bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Retinal Amyloid-β in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Overlapping Mechanisms and Emerging Clinical Applications
Authors: Wang Liang , Mao Xiaobo
Published: February 2021

Amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulations have been identified in the retina for neurodegeneration-associated disorders like Alzheimer’s disease (AD), glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Elevated retinal Aβ levels were associated with progressive retinal neurodegeneration, elevated cerebral Aβ accumulation, and increased disease severity with a decline in cognition and vision. Retinal Aβ accumulation and its pathological effects were demonstrated to occur prior to irreversible neurodegeneration, which highlights its potential in early disease detection and intervention. Using the retina as a model of the brain, recent studies have focused on characterizing retinal Aβ to determine its applicability for population-based screening of AD, which warrants a further understanding of how Aβ manifests between these disorders. While current treatments directly targeting Aβ accumulations have had limited results, continued exploration of Aβ-associated pathological pathways may yield new therapeutic targets for preserving cognition and vision. Here, we provide a review on the role of retinal Aβ manifestations in these distinct neurodegeneration-associated disorders. We also discuss the recent applications of retinal Aβ for AD screening and current clinical trial outcomes for Aβ-associated treatment approaches. Lastly, we explore potential future therapeutic targets based on overlapping mechanisms of pathophysiology in AD, glaucoma, and AMD.
Transient Vasodilation in Mouse 4T1 Tumors after Intragastric and Intravenous Administration of Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Brzoska Kamil , Szczygiel Małgorzata , Drzał Agnieszka , Sniegocka Martyna , Michalczyk-Wetula Dominika , Biela Eva , Elas Martyna , Kapka-Skrzypczak Lucyna , Lewandowska-Siwkiewicz Hanna , Urbańska Krystyna , Kruszewski Marcin
Published: February 2021

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are foreseen as a promising tool in nanomedicine, both as drug carriers and radiosensitizers. They have been also proposed as a potential anticancer drug due to the anti-angiogenic effect in tumor tissue. In this work we investigated the effect of citrate-coated AuNPs of nominal diameter 20 nm on the growth and metastatic potential of 4T1 cells originated from a mouse mammary gland tumor inoculated into the mammary fat pad of Balb/ccmdb mice. To evaluate whether AuNPs can prevent the tumor growth, one group of inoculated mice was intragastrically (i.g.) administered with 1 mg/kg of AuNPs daily from day 1 to day 14 after cancer cell implantation. To evaluate whether AuNPs can attenuate the tumor growth, the second group was intravenously (i.v.) administered with 1 or 5 mg/kg of AuNPs, twice on day 5 and day 14 after inoculation. We did not observe any anticancer activity of i.v. nor i.g. administered AuNPs, as they did not affect neither the primary tumor growth rate nor the number of lung metastases. Unexpectedly, both AuNP treatment regimens caused a marked vasodilating effect in the tumor tissue. As no change of potential angiogenic genes (Fgf2, Vegfa) nor inducible nitric oxygenase (Nos2) was observed, we proposed that the vasodilation was caused by AuNP-dependent decomposition of nitrosothiols and direct release of nitric oxide in the tumor tissue.
Human Herpesvirus-6 and -7 in the Brain Microenvironment of Persons with Neurological Pathology and Healthy People
Authors: Skuja Sandra , Svirskis Simons , Murovska Modra
Published: February 2021

During persistent human beta-herpesvirus (HHV) infection, clinical manifestations may not appear. However, the lifelong influence of HHV is often associated with pathological changes in the central nervous system. Herein, we evaluated possible associations between immunoexpression of HHV-6, -7, and cellular immune response across different brain regions. The study aimed to explore HHV-6, -7 infection within the cortical lobes in cases of unspecified encephalopathy (UEP) and nonpathological conditions. We confirmed the presence of viral DNA by nPCR and viral antigens by immunohistochemistry. Overall, we have shown a significant increase (p < 0.001) of HHV antigen expression, especially HHV-7 in the temporal gray matter. Although HHV-infected neurons were found notably in the case of HHV-7, our observations suggest that higher (p < 0.001) cell tropism is associated with glial and endothelial cells in both UEP group and controls. HHV-6, predominantly detected in oligodendrocytes (p < 0.001), and HHV-7, predominantly detected in both astrocytes and oligodendrocytes (p < 0.001), exhibit varying effects on neural homeostasis. This indicates a high number (p < 0.001) of activated microglia observed in the temporal lobe in the UEP group. The question remains of whether human HHV contributes to neurological diseases or are markers for some aspect of the disease process.
A Role for Human DNA Polymerase λ in Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres
Authors: Mentegari Elisa , Bertoletti Federica , Kissova Miroslava , Zucca Elisa , Galli Silvia , Tagliavini Giulia , Garbelli Anna , Maffia Antonio , Bione Silvia , Ferrari Elena , d’Adda di Fagagna Fabrizio , Francia Sofia , Sabbioneda Simone , Chen Liuh-Yow , Lingner Joachim , Bergoglio Valerie , Hoffmann Jean-Sébastien , Hübscher Ulrich , Crespan Emmanuele , Maga Giovanni
Published: February 2021

