bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chelation of Theranostic Copper Radioisotopes with S-Rich Macrocycles: From Radiolabelling of Copper-64 to In Vivo Investigation
Authors: Tosato Marianna , Verona Marco , Favaretto Chiara , Pometti Marco , Zanoni Giordano , Scopelliti Fabrizio , Cammarata Francesco Paolo , Morselli Luca , Talip Zeynep , van der Meulen Nicholas P. , Di Marco Valerio , Asti Mattia
Published: June 2022

Copper radioisotopes are generally employed for cancer imaging and therapy when firmly coordinated via a chelating agent coupled to a tumor-seeking vector. However, the biologically triggered Cu2+-Cu+ redox switching may constrain the in vivo integrity of the resulting complex, leading to demetallation processes. This unsought pathway is expected to be hindered by chelators bearing N, O, and S donors which appropriately complements the borderline-hard and soft nature of Cu2+ and Cu+. In this work, the labelling performances of a series of S-rich polyazamacrocyclic chelators with [64Cu]Cu2+ and the stability of the [64Cu]Cu-complexes thereof were evaluated. Among the chelators considered, the best results were obtained with 1,7-bis [2-(methylsulfanyl)ethyl]-4,10,diacetic acid-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane (DO2A2S). DO2A2S was labelled at high molar activities in mild reaction conditions, and its [64Cu]Cu2+ complex showed excellent integrity in human serum over 24 h. Biodistribution studies in BALB/c nude mice performed with [64Cu][Cu(DO2A2S)] revealed a behavior similar to other [64Cu]Cu-labelled cyclen derivatives characterized by high liver and kidney uptake, which could either be ascribed to transchelation phenomena or metabolic processing of the intact complex.
Association between Nutritional Behaviours and Acne-Related Quality of Life in a Population of Polish Male Adolescents
Authors: Łożyńska Katarzyna , Głąbska Dominika
Published: June 2022

Acne vulgaris is diagnosed in the majority of adolescents, decreasing their quality of life, while the diet may influence its aetiology in a gender-dependent manner. The aim of the study was to analyse associations between nutritional behaviours and acne-related quality of life in a population of Polish male adolescents. The study was conducted on a population of Polish secondary school adolescents (a studied sample of 925 adolescents), while the random quota sampling procedure of secondary schools was applied. To assess acne-related quality of life, the Acne Quality of Life (AQoL) Scale and Acne Disability Questionnaire (ADQ) were applied, while the Social Quality of Life (SOCQOL) Score and Cardiff Acne Disability Index (CADI) were calculated. To assess the diet, an Acne-specific Food Frequency Questionnaire (Acne-FFQ) was applied. Neither for the ADQ results, nor for the CADI calculated on the basis of ADQ, was there an association with dietary intake (p > 0.05). The results of the SOCQOL Score (calculated on the basis of AQoL) were positively correlated with the intake of fish (p = 0.0085; R = 0.1144), salty snacks (p = 0.0495; R = 0.0854), and non-chocolate confectionary (p = 0.0078; R = 0.1156). In a group of respondents declaring any acne-related quality of life problems in AQoL, while compared with those declaring no such problems, higher intakes of dairy beverages other than milk (p = 0.0063), white bread (p < 0.0001), other white cereal products (p < 0.0001), fast foods (p = 0.0006), salty snacks (p < 0.0001), chocolate confectionary (p < 0.0001), and other confectionary (p < 0.0001), but lower intake of wholegrain bread (p = 0.0084) were observed. It may be concluded that acne-related quality of life is associated with dietary intake in a population of Polish male adolescents. In the studied population, the most prominent influencing factors were salty snacks and non-chocolate confectionary, with both of them having a proacnegenic effect.
Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity and Protective Role of Dietary Polyphenols
Authors: Calabriso Nadia , Scoditti Egeria , Massaro Marika , Maffia Michele , Chieppa Marcello , Laddomada Barbara , Carluccio Maria Annunziata
Published: June 2022

Pathogenetically characterized by the absence of celiac disease and wheat allergy, non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) is a clinical entity triggered by the consumption of gluten-containing foods that relieved by a gluten-free diet. Since it is very difficult to maintain a complete gluten-free diet, there is a high interest in discovering alternative strategies aimed at reducing gluten concentration or mitigating its toxic effects. Plant-based dietary models are usually rich in bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, recognized to prevent, delay, or even reverse chronic diseases, including intestinal disorders. However, research on the role of polyphenols in mitigating the toxicity of gluten-containing foods is currently limited. We address the metabolic fate of dietary polyphenols, both as free and bound macromolecule-linked forms, with particular reference to the gastrointestinal compartment, where the concentration of polyphenols can reach high levels. We analyze the potential targets of polyphenols including the gluten peptide bioavailability, the dysfunction of the intestinal epithelial barrier, intestinal immune response, oxidative stress and inflammation, and dysbiosis. Overall, this review provides an updated overview of the effects of polyphenols as possible dietary strategies to counteract the toxic effects of gluten, potentially resulting in the improved quality of life of patients with gluten-related disorders.
Vitamin D and Bone Health of Older Adults within Care Homes: An Observational Study
Authors: Feehan Orlagh , Armstrong David , Magee Pamela , Pourshahidi L. , Strain J. , Beggan Laura , Cobice Diego , McSorley Emeir
Published: June 2022

