bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical Characterization, Antiproliferative and Antioxidant Activities of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid-Rich Extracts from Chlorella sp. S14
Authors: Vilakazi Hlengiwe , Olasehinde Tosin A. , Olaniran Ademola O.
Published: July 2021

Microalgae is a rich source of polyunsaturated fatty acid. This study was conducted to identify and isolate microalgal strain with the potentials for producing polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and determine its cytotoxic effect on some cancer cells. The algal strain (Chlorella sp. S14) was cultivated using modified BG-11 media, and algal biomass obtained was used for fatty acid extraction. Gas chromatographic–mass spectrometry was used to identify and quantify the levels of the fatty acid constituents. The total content of monounsaturated fatty acids (1.12%) was low compared to polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (52.87%). Furthermore, n-3 PUFAs accounted for (12.37%) of total PUFAs with the presence of α-linolenic acid (2.16%) and cis-11,14,17-eicosatrienoic acid (2.16%). The PUFA-rich extract did not exhibit a cytotoxic effect on normal cells. Treatment with the PUFA-rich extract (150 µg/mL) significantly reduced cell viability in MCF-7 (31.58%) and A549 (62.56%) cells after the 48 h treatment. Furthermore, treatment of MCF-7 with fatty acid extracts (125 and 150 µg/mL) showed a significant reduction in MDA levels, increase in catalase activities and decrease in GSH level compared to untreated cells. However, a slight decrease in MDA level was observed in A549 cells after the 48 h treatment. There are no significant changes in catalase activities and GSH level in treated A549 cells. However, a slight reduction of NO levels was observed in treated MCF-7 and A549 cells. These results indicate the potentials of PUFA-rich extracts from Chlorella sp. S14 to reduce viability and modulate redox status in A549 and MCF-7 cells.
Synthesis, Molecular Docking, and Biofilm Formation Inhibitory Activity of Bis(Indolyl)Pyridines Analogues of the Marine Alkaloid Nortopsentin
Authors: Abo-Salem Heba , Abd El Salam Hayam , Abdel-Aziem Anhar , Abdel-Aziz Mohamed , El-Sawy Eslam
Published: July 2021

An efficient and simple protocol for the synthesis of a new class of diverse bis(indolyl)pyridines analogues of the marine alkaloid nortopsentin has been reported. A one-pot four-component condensation of 3-cyanocarbomethylindole, various aldehyde, 3-acetylindole, and ammonium acetate in glacial acetic acid led to the formation of 2,6-bis(1H-indol-3-yl)-4-(substituted-phenyl)pyridine-5-carbonitriles. Additionally, 2,6-bis(1H-indol-3-yl)-4-(benzofuran) pyridine-5-carbonitriles were prepared via a one-pot four-component condensation of 3-cyanocarbomethylindole, various N-substituted-indole-3-aldehydes, 2-acetylbenzofuran, and ammonium acetate. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their ability to inhibit biofilm formation against the Gram-positive bacterial reference strains Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 and the Gram-negative strain Escherichia coli ATCC 25922. Some of the new compounds showed a marked selectivity against the Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains. Remarkably, five compounds 4b, 7a, 7c, 7d and 8e demonstrated good antibiofilm formation against S. aureus and E. coli. On the other hand, the release of reducing sugars and proteins from the treated bacterial strains over the untreated strains was considered to explain the disruption effect of the selected compound on the contact cells of S. aureus and E. coli. Out of all studied compounds, the binding energies and binding mode of bis-indole derivatives 7c and 7d were theoretically the best thymidylate kinase, DNA gyrase B and DNA topoisomerase IV subunit B inhibitors.
Optimizing K0.5Na0.5NbO3 Single Crystal by Engineering Piezoelectric Anisotropy
Authors: Li Weixiong , Chen Chunxu , Xie Guangzhong , Su Yuanjie
Published: July 2021

K0.5Na0.5NbO3 is considered as one of the most promising lead-free piezoelectric ceramics in the field of wearable electronics because of its excellent piezoelectric properties and environmental friendliness. In this work, the temperature-dependent longitudinal piezoelectric coefficient d33* was investigated in K0.5Na0.5NbO3 single crystals via the Landau–Ginzburg–Devonshire theory. Results show that the piezoelectric anisotropy varies with the temperature and the maximum of d33max* deviates from the polar direction of the ferroelectric phase. In the tetragonal phase, d33maxt* parallels with cubic polarization direction near the tetragonal-cubic transition region, and then gradually switches toward the nonpolar direction with decreasing temperatures. The maximum of d33o* in the orthorhombic phase reveals a distinct varying trend in different crystal planes. As for the rhombohedral phase, slight fluctuation of the maximum of d33r* was observed and delivered a more stable temperature-dependent maximum d33maxr* and its corresponding angle θmax in comparison with tetragonal and orthorhombic phases. This work not only sheds some light on the temperature-dependent phase transitions, but also paves the way for the optimization of piezoelectric properties in piezoelectric materials and devices.
Effect of Nano-Y2O3 Content on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Fe18Cr Films Fabricated by RF Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Zhao Bang-Lei , Wang Le , Zhang Li-Feng , Ke Jian-Gang , Xie Zhuo-Ming , Yang Jun-Feng , Wang Xian-Ping , Hao Ting , Liu Chang-Song , Wu Xue-Bang
Published: July 2021

