bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TDGVRPSTW of Fresh Agricultural Products Distribution: Considering Both Economic Cost and Environmental Cost
Authors: Wu Daqing , Wu Chenxiang
Published: November 2021

The time-dependent vehicle routing problem of time windows of fresh agricultural products distribution have been studied by considering both economic cost and environmental cost. A calculation method for road travel time across time periods is designed in this study. A freshness measure function of agricultural products and a measure function of carbon emission rate are employed by considering time-varying vehicle speeds, fuel consumptions, carbon emissions, perishable agricultural products, customers’ time windows, and minimum freshness. A time-dependent green vehicle routing problem with soft time windows (TDGVRPSTW) model is formulated. The object of the TDGVRPSTW model is to minimize the sum of economic cost and environmental cost. According to the characteristics of the model, a new variable neighborhood adaptive genetic algorithm is designed, which integrates the global search ability of the genetic algorithm and the local search ability of the variable neighborhood descent algorithm. Finally, the experimental data show that the proposed approaches effectively avoid traffic congestions, reduce total distribution costs, and promote energy conservation and emission reduction.
Development Approach Model for Automotive Headlights with Mixed Delivery Methodologies over APQP Backbone
Authors: Raicu Costel-Ciprian , Seriţan George-Călin , Enache Bogdan-Adrian , Stănculescu Marilena
Published: November 2021

Headlights’ development for the automotive industry is gaining a lot of volatility due to frequent changes in features, styling and design, hardware interfaces, and software upgrades required by the OEM, supplier, or new trends in regulations. Standard development models based on V-cycle compliant with CMMI are not responding with reactivity on constant changes. The article proposes an approach based on mixed development strategies over the different core domains with Lean, Scrum, Feature-Driven Development, and VDI to satisfy the APQP milestones, with a proposal of a canvas-type model, the rapid delivery of headlights is portrayed. The efficiency and effectiveness of the model are assessed based on the assumed number of changes for new high-end headlights, based on experience and real cases. A delivery baseline LED-based Headlight development—planned versus actual—chart is presented and explained.
Potential Use of Carrageenans against the Limestone Proliferation of the Cyanobacterium Parakomarekiella sesnandensis
Authors: Soares Fabiana , Trovão João , Gil Francisco , Catarino Lídia , Tiago Igor , Portugal António , Cardoso Susana M.
Published: November 2021

Stone biodeterioration by cyanobacteria is a common issue in the field of cultural heritage. As they are considered the first stone colonizers, the need to control their growth has increased. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of kappa/iota carrageenans from the red seaweed Chondracanthus teedei var. lusitanicus against the limestone proliferation of the cyanobacterium Parakomarekiella sesnandensis, under laboratory conditions. For this purpose, 200 μL of kappa/iota carrageenans (0.01 g mL−1) were applied into the surface of the limestone replicas prior to their inoculation with P. sesnandensis. Results were evaluated after 4 months of incubation through visual inspection, stereomicroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and colorimetric analyses. The gathered data demonstrated that these types of carrageenans have the potential to reduce the colonization of P. sesnandensis. With one sole application, the aesthetical alterations caused by the proliferation of P. sesnandensis were drastically reduced. This study highlights the need to explore marine-based products, particularly those derived from seaweeds with antimicrobial properties, as alternative methods for biocleaning cultural heritage assets.
Parameterization of Sea Surface Drag Coefficient for All Wind Regimes Using 11 Aircraft Eddy-Covariance Measurement Databases
Authors: Gao Zhiqiu , Zhou Shaohui , Zhang Jianbin , Zeng Zhihua , Bi Xueyan
Published: November 2021

The drag coefficient is essential for calculating the aerodynamic friction between air and sea. In this study, we regress a set of relationships between the drag coefficient and the wind speed for different wind ranges using an observational dataset that consists of 5941 estimates of the mean flow and fluxes from 11 aircraft turbulent measurements over the sea surface. Results show that: (1) the drag coefficient is a power function of wind speed over smooth sea surface when it is no greater than 4.5 ms−1, and the drag coefficient decreases with the increase of wind speed; and (2) for rough sea surface, when the wind speed is greater than 4.5 ms−1 and less than or equal to 10.5 ms−1, the drag coefficient increases linearly with the increase of horizontal wind speed; when the wind speed is greater than 10.5 ms−1 and less than or equal to 33.5 ms−1, the drag coefficient changes parabolically with the increase of wind speed; when the wind speed is greater than 33.5 ms−1, the drag coefficient is constant. Additionally, regressed from drag coefficient, the saturated wind speed threshold is 23 ms−1. Parameterizations of turbulent heat transfer coefficient (Ch) and water vapor transfer coefficient (Ce) are also investigated.
High-Performance VOC Quantification for IAQ Monitoring Using Advanced Sensor Systems and Deep Learning
Authors: Robin Yannick , Amann Johannes , Baur Tobias , Goodarzi Payman , Schultealbert Caroline , Schneider Tizian , Schütze Andreas
Published: November 2021