Limited studies have reported vitamin D status and health outcomes in care home residents, a group at risk of vitamin D deficiency. This study investigated serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) concentrations in older adults within care homes in Northern Ireland (NI) and its association with musculoskeletal health (ultrasound T-score, muscle strength, Timed Up & Go test (TUG)), bone turnover markers (BTMs), and immune function markers. A total of 87 participants were recruited with mean ± SD age 83.2 ± 7.9 years. Mean ± SD serum 25-OHD concentration (n 69) was 49.52 ± 35.58 nmol/L. Vitamin D deficiency (25-OHD <25 nmol/L) was observed in 34.8% (n 24) of participants with 17.4% (n 12) classified as insufficient (25-OHD 25–50 nmol/L) and 47.8% (n 33) as sufficient (25-OHD >50 nmol/L). 25-OHD concentration was not an independent predictor of T-score, muscle strength, TUG, or inflammatory cytokines. After adjusting for covariates, a significant negative association was observed between 25-OHD concentration and the BTMs; osteocalcin (β = −0.395; p = 0.001), procollagen type 1 N propeptide (P1NP) (β = −0.320; p = 0.012), and C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX) (β = −0.377; p = 0.003). Higher 25-OHD concentration was positively associated with use of vitamin D ± calcium supplementation (β = 0.610; p < 0.001). Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were highly prevalent in this sample of care home residents in NI. Higher 25-OHD concentration was associated with greater supplement use and with reduced bone turnover, which in this population is linked with reduced bone loss. These findings emphasize the need for a mandatory vitamin D ± calcium supplementation policy specific for care home residents.
Vitamin D Status, Cardiovascular Risk Profile, and miRNA-21 Levels in Hypertensive Patients: Results of the HYPODD Study
Authors: Rendina Domenico , D′Elia Lanfranco , Abate Veronica , Rebellato Andrea , Buondonno Ilaria , Succoio Mariangela , Martinelli Fabio , Muscariello Riccardo , De Filippo Gianpaolo , D′Amelio Patrizia , Fallo Francesco , Strazzullo Pasquale , Faraonio Raffaella
Published: June 2022

The vitamin D and microRNA (miR) systems may play a role in the pathogenesis of cardiometabolic disorders, including hypertension. The HYPODD study was a double-blind placebo-controlled trial aiming to assess the effects of cholecalciferol treatment in patients with well-controlled hypertension and hypovitaminosis D (25OHD levels < 50 nmol/L). In addition to this clinical trial, we also evaluated the effects of cholecalciferol and calcitriol treatment on miR-21 expression in vivo and in vitro, respectively. Changes in the cardiovascular risk profiles were evaluated in HYPODD patients treated with cholecalciferol (C-cohort) or with placebo (P-cohort). The miR-21circulating levels were measured in four C-cohort patients and five P-cohort patients. In vitro, the miR-21 levels were measured in HEK-293 cells treated with calcitriol or with ethanol vehicle control. Cholecalciferol treatment increased 25OHD levels and reduced parathormone, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in C-cohort patients, whereas no significant changes in these parameters were observed in P-cohort patients. The miR-21 circulating levels did not change in the C- or the P-cohort patients upon treatment. Calcitriol treatment did not affect miR-21 levels in HEK-293 cells. In conclusion, hypovitaminosis D correction ameliorated the cardiovascular risk profiles in hypertensive patients treated with cholecalciferol but did not influence the miR-21 expression.
Comparative Analysis of Antioxidant Properties of Honey from Poland, Italy, and Spain Based on the Declarations of Producers and Their Results of Melissopalinological Analysis
Authors: Puścion-Jakubik Anna , Bielecka Joanna , Grabia Monika , Markiewicz-Żukowska Renata , Soroczyńska Jolanta , Teper Dariusz , Socha Katarzyna
Published: June 2022

Natural bee honeys are commonly used by patients for nutritional, preventive, and curative purposes. Honey varieties produced in other countries, including Italy and Spain, are gaining popularity. The aim of the study was to evaluate selected antioxidant properties of honey, taking into account the declared and actual variety. The research material consisted of 105 honey samples, including honeys from Poland (n = 50), from Spain (n = 35), and from Italy (n = 20). The variety was determined by the melissopalinological method, and in the case of honeydew honeys, the electrical conductivity was measured. Total phenolic content (TPC), color intensity, color in Pfund scale, DPPH, and FRAP were assessed. Polish buckwheat honeys, with confirmed botanical origin, are characterized by the highest median of the TPC (213.05 mg GAE/100 g), the highest color intensity (1.138 mAU), and the highest value in the FRAP test (0.394 µM Fe2+/mL). In conclusion, proper labeling of bee honeys is necessary so as not to mislead consumers, and buckwheat honeys from Poland can be recommended to patients for prophylactic purposes in order to provide antioxidants in the diet.
Phytochemicals as Regulators of Tumor Glycolysis and Hypoxia Signaling Pathways: Evidence from In Vitro Studies
Authors: Pralea Ioana-Ecaterina , Petrache Alina-Maria , Tigu Adrian Bogdan , Gulei Diana , Moldovan Radu-Cristian , Ilieș Maria , Nicoară Raul , Hegheș Simona-Codruța , Uifălean Alina , Iuga Cristina-Adela
Published: June 2022