In this work, FeCr-based films with different Y2O3 contents were fabricated using radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering. The effects of Y2O3 content on their microstructure and mechanical properties were investigated through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), inductive coupled plasma emission spectrometer (ICP) and a nanoindenter. It was found that the Y2O3-doped FeCr films exhibited a nanocomposite structure with nanosized Y2O3 particles uniformly distributed into a FeCr matrix. With the increase of Y2O3 content from 0 to 1.97 wt.%, the average grain size of the FeCr films decreased from 12.65 nm to 7.34 nm, demonstrating a grain refining effect of Y2O3. Furthermore, the hardness of the Y2O3-doped FeCr films showed an increasing trend with Y2O3 concentration, owing to the synergetic effect of dispersion strengthening and grain refinement strengthening. This work provides a beneficial guidance on the development and research of composite materials of nanocrystalline metal with a rare earth oxide dispersion phase.
Enhancement of Thermostability of Aspergillus flavus Urate Oxidase by Immobilization on the Ni-Based Magnetic Metal–Organic Framework
Authors: Motamedi Neda , Barani Mahmood , Lohrasbi-Nejad Azadeh , Mortazavi Mojtaba , Riahi-Medvar Ali , Varma Rajender S. , Torkzadeh-Mahani Masoud
Published: July 2021

The improvement in the enzyme activity of Aspergillus flavus urate oxidase (Uox) was attained by immobilizing it on the surface of a Ni-based magnetic metal–organic framework (NimMOF) nanomaterial; physicochemical properties of NimMOF and its application as an enzyme stabilizing support were evaluated, which revealed a significant improvement in its stability upon immobilization on NimMOF (Uox@NimMOF). It was affirmed that while the free Uox enzyme lost almost all of its activity at ~40–45 °C, the immobilized Uox@NimMOF retained around 60% of its original activity, even retaining significant activity at 70 °C. The activation energy (Ea) of the enzyme was calculated to be ~58.81 kJ mol−1 after stabilization, which is approximately half of the naked Uox enzyme. Furthermore, the external spectroscopy showed that the MOF nanomaterials can be coated by hydrophobic areas of the Uox enzyme, and the immobilized enzyme was active over a broad range of pH and temperatures, which bodes well for the thermal and long-term stability of the immobilized Uox on NimMOF.
Size-Dependent Electrical Transport Properties in Conducting Diamond Nanostripes
Authors: Zhou Andrew F. , Pacheco Elluz , Zhou Badi , Feng Peter X.
Published: July 2021

With the advances in nanofabrication technology, horizontally aligned and well-defined nitrogen-doped ultrananocrystalline diamond nanostripes can be fabricated with widths in the order of tens of nanometers. The study of the size-dependent electron transport properties of these nanostructures is crucial to novel electronic and electrochemical applications. In this paper, 100 nm thick n-type ultrananocrystalline diamond thin films were synthesized by microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition method with 5% N2 gas in the plasma during the growth process. Then the nanostripes were fabricated using standard electron beam lithography and reactive ion etching techniques. The electrical transport properties of the free-standing single nanostripes of different widths from 75 to 150 nm and lengths from 1 to 128 μm were investigated. The study showed that the electrical resistivity of the n-type ultrananocrystalline diamond nanostripes increased dramatically with the decrease in the nanostripe width. The nanostripe resistivity was nearly doubted when the width was reduced from 150 nm to 75 nm. The size-dependent variability in conductivity could originate from the imposed diffusive scattering of the nanostripe surfaces which had a further compounding effect to reinforce the grain boundary scattering.
West Nile Virus Seroprevalence in the Italian Tuscany Region from 2016 to 2019
Authors: Marchi Serena , Montomoli Emanuele , Viviani Simonetta , Giannecchini Simone , Stincarelli Maria A. , Lanave Gianvito , Camero Michele , Alessio Caterina , Coluccio Rosa , Trombetta Claudia Maria
Published: July 2021

Although in humans West Nile virus is mainly the cause of mild or sub-clinical infections, in some cases a neuroinvasive disease may occur predominantly in the elderly. In Italy, several cases of West Nile virus infection are reported every year. Tuscany was the first Italian region where the virus was identified; however, to date only two cases of infection have been reported in humans. This study aimed at evaluating the prevalence of antibodies against West Nile virus in the area of Siena Province to estimate the recent circulation of the virus. Human serum samples collected in Siena between 2016 and 2019 were tested for the presence of antibodies against West Nile virus by ELISA. ELISA positive samples were further evaluated using immunofluorescence, micro neutralization, and plaque reduction neutralization assays. In total, 1.9% (95% CI 1.2–3.1) and 1.4% (95% CI 0.8–2.4) of samples collected in 2016–2017 were positive by ELISA and immunofluorescence assay, respectively. Neutralizing antibodies were found in 0.7% (95% CI 0.3–1.5) of samples. Additionally, 0.9% (95% CI 0.4–1.7) and 0.65% (95% CI 0.3–1.45) of samples collected in 2018–2019 were positive by ELISA and immunofluorescence assay, respectively. The prevalence of neutralizing antibodies was 0.5% (95% CI 0.2–1.3). Although no human cases of West Nile infection were reported in the area between 2016 and 2019 and virus prevalence in the area of Siena Province was as low as less than 1%, the active asymptomatic circulation confirms the potential concern of this emergent virus for human health.
LAMP Assay for the Detection of Echinococcus multilocularis Eggs Isolated from Canine Faeces by a Cost-Effective NaOH-Based DNA Extraction Method
Authors: Bucher Barbara J. , Muchaamba Gillian , Kamber Tim , Kronenberg Philipp A. , Abdykerimov Kubanychbek K. , Isaev Myktybek , Deplazes Peter , Alvarez Rojas Cristian A.
Published: July 2021

