bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Water Absorption Properties in Transverse Direction of Heat-Treated Chinese Fir Wood Determined Using TD-NMR
Authors: Gao Yulei , Zhao Liyuan , Jiang Jinghui , Li Zhu , Lyu Jianxiong
Published: November 2021

Heat treatment is an environmentally friendly method that improves the moisture-resistant properties and increases the service life of timber. In this work, Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata [Lamb.] Hook.) wood was heat-treated in a chamber with steam at temperatures of 160, 180, 200 and 220 °C for 2 h, and the absorption of water was studied by gravimetric analysis and time domain nuclear magnetic resonance (TD-NMR). The results show that both the amount of bound water and free water decreased with the increasing treatment temperature. The water absorption of wood in the radial direction was faster than that in the tangential direction due to the existence of rays, and this difference remained after the heat treatment. The heat treatment at 220 °C had a significant effect on water absorption in the tangential direction of wood, and the moisture content (MC) was approximately 20% lower than that of samples absorbing water in the radial direction. T2 (spin–spin relaxation time) distributions showed two main components which were associated with bound water and free water, and for samples absorbing water in the radial or tangential direction, there was only a difference in the amount of free water. The amount of free water significantly decreased for the samples that were heat-treated at 220 °C and absorbed water in the tangential direction, indicating that the high-temperature heat-treated samples tended to close the pits in wood cells.
Evaluation of a Structure Providing Cultural Ecosystem Services in Forest Recreation: Quantitative Text Analysis of Essays by Participants
Authors: Hirahara Suguru
Published: November 2021

Cultural ecosystem services are nonmaterial benefits that individuals acquire from the ecosystem, such as recreation, aesthetic enjoyment, and tourism. The quantification of cultural services is considered difficult to accurately make compared to other forest ecosystem services. Although some studies evaluate cultural services from forest recreation, “simple quantification” based on easy-to-obtain data is criticized for disregarding the local context and missing essential details. Therefore, this study evaluates a structure providing cultural services, and the local or detailed factors missed by simple quantification, while illustrating objective and statistical evidence with careful observations and a comprehension of local society. This study focuses on urban resident participation in natural resource management through recreational activities in Japanese mountain villages, using Fujiwara District, Minakami Town, Japan, as a case study, and by conducting a quantitative text analysis of 424 essays containing participants’ experiences and impressions. Using the software KH Coder, the Jaccard index is used to calculate co-occurrence relationships between frequently used words, visualizing the results in a network diagram. Additionally, several codes are added to keywords that characterize this case, and correlations between each code are examined. From the analysis, we discovered that social factors, such as interaction with comrades and locals, considerably influence participants’ positive emotions.
BRCA Variations Risk Assessment in Breast Cancers Using Different Artificial Intelligence Models
Authors: Senturk Niyazi , Tuncel Gulten , Dogan Berkcan , Aliyeva Lamiya , Dundar Mehmet Sait , Ozemri Sag Sebnem , Mocan Gamze , Temel Sehime Gulsun , Dundar Munis , Ergoren Mahmut Cerkez
Published: November 2021

Artificial intelligence provides modelling on machines by simulating the human brain using learning and decision-making abilities. Early diagnosis is highly effective in reducing mortality in cancer. This study aimed to combine cancer-associated risk factors including genetic variations and design an artificial intelligence system for risk assessment. Data from a total of 268 breast cancer patients have been analysed for 16 different risk factors including genetic variant classifications. In total, 61 BRCA1, 128 BRCA2 and 11 both BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes associated breast cancer patients’ data were used to train the system using Mamdani’s Fuzzy Inference Method and Feed-Forward Neural Network Method as the model softwares on MATLAB. Sixteen different tests were performed on twelve different subjects who had not been introduced to the system before. The rates for neural network were 99.9% for training success, 99.6% for validation success and 99.7% for test success. Despite neural network’s overall success was slightly higher than fuzzy logic accuracy, the results from developed systems were similar (99.9% and 95.5%, respectively). The developed models make predictions from a wider perspective using more risk factors including genetic variation data compared with similar studies in the literature. Overall, this artificial intelligence models present promising results for BRCA variations’ risk assessment in breast cancers as well as a unique tool for personalized medicine software.
Propagation of a De Novo Gene under Natural Selection: Antifreeze Glycoprotein Genes and Their Evolutionary History in Codfishes
Authors: Zhuang Xuan , Cheng C.-H. Christina
Published: November 2021

The de novo birth of functional genes from non-coding DNA as an important contributor to new gene formation is increasingly supported by evidence from diverse eukaryotic lineages. However, many uncertainties remain, including how the incipient de novo genes would continue to evolve and the molecular mechanisms underlying their evolutionary trajectory. Here we address these questions by investigating evolutionary history of the de novo antifreeze glycoprotein (AFGP) gene and gene family in gadid (codfish) lineages. We examined AFGP phenotype on a phylogenetic framework encompassing a broad sampling of gadids from freezing and non-freezing habitats. In three select species representing different AFGP-bearing clades, we analyzed all AFGP gene family members and the broader scale AFGP genomic regions in detail. Codon usage analyses suggest that motif duplication produced the intragenic AFGP tripeptide coding repeats, and rapid sequence divergence post-duplication stabilized the recombination-prone long repetitive coding region. Genomic loci analyses support AFGP originated once from a single ancestral genomic origin, and shed light on how the de novo gene proliferated into a gene family. Results also show the processes of gene duplication and gene loss are distinctive in separate clades, and both genotype and phenotype are commensurate with differential local selective pressures.
Association between Psychological Stress and Neck Pain among College Students during the Coronavirus Disease of 2019 Pandemic: A Questionnaire-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Daher Amira , Halperin Ofra
Published: November 2021