The full understanding of the complex nature of cancer still faces many challenges, as cancers arise not as a result of a single target disruption but rather involving successive genetic and epigenetic alterations leading to multiple altered metabolic pathways. In this light, the need for a multitargeted, safe and effective therapy becomes essential. Substantial experimental evidence upholds the potential of plant-derived compounds to interfere in several important pathways, such as tumor glycolysis and the upstream regulating mechanisms of hypoxia. Herein, we present a comprehensive overview of the natural compounds which demonstrated, in vitro studies, an effective anticancer activity by affecting key regulators of the glycolytic pathway such as glucose transporters, hexokinases, phosphofructokinase, pyruvate kinase or lactate dehydrogenase. Moreover, we assessed how phytochemicals could interfere in HIF-1 synthesis, stabilization, accumulation, and transactivation, emphasizing PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MAPK/ERK pathways as important signaling cascades in HIF-1 activation. Special consideration was given to cell culture-based metabolomics as one of the most sensitive, accurate, and comprising approaches for understanding the response of cancer cell metabolome to phytochemicals.
Mobile-Based Augmented Reality Application in Pharmacy Schools Implemented in Pharmaceutical Compounding Laboratories: Students’ Benefits and Reception
Authors: Nounou Mohamed Ismail , Eassa Heba A. , Orzechowski Kamila , Eassa Hadeer A. , Edouard Jerry , Stepak Nicole , Khdeer Mohammad , Kalam Mohammed , Huynh Diana , Kwarteng Eric , Mohamed Kamilia H. A. , Helal Nada A. , Ahmed Nehal A. , Edafiogho Ivan O. , Ghoneim Ola
Published: June 2022

Background: Augmented reality (AR) is a technological approach which combines virtual objects such as text, pictures or videos with physical objects (real-world). The study aimed to design, implement and validate a mobile-based AR application, as a self-paced, interactive, student-centered learning tool be used in the pharmaceutical compounding laboratory course for first year pharmacy students. Method: A mobile-based AR application (Amplified Rx app; HeyPayLess Inc) compatible with iOS and android operating system was developed. A cross-over study design was conducted where alternatively, one group was subjected to ARx app implementation in 8 formulations and the other group served as control. The reception and benefits to students were assessed via a 10 questions survey. In this case, 69 (2019) and 55 (2020) students participated in the study. Result: Students’ use of ARx app was increased in 2020 which indicates its usefulness. For acceptability, leaners enjoyed interactive materials and tutorial videos were the most used and appealing item. Learners described the installation, scanning and operation to be very easy in both years. 86.95% of learners were confident conducting the experiments with the assistance of ARx app in 2019 and increased to 92.73% in 2020. 33.33% considered ARx app to be the most helpful resource in 2019, and the percent was significantly increased to 76.36% in 2020. Conclusion: AR technology implementation in pharmaceutical education could create student-centered engaging and interactive learning experience in fundamental areas such as pharmaceutical compounding laboratories.
Investigation of Biomedical Students’ Attitudes toward Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Medicine: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Bukic Josipa , Rusic Doris , Leskur Dario , Perisin Ana Seselja , Cohadzic Tin , Kumric Marko , Bozic Josko , Modun Darko
Published: June 2022

Background: The utilization of pharmacogenomics in everyday practice has shown several notable benefits. Keeping in mind the rising trend of applicability of pharmacogenomics and personalized medicine, we sought to compare the attitudes of future healthcare workers in different branches of the healthcare system. Methods: The present study was conducted as a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study in October of 2020. Students eligible to participate were all the students of the University of Split School of Medicine enrolled in the academic year 2020/2021. Results: The number of students that participated in the study was 503. Students were most interested in clinical examples of pharmacogenomics (31.4%) and the benefits of pharmacogenomics in clinical practice (36.4%). Furthermore, 72.6% of all students agreed that they should be able, in their future practice, to identify patients that could benefit from genetic testing. Conclusion: At the present time, the lack of education and appropriate clinical guidelines appear to be the major barriers to the clinical application of pharmacogenomics, especially in Croatia. Hence, in order to support health care professionals’ evidence-based therapeutic recommendations with patients’ pharmacogenomic data, universities should offer more pharmacogenomics education in their curricula.
System Level Requirement Analysis of Beam Alignment and Shaping for Optical Wireless Power Transmission System by Semi–Empirical Simulation
Authors: Asaba Kaoru , Miyamoto Tomoyuki
Published: June 2022

Since optical wireless power transmission (OWPT) transmits power by light, which has a narrow diffraction angle feature, it is a strong candidate for wireless power transmission systems supporting long ranges. To develop a realistic operational OWPT system, clarification of system level requirements is essential. In this study, to fill a gap between the concept/initial demonstration and an operational system, the required conditions were analyzed regarding the effects of beam alignment and shaping on the power generation ratio which is a system level efficiency factor with extension from the formerly reported one-dimensional analysis to three-dimensional to include errors in all degrees of freedom is presented. This extension is regarded as an indispensable methodology to evaluate the system level performance of general OWPT systems. Numerical requirements for beam alignment and shaping are derived for both non-cooperative and cooperative OWPT. In non-cooperative OWPT, the direction of the solar cell module is fixed, and the transmitter aligns its beam with the module. In cooperative OWPT, the module and transmitter mutually align in the same direction. Though the cooperative OWPT is more restrictive than the non-cooperative one, its advantages were clarified.
Scintillation Index for Spherical Wave Propagation in Anisotropic Weak Oceanic Turbulence with Aperture Averaging under the Effect of Inner Scale and Outer Scale
Authors: Lin Zhiru , Xu Guanjun , Zhang Qinyu , Song Zhaohui
Published: June 2022