The detection of Echinococcus multilocularis in infected canids and the environment is pivotal for a better understanding of the epidemiology of alveolar echinococcosis in endemic areas. Necropsy/sedimentation and counting technique remain the gold standard for the detection of canid infection. PCR-based detection methods have shown high sensitivity and specificity, but they have been hardly used in large scale prevalence studies. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a fast and simple method to detect DNA with a high sensitivity and specificity, having the potential for field-application. A specific LAMP assay for the detection of E. multilocularis was developed targeting the mitochondrial nad1 gene. A crucial step for amplification-based detection methods is DNA extraction, usually achieved utilising silica-gel membrane spin columns from commercial kits which are expensive. We propose two cost-effective and straightforward methods for DNA extraction, using NaOH (method 1A) and InstaGeneTM Matrix (method 1B), from isolated eggs circumventing the need for commercial kits. The sensitivity of both assays with fox samples was similar (72.7%) with multiplex-PCR using protocol 1A and LAMP using protocol 1B. Sensitivity increased up to 100% when testing faeces from 12 foxes infected with more than 100 intestinal stages of E. multilocularis. For dogs, sensitivity was similar (95.4%) for LAMP and multiplex-PCR using protocol 1B and for both methods when DNA was extracted using protocol 1A (90.9%). The DNA extraction methods used here are fast, cheap, and do not require a DNA purification step, making them suitable for field studies in low-income countries for the prevalence study of E. multilocularis.
Cytokine-Induced Modulation of SARS-CoV2 Receptor Expression in Primary Human Nasal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Ramezanpour Mahnaz , Bolt Harrison , Hon Karen , Bouras George Spyro , Psaltis Alkis James , Wormald Peter-John , Vreugde Sarah
Published: July 2021

Background: Viral entry of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) via the spike protein enables endocytosis into host cells using the ACE2 receptor and TMPRSS2. The frequent upper respiratory tract symptoms of COVID-19 and the localization of the virus to the nasopharynx, the most common site of swabbing, indicate that the sinonasal mucosa may play an important role in SARS-CoV2 infection and viral replication. Methods: This paper investigates the presence of ACE2 receptor and TMPRESS2 expression in the primary human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs) from the following: chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP), CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and control (non-CRS) patients, and maps the expression changes when exposed to Th1, Th2, Th17-associated cytokines. Results: We found that ACE2 and TMPRSS2 expression was higher in control HNECs than CRSwNP HNECs, and that both ACE2 and TMPRSS2 were downregulated further by Th2 cytokines in CRSwNP HNECs. Conclusions: This indicates an immune dysregulated state of CRSwNP mucosa, which normally contributes to a chronic inflammatory state, and might support an altered susceptibility to SARS-CoV2 infection and transmission.
A Mouse Model That Mimics AIDS-Related Cytomegalovirus Retinitis: Insights into Pathogenesis
Authors: Oh Jay J. , Carter Jessica J. , Dix Richard D.
Published: July 2021

With the appearance of the worldwide AIDS pandemic four decades ago came a number of debilitating opportunistic infections in patients immunosuppressed by the pathogenic human retrovirus HIV. Among these was a severe sight-threatening retinal disease caused by human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) that remains today a significant cause of vision loss and blindness in untreated AIDS patients without access or sufficient response to combination antiretroviral therapy. Early investigations of AIDS-related HCMV retinitis quickly characterized its hallmark clinical features and unique histopathologic presentation but did not begin to identify the precise virologic and immunologic events that allow the onset and development of this retinal disease during HIV-induced immunosuppression. Toward this end, several mouse models of experimental cytomegalovirus retinitis have been developed to provide new insights into the pathophysiology of HCMV retinitis during AIDS. Herein, we provide a summary and comparison of these mouse models of AIDS-related HCMV retinitis with particular emphasis on one mouse model developed in our laboratory in which mice with a murine acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (MAIDS) of murine retrovirus origin develops a reproducible and well characterized retinitis following intraocular infection with murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV). The MAIDS model of MCMV retinitis has advanced the discovery of many clinically relevant virologic and immunologic mechanisms of virus-induced retinal tissue destruction that are discussed and summarized in this review. These findings may extend to the pathogenesis of AIDS-related HCMV retinitis and other AIDS-related opportunistic virus infections.
Caustics of Non-Paraxial Perfect Optical Vortices Generated by Toroidal Vortex Lenses
Authors: Khonina Svetlana N. , Kharitonov Sergey I. , Volotovskiy Sergey G. , Soifer Viktor A.
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we consider the comparative formation of perfect optical vortices in the non-paraxial mode using various optical elements: non-paraxial and parabolic toroidal vortex lenses, as well as a vortex axicon in combination with a parabolic lens. The theoretical analysis of the action of these optical elements, as well as the calculation of caustic surfaces, is carried out using a hybrid geometrical-optical and wave approach. Numerical analysis performed on the basis of the expansion in conical waves qualitatively confirms the results obtained and makes it possible to reveal more details associated with diffraction effects. Equations of 3D-caustic surfaces are obtained and the conditions of the ring radius dependence on the order of the vortex phase singularity are analyzed. In the non-paraxial mode, when small light rings (several tens of wavelengths) are formed, a linear dependence of the ring radius on the vortex order is shown. The revealed features should be taken into account when using the considered optical elements forming the POV in various applications.
Bumblebees (Bombus terrestris) Improve ‘Hass’ Avocado (Persea americana) Pollination
Authors: Stern Raphael A. , Rozen Ada , Eshed Ravit , Zviran Tali , Sisai Isaac , Sherman Amir , Irihimovitch Vered , Sapir Gal
Published: July 2021

