bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Foes or Friends? Bacteria Enriched in the Tumor Microenvironment of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Xu Siyang , Yin Wen , Zhang Yuling , Lv Qimei , Yang Yijun , He Jin
Published: February 2020

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer and the third cause of cancer death in the world, while intestinal microbiota is a community of microbes living in human intestine that can potentially impact human health in many ways. Accumulating evidence suggests that intestinal microbiota, especially that from the intestinal bacteria, play a key role in the CRC development; therefore, identification of bacteria involved in CRC development can provide new targets for the CRC diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. Over the past decade, there have been considerable advances in applying 16S rDNA sequencing data to verify associated intestinal bacteria in CRC patients; however, due to variations of individual and environment factors, these results seem to be inconsistent. In this review, we scrutinized the previous 16S rDNA sequencing data of intestinal bacteria from CRC patients, and identified twelve genera that are specifically enriched in the tumor microenvironment. We have focused on their relationship with the CRC development, and shown that some bacteria could promote CRC development, acting as foes, while others could inhibit CRC development, serving as friends, for human health. Finally, we highlighted their potential applications for the CRC diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.
The Impact of IL-6 and IL-10 Gene Polymorphisms in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Risk and Overall Survival in an Arab Population: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Al-Khatib Sohaib M. , Abdo Nour , AL-Eitan Laith N. , Al-Mistarehi Abdel-Hameed , Zahran Deeb Jamil , Kewan Tariq Zuheir
Published: February 2020

B-cell lymphomas can be classified as Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL). The incidence of NHL is variable and affected by age, gender, racial, and geographic factors. There is strong evidence that the immune-regulatory cytokines have a major role in hematologic malignancies. In this study, we analyzed the relationship between seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in two selected cytokines (IL-6 rs1800795G > C, rs1800796G > C, rs1800797G > A, IL-10 rs1800871G > A, rs1800872G > T, rs1800890A > T, rs1800896T > C) and the risk and overall survival of DLBCL patients in a Jordanian Arab population. One hundred and twenty-five DLBCL patients diagnosed at King Abdullah University Hospital (KAUH) from the period 2013–2018 and 238 matched healthy controls were included in the study. Genomic DNA was extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues. Genotyping of the genetic polymorphisms was conducted using a sequencing protocol. Our study showed no significant differences in the distribution of all studied polymorphisms of DLBCL between patients and controls. The IL-6 rs1800797 was the only SNP to show significant survival results, DLBCL subjects with the codominant model (GG/AG/AA) genotypes and recessive model (AA genotype in comparison with the combined GG/GA genotype) had worse overall survival (p = 0.028 and 0.016, respectively).
DNA Damage in Blood Leukocytes of Prostate Cancer Patients Undergoing PET/CT Examinations with [68Ga]Ga-PSMA I&T
Authors: Schumann Sarah , Scherthan Harry , Frank Torsten , Lapa Constantin , Müller Jessica , Seifert Simone , Lassmann Michael , Eberlein Uta
Published: February 2020

The aim was to investigate the induction and repair of radiation-induced DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) as a function of the absorbed dose to the blood of patients undergoing PET/CT examinations with [68Ga]Ga-PSMA. Blood samples were collected from 15 patients before and at four time points after [68Ga]Ga-PSMA administration, both before and after the PET/CT scan. Absorbed doses to the blood were calculated. In addition, blood samples with/without contrast agent from five volunteers were irradiated ex vivo by CT while measuring the absorbed dose. Leukocytes were isolated, fixed, and stained for co-localizing γ-H2AX+53BP1 DSB foci that were enumerated manually. In vivo, a significant increase in γ-H2AX+53BP1 foci compared to baseline was observed at all time points after administration, although the absorbed dose to the blood by 68Ga was below 4 mGy. Ex vivo, the increase in radiation-induced foci depended on the absorbed dose and the presence of contrast agent, which could have caused a dose enhancement. The CT-dose contribution for the patients was estimated at about 12 mGy using the ex vivo calibration. The additional number of DSB foci induced by CT, however, was comparable to the one induced by 68Ga. The significantly increased foci numbers after [68Ga]Ga-PSMA administration may suggest a possible low-dose hypersensitivity.
Excess TPX2 Interferes with Microtubule Disassembly and Nuclei Reformation at Mitotic Exit
Authors: Naso Francesco D. , Sterbini Valentina , Crecca Elena , Asteriti Italia A. , Russo Alessandra D. , Giubettini Maria , Cundari Enrico , Lindon Catherine , Rosa Alessandro , Guarguaglini Giulia
Published: February 2020