Due to the advantages of high transmission rate, lower power consumption, high security, etc., underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) has been widely studied and considered as a potential technique for underwater communication. However, its performance is severely degraded by oceanic turbulence due to refractive index fluctuations, which is caused by the change of inhomogeneous ocean environment. Within our derived spatial power spectrum model under anisotropic oceanic turbulence, we conducted a detailed investigation for a spherical wave propagating in weak anisotropic turbulence in this paper. Based on the derived oceanic spectrum, we proposed a scintillation index model for spherical wave in anisotropic oceanic turbulence considering the aperture averaging effect at non-zero inner scale and limited outer scale. Besides, we analyze the aperture averaging scintillation index under the influence of channel parameters such as inner and outer scales. Simulation results reveal that the scintillation index increases with the increase of the outer scale, while the inner scale induces an opposite trend on the scintillation index. Moreover, the inner scale exhibits a larger impact than the outer scale on the UWOC system over weak oceanic turbulence.
Design and Simulation of Linear All-Optical Comparator Based on Square-Lattice Photonic Crystals
Authors: Parandin Fariborz , Olyaee Saeed , Kamarian Reza , Jomour Mohamadreza
Published: June 2022

An optical comparator is an important logic circuit used in digital designs. Photonic crystals are among the platforms for implementing different kinds of gates and logic circuits, and they are structures with alternating refractive indices. In this paper, an optical comparator is designed and simulated based on a square lattice photonic crystal. In the design of this comparator, a small-sized structure is used. The simulation results show that in the proposed comparator, there is a high difference between logical values “0” and “1”, which are defined based on the optical power level. Due to the small size of this comparator and the adequate difference between logical values “0” and “1”, this structure suits photonic integrated circuits with high accuracy. The proposed structure footprint is 149.04 µm2, and the calculated rise time for this circuit is less than 0.4 ps.
Multilocus Data Analysis Reveal the Diversity of Cryptic Species in the Tillandsia ionantha (Bromeliaceae: Tillansiodeae) Complex
Authors: Ancona Juan J. , Pinzón-Esquivel Juan P. , Ruiz-Sánchez Eduardo , Palma-Silva Clarisse , Ortiz-Díaz Juan J. , Tun-Garrido Juan , Carnevali Germán , Raigoza Néstor E.
Published: June 2022

Independent evolutionary lineages or species that lack phenotypic variation as an operative criterion for their delimitation are known as cryptic species. However, these have been delimited using other data sources and analysis. The aims of this study are: (1) to evaluate the divergence of the populations of the T. ionantha complex; and (2) to delimit the species using multilocus data, phylogenetic analysis and the coalescent model. Phylogenetic analyses, genetic diversity and population structure, and isolation by distance analysis were performed. A multispecies coalescent analysis to delimit the species was conducted. Phylogenetic analysis showed that T. ionantha is polyphyletic composed of eight evolutionary lineages. Haplotype distribution and genetic differentiation analysis detected strong population structure and high values of genetic differentiation among populations. The positive correlation between genetic differences with geographic distance indicate that the populations are evolving under the model of isolation by distance. The coalescent multispecies analysis performed with starBEAST supports the recognition of eight lineages as different species. Only three out of the eight species have morphological characters good enough to recognize them as different species, while five of them are cryptic species. Tillandsia scaposa and T. vanhyningii are corroborated as independent lineages, and T. ionantha var. stricta changed status to the species level.
Identification of Long-Distance Transport Signal Molecules Associated with Plant Maturity in Tetraploid Cultivated Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.)
Authors: Hui Zhiming , Xu Jianfei , Jian Yinqiao , Bian Chunsong , Duan Shaoguang , Hu Jun , Li Guangcun , Jin Liping
Published: June 2022

Maturity is a key trait for breeders to identify potato cultivars suitable to grow in different latitudes. However, the molecular mechanism regulating maturity remains unclear. In this study, we performed a grafting experiment using the early-maturing cultivar Zhongshu 5 (Z5) and the late-maturing cultivar Zhongshu 18 (Z18) and found that abscisic acid (ABA) and salicylic acid (SA) positively regulate the early maturity of potato, while indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) negatively regulated early maturity. A total of 43 long-distance transport mRNAs are observed to be involved in early maturity, and 292 long-distance transport mRNAs involved in late maturity were identified using RNA sequencing. Specifically, StMADS18, StSWEET10C, and StSWEET11 are detected to be candidate genes for their association with potato early maturity. Metabolomic data analysis shows a significant increase in phenolic acid and flavonoid contents increased in the scion of the early-maturing cultivar Z5, but a significant decrease in amino acid, phenolic acid, and alkaloid contents increased in the scion of the late-maturing cultivar Z18. This work reveals a significant association between the maturity of tetraploid cultivated potato and long-distance transport signal molecules and provides useful data for assessing the molecular mechanisms underlying the maturity of potato plants and for breeding early-maturing potato cultivars.
Evaluation of Ethanolic Powdered Extract of Magnolia tamaulipana Vazquez against Oligonychus punicae Hirst (Trombidiformes: Tetranychidae)
Authors: Reyes-Zepeda Francisco , Heinz-Castro Rapucel Tonantzin Quetzalli , Olazaran-Santibañez Fabian Eliseo , Ordaz-Silva Salvador , Pedro-Méndez José Guadalupe , Chacón-Hernández Julio César
Published: June 2022

