bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pathophysiology and Treatment Strategies of Acute Myopathy and Muscle Wasting after Sepsis
Authors: Mankowski Robert T. , Laitano Orlando , Clanton Thomas L. , Brakenridge Scott C.
Published: April 2021

Sepsis survivors experience a persistent myopathy characterized by skeletal muscle weakness, atrophy, and an inability to repair/regenerate damaged or dysfunctional myofibers. The origins and mechanisms of this persistent sepsis-induced myopathy are likely complex and multifactorial. Nevertheless, the pathobiology is thought to be triggered by the interaction between circulating pathogens and impaired muscle metabolic status. In addition, while in the hospital, septic patients often experience prolonged periods of physical inactivity due to bed rest, which may exacerbate the myopathy. Physical rehabilitation emerges as a potential tool to prevent the decline in physical function in septic patients. Currently, there is no consensus regarding effective rehabilitation strategies for sepsis-induced myopathy. The optimal timing to initiate the rehabilitation intervention currently lacks consensus as well. In this review, we summarize the evidence on the fundamental pathobiological mechanisms of sepsis-induced myopathy and discuss the recent evidence on in-hospital and post-discharge rehabilitation as well as other potential interventions that may prevent physical disability and death of sepsis survivors.
Structural Optimization of Locally Continuous Fiber-Reinforcements for Short Fiber-Reinforced Plastics
Authors: Mehl Konstantin , Schmeer Sebastian , Motsch-Eichmann Nicole , Bauer Philipp , Müller Ingolf , Hausmann Joachim
Published: April 2021

The integration of continuous fiber-reinforced structures into short or long fiber-reinforced plastics allows a significant increase in stiffness and strength. In order to make the best possible use of the high stiffness and strength of continuous fiber-reinforcements, they must be placed in the direction of load in the most stressed areas. A frequently used tool for identifying the most heavily loaded areas is topology optimization. Commercial topology optimization programs usually do not take into account the material properties associated with continuous fiber-reinforced hybrid structures. The anisotropy of the reinforcing material and the stiffness of the base material surrounding the reinforcement are not considered during topology optimization, but only in subsequent steps. Therefore in this publication, existing optimization methods for hybrid and anisotropic materials are combined to a new approach, which takes into account both the anisotropy of the continuous fiber-reinforcement and the stiffness of the base material. The results of the example calculations not only show an increased stiffness at the same material input but also a simplification of the resulting reinforcement structures, which allows more economical manufacturing.
Compatibility of Beauveria bassiana and a Plant Secondary Metabolite: A Novel Modeling Approach to Invade Host Defense for Effective Control of Oligonychus afrasiaticus (McGregor) on Date Palms
Authors: Hussain Abid
Published: April 2021

Oligonychus afrasiaticus (McGregor) is an important pest causing substantial economic losses to date palm fruits (dates). The application of mycopathogens with plant secondary metabolites, which may proceed synergistically is thus essential to augment sustainable management strategy for O. afrasiaticus. In this regard, extensive laboratory experimentation involving compatibility, synergism, and host defense was performed to develop stable pest management option. The toxin-pathogen compatibility assay results revealed compatible interaction (biological index = 79–95) of B. bassiana ARSEF 8465 against each tested concentration of commercially available (+)-α-Pinene that provide the opportunity to further explore the time and concentration dependent mortality and defense related enzymatic regulation analysis. The time-mortality response assays that mainly comprised of various proportions of B. bassiana ARSEF 8465 and (+)-α-Pinene revealed that the sole application of B. bassiana ARSEF 8465 (LC50 = 19.16 mg/mL), and (+)-α-Pinene (3.41 mg/mL) found to be least lethal compared with joint applications (LC50 ranged from 1.32–7.06 mg/mL). The treatments complied under Scheme IV (80% (+)-α-Pinene: 20% B. bassiana ARSEF 8465 Conidia) led to strong synergistic interaction (joint toxicity = 755). In addition, synergistic interactions greatly induced enzymatic activities of the studied antioxidants (CAT and SOD), and defense-related enzymes (GST and AchE). We concluded that join application of B. bassiana ARSEF 8465 and (+)-α-Pinene is a promising option for controlling Oligonychus afrasiaticus populations.
Transcranial Magnetic Resonance-Guided Focused Ultrasound in X-Linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism
Authors: Jamora Roland Dominic G. , Chang Wei-Chieh , Taira Takaomi
Published: April 2021

X-linked dystonia-parkinsonism (XDP) is a neurodegenerative condition found among males with maternal ancestry from Panay Island, Philippines. The treatment options are limited. We report on our experience of three XDP patients who underwent transcranial magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (tcMRgFUS) pallidothalamic tractotomy. The three patients were all genetically confirmed XDP, with a mean XDP-Movement Disorder Society of the Philippines (MDSP) Scale score of 68.7/200. All patients were on stable doses of their oral medications and their last botulinum toxin injection was 12 months prior to study. Two patients complained of moderate to severe arm pain 2–7 months after the procedure. There was an overall improvement in the XDP-MDSP Scale score of 36.2% (18.7 vs. 15) at 6 months and 30.1% (68.7 vs. 45.5) at 1 year. Notably, there was worsening of the nonmotor subscale (part IIIB, nonbehavioral aspect) by 350% at 1 year. While these numbers are encouraging, there is a need to do a larger study on the safety and efficacy of tcMRgFUS on XDP.
Treatment of Unicompartmental Cartilage Defects of the Knee with Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty, Patellofemoral Partial Knee Arthroplasty or Focal Resurfacing
Authors: Springer Bernhard , Boettner Friedrich
Published: April 2021