Telomerase negative cancer cell types use the Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT) pathway to elongate telomeres ends. Here, we show that silencing human DNA polymerase (Pol λ) in ALT cells represses ALT activity and induces telomeric stress. In addition, replication stress in the absence of Pol λ, strongly affects the survival of ALT cells. In vitro, Pol λ can promote annealing of even a single G-rich telomeric repeat to its complementary strand and use it to prime DNA synthesis. The noncoding telomeric repeat containing RNA TERRA and replication protein A negatively regulate this activity, while the Protection of Telomeres protein 1 (POT1)/TPP1 heterodimer stimulates Pol λ. Pol λ associates with telomeres and colocalizes with TPP1 in cells. In summary, our data suggest a role of Pol λ in the maintenance of telomeres by the ALT mechanism.
Oxidative Stress Evaluation in Ischemia Reperfusion Models: Characteristics, Limits and Perspectives
Authors: Chazelas Pauline , Steichen Clara , Favreau Frédéric , Trouillas Patrick , Hannaert Patrick , Thuillier Raphaël , Giraud Sébastien , Hauet Thierry , Guillard Jérôme
Published: February 2021

Ischemia reperfusion injury is a complex process consisting of a seemingly chaotic but actually organized and compartmentalized shutdown of cell function, of which oxidative stress is a key component. Studying oxidative stress, which results in an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and antioxidant defense activity, is a multi-faceted issue, particularly considering the double function of ROS, assuming roles as physiological intracellular signals and as mediators of cellular component damage. Herein, we propose a comprehensive overview of the tools available to explore oxidative stress, particularly in the study of ischemia reperfusion. Applying chemistry as well as biology, we present the different models currently developed to study oxidative stress, spanning the vitro and the silico, discussing the advantages and the drawbacks of each set-up, including the issues relating to the use of in vitro hypoxia as a surrogate for ischemia. Having identified the limitations of historical models, we shall study new paradigms, including the use of stem cell-derived organoids, as a bridge between the in vitro and the in vivo comprising 3D intercellular interactions in vivo and versatile pathway investigations in vitro. We shall conclude this review by distancing ourselves from “wet” biology and reviewing the in silico, computer-based, mathematical modeling, and numerical simulation options: (a) molecular modeling with quantum chemistry and molecular dynamic algorithms, which facilitates the study of molecule-to-molecule interactions, and the integration of a compound in a dynamic environment (the plasma membrane...); (b) integrative systemic models, which can include many facets of complex mechanisms such as oxidative stress or ischemia reperfusion and help to formulate integrated predictions and to enhance understanding of dynamic interaction between pathways.
1,2,4-Oxadiazole-Based Bio-Isosteres of Benzamides: Synthesis, Biological Activity and Toxicity to Zebrafish Embryo
Authors: Yang Sen , Ren Chao-Li , Ma Tian-Yang , Zou Wen-Qian , Dai Li , Tian Xiao-Yu , Liu Xing-Hai , Tan Cheng-Xia
Published: February 2021

To discover new compounds with broad spectrum and high activity, we designed a series of novel benzamides containing 1,2,4-oxadiazole moiety by bioisosterism, and 28 benzamides derivatives with antifungal activity were synthesized. These compounds were evaluated against four fungi: Botrytis cinereal, FusaHum graminearum, Marssonina mali, and Thanatephorus cucumeris. The results indicated that most of the compounds displayed good fungicidal activities, especially against Botrytis cinereal. For example, 10a (84.4%), 10d (83.6%), 10e (83.3%), 10f (83.1%), 10i (83.3%), and 10l (83.6%) were better than pyraclostrobin (81.4%) at 100 mg/L. In addition, the acute toxicity of 10f to zebrafish embryo was 20.58 mg/L, which was classified as a low-toxicity compound.
Phenylalanine-Derived β-Lactam TRPM8 Modulators. Configuration Effect on the Antagonist Activity
Authors: Bonache María Ángeles , Llabrés Pedro Juan , Martín-Escura Cristina , De la Torre-Martínez Roberto , Medina-Peris Alicia , Butrón Laura , Gómez-Monterrey Isabel , Roa Ana María , Fernández-Ballester Gregorio , Ferrer-Montiel Antonio , Fernández-Carvajal Asia , González-Muñiz Rosario
Published: February 2021

Transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 8 (TRPM8) is a Ca2+ non-selective ion channel implicated in a variety of pathological conditions, including cancer, inflammatory and neuropathic pain. In previous works we identified a family of chiral, highly hydrophobic β–lactam derivatives, and began to intuit a possible effect of the stereogenic centers on the antagonist activity. To investigate the influence of configuration on the TRPM8 antagonist properties, here we prepare and characterize four possible diastereoisomeric derivatives of 4-benzyl-1-[(3′-phenyl-2′-dibenzylamino)prop-1′-yl]-4-benzyloxycarbonyl-3-methyl-2-oxoazetidine. In microfluorography assays, all isomers were able to reduce the menthol-induced cell Ca2+ entry to larger or lesser extent. Potency follows the order 3R,4R,2′R > 3S,4S,2′R ≅ 3R,4R,2′S > 3S,4S,2′S, with the most potent diastereoisomer showing a half inhibitory concentration (IC50) in the low nanomolar range, confirmed by Patch-Clamp electrophysiology experiments. All four compounds display high receptor selectivity against other members of the TRP family. Furthermore, in primary cultures of rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, the most potent diastereoisomers do not produce any alteration in neuronal excitability, indicating their high specificity for TRPM8 channels. Docking studies positioned these β-lactams at different subsites by the pore zone, suggesting a different mechanism than the known N-(3-aminopropyl)-2-[(3-methylphenyl)methoxy]-N-(2-thienylmethyl)-benzamide (AMTB) antagonist.
Synthetic and Bio-Derived Surfactants Versus Microbial Biosurfactants in the Cosmetic Industry: An Overview
Authors: Moldes Ana B. , Rodríguez-López Lorena , Rincón-Fontán Myriam , López-Prieto Alejandro , Vecino Xanel , Cruz José M.
Published: February 2021