Pollination is limiting for avocado production. We examined whether adding bumblebees (BBs; ca. 10 hives/ha) to conventional honeybees (HB; 5 hives/ha) would improve ‘Hass’ avocado pollination and yields. A preliminary trial (2017/18) in an avocado orchard with four consecutive rows of ‘Hass’ followed by one row of ‘Ettinger’ serving as a pollenizer (20% ‘Ettinger’) showed a considerable increase in ‘Hass’ yield in rows adjacent to (up to 80 m from) the BB hives vs. distant rows (=controls). In 2018/19, the trials were extended to three additional orchards. A significant yield increase was obtained in the BB hive-adjacent trees compared to BB hive-distant ones. Similar results were obtained in 2019/20, in experiments conducted throughout the country. The SNP analysis, to determine the parents of ‘Hass’ fruit at varying distances from the BB hives, showed no differences in the cross-pollination rate (‘Hass’ × ‘Ettinger’). However, pollination rates and the number of germinating pollen grains per stigma decreased with distance from the hives, and correlated to the negative gradient in yield. Taken together, our data suggest that adding BB hives to ‘Hass’ avocado orchards, at ca. 10 hives/ha resulting in 0.5–1.0 BB visits/tree per min, increases pollination and, accordingly, total yield.
Phytochemical Screening, Antioxidant and Sperm Viability of Nelumbo nucifera Petal Extracts
Authors: Laoung-on Jiraporn , Jaikang Churdsak , Saenphet Kanokporn , Sudwan Paiwan
Published: July 2021

Sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.; N. nucifera) is a common ingredient in traditional medicine and Thai recipes. Its petal is an agricultural waste from stamen production. There are limitations in the used and pharmacological data of the petals resulting in more petals waste. The aims of this study were to investigate the phytochemical contents, antioxidant activity, and potential effects on sperm viability of aqueous (NAE) and ethanolic extracts (NEE) of both red and white N. nucifera petals. The white NAE had the highest total phenolics content, total tannins content and maximal antioxidant activity. The white NEE had the highest concentration of total flavonoids. Quercetin was a major flavonoid and was found in the aqueous extracts. Both red and white of NAE in the range of 0.22 to 1.76 mg/mL increased sperm viability. The white NAE was prominent in phytochemical content, antioxidant activity, and both red and white NAE effectively increased rat sperm viability in the in vitro model. The white NAE enhanced sperm viability by decreasing oxidative stress. It might be suggested that the N. nucifera petals have benefits for sperm viability health promotion and may increase the economic value of agricultural waste.
Chemical and Biological Profiles of Dendrobium in Two Different Species, Their Hybrid, and Gamma-Irradiated Mutant Lines of the Hybrid Based on LC-QToF MS and Cytotoxicity Analysis
Authors: Nam Bomi , Jang Hyun-Jae , Han Ah-Reum , Kim Ye-Ram , Jin Chang-Hyun , Jung Chan-Hun , Kang Kyo-Bin , Kim Sang-Hoon , Hong Min-Jeong , Kim Jin-Baek , Ryu Hyung-Won
Published: July 2021

The Dendrobium species (Orchidaceae) has been cultivated as an ornamental plant as well as used in traditional medicines. In this study, the chemical profiles of Dendrobii Herba, used as herbal medicine, Dendrobium in two different species, their hybrid, and the gamma-irradiated mutant lines of the hybrid, were systematically investigated via ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QToF MS). Among the numerous peaks detected, 17 peaks were unambiguously identified. Gigantol (1), (1R,2R)-1,7-hydroxy-2,8-methoxy-2,3-dihydrophenanthrene-4(1H)-one (2), tristin (3), (−)-syringaresinol (4), lusianthridin (5), 2,7-dihydroxy-phenanthrene-1,4-dione (6), densiflorol B (7), denthyrsinin (8), moscatilin (9), lusianthridin dimer (10), batatasin III (11), ephemeranthol A (12), thunalbene (13), dehydroorchinol (14), dendrobine (15), shihunine (16), and 1,5,7-trimethoxy-2-phenanthrenol (17), were detected in Dendrobii Herba, while 1, 2, and 16 were detected in D. candidum, 1, 11, and 16 in D. nobile, and 1, 2, and 16 in the hybrid, D. nobile × candidum. The methanol extract taken of them was also examined for cytotoxicity against FaDu human hypopharynx squamous carcinoma cells, where Dendrobii Herba showed the greatest cytotoxicity. In the untargeted metabolite analysis of 436 mutant lines of the hybrid, using UPLC-QToF MS and cytotoxicity measurements combined with multivariate analysis, two tentative flavonoids (M1 and M2) were evaluated as key markers among the analyzed metabolites, contributing to the distinction between active and inactive mutant lines.
Spatially Varying Relationships between Alien Plant Distributions and Environmental Factors in South Korea
Authors: Park Jeong-Soo , Lee Hyohyemi , Choi Donghui , Kim Youngha
Published: July 2021