The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) greatly affected people’s lifestyles. We used an online, cross-sectional survey during a COVID-19-related lockdown in Israel, with the aim of investigating the effects of such lockdowns on students’ self-perceived stress and neck pain (NP). College students (N = 295) completed questions on sociodemographic characteristics, the Neck Disability Index (NDI), the Perceived Stress Scale, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and NP frequency (four-point scale). Logistic regression models were calculated with the NDI as the dependent variable. In total, 35.6% of students experienced at least moderate NP-related disability (NDI ≥ 15), more during than before the lockdown. NP increased gradually, from a lifetime mean of 1.80 to a lockdown mean of 3.07 (χ2 = 316.72; p < 0.001). Students’ self-perceived stress was moderate, and 59.3% reported experiencing study-related stress. Higher levels of self-perceived stress, study-related stress, sitting >3 h/day, and a higher VAS score were associated with a higher risk of an NDI ≥ 15 (Nagelkerke’s R2 = 0.513, p < 0.001). The transition from on-campus to online learning seems to have exacerbated students’ NP, which was correlated to their study stress and lifestyles. These findings advocate for the need to promote the physical and mental health of students via e.g., mental health services and occupational and ergonomic consulting services.
Modified Atmospheric CO2 Levels for Maintenance of Fruit Weight and Nutritional Quality upon Long-Term Storage in Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) ‘Liberty’
Authors: Smrke Tina , Cvelbar Weber Nika , Veberic Robert , Hudina Metka , Jakopic Jerneja
Published: November 2021

Blueberry fruits have gained consumer attention in recent years due to their good taste and high nutritional value. However, the short shelf-life of the fruit is one of the main downsides in intensive blueberry production. Therefore, optimized storage technology with a modified atmosphere is necessary to prolong blueberry fruit quality on the market. The aim of this study was to investigate long-term storage of fruit of the highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) ‘Liberty’ under the air control (0.5% CO2, 19.5% O2, 80% N2) and controlled atmosphere conditions of: 5% CO2, 5% O2, 90% N2; 15% CO2, 5% O2, 80% N2; and 25% CO2, 5% O2, 70% N2. Fruit sampling was performed four times during storage (17, 30, 44, 62 days). Evaluation was carried out for fruit weight, total and individual sugar and organic acid contents, sugar-to-organic acid ratio, and individual phenolics contents. After 44 days of storage, weight loss was highest with 15% CO2 and lowest with 5% CO2, with minor variations. The greatest breakdown of total sugars was seen for the air control, and the least for 25% CO2. Organic acids were significantly reduced under all of these storage conditions. Consequently, a high sugar-to-organic acid ratio was maintained in fruit stored with 25% CO2. The contents of all of the identified phenolics significantly decreased with 15% and 25% CO2. After 62 days of storage with 5% CO2, there were small decreases in flavan-3-ols and hydroxycinnamic acids, while flavonoid and anthocyanin contents were unchanged, or for some individual phenolics, content increased. These data show that 15% CO2 or higher accelerates degradation of the phenolics. We can conclude that for maintenance of weight and nutritional quality of the blueberry fruit ‘Liberty’, the optimal controlled atmosphere under long-term storage is 5% CO2, 5% O2, and 90% N2.
Biological Analyses-Derived Translational Findings in the T Cell Receptor Alpha Chain Knockout Mouse as an Experimental Model for Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Mizoguchi Emiko , Sadanaga Takayuki , Okada Toshiyuki
Published: November 2021

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic inflammatory disorders that affects many individuals throughout their lives. Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) are two major forms of IBD. Until the early 1990s, a murine model of spontaneous chronic colitis was unavailable. As a major breakthrough in the basic research field of IBD, three genetically manipulated murine chronic colitis models, including interleukin (IL)-2 knockout (KO), IL-10 KO, and T cell receptor alpha chain (TCRα) KO models, were established in 1993. Since then, complicated immunobiological mechanisms during the development of UC have been gradually discovered by utilizing a wide variety of murine models of IBD, including the TCRα KO mouse model. In particular, it has been recognized that four major factors, including enteric, environmental, and immunological factors as well as enteric microbiota are highly and mutually involved in the pathogenesis of UC. As a pioneer of the TCRα KO murine model of UC, our group has identified that the interactions between the unique TCRα-β+ T cell population and antigen-presenting cells, including dendritic cells and B cells, play a key role for the development and regulation of UC-like chronic colitis, respectively. Here we have summarized clinically proven pathogenic and regulatory factors which have been identified by this novel TCRα KO murine model of UC in the past nearly three decades.
Research on Main Engine Power of Transport Ship with Different Bows in Ice Area According to EEDI Regulation
Authors: Lu Yu , Gu Zhuhao , Liu Shewen , Wu Chunxiao , Shao Wu , Li Chuang
Published: November 2021

The Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) has been applied to ship carbon emission standards since 2013, ice ships subject to the Finnish Swedish Ice Class Rules (FSICR) also need to meet the requirements of EEDI. In this study, the engine power requirements by EEDI at different stages for the considered ice class ships with different ice classes (1C, 1B, 1A, 1A Super) are compared with engine power requirements obtained from the resistance calculated by FSICR or Lindqvist method. Three different bow shapes for the considered ice class ships and different pack ice coverage are studied. The results from FSICR or Lindqvist formula show that 1A Super ice classes for all considered bow shapes cannot meet the requirement by EEDI at Phase 2 and 3; For 1B and 1A class, some bow shapes can meet the EEDI requirement for all stages, but some cannot; For 1C class, all bow shapes can meet the EEDI requirements for all stages. The ship main engine power requirements under different pack ice concentration are studied and compared to EEDI requirements.
Improved Deep Convolutional Neural Network to Classify Osteoarthritis from Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Awan Mazhar Javed , Rahim Mohd Shafry Mohd , Salim Naomie , Rehman Amjad , Nobanee Haitham , Shabir Hassan
Published: November 2021

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is caused by partially or completely torn ACL ligament in the knee, especially in sportsmen. There is a need to classify the ACL tear before it fully ruptures to avoid osteoarthritis. This research aims to identify ACL tears automatically and efficiently with a deep learning approach. A dataset was gathered, consisting of 917 knee magnetic resonance images (MRI) from Clinical Hospital Centre Rijeka, Croatia. The dataset we used consists of three classes: non-injured, partial tears, and fully ruptured knee MRI. The study compares and evaluates two variants of convolutional neural networks (CNN). We first tested the standard CNN model of five layers and then a customized CNN model of eleven layers. Eight different hyper-parameters were adjusted and tested on both variants. Our customized CNN model showed good results after a 25% random split using RMSprop and a learning rate of 0.001. The average evaluations are measured by accuracy, precision, sensitivity, specificity, and F1-score in the case of the standard CNN using the Adam optimizer with a learning rate of 0.001, i.e., 96.3%, 95%, 96%, 96.9%, and 95.6%, respectively. In the case of the customized CNN model, using the same evaluation measures, the model performed at 98.6%, 98%, 98%, 98.5%, and 98%, respectively, using an RMSprop optimizer with a learning rate of 0.001. Moreover, we also present our results on the receiver operating curve and area under the curve (ROC AUC). The customized CNN model with the Adam optimizer and a learning rate of 0.001 achieved 0.99 over three classes was highest among all. The model showed good results overall, and in the future, we can improve it to apply other CNN architectures to detect and segment other ligament parts like meniscus and cartilages.
Fresh Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation in Osteochondritis Dissecans in the Knee Joint
Authors: Roberti di Sarsina Tommaso , Fiore Michele , Coco Vito , Govoni Marco , Vivarelli Leonardo , Rani Nicola , Del Piccolo Nicolandrea , Dallari Dante
Published: November 2021

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a chronic and painful joint condition that can occur from childhood through to adult life. Microtrauma, vascular insufficiency, or abnormal endochondral ossification are the most common causes of OCD. Reconstructive techniques for OCD of the knee are typically necessary when either non-operative or reparative/regenerative operative treatments fail, or when the OCD is irreversible. To analyze the clinical outcomes and failure rates of fresh osteochondral allograft transplantation (FOCA) used as a reconstructive strategy in OCD patients, an in-depth search was carried out on the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases concerning the existing evidence related to the use of FOCA for OCD patients in the knee joint. A total of 646 studies were found through the search and 2 studies were added after a cross-referenced examination of the articles within the bibliography. Six studies with a total of 303 OCD lesions treated with FOCA, with a mean follow-up of 6.3 years, were included. Although a limited number of low-level evidence studies on this topic are available in previous research, satisfactory clinical results and survival rates of the reconstruction are reported. However, to better define the real advantages of FOCA in the healing process of OCD lesions, comparative studies with different techniques are needed.
AC016745.3 Regulates the Transcription of AR Target Genes by Antagonizing NONO
Authors: Lu Yali , Wan Xuechao , Huang Wenhua , Zhang Lu , Luo Jun , Li Dujian , Huang Yan , Li Yao , Xu Yaoting
Published: November 2021