The microtubule-associated protein TPX2 is a key mitotic regulator that contributes through distinct pathways to spindle assembly. A well-characterised function of TPX2 is the activation, stabilisation and spindle localisation of the Aurora-A kinase. High levels of TPX2 are reported in tumours and the effects of its overexpression have been investigated in cancer cell lines, while little is known in non-transformed cells. Here we studied TPX2 overexpression in hTERT RPE-1 cells, using either the full length TPX2 or a truncated form unable to bind Aurora-A, to identify effects that are dependent—or independent—on its interaction with the kinase. We observe significant defects in mitotic spindle assembly and progression through mitosis that are more severe when overexpressed TPX2 is able to interact with Aurora-A. Furthermore, we describe a peculiar, and Aurora-A-interaction-independent, phenotype in telophase cells, with aberrantly stable microtubules interfering with nuclear reconstitution and the assembly of a continuous lamin B1 network, resulting in daughter cells displaying doughnut-shaped nuclei. Our results using non-transformed cells thus reveal a previously uncharacterised consequence of abnormally high TPX2 levels on the correct microtubule cytoskeleton remodelling and G1 nuclei reformation, at the mitosis-to-interphase transition.
Interventional Influence of the Intestinal Microbiome Through Dietary Intervention and Bowel Cleansing Might Improve Motor Symptoms in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Hegelmaier Tobias , Lebbing Marco , Duscha Alexander , Tomaske Laura , Tönges Lars , Holm Jacob Bak , Bjørn Nielsen Henrik , Gatermann Sören G. , Przuntek Horst , Haghikia Aiden
Published: February 2020

The impact of the gut microbiome is being increasingly appreciated in health and in various chronic diseases, among them neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease (PD). In the pathogenesis of PD, the role of the gut has been previously established. In conjunction with a better understanding of the intestinal microbiome, a link to the misfolding and spread of alpha-synuclein via inflammatory processes within the gut is discussed. In a case-control study, we assessed the gut microbiome of 54 PD patients and 32 healthy controls (HC). Additionally, we tested in this proof-of-concept study whether dietary intervention alone or additional physical colon cleaning may lead to changes of the gut microbiome in PD. 16 PD patients underwent a well-controlled balanced, ovo-lacto vegetarian diet intervention including short fatty acids for 14 days. 10 of those patients received additional treatment with daily fecal enema over 8 days. Stool samples were collected before and after 14 days of intervention. In comparison to HC, we could confirm previously reported PD associated microbiome changes. The UDPRS III significantly improved and the levodopa-equivalent daily dose decreased after vegetarian diet and fecal enema in a one-year follow-up. Additionally, we observed a significant association between the gut microbiome diversity and the UPDRS III and the abundance of Ruminococcaceae. Additionally, the abundance of Clostridiaceae was significantly reduced after enema. Dietary intervention and bowel cleansing may provide an additional non-pharmacologic therapeutic option for PD patients.
Implications of Selective Autophagy Dysfunction for ALS Pathology
Authors: Vicencio Emiliano , Beltrán Sebastián , Labrador Luis , Manque Patricio , Nassif Melissa , Woehlbier Ute
Published: February 2020

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a lethal neurodegenerative disorder that progressively affects motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. Due to the biological complexity of the disease, its etiology remains unknown. Several cellular mechanisms involved in the neurodegenerative process in ALS have been found, including the loss of RNA and protein homeostasis, as well as mitochondrial dysfunction. Insoluble protein aggregates, damaged mitochondria, and stress granules, which contain RNA and protein components, are recognized and degraded by the autophagy machinery in a process known as selective autophagy. Autophagy is a highly dynamic process whose dysregulation has now been associated with neurodegenerative diseases, including ALS, by numerous studies. In ALS, the autophagy process has been found deregulated in both familial and sporadic cases of the disease. Likewise, mutations in genes coding for proteins involved in the autophagy machinery have been reported in ALS patients, including selective autophagy receptors. In this review, we focus on the role of selective autophagy in ALS pathology.
Impact of HMGB1, RAGE, and TLR4 in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD): From Risk Factors to Therapeutic Targeting
Authors: Paudel Yam Nath , Angelopoulou Efthalia , Piperi Christina , Othman Iekhsan , Aamir Khurram , Shaikh Mohd. Farooq
Published: February 2020