Invasive alien plants can severely threaten biodiversity and cause economic losses in the agricultural industry; therefore, identifying the critical environmental factors related to the distribution of alien plants plays a crucial role in ecosystem management. In this study, we applied partial least squares regression (PLSR) and geographically weighted regression (GWR) to estimate the important environmental factors affecting the spread of two invasive and expansive plants, Lactuca scariola L. and Aster pilosus Willd., across South Korea. GWR provides more accurate predictions than ordinary least squares regression, and the local coefficients of GWR allow for the determination of the spatial relationships between alien plant distributions and environmental variables. Based on the model’s results, the distributions of these alien species were significantly associated with anthropogenic effects, such as human population density, residential area, and road density. Furthermore, the two alien species can establish themselves in habitats where native plants cannot thrive, owing to their broad tolerance to temperature and drought conditions. This study suggests that urban development and expansion can facilitate the invasion of these species in metropolitan cities.
Mining of Leaf Rust Resistance Genes Content in Egyptian Bread Wheat Collection
Authors: Atia Mohamed A. M. , El-Khateeb Eman A. , Abd El-Maksoud Reem M. , Abou-Zeid Mohamed A. , Salah Arwa , Abdel-Hamid Amal M. E.
Published: July 2021

Wheat is a major nutritional cereal crop that has economic and strategic value worldwide. The sustainability of this extraordinary crop is facing critical challenges globally, particularly leaf rust disease, which causes endless problems for wheat farmers and countries and negatively affects humanity’s food security. Developing effective marker-assisted selection programs for leaf rust resistance in wheat mainly depends on the availability of deep mining of resistance genes within the germplasm collections. This is the first study that evaluated the leaf rust resistance of 50 Egyptian wheat varieties at the adult plant stage for two successive seasons and identified the absence/presence of 28 leaf rust resistance (Lr) genes within the studied wheat collection. The field evaluation results indicated that most of these varieties demonstrated high to moderate leaf rust resistance levels except Gemmeiza 1, Gemmeiza 9, Giza162, Giza 163, Giza 164, Giza 165, Sids 1, Sids 2, Sids 3, Sakha 62, Sakha 69, Sohag 3 and Bany Swif 4, which showed fast rusting behavior. On the other hand, out of these 28 Lr genes tested against the wheat collection, 21 Lr genes were successfully identified. Out of 15 Lr genes reported conferring the adult plant resistant or slow rusting behavior in wheat, only five genes (Lr13, Lr22a, Lr34, Lr37, and Lr67) were detected within the Egyptian collection. Remarkedly, the genes Lr13, Lr19, Lr20, Lr22a, Lr28, Lr29, Lr32, Lr34, Lr36, Lr47, and Lr60, were found to be the most predominant Lr genes across the 50 Egyptian wheat varieties. The molecular phylogeny results also inferred the same classification of field evaluation, through grouping genotypes characterized by high to moderate leaf rust resistance in one cluster while being highly susceptible in a separate cluster, with few exceptions.
Optimization of Extraction Solvent and Fast Blue BB Assay for Comparative Analysis of Antioxidant Phenolics from Cucumis melo L.
Authors: Ravindranath Varsha , Singh Jashbir , Jayaprakasha Guddarangavvanahally K. , Patil Bhimanagouda S.
Published: July 2021

Melon (Cucumis melo L.) fruits contain multiple health-promoting compounds, including phenolic compounds, which are antioxidants. Accurate measurement of antioxidant activities and total phenolic contents (TPCs) require an efficient solvent extraction. In this study, we evaluated free radical scavenging activity and TPC of melon extracts extracted with 22 different solvent combinations. The DPPH scavenging activities were high in 100% methanolic (39.48 ± 0.36 µg g−1) and 80% methanolic extracts (38.99 ± 0.44 µg g−1). Similarly, the ABTS scavenging activities were high in 100% methanolic (315.11 ± 10.38 µg g−1) and 80% methanol extracts (297.39 ± 14.98 µg g−1). The Folin–Ciocalteu (F–C) assay is typically used to measure TPC but may be affected by interference from sugars and other compounds. Therefore, we optimized an assay for TPC using Fast Blue (FB) salt and developed a standard operating procedure for microplate analysis using FB. Our analysis of standard samples and comparisons with the F–C assay suggested that the optimized FB assay could be used to measure TPC in fruit and juice samples. Moreover, we successfully detected six phenolic compounds in methanol extracts of melon by LC-HR-QTOF/MS.
Epiphytic Orchid Diversity along an Altitudinal Gradient in Central Nepal
Authors: Timsina Binu , Kindlmann Pavel , Subedi Sajan , Khatri Subhash , Rokaya Maan B.
Published: July 2021

Epiphytic orchids are common in subtropical forests, but little is known about the factors that determine their diversity. We surveyed two sites (north-facing Phulchowki and south-facing Shivapuri hills), in the sub-tropical forest in the Kathmandu valley, central Nepal. Along five transects per site, spanning an altitudinal gradient of 1525–2606 m a.s.l., we recorded all epiphytic orchids and the host species on which they were growing. The data were analyzed using a generalized linear model (GLM) and redundancy analysis (RDA). Species richness significantly decreased with increasing altitude and was higher in larger hosts and in places with high temperature. Species composition was affected by altitude, distance from the forest edge, host type, and precipitation. This study indicates that the most important factors affecting epiphytic orchid diversity was altitude, even if other factors were associated with patterns in composition. The low-altitude habitats with high species diversity are the best places for epiphytic orchids in this region. The altitudinal species richness and patterns in composition revealed by this study provide a baseline for further studies on epiphytic orchids.
Foliar Spray of Alpha-Tocopherol Modulates Antioxidant Potential of Okra Fruit under Salt Stress
Authors: Naqve Maria , Wang Xiukang , Shahbaz Muhammad , Fiaz Sajid , Naqvi Wardah , Naseer Mehwish , Mahmood Athar , Ali Habib
Published: July 2021