The androgen receptor (AR) and its related signaling pathways play an important role in the development of prostate cancer (PCa). Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in the regulation of tumorigenesis and development, but their specific mechanism of action remains unclear. This study examines the function and mechanisms of action of lncRNA AC016745.3 in the development of PCa. It shows that dihydrotestosterone (DHT) results in the AR-dependent suppression of AC016745.3 expression in the LNCaP androgen-sensitive human prostate adenocarcinoma cell line. In addition, overexpression of AC016745.3 inhibits the proliferation and migration of PCa cells, and suppresses the expression of AR target genes. This research also demonstrates that the protein NONO interacts with AR and functions as an AR co-activator, promoting AR transcriptional activity. Furthermore, using RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP)-PCR experiments, the study demonstrates that both NONO and AR can bind AC016745.3. Moreover, cell phenotypic experiments reveal that NONO can promote cellular proliferation and migration, and that AC016745.3 can partially antagonize the pro-oncogenic functions of NONO in PCa cells. In summary, the results indicate that AC016745.3 can bind NONO, suppressing its ability to promote AR-dependent transcriptional activity. Furthermore, DHT-dependent suppression of AC016745.3 expression can enhance NONO’s promotion effect on AR.
Harnessing CRISPR-Cas to Combat COVID-19: From Diagnostics to Therapeutics
Authors: Chan Kok Gan , Ang Geik Yong , Yu Choo Yee , Yean Chan Yean
Published: November 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), remains a global threat with an ever-increasing death toll even after a year on. Hence, the rapid identification of infected individuals with diagnostic tests continues to be crucial in the on-going effort to combat the spread of COVID-19. Viral nucleic acid detection via real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) or sequencing is regarded as the gold standard for COVID-19 diagnosis, but these technically intricate molecular tests are limited to centralized laboratories due to the highly specialized instrument and skilled personnel requirements. Based on the current development in the field of diagnostics, the programmable clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated proteins (Cas) system appears to be a promising technology that can be further explored to create rapid, cost-effective, sensitive, and specific diagnostic tools for both laboratory and point-of-care (POC) testing. Other than diagnostics, the potential application of the CRISPR–Cas system as an antiviral agent has also been gaining attention. In this review, we highlight the recent advances in CRISPR–Cas-based nucleic acid detection strategies and the application of CRISPR–Cas as a potential antiviral agent in the context of COVID-19.
Life: Computational Genomics Applications in Life Sciences
Authors: Orlov Yuriy L. , Anashkina Anastasia A.
Published: November 2021

This Special Issue, “Life: Computational Genomics”, presents research articles on systems biology applications, computational genomics, and bioinformatics methods in life sciences [...]
The Pharmacokinetic Profile and Bioavailability of Enteral N-Acetylcysteine in Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Teder Kersti , Maddison Liivi , Soeorg Hiie , Meos Andres , Karjagin Juri
Published: November 2021

Background and Objectives: N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a mucolytic agent used to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia in intensive care units. This study aimed to evaluate the oral bioavailability of NAC in critically ill patients with pneumonia, isolated acute brain injury and abdominal sepsis. Materials and Methods: This quantitative and descriptive study compared NAC’s pharmacokinetics after intravenous and enteral administration. 600 mg of NAC was administered in both ways, and the blood levels for NAC were measured. Results: 18 patients with pneumonia, 19 patients with brain injury and 17 patients with abdominal sepsis were included in the population pharmacokinetic modelling. A three-compartmental model without lag-time provided the best fit to the data. Oral bioavailability was estimated as 11.6% (95% confidence interval 6.3–16.9%), similar to bioavailability in healthy volunteers and patients with chronic pulmonary diseases. Conclusions: The bioavailability of enteral NAC of ICU patients with different diseases is similar to the published data on healthy volunteers.
The Kinetic Aspects of the Dissolution of Slightly Soluble Lanthanoid Carbonates
Authors: Litvinova Tatiana , Kashurin Ruslan , Zhadovskiy Ivan , Gerasev Stepan
Published: November 2021

The problem of the complex use of mineral raw materials is significant in the context of many industries. In the rare earth industry, in the context of limited traditional domestic reserves and dependence on imports of lanthanides, an unambiguous and comprehensive solution has not yet been developed. Promising areas include the involvement of technogenic raw materials in the industrial turnover. The present study examines the kinetics of the dissolution process of poorly soluble lanthanide compounds when changing the parameters of the system. The results obtained reflect the dependence of the degree of extraction of lanthanide on the following variable parameters of the system: temperature, concentration of the complexing agent, and intensity of mixing. On the basis of the experiment, the values of the activation energy and the reaction orders were calculated. The activation energy of the carbonate dissolution process, in kJ/mol, was as follows: 61.6 for cerium, 39.9 for neodymium, 45.4 for ytterbium. The apparent reaction orders of the carbonates are equal to one. The prospect of using the research results lies in the potential to create a mathematical model of the process of extracting a rare earth metal by the carbonate alkaline method.
Mathematical Modelling for Furnace Design Refining Molten Aluminum
Authors: Flores Saldívar Alfredo Alan , Juárez Martínez Rodrigo , Flores Valdés Alfredo , Torres Jesús Torres , Ochoa Palacios Rocío Maricela , Li Yun
Published: November 2021