With air quality being one target in the sustainable development goals set by the United Nations, accurate monitoring also of indoor air quality is more important than ever. Chemiresistive gas sensors are an inexpensive and promising solution for the monitoring of volatile organic compounds, which are of high concern indoors. To fully exploit the potential of these sensors, advanced operating modes, calibration, and data evaluation methods are required. This contribution outlines a systematic approach based on dynamic operation (temperature-cycled operation), randomized calibration (Latin hypercube sampling), and the use of advances in deep neural networks originally developed for natural language processing and computer vision, applying this approach to volatile organic compound measurements for indoor air quality monitoring. This paper discusses the pros and cons of deep neural networks for volatile organic compound monitoring in a laboratory environment by comparing the quantification accuracy of state-of-the-art data evaluation methods with a 10-layer deep convolutional neural network (TCOCNN). The overall performance of both methods was compared for complex gas mixtures with several volatile organic compounds, as well as interfering gases and changing ambient humidity in a comprehensive lab evaluation. Furthermore, both were tested under realistic conditions in the field with additional release tests of volatile organic compounds. The results obtained during field testing were compared with analytical measurements, namely the gold standard gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis based on Tenax sampling, as well as two mobile systems, a gas chromatograph with photo-ionization detection for volatile organic compound monitoring and a gas chromatograph with a reducing compound photometer for the monitoring of hydrogen. The results showed that the TCOCNN outperforms state-of-the-art data evaluation methods, for example for critical pollutants such as formaldehyde, achieving an uncertainty of around 11 ppb even in complex mixtures, and offers a more robust volatile organic compound quantification in a laboratory environment, as well as in real ambient air for most targets.
LncRNAs: Novel Biomarkers for Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Ghafouri-Fard Soudeh , Fathi Mohadeseh , Zhai Tianyue , Taheri Mohammad , Dong Peixin
Published: November 2021

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly neoplasms and the seventh major cause of cancer-related deaths among both males and females. This cancer has a poor prognosis due to the lack of appropriate methods for early detection of cancer. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been recently found to influence the progression and initiation of pancreatic cancer. MACC1-AS1, LINC00976, LINC00462, LINC01559, HOXA-AS2, LINC00152, TP73-AS1, XIST, SNHG12, LUCAT1, and UCA1 are among the oncogenic lncRNAs in pancreatic cancer. On the other hand, LINC01111, LINC01963, DGCR5, MEG3, GAS5, and LINC00261 are among tumor suppressor lncRNAs in this tissue. In the current review, we summarize the roles of these two classes of lncRNAs in pancreatic cancer and discuss their potential as attractive diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for pancreatic cancer. We also identified that the low expression of MEG3, LINC01963, and LINC00261 and the high expression of MACC1-AS1, LINC00462, LINC01559, and UCA1 were significantly correlated with worse survival in pancreatic cancer patients. Further research on these lncRNAs will provide new clues that could potentially improve the early diagnosis, prognostic prediction, and personalized treatments of patients with pancreatic cancer.
An Asp to Strike Out Cancer? Therapeutic Possibilities Arising from Aspartate’s Emerging Roles in Cell Proliferation and Survival
Authors: Helenius Iiro Taneli , Madala Hanumantha Rao , Yeh Jing-Ruey Joanna
Published: November 2021

A better understanding of the metabolic constraints of a tumor may lead to more effective anticancer treatments. Evidence has emerged in recent years shedding light on a crucial aspartate dependency of many tumor types. As a precursor for nucleotide synthesis, aspartate is indispensable for cell proliferation. Moreover, the malate–aspartate shuttle plays a key role in redox balance, and a deficit in aspartate can lead to oxidative stress. It is now recognized that aspartate biosynthesis is largely governed by mitochondrial metabolism, including respiration and glutaminolysis in cancer cells. Therefore, under conditions that suppress mitochondrial metabolism, including mutations, hypoxia, or chemical inhibitors, aspartate can become a limiting factor for tumor growth and cancer cell survival. Notably, aspartate availability has been associated with sensitivity or resistance to various therapeutics that are presently in the clinic or in clinical trials, arguing for a critical need for more effective aspartate-targeting approaches. In this review, we present current knowledge of the metabolic roles of aspartate in cancer cells and describe how cancer cells maintain aspartate levels under different metabolic states. We also highlight several promising aspartate level-modulating agents that are currently under investigation.
Lipid Nanocarriers for Hyperproliferative Skin Diseases
Authors: Souto Eliana B. , de Souza Ana L. R. , dos Santos Fernanda K. , Sanchez-Lopez Elena , Cano Amanda , Zielińska Aleksandra , Staszewski Rafał , Karczewski Jacek , Gremião Maria P. D. , Chorilli Marlus
Published: November 2021

Hyperproliferative skin diseases (HSD) are a group of diseases that include cancers, pre-cancerous lesions and diseases of unknown etiology that present different skin manifestations in terms of the degree and distribution of the injuries. Anti-proliferative agents used to treat these diseases are so diverse, including 5-aminolevulinic acid, 5-fluorouracil, imiquimod, methotrexate, paclitaxel, podophyllotoxin, realgar, and corticosteroids in general. These drugs usually have low aqueous solubility, which consequently decreases skin permeation. Thus, their incorporation in lipid nanocarriers has been proposed with the main objective to increase the effectiveness of topical treatment and reduce side effects. This manuscript aims to describe the advantages of using lipid nanoparticles and liposomes that can be used to load diversity of chemically different drugs for the treatment of HSD.
Oxygen-Deficient WO3/TiO2/CC Nanorod Arrays for Visible-Light Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue
Authors: Jiang Liaochuan , Gao Xingyuan , Chen Shaoling , Ashok Jangam , Kawi Sibudjing
Published: November 2021