As an antioxidant, alpha-tocopherol (α-Toc) protects plants from salinity-induced oxidative bursts. This study was conducted twice to determine the effect of α-Toc as a foliar spray (at 0 (no spray), 100, 200, and 300 mg L−1) to improve the yield and biochemical constituents of fresh green capsules of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) under salt stress (0 and 100 mM). Salt stress significantly reduced K+ and Ca2+ ion concentration and yield, whereas it increased H2O2, malondialdehyde (MDA), Na+, glycine betaine (GB), total free proline, total phenolics, and the activities of catalase (CAT), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), and protease in both okra varieties (Noori and Sabzpari). Foliar application of α-Toc significantly improved the yield in tested okra varieties by increasing the activity of antioxidants (CAT, GPX, SOD, and ascorbic acid), accumulation of GB, and total free proline in fruit tissues under saline and non-saline conditions. Moreover, α-Toc application as a foliar spray alleviated the adverse effects of salt stress by reducing Na+ concentration, MDA, and H2O2 levels and improving the uptake of K+ and Ca2+. Among the tested okra varieties, Noori performed better than Sabzpari across all physio-biochemical attributes. Of all the foliar-applied α-Toc levels, 200 mg L−1 and 300 mg L−1 were more effective in the amelioration of salinity-induced adverse effects in okra. Thus, we concluded that higher levels of α-Toc (200 mg L−1 and 300 mg L−1) combat salinity stress more effectively by boosting the antioxidant potential of okra plants.
Sediment Characteristics Determine the Flowering Effort of Zostera noltei Meadows Inhabiting a Human-Dominated Lagoon
Authors: Guerrero-Meseguer Laura , Veiga Puri , Sampaio Leandro , Rubal Marcos
Published: July 2021

Recent studies have shown increasing Zostera noltei meadows in areas modified by anthropogenic activities. However, it is not entirely clear whether this trend of expansion could be linked to a greater reproductive effort in the species. Anthropogenic stressors can induce the reproductive effort of seagrass meadows as a response to stress, but other variables, such as seagrass biometrics or environmental factors, can also influence their sexual reproduction. To increase the knowledge regarding this issue, we monitored the flowering effort, seagrass biometrics and abiotic parameters of three Z. noltei meadows in an area that has been highly modified by anthropogenic activities during the past decades. Results showed that silt and clay content in the sediment (strongly correlated with organic matter) and seagrass vertical shoot density explained 54% of the variability in the flowering effort of the meadows. This study suggests that stress-induced flowering of Z. noltei may occur under determinate environmental conditions, such as silty environments with organic enrichment.
Strength and Biocompatibility of Heparin-Based Calcium Phosphate Cement Grafted with Ferulic Acid
Authors: Chang Kai-Chi , Chen Jian-Chih , Cheng I-Tse , Haung Ssu-Meng , Liu Shih-Ming , Ko Chia-Ling , Sun Ying-Sui , Shih Chi-Jen , Chen Wen-Cheng
Published: July 2021

The biomimetic synthesis of carbonated apatites by biomolecule-based templates is a promising way for broadening apatite applications in bone tissue regeneration. In this work, heparin was used as an organic template to prepare uniform carbonate-based apatite nanorods (CHA) and graft ferulic acid (F-CHA) for enhanced bone mineralization. Next, by combining calcium phosphate cement (CPC) with different F-CHA/CPC ratios, a new type of injectable bone cement combined with F-CHA bioactive apatite was developed (CPC + F-CHA). The physicochemical properties, biocompatibility, and mineralization potential of the CPC + F-CHA composites were determined in vitro. The experimental results confirmed the preparation of highly biocompatible CHA and the compatibility of F-CHA with CPC. Although CPC + F-CHA composites with F-CHA (2.5 wt%, 5 wt%, and 10 wt%) showed a significant reduction in compressive strength (CS), compositing CPC with 10 wt% F-CHA yielded a CS suitable for orthopedic repair (CS still larger than 30 MPa). Spectroscopic and phase analyses revealed that the phase of the hydrothermally synthesized CHA product was not modified by the heparin template. Injection and disintegration tests indicated that the CPC + F-CHA composites have good biocompatibility even at 10 wt% F-CHA. D1 osteoprogenitor cells were cultured with the composites for 7 days in vitro, and the CPC + 10%F-CHA group demonstrated significantly promoted cell mineralization compared with other groups. Given these results, the use of over 10% F-CHA in CPC composites should be avoided if the latter is to be applied to load-bearing areas. A stress-shielding device may also be recommended to stabilize these areas. These newly developed biocompatible CPC + F-CHA have great potential as osteoconductive bone fillers for bone tissue engineering.
Catherine’s Icon: Pavel Filonov and the Orthodox World
Authors: Misler Nicoletta , Bowlt John E.
Published: July 2021

The authors discuss the Orthodox icon which Pavel Filonov (1883–1941) painted in 1908 or 1909 for his sister, Ekaterina, placing it within the broader context of his oeuvre, his family and his understanding of ‘religiosity’. Making reference to Filonov’s system of Analytical Art and to what he called ‘madness’, the authors focus on the particular technical devices which he used in the icon and on the podlinnik (or primer) from which he copied the main elements. Reference is also made to other religious motifs in Filonov’s art such as the Magi, Flight into Egypt and Crucifixion.
Leveraging Deep Neural Networks to Map Caribou Lichen in High-Resolution Satellite Images Based on a Small-Scale, Noisy UAV-Derived Map
Authors: Jozdani Shahab , Chen Dongmei , Chen Wenjun , Leblanc Sylvain G. , Prévost Christian , Lovitt Julie , He Liming , Johnson Brian A.
Published: July 2021