This article includes an updated review of the classification, uses and side effects of surfactants for their application in the cosmetic, personal care and pharmaceutical industries. Based on their origin and composition, surfactants can be divided into three different categories: (i) synthetic surfactants; (ii) bio-based surfactants; and (iii) microbial biosurfactants. The first group is the most widespread and cost-effective. It is composed of surfactants, which are synthetically produced, using non-renewable sources, with a final structure that is different from the natural components of living cells. The second category comprises surfactants of intermediate biocompatibility, usually produced by chemical synthesis but integrating fats, sugars or amino acids obtained from renewable sources into their structure. Finally, the third group of surfactants, designated as microbial biosurfactants, are considered the most biocompatible and eco-friendly, as they are produced by living cells, mostly bacteria and yeasts, without the intermediation of organic synthesis. Based on the information included in this review it would be interesting for cosmetic, personal care and pharmaceutical industries to consider microbial biosurfactants as a group apart from surfactants, needing specific regulations, as they are less toxic and more biocompatible than chemical surfactants having formulations that are more biocompatible and greener.
Oxytocin Signaling as a Target to Block Social Defeat-Induced Increases in Drug Abuse Reward
Authors: Ferrer-Pérez Carmen , Reguilón Marina D. , Miñarro José , Rodríguez-Arias Marta
Published: February 2021

There is huge scientific interest in the neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) due to its putative capacity to modulate a wide spectrum of physiological and cognitive processes including motivation, learning, emotion, and the stress response. The present review seeks to increase the understanding of the role of OXT in an individual’s vulnerability or resilience with regard to developing a substance use disorder. It places specific attention on the role of social stress as a risk factor of addiction, and explores the hypothesis that OXT constitutes a homeostatic response to stress that buffers against its negative impact. For this purpose, the review summarizes preclinical and clinical literature regarding the effects of OXT in different stages of the addiction cycle. The current literature affirms that a well-functioning oxytocinergic system has protective effects such as the modulation of the initial response to drugs of abuse, the attenuation of the development of dependence, the blunting of drug reinstatement and a general anti-stress effect. However, this system is dysregulated if there is continuous drug use or chronic exposure to stress. In this context, OXT is emerging as a promising pharmacotherapy to restore its natural beneficial effects in the organism and to help rebalance the functions of the addicted brain.
Sensor Localization Using Time of Arrival Measurements in a Multi-Media and Multi-Path Application of In-Situ Wireless Soil Sensing
Authors: Sahota Herman , Kumar Ratnesh
Published: February 2021

The problem of localization of nodes of a wireless sensor network placed in different physical media (anchor nodes above ground and sensor nodes underground) is addressed in this article. We use time of arrival of signals transmitted between neighboring sensor nodes and between satellite nodes and sensor nodes as the ranging measurement. The localization problem is formulated as a parameter estimation of the joint distribution of the time of arrival values. The probability distribution of the time of arrival of a signal is derived based on rigorous statistical analysis and its parameters are expressed in terms of the location coordinates of the sensor nodes. Maximum likelihood estimates of the nodes’ location coordinates as parameters of the joint distribution of the various time of arrival variables in the network are computed. Sensitivity analysis to study the variation in the estimates with respect to error in measured soil complex permittivity and magnetic permeability is presented to validate the model and methodology.
Foam Glass Lightened Sorel’s Cement Composites Doped with Coal Fly Ash
Authors: Pivák Adam , Pavlíková Milena , Záleská Martina , Lojka Michal , Lauermannová Anna-Marie , Faltysová Ivana , Jankovský Ondřej , Pavlík Zbyšek
Published: February 2021

Lightweight Sorel’s cement composites doped with coal fly ash were produced and tested. Commercially available foam granulate was used as lightening aggregate. For comparison, reference composites made of magnesium oxychloride cement (MOC) and quartz sand were tested as well. The performed experiments included X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, scanning electron microscopy, light microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy analyses. The macro- and microstructural parameters, mechanical resistance, stiffness, hygric, and thermal parameters of the 28-days matured composites were also researched. The combined use of foam glass and fly ash enabled to get a material of low weight, high porosity, sufficient strength and stiffness, low water imbibition, and greatly improved thermal insulation performance. The developed lightweight composites can be considered as further step in the design and production of alternative and sustainable materials for construction industry.
Effect of Steel Fiber Content on Shear Behavior of Reinforced Expanded-Shale Lightweight Concrete Beams with Stirrups
Authors: Li Changyong , Zhao Minglei , Zhang Xiaoyan , Li Jie , Li Xiaoke , Zhao Mingshuang
Published: February 2021