The design of an aluminium melting furnace has faced two challenges: mathematical modelling and simulative optimization. This paper first uses fluid dynamics to model the aluminium process mathematically. Then, the model is utilized to simulate a round shaped reverberatory furnace for melting aluminium alloys. In order to achieve the highest thermal efficiency of the furnace, modelling and simulation are performed to predict complex flow patterns, geometries, temperature profiles of the mixture-gas air through the main chamber, as well as the melting tower attached to the furnace. The results led to the establishment of optimal position and angle of the burner, which are validated through physical experiments, ensuring recirculation of the combustion gases through the melting chamber and the melting tower. Furthermore, a proper arrangement of refractory materials is derived to avoid heat losses through the outer surface of the furnace. Temperature profiles are also determined for the optimization to arrive at the final design of the furnace. Compared with manual designs previously practiced, the simulation-based optimal design of furnaces offers excellent guidance, an increase in the aluminium processing and magnesium removal for more refined alloys, and an increased processing rate of aluminium chip accession.
Updates on Dengue Vaccine and Antiviral: Where Are We Heading?
Authors: Norshidah Harun , Vignesh Ramachandran , Lai Ngit Shin
Published: November 2021

Approximately 100–400 million people from more than 100 countries in the tropical and subtropical world are affected by dengue infections. Recent scientific breakthroughs have brought new insights into novel strategies for the production of dengue antivirals and vaccines. The search for specific dengue inhibitors is expanding, and the mechanisms for evaluating the efficacy of novel drugs are currently established, allowing for expedited translation into human trials. Furthermore, in the aftermath of the only FDA-approved vaccine, Dengvaxia, a safer and more effective dengue vaccine candidate is making its way through the clinical trials. Until an effective antiviral therapy and licensed vaccine are available, disease monitoring and vector population control will be the mainstays of dengue prevention. In this article, we highlighted recent advances made in the perspectives of efforts made recently, in dengue vaccine development and dengue antiviral drug.
Modelling in Synthesis and Optimization of Active Vaccinal Components
Authors: Margin Oana-Constantina , Dulf Eva-Henrietta , Mocan Teodora , Mocan Lucian
Published: November 2021

Cancer is the second leading cause of mortality worldwide, behind heart diseases, accounting for 10 million deaths each year. This study focusses on adenocarcinoma, which is a target of a number of anticancer therapies presently being tested in medical and pharmaceutical studies. The innovative study for a therapeutic vaccine comprises the investigation of gold nanoparticles and their influence on the immune response for the annihilation of cancer cells. The model is intended to be realized using Quantitative-Structure Activity Relationship (QSAR) methods, explicitly artificial neural networks combined with fuzzy rules, to enhance automated properties of neural nets with human perception characteristics. Image processing techniques such as morphological transformations and watershed segmentation are used to extract and calculate certain molecular characteristics from hyperspectral images. The quantification of single-cell properties is one of the key resolutions, representing the treatment efficiency in therapy of colon and rectum cancerous conditions. This was accomplished by using manually counted cells as a reference point for comparing segmentation results. The early findings acquired are conclusive for further study; thus, the extracted features will be used in the feature optimization process first, followed by neural network building of the required model.
Amino Acids, Peptides, and Proteins: Implications for Nanotechnological Applications in Biosensing and Drug/Gene Delivery
Authors: Er Simge , Laraib Ushna , Arshad Rabia , Sargazi Saman , Rahdar Abbas , Pandey Sadanand , Thakur Vijay Kumar , Díez-Pascual Ana M.
Published: November 2021

Over various scientific fields in biochemistry, amino acids have been highlighted in research works. Protein, peptide- and amino acid-based drug delivery systems have proficiently transformed nanotechnology via immense flexibility in their features for attaching various drug molecules and biodegradable polymers. In this regard, novel nanostructures including carbon nanotubes, electrospun carbon nanofibers, gold nanoislands, and metal-based nanoparticles have been introduced as nanosensors for accurate detection of these organic compounds. These nanostructures can bind the biological receptor to the sensor surface and increase the surface area of the working electrode, significantly enhancing the biosensor performance. Interestingly, protein-based nanocarriers have also emerged as useful drug and gene delivery platforms. This is important since, despite recent advancements, there are still biological barriers and other obstacles limiting gene and drug delivery efficacy. Currently available strategies for gene therapy are not cost-effective, and they do not deliver the genetic cargo effectively to target sites. With rapid advancements in nanotechnology, novel gene delivery systems are introduced as nonviral vectors such as protein, peptide, and amino acid-based nanostructures. These nano-based delivery platforms can be tailored into functional transformation using proteins and peptides ligands based nanocarriers, usually overexpressed in the specified diseases. The purpose of this review is to shed light on traditional and nanotechnology-based methods to detect amino acids, peptides, and proteins. Furthermore, new insights into the potential of amino protein-based nanoassemblies for targeted drug delivery or gene transfer are presented.
Effect of Temperature on the Daily Increment Deposition in the Otoliths of European Sardine Sardina pilchardus (Walbaum, 1792) Larvae
Authors: Soares Claudia , Ferreira Susana , Ré Pedro , Teodósio Maria Alexandra , Santos António Miguel , Batista Hugo , Baylina Nuria , Garrido Susana
Published: November 2021