Lichen is an important food source for caribou in Canada. Lichen mapping using remote sensing (RS) images could be a challenging task, however, as lichens generally appear in unevenly distributed, small patches, and could resemble surficial features. Moreover, collecting lichen labeled data (reference data) is expensive, which restricts the application of many robust supervised classification models that generally demand a large quantity of labeled data. The goal of this study was to investigate the potential of using a very-high-spatial resolution (1-cm) lichen map of a small sample site (e.g., generated based on a single UAV scene and using field data) to train a subsequent classifier to map caribou lichen over a much larger area (~0.04 km2 vs. ~195 km2) and a lower spatial resolution image (in this case, a 50-cm WorldView-2 image). The limited labeled data from the sample site were also partially noisy due to spatial and temporal mismatching issues. For this, we deployed a recently proposed Teacher-Student semi-supervised learning (SSL) approach (based on U-Net and U-Net++ networks) involving unlabeled data to assist with improving the model performance. Our experiments showed that it was possible to scale-up the UAV-derived lichen map to the WorldView-2 scale with reasonable accuracy (overall accuracy of 85.28% and F1-socre of 84.38%) without collecting any samples directly in the WorldView-2 scene. We also found that our noisy labels were partially beneficial to the SSL robustness because they improved the false positive rate compared to the use of a cleaner training set directly collected within the same area in the WorldView-2 image. As a result, this research opens new insights into how current very high-resolution, small-scale caribou lichen maps can be used for generating more accurate large-scale caribou lichen maps from high-resolution satellite imagery.
Using Swarm to Detect Total Water Storage Changes in 26 Global Basins (Taking the Amazon Basin, Volga Basin and Zambezi Basin as Examples)
Authors: Wang Zhengtao , Tian Kunjun , Li Fupeng , Xiong Si , Gao Yu , Wang Lingxuan , Zhang Bingbing
Published: July 2021

The Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite provides time-varying gravity field models that can detect total water storage change (TWSC) from April 2002 to June 2017, and its second-generation satellite, GRACE Follow-On (GRACE-FO), provides models from June 2018, so there is a one year gap. Swarm satellites are equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers, which can be used to recover the Earth’s time-varying gravitational field. Swarm’s time-varying gravitational field models (from December 2013 to June 2018) were solved by the International Combination Service for Time-variable Gravity Field Solutions (COST-G) and the Astronomical Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences (ASI). On a timely scale, Swarm has the potential to fill the gap between the two generations of GRACE satellites. In this paper, using 26 global watersheds as the study area, first, we explored the optimal data processing strategy for Swarm and then obtained the Swarm-TWSC of each watershed based on the optimal results. Second, we evaluated Swarm’s accuracy in detecting regional water storage variations, analyzed the reasons for its superior and inferior performance in different regions, and systematically explored its potential in detecting terrestrial water storage changes in land areas. Finally, we constructed the time series of terrestrial water storage changes from 2002 to 2019 by combining GRACE, Swarm, and GRACE-FO for the Amazon, Volga, and Zambezi Basins. The results show that the optimal data processing strategy of Swarm is different from that of GRACE. The optimal results of Swarm-TWSC were explored in 26 watersheds worldwide; its accuracy is related to the area size, runoff volume, total annual mass change, and instantaneous mass change of the watershed itself, among which the latter is the main factor affecting Swarm-TWSC. Knowledge of the Swarm-TWSC of 26 basins constructed in this paper is important to study long-term water storage changes in basins.
Association between Influenza Vaccination and the Risk of Bell’s Palsy in the Korean Elderly
Authors: Jeong Nayoung , Kim Yejee , Kim Chungjong , Park Sangmin , Lee Joongyub , Choi Namkyong
Published: July 2021

Previous studies have shown controversial results on the risk of Bell’s palsy after influenza vaccination. Since the antigenic components of influenza vaccine can vary from season to season, continuous safety monitoring is required. The aim of the present study was to determine whether there was an increased risk of Bell’s palsy in the elderly after influenza vaccination between the 2015/2016 and 2017/2018 flu seasons. This study included the elderly who received influenza vaccinations for three flu seasons using a large-linked database of vaccination registration data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and the National Health Insurance Service claims data. We used a self-controlled risk interval design with a risk interval of 1 to 42 days and a control interval of 57 to 98 days postvaccination and calculated the incidence rate ratio. To ensure the robustness of the results, sensitivity analyses were also carried out with different risk and control intervals. Of 4,653,440 elderly people who received the influenza vaccine, there was no statistically significant increase in the risk of Bell’s palsy (IRR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.92–1.07). Similar results were found in analysis results for each season and the results of the sensitivity analyses excluding the 2017/2018 season. In conclusion, we found no evidence of an increased risk of Bell’s palsy after influenza vaccination. The results of our study provide reassurance about the safety of the influenza vaccine NIP program. However, it is necessary to continuously monitor the risk of Bell’s palsy during future flu seasons.
Technologies of Social Work with Disabled People in the Works of National Authors
Authors: Detochenko Lyudmila , Boyko Yulia
Published: July 2021