Focal chondral defects are common lesions of the articular cartilage. They are predominantly found on the medial femoral condyle and often progress to osteoarthritis of the knee. Various conservative treatment options are available. The conservative treatment might reduce pain and delay the progress of degenerative processes. However, restoration of the articular cartilage cannot be accomplished. If the conservative treatment fails unicompartmental arthroplasty, patellofemoral joint replacement or focal resurfacing are reasonable options to postpone total knee arthroplasty. A careful patient selection before surgery is crucial for all three treatment options. The following overview reports indications and outcomes of medial partial knee replacement, patellofemoral partial knee replacement, and focal resurfacing treatment options for focal chondral defects.
Thromboembolic Complications in Covid-19: From Clinical Scenario to Laboratory Evidence
Authors: Palazzuoli Alberto , Giustozzi Michela , Ruocco Gaetano , Tramonte Francesco , Gronda Edoardo , Agnelli Giancarlo
Published: April 2021

SARS-Cov-2 infection, a pandemic disease since March 2020, is associated with a high percentage of cardiovascular complications mainly of a thromboembolic (TE) nature. Although clinical patterns have been described for the assessment of patients with increased risk, many TE complications occur in patients with apparently moderate risk. Notably, a recent statement from the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) atherosclerosis and vascular biology working group pointed out the key role of vascular endothelium for the recruitment of inflammatory and thrombotic pathways responsible for both disseminated intravascular coagulation and cardiovascular complications. Therefore, a better understanding of the pathophysiological process linking infection to increased TE risk is needed in order to understand the pathways of this dangerous liaison and possibly interrupt it with appropriate treatment. In this review, we describe the histological lesions and the related blood coagulation mechanisms involved in COVID-19, we define the laboratory parameters and clinical risk factors associated with TE events, and propose a prophylactic anticoagulation treatment in relation to the risk category. Finally, we highlight the concept that a solid risk assessment based on prospective multi-center data would be the challenge for a more precise risk stratification and more appropriate treatment.
Effects of Concentration and Spin Speed on the Optical and Electrical Properties of Silver Nanowire Transparent Electrodes
Authors: Li Xiaopeng , Zhou Jiayue , Yan Dejun , Peng Yong , Wang Yong , Zhou Qi , Wang Kehong
Published: April 2021

In this paper, silver nanowires (AgNWs) with a diameter of 40 nm and a length of 45 μm were dispersed into an ethanol solution to prepare AgNW solutions with concentrations of 1, 2, and 3 mg/mL, respectively. The AgNW solutions were then deposited on a glass substrate using spin-coating at 1000, 2000, and 3000 rpm for 45 s, respectively, to prepare transparent electrodes. The results showed that the distribution of AgNWs on the substrate increased in density with the increase in the AgNW solution concentration and the decrease in spin speed. The effect of concentration on the distribution of AgNWs was greater than that of the spin speed. The transmittance of each electrode was between 84.19% and 88.12% at 550 nm, the average sheet resistance was between 20.09 and 358.11 Ω/sq, the highest figure of merit (FoM) was 104.42, and the lowest haze value was 1.48%. The electrode prepared at 1000 rpm with a concentration of 2 mg/mL and that prepared at 3000 rpm with a concentration of 3 mg/mL were very similar in terms of the average sheet resistance, transmittance at 550 nm, FoM, and haze value; thus, these two electrodes could be considered equivalent. The haze value of the electrode was positively correlated with the spin speed at low concentration, but that relationship became inverse as the concentration rose. For the AgNWs used in this experiment with an aspect ratio of 1125, the concentration of the AgNW solution should reach at least 2 mg/mL to ensure that the FoM of the electrode is greater than 35.
Evolution of the Numerical Model Describing the Distribution of Non-Metallic Inclusions in the Tundish
Authors: Merder Tomasz , Pieprzyca Jacek , Warzecha Marek , Warzecha Piotr , Hutny Artur
Published: April 2021

Continuous casting is one of the steel production stages, during which the improvement in the metallurgical purity of steel can be additionally affected by removing nonmetallic inclusions (NMIs). This can be achieved by means of various types of flow controllers, installed in the working space of the tundish. The change in the steel flow structure, caused by those flow controllers, should lead to an intensification of NMIs removal from the liquid metal to the slag. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the behavior of nonmetallic inclusions during the flow of liquid steel through the tundish, and particularly during their distribution. The presented paper reports the results of the modeling studies of NMI distribution in liquid steel, flowing through the tundish. CFD modeling methods—using different models and computation variants—were employed in the study. The obtained CFD results were compared with the results of laboratory tests (using a tundish water model). The results of the performed investigations allow us to compare both methods of modeling; the investigated phenomena were microparticle distribution and mass microparticle concentration in the model fluid. The validation of the CFD results verified the analyzed computation variants. The aim of the research was to determine which numerical model is the best for describing the studied phenomenon. This will be used as the first phase of a larger research program which will provide for a comprehensive study of the distribution of NMIs flowing through tundish steel.
Structural Characterization of Al0.37In0.63N/AlN/p-Si (111) Heterojunctions Grown by RF Sputtering for Solar Cell Applications
Authors: Núñez-Cascajero Arántzazu , Naranjo Fernando B. , de la Mata María , Molina Sergio I.
Published: April 2021