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder and a leading cause of dementia, with accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) as defining pathological features. AD presents a serious global health concern with no cure to date, reflecting the complexity of its pathogenesis. Recent evidence indicates that neuroinflammation serves as the link between amyloid deposition, Tau pathology, and neurodegeneration. The high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein, an initiator and activator of neuroinflammatory responses, has been involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, including AD. HMGB1 is a typical damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) protein that exerts its biological activity mainly through binding to the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). RAGE and TLR4 are key components of the innate immune system that both bind to HMGB1. Targeting of HMGB1, RAGE, and TLR4 in experimental AD models has demonstrated beneficial effects in halting AD progression by suppressing neuroinflammation, reducing Aβ load and production, improving spatial learning, and inhibiting microglial stimulation. Herein, we discuss the contribution of HMGB1 and its receptor signaling in neuroinflammation and AD pathogenesis, providing evidence of its beneficial effects upon therapeutic targeting.
Improvement of Electrical Performance by Neutron Irradiation Treatment on IGZO Thin Film Transistors
Authors: Kwon Sera , Hong Jongin , Jun Byung-Hyuk , Chung Kwun-Bum
Published: February 2020

The effects of the neutron irradiation treatment on indium-gallium-zinc oxide (IGZO) are investigated as a function of the neutron irradiation time. With an increase in neutron irradiation time, the oxygen vacancies associated the oxygen deficient states increase, and both shallow and deep band edge states below the conduction band also increase. Moreover, the conduction band offset continuously decreases because of the increase in the oxygen vacancies with increasing the neutron irradiation time. In IGZO TFTs with the neutron irradiation time for 10 s, superior device performance demonstrates such as the lower threshold voltage, higher field effect mobility, smaller sub-threshold gate swing, larger on-off current ratio, and improved bias stability, comparing those of other IGZO TFTs.
Photomechanical Molecular Crystals of an Azopyridine Derivative and Its Zinc(II) Complex: Synthesis, Crystallization and Photoinduced Motion
Authors: Guo Yanmei , Hao Yunhui , Gao Lei , Hao Hongxun
Published: February 2020

In this work, photomechanical molecular crystals of 4-(4-(6-Hydroxyhexyloxy) phenylazo) pyridine (6cazpy) and its zinc(II) organic complex (complex-I) were synthesized and crystallized. DSC and TGA were used to characterize and compare properties of 6cazpy and its complex-I crystals. Photoinduced motions of 6cazpy crystals and its complex-I crystals were investigated and compared by UV/Vis irradiation. Bending away motions from the light source were observed from both 6cazpy crystals and its complex-I crystals. The bending away motion was attributed to the trans-to-cis photoisomerization of azopyridine derivatives in the crystalline phase. It is worth noting that the photomechanical properties of complex-I were enhanced by the formation of the ligand, which might be caused by the looser packing of molecules inside complex-I crystal. In addition, because of the existence of ligand, which combined two photoactive groups in each complex-I molecule, the isomerization reactions of these two photoactive groups in the molecules can increase the photomechanical movement ability of the crystal. It was also found that the crystal size and shape will affect the photoinduced movement of the crystals. PXRD and AFM were used to investigate the molecular mechanism and the surface topological change upon photoisomerization. The corresponding mechanism was proposed.
Ecotypes of Aquatic Plant Vallisneria americana Tolerate Different Salinity Concentrations
Authors: Tootoonchi Mohsen , Gettys Lyn A , Thayer Kyle L , Markovich Ian J , Sigmon Joseph W , Sadeghibaniani Shabnam
Published: February 2020

Increased salinity caused by saltwater intrusion or runoff from de-icing salts can severely affect freshwater vegetation and deteriorate aquatic ecosystems. These habitats can be restored with freshwater ecotypes (locally adapted populations) that tolerate above-normal salinity. Vallisneria americana is a prominent species in many freshwater ecosystems that responds differently to abiotic conditions such as substrate composition and fertility, so, in this study, we evaluated the effects of salt stress on 24 ecotypes of V. americana. Instant Ocean aquarium salt was used to create saline solutions (0.2 to 20.0 parts per thousand (ppt)), then plants were abruptly exposed to these solutions and maintained in these concentrations for five weeks before being visually assessed for quality and destructively harvested. Analysis of variance and nonlinear regression were used to calculate LC50 values—the lethal concentration of salt that reduced plant biomass and quality by 50% compared to control treatment. Growth rate and visual quality varied significantly among ecotypes, and ecotypes that were most and least sensitive to salt had 50% biomass reductions at 0.47 and 9.10 ppt, respectively. All ecotypes survived 10.0 ppt salinity concentration but none survived at 20.0 ppt, which suggests that the maximum salinity concentration tolerated by these ecotypes is between 15.0 and 20.0 ppt.
Knowledge Gaps or Change of Distribution Ranges? Explaining New Records of Birds in the Ecuadorian Tumbesian Region of Endemism
Authors: Orihuela-Torres Adrian , Tinoco Boris , Ordóñez-Delgado Leonardo , Espinosa Carlos Ivan
Published: February 2020