To determine the validity of steel fiber reinforced expanded-shale lightweight concrete (SFRELC) applied in structures, the shear behavior of SFRELC structural components needs to be understood. In this paper, four-point bending tests were carried out on reinforced SFRELC beams with stirrups and a varying volume fraction of steel fiber from 0.4% to 1.6%. The shear cracking force, shear crack width and distribution pattern, mid-span deflection, and failure modes of test beams were recorded. Results indicate that the shear failure modes of reinforced SFRELC beams with stirrups were modified from brittle to ductile and could be transferred to the flexure mode with the increasing volume fraction of steel fiber. The coupling of steel fibers with stirrups contributed to the shear cracking force and the shear capacity provided by the SFRELC, and it improved the distribution of shear cracks. At the limit loading level of beams in building structures at serviceability, the maximum width of shear cracks could be controlled within 0.3 mm and 0.2 mm with the volume fraction of steel fiber increased from 0.4% to 0.8%. Finally, the formulas are proposed for the prediction of shear-cracking force, shear crack width, and shear capacity of reinforced SFRELC beams with stirrups.
A Dynamic Model of Cournot Competition for an Oligopolistic Market
Authors: Lian Zeng , Zheng Jie
Published: February 2021

This paper studies firms’ dynamic interaction in a Cournot market. In each period of the game, the firm decides whether to make a stochastic positioning investment (establishing or maintaining its position in market competition). The market demand is also stochastic (high or low). By adopting symmetric Market perfect Nash equilibrium, firms choose strategies to maximize the discounted present value of cash flow. By considering the cases with one, two, and three active firms in the market, respectively, we present the stage game market outcome, show the transition probabilities, find the steady state of the system, and discuss the speed of convergence. Our work allows for two types of uncertainty in firms’ interactions, which contribute to the dynamic oligopoly literature.
Vibration Response of a Concrete Structure with Repetitive Parts Used in Civil Engineering
Authors: Vlase Sorin , Marin Marin , Scutaru Maria Luminita , Pruncu Catalin
Published: February 2021

The paper studies the vibration behavior of a concrete structure, currently used in civil engineering. The truss structure considered has symmetries that can be used to facilitate both the design and construction of the building. Moreover, the symmetries encountered can be used to simplify the calculation of vibrations of the system. Based on the mechanical model built, eigenvalues and eigenvectors of such mechanical system are determined, and properties, specific to these symmetries, are identified. In this way, the dynamic analysis of the structure can be simplified and also, the design as well as the costs related to this stage.
Effect of Intercritical Annealing on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of 0.1C-13Cr-3Ni Martensitic Stainless Steel
Authors: Burja Jaka , Šuler Blaž , Češnjaj Marko , Nagode Aleš
Published: February 2021

Standard heat treatment of martensitic stainless steel consists of quenching and tempering. However, this results in high strength and hardness, while Charpy impact toughness shows lower values and a large deviation in its values. Therefore, a modified heat treatment of 0.1C-13Cr-3Ni martensitic stainless steel (PK993/1CH13N3) with intercritical annealing between Ac1 and Ac3 was introduced before tempering to study its effect on the microstructure and mechanical properties (yield strength, tensile strength, hardness and Charpy impact toughness). The temperatures of intercritical annealing were 740, 760, 780 and 800 °C. ThermoCalc was used for thermodynamic calculations. Microstructure characterization was performed on an optical and scanning electron microscope, while XRD was used for the determination of retained austenite. Results show that intercritical annealing improves impact toughness and lowers deviation of its values. This can be attributed to the dissolution of the thin carbide film along prior austenite grain boundaries and prevention of its re-occurrence during tempering. On the other hand, lower carbon concentration in martensite that was quenching from the intercritical region resulted in lower strength and hardness. Intercritical annealing refines the martensitic microstructure creating a lamellar morphology.
Diguanylate Cyclase GdpX6 with c-di-GMP Binding Activity Involved in the Regulation of Virulence Expression in Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae
Authors: Yan Weiwei , Wei Yiming , Fan Susu , Yu Chao , Tian Fang , Wang Qi , Yang Fenghuan , Chen Huamin
Published: February 2021

Cyclic diguanylate monophosphate (c-di-GMP) is a secondary messenger present in bacteria. The GGDEF-domain proteins can participate in the synthesis of c-di-GMP as diguanylate cyclase (DGC) or bind with c-di-GMP to function as a c-di-GMP receptor. In the genome of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), the causal agent of bacterial blight of rice, there are 11 genes that encode single GGDEF domain proteins. The GGDEF domain protein, PXO_02019 (here GdpX6 [GGDEF-domain protein of Xoo6]) was characterized in the present study. Firstly, the DGC and c-di-GMP binding activity of GdpX6 was confirmed in vitro. Mutation of the crucial residues D403 residue of the I site in GGDEF motif and E411 residue of A site in GGDEF motif of GdpX6 abolished c-di-GMP binding activity and DGC activity of GdpX6, respectively. Additionally, deletion of gdpX6 significantly increased the virulence, swimming motility, and decreased sliding motility and biofilm formation. In contrast, overexpression of GdpX6 in wild-type PXO99A strain decreased the virulence and swimming motility, and increased sliding motility and biofilm formation. Mutation of the E411 residue but not D403 residue of the GGDEF domain in GdpX6 abolished its biological functions, indicating the DGC activity to be imperative for its biological functions. Furthermore, GdpX6 exhibited multiple subcellular localization in bacterial cells, and D403 or E411 did not contribute to the localization of GdpX6. Thus, we concluded that GdpX6 exhibits DGC activity to control the virulence, swimming and sliding motility, and biofilm formation in Xoo.
Removal of Impurities from Shungite Via a Combination of Physical and Chemical Treatments
Authors: Fujita Toyohisa , Aoki Taichi , Ponou Josiane , Dodbiba Gjergj , He Chunlin , Wang Kaituo , Ning Shunyan , Chen Hao , Wei Yuezou
Published: February 2021