Compact Al0.37In0.63N layers were grown by radiofrequency sputtering on bare and 15 nm-thick AlN-buffered Si (111) substrates. The crystalline quality of the AlInN layers was studied by high-resolution X-ray diffraction measurements and transmission electron microscopy. Both techniques show an improvement of the structural properties when the AlInN layer is grown on a 15 nm-thick AlN buffer. The layer grown on bare silicon exhibits a thin amorphous interfacial layer between the substrate and the AlInN, which is not present in the layer grown on the AlN buffer layer. A reduction of the density of defects is also observed in the layer grown on the AlN buffer.
Fe/Mn Multilayer Nanowires as High-Performance T1-T2 Dual Modal MRI Contrast Agents
Authors: Cao Xiaoming , Gu Liyuan , Hu Shike , Mukhtar Aiman , Wu Kaiming
Published: April 2021

A lot of nanomaterials are using T1-T2 dual mode magnetic resonance (MR) contrast agents (CAs), but multilayer nanowire (NW) with iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) as T1-T2 dual modal CAs has not been reported yet. Herein, we synthesized a Fe/Mn multilayer NW with an adjustable Fe layer, as T1-T2 dual-mode CAs. The relaxation performance of Fe/Mn multilayer NW was studied at 1.5 T. Results show that, when the length of the Fe layer is about 10 nm and the Mn is about 5 nm, the r1 value (21.8 mM−1s−1) and r2 value (74.8 mM−1s−1) of the Fe/Mn multilayer NW are higher than that of Mn NW (3.7 mM−1s−1) and Fe NW (59.3 mM−1s−1), respectively. We predict that our Fe/Mn multilayer NW could be used as T1-T2 dual mode MRI CAs in the near future.
Feature Engineering for Surrogate Models of Consolidation Degree in Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Roy Mriganka , Wodo Olga
Published: April 2021

Surrogate models (SM) serve as a proxy to the physics- and experiment-based models to significantly lower the cost of prediction while providing high accuracy. Building an SM for additive manufacturing (AM) process suffers from high dimensionality of inputs when part geometry or tool-path is considered in addition to the high cost of generating data from either physics-based models or experiments. This paper engineers features for a surrogate model to predict the consolidation degree in the fused filament fabrication process. Our features are informed by the physics of the underlying thermal processes and capture the characteristics of the part’s geometry and the deposition process. Our model is learned from medium-size data generated using a physics-based thermal model coupled with the polymer healing theory to determine the consolidation degree. Our results demonstrate high accuracy (>90%) of consolidation degree prediction at a low computational cost (four orders of magnitude faster than the numerical model).
Effect of Oxygen Content on Microstructure and Tensile Properties of a 22Cr-5Al ODS Steel
Authors: Zhang Yukun , Yan Yingjie , Zhai Yazhong , Qin Wei , Che Hongyan , Wang Tiejun , Cao Rui
Published: April 2021

The high tensile strength and irradiation resistance of oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) ferritic steels is attributed to the ultrafine and dispersed oxides within the matrix. The high content of oxygen and yttrium is critical for the formation of dense Y-rich oxides. However, only few studies have reported the effect of oxygen content on the microstructure and mechanical properties of ODS steels. Herein, we employed gas atomization reactive synthesis to prepare pre-alloy powders and then hot isostatic pressing (HIP) to consolidate two 22Cr-5Al ODS steels with different oxygen content. Our results showed Y-rich precipitates at and near grain boundaries of the as-HIPed alloys. Moreover, with the oxygen content increasing from 0.04 to 0.16 wt%, more precipitates precipitated in the as-HIPed alloy, and the ultimate tensile strength of the alloy was improved. However, increasing the oxygen content to 0.16 wt% led to formation of stripe and chain precipitates at and near grain boundaries, which caused a partial intergranular fracture of the as-HIPed alloy.
Higher Braid Groups and Regular Semigroups from Polyadic-Binary Correspondence
Authors: Duplij Steven
Published: April 2021

In this note, we first consider a ternary matrix group related to the von Neumann regular semigroups and to the Artin braid group (in an algebraic way). The product of a special kind of ternary matrices (idempotent and of finite order) reproduces the regular semigroups and braid groups with their binary multiplication of components. We then generalize the construction to the higher arity case, which allows us to obtain some higher degree versions (in our sense) of the regular semigroups and braid groups. The latter are connected with the generalized polyadic braid equation and R-matrix introduced by the author, which differ from any version of the well-known tetrahedron equation and higher-dimensional analogs of the Yang-Baxter equation, n-simplex equations. The higher degree (in our sense) Coxeter group and symmetry groups are then defined, and it is shown that these are connected only in the non-higher case.
Towards a Methodology for Component Design of Metallic AM Parts Subjected to Cyclic Loading
Authors: Zerbst Uwe , Madia Mauro , Bruno Giovanni , Hilgenberg Kai
Published: April 2021