At present, TiO2 is one of the most widely used photocatalytic materials. However, the narrow response range to light limits the photocatalytic performance. Herein, we reported a successful construction of self-doped R-WO3/R-TiO2/CC nanocomposites on flexible carbon cloth (CC) via electrochemical reduction to increase the oxygen vacancies (Ovs), resulting in an enhanced separation efficiency of photo-induced charge carriers. The photocurrent of R-WO3/R-TiO2/CC at −1.6 V (vs. SCE) was 2.6 times higher than that of WO3/TiO2/CC, which suggested that Ovs could improve the response to sunlight. Moreover, the photocatalytic activity of R-WO3/TiO2/CC was explored using methylene blue (MB). The degradation rate of MB could reach 68%, which was 1.3 times and 3.8 times higher than that of WO3/TiO2/CC and TiO2/CC, respectively. Furthermore, the solution resistance and charge transfer resistance of R-WO3/R-TiO2/CC were obviously decreased. Therefore, the electrochemical reduction of nanomaterials enabled a promoted separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs, leading to high photocatalytic activity.
Generation of Primordial Germ Cell-like Cells from iPSCs Derived from Turner Syndrome Patients
Authors: de Souza Aline Fernanda , Bressan Fabiana Fernandes , Pieri Naira Caroline Godoy , Botigelli Ramon Cesar , Revay Tamas , Haddad Simone Kashima , Covas Dimas Tadeu , Ramos Ester Silveira , King Willian Allan , Meirelles Flavio Vieira
Published: November 2021

Turner syndrome (TS) is a genetic disorder in females with X Chromosome monosomy associated with highly variable clinical features, including premature primary gonadal failure leading to ovarian dysfunction and infertility. The mechanism of development of primordial germ cells (PGCs) and their connection with ovarian failure in TS is poorly understood. An in vitro model of PGCs from TS would be beneficial for investigating genetic and epigenetic factors that influence germ cell specification. Here we investigated the potential of reprogramming peripheral mononuclear blood cells from TS women (PBMCs-TS) into iPSCs following in vitro differentiation in hPGCLCs. All hiPSCs-TS lines demonstrated pluripotency state and were capable of differentiation into three embryonic layers (ectoderm, endoderm, and mesoderm). The PGCLCs-TS recapitulated the initial germline development period regarding transcripts and protein marks, including the epigenetic profile. Overall, our results highlighted the feasibility of producing in vitro models to help the understanding of the mechanisms associated with germ cell formation in TS.
Pharmacological Inhibition of Wee1 Kinase Selectively Modulates the Voltage-Gated Na+ Channel 1.2 Macromolecular Complex
Authors: Dvorak Nolan M. , Tapia Cynthia M. , Baumgartner Timothy J. , Singh Jully , Laezza Fernanda , Singh Aditya K.
Published: November 2021

Voltage-gated Na+ (Nav) channels are a primary molecular determinant of the action potential (AP). Despite the canonical role of the pore-forming α subunit in conferring this function, protein–protein interactions (PPI) between the Nav channel α subunit and its auxiliary proteins are necessary to reconstitute the full physiological activity of the channel and to fine-tune neuronal excitability. In the brain, the Nav channel isoforms 1.2 (Nav1.2) and 1.6 (Nav1.6) are enriched, and their activities are differentially regulated by the Nav channel auxiliary protein fibroblast growth factor 14 (FGF14). Despite the known regulation of neuronal Nav channel activity by FGF14, less is known about cellular signaling molecules that might modulate these regulatory effects of FGF14. To that end, and building upon our previous investigations suggesting that neuronal Nav channel activity is regulated by a kinase network involving GSK3, AKT, and Wee1, we interrogate in our current investigation how pharmacological inhibition of Wee1 kinase, a serine/threonine and tyrosine kinase that is a crucial component of the G2-M cell cycle checkpoint, affects the Nav1.2 and Nav1.6 channel macromolecular complexes. Our results show that the highly selective inhibitor of Wee1 kinase, called Wee1 inhibitor II, modulates FGF14:Nav1.2 complex assembly, but does not significantly affect FGF14:Nav1.6 complex assembly. These results are functionally recapitulated, as Wee1 inhibitor II entirely alters FGF14-mediated regulation of the Nav1.2 channel, but displays no effects on the Nav1.6 channel. At the molecular level, these effects of Wee1 inhibitor II on FGF14:Nav1.2 complex assembly and FGF14-mediated regulation of Nav1.2-mediated Na+ currents are shown to be dependent upon the presence of Y158 of FGF14, a residue known to be a prominent site for phosphorylation-mediated regulation of the protein. Overall, our data suggest that pharmacological inhibition of Wee1 confers selective modulatory effects on Nav1.2 channel activity, which has important implications for unraveling cellular signaling pathways that fine-tune neuronal excitability.
Heat Shock-Related Protein Responses and Inflammatory Protein Changes Are Associated with Mild Prolonged Hypoglycemia
Authors: Moin Abu Saleh Md , Nandakumar Manjula , Kahal Hassan , Sathyapalan Thozhukat , Atkin Stephen L. , Butler Alexandra E.
Published: November 2021