The change in the distribution range is a common response of various species facing the effects of anthropogenic global change. We used new distribution records of birds reported during the last two decades from the Ecuadorian part of the Tumbesian region (western Ecuador and northwestern Peru) available through a bibliographic review, together with our own field data collected during 2014–2019, and generated a methodology that explored whether these new reports are likely due to knowledge gaps or changes in the distribution range. We classified the species with new records as either Change of distribution range, Likely change of distribution range, Accidental, Knowledge gap, or Undetermined based on information about the distribution area, species conspicuousness, and dynamics of the records in the new location. We gathered data for 46 bird species newly reported in the Ecuadorian Tumbesian region in the last two decades. Of this, 35% of species were classified as Accidental, 24% as Knowledge gaps, 22% as Change of distribution range, 15% as Undetermined, and 4% as Likely change of distribution range. Species classified as Change of distribution range were mostly aquatic. Terrestrial species were mostly classified as Knowledge gap, while aquatic species were mostly classified as Accidental. Our protocol was validated using species which are known to have modified their distribution range in the Palearctic region, all of which were correctly classified by our methodology. The proposed method was precise and easy to apply and will allow us to better understand how species respond to anthropogenic global change, especially in areas where long-term studies are scarce, such as in tropical areas.
Effects of Forest Fragmentation on the Vertical Stratification of Neotropical Bats
Authors: Silva Inês , Rocha Ricardo , López-Baucells Adrià , Farneda Fábio Z. , Meyer Christoph F. J.
Published: February 2020

Vertical stratification is a key component of the biological complexity of rainforests. Understanding community- and species-level responses to disturbance across forest strata is paramount for evidence-based conservation and management. However, even for bats, known to extensively explore multiple layers of the complex three-dimensional forest space, studies are biased towards understory-based surveys and only few assessments of vertical stratification were done in fragmented landscapes. Using both ground and canopy mist-nets, we investigated how the vertical structure of bat assemblages is influenced by forest fragmentation in the experimentally fragmented landscape of the Biological Dynamics of Forest Fragments Project, Central Amazon, Brazil. Over a three year-period, we captured 3077 individuals of 46 species in continuous forest (CF) and in 1, 10 and 100 ha forest fragments. In both CF and forest fragments, the upper forest strata sustained more diverse bat assemblages than the equivalent understory layer, and the midstory layers had significantly higher bat abundance in fragments than in CF. Artibeus lituratus and Rhinophylla pumilio exhibited significant shifts in their vertical stratification patterns between CF and fragments (e.g., R. pumilio was more associated with the upper strata in fragments than in CF). Altogether, our study suggests that fragmentation modulates the vertical stratification of bat assemblages.
Domestic Free-Range Pig Genetic Resources in Southern Africa: Progress and Prospects
Authors: Halimani Tinyiko Edward , Mapiye Obvious , Marandure Tawanda , Januarie Diedre , Imbayarwo-Chikosi Venancio Edward , Dzama Kennedy
Published: February 2020

Pig genetic resources in Africa originate from different regions and were introduced through several migration pathways. Genetic analysis has shown a strong phylogeographic pattern, with pigs on the eastern parts showing a high frequency of alleles from the Far East while the ones on the western parts show a strong European influence. This highlights the influence of trade routes on the genetic legacy of African pigs. They have, however, since adapted to the local environments to produce unique populations with unique attributes. Most of the pigs are now reared in resource-constrained smallholdings under free-range conditions. They are largely owned by women who spread ownership of the resource through kinship networks. Very little work has been done to characterize, conserve, and sustainably utilize pig genetic resources in Southern Africa. The risk status of the breeds together with population numbers, distribution, and other attributes are largely unknown. This paper proposes several strategies for the sustainable utilization of the pig genetic resources: A market-driven in situ conservation program and two complementary ex situ strategies. In addition, the possibility of community-based breed improvement programs is discussed. It was concluded that genetic characterization of domestic free-range pig populations should be a supreme priority.
Phylogenomic Reconstruction Sheds Light on New Relationships and Timescale of Rails (Aves: Rallidae) Evolution
Authors: Garcia-R Juan C. , Lemmon Emily Moriarty , Lemmon Alan R. , French Nigel
Published: February 2020