This study investigated the removal of sulfur and iron from shungite rocks through different methods after fine grinding: flotation, magnetic separation, microwave treatment, and chemical leaching. In this work, first, a mineralogical study of shungite was conducted. The carbon, silica, iron, and sulfur compositions in the as-received shungite were 45.4%, 38.3%, 4.6%, and 2.4%, respectively. In flotation, a sulfur grade of 1.4% was obtained. In the wet high-gradient magnetic separation at a magnetic flux density of 1 tesla, the iron and sulfur grades in the nonmagnetic fraction were 2.8% and 1.9%, respectively. Furthermore, the sulfur reduced to 0.2% by the 9 min microwave irradiation. In addition, chemical leaching using chelating reagents and inorganic acids was utilized to remove iron and sulfur. Nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) could reduce the iron and sulfur grades to 2.0% and 0.9%, respectively. For leaching using reverse aqua regia, the iron and sulfur grades were reduced to 0.9% and 0.23%, respectively. For leaching using a 6N HCl with H2O2 aqueous solution, the iron and sulfur grades were reduced to 0.8% and 0.34%, respectively. Overall, chemical leaching using HCl with H2O2 was the most effective for iron and sulfur removal from shungite.
REE-Rich Turonian Phosphates in the Bohemian Cretaceous Basin, Czech Republic: Assessment as Source of Critical Elements and Implications for Future Exploration
Authors: Al-Bassam Khaldoun , Rambousek Petr , Čech Stanislav
Published: February 2021

Numerous phosphate occurrences are located in the Bohemian Cretaceous Basin (BCB) of the Czech Republic, within the Cenomanian–Turonian sequences. Small phosphate occurrences have been reported in the Upper Cenomanian, Lower Turonian, and Upper Turonian marine glauconitic siliciclasts. The phosphates are generally <1 m thick, present as phosphatized hardgrounds, nodules, coprolites, skeletal remains, phosphatized shells, peloids, sponges, and tube-fills, associated with black mudstone and other siliciclasts. Only recently the critical elements have been highlighted in these phosphates. The present study covers eight of these occurrences and provides information on petrography, mineralogy, and chemical composition of major elements, trace elements, and stable isotopes. The phosphate mineralogy is comprised of carbonate-fluorapatite, associated with quartz, glauconite, smectite, kaolinite, and pyrite. Most of the phosphates are rich in organic matter. The phosphate chemistry is dominated by P2O5, CaO, F, Na2O, SO3, and CO2. Minor amounts of SiO2, Al2O3, K2O, and MgO are found, related to quartz and alumino-silicate impurities. Evidence of fossil microbial structures is revealed. The indices derived from rare earth elements (REE) indicate phosphogenesis at various redox conditions, ranging from anoxic to oxic, whereas the carbon stable isotopes of the apatite suggest generally reducing conditions. The critical and other valuable elements found in these Mid-Cretaceous phosphates include P2O5 (18.9–26.76 wt. %), F (1.67–3.25 wt. %), REE (325–1338 ppm), Y (74–368 ppm), and U (10.4–37.9 ppm). The investigation of the Turonian phosphate occurrences show that those located at the base of the Bílá Hora Formation (earliest Turonian) are the most persistent in the southern margins of the BCB, and found in localities extending for about 200 km. They were developed at the onset of the Early Turonian global transgression and are strata-bound to the base of the Bílá Hora Formation. Future exploration for marine sedimentary phosphorites should focus on thicker and better developed deposits at the base of the Turonian sediments as the main target.
Cytotoxic Flavonoids from the Leaves and Twigs of Murraya tetramera
Authors: You Chun-Xue , Zhang Kun , Li Xin , Liu Jing , Zhang Wen-Juan , Yu Xiao-Xue
Published: February 2021

Cytotoxic flavonoids of Murraya tetramera were investigated in this study. A novel flavonoid and twelve known flavonoids, including seven flavones (1–7), three flavanones (8–10), and three chalcones (11–13) were isolated from the leaves and twigs of Murraya tetramera. Chemical structures were elucidated by NMR combined with MS spectral analysis, and the new compound (6) was confirmed as 3′,5′-dihydroxy-5,6,7,4′-tetramethoxyflavone. Furthermore, all the isolated flavonoids were evaluated for their cytotoxicities against murine melanoma cells (B16), and human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) by CCK-8 assay. Among them, compounds 7, 13, and 5 exhibited potent cytotoxic activities against B16 cell lines (IC50 = 3.87, 7.00 and 8.66 μg/mL, respectively). Compounds 5, 13, and 12 displayed potent cytotoxicities against MDA-MB-231 cell lines (IC50 = 3.80, 5.95 and 7.89 μg/mL, respectively). According to the correlation of the structure and activity analysis, 5-hydroxyl and 8-methoxyl substituents of the flavone, 8-methoxyl substituent of the flavanone, and 3′,5′-methoxyl substituents of the chalcone could be critical factors of the high cytotoxicity. The results indicated that the active flavonoids have potential to be developed as leading compounds for treating cancers.
Androgen Receptor Binding Category Prediction with Deep Neural Networks and Structure-, Ligand-, and Statistically Based Features
Authors: García-Sosa Alfonso T.
Published: February 2021