Avocado bronze mite (ABM), Oligonychus punicae Hirst (Trombidiformes: Tetranychidae) has potential for development in several plant species of agricultural importance. ABM is one of the most economically important pests in avocado cultivars, causing major damage to fruit and defoliation. At present, the control of ABM depends mainly on agrochemicals. Therefore, it is necessary to find alternatives to agrochemicals that can help minimize environmental impact and health risks for humans and mammals. The aim of this research was to assess the effect of different concentrations (5, 10, 50, 100, 250, 500, 1000 µg/mL) of ethanolic powdered extract of M. tamaulipana leaves against adult ABM females. The different concentrations of M. tamaulipana extract did not cause mortality of O. punicae. Females treated with 5 and 1000 µg/mL of the extract showed a decrease in the number of eggs laid per female at 24 (5.17 and 1.27), 48 (5.07 and 1.17), and 72 h (4.97 and 0.80), compared to the control treatment (5.20, 6.60 and 6.87), respectively, which led to a reduction in the growth rate. Percentage of feeding damage decreased with the increasing concentration of the extract. The ethanolic powdered extract of M. tamaulipana leaf has potential to control O. punicae.
Typification of Names in Iris (Iridaceae) Described by Victor Janka with Taxonomic Considerations
Authors: Boltenkov Eugeny V. , Mesterházy Attila
Published: June 2022

Viktor Janka von Bulcs described five names in Iris, i.e., I. balkana, I. cretensis, I. lorea, I. mellita, and I. sintenisii. These names are typified on specimens deposited at BP, JE, LD, and P, and taxonomical information is provided in the present report. Lectotypes are designated for I. mellita (a taxonomic synonym of I. suaveolens) deposited at Friedrich Schiller University Jena (JE), for I. sintenisii at Lund University (LD), and for I. lorea (a taxonomic synonym of I. sintenisii) at the French National Museum of Natural History (P). A neotype is designated and an image provided for the name I. balkana (a taxonomic synonym of I. reichenbachii) deposited at the Hungarian Natural History Museum (BP). The lectotype for I. cretensis (a taxonomic synonym of I. unguicularis) from JE is corrected. Images of plants of the accepted taxa are provided.
Plant Growth Regulators Improve Grain Production and Water Use Efficiency of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. under Water Stress
Authors: Parmoon Ghasem , Ebadi Ali , Hashemi Masoud , Hawrylak-Nowak Barbara , Baskin Carol , Jahanbakhsh Soodabe
Published: June 2022

The development of methods increasing plant water use efficiency (WUE) would enhance the ability to grow wild aromatic and medicinally important species. The aim of this research was to determine the effect of plant growth regulators (PGRs) applied by spraying on stress resistance and WUE of fennel subjected to water stress. Plants in the generative stage were more drought tolerant than those in the vegetative stage. Water stress at vegetative stage decreased plant biomass and grain yield by 60% and 61%, respectively. Severe water stress in vegetative stage reduced grain production by 56%, and grains had 43% lower mass than those from non-stressed plants. Application of PGRs at both stages of growth increased grain yield and biomass, but the magnitude of increase depended on the type and application time of PGRs. Plants grown in well-watered conditions and sprayed with methyl jasmonate during the vegetative stage had the highest grain production (2.7 g plant−1), whereas under moderate water stress, plants yielded the best (2.1 g plant−1) when sprayed with epibrassinolide. The maximum WUE for grain (0.91 g L−1) and essential oil production (20 mg L−1) was noted in plants exposed to moderate stress and treated with methyl jasmonate during the vegetative stage.
Survey for Major Grapevine Viruses in Commercial Vineyards of Northwestern Argentina
Authors: Rivadeneira Mónica , Galván Marta Zulema , Abán Marina , Semke Rosa Elena , Rivadeneira Josefina , Lanza Volpe Melisa , Gomez Talquenca Sebastián
Published: June 2022

This study aimed to survey the occurrence of eight grapevine viruses in commercial vineyards located in the Calchaquíes Valleys in the northwest region of Argentina. A total of 103 samples of mature canes of vines showing either none or some viral-like symptoms were randomly collected. The samples were tested by RT-PCR/PCR-based assays for the screening of the following viruses: Grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV), Grapevine leafroll-associated viruses (GLRaV-1, -2, -3, -4), Grapevine virus A (GVA), Grapevine rupestris stem pitting-associated viruses (GRSPaV), and Grapevine red blotch virus (GRBV). Sixty percent of the analyzed samples showed infection with some of the analyzed viruses, except GRBV. GLRaV-3 and GFLV were the most frequent viruses, present in 34% and 21% of the positive samples, respectively. This study represents the first survey report of the presence of grapevine viruses in the region of the Calchaquíes Valleys and contributes to the knowledge to maintain the sanitary status of commercial vineyards in Argentina.
The Dialectics of Feeling: Hugo Bergman’s and Gershom Scholem’s Political Theologies of Zionism
Authors: Scharf Orr
Published: June 2022