The safe fatigue design of metallic components fabricated by additive manufacturing (AM) is still a largely unsolved problem. This is primarily due to (a) a significant inhomogeneity of the material properties across the component; (b) defects such as porosity and lack of fusion as well as pronounced surface roughness of the as-built components; and (c) residual stresses, which are very often present in the as-built parts and need to be removed by post-fabrication treatments. Such morphological and microstructural features are very different than in conventionally manufactured parts and play a much bigger role in determining the fatigue life. The above problems require specific solutions with respect to the identification of the critical (failure) sites in AM fabricated components. Moreover, the generation of representative test specimens characterized by similar temperature cycles needs to be guaranteed if one wants to reproducibly identify the critical sites and establish fatigue assessment methods taking into account the effect of defects on crack initiation and early propagation. The latter requires fracture mechanics-based approaches which, unlike common methodologies, cover the specific characteristics of so-called short fatigue cracks. This paper provides a discussion of all these aspects with special focus on components manufactured by laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF). It shows how to adapt existing solutions, identifies fields where there are still gaps, and discusses proposals for potential improvement of the damage tolerance design of L-PBF components.
Coating Technologies for Copper Based Antimicrobial Active Surfaces: A Perspective Review
Authors: Bharadishettar Naveen , Bhat K Udaya , Bhat Panemangalore Devadas
Published: April 2021

Microbial contamination of medical devices and treatment rooms leads to several detrimental hospital and device-associated infections. Antimicrobial copper coatings are a new approach to control healthcare-associated infections (HAI’s). This review paper focuses on the efficient methods for depositing highly adherent copper-based antimicrobial coatings onto a variety of metal surfaces. Antimicrobial properties of the copper coatings produced by various deposition methods including thermal spray technique, electrodeposition, electroless plating, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), physical vapor deposition (PVD), and sputtering techniques are compared. The coating produced using different processes did not produce similar properties. Also, process parameters often could be varied for any given coating process to impart a change in structure, topography, wettability, hardness, surface roughness, and adhesion strength. In turn, all of them affect antimicrobial activity. Fundamental concepts of the coating process are described in detail by highlighting the influence of process parameters to increase antimicrobial activity. The strategies for developing antimicrobial surfaces could help in understanding the mechanism of killing the microbes.
Experimental Investigation of Al-CuMgMn Alloy Developed by Laser Beam Surface Modification for Wear Resistance
Authors: Tolcha Mesay Alemu , Gutu Jiru Moera , Lemu Hirpa Gelgele
Published: April 2021

Laser surface alloying is one of the recent technologies used in the manufacturing sector for improving the surface properties of metals. Aluminum alloys are key materials in the manufacturing sector. This favors their high demand in many industries. In this study investigation, the surface alloying of pure aluminum was conducted using a CO2 laser. Four types of alloying powders were used with a 2:1:1 combination of copper, magnesium, and manganese. The hardness of the alloyed zones of Al-CuMgMn increased by 2 to 7 times at a 1.7 kW processing laser power. To assess the rate of wear for the alloyed samples, a modified Lancaster wear coefficient was considered. When the pin-on-disc wear test at 10 N and 20 N loads was analyzed with different sliding speeds, a reduction in wear by 30–50% appeared due to surface alloying. The result shows good insight into the wear behavior. In the same way, microstructure and surface morphology studies displayed a good metallurgical bonding without defects. In a statistical sense, the friction and wear behavior matched with an asperity-based model. The experimental results revealed that laser surface alloy has more wear resistance.
Load Characteristics in Taylor Impact Test on Projectiles with Various Nose Shapes
Authors: Li Jun-Cheng , Chen Gang , Huang Feng-Lei , Lu Yong-Gang
Published: April 2021

This study focused on the impact load produced by a projectile and its potential application in the Taylor impact test. Taylor impact tests were designed and carried out for projectiles with four types of nose shapes, and the impact deformation characteristics and variation of the impact load as a function of the nose shape and impact velocity were studied. The overall high g loading experienced by the projectile body during the impact was discussed, and based on classical Taylor impact theory, impact analysis models for the various nose-shape projectiles were established and the causes of the different impact load pulse shapes were analyzed. This study reveals that the nose shape has a significant effect on the impact load waveform and pulse duration characteristics, while the impact velocity primarily affects the peak value of the impact load. Thus, the loading of specific impact environments could be regulated by the projectile nose shape design and impact velocity control, and the impact load could be simulated. Research results support the assumption that the Taylor impact test can be applied to high g loading test.
Induction and Resuscitation of Viable but Nonculturable Corynebacterium diphtheriae
Authors: Hamabata Takashi , Senoh Mitsutoshi , Iwaki Masaaki , Nishiyama Ayae , Yamamoto Akihiko , Shibayama Keigo
Published: April 2021

Many pathogenic bacteria, including Escherichia coli and Vibrio cholerae, can become viable but nonculturable (VBNC) following exposure to specific stress conditions. Corynebacterium diphtheriae, a known human pathogen causing diphtheria, has not previously been shown to enter the VBNC state. Here, we report that C. diphtheriae can become VBNC when exposed to low temperatures. Morphological differences in culturable and VBNC C. diphtheriae were examined using scanning electron microscopy. Culturable cells presented with a typical rod-shape, whereas VBNC cells showed a distorted shape with an expanded center. Cells could be transitioned from VBNC to culturable following treatment with catalase. This was further evaluated via RNA sequence-based transcriptomic analysis and reverse-transcription quantitative PCR of culturable, VBNC, and resuscitated VBNC cells following catalase treatment. As expected, many genes showed different behavior by resuscitation. The expression of both the diphtheria toxin and the repressor of diphtheria toxin genes remained largely unchanged under all four conditions (culturable, VBNC, VBNC after the addition of catalase, and resuscitated cells). This is the first study to demonstrate that C. diphtheriae can enter a VBNC state and that it can be rescued from this state via the addition of catalase. This study helps to expand our general understanding of VBNC, the pathogenicity of VBNC C. diphtheriae, and its environmental survival strategy.
LDPE Transformation by Exposure to Sequential Low-Pressure Plasma and TiO2/UV Photocatalysis
Authors: Gómez-Méndez Luis D. , Jiménez-Borrego Luis C. , Pérez-Flórez Alejandro , Poutou-Piñales Raúl A. , Pedroza-Rodríguez Aura M. , Salcedo-Reyes Juan C. , Vargas Andrés , Bogoya Johan M.
Published: April 2021