Substances that can modify the androgen receptor pathway in humans and animals are entering the environment and food chain with the proven ability to disrupt hormonal systems and leading to toxicity and adverse effects on reproduction, brain development, and prostate cancer, among others. State-of-the-art databases with experimental data of human, chimp, and rat effects by chemicals have been used to build machine-learning classifiers and regressors and to evaluate these on independent sets. Different featurizations, algorithms, and protein structures lead to different results, with deep neural networks (DNNs) on user-defined physicochemically relevant features developed for this work outperforming graph convolutional, random forest, and large featurizations. The results show that these user-provided structure-, ligand-, and statistically based features and specific DNNs provided the best results as determined by AUC (0.87), MCC (0.47), and other metrics and by their interpretability and chemical meaning of the descriptors/features. In addition, the same features in the DNN method performed better than in a multivariate logistic model: validation MCC = 0.468 and training MCC = 0.868 for the present work compared to evaluation set MCC = 0.2036 and training set MCC = 0.5364 for the multivariate logistic regression on the full, unbalanced set. Techniques of this type may improve AR and toxicity description and prediction, improving assessment and design of compounds. Source code and data are available on github.
Dietary Patterns Are Differentially Associated with Atypical and Melancholic Subtypes of Depression
Authors: Lasserre Aurélie M. , Strippoli Marie-Pierre F. , Marques-Vidal Pedro , Williams Lana J. , Jacka Felice N. , Vandeleur Caroline L. , Vollenweider Peter , Preisig Martin
Published: February 2021

Diet has been associated with the risk of depression, whereas different subtypes of depression have been linked with different cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs). In this study, our aims were to (1) identify dietary patterns with exploratory factor analysis, (2) assess cross-sectional associations between dietary patterns and depression subtypes, and (3) examine the potentially mediating effect of dietary patterns in the associations between CVRFs and depression subtypes. In the first follow-up of the population-based CoLaus|PsyCoLaus study (2009–2013, 3554 participants, 45.6% men, mean age 57.5 years), a food frequency questionnaire assessed dietary intake and a semi-structured interview allowed to characterize major depressive disorder into current or remitted atypical, melancholic, and unspecified subtypes. Three dietary patterns were identified: Western, Mediterranean, and Sweet-Dairy. Western diet was positively associated with current atypical depression, but negatively associated with current and remitted melancholic depression. Sweet-Dairy was positively associated with current melancholic depression. However, these dietary patterns did not mediate the associations between CVRFs and depression subtypes. Hence, although we could show that people with different subtypes of depression make different choices regarding their diet, it is unlikely that these differential dietary choices account for the well-established associations between depression subtypes and CVRFs.
Development of Flexible Ion-Selective Electrodes for Saliva Sodium Detection
Authors: Lim Hyo-Ryoung , Lee Soon Min , Mahmood Musa , Kwon Shinjae , Kim Yun-Soung , Lee Yongkuk , Yeo Woon-Hong
Published: February 2021

Saliva can be used for health monitoring with non-invasive wearable systems. Such devices, including electrochemical sensors, may provide a safe, fast, and cost-efficient way of detecting target ions. Although salivary ions are known to reflect those in blood, no available clinical device can detect essential ions directly from saliva. Here, we introduce an all-solid-state, flexible film sensor that allows highly accurate detection of sodium levels in saliva, comparable to those in blood. The wireless film sensor system can successfully measure sodium ions from a small volume of infants’ saliva (<400 µL), demonstrating its potential as a continuous health monitor. This study includes the structural characterization and error analysis of a carbon/elastomer-based ion-selective electrode and a reference electrode to confirm the signal reliability. The sensor, composed of a pair of the electrodes, shows good sensitivity (58.9 mV/decade) and selectivity (log K = −2.68 for potassium), along with a broad detection range of 5 × 10−5 ≈ 1 M with a low detection limit of 4.27 × 10−5 M. The simultaneous comparison between the film sensor and a commercial electrochemical sensor demonstrates the accuracy of the flexible sensor and a positive correlation in saliva-to-blood sodium levels. Collectively, the presented study shows the potential of the wireless ion-selective sensor system for a non-invasive, early disease diagnosis with saliva.
A Comprehensive Case Study of Data-Driven Methods for Robust Aircraft Sensor Fault Isolation
Authors: Cartocci Nicholas , Napolitano Marcello R. , Costante Gabriele , Fravolini Mario L.
Published: February 2021

Recent catastrophic events in aviation have shown that current fault diagnosis schemes may not be enough to ensure a reliable and prompt sensor fault diagnosis. This paper describes a comparative analysis of consolidated data-driven sensor Fault Isolation (FI) and Fault Estimation (FE) techniques using flight data. Linear regression models, identified from data, are derived to build primary and transformed residuals. These residuals are then implemented to develop fault isolation schemes for 14 sensors of a semi-autonomous aircraft. Specifically, directional Mahalanobis distance-based and fault reconstruction-based techniques are compared in terms of their FI and FE performance. Then, a bank of Bayesian filters is proposed to compute, in flight, the fault belief for each sensor. Both the training and the validation of the schemes are performed using data from multiple flights. Artificial faults are injected into the fault-free sensor measurements to reproduce the occurrence of failures. A detailed evaluation of the techniques in terms of FI and FE performance is presented for failures on the air-data sensors, with special emphasis on the True Air Speed (TAS), Angle of Attack (AoA), and Angle of Sideslip (AoS) sensors.
Health Monitoring of Large-Scale Civil Structures: An Approach Based on Data Partitioning and Classical Multidimensional Scaling
Authors: Entezami Alireza , Sarmadi Hassan , Behkamal Behshid , Mariani Stefano
Published: February 2021