The current article has several aims. First, it seeks to underscore the importance of Hugo Bergman’s and Gershom Scholem’s late critiques of Zionism, and to argue that they should be understood as politico-theological commentaries on the Israeli political reality in which they lived. Second, it argues for the relevance of approaching these critiques through the theoretical prism of political theology. Third, it aims to chart the overlaps and differences between the Bergmanesque and Scholemian theological interpretations of Zionism by charting their common premises and differences. I argue that the former derive from their shared view of Zionism as a religious project, and the latter derive from their arrival at polar conclusions: Bergman seeking a positive potential; Scholem identifying a destructive potential. Hence, their political theologies of Zionism are understood as a “dialectic of feeling”.
Target Height Measurement under Complex Multipath Interferences without Exact Knowledge on the Propagation Environment
Authors: Liu Yuan , Liu Hongwei
Published: June 2022

This paper investigates the direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation-based target localization problem using an array radar under complex multipath propagation scenarios. Prevalent methods may suffer from performance degradation due to the deterministic signal model mismatch, especially when the exact knowledge of a propagation environment is unavailable. To cope with this problem, we first establish an improved signal model of multipath propagation for low-angle target localization scenarios, where the dynamic nature of convoluted interferences induced by complex terrain reflections is taken into account. Subsequently, an iterative implementation-based target localization algorithm with the improved propagation model is proposed to eliminate the detrimental effect of coherent interferences on target localization performance. Compared to existing works, the proposed algorithm can maintain satisfactory estimation performance in terms of target location parameters, even in severe multipath interference conditions, where the decorrelation preprocessing and accurate knowledge about the multipath propagation environment are not required. Both simulation and experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed propagation model and localization algorithm.
Comprehensive Risk Assessment of Urban Waterlogging Disaster Based on MCDA-GIS Integration: The Case Study of Changchun, China
Authors: Duan Chenyu , Zhang Jiquan , Chen Yanan , Lang Qiuling , Zhang Yichen , Wu Chenyang , Zhang Zhen
Published: June 2022

Urban waterlogging will harm economic development and people’s life safety; however, the waterlogging risk zoning map provides the necessary decision support for the management of urban waterlogging, urban development and urban planning. This paper proposes an urban waterlogging risk assessment method that combines multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) with a geographic information system (GIS). The framework of urban waterlogging risk assessment includes four main elements: hazard, exposure, vulnerability, and emergency response and recovery capability. Therefore, we selected the urban area of Changchun City, Jilin Province as the study area. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is a generally accepted MCDA method, it is used to calculate the weight and generate a result map of hazards, exposure, vulnerability, and emergency responses and recovery capability. Based to the principle of natural disaster risk formation, a total of 18 parameters, including spatial data and attribute data, were collected in this study. The model results are compared with the recorded waterlogging points, and the results show that the model is more reliable.
A Study on TGF Detectability at 2165 m Altitude: Estimates for the Mountain-Based Gamma-Flash Experiment
Authors: Ursi Alessandro , Rodriguez Fernandez Gonzalo , Tiberia Alessandra , Virgilli Enrico , Arnone Enrico , Preziosi Enrico , Campana Riccardo , Tavani Marco
Published: June 2022

Gamma-Flash is an Italian program devoted to the realization of both a ground-based and an airborne gamma-ray and neutron detection system, for in situ measurements of high-energy phenomena correlated to thunderstorm activity, such as Terrestrial Gamma-ray Flashes (TGFs), gamma-ray glows, and associated neutron emissions. The ground-based Gamma-Flash experiment is currently under installation at the Osservatorio Climatico “Ottavio Vittori” (CNR-ISAC) on Mt. Cimone, in Northern-Central Italy (2165 m a.s.l.), and it will be operational starting in Summer 2022. We studied the detectability of TGFs in the surroundings of the ground-based Gamma-Flash experiment, to identify an investigable spatial region around the detectors from which typical TGFs can survive and be revealed onground. We carried out numerical simulations of gamma-ray propagation in the mid-latitude atmosphere, and we developed a qualitative analytical model to integrate the results. This analysis allows one to identify a spatial region extending up to 4 km distance on ground and up to 10 km altitude a.s.l., considering typical TGFs emitting ∼1018 gamma-ray photons at the source. Lightning sferics data acquired by the LINET network demonstrate that such a region is interested by frequent cloud-to-ground and intra-cloud lightning, pointing out the suitability of the location for the purposes of the Gamma-Flash program.
Laboratory Investigation on Detecting Bridge Scour Using the Indirect Measurement from a Passing Vehicle
Authors: Zhang Bin , Zhao Hua , Tan Chengjun , OBrien Eugene J. , Fitzgerald Paul C. , Kim Chul-Woo
Published: June 2022

For bridges with surface foundations, scour is one of the main reasons for bridge failures. In regard to structural health monitoring, vibration-based scour detection techniques have received increasing attention over the past two decades. Scour occurs below the water surface in rivers or sea, leading to difficulty in equipment installation and maintenance. Recently, the concept of “drive-by” SHM using the indirect measurement of passing vehicle responses has been developed rapidly due to its convenience and low cost. This paper proposes a method to detect scour using the vehicle responses under an operational vehicle speed. The wavelet transform was applied to vehicle accelerations to obtain the wavelet energy. It was found that the wavelet energy increases with the increase in the scour damage level. However, the wavelet energy may also be affected by the on-site operating environments, such as sensor noise and other variabilities, which interferes with the identification of scour in practice. Hence, in this work, a statistical-wavelet-based approach was presented to effectively detect the presence of scour and even its location. The feasibility of the proposed approach is verified in both numerical simulation and lab experiments. The results show that the proposed method has a good potential to detect scour using indirect measurements.
Multiscale Perspectives on an Extreme Warm-Sector Rainfall Event over Coastal South China
Authors: Pu Yiliang , Hu Sheng , Luo Yali , Liu Xiantong , Hu Lihua , Ye Langming , Li Huiqi , Xia Feng , Gao Lingyu
Published: June 2022