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) sheets (3.0 ± 0.1 cm) received sequential treatment, first by the action of direct-current low-pressure plasma (DC-LPP) with a 100% oxygen partial pressure, 3.0 × 10−2 mbar pressure, 600 V DC tension, 5.6 cm distance, 6-min treatment. Then, sheets were submitted to TiO2 photocatalysis at UV radiation at 254 nm (TiO2/UV) with a pH value of 4.5 ± 0.2 and a TiO2 concentration of 1 gL−1. We achieved a complementary effect on the transformation of LDPE films. With the first treatment, ablation was generated, which increased hydrophilicity. With the second treatment, the cavities appeared. The changes in the LDPE sheets’ hydrophobicity were measured using the static contact angle (SCA) technique. The photocatalytic degradation curve at 400 h revealed that the DC-LPP photocatalysis sequential process decreased SCA by 82°. This was achieved by the incorporation of polar groups, which increased hydrophilicity, roughness, and rigidity by 12 and 38%, respectively. These sequential processes could be employed for LDPE and other material biodegradation pretreatment.
Redox and Antioxidant Modulation of Circadian Rhythms: Effects of Nitroxyl, N-Acetylcysteine and Glutathione
Authors: Plano Santiago Andrés , Baidanoff Fernando Martín , Trebucq Laura Lucía , Suarez Sebastián Ángel , Doctorovich Fabio , Golombek Diego Andrés , Chiesa Juan José
Published: April 2021

The circadian clock at the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) entrains output rhythms to 24-h light cycles. To entrain by phase-advances, light signaling at the end of subjective night (circadian time 18, CT18) requires free radical nitric oxide (NO•) binding to soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) heme group, activating the cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-dependent protein kinase (PKG). Phase-delays at CT14 seem to be independent of NO•, whose redox-related species were yet to be investigated. Here, the one-electron reduction of NO• nitroxyl was pharmacologically delivered by Angeli’s salt (AS) donor to assess its modulation on phase-resetting of locomotor rhythms in hamsters. Intracerebroventricular AS generated nitroxyl at the SCN, promoting phase-delays at CT14, but potentiated light-induced phase-advances at CT18. Glutathione/glutathione disulfide (GSH/GSSG) couple measured in SCN homogenates showed higher values at CT14 (i.e., more reduced) than at CT18 (oxidized). In addition, administration of antioxidants N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and GSH induced delays per se at CT14 but did not affect light-induced advances at CT18. Thus, the relative of NO• nitroxyl generates phase-delays in a reductive SCN environment, while an oxidative favors photic-advances. These data suggest that circadian phase-locking mechanisms should include redox SCN environment, generating relatives of NO•, as well as coupling with the molecular oscillator.
Extraction and Natural Bioactive Molecules Characterization in Spinach, Kale and Purslane: A Comparative Study
Authors: Nemzer Boris , Al-Taher Fadwa , Abshiru Nebiyu
Published: April 2021

Leafy green vegetables contain essential nutrients and are frequently consumed for their perceived health benefits. The purpose of this study was to profile the nutritional and natural bioactive phytochemical compounds extracted from freeze-dried spinach and kale and compare them with our previously published freeze-dried purslane results. Novel research suggests that these leafy greens contain an abundance of fatty acids, amino acids, organic acids, vitamins, and minerals, which can reduce the risk of many chronic diseases. LC-MS/MS screening identified 69 and 103 compounds in spinach and kale, respectively, including flavonoids, glucosinolates, and phenolic and organic acids. Out of a total of 26 flavonoids identified in the current study, only three were found in spinach. All three leafy greens showed nutritional and health benefits and the unique phytochemical compounds found only in purslane provide a strong basis to incorporate its distinct dietary benefits.
Biological Properties and Applications of Betalains
Authors: Sadowska-Bartosz Izabela , Bartosz Grzegorz
Published: April 2021

Betalains are water-soluble pigments present in vacuoles of plants of the order Caryophyllales and in mushrooms of the genera Amanita, Hygrocybe and Hygrophorus. Betalamic acid is a constituent of all betalains. The type of betalamic acid substituent determines the class of betalains. The betacyanins (reddish to violet) contain a cyclo-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (cyclo-DOPA) residue while the betaxanthins (yellow to orange) contain different amino acid or amine residues. The most common betacyanin is betanin (Beetroot Red), present in red beets Beta vulgaris, which is a glucoside of betanidin. The structure of this comprehensive review is as follows: Occurrence of Betalains; Structure of Betalains; Spectroscopic and Fluorescent Properties; Stability; Antioxidant Activity; Bioavailability, Health Benefits; Betalains as Food Colorants; Food Safety of Betalains; Other Applications of Betalains; and Environmental Role and Fate of Betalains.
Chemical Degradation of Androgen Receptor (AR) Using Bicalutamide Analog–Thalidomide PROTACs
Authors: Kim Ga Yeong , Song Chae Won , Yang Yo-Sep , Lee Na-Rae , Yoo Hyung-Seok , Son Seung Hwan , Lee Soo Jin , Park Jong Seon , Lee Jong Kil , Inn Kyung-Soo , Kim Nam-Jung
Published: April 2021