Mild hypoglycemia is common in clinical practice. Severe hypoglycemia results in heat shock protein and associate co-chaperone changes. Whether mild prolonged hypoglycemia elicits a similar response with inflammatory and oxidative-stress responses compared with a severe hypoglycemic event is unclear; therefore, this pilot exploratory study was undertaken. We performed a case–control induced hypoglycemia clamp study, maintaining blood glucose at 2.8 mmol/L (50 mg/dL) for 1 h in 17 subjects (T2D (n = 10); controls (n = 7)). Blood sampling was performed at baseline, hypoglycemia, and 24 h; slow off-rate modified aptamer (SOMA)-scan plasma protein analysis of HSP-related proteins, inflammatory stress markers, and oxidative stress markers was performed. In total, 16 HSPs were analyzed. At baseline, TLR4:MD-2 complex was elevated (p = 0.01), whilst HSPA8 was lower (p < 0.05) in T2D. At hypoglycemia, UBE2N, STIP1, and UBE2L3 increased (all p < 0.05), whilst TLR4:MD-2 and HSPA8 decreased (p < 0.05) in T2D versus baseline. In follow-up after hypoglycemia, HSPs normalized to baseline by 24 h, except UBE2L3 (p < 0.05), which was decreased in controls versus baseline. Correlation of altered inflammatory markers with HSPs revealed the following: at baseline, TLR4:MD-2 correlated with CXCL10 (p < 0.01) and SIGLEC1 (p < 0.05) in controls; HSPA8 negatively correlated with IL5 (p < 0.05) in T2D. A negative correlation between urinary isoprostane 8-iso PGF2α, a marker of oxidative stress, and HSPA1A was seen at 24 h in T2D only (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the HSP changes seen for mild prolonged hypoglycemia were similar to those previously reported for a severe event. However, mild prolonged hypoglycemia appeared to elicit an increased inflammatory response that was associated with heat shock and related proteins.
Cladribine Alters Immune Cell Surface Molecules for Adhesion and Costimulation: Further Insights to the Mode of Action in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Moser Tobias , Hoepner Lena , Schwenker Kerstin , Seiberl Michael , Feige Julia , Akgün Katja , Haschke-Becher Elisabeth , Ziemssen Tjalf , Sellner Johann
Published: November 2021

Cladribine (CLAD) is a deoxyadenosine analogue prodrug which is given in multiple sclerosis (MS) as two short oral treatment courses 12 months apart. Reconstitution of adaptive immune function following selective immune cell depletion is the presumed mode of action. In this exploratory study, we investigated the impact of CLAD tablets on immune cell surface molecules for adhesion (CAMs) and costimulation (CoSs) in people with MS (pwMS). We studied 18 pwMS who started treatment with CLAD and 10 healthy controls (HCs). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were collected at baseline and every 3 months throughout a 24-month period. We analysed ICAM-1, LFA-1, CD28, HLADR, CD154, CD44, VLA-4 (CD49d/CD29), PSGL-1 and PD-1 with regard to their expression on B and T cells (T helper (Th) and cytotoxic T cells (cT)) and surface density (mean fluorescence intensity, MFI) by flow cytometry. The targeted analysis of CAM and CoS on the surface of immune cells in pwMS revealed a higher percentage of ICAM-1 (B cells, Th, cT), LFA-1 (B cells, cT), HLADR (B cells, cT), CD28 (cT) and CD154 (Th). In pwMS, we found lower frequencies of Th and cT cells expressing PSGL-1 and B cells for the inhibitory signal PD-1, whereas the surface expression of LFA-1 on cT and of HLADR on B cells was denser. Twenty-four months after the first CLAD cycle, the frequencies of B cells expressing CD44, CD29 and CD49d were lower compared with the baseline, together with decreased densities of ICAM-1, CD44 and HLADR. The rate of CD154 expressing Th cells dropped at 12 months. For cT, no changes were seen for frequency or density. Immune reconstitution by oral CLAD was associated with modification of the pro-migratory and -inflammatory surface patterns of CAMs and CoSs in immune cell subsets. This observation pertains primarily to B cells, which are key cells underlying MS pathogenesis.
Impacting Droplet Can Mitigate Dust from PDMS Micro-Post Array Surfaces
Authors: Abubakar Abba Abdulhamid , Yilbas Bekir Sami , Yakubu Mubarak , Al-Qahtani Hussain , Hassan Ghassan , Adukwu Johnny Ebaika
Published: November 2021

In this paper, the impact mechanisms of a water droplet on hydrophobized micro-post array surfaces are examined and the influence of micro-post arrays spacing on the droplet behavior in terms of spreading, retraction, and rebounding is investigated. Impacting droplet behavior was recorded using a high-speed facility and flow generated in the droplet fluid was simulated in 3D geometry accommodating conditions of the experiments. Micro-post arrays were initially formed lithographically on silicon wafer surfaces and, later, replicated by polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The replicated micro-post arrays surfaces were hydrophobized through coating by functionalized nano-silica particles. Hydrophobized surfaces result in a contact angle of 153° ± 3° with a hysteresis of 3° ± 1°. The predictions of the temporal behavior of droplet wetting diameter during spreading agree with the experimental data. Increasing micro-post arrays spacing reduces the maximum spreading diameter on the surface; in this case, droplet fluid penetrated micro-posts spacing creates a pinning effect while lowering droplet kinetic energy during the spreading cycle. Flow circulation results inside the droplet fluid in the edge region of the droplet during the spreading period; however, opposing flow occurs from the outer region towards the droplet center during the retraction cycle. This creates a stagnation zone in the central region of the droplet, which extends towards the droplet surface onset of droplet rebounding. Impacting droplet mitigates dust from hydrophobized micro-post array surfaces, and increasing droplet Weber number increases the area of dust mitigated from micro-post arrays surfaces.
A Retroreflection Reduction Technique Based on the Wavefront Coded Imaging System
Authors: Ye Qing , Wu Yunlong , Li Yangliang , Zhang Hao , Wang Lei , Sun Xiaoquan
Published: November 2021