A major challenge in structural health monitoring (SHM) is the efficient handling of big data, namely of high-dimensional datasets, when damage detection under environmental variability is being assessed. To address this issue, a novel data-driven approach to early damage detection is proposed here. The approach is based on an efficient partitioning of the dataset, gathering the sensor recordings, and on classical multidimensional scaling (CMDS). The partitioning procedure aims at moving towards a low-dimensional feature space; the CMDS algorithm is instead exploited to set the coordinates in the mentioned low-dimensional space, and define damage indices through norms of the said coordinates. The proposed approach is shown to efficiently and robustly address the challenges linked to high-dimensional datasets and environmental variability. Results related to two large-scale test cases are reported: the ASCE structure, and the Z24 bridge. A high sensitivity to damage and a limited (if any) number of false alarms and false detections are reported, testifying the efficacy of the proposed data-driven approach.
The Impact of Climate Change on the Food (In)security of the Siberian Indigenous Peoples in the Arctic: Environmental and Health Risks
Authors: Bogdanova Elena , Andronov Sergei , Soromotin Andrei , Detter Gennady , Sizov Oleg , Hossain Kamrul , Raheem Dele , Lobanov Andrey
Published: February 2021

Climate change represents a global challenge that impacts the environment, traditional lifestyle and health of the Indigenous Peoples in the Arctic zone of Western Siberia and threatens their food security. Reindeer are an important food source for this population since reindeer herding products are used as traditional nutrition and effective preventive means and remedies for adapting to the cold and geomagnetic activity in the High North. Longer off-season periods, high summer and winter temperatures, melting ice, and forest and tundra fires have a significant impact on the trampling and degradation of reindeer pastures. These effects may lead to massive reindeer losses and changes in the traditional diet of the Indigenous Peoples in the Arctic, which result in increases in the prevalence of respiratory diseases, overweight and hypertension. This study applied a multidisciplinary approach based on ecological and medical research methods with the inclusion of socioeconomic analysis. The primary sources included data on the longitudinal dynamics of air temperature as a climate change indicator and reindeer livestock populations (1936–2018), consumption of reindeer products and physiological impacts on the Yamal Indigenous population collected during expeditions to the Arctic zone of Western Siberia in 2012–2018.
Comparative Study of a Photovoltaic System Connected to a Three-Phase Grid by Using PI or Fuzzy Logic Controllers
Authors: Livinti Petru
Published: February 2021

This work presents a comparative study for a photovoltaic system connected to a three-phase grid through a three-phase inverter controlled by a fuzzy logic controller or through a proportional-integral (PI) controller. The innovative aspect of this article consists of the elaboration of two models in MATLAB–Simulink for the photovoltaic system consisting of 40 photovoltaic panels and of the control algorithms of the three-phase inverter for each type of controller. The comparative analysis of the results obtained through simulation has established that the use of the fuzzy logic controller (for controlling the three-phase inverter) leads to transferring to the alternative current (AC) grid an electric power of 6.5 kW, whilst the use of the PI type controller leads to transferring to the AC grid an electric power of 4.6 kW under the same value of the intensity of solar radiation. The total harmonic distortion (THD) of the voltage resulting after the filtering circuit has a lower value in case of using the fuzzy logic controller than in case of using the PI controller. Through the usage of the fuzzy logic controller for controlling the inverter, an increase in quantity and quality of the electric energy introduced to an AC grid from a photovoltaic system was noticed, compared to the usage of a PI controller.
On the Stability of a Generalized Fréchet Functional Equation with Respect to Hyperplanes in the Parameter Space
Authors: Brzdȩk Janusz , Leśniak Zbigniew , Malejki Renata
Published: February 2021

We study the Ulam-type stability of a generalization of the Fréchet functional equation. Our aim is to present a method that gives an estimate of the difference between approximate and exact solutions of this equation. The obtained estimate depends on the values of the coefficients of the equation and the form of the control function. In the proofs of the main results, we use a fixed point theorem to get an exact solution of the equation close to a given approximate solution.
Entanglement of General Two-Qubit States in a Realistic Framework
Authors: Abdel-Khalek Sayed , Berrada Kamal , Khalil Eied M. , Almalki Fadhel
Published: February 2021

In the present paper, we examine the quantum entanglement for more general states of two-qubit system in the context of spin coherent states (SCSs). We consider the concurrence as a quantifier of entanglement and express it in terms of SCSs. We determine new set of maximally entangled conditions that provide the maximal amount of entanglement for certain values of the amplitudes of SCSs for the case of pure states. Finally, we examine the entanglement of a class of mixed states of the two qubits and provide the range in which the entanglement value is maximal with respect to the values of the amplitudes of SCSs.
Analysis of a Novel Bacteriophage vB_AchrS_AchV4 Highlights the Diversity of Achromobacter Viruses
Authors: Kaliniene Laura , Noreika Algirdas , Kaupinis Algirdas , Valius Mindaugas , Jurgelaitis Edvinas , Lazutka Justas , Meškienė Rita , Meškys Rolandas
Published: February 2021