The article describes the technologies of social work that play a special role in the integration of disabled people into society and that are aimed at identifying problems and at their solutions. The use of technology contributes to the prevention of social risks, helps forming life orientations, and provides assistance in obtaining education and employment. The article covers the views of domestic authors on social work technologies, their role in the lives of people with disabilities and people with limited health abilities, as well as the role of these technologies in the development of communication skills for further adaptation of a disabled person.
Human Resource Management Technologies: Case Study of Oil and Gas Companies. Comparative Analysis
Authors: Kulzhanova Kamila , Sheina Anastasiya
Published: July 2021

Based on the study of scientific and theoretical works of scientists in the field of organisation and human resources management, the authors conducted a comparative analysis of important for the socio-economic situation of states companies, such as “Royal Dutch Shell” and PJSC “LUKOIL”, according to the following criteria: goal, mission, recruitment, incentives, personnel evaluation, and dismissal.
Does russian society need «civil religion»?
Authors: Varganov Vyacheslav
Published: July 2021

At the present stage of development of the Russian Federation, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the ideological bonds of the people disappeared. In these conditions, the "well-wishers" of various stripes are persistently trying to fi ll the resulting vacuum. The people themselves and their leadership are also in search of a national idea that can unite all Russians into a single nation. One of the options for a possible new national idea, according to some scientists, is the so-called "civil religion". Is it suitable for the Russian society?
Ensuring a high degree of integration of the Russian Federation to the world information society as a direction of state information policy
Authors: Krylov Aleksandr
Published: July 2021

This article analyzes the results of the state information policy in relation to the international community in 2019. Ensuring a high degree of integration of the Russian Federation into the world information society is considered as a direction of the state information policy.
The paradigm of a healthy lifestyle as a modern civilizational concept
Authors: Sukhorukova Galina , Greshilov Egor
Published: July 2021

This article formulates the main concepts of the paradigm of a healthy lifestyle. The necessity of starting the process of transition to a healthy lifestyle is shown due to the gradual patient conviction of a citizen in the need to change the vector of reinterpretation of modernity.
Charity development trends in Russia
Authors: Kusov Amurkhan
Published: July 2021

The article analyzes the problems of charity development in the world and in Russia over the past 25 years. The research reveals the issues of citizens' involvement in various forms of philanthropy and the specifi cs of national policy in this area. The author of the article examines the dynamics of increasing public confidence in NPOs and various charitable organizations, as well as identifi es new methods and means of providing support and donations to organizations in need. The author also analyzes the statistical database for the specifi ed time period.
Poverty in Russia’s territorial entities: assessment of the state and measures to reduce it
Authors: Sadykov Ramil Midkhatovich
Published: July 2021

The article deals with the problems of poverty in modern Russia, assessment of the state and measures to reduce its scale. The main threats to the social development of territorial entities are the low standard of living of the population and the spread of poverty. The main indicators that characterize the level of poverty in Russia and its regions are analyzed: the share of the population with monetary incomes below the subsistence rate, credit debts of Russians and their social well-being. Official statistics and the results of sociological research confirm the low indicators of the quality of life of the population of the territorial entities.
Determination of time dependent antibacterial activities of curcumin, carvacrol and styrax liquidus on Salmonella Enteritidis
Authors: KEYVAN Erhan , TUTUN Hidayet , KAHRAMAN Hatice Ahu , ŞEN Erdi , DEMİRTAŞ Ahu , DÖNMEZ Soner , AKYÜZ Ali Özhan
Published: July 2021

Salmonella Enteritidis is amongst the most common causes of foodborne salmonellosis. Multi-drug resistant Salmonella strains has been associated with treatment failures. Plant-derived phytochemicals may be an alternative to antibiotics in combating these bacteria. The purpose of this study is to investigate the antibacterial activity of curcumin, carvacrol and styrax liquidus on S. Enteritidis and S. Enteritidis PT4. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of these substances were detected at 1.5, 3, 7.5 and 24 h by broth microdilution method to evaluate their time-dependent antibacterial activities. The findings of the present study showed that MIC values of carvacrol, curcumin and styrax liquids for both S. Enteritidis and S. Enteritidis PT4 were 125.0 μg/mL, 132.5 μg/mL, 31.3 mg/mL for 24 h, respectively. Also, a time-dependent change was observed in the MIC values of curcumin. Carvacrol, curcumin and styrax liquidus can be used to provide antimicrobial effect on S. Enteritidis and S. Enteritidis PT4 in food applications, taking into account the MIC values and contact times.
Planejamento de chaves em redes de distribuição utilizando fluxo de potência ótimo
Authors:   , Pereira Christian Mendes
Published: July 2021

Haja vista a grande relevância da área de confiabilidade dos sistemas de distribuição de energia elétrica tanto para as concessionárias quanto para os consumidores, propõe-se, com este trabalho, uma metodologia para planejamento de interconexões baseada na utilização de multiplicadores de Lagrange obtidos do problema de Fluxo de Potência Ótimo. Tais variáveis, quando determinadas para equações de balanço de potência e de limite superior das variáveis de chaveamento, permitem quantificar, respectivamente, a potencial transferência de potência entre alimentadores e a tendência de fechamento da chave de interconexão para maximizar o carregamento do sistema. Torna-se, assim, possível determinar as melhores interconexões dentre uma variedade de candidatas através do algoritmo heurístico construtivo proposto. Como resultado, adquire-se uma alocação mais eficaz de chaves seccionadoras no propósito de melhoria de confiabilidade do sistema, o que há de ser comprovado nos estudos de caso de quatro sistemas em ordem crescente de número de barras, a começar pelo sistema tutorial de 14 barras até um sistema real de 476 barras. Ao fim desta dissertação são levantadas questões pertinentes e propostas de trabalhos futuros.