Otolith microstructure analysis is a valuable tool to evaluate the relationship between larval age and growth and how it relates to environmental variability. Otolith growth and daily increment deposition were analyzed in sardine (Sardina pilchardus) larvae reared in the laboratory under different temperatures (13, 15, and 17 °C), with a diet rich in microalgae, rotifers, and copepods Acartia grani. The number and width of growth increments, first-check and otolith diameter were determined in the otoliths and then related to larval age and total length. At hatching, the sagittal otoliths consisted of a lenticular core with a diameter of 10.56 μm (±1.07 μm SD). Somatic growth increased with the increasing temperature and the growth rate of larvae reared at 13 and 15 °C was significantly lower than for larvae reared at 17 °C. At 17 °C, otoliths exhibited a higher diameter with wider increments than at 13 °C. There was a high variability of increment counts-at-age for larvae reared within the same temperature treatment. The increase of growth increments with larval size was higher for larvae reared at 17 °C until 35 days post-hatching than those growing at 15 °C. Scanning electronic microscopy confirmed that increments are deposited daily, with an average width smaller than 1 µm and as low as 0.33 μm, therefore impossible to distinguish using light microscopy. At colder temperatures, larval otoliths had thinner and less marked increments and lower growth rates, which can lead to incorrect age determinations. The effect of temperature on the otolith microstructure can help in identifying strong temperature gradients experienced by wild sardine larvae.
Bacterial Ghosts-Based Vaccine and Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Chen Haojie , Ji Hao , Kong Xiangjun , Lei Pengyu , Yang Qinsi , Wu Wei , Jin Libo , Sun Da
Published: November 2021

Bacterial ghosts (BGs) are empty bacterial envelopes of Gram-negative bacteria produced by controlled expressions of cloned gene E, forming a lysis tunnel structure within the envelope of the living bacteria. Globally, BGs have been used as vaccine delivery systems and vaccine adjuvants. There is an increasing interest in the development of novel delivery systems that are based on BGs for biomedical applications. Due to intact reservation of bacterial cell membranes, BGs have an inherent immunogenicity, which enables targeted drug delivery and controlled release. As carrier vehicles, BGs protect drugs from interference by external factors. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in BG-based delivery systems against tumors, inflammation, and infection, among others. Herein, we reviewed the preparation methods for BGs, interactions between BGs and the host, and further highlighted research progress in BG development.
Unveiling Monoterpene Biosynthesis in Taiwania cryptomerioides via Functional Characterization
Authors: Ma Li-Ting , Liu Pi-Ling , Cheng Yang-Tui , Shiu Tz-Fan , Chu Fang-Hua
Published: November 2021

Taiwania cryptomerioides is a monotypic species, and its terpenoid-rich property has been reported in recent years. To uncover monoterpene biosynthesis in T. cryptomerioides, this study used transcriptome mining to identify candidates with tentative monoterpene synthase activity. Along with the phylogenetic analysis and in vitro assay, two geraniol synthases (TcTPS13 and TcTPS14), a linalool synthase (TcTPS15), and a β-pinene synthase (TcTPS16), were functionally characterized. Via the comparison of catalytic residues, the Cys/Ser at region 1 might be crucial in determining the formation of α-pinene or β-pinene. In addition, the Cupressaceae monoterpene synthases were phylogenetically clustered together; they are unique and different from those of published conifer species. In summary, this study aimed to uncover the ambiguous monoterpenoid network in T. cryptomerioide, which would expand the landscape of monoterpene biosynthesis in Cupressaceae species.
Plants Metabolome Study: Emerging Tools and Techniques
Authors: Patel Manish , Pandey Sonika , Kumar Manoj , Haque Md , Pal Sikander , Yadav Narendra
Published: November 2021

Metabolomics is now considered a wide-ranging, sensitive and practical approach to acquire useful information on the composition of a metabolite pool present in any organism, including plants. Investigating metabolomic regulation in plants is essential to understand their adaptation, acclimation and defense responses to environmental stresses through the production of numerous metabolites. Moreover, metabolomics can be easily applied for the phenotyping of plants; and thus, it has great potential to be used in genome editing programs to develop superior next-generation crops. This review describes the recent analytical tools and techniques available to study plants metabolome, along with their significance of sample preparation using targeted and non-targeted methods. Advanced analytical tools, like gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), liquid chromatography mass-spectroscopy (LC-MS), capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry (CE-MS), fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance-mass spectrometry (FTICR-MS) matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI), ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) have speed up precise metabolic profiling in plants. Further, we provide a complete overview of bioinformatics tools and plant metabolome database that can be utilized to advance our knowledge to plant biology.
Operational Stability, Regenerability, and Thermodynamics Studies on Biogenic Silica/Magnetite/Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite-Activated Candida rugosa Lipase
Authors: Jacob Adikwu Gowon , Wahab Roswanira Abdul , Misson Mailin
Published: November 2021