On 22 June 2017, an extreme warm-sector rainfall event hit the western coastal area of South China, with maximum hourly and 12-h rainfall accumulations of 189.4 and 464.8 mm, respectively, which broke local historical records. Multisource observations were used to reveal multiscale processes contributing to the extreme rainfall. The results showed that a marine boundary layer jet (BLJ) coupled with a synoptic low-level jet (LLJ) inland played an important role in the formation of an extremely humid environment with a very low lifting condensation level of near-surface air. Under the favorable pre-convective conditions, convection was initialized at a mesoscale convergence line, aided by topographic lifting in the evening. During the nocturnal hours, the rainstorm developed and was maintained by a quasi-stationary mesoscale outflow boundary, which continuously lifted warm, moist air transported by the enhanced BLJ. When producing the extreme rainfall rates, the storm possessed relatively weak convection, with the 40 dBZ echo top hardly reaching 6 km. The extreme rainfall was produced mainly by the warm rain microphysical processes, mainly because the humid environment and the deep warm cloud layer facilitated the clouds’ condensational growth and collision–coalescence, and also reduced rain evaporation. As the storm evolved, the raindrop concentration increased rapidly from its initial stage and remained high until its weakening stage, but the mean raindrop size changed little. The extreme rain was characterized by the highest concentration of raindrops during the storm’s lifetime with a mean size of raindrops slightly larger than the maritime regime.
A Universal Multi-Frequency Micro-Resistivity Array Imaging Method for Subsurface Sensing
Authors: Yang Haining , Liu Yuting , Li Tingjun , Yi Shijia , Li Na
Published: June 2022

In this paper, a universal multi–frequency micro-resistivity array imaging (UMMAI) system for subsurface sensing is developed and verified. Different from conventional micro-resistivity imaging equipments, UMMAI is capable to provide high-resolution fullbore formation images in multiple logging environments including an oil-based mud scene, water-based mud scene and water-oil mixed mud scene, owning to the large dynamic range and good linearity of transceivers. With the advantage of diversity in excitation signal frequency, UMMAI presents abundant amplitude–frequency characteristics response images and phase–frequency characteristics response images of subsurface formations at the same time, which is beneficial to multi–frequency image fusion in the future. The fullbore imaging ability of UMMAI is evaluated in three different field tests, and the results show that UMMAI can give satisfactory credible formation images with high resolution, which is suitable for subsurface formation discrimination and useful for reservoir identification.
Utilizing the Transverse Thermoelectric Effect of Thin Films for Pulse Laser Detection
Authors: Sun Yanju , Wu Haorong , Yu Lan , Sun Hui , Zhang Peng , Zhang Xiaowei , Dai Bo , Wang Yong
Published: June 2022

In this work, pulse laser detectors based on the transverse thermoelectric effect of YBa2Cu3O7-δ thin films on vicinal cut LaAlO3 (001) substrates have been fabricated. The anisotropic Seebeck coefficients between ab-plane (Sab) and c-axis (Sc) of thin films are utilized to generate the output voltage signal in such kind of detectors. Fast response has been determined in these sensors, including both the rise time and the decay time. Under the irradiation of pulse laser with the pulse duration of 5–7 ns, the output voltage of these detectors shows the rise time and the decay time of 6 and 42 ns, respectively, which are much smaller than those from other materials. The small rise time in YBa2Cu3O7-δ-based detectors may be due to its low resistivity. While the high thermal conductivity and the large contribution of electronic thermal conductivity to the thermal conductivity of YBa2Cu3O7-δ are thought to be responsible for the small decay time. In addition, these detectors show good response under the irradiation of pulse lasers with a repetition rate of 4 kHz, including the precise determinations of amplitude and time. These results may pave a simple and convenient approach to manufacture the pulse laser detectors with a fast response.
The Group Decision-Making Using Pythagorean Fuzzy Entropy and the Complex Proportional Assessment
Authors: Thakur Parul , Kizielewicz Bartłomiej , Gandotra Neeraj , Shekhovtsov Andrii , Saini Namita , Sałabun Wojciech
Published: June 2022

The Pythagorean fuzzy sets conveniently capture unreliable, ambiguous, and uncertain information, especially in problems involving multiple and opposing criteria. Pythagorean fuzzy sets are one of the popular generalizations of the intuitionistic fuzzy sets. They are instrumental in expressing and managing hesitant under uncertain environments, so they have been involved extensively in a diversity of scientific fields. This paper proposes a new Pythagorean entropy for Multi-Criteria Decision-Analysis (MCDA) problems. The entropy measures the fuzziness of two fuzzy sets and has an influential position in fuzzy functions. The more comprehensive the entropy, the more inadequate the ambiguity, so the decision-making established on entropy is beneficial. The COmplex PRoportional ASsessment (COPRAS) method is used to tackle uncertainty issues in MCDA and considers the singularity of one alternative over the rest of them. This can be enforced to maximize and minimize relevant criteria in an assessment where multiple opposing criteria are considered. Using the Pythagorean sets, we represent a decisional problem solution by using the COPRAS approach and the new Entropy measure.
Effects of a Long-Term Wearable Activity Tracker-Based Exercise Intervention on Cardiac Morphology and Function of Patients with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Anifanti Maria , Giannakoulakos Stavros , Hatziagorou Elpis , Kampouras Asterios , Tsanakas John , Deligiannis Asterios , Kouidi Evangelia
Published: June 2022