Achromobacter spp. are ubiquitous in nature and are increasingly being recognized as emerging nosocomial pathogens. Nevertheless, to date, only 30 complete genome sequences of Achromobacter phages are available in GenBank, and nearly all of those phages were isolated on Achromobacter xylosoxidans. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of bacteriophage vB_AchrS_AchV4. To the best of our knowledge, vB_AchrS_AchV4 is the first virus isolated from Achromobacter spanius. Both vB_AchrS_AchV4 and its host, Achromobacter spanius RL_4, were isolated in Lithuania. VB_AchrS_AchV4 is a siphovirus, since it has an isometric head (64 ± 3.2 nm in diameter) and a non-contractile flexible tail (232 ± 5.4). The genome of vB_AchrS_AchV4 is a linear dsDNA molecule of 59,489 bp with a G+C content of 62.8%. It contains no tRNA genes, yet it includes 82 protein-coding genes, of which 27 have no homologues in phages. Using bioinformatics approaches, 36 vB_AchrS_AchV4 genes were given a putative function. A further four were annotated based on the results of LC–MS/MS. Comparative analyses revealed that vB_AchrS_AchV4 is a singleton siphovirus with no close relatives among known tailed phages. In summary, this work not only describes a novel and unique phage, but also advances our knowledge of genetic diversity and evolution of Achromobacter bacteriophages.
Water Ecosystem Service Quality Evaluation and Value Assessment of Taihu Lake in China
Authors: Zhao Qingjian , Wang Qiuyan
Published: February 2021

Taihu Lake is the third largest freshwater lake in China. Water ecosystems play an important role in the survival and development of human society. The evaluation of water ecosystem services is helpful to understand and grasp the changing rules of Taihu Lake’s ecosystem services value in recent years. First, we used the Water Environment Qualities Index (WQI) to evaluate the water ecological quality of Taihu Lake; second, on the basis of the survey data from 2010 to 2018, we combined economic and ecological methods to evaluate the water ecosystem of Taihu Lake. The evaluation system includes four major service functions, 11 second-class evaluation indicators and 19 index factor. Research indicates that, (1) in the past 8 years, the WQI of Taihu Lake increased year by year and Taihu Lake changed from moderate pollution to light pollution; (2) provisioning services are the main service of Taihu Lake’s water ecosystem and the order of various service values was provisioning service value > regulation service value > cultural service value > support service value, with water supply as the core function of provisioning services; and (3) the total values in 2010, 2014, and 2018 were 115.39 billion yuan, 113.31 billion yuan, and 119.96 billion yuan, respectively, showing a trend of first decreasing and then increasing. To a certain extent, the improvement in Taihu Lake’s water ecological quality has led to an increase in the value of regulation services.
Riverbed Protection Downstream of an Undersized Stilling Basin by Means of Antifer Artificial Blocks
Authors: Castellino Myrta , Moroni Monica , Cimorelli Cosmo , Di Risio Marcello , De Girolamo Paolo
Published: February 2021

Erosion at either dam or spillway foundations, destabilization in riverbanks, and damage in the natural environment located downstream of either dams or spillways represent crucial elements to be taken into account in the risk assessment of hydraulic structures. One of the main problems is related to the scouring that water flow may induce at the downstream boundary of spillways. This issue is exacerbated in the case of undersized stilling basins, i.e., when a significant level of energy migrates downstream by acting on unprotected natural riverbed. If the scour depths are large enough, the structural stability of the infrastructure will be threatened. This paper aims to illustrate an innovative technical solution suitable to protect the riverbed located just downstream of stilling basins by means of artificial Antifer blocks. These kinds of artificial blocks are widely used in the field of maritime construction, but in the literature, there are no theoretical formulations for their design within the frame of river engineering. In order to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed technical solution, it is applied to a real case investigated by means of physical modeling. The riverbed located just downstream of the stilling basin of Liscione Dam (Campobasso, Italy) experienced scour due to high discharges during and after extreme rain events. Different protection strategies have been tested to assess the influence of different placement methods and packing densities on the stability of Antifer block armor layers. Experimental findings reveal that regular placements behave more stable than irregular placements with a similar packing density.
Implementation Constraints on Israel–Palestine Water Cooperation: An Analysis Using the Water Governance Assessment Framework
Authors: Dai Liping
Published: February 2021

This study uses a diagnostic and multidisciplinary water governance assessment framework to examine the main factors influencing water cooperation on the shared Mountain Aquifer between Israel and Palestine. It finds that effective cooperation between Israel and Palestine is unlikely in the foreseeable future if both parties persist with the business-as-usual approach. What constrains the two parties from achieving consensual agreement are political tensions, the constraints of current technology, the different perceptions of the value of the shared water, the mistrust between the two parties, the lack of external enforcement mechanisms, and the impacts of the domestic political environment.
Prediction of Environmental System Model during Isolation period of Pandemic COVID-19: A Comparative Survey
Authors: Chakraborty Chinmoy , Roy Swapnila
Published: February 2021

This paper presents the environmental impacts on pandemic corona virus (COVID-19) during isolation period. Pollution and disease are correlated with each other. The world is busy combating with catastrophic disease which has become Pandemic worldwide within a short period. In a matter of months, the world has been transformed drastically. This Pandemic is getting more overwhelming day by day with extending social distancing across the world which eventually subsides the emissions of CO2 and other potential hazards. Consequently, pollution and greenhouse gas emissions have fallen across the continents. As the COVID-19 affects the lungs, so air pollution could make the COVID-19 pandemic worse for some people. This paper highlights the pollutants effects on several periods and also mentioned the different health issues.