Inorganic biopolymer-based nanocomposites are useful for stabilizing lipases for enhanced catalytic performance and easy separation. Herein, we report the operational stability, regenerability, and thermodynamics studies of the ternary biogenic silica/magnetite/graphene oxide nanocomposite (SiO2/Fe3O4/GO) as a support for Candida rugosa lipase (CRL). The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-electron scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), and nitrogen adsorption/desorption data on the support and biocatalyst corroborated their successful fabrication. XPS revealed the Fe3O4 adopted Fe2+ and Fe3+ oxidation states, while XRD data of GO yielded a peak at 2θ = 11.67°, with the SiO2/Fe3O4/GO revealing a high surface area (≈261 m2/g). The fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra affirmed the successful fabricated supports and catalyst. The half-life and thermodynamic parameters of the superparamagnetic immobilized CRL (CRL/SiO2/Fe3O4/GO) improved over the free CRL. The microwave-regenerated CRL/SiO2/Fe3O4/GO (≈82%) exhibited higher catalytic activity than ultrasonic-regenerated (≈71%) ones. Lower activation (Ea) and higher deactivation energies (Ed) were also noted for the CRL/SiO2/Fe3O4/GO (13.87 kJ/mol, 32.32 kJ/mol) than free CRL (15.26 kJ/mol, 27.60 kJ/mol). A peak at 4.28 min in the gas chromatograph-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) chromatogram of the purified ethyl valerate supported the unique six types of 14 hydrogen atoms of the ester (CAS: 539-82-2) in the proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) data. The results collectively demonstrated the suitability of SiO2/Fe3O4/GO in stabilizing CRL for improved operational stability and thermodynamics and permitted biocatalyst regenerability.
Improved Sheet Resistance of Nanofiber-Based Transparent Conducting Electrodes Using Silver Nanowires
Authors: Cha Sujin , Choi Byeolyi , Lee Eugene , Cho Gilsoo
Published: November 2021

There is an increased need for research on flexible transparent electrodes (FTEs) because they are critical to next-generation electronic devices, such as wearable computers. In this study, highly conductive transparent conducting electrodes, based on polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanofiber webs treated with poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) and silver nanowires (AgNWs), were successfully fabricated. Transparent conducting electrodes (TCEs) were obtained by a brush-painting process using different weight ratios of a AgNWs to PEDOT:PSS solution, and the surface, electrical, optical, and chemical properties, as well as the tensile strength of the samples, were determined. It was found that the electrical conductivity of the samples improved as the AgNW content increased, but the light transmittance decreased. In this work, there was a slight decrease in the optical properties and a considerable increase in the electrical properties due to the hybridization of AgNWs and PEDOT:PSS, compared to using only PEDOT:PSS. When considering both transparency and electrical conductivity, which are essential parameters of TCEs, sample PA2, which was treated by mixing AgNWs and PEDOT:PSS/dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in a ratio of 1:5 (16.67 wt% of AgNWs), was found to be the best sample, with a sheet resistance of 905 Ω/cm2 and light transmittance of 79%.
Regulating Environmental Impact of Medical Devices in the United Kingdom—A Scoping Review
Authors: Arun Kumar Pranay
Published: November 2021

Medical devices are highly regulated to ensure safety and efficacy of the products and minimize the risk of harm to users and patients. However, the broader impacts of these devices on the environment have scarcely been questioned until recently. The United Kingdom National Health Service intends to achieve a “net zero” emissions service by 2040 and has identified specific targets to achieve through this process. However, medical device manufacturers do not see sufficient incentives to invest in reducing greenhouse gas emissions unless enforced by legislation. Furthermore, there is little evidence on the legislation required to reduce emissions from medical devices. This study addresses the relationship of medical device regulations and the environmental impact of the devices throughout their lifecycle. A scoping review was conducted on academic literature on the topic, followed by a critical review of the current medical device regulations and associated guidelines in the United Kingdom. The challenges to regulating environmental impact of medical devices were identified under seven themes. These challenges were contextualized with the National Health Service target of achieving zero emissions by 2040. The review indicates that current guidelines support single-use disposal of devices and equipment as the best approach to prevent pathogen transmission and landfilling and incineration are the most used waste management strategies. Manufacturers need to be guided and educated on reducing their emissions while ensuring the development of safe and effective devices.
Comparative Review of Worship Spaces in Buddhist and Cistercian Monasteries: The Three Temples of Guoqing Si (China) and the Church of the Royal Abbey of Santa Maria de Poblet (Spain)
Authors: Wang Weiqiao
Published: November 2021

Although the two parallel architectural forms, Han Buddhists and the Cistercian monasteries, seem, on the surface, to be very different—belonging to different religions, different cultural backgrounds, and different ways of construction—they share many similarities in the internal institutional model of monks’ lives and the corresponding architectural core values. The worship space plays the most significant role in both monastic life and layout. In this study, the Three Temples of Guoqing Si and the Church of the Royal Abbey of Santa Maria de Poblet are used as examples to elucidate the connotations behind the architectural forms, in order to further explore how worship spaces serve as an intermediary between deities, monks, and pilgrims. Based on field research and experience of monastic life, this comparative study highlights two fundamental similarities between the Three Temples and the Church: First, both worship spaces are derived from imperial prototypes, have a similar priority of construction, occupy the most important place in both sacred venues, and both serve as a reference for the development of monastic layout. Second, both worship spaces are composed of a similar programmed functional layout, including similar space dominators as well as itineraries. Beyond the surface similarities, this article further analyzes the reasons behind the three differences found. Due to their different understanding of deities, both worship spaces show different ways of worship, images of deities, and distances towards them.
Hope for the Future of New Testament Theology
Authors: Duke Rodney K.
Published: November 2021