A series of PROTACs (PROteolysis-TArgeting Chimeras) consisting of bicalutamide analogs and thalidomides were designed, synthesized, and biologically evaluated as novel androgen receptor (AR) degraders. In particular, we found that PROTAC compound 13b could successfully demonstrate a targeted degradation of AR in AR-positive cancer cells and might be a useful chemical probe for the investigation of AR-dependent cancer cells, as well as a potential therapeutic candidate for prostate cancers.
Synthesis, Quantification, and Characterization of Fatty Acid Amides from In Vitro and In Vivo Sources
Authors: Ni Ruidong , Bhandari Suzeeta , Mitchell Perry R. , Suarez Gabriela , Patel Neel B. , Lamb Kara , Bisht Kirpal S. , Merkler David J.
Published: April 2021

Fatty acid amides are a diverse family of underappreciated, biologically occurring lipids. Herein, the methods for the chemical synthesis and subsequent characterization of specific members of the fatty acid amide family are described. The synthetically prepared fatty acid amides and those obtained commercially are used as standards for the characterization and quantification of the fatty acid amides produced by biological systems, a fatty acid amidome. The fatty acid amidomes from mouse N18TG2 cells, sheep choroid plexus cells, Drosophila melanogaster, Bombyx mori, Apis mellifera, and Tribolium castaneum are presented.
Excessive Nitrogen Fertilization Favors the Colonization, Survival, and Development of Sogatella furcifera via Bottom-Up Effects
Authors: Li Zaiyuan , Xu Bo , Du Tianhua , Ma Yuekun , Tian Xiaohai , Wang Fulian , Wang Wenkai
Published: April 2021

Fertilization can trigger bottom-up effects on crop plant–insect pest interactions. The intensive use of nitrogen fertilizer has been a common practice in rice production, while the yield has long been challenged by the white-backed planthopper, Sogatella furcifera (Horváth). High nitrogen fertilization can facilitate S. furcifera infestation, however, how nitrogen fertilizer leads to high S. furcifera infestation and the nutritional interactions between rice and S. furcifera are poorly understood. Here, we evaluated the effects of various levels of nitrogen fertilizer application (0–350 kg/ha) on rice, and subsequently on S. furcifera performance. We found that higher nitrogen fertilizer application: (1) increases the preference of infestation behaviors (feeding and oviposition), (2) extends infestation time (adult lifespan), and (3) shortens generation reproduction time (nymph, pre-oviposition, and egg period), which explain the high S. furcifera infestation ratio on rice paddies under high nitrogen conditions. Moreover, high nitrogen fertilizer application increased all tested rice physical indexes (plant height, leaf area, and leaf width) and physiological indexes (chlorophyll content, water content, dry matter mass, and soluble protein content), except for leaf thickness, which was reduced. Correlation analysis indicated that the specific rice physical and/or physiological indexes were conducive to the increased infestation behavior preference, extended infestation time, and shortened generation reproduction time of S. furcifera. The results suggested that nitrogen fertilizer triggers bottom-up effects on rice and increases S. furcifera populations. The present study provides an insight into how excess nitrogen fertilization shapes rice–planthopper interactions and the consequent positive effect on S. furcifera infestation.
Gene Expression Analysis of Microtubers of Potato Solanum tuberosum L. Induced in Cytokinin Containing Medium and Osmotic Stress
Authors: Herrera-Isidron Lisset , Valencia-Lozano Eliana , Rosiles-Loeza Pablo Yamild , Robles-Hernández Maria Guadalupe , Napsuciale-Heredia Abigail , Cabrera-Ponce Jose Luis
Published: April 2021

Potato microtuber productions through in vitro techniques are ideal propagules for producing high quality seed potatoes. Microtuber development is influenced by several factors, i.e., high content sucrose and cytokinins are among them. To understand a molecular mechanism of microtuberization using osmotic stress and cytokinin signaling will help us to elucidate this process. We demonstrate in this work a rapid and efficient protocol for microtuber development and gene expression analysis. Medium with high content of sucrose and gelrite supplemented with 2iP as cytokinin under darkness condition produced the higher quantity and quality of microtubers. Gene expression analysis of genes involved in the two-component signaling system (StHK1), cytokinin signaling, (StHK3, StHP4, StRR1) homeodomains (WUSCHEL, POTH1, BEL5), auxin signaling, ARF5, carbon metabolism (TPI, TIM), protein synthesis, NAC5 and a morphogenetic regulator of tuberization (POTH15) was performed by qPCR real time. Differential gene expression was observed during microtuber development. Gene regulation of two component and cytokinin signaling is taking place during this developmental process, yielding more microtubers. Further analysis of each component is required to elucidate it.
Continuous Biodiesel Production from Waste Soybean Oil Using a Nano-Fe3O4 Microwave Catalysis
Authors: Lin Ching-Hsing , Chang Yi-Tang , Lai Mei-Chou , Chiou Tai-Ying , Liao Chien-Sen
Published: April 2021

