bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Influence of Modification with Phosphoryl Guanidine Combined with a 2′-O-Methyl or 2′-Fluoro Group on the Small-Interfering-RNA Effect
Authors: Pavlova Anna S. , Yakovleva Kristina I. , Epanchitseva Anna V. , Kupryushkin Maxim S. , Pyshnaya Inna A. , Pyshnyi Dmitrii V. , Ryabchikova Elena I. , Dovydenko Ilya S.
Published: September 2021

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) is the most important tool for the manipulation of mRNA expression and needs protection from intracellular nucleases when delivered into the cell. In this work, we examined the effects of siRNA modification with the phosphoryl guanidine (PG) group, which, as shown earlier, makes oligodeoxynucleotides resistant to snake venom phosphodiesterase. We obtained a set of siRNAs containing combined modifications PG/2′-O-methyl (2′-OMe) or PG/2′-fluoro (2′-F); biophysical and biochemical properties were characterized for each duplex. We used the UV-melting approach to estimate the thermostability of the duplexes and RNAse A degradation assays to determine their stability. The ability to induce silencing was tested in cultured cells stably expressing green fluorescent protein. The introduction of the PG group as a rule decreased the thermodynamic stability of siRNA. At the same time, the siRNAs carrying PG groups showed increased resistance to RNase A. A gene silencing experiment indicated that the PG-modified siRNA retained its activity if the modifications were introduced into the passenger strand.
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of JAZ Family Involved in Hormone and Abiotic Stress in Sweet Potato and Its Two Diploid Relatives
Authors: Huang Zhengwei , Wang Zhen , Li Xu , He Shaozhen , Liu Qingchang , Zhai Hong , Zhao Ning , Gao Shaopei , Zhang Huan
Published: September 2021

Jasmonate ZIM-domain (JAZ) proteins are key repressors of a jasmonic acid signaling pathway. They play essential roles in the regulation of plant growth and development, as well as environmental stress responses. However, this gene family has not been explored in sweet potato. In this study, we identified 14, 15, and 14 JAZs in cultivated hexaploid sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas, 2n = 6x = 90), and its two diploid relatives Ipomoea trifida (2n = 2x = 30) and Ipomoea triloba (2n = 2x = 30), respectively. These JAZs were divided into five subgroups according to their phylogenetic relationships with Arabidopsis. The protein physiological properties, chromosome localization, phylogenetic relationship, gene structure, promoter cis-elements, protein interaction network, and expression pattern of these 43 JAZs were systematically investigated. The results suggested that there was a differentiation between homologous JAZs, and each JAZ gene played different vital roles in growth and development, hormone crosstalk, and abiotic stress response between sweet potato and its two diploid relatives. Our work provided comprehensive comparison and understanding of the JAZ genes in sweet potato and its two diploid relatives, supplied a theoretical foundation for their functional study, and further facilitated the molecular breeding of sweet potato.
Novel A-Ring Chalcone Derivatives of Oleanolic and Ursolic Amides with Anti-Proliferative Effect Mediated through ROS-Triggered Apoptosis
Authors: Khusnutdinova Elmira , Petrova Anastasiya , Zileeva Zulfia , Kuzmina Ulyana , Zainullina Liana , Vakhitova Yulia , Babkov Denis , Kazakova Oxana
Published: September 2021

A series of A-ring modified oleanolic and ursolic acid derivatives including C28 amides (3-oxo-C2-nicotinoylidene/furfurylidene, 3β-hydroxy-C2-nicotinoylidene, 3β-nicotinoyloxy-, 2-cyano-3,4-seco-4(23)-ene, indolo-, lactame and azepane) were synthesized and screened for their cytotoxic activity against the NCI-60 cancer cell line panel. The results of the first assay of thirty-two tested compounds showed that eleven derivatives exhibited cytotoxicity against cancer cells, and six of them were selected for complete dose–response studies. A systematic study of local SARs has been carried out by comparative analysis of potency distributions and similarity relationships among the synthesized compounds using network-like similarity graphs. Among the oleanane type triterpenoids, C2-[4-pyridinylidene]-oleanonic C28-morpholinyl amide exhibited sub-micromolar potencies against 15 different tumor cell lines and revealed particular selectivity for non-small cell lung cancer (HOP-92) with a GI50 value of 0.0347 μM. On the other hand, superior results were observed for C2-[3-pyridinylidene]-ursonic N-methyl-piperazinyl amide 29, which exhibited a broad-spectrum inhibition activity with GI50 < 1 μM against 33 tumor cell lines and <2 μM against all 60 cell lines. This compound has been further evaluated for cell cycle analysis to decipher the mechanism of action. The data indicate that compound 29 could exhibit both cytostatic and cytotoxic activity, depending on the cell line evaluated. The cytostatic activity appears to be determined by induction of the cell cycle arrest at the S (MCF-7, SH-SY5Y cells) or G0/G1 phases (A549 cells), whereas cytotoxicity of the compound against normal cells is nonspecific and arises from apoptosis without significant alterations in cell cycle distribution (HEK293 cells). Our results suggest that the antiproliferative effect of compound 29 is mediated through ROS-triggered apoptosis that involves mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization and caspase activation.
Identification of miR-199a-5p, miR-214-3p and miR-99b-5p as Fibrosis-Specific Extracellular Biomarkers and Promoters of HSC Activation
Authors: Messner Catherine Jane , Schmidt Saskia , Özkul Dilek , Gaiser Carine , Terracciano Luigi , Krähenbühl Stephan , Suter-Dick Laura
Published: September 2021