A novel anti-cat-eye effect imaging technique based on wavefront coding is proposed as a solution to the problem of previous anti-cat-eye effect imaging techniques where imaging quality was sacrificed to reduce the retroreflection from the photoelectric imaging equipment. With the application of the Fresnel–Kirchhoff diffraction theory, and the definition of generalized pupil function combining both phase modulation and defocus factors, the cat-eye echo formation of the wavefront coded imaging system is theoretically modeled. Based on the physical model, the diffracted spot profile distribution and the light intensity distribution on the observation plane are further simulated with the changes in the defocus parameter and the phase modulation coefficient. A verification test on the cat-eye laser echo power of the wavefront coded imaging system and that of the conventional imaging system at a 20 m distance are conducted, respectively. Simulations and experiment results show that compared with conventional imaging systems, the wavefront coding imaging system can reduce the retroreflection echo by two orders of magnitude while maintaining better imaging quality through defocusing.
Combined Effects of Temperature and Salinity on Polyps and Ephyrae of Aurelia solida (Cnidaria: Scyphozoa)
Authors: Schäfer Susanne , Gueroun Sonia K. M. , Andrade Carlos , Canning-Clode João
Published: November 2021

Jellyfish outbreaks are conspicuous natural events in marine ecosystems that have a substantial impact on the structure and dynamics of marine ecosystems and different economic sectors of human activities. Understanding the life cycle strategies of jellyfish species is therefore critical to mitigate the impacts these organisms may have. In this context, the present study investigated the effect of different temperature and salinity regimes on the rearing success of the jellyfish Aurelia solida in microcosm experiments on two different life stages: polyps and ephyrae. Polyps showed high survival rates across the different conditions (except at 28 °C/20 psu) and reproduced asexually in all combinations, with the highest budding activity at 20 °C and 30 psu. Strobilation occurred mainly at 16 °C and 35 psu. Although ephyra survival was highest at low salinities (20 psu) and lower temperatures (10 and 15 °C), the highest growth rates were reached at intermediate temperatures (20 °C). The comparison to other Aurelia species underlines the differences between even closely related species. Given the high tolerance capacity that A. solida presented in the experiments, the species has the potential to cope well under current climate change scenarios and possibly adapt successfully to other regions and ecosystems.
Novel Multimodal Management of Post-Partum Synchronous Metastatic Pulmonary EBV-Associated Lymphoepithelioma-Like Carcinoma (LELC)—A Case Report
Authors: Pazos Montserrat , Eze Chukwuka , Kahnert Kathrin , Delius Maria , Tufman Amanda , Alba-Alejandre Irene , Unterrainer Marcus , Neumann Jens , Kirchner Thomas , Manapov Farkhad
Published: November 2021

Primary Epstein-Barr-Virus (EBV)-associated pulmonary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LELC) is an aggressive rare cancer. Higher incidences have been observed in Asian sub-populations. Multimodal treatment paradigms have emerged as promising novel strategies in the management of advanced NSCLC. In this report, we describe the case of a 34-year-old female patient of Asian origin with a post-partum initial diagnosis of pulmonary LELC. Multimodal treatment with chemoimmunotherapy and hypofractionated irradiation to the primary tumour and main metastatic sites led to a favourable response demonstrating that radiotherapy may potentially augment anti-tumour immunity. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report on this novel therapy strategy of multi-site hypofractionated radiotherapy and chemoimmunotherapy for metastatic pulmonary EBV-associated LELC.
Area-Efficient Universal Code Generator for GPS L1C and BDS B1C Signals
Authors: Park Jiwoon , Kim Minsu , Jo Gwanghee , Yoo Hoyoung
Published: November 2021

Recently, multi-frequency multi-constellation receivers have been actively studied, which are single receivers that process multiple global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signals for high accuracy and reliability. However, in order for a single receiver to process multiple GNSS signals, it requires as many code generators as the number of supported GNSS signals, and this is one of the problems that must be solved in implementing an efficient multi-frequency multi-constellation receiver. This paper proposes an area-efficient universal code generator that can support both GPS L1C signals and BDS B1C signals. The proposed architecture alleviates the area problem by sharing common hardware in a time-multiplex mode without degrading the overall system performance. According to the result of the synthesis using the CMOS 65 nm process, the proposed universal code generator has an area reduced by 98%, 93%, and 60% compared to the previous memory-based universal code generator (MB UCG), the Legendre-generation universal code generator (LG UCG), and the Weil-generation universal code generator (WG UCG), respectively. Furthermore, the proposed generator is applicable to all Legendre sequence-based codes.
Enhancing Forest Productivity, Value, and Health through Silviculture in a Changing World
Authors: Thiffault Nelson , Pinno Bradley D.
Published: November 2021

Global change is inducing important stresses to forests worldwide [...]
Effects of Forest Changes on Summer Surface Temperature in Changbai Mountain, China
Authors: Zhang Jiaqi , Shen Xiangjin , Wang Yanji , Jiang Ming , Lu Xianguo
Published: November 2021