In this study, we conducted an efficient microwave-assisted transesterification process combining homogeneous and heterogeneous catalytic phases to produce biodiesel from waste soybean oil. A cylindrical quartz reactor packed with nanoparticles of Fe3O4 as a co-catalyst was applied to improve the reaction. The process was carried out with a methanol-to-oil molar ratio of 6:1, power of 560 W, and residence time of 30 s. The specifications of the biodiesel produced in this study were compared with two standards, i.e., ASTM D6751 and EN 14214. We found that the continuous conversion of waste soybean oil to methyl ester was approximately 95%. The biodiesel showed a higher flash point and a higher carbon residue content than that of both standards, and the viscosity (5.356 mm2/s) and density (898.1 kg/m3) were both at a high level. Compared to a conventional heating plate, the energy consumption was significantly reduced by nearly 93%. It is expected that these findings will provide useful information for green and sustainable processes for the regeneration and reuse of oil.
Incentives for Plastic Recycling: How to Engage Citizens in Active Collection. Empirical Evidence from Spain
Authors: Gibovic Denisa , Bikfalvi Andrea
Published: April 2021

The recycling target for plastics is expected to increase Europe-wide from 22.5% to 55% by 2025, hence the relevance of incentive schemes and the need to reach conclusions about how to encourage families to recycle more. Following this objective, a pilot project was implemented and a virtual reward token called RECICLOS created to encourage recycling among families, using incentives and awards to improve recycling behaviour and a webapp prototype to register the recycled plastic. By the end of the 6-week pilot project, 1053 families were registered on the scheme, representing 10% of the targeted population in the pilot area of the county of Pla de l’Estany, Catalonia, Spain. The novelties were the introduction of a token, the gamification of incentives through raffles and lotteries, webapp-based direct communication with citizens, and feedback after collecting and registering the recycled material. The multidimensional aspects of recycling activities, their strong relation with human behavioural patterns, and the high demand for communication and interaction mean that mobile technologies find significant application in this field. The results show that people can be influenced and their recycling habits changed by means of varied, effective, and innovative incentive schemes.
Prototype Development of Small Mobile Robots for Mallard Navigation in Paddy Fields: Toward Realizing Remote Farming
Authors: Madokoro Hirokazu , Yamamoto Satoshi , Nishimura Yo , Nix Stephanie , Woo Hanwool , Sato Kazuhito
Published: April 2021

This study was conducted to develop robot prototypes of three models that navigate mallards to achieve high-efficiency rice-duck farming. We examined two robotics navigation approaches based on imprinting and feeding. As the first approach, we used imprinting applied to baby mallards. They exhibited follow behavior to our first prototype after imprinting. Experimentally obtained observation results revealed the importance of providing imprinting immediately up to one week after hatching. As another approach, we used feed placed on the top of our second prototype. Experimentally obtained results showed that adult mallards exhibited wariness not only against the robot, but also against the feeder. After relieving wariness with provision of more than one week time to become accustomed, adult mallards ate feed in the box on the robot. However, they ran away immediately at a slight movement. Based on this confirmation, we developed the third prototype as an autonomous mobile robot aimed for mallard navigation in a paddy field. The body width is less than the length between rice stalks. After checking the waterproof capability of a body waterproof box, we conducted an indoor driving test for manual operation. Moreover, we conducted outdoor evaluation tests to assess running on an actual paddy field. We developed indoor and outdoor image datasets using an onboard monocular camera. For the outdoor image datasets, our segmentation method based on SegNet achieved semantic segmentation for three semantic categories. For the indoor image datasets, our prediction method based on CNN and LSTM achieved visual prediction for three motion categories.
Diurnal Variation of the Diffuse Attenuation Coefficient for Downwelling Irradiance at 490 nm in Coastal East China Sea
Authors: Zhang Yu , Xu Zhantang , Yang Yuezhong , Wang Guifen , Zhou Wen , Cao Wenxi , Li Yang , Zheng Wendi , Deng Lin , Zeng Kai , Zhang Yinxue
Published: April 2021

The diurnal variation of the diffuse attenuation coefficient for downwelling irradiance at 490 nm (Kd(490)) has complex characteristics in the coastal regions. However, owing to the scarcity of in situ data, our knowledge on the diurnal variation is inadequate. In this study, an optical-buoy dataset was used to investigate the diurnal variation of Kd(490) in the coastal East China Sea, and to evaluate the Kd(490) L2 products of geostationary ocean color imager (GOCI), as well as the performance of six empirical algorithms for Kd(490) estimation in the Case-2 water. The results of validation show that there was high uncertainty in GOCI L2 Kd(490), with mean absolute percentage errors (MAPEs) of 69.57% and 68.86% and root mean square errors (RMSEs) of 0.70 and 0.71 m−1 compared to buoy-measured Kd12(490) and Kd13(490), respectively. Meanwhile, with the coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.71, as well as the lowest MAPE of 27.31% and RMSE of 0.29 m−1, the new dual ratio algorithm (NDRA) performed the best in estimating Kd(490) in the target area, among the six algorithms. Further, four main types of Kd(490) diurnal variation were found from buoy data, showing different variabilities compared to the area closer to the shore. One typical diurnal variation pattern showed that Kd(490) decreased at flood tide and increased at ebb tide, which was confirmed by GOCI images through the use of NDRA. Hydrometeorological factors influencing the diurnal variations of Kd(490) were also studied. In addition to verifying the predominant impact of tide, we found that the dominant effect of tide and wind on the water column is intensifying sediment resuspension, and the change of sediment transport produced by them are secondary to it.
An Improved Quadtree Sampling Method for InSAR Seismic Deformation Inversion
Authors: Gao Hua , Liao Mingsheng , Feng Guangcai
Published: April 2021