Liver fibrosis is characterized by the accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) resulting in the formation of fibrous scars. In the clinic, liver biopsies are the standard diagnostic method despite the potential for clinical complications. miRNAs are single-stranded, non-coding RNAs that can be detected in tissues, body fluids and cultured cells. The regulation of many miRNAs has been linked to tissue damage, including liver fibrosis in patients, resulting in aberrant miRNA expression/release. Experimental evidence also suggests that miRNAs are regulated in a similar manner in vitro and could thus serve as translational in vitro–in vivo biomarkers. In this work, we set out to identify and characterize biomarkers for liver fibrosis that could be used in vitro and clinically for research and diagnostic purposes. We focused on miRNAs released from hepatic 3D cultures exposed to methotrexate (MTX), which causes fibrosis, and acetaminophen (APAP), an acute hepatotoxicant with no clinically relevant association to liver fibrosis. Using a 3D in vitro model, we corroborated compound-specific responses as we show MTX induced a fibrotic response, and APAP did not. Performing miRNA-seq of cell culture supernatants, we identified potential miRNA biomarkers (miR-199a-5p, miR-214-3p, niRNA-125a-5p and miR-99b-5p) that were associated with a fibrotic phenotype and not with hepatocellular damage alone. Moreover, transfection of HSC with miR-199a-5p led to decreased expression of caveolin-1 and increased α-SMA expression, suggesting its role in HSC activation. In conclusion, we propose that extracellular miR-214-3p, miR-99b-5p, miR-125a-5p and specifically miR-199a-5p could contribute towards a panel of miRNAs for identifying liver fibrosis and that miR-199a-5p, miR-214-3p and miR-99b-5p are promoters of HSC activation.
The Anomalous Behavior of Thermodynamic Parameters in the Three Widom Deltas of Carbon Dioxide-Ethanol Mixture
Authors: Mareev Evgenii Igorevich , Sviridov Alexander Petrovich , Gordienko Vyacheslav Mihailovich
Published: September 2021

Using molecular dynamics, we demonstrated that in the mixture of carbon dioxide and ethanol (25% molar fraction) there are three pronounced regions on the p-T diagram characterized by not only high-density fluctuations but also anomalous behavior of thermodynamic parameters. The regions are interpreted as Widom deltas. The regions were identified as a result of analyzing the dependences of density, density fluctuations, isobaric thermal conductivity, and clustering of a mixture of carbon dioxide and ethanol in a wide range of pressures and temperatures. Two of the regions correspond to the Widom delta for pure supercritical carbon dioxide and ethanol, while the third region is in the immediate vicinity of the critical point of the binary mixture. The origin of these Widom deltas is a result of the large mixed linear clusters formation.
Non-Invasive Respiratory Assessment in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: From Clinical Research to Outcome Measures
Authors: Pennati Francesca , LoMauro Antonella , D’Angelo Maria Grazia , Aliverti Andrea
Published: September 2021

Ventilatory failure, due to the progressive wasting of respiratory muscles, is the main cause of death in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Reliable measures of lung function and respiratory muscle action are important to monitor disease progression, to identify early signs of ventilatory insufficiency and to plan individual respiratory management. Moreover, the current development of novel gene-modifying and pharmacological therapies highlighted the urgent need of respiratory outcomes to quantify the effects of these therapies. Pulmonary function tests represent the standard of care for lung function evaluation in DMD, but provide a global evaluation of respiratory involvement, which results from the interaction between different respiratory muscles. Currently, research studies have focused on finding novel outcome measures able to describe the behavior of individual respiratory muscles. This review overviews the measures currently identified in clinical research to follow the progressive respiratory decline in patients with DMD, from a global assessment to an individual structure–function muscle characterization. We aim to discuss their strengths and limitations, in relation to their current development and suitability as outcome measures for use in a clinical setting and as in upcoming drug trials in DMD.
Novel Approach to the Treatment of Gypseous Soil-Induced Ettringite Using Blends of Non-Calcium-Based Stabilizer, Ground Granulated Blast-Furnace Slag, and Metakaolin
Authors: Ehwailat Khaled Ibrahim Azarroug , Mohamad Ismail Mohd Ashraf , Ezreig Ali Muftah Abdussalam
Published: September 2021