This paper presents the author’s hope for changes in New Testament (NT) theology particularly as currently experienced in American Christian culture. Those changes are based on exegetical work that seeks to place the NT texts into their Jewish first-century thought world. The first part of the paper presents examples of theological concepts that have crept into NT exegesis, translations, and Christian thinking, concepts that appear to be foreign to or contrary to that original-audience thought world. The second part of the article seeks to present a reading of Rom 3:21–26 that better represents Paul’s thinking than what is found in some English translations that read the text through the lenses of some of the foreign concepts mentioned in Part 1. The resulting vision for the future of NT theology is twofold: for NT theologies to self-critically rid themselves of the infiltration of foreign concepts, and for the field to better ground its work in exegesis and translations that better respect the Jewish thought world of the texts.
Reconciling the Uniquely Embodied Grief of Perinatal Death: A Narrative Approach
Authors: Norwood Tamarin , Boulton John
Published: November 2021

The death of a baby, stillborn or living only briefly after birth, is a moral affront to the cycle of life, leaving parents without the life stories and material objects that traditionally offer comfort to the bereaved, nor—in an increasingly secularized society—a religious framework for making sense of their loss. For the grieving mother, it is also a physical affront, as her body continues to rehearse its part in its symbiotic relationship with a baby whose own body is disintegrating. Attempting to forge continuing bonds with her child after death makes special demands upon the notion of embodied spirituality, as she attempts to make sense of this tragedy in an embodied way. This paper, which reconciles the distinct perspectives of bereaved mothers and children’s doctors, proposes that the thoughtful re-presentation of medical insight into pregnancy and fetal development may assuage parents’ grief by adding precious detail to their baby’s life course, and by offering the mother a material basis to conceptualize her own body as part of the distributed personhood of her baby.
Evaluating the Dynamic Impact of Theater Performances and Sports Events on Parking Demand in Downtown Pittsburgh
Authors: Sasanuma Katsunobu
Published: November 2021

The number of drivers using parking facilities (parking demand) in downtown Pittsburgh is highly variable throughout business operating hours, which makes an efficient operation of parking facilities challenging and results in congestion around the facilities. In this study, we applied an event-based ordinary least squares (OLS) regression model to the parking data set provided from one of the parking facilities, the Theater Square Garage in downtown Pittsburgh. We demonstrated that our model achieved a high R-squared value during time periods when parking demand is highly variable. Using the model, we revealed the dynamic (time-dependent) impact of theater performances and sports events on parking demand. This dynamic information can help facility managers appropriately adjust their operating settings (e.g., the number of staff and fee structure) during surge or vacant time periods accordingly. This model is applicable to various businesses in downtown areas that have increased customer flow from theater performances and sports events, not only parking garages.
How Does Digital Finance Affect Carbon Emissions? Evidence from an Emerging Market
Authors: Zhao Hui , Yang Yaru , Li Ning , Liu Desheng , Li Hui
Published: November 2021

The existing literature finds that finance has a significant impact on carbon emissions, but there is a lack of theoretical explanation on whether and how digital finance, an important new financial form, affects carbon emissions. This paper uses balanced panel data at the provincial level in China from 2011 to 2018 as a sample to empirically test the relationship between digital finance and carbon emissions and introduces three exogenous events to test the impact of policy shocks. The results show that digital finance has a significant inhibitory effect on carbon emissions; the implementation of the policies of ‘G20 High-Level Principles for Digital Financial Inclusion’, ‘Environmental Protection Tax Law of the People’s Republic of China’, and ‘Interim measures for the management of greenhouse gas voluntary emission reduction’ strengthens the suppression of carbon emissions by digital finance, and the robustness test also supports the protection of digital finance. The research conclusions of this article provide theoretical evidence for understanding the relationship between digital finance and other new financial formats and carbon emissions and provide an empirical basis for policy-makers to promote the development of digital finance to reduce carbon emissions.
Optimal Control of a Cell-to-Cell Fractional-Order Model with Periodic Immune Response for HCV
Authors: Yang Xue , Su Yongmei , Li Huijia , Zhuo Xinjian
Published: November 2021

In this paper, a Caputo fractional-order HCV Periodic immune response model with saturation incidence, cell-to-cell and drug control was proposed. We derive two different basic reproductive numbers and their relation with infection-free equilibrium and the immune-exhausted equilibrium. Moreover, there exists some symmetry in the relationship between the two equilibria and the basic reproduction numbers. We obtain the global stability of the infection-free equilibrium by using Lyapunov function and the local stability of the immune-exhausted equilibrium. The optimal control problem is also considered and two control strategies are given; one is for ITX5061 monotherapy, the other is for ITX5061 and DAAs combination therapy. Matlab numerical simulation shows that combination therapy has lower objective function value; therefore, it is worth trying to use combination therapy to treat HCV infection.