With the development of interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR), the seismic deformation observation density increases sharply. Data down-sampling can effectively reduce the observation density and the computational cost for subsequent researches. Considering the saliency of the deformation field, we introduce a saliency-based quadtree algorithm for down-sampling (SQS). Three simulation experiments show that SQS can effectively distinguish the near-field and far-field deformation, as well as reduce the amount of observation, while keeping the detailed information of the main deformation near the fault. SQS can avoid the interference of far-field local deformation better than the traditional quadtree sampling algorithm (QS), thus obtaining better inversion results. We took the Dingri earthquake on 20 March 2020 as a case study to verify the advantages of SQS in dealing with real earthquake deformation. We obtained the co-seismic deformation from the ascending and descending Sentinel-1 for the Dingri earthquake, using QS and SQS for sampling and inversion separately. The results show the advantages of SQS in data volume reduction, observation distribution, anti-interference of local deformation, and inversion accuracy. Our preferred solution based on SQS shows that the Dingri earthquake was caused by a normal fault slip. The main slip area is 2–5.5 km deep with a maximum slip of 0.68 m. The estimated geodetic moment is 3.14 × 1017 Nm, corresponding to a magnitude of Mw5.63.
Citizen Science Tools Reveal Changes in Estuarine Water Quality Following Demolition of Buildings
Authors: Menon Nandini , George Grinson , Ranith Rajamohananpillai , Sajin Velakandy , Murali Shreya , Abdulaziz Anas , Brewin Robert J. W. , Sathyendranath Shubha
Published: April 2021

Turbidity and water colour are two easily measurable properties used to monitor pollution. Here, we highlight the utility of a low-cost device—3D printed, hand-held Mini Secchi disk (3DMSD) with Forel-Ule (FU) colour scale sticker on its outer casing—in combination with a mobile phone application (‘TurbAqua’) that was provided to laymen for assessing the water quality of a shallow lake region after demolition of four high-rise buildings on the shores of the lake. The demolition of the buildings in January 2020 on the banks of a tropical estuary—Vembanad Lake (a Ramsar site) in southern India—for violation of Indian Coastal Regulation Zone norms created public uproar, owing to the consequences of subsequent air and water pollution. Measurements of Secchi depth and water colour using the 3DMSD along with measurements of other important water quality variables such as temperature, salinity, pH, and dissolved oxygen (DO) using portable instruments were taken for a duration of five weeks after the demolition to assess the changes in water quality. Paired t-test analyses of variations in water quality variables between the second week of demolition and consecutive weeks up to the fifth week showed that there were significant increases in pH, dissolved oxygen, and Secchi depth over time, i.e., the impact of demolition waste on the Vembanad Lake water quality was found to be relatively short-lived, with water clarity, colour, and DO returning to levels typical of that period of year within 4–5 weeks. With increasing duration after demolition, there was a general decrease in the FU colour index to 17 at most stations, but it did not drop to 15 or below, i.e., towards green or blue colour indicating clearer waters, during the sampling period. There was no significant change in salinity from the second week to the fifth week after demolition, suggesting little influence of other factors (e.g., precipitation or changes in tidal currents) on the inferred impact of demolition waste. Comparison with pre-demolition conditions in the previous year (2019) showed that the relative changes in DO, Secchi depth, and pH were very high in 2020, clearly depicting the impact of demolition waste on the water quality of the lake. Match-ups of the turbidity of the water column immediately before and after the demolition using Sentinel 2 data were in good agreement with the in situ data collected. Our study highlights the power of citizen science tools in monitoring lakes and managing water resources and articulates how these activities provide support to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets on Health (Goal 3), Water quality (Goal 6), and Life under the water (Goal 14).
Recent Advances in CRP Biosensor Based on Electrical, Electrochemical and Optical Methods
Authors: Noh Seungwoo , Kim Jinmyeong , Kim Gahyeon , Park Chulhwan , Jang Hongje , Lee Minho , Lee Taek
Published: April 2021

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase reactive protein that appears in the bloodstream in response to inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 produced by adipocytes and macrophages during the acute phase of the inflammatory/infectious process. CRP measurement is widely used as a representative acute and chronic inflammatory disease marker. With the development of diagnostic techniques measuring CRP more precisely than before, CRP is being used not only as a traditional biomarker but also as a biomarker for various diseases. The existing commercialized CRP assays are dominated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ELISA has high selectivity and sensitivity, but its limitations include requiring complex analytic processes, long analysis times, and professional manpower. To overcome these problems, nanobiotechnology is able to provide alternative diagnostic tools. By introducing the nanobio hybrid material to the CRP biosensors, CRP can be measured more quickly and accurately, and highly sensitive biosensors can be used as portable devices. In this review, we discuss the recent advancements in electrochemical, electricity, and spectroscopy-based CRP biosensors composed of biomaterial and nanomaterial hybrids.