Gypseous soil is one type of expansive soil that contains a sufficient amount of sulphate. Cement and lime are the most common methods of stabilizing expansive soil, but the problem is that lime-treated gypseous soil normally fails in terms of durability due to the formation of ettringite, a highly deleterious compound. Moisture ingress causes a significant swelling of ettringite crystals, thereby causing considerable damage to structures and pavements. This study investigated the suitability of various materials (nano–Mg oxide (M), metakaolin (MK), and ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS)) for the stabilization of gypseous soil. The results showed soil samples treated with 20% M-MK, M-GGBS, and M-GGBS-MK to exhibit lower swelling rates (<0.01% change in volume) compared to those treated with 10% and 20% of lime after 90 days of curing. However, soil samples stabilized with 10% and 20% binder of [(M-MK), (M-GGBS), and (M-GGBS-MK)] exhibited higher strengths after 90 days of soaking (ranging from 0.96–12.8 MPa) compared to those stabilized with 10% and 20% lime. From the morphology studies, the SEM and EDX analysis evidenced no formation of ettringite in the samples stabilized with M-MK-, M-GGBS-, and M-GGBS-MK. These results demonstrate the suitability of M-MK, M-GGBS, and M-GGBS-MK as effective agents for the stabilization of gypseous soil.
Predicting Nonlinear and Anisotropic Mechanics of Metal Rubber Using a Combination of Constitutive Modeling, Machine Learning, and Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Zhao Yalei , Yan Hui , Wang Yiming , Jiang Tianyi , Jiang Hongyuan
Published: September 2021

Metal rubber (MR) is an entangled fibrous functional material, and its mechanical properties are crucial for its applications; however, numerical constitutive models of MR for prediction and calculation are currently undeveloped. In this work, we provide a numerical constitutive model to express the mechanics of MR materials and develop an efficient finite elements method (FEM) to calculate the performance of MR components. We analyze the nonlinearity and anisotropy characteristics of MR during the deformation process. The elasticity matrix is adopted to express the nonlinearity and anisotropy of MR. An artificial neural network (ANN) model is built, trained, and tested to output the current elastic moduli for the elasticity matrix. Then, we combine the constitutive ANN model with the finite element method simulation to calculate the mechanics of the MR component. Finally, we perform a series of static and shock experiments and finite element simulations of an MR isolator. The results demonstrate the feasibility and accuracy of the numerical constitutive MR model. This work provides an efficient and convenient method for the design and analysis of MR components.
Corrosion Properties of Mn-Based Alloys Obtained by Aluminothermic Reduction of Deep-Sea Nodules
Authors: Msallamová Šárka , Novák Pavel , Miossec Pauline , Kopeček Jaromír , Tsepeleva Alisa , Rudomilova Darya , Fojt Jaroslav
Published: September 2021

Deep-sea manganese nodules are polymetallic oxidic ores that can be found on a seabed. Aluminothermic reduction is one of the possibilities of manganese nodules processing. This process obtains the polymetallic alloy with a high content of Mn and a varying content of Al, depending on the ratio between aluminum and nodules. The corrosion behaviors of three experimental Mn-based alloys produced by aluminothermic reduction with a content of Mn > 50 wt % were studied. The electrochemical testing in potable water and model seawater was used to explain the corrosion mechanism of Mn-based alloys. The results showed that the corrosion rate of experimental Mn-based alloy decreases with the increase in aluminum content in both potable water and model seawater. It was observed that the uniform corrosion of experimental Mn-based alloys is changed with an increase in aluminum content in alloy to localized corrosion, which was caused by microcells in an environment of model seawater. In contrast, the formation of a semi-protective layer of corrosion products was observed on the surface of Mn-based alloys with a higher content of aluminum in potable water. Moreover, the pitting corrosion of tested Mn-based alloys was observed neither in potable water nor in model seawater.
Improving AdaBoost Classifier to Predict Enterprise Performance after COVID-19
Authors: Tsai Jung-Kai , Hung Chih-Hsing
Published: September 2021

Because COVID-19 occurred in 2019, the behavioxr of humans has been changed and it will influence the business model of enterprise. Enterprise cannot predict its development according to past knowledge and experiment; so, it needs a new machine learning framework to predict enterprise performance. The goal of this research is to modify AdaBoost to reasonably predict the enterprise performance. In order to justify the usefulness of the proposed model, enterprise data will be collected and the proposed model can be used to predict the enterprise performance after COVID-19. The test data correct rate of the proposed model will be compared with some of the traditional machine learning models. Compared with the traditional AdaBoost, back propagation neural network (BPNN), regression classifier, support vector machine (SVM) and support vector regression (SVR), the proposed method possesses the better classification ability (average correct rate of the proposed method is 88.04%) in handling two classification problems. Compared with traditional AdaBoost, one-against-all SVM, one-against-one SVM, one-against-all SVR and one-against-one SVR, the classification ability of the proposed method is also relatively better for coping with the multi-class classification problem. Finally, some conclusions and future research will be discussed at the end.
Gender-Specific Association of Serum Uric Acid and Pulmonary Function: Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Jeong Hyemin , Baek Sun-Young , Kim Seon-Woo , Park Eun-Jung , Kim Hyungjin , Lee Jaejoon , Jeon Chan-Hong
Published: September 2021