The area and vegetation coverage of forests in Changbai Mountain of China have changed significantly during the past decades. Understanding the effects of forests and forest coverage change on regional climate is important for predicting climate change in Changbai Mountain. Based on the satellite-derived land surface temperature (LST), albedo, evapotranspiration, leaf area index, and land-use data, this study analyzed the influences of forests and forest coverage changes on summer LST in Changbai Mountain. Results showed that the area and vegetation coverage of forests increased in Changbai Mountain from 2003 to 2017. Compared with open land, forests could decrease the summer daytime LST (LSTD) and nighttime LST (LSTN) by 1.10 °C and 0.07 °C, respectively. The increase in forest coverage could decrease the summer LSTD and LSTN by 0.66 °C and 0.04 °C, respectively. The forests and increasing forest coverage had cooling effects on summer temperature, mainly by decreasing daytime temperature in Changbai Mountain. The daytime cooling effect is mainly related to the increased latent heat flux caused by increasing evapotranspiration. Our results suggest that the effects of forest coverage change on climate should be considered in climate models for accurately simulating regional climate change in Changbai Mountain of China.
Latest Advances in Protein-Recovery Technologies from Agricultural Waste
Authors: Yusree Farhana Iylia Fatinee Mohd , Peter Angela Paul , Mohd Nor Mohd Zuhair , Show Pau Loke , Mokhtar Mohd Noriznan
Published: November 2021

In recent years, downstream bioprocessing industries are venturing into less tedious, simple, and high-efficiency separation by implementing advanced purification and extraction methods. This review discusses the separation of proteins, with the main focus on amylase as an enzyme from agricultural waste using conventional and advanced techniques of extraction and purification via a liquid biphasic system (LBS). In comparison to other methods, such as membrane extraction, precipitation, ultrasonication, and chromatography, the LBS stands out as an efficient, cost-effective, and adaptable developing method for protein recovery. The two-phase separation method can be water-soluble polymers, or polymer and salt, or alcohol and salt, which is a simpler and lower-cost method that can be used at a larger purification scale. The comparison of different approaches in LBS for amylase purification from agricultural waste is also included. Current technology has evolved from a simple LBS into microwave-assisted LBS, liquid biphasic flotation (LBF), thermoseparation (TMP), three-phase partitioning (TPP), ultrasound-assisted LBS, and electrically assisted LBS. pH, time, temperature, and concentration are some of the significant research parameters considered in the review of advanced techniques.
Rheological Characterization of Chapatti (Roti) Enriched with Flour or Paste of House Crickets (Acheta domesticus)
Authors: Khatun Habiba , Van Der Borght Mik , Akhtaruzzaman Mohammad , Claes Johan
Published: November 2021

Addition of edible insects to food products may improve the nutritional status but can also influence their techno-functional properties. This study investigates the impact of supplementing wheat flour by cricket flour or paste at different levels (5–15%) on the rheological and textural properties of flour, dough, and baked chapatti. Addition of freeze-dried cricket flour resulted in the highest water absorption. The storage modulus increased at higher level (10–15%) of supplementation to wheat flour indicating an increased dough consistency. Similarly, biaxial extension of the dough showed an increased resistance to extension and decreased extensibility at higher level of supplementation due to a reduced strength of the gluten network. Uniaxial extension of baked chapatti showed less extensible and harder chapatti with the addition of a higher amount of cricket flour or paste. At lower level (5%), incorporation of cricket flour resulted in chapatti with textural properties comparable to the reference. Oven dried cricket powder is suggested as the best option for incorporating in chapatti dough to improve food security in Asian Countries.
The Influence of Fermenting Yeast on the Sensory Properties of Graševina Wine
Authors: Deak Igor , Habschied Kristina , Mesić Josip , Babić Jurislav , Kovačević Dragan , Nedović Viktor , Mastanjević Krešimir
Published: November 2021

Recent research has showed a breakthrough in investigating the effect of non-Saccharomyces yeast on wine quality and sensory properties. The aim of this study was to compare the influence of conventional yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, vs. that of the non-Saccharomyces Torulaspora delbrueckii on the sensory profile of the white wine Graševina, and to establish if there are any differences in physical–chemical properties in regards to the applied yeast. Sample One was inoculated with both yeasts, while Sample Two was inoculated only with S. cerevisiae. The results indicated that a combination of T. delbrueckii and S. cerevisiae resulted in somewhat higher ethanol content in the finished wine. Sensory evaluation showed no significant discrepancies for any of the wines. Aspect and flavor were graded similarly, but the quality and intensity of the bouquet of Sample One was graded somewhat higher (14 and 6.6) than Sample Two (13.6 and 6.4). These findings open a very wide gate for future research in white wines.
Experimental Whisky Fermentations: Influence of Wort Pretreatments
Authors: Daute Martina , Jack Frances , Harrison Barry , Walker Graeme
Published: November 2021