Several studies have shown that patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), even at a young age, have pulmonary and cardiac abnormalities. The main complications are cardiac right ventricular (RV) systolic and/or diastolic dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension, which affects their prognosis. Exercise training (ET) is recommended in patients with CF as a therapeutic modality to improve physical fitness and health-related quality of life. However, questions remain regarding its optimal effective and safe dose and its effects on the patients’ cardiac function. The study aimed to provide a wearable activity tracker (WAT)-based ET to promote physical activity in CF patients and assess its effects on cardiac morphology and function. Forty-two stable CF individuals (aged 16.8 ± 3.6 years) were randomly assigned to either the intervention (Group A) or the control group (Group B). Group A participated in a 1-year WAT-based ET program three times per week. All patients underwent a 6-min walking test (6-MWT) and an echocardiographic assessment focused mainly on RV anatomy and function at the baseline and the end of the study. RV systolic function was evaluated by measuring the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), the systolic tricuspid annular velocity (TVS’), the RV free-wall longitudinal strain (RVFWSL), and the right ventricular four-chamber longitudinal strain (RV4CSL). RV diastolic function was assessed using early (TVE) and late (TVA) diastolic transtricuspid flow velocity and their ratio TVE/A. Pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) was also estimated. In Group A after ET, the 6MWT distance improved by 20.6% (p < 0.05), TVA decreased by 17% (p < 0.05), and TVE/A increased by 13.2% (p < 0.05). Moreover, TAPSE, TVS’, RVFWSL, and RV4CSL increased by 8.3% (p < 0.05), 9.0% (p < 0.05), 13.7% (p < 0.05), and 26.7% (p < 0.05), respectively, while PASP decreased by 7.6% (p < 0.05). At the end of the study, there was a significant linear correlation between the number of steps and the PASP (r = −0.727, p < 0.01) as well as the indices of RV systolic function in Group A. In conclusion, WAT is a valuable tool for implementing an effective ET program in CF. Furthermore, ET has a positive effect on RV systolic and diastolic function.
Single-Molecule Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Qiu Yuxuan , Kuang Cuifang , Liu Xu , Tang Longhua
Published: June 2022

Single-molecule surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SM-SERS) has the potential to detect single molecules in a non-invasive, label-free manner with high-throughput. SM-SERS can detect chemical information of single molecules without statistical averaging and has wide application in chemical analysis, nanoelectronics, biochemical sensing, etc. Recently, a series of unprecedented advances have been realized in science and application by SM-SERS, which has attracted the interest of various fields. In this review, we first elucidate the key concepts of SM-SERS, including enhancement factor (EF), spectral fluctuation, and experimental evidence of single-molecule events. Next, we systematically discuss advanced implementations of SM-SERS, including substrates with ultra-high EF and reproducibility, strategies to improve the probability of molecules being localized in hotspots, and nonmetallic and hybrid substrates. Then, several examples for the application of SM-SERS are proposed, including catalysis, nanoelectronics, and sensing. Finally, we summarize the challenges and future of SM-SERS. We hope this literature review will inspire the interest of researchers in more fields.
Diabetes Detection and Management through Photoplethysmographic and Electrocardiographic Signals Analysis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zanelli Serena , Ammi Mehdi , Hallab Magid , El Yacoubi Mounim A.
Published: June 2022

(1) Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic, metabolic disease characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose. Recently, some studies approached the diabetes care domain through the analysis of the modifications of cardiovascular system parameters. In fact, cardiovascular diseases are the first leading cause of death in diabetic subjects. Thanks to their cost effectiveness and their ease of use, electrocardiographic (ECG) and photoplethysmographic (PPG) signals have recently been used in diabetes detection, blood glucose estimation and diabetes-related complication detection. This review’s aim is to provide a detailed overview of all the published methods, from the traditional (non machine learning) to the deep learning approaches, to detect and manage diabetes using PPG and ECG signals. This review will allow researchers to compare and understand the differences, in terms of results, amount of data and complexity that each type of approach provides and requires. (2) Method: We performed a systematic review based on articles that focus on the use of ECG and PPG signals in diabetes care. The search was focused on keywords related to the topic, such as “Diabetes”, “ECG”, “PPG”, “Machine Learning”, etc. This was performed using databases, such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Semantic Scholar and IEEE Xplore. This review’s aim is to provide a detailed overview of all the published methods, from the traditional (non machine learning) to the deep learning approaches, to detect and manage diabetes using PPG and ECG signals. This review will allow researchers to compare and understand the differences, in terms of results, amount of data and complexity that each type of approach provides and requires. (3) Results: A total of 78 studies were included. The majority of the selected studies focused on blood glucose estimation (41) and diabetes detection (31). Only 7 studies focused on diabetes complications detection. We present these studies by approach: traditional, machine learning and deep learning approaches. (4) Conclusions: ECG and PPG analysis in diabetes care showed to be very promising. Clinical validation and data processing standardization need to be improved in order to employ these techniques in a clinical environment.