Background and Objectives: Hyperuricemia is associated with several comorbidities. The association between uric acid (UA) and pulmonary function is still a controversial issue. This study evaluated the gender-specific association of serum UA and pulmonary function. Materials and Methods: A total of 3177 (weighted n = 19,770,902) participants aged 40 years or older were selected from the 2016 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and included. Results: Female participants with hyperuricemia were older than participants with normouricemia. Body mass index (BMI), mean arterial pressure (MAP), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were significantly associated with UA levels in both males and females. Hyperuricemia and increase in UA quartile were significantly associated with decreased forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) in females after adjustment for age, income, region, education, marital status, alcohol consumption, smoking, BMI, MAP, HbA1c, and eGFR. There was no significant association between UA levels and lung function in males. After additional adjustment for respiratory disease including pulmonary tuberculosis, asthma, and lung cancer, the association between hyperuricemia and decreased FEV1 and FVC in females was revealed. Conclusions: Hyperuricemia was associated with decreased FVE1 and FVC in the female general population.
Challenges and Opportunities on Lipid Metabolism Disorders Diagnosis and Therapy: Novel Insights and Future Perspective
Authors: Fras Zlatko , Jug Borut , Penson Peter E. , Rizzo Manfredi
Published: September 2021

Dyslipidemia has been globally recognized, for almost seven decades, as one of the most important risk factors for the development and complications of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) [...]
Concentrations of Fecal Bile Acids in Participants with Functional Gut Disorders and Healthy Controls
Authors: James Shanalee C. , Fraser Karl , Young Wayne , Heenan Phoebe E. , Gearry Richard B. , Keenan Jacqueline I. , Talley Nicholas J. , Joyce Susan A. , McNabb Warren C. , Roy Nicole C.
Published: September 2021

Bile acids are metabolites involved in nutrient absorption and signaling with levels influenced by dietary intake, metabolic processes, and the gut microbiome. We aimed to quantify 23 bile acids in fecal samples to ascertain if concentrations differed between healthy participants and those with functional gut disorders. Fecal bile acids were measured using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) in the COMFORT (The Christchurch IBS cohort to investigate mechanisms for gut relief and improved transit) cohort of 250 participants with Rome IV IBS (IBS-constipation (C), IBS-diarrhea (D), IBS-mixed (M)), functional gut disorders (functional constipation (FC), functional diarrhea (FD)) and healthy controls (FC n = 35, FD n = 13, IBS-C n = 24, IBS-D n = 52, IBS-M n = 29, and control n = 97). Dietary information was recorded to ascertain three-day dietary intake before fecal samples were collected. Fecal bile acid concentrations, predominantly primary bile acids, were significantly different between all functional gut disorder participants and healthy controls (CDCA p = 0.011, CA p = 0.003) and between constipation (FC + IBS-C) and diarrhea (FD + IBS-D) groups (CDCA p = 0.001, CA p = 0.0002). Comparison of bile acids between all functional groups showed four metabolites were significantly different, although analysis of combined groups (FC + IBS-C vs. FD + IBS-D) showed that 10 metabolites were significantly different. The bile acid profiles of FD individuals were similar to those with IBS-D, and likewise, those with FC were similar to IBS-C. Individuals with a diarrhea phenotype (FD + IBS-D) had higher concentrations of bile acids compared to those with constipation (FC + IBS-C). Bile acid metabolites distinguish between individuals with functional gut disorders and healthy controls but are similar in constipation (or diarrhea) whether classified as IBS or not.
Oxazinethione Derivatives as a Precursor to Pyrazolone and Pyrimidine Derivatives: Synthesis, Biological Activities, Molecular Modeling, ADME, and Molecular Dynamics Studies
Authors: Abdellattif Magda , Shahbaaz Mohd , Arief M. , Hussien Mostafa
Published: September 2021

In this study, we used oxazinethione as a perfect precursor to synthesize new pyrimidine and pyrazole derivatives with potent biological activities. Biological activities were determined for all compounds against A. flavus, E. coli, S. aureus, and F. moniliform. Compounds 3, 4a-b, and 5 exhibited higher activities toward A. flavus, E. coli, S. aureus, and F. moniliform; this was indicated through the MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration). At the same time, anticancer activities were determined through four cell lines, Ovcar-3, Hela, MCF-7, and LCC-MMk. The results obtained indicated that compound 5 was the most potent compound for both cell lines. Molecular docking was studied by the MOE (molecular operating environment). The in silico ADME of compounds 2 and 5 showed good pharmacokinetic properties. The present research strengthens the applicability of these compounds as encouraging anticancer and antibacterial drugs. Moreover, JAGUAR module MD simulations were carried out at about 100 ns. In addition, spectroscopic studies were carried out to establish the reactions of the synthesized structure derivatives.
Pancreatic β-Cell Dysfunction Is Associated with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Chen Xu , Xiao Jinghe , Pang Juan , Chen Shen , Wang Qing , Ling Wenhua
Published: September 2021