In addition to ethanol yield, the production of flavour congeners during fermentation is a major consideration for Scotch whisky producers. Experimental whisky fermentations can provide useful information to the industry, and this is the focus of this paper. This study investigated the impact of wort pretreatments (boiled, autoclaved, filtered) on fermentation performance and flavour development in Scotch whisky distillates as an alternative to freezing wort for storage. Our study showed that no significant sensorial differences were detected in low wines (first distillates), while the chemical compositions showed clear changes in increased levels of esters and higher alcohols in boiled and autoclaved wort. In contrast, filtered wort comprised overall lower levels of congeners. Regarding alcohol yield, all three pretreatments resulted in decreased yields. In practice, the pretreatment of wort prior to fermentation requires additional process operations, while freezing requires large storage units. The pretreatments adopted in this study significantly influence the composition of the malt wort used for experimental whisky fermentations, and this results in a poorer fermentation performance compared with untreated wort. We recommend the use of fresh or frozen wort as the best options for small-scale fermentation trials.
Investigation on the Anaphylaxis and Anti-Digestive Stable Peptides Identification of Ultrasound-Treated α-Lactalbumin during In-Vitro Gastroduodenal Digestion
Authors: Wang Xumei , Tu Zongcai , Liu Guangxian , Wang Hui , Hu Yueming , Huang Tao
Published: November 2021

Our previous studies indicated that ultrasound treatment can increase the anaphylaxis of protein. However, investigation on the anaphylaxis changes of ultrasound-treated α-lactalbumin (ALA) during digestion is lacking. The anaphylaxis of ultrasound-treated ALA and its digesta was investigated. The anti-digestive stable peptides were identified by high-resolution mass spectrometry. Ultrasound induced the tertiary structure of ALA to unfold and increased its anaphylaxis. During digestion, the anaphylaxis of both gastric and gastroduodenal digesta was further increased. There are two reasons for this phenomenon. On the one hand, linear epitopes played an important role in affecting anaphylaxis compared with the conformational epitope, and some linear epitopes were still retained on the anti-digestive stable peptides produced after gastroduodenal digestion, resulting in increased anaphylaxis after digestion. On the other hand, the presence of intact ALA molecules after digestion still remained strong anaphylaxis. Compared with the digesta of untreated ALA, the digesta of ultrasound-treated ALA possessed higher anaphylaxis. The results indicated that ultrasound increased the anaphylaxis of ALA during digestion.
Effects of Alcohol Consumption and Smoking on the Onset of Hypertension in a Long-Term Longitudinal Study in a Male Workers’ Cohort
Authors: Nagao Tamotsu , Nogawa Kazuhiro , Sakata Koichi , Morimoto Hideki , Morita Kotaro , Watanabe Yuka , Suwazono Yasushi
Published: November 2021

Aim: To determine the effects of alcohol consumption and smoking on the onset of hypertension in a long-term longitudinal study. Methods: 7511 non-hypertensive male workers were enrolled. This cohort study was performed over an 8-year period using the results of the annual workers-health screening. The end-point was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg, or use of antihypertensive drugs. For alcohol consumption, weekly alcohol intake (g ethanol/week) was estimated (1 “gou” = 22 g ethanol). Annual survey data were analyzed by pooled logistic regression that included alcohol consumption, smoking, age, body mass index, job schedule types, habitual exercise, and blood test measurements into the statistical model. Results: A significant positive dose–response relationship between alcohol consumption and onset of hypertension was observed, with synergistic health effects present. Compared with abstainers and nonsmokers, the adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for the onset of hypertension were: 1.51 (1.27–1.79) for 154 g ethanol/week and nonsmokers, and 1.81 (1.54–2.11) for 154 g ethanol/week and smokers. An interaction between alcohol and smoking was confirmed. Conclusions: This study provided information useful to the prevention of hypertension. By reducing alcohol consumption and smoking simultaneously, the risk of hypertension may be considerably lowered.
Trajectory Similarity Analysis with the Weight of Direction and k-Neighborhood for AIS Data
Authors: Nie Pin , Chen Zhenjie , Xia Nan , Huang Qiuhao , Li Feixue
Published: November 2021

Automatic Identification System (AIS) data have been widely used in many fields, such as collision detection, navigation, and maritime traffic management. Similarity analysis is an important process for most AIS trajectory analysis topics. However, most traditional AIS trajectory similarity analysis methods calculate the distance between trajectory points, which requires complex and time-consuming calculations, often leading to substantial errors when processing AIS trajectory data characterized by substantial differences in length or uneven trajectory points. Therefore, we propose a cell-based similarity analysis method that combines the weight of the direction and k-neighborhood (WDN-SIM). This method quantifies the similarity between trajectories based on the degree of proximity and differences in motion direction. In terms of its effectiveness and efficiency, WDN-SIM outperformed seven traditional methods for trajectory similarity analysis. Particularly, WDN-SIM has a high robustness to noise and can distinguish the similarities between trajectories under complex situations, such as when there are opposing directions of motion, large differences in length, and uneven point distributions.
Influence of Zwitterionic CAPB on Flocculation of the Aqueous Cationic Guar Gum/Glauconite Suspensions at Various pH
Authors: Godek Ewelina , Grządka Elżbieta , Maciołek Urszula , Bastrzyk Anna
Published: November 2021

