitro against four human cancer cell lines (MCF-7, HCT116, SW620, and HepG2) and one human non-cancer cell line (HEK293T). The most pronounced activities were exerted against MCF-7 and HCT116 cell lines (IC50 in the single-digit micromolar range), while the most selective harmirins were 5b and 12b, substituted at C-3 and O-7 of the β-carboline core and bearing methyl substituent at position 6 of the coumarin ring (SIs > 7.2). Further experiments demonstrated that harmirin 12b is localized exclusively in the cytoplasm. In addition, it induced a strong G1 arrest and reduced the percentage of cells in the S phase, suggesting that it might exert its antiproliferative activity through inhibition of DNA synthesis, rather than DNA damage. In conclusion, harmirin 12b is a novel harmine and coumarin hybrid with significant antiproliferative activity and warrants further evaluation as a potential anticancer agent.
New Generation of Meso and Antiprogestins (SPRMs) into the Osteoporosis Approach
Authors: Woźniczka Magdalena , Błaszczak-Świątkiewicz Katarzyna
Published: October 2021

Receptor activator of nuclear factor κB (RANK) and its ligand (RANKL) play key roles in bone metabolism and the immune system. The RANK/RANKL complex has also been shown to be critical in the formation of mammary epithelia cells. The female hormones estradiol and progesterone closely control the action of RANKL with RANK. Blood concentration of these sex hormones in the postmenopausal period leads to an increase in RANK/RANKL signaling and are a major cause of women’s osteoporosis, characterized by altered bone mineralization. Knowledge of the biochemical relationships between hormones and RANK/RANKL signaling provides the opportunity to design novel therapeutic agents to inhibit bone loss, based on the anti-RANKL treatment and inhibition of its interaction with the RANK receptor. The new generation of both anti- and mesoprogestins that inhibit the NF-κB-cyclin D1 axis and blocks the binding of RANKL to RANK can be considered as a potential source of new RANK receptor ligands with anti-RANKL function, which may provide a new perspective into osteoporosis treatment itself as well as limit the osteoporosis rise during breast cancer metastasis to the bone.
Polyphenolic QTOF-ESI MS Characterization and the Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities of Prunus domestica Commercial Cultivars from Costa Rica
Authors: Navarro-Hoyos Mirtha , Arnáez-Serrano Elizabeth , Quesada-Mora Silvia , Azofeifa-Cordero Gabriela , Wilhelm-Romero Krissia , Quirós-Fallas María Isabel , Alvarado-Corella Diego , Vargas-Huertas Felipe , Sánchez-Kopper Andrés
Published: October 2021

There is an increased interest in plum research because of their metabolites’ potential bioactivities. In this study, the phenolic profiles of Prunus domestica commercial cultivars (Methley, Pisardii and Satsuma) in Costa Rica were determined by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with High Resolution Mass Spectrometry using a quadrupole-time-of-flight analyzer (UPLC-ESI-QTOF MS) on enriched phenolic extracts obtained through Pressurized Liquid Extraction (PLE) under acidic and neutral extraction conditions. In total, 41 different phenolic compounds were identified in the skin and flesh extracts, comprising 11 flavan-3-ols, 14 flavonoids and 16 hydroxycinnamic acids and derivatives. Neutral extractions for the skins and flesh from all of the cultivars yielded a larger number of compounds, and were particularly rich in the number of procyanidin trimers and tetramers when compared to the acid extractions. The total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant potential using the DPPH and ORAC methods exhibited better results for neutral extracts with Satsuma skins and Methley flesh, which showed the best values (685.0 and 801.6 mg GAE/g extract; IC50 = 4.85 and 4.39 µg/mL; and 12.55 and 12.22 mmol TE/g extract, respectively). A Two-Way ANOVA for cytotoxicity towards AGS gastric adenocarcinoma and SW620 colon adenocarcinoma indicated a significant difference (p < 0.05) for PLE conditions, with better results for neutral extractions, with Satsuma skin delivering the best results (IC50 = 60.7 and 46.7 µg/mL respectively) along with Methley flesh (IC50 = 76.3 and 60.9 µg/mL, respectively). In addition, a significant positive correlation was found between TPC and ORAC (r = 0.929, p < 0.05), as well as a significant negative correlation (p < 0.05) between TPC and cytotoxicity towards AGS and SW620 cell lines (r = −0.776, and −0.751, respectively). A particularly high, significant, negative correlation (p < 0.05) was found between the number of procyanidins and cytotoxicity against the AGS (r = −0.868) and SW620 (r = −0.855) cell lines. Finally, the PCA clearly corroborated that neutral extracts are a more homogenous group exhibiting higher antioxidant and cytotoxic results regardless of the part or cultivar; therefore, our findings suggest that PLE extracts under neutral conditions would be of interest for further studies on their potential health benefits.
Coherent Surface Plasmon Hole Burning via Spontaneously Generated Coherence
Authors: Rahman Habibur , Ali Hazrat , Din Rafi Ud , Ahmad Iftikhar , Sarker Mahidur R. , Ali Sawal Hamid Md
Published: October 2021

Surface plasmon (SP)—induced spectral hole burning (SHB) at the silver-dielectric interface is investigated theoretically. We notice a typical lamb dip at a selective frequency, which abruptly reduces the absorption spectrum of the surface plasmons polaritons (SPP). Introducing the spontaneous generated coherence (SGC) in the atomic medium, the slope of dispersion becomes normal. Additionally, slow SPP propagation is also noticed at the interface. The spectral hole burning dip is enhanced with the SGC effect and can be modified and controlled with the frequency and intensity of the driving fields. The SPP propagation length at the hole-burning region is greatly enhanced under the effect of SGC. A propagation length of the order of 600 µm is achieved for the modes, which is a remarkable result. The enhancement of plasmon hole burning under SGC will find significant applications in sensing technology, optical communication, optical tweezers and nano-photonics.
Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Evaluation and Chemical Investigation of Rosa gallica var. aegyptiaca Leaf Extracts
Authors: Abdelbaky Ahmed S. , Mohamed Abir M. H. A. , Alharthi Salman S.
Published: October 2021

Rosa gallica var. aegyptiaca is a species of flowering plant belonging to the Rosaceae family that plays an important role as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of specific types of cancer, microbial infections, and diabetes mellitus. This work presents the first report on the evaluation of the antioxidant and antimicrobial potential along with the phytochemical analysis of Rosa gallica var. aegyptiaca leaves. Five leaf extracts of hexane, chloroform, methanol, hydromethanol 80%, and water were prepared. Assessment of antioxidant activity was carried out via DPPH radical scavenging assay. Antimicrobial activity against five foodborne pathogenic bacteria—including Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella enteritidis—and the fungus Candida albicans, was examined using the disc diffusion method. Total phenolic content and total flavonoid content were determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu reagent and aluminum chloride methods, respectively. Isolation, identification, and quantification of phenolic compounds were performed using HPLC-DAD analysis. Amongst the five leaf extracts that were investigated, hydromethanol 80% extract possessed the highest extraction yield, antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, and antimicrobial activity against all tested microbial strains. Moreover, this extract furnished six active phenolic compounds: gallic acid (1), (+) catechin (2), chlorogenic acid (3), (–) epicatechin (4), quercetin-3-O-α-d-(glucopyranoside) (5), and quercetin (6). This study provides an alternative utilization of R. gallica var. aegyptiaca leaves as a readily accessible source of natural antioxidants and antimicrobials in the food and pharmaceutical industries.