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with decreased insulin sensitivity. However, the association between NAFLD and pancreatic β-cell function is still ambiguous. Here, we assessed whether pancreatic β-cell function is associated with NAFLD. Method: The data of NHANES III from 1988 to 1994 were used. NAFLD was diagnosed when subjects had ultrasonographically hepatic steatosis without other liver diseases. Disposition index (DI) was employed to assess pancreatic β-cell function. A total of 6168 participants were included in this study. Results: NAFLD participants had much higher HOMA2-%B (weighted mean, 124.1; standard error, 1.8) than the non-NAFLD participants (weighted mean, 100.7; standard error, 0.9). However, when evaluating the β-cell function in the context of insulin resistance by using DI index, DI levels were much lower in NAFLD subjects (weighted mean, 79.5; standard error, 1.0) compared to non-NAFLD (weighted mean, 95.0; standard error, 0.8). Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that DI was inversely associated with NAFLD prevalence. The adjusted OR (95% CI) for quartile 1 versus quartile 4 was 1.81 (1.31–2.50) (p < 0.001 for trend). Moreover, DI was also inversely associated with the presence of moderate to severe hepatic steatosis. The multivariable-adjusted ORs across quartiles of DI were 2.47, 1.44, 0.96 and 1.00 for the presence of moderate to severe hepatic steatosis (p < 0.001 for trend). Conclusions: Pancreatic β-cell function might be a new predictor for the presence of NAFLD, and insufficient compensatory β-cell function is associated with NAFLD.
Non-Assembled ORF2 Capsid Protein of Porcine Circovirus 2b Does Not Confer Protective Immunity
Authors: Guarneri Flavia , Tonni Matteo , Sarli Giuseppe , Boniotti Maria Beatrice , Lelli Davide , Barbieri Ilaria , D’Annunzio Giulia , Alborali Giovanni Loris , Bacci Barbara , Amadori Massimo
Published: September 2021

Porcine Circovirus 2 (PCV2) vaccines are based on either inactivated whole virion, or recombinant ORF2 capsid protein assembled into Virus-like Particles (VLPs). No data are available about the immunizing properties of free, non-assembled capsid protein. To investigate this issue, ORF2 of a reference PCV2b strain was expressed in a Baculovirus-based expression system without assembly into VLPs. The free purified protein was formulated into an oil vaccine at three distinct Ag payloads: 10.8/3.6/1.2 micrograms/dose. Each dose was injected intramuscularly into five, 37-day old piglets, carefully matched for maternally-derived antibody. Five control piglets were injected with sterile PBS in oil adjuvant. Twenty-eight days later, all the pigs were challenged intranasally with 105.3 TCID50 of PCV2b strain DV6503. After challenge infection, all the pigs remained in good clinical conditions. The recombinant vaccine did not induce significant antibody and PCV2-specific IFN-γ responses. ELISPOT and lymphocyte proliferation data confirmed poor induction of cell-mediated immunity. In terms of PCV2 viremia, there was no significant difference between vaccinated and control animals. The histological data indicated the absence of a detectable viral load and of PCVAD lesions in both vaccinated and control animals, as well as of histiocytes and multi-nucleated giant cells. We conclude that free, non-assembled ORF2 capsid protein does not induce protective immunity.
Enteric Tuft Cells in Host-Parasite Interactions
Authors: Rajeev Sruthi , Sosnowski Olivia , Li Shuhua , Allain Thibault , Buret André G. , McKay Derek M.
Published: September 2021

Enteric tuft cells are chemosensory epithelial cells gaining attention in the field of host-parasite interactions. Expressing a repertoire of chemosensing receptors and mediators, these cells have the potential to detect lumen-dwelling helminth and protozoan parasites and coordinate epithelial, immune, and neuronal cell defenses against them. This review highlights the versatility of enteric tuft cells and sub-types thereof, showcasing nuances of tuft cell responses to different parasites, with a focus on helminths reflecting the current state of the field. The role of enteric tuft cells in irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease and intestinal viral infection is assessed in the context of concomitant infection with parasites. Finally, the review presents pertinent questions germane to understanding the enteric tuft cell and its role in enteric parasitic infections. There is much to be done to fully elucidate the response of this intriguing cell type to parasitic-infection and there is negligible data on the biology of the human enteric tuft cell—a glaring gap in knowledge that must be filled.
Flavanonol Glycosides from the Stems of Myrsine seguinii and Their Neuroprotective Activities
Authors: Lee Hee-Ju , Park Eun-Jin , Lee Ba-Wool , Cho Hyo-Moon , Pham Thi-Linh-Giang , Hoang Quynh-Hoa , Pan Cheol-Ho , Oh Won-Keun
Published: September 2021

The accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides is common in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease, who are characterized by neurological cognitive impairment. In the search for materials with inhibitory activity against the accumulation of the Aβ peptide, seven undescribed flavanonol glycosides (1–7) and five known compounds (8–12) were isolated from stems of Myrsine seguinii by HPLC-qTOF MS/MS-based molecular networking. Interestingly, this plant has been used as a folk medicine for the treatment of various inflammatory conditions. The chemical structures of the isolated compounds (1–12) were elucidated based on spectroscopic data, including 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HRESIMS) and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data. Compounds 2, 6 and 7 showed neuroprotective activity against Aβ-induced cytotoxicity in Aβ42-transfected HT22 cells.
Generation of Energetic Highly Elliptical Extreme Ultraviolet Radiation
Authors: Vassakis Emmanouil , Orfanos Ioannis , Liontos Ioannis , Skantzakis Emmanouil
Published: September 2021