The influence of the pseudoamphoteric zwitterionic surfactant cocamidopropylbetaine (CAPB) on the stabilizing flocculating properties of the aqueous suspensions of glauconite (GT) with cationic guar gum (CGG) at various pH values was investigated. The following techniques were used: turbidimetry, UV-VIS spectrophotometry, tensiometry, electrophoretic mobility measurements, SEM, CHN, XRD, and FT-IR. It was established that CGG is an effective glauconite flocculant. Moreover, the most probable mechanism that is responsible for flocculation is bridge flocculation resulting from polymer adsorption on the glauconite surface. The adsorption process is caused by electrostatic interactions between the negatively charged glauconite surface and the positively charged polymer. The amount of CGG adsorption increases with the increase of the pH, which was confirmed by the adsorption and zeta potential measurements. The addition of CAPB increases the amount of the polymer adsorption due to the formation of intermolecular polymer–surfactant complexes; however, it reduces flocculation effectiveness.
Zinc Induced Aβ16 Aggregation Modeled by Molecular Dynamics
Authors: Tolstova Anna P. , Makarov Alexander A. , Adzhubei Alexei A.
Published: November 2021

It is widely accepted that the addition of zinc leads to the formation of neurotoxic nonfibrillar aggregates of beta-amyloid peptides Aβ40 and Aβ42 and at the same time destabilizes amyloid fibrils. However, the mechanism of the effect of zinc on beta-amyloid is not fully understood. In this study, a fast zinc-induced aggregation of Aβ16 (as compared to a system without zinc) via the formation of Aβ16 dimers with one zinc ion coordinated in the metal-binding site 11EVHH14, followed by their polymerization, has been studied by molecular dynamics. The best aggregation was shown by the system composed of Aβ16 dimers bound by one zinc ion, with no additional zinc in solution. The presence of Aβ16 dimers was a major condition, sufficient for fast aggregation into larger complexes. It has been shown that the addition of zinc to a system with already formed dimers does not substantially affect the characteristics and rate of aggregation. At the same time, an excessive concentration of zinc at the early stages of the formation of conglomerates can negatively affect aggregation, since in systems where zinc ions occupied the 11EVHH14 coordination center and the His6 residue of every Aβ16 monomer, the aggregation proceeded more slowly and the resulting complexes were not as large as in the zinc-free Aβ system. Thus, this study has shown that the formation of Aβ16 dimers bound through zinc ions at the 11EVHH14 sites of the peptides plays an important role in the formation of neurotoxic non-fibrillar aggregates of beta-amyloid peptide Aβ16. The best energetically favorable structure has been obtained for the complex of two Aβ16 dimers with two zinc ions.
Lung and Gut Microbiota Changes Associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection in Mouse Models of Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Bacci Giovanni , Rossi Alice , Armanini Federica , Cangioli Lisa , De Fino Ida , Segata Nicola , Mengoni Alessio , Bragonzi Alessandra , Bevivino Annamaria
Published: November 2021

Cystic fibrosis (CF) disease leads to altered lung and gut microbiomes compared to healthy subjects. The magnitude of this dysbiosis is influenced by organ-specific microenvironmental conditions at different stages of the disease. However, how this gut-lung dysbiosis is influenced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa chronic infection is unclear. To test the relationship between CFTR dysfunction and gut-lung microbiome under chronic infection, we established a model of P. aeruginosa infection in wild-type (WT) and gut-corrected CF mice. Using 16S ribosomal RNA gene, we compared lung, stool, and gut microbiota of C57Bl/6 Cftr tm1UNCTgN(FABPCFTR) or WT mice at the naïve state or infected with P. aeruginosa. P. aeruginosa infection influences murine health significantly changing body weight both in CF and WT mice. Both stool and gut microbiota revealed significantly higher values of alpha diversity in WT mice than in CF mice, while lung microbiota showed similar values. Infection with P. aeruginosa did not changed the diversity of the stool and gut microbiota, while a drop of diversity of the lung microbiota was observed compared to non-infected mice. However, the taxonomic composition of gut microbiota was shown to be influenced by P. aeruginosa infection in CF mice but not in WT mice. This finding indicates that P. aeruginosa chronic infection has a major impact on microbiota diversity and composition in the lung. In the gut, CFTR genotype and P. aeruginosa infection affected the overall diversity and taxonomic microbiota composition, respectively. Overall, our results suggest a cross-talk between lung and gut microbiota in relation to P. aeruginosa chronic infection and CFTR mutation.
Food Insecurity Is Associated with Cognitive Function: A Systematic Review of Findings across the Life Course
Authors: Royer Michael F. , Guerithault Nicolas , Braden B. Blair , Laska Melissa N. , Bruening Meg
Published: November 2021

Food insecurity (FI) has negative implications across the life course that include poor health outcomes among both children and adults. However, the behavioral mechanisms by which FI impacts health behaviors are not clear. By understanding how FI is related to cognitive function/brain structure across the life course, we can design more targeted interventions. A systematic literature review was performed by conducting comprehensive database searches in Google Scholar and PubMed. Inclusion criteria required studies to include measures of FI and cognitive function/brain structure in humans. Study sample, design, outcomes, and biases were extracted. In total, 17 studies met the inclusion criteria. Cognitive domains included general cognition (n = 13), executive function (n = 10), visuospatial abilities (n = 4), and verbal memory (n = 8). No studies examined brain structure. Most studies (88%) indicated significant inverse associations between FI and cognitive function across all stages of the life course, particularly for general cognition and executive function. Significant inverse associations were observed between FI and either general cognition or executive function among children (n = 3) and adults (n = 12). All studies considered confounding variables; however, given that all were observational, no causality can be inferred from the findings. These findings indicate that FI is related to lower cognitive function across the life course. Research should explore how changes in food security status impacts cognitive function and brain structure to develop optimal FI interventions and improve cognitive health.