In this study, the generation of energetic coherent extreme ultraviolet (XUV) radiation with the potential for controlled polarization is reported. The XUV radiation results from the process of high harmonic generation (HHG) in a gas phase atomic medium, driven by an intense two-color circularly polarized counter-rotating laser field, under loose focusing geometry conditions. The energy of the XUV radiation emitted per laser pulse is found to be of the order of ~100 nJ with the spectrum spanning from 17 to 26 eV. The demonstrated energy values (along with tight XUV focusing geometries) are sufficient to induce nonlinear processes. Our results challenge current perspectives regarding ultrafast investigations of chiral phenomena in the XUV spectral region.
Slavery, the Hebrew Bible and the Development of Racial Theories in the Nineteenth Century
Authors: Burrell Kevin
Published: September 2021

Racial ideas which developed in the modern west were forged with reference to a Christian worldview and informed by the Bible, particularly the Old Testament. Up until Darwin’s scientific reframing of the origins debate, European and American race scientists were fundamentally Christian in their orientation. This paper outlines how interpretations of the Hebrew Bible within this Christian Weltanschauung facilitated the development and articulation of racial theories which burgeoned in western intellectual discourse up to and during the 19th century. The book of Genesis was a particular seedbed for identity politics as the origin stories of the Hebrew Bible were plundered in service of articulating a racial hierarchy which justified both the place of Europeans at the pinnacle of divine creation and the denigration, bestialization, and enslavement of Africans as the worst of human filiation. That the racial ethos of the period dictated both the questions exegetes posed and the conclusions they derived from the text demonstrates that biblical interpretation within this climate was never an innocuous pursuit, but rather reflected the values and beliefs current in the social context of the exegete.
Hyperspectral Image Classification Based on Sparse Superpixel Graph
Authors: Zhao Yifei , Yan Fengqin
Published: September 2021

Hyperspectral image (HSI) classification is one of the major problems in the field of remote sensing. Particularly, graph-based HSI classification is a promising topic and has received increasing attention in recent years. However, graphs with pixels as nodes generate large size graphs, thus increasing the computational burden. Moreover, satisfactory classification results are often not obtained without considering spatial information in constructing graph. To address these issues, this study proposes an efficient and effective semi-supervised spectral-spatial HSI classification method based on sparse superpixel graph (SSG). In the constructed sparse superpixels graph, each vertex represents a superpixel instead of a pixel, which greatly reduces the size of graph. Meanwhile, both spectral information and spatial structure are considered by using superpixel, local spatial connection and global spectral connection. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, three real hyperspectral images, Indian Pines, Pavia University and Salinas, are chosen to test the performance of our proposal. Experimental results show that the proposed method has good classification completion on the three benchmarks. Compared with several competitive superpixel-based HSI classification approaches, the method has the advantages of high classification accuracy (>97.85%) and rapid implementation (<10 s). This clearly favors the application of the proposed method in practice.
Changes in Urban Mobility Related to the Public Bike System with Regard to Weather Conditions and Statutory Retail Restrictions
Authors: Borowska-Stefańska Marta , Mikusova Miroslava , Kowalski Michał , Kurzyk Paulina , Wiśniewski Szymon
Published: September 2021

The main purpose of the paper is to determine changes in transport behaviour of users of the public bike-share (PBS) scheme in a large Polish city, Łódź. By tracking GPS signals for individual trips taken by PBS users, it was possible to analyse their changeability (time and spatial) for periods before the implementation of statutory Sunday retail restrictions (2017) and after their partial introduction (2018). The study also took into account weather conditions, namely maximum and minimum daily temperatures and daily totals of precipitation recorded by a weather station in Łodź. In order to determine the correlations between certain weather conditions and PBS trips, the authors applied regression analysis. The results of the study showed that weekend cycling is less susceptible to the impact of weather than cycling on weekdays. At the same time, a comparative analysis of trading and non-trading Sundays proved that, during Sundays with retail restrictions, public bikes were used for longer, farther, and slower trips. These observations were confirmed by analyses of maps of traffic structure.
Research on Frequency Doubling Effect of Thermoacoustic Speaker Based on Graphene Film
Authors: Deng Licheng , He Xingyue , He Surong , Ren Qingying , Zhao Jiang , Wang Debo
Published: September 2021

In this work, the frequency doubling effect of thermoacoustic speakers is studied, and a method is analyzed to suppress the frequency doubling effect. Three cases were analyzed by superimposing the DC bias on the AC excitation: (1) DC is less than AC; (2) DC is equal to AC; (3) DC is greater than AC. We found that the frequency doubling effect can be well suppressed by superimposing a larger DC excitation on the AC excitation. The laser scribing technology was used to prepare graphene film in only one step, and the screen printing technology was used to prepare conductive electrodes. The microphone and B&K system was used to record the sound pressure level and study the suppression of frequency doubling effect. Finally, the sound pressure levels with the three different kinds of excitations were measured. The measured results show that they have a good agreement with the theoretical results. The suppression effect will be better when DC amplitude is greater than AC amplitude. Therefore, this work has certain reference significance for the further study and application of thermoacoustic speakers.
Energy-Efficient Wireless Weight Sensor for Remote Beehive Monitoring
Authors: Bratek Piotr , Dziurdzia Piotr
Published: September 2021

This paper proposes a new approach to the construction of an autonomous weight sensor for electronic beehive scales, constituting a crucial part in equipment used in the modern beekeeping economy. The main goal of this work is to demonstrate a methodology at the preliminary design stage leading to saving scarce energy resources necessary for the remote operation of a wireless network of beehives. The main findings of the work, achieved results, and identified threats for beekeeping scales operating in the real environment are also shown. The results presented in the article are based on actual data collected and recorded from several dozen beekeeping scales operating in the natural environment over a period of several years.
Surface Modification Enabling Reproducible Cantilever Functionalization for Industrial Gas Sensors
Authors: Mamou Daniel , Nsubuga Lawrence , Lisboa Marcondes Tatiana , Høegh Simon Overgaard , Hvam Jeanette , Niekiel Florian , Lofink Fabian , Rubahn Horst-Günter , de Oliveira Hansen Roana
Published: September 2021

Micro-cantilever sensors are a known reliable tool for gas sensing in industrial applications. We have demonstrated the application of cantilever sensors on the detection of a meat freshness volatile biomarker (cadaverine), for determination of meat and fish precise expiration dates. For achieving correct target selectivity, the cantilevers need to be functionalized with a cadaverine-selective binder, based on a cyclam-derivative. Cantilever surface properties such as surface energy strongly influence the binder morphology and material clustering and, therefore, target binding. In this paper, we explore how chemical and physical surface treatments influence cantilever surface, binder morphology/clustering and binding capabilities. Sensor measurements with non-controlled surface properties are presented, followed by investigations on the binder morphology versus surface energy and cadaverine capture. We demonstrated a method for hindering binder crystallization on functionalized surfaces, leading to reproducible target capture. The results show that cantilever surface treatment is a promising method for achieving a high degree of functionalization reproducibility for industrial cantilever sensors, by controlling binder morphology and uniformity.
Motion Control of a Gecko-like Robot Based on a Central Pattern Generator
Authors: Han Qing , Cao Feixiang , Yi Peng , Li Tiancheng
Published: September 2021

To solve the problem of the motion control of gecko-like robots in complex environments, a central pattern generator (CPG) network model of motion control was designed. The CPG oscillation model was first constructed using a sinusoidal function, resulting in stable rhythm control signals for each joint of the gecko-like robot. Subsequently, the gecko-like robot successfully walked, crossed obstacles and climbed steps in the vertical plane, based on stable rhythm control signals. Both simulations and experiments validating the feasibility of the proposed CPG motion control model are presented.
A Two-Axis Piezoresistive Force Sensing Tool for Microgripping
Authors: Tiwari Bhawnath , Billot Margot , Clévy Cédric , Agnus Joël , Piat Emmanuel , Lutz Philippe
Published: September 2021

Force sensing has always been an important necessity in making decisions for manipulation. It becomes more appealing in the micro-scale context, especially where the surface forces become predominant. In addition, the deformations happening at the very local level are often coupled, and therefore providing multi-axis force sensing capabilities to microgripper becomes an important necessity. The manufacturing of a multi-axis instrumented microgripper comprises several levels of complexity, especially when it comes to the single wafer fabrication of a sensing and actuation mechanism. To address these requirements, in this work, an instrumented two-axis force sensing tool is proposed, which can then be integrated with the appropriate actuators for microgripping. Indeed, based on the task, the gripper design and shape requirements may differ. To cover wide needs, a versatile manufacturing strategy comprising of the separate fabrication of the passive and sensing parts was especially investigated. At the microscale, signal processing brings additional challenges, especially when we are dealing with multi-axis sensing. Therefore, a proper device, with efficient and appropriate systems and signal processing integration, is highly important. To keep these requirements in consideration, a dedicated clean-room based micro-fabrication of the devices and corresponding electronics to effectively process the signals are presented in this work. The fabricated sensing part can be assembled with wide varieties of passive parts to have different sensing tools as well as grippers. This force sensing tool is based upon the piezoresistive principle, and is experimentally demonstrated with a sensing capability up to 9 mN along the two axes with a resolution of 20 μN. The experimental results validate the measurement error within 1%. This work explains the system design, its working principle, FEM analysis, its fabrication and assembly, followed by the experimental validation of its performance. Moreover, the use of the proposed sensing tool for an instrumented gripper was also discussed and demonstrated with a micrograsping and release task.
Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure and Financial Performance: The Mediating Role of Financial Statement Comparability
Authors: Thuy Cao Thi Mien , Khuong Nguyen Vinh , Canh Nguyen Thi , Liem Nguyen Thanh
Published: September 2021

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure and financial performance with the consideration of the mediating role of financial statement comparability (FSC) for a sample of Vietnamese listed firms. We used content analysis of the information related to the GRI Standards on annual reports in order to construct CSR disclosure score. We used a dataset of 1125 firm-year observations, covering 225 firms listed on Vietnam’s stock market in the period 2014–2018. Applying OLS and GMM estimation methods, Sobel test, and using different proxies of the mediator variable to increase the robustness, we obtained two remarkable conclusions. First, CSR disclosure has a positive impact on the financial performance of listed companies in Vietnam. Second, there is a complementary mediation effect of financial statement comparability in the above relationship. Our results suggest that it is necessary to develop a legal framework for the practice and disclosure of CSR as well as to apply the international accounting standards in the Vietnamese stock market.
Simulation of Energy and Media Demand of Beverage Bottling Plants by Automatic Model Generation
Authors: Bär Raik Martin , Zeilmann Michael , Nophut Christoph , Kleinert Joachim , Beyer Karsten , Voigt Tobias
Published: September 2021

Facing environmental challenges, high energy costs and a growing public awareness, the global brewing industry is increasingly publishing ambitious targets toward a more sustainable production. Small and medium-sized enterprises of the brewing and beverage industry cannot ensure energy and media efficiency mainly due to capital and knowledge inadequacy. This article addresses this problem and presents a pragmatic method to determine the energy and media demand. Accordingly, a modeling editor as well as a standardized data structure and automatic simulation parameter determination tools were developed to implement the method. A given production plant can be modeled with adequate details using the presented editor. Based on a configuration file, a holistic simulation model can be generated automatically in a simulation environment. A beverage bottling plant was studied, and the necessary datasets were obtained for implementing the proposed editor and, thereby, the method. It was confirmed that the simulated values of electrical energy and compressed air consumption match the measured empirical data. The measures to increase energy and media efficiency were also found effective. Using the presented method, enterprises of the brewing and beverage industry can easily uncover avenues for potential savings, test the effectiveness of optimization strategies, and substantiate possible investment decisions.
Research on Comprehensive Evaluation and Coordinated Development of Water Resources Carrying Capacity in Qingjiang River Basin, China
Authors: Wei Yujie , Wang Ran , Zhuo Xin , Feng Haoying
Published: September 2021

The protection of a water resource’s ecological environment is one of the most important tasks in the watershed in China. The evaluation of water resources carrying capacity (WRCC) is the foundation for the suitability of territorial space development. It is necessary to further analyze the weaknesses of the coordinated development of various dimensions of WRCC and explore the basis of territorial space development and optimization. This paper considers Chinese unique policy tasks, namely, “three water management together”, the types of main function areas, “red lines” control, and national spatial suitability evaluation, to construct the evaluation index system of WRCC. Monomial evaluation, integrated evaluation, and coupling coordination analysis methods are used separately to evaluate the carrying index, comprehensive carrying index, and coupling coordination degree of WRCC in the Qingjiang River Basin. The results show that: (1) As far as monomial evaluation is concerned, water resource supplies are often overloaded on the overall economy, industrial, and agricultural development; (2) The comprehensive indices of WRCC of the counties in the southwest are obviously better than that of the counties in the northeast; (3) The degree of coupling coordination of WRCC in the Qingjiang River Basin is not high, and is essentially in the primary or barely coordinated level; (4) the short board of WRCC in the Qingjiang River Basin presents obvious spatial characteristics, which from west to east are water environment, water resources and water ecology lagging, respectively. This paper measures WRCC for industry, agriculture, life, and ecology, which is helpful in promoting the suitability evaluation of land space development. Meanwhile, the case study of the Qingjiang River Basin provides reference for other regions to implement the “double evaluation”.
Using Spatial Patterns of COVID-19 to Build a Framework for Economic Reactivation
Authors: Quiliche Renato , Rentería-Ramos Rafael , de Brito Junior Irineu , Luna Ana , Chong Mario
Published: September 2021

In this article, we propose an application of humanitarian logistics theory to build a supportive framework for economic reactivation and pandemic management based on province vulnerability against COVID-19. The main research question is which factors are related to COVID-19 mortality between Peruvian provinces? We conduct a spatial regression analysis to explore which factors determine the differences in COVID-19 cumulative mortality rates for 189 Peruvian provinces up to December 2020. The most vulnerable provinces are characterized by having low outcomes of long-run poverty and high population density. Low poverty means high economic activity, which leads to more deaths due to COVID-19. There is a lack of supply in the set of relief goods defined as Pandemic Response and Recovery Supportive Goods and Services (PRRSGS). These goods must be delivered in order to mitigate the risk associated with COVID-19. A supportive framework for economic reactivation can be built based on regression results and a delivery strategy can be discussed according to the spatial patterns that we found for mortality rates.
Digital Technology for Remote Hearing Assessment—Current Status and Future Directions for Consumers
Authors: De Sousa Karina C. , Moore David R. , Smits Cas , Swanepoel De Wet
Published: September 2021

Globally, more than 1.5 billion people have hearing loss. Unfortunately, most people with hearing loss reside in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where traditional face-to-face services rendered by trained health professionals are few and unequally dispersed. The COVID-19 pandemic has further hampered the effectiveness of traditional service delivery models to provide hearing care. Digital health technologies are strong enablers of hearing care and can support health delivery models that are more sustainable. The convergence of advancing technology and mobile connectivity is enabling new ways of providing decentralized hearing services. Recently, an abundance of digital applications that offer hearing tests directly to the public has become available. A growing body of evidence has shown the ability of several approaches to provide accurate, accessible, and remote hearing assessment to consumers. Further effort is needed to promote greater accuracy across a variety of test platforms, improve sensitivity to ear disease, and scale up hearing rehabilitation, especially in LMICs.