The integration of state-of-the-art molecular techniques and analyses, together with a broad taxonomic sampling, can provide new insights into bird interrelationships and divergence. Despite their evolutionary significance, the relationships among several rail lineages remain unresolved as does the general timescale of rail evolution. Here, we disentangle the deep phylogenetic structure of rails using anchored phylogenomics. We analysed a set of 393 loci from 63 species, representing approximately 40% of the extant familial diversity. Our phylogenomic analyses reconstruct the phylogeny of rails and robustly infer several previously contentious relationships. Concatenated maximum likelihood and coalescent species-tree approaches recover identical topologies with strong node support. The results are concordant with previous phylogenetic studies using small DNA datasets, but they also supply an additional resolution. Our dating analysis provides contrasting divergence times using fossils and Bayesian and non-Bayesian approaches. Our study refines the evolutionary history of rails, offering a foundation for future evolutionary studies of birds.
Adaptive Water Sampling Device for Aerial Robots
Authors: Koparan Cengiz , Koc A. Bulent , Privette Charles V. , Sawyer Calvin B.
Published: February 2020

Water quality monitoring and predicting the changes in water characteristics require the collection of water samples in a timely manner. Water sample collection based on in situ measurable water quality indicators can increase the efficiency and precision of data collection while reducing the cost of laboratory analyses. The objective of this research was to develop an adaptive water sampling device for an aerial robot and demonstrate the accuracy of its functions in laboratory and field conditions. The prototype device consisted of a sensor node with dissolved oxygen, pH, electrical conductivity, temperature, turbidity, and depth sensors, a microcontroller, and a sampler with three cartridges. Activation of water capturing cartridges was based on in situ measurements from the sensor node. The activation mechanism of the prototype device was tested with standard solutions in the laboratory and with autonomous water sampling flights over the 11-ha section of a lake. A total of seven sampling locations were selected based on a grid system. Each cartridge collected 130 mL of water samples at a 3.5 m depth. Mean water quality parameters were measured as 8.47 mg/L of dissolved oxygen, pH of 5.34, 7 µS/cm of electrical conductivity, temperature of 18 °C, and 37 Formazin Nephelometric Unit (FNU) of turbidity. The dissolved oxygen was within allowable limits that were pre-set in the self-activation computer program while the pH, electrical conductivity, and temperature were outside of allowable limits that were specified by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Therefore, the activation mechanism of the device was triggered and water samples were collected from all the sampling locations successfully. The adaptive water sampling with Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-assisted water sampling device was proved to be a successful method for water quality evaluation.
A Methodology Based on Computational Patterns for Offloading of Big Data Applications on Cloud-Edge Platforms
Authors: Di Martino Beniamino , Venticinque Salvatore , Esposito Antonio , D’Angelo Salvatore
Published: February 2020

Internet of Things (IoT) is becoming a widespread reality, as interconnected smart devices and sensors have overtaken the IT market and invaded every aspect of the human life. This kind of development, while already foreseen by IT experts, implies additional stress to already congested networks, and may require further investments in computational power when considering centralized and Cloud based solutions. That is why a common trend is to rely on local resources, provided by smart devices themselves or by aggregators, to deal with part of the required computations: this is the base concept behind Fog Computing, which is becoming increasingly adopted as a distributed calculation solution. In this paper a methodology, initially developed within the TOREADOR European project for the distribution of Big Data computations over Cloud platforms, will be described and applied to an algorithm for the prediction of energy consumption on the basis of data coming from home sensors, already employed within the CoSSMic European Project. The objective is to demonstrate that, by applying such a methodology, it is possible to improve the calculation performances and reduce communication with centralized resources.
Sturgeon Meat and Caviar Quality from Different Cultured Species
Authors: Lopez Annalaura , Vasconi Mauro , Bellagamba Federica , Mentasti Tiziana , Moretti Vittorio Maria
Published: February 2020

Sturgeon raw eggs, caviar and meat obtained from different species reared in an Italian production plant were evaluated for their chemical composition, in order to improve their appreciation on the market and to detect any eventual distinctness related to the species. Mainly, fatty acid (FA) profile of eggs and caviar, determined by Gas-Chromatography coupled to Flame Ionization Detection, showed variability in the interspecific comparison, highlighted by chemometric methods (Linear Discriminant Analysis). Generally, all samples showed a prevalence of unsaturated fatty acids with respect to saturated ones, reaching a content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) between the 40% and the 50% of total FA. A remarkable presence of n3 series PUFA was detected in all samples and a selective deposition of many FA into eggs’ cellular membranes, yolk lipid and body fat reserves, imputable to the different biological role of single FA during sturgeon reproduction, was evidenced. Chemical composition of sturgeon flesh samples evidenced a high-protein and medium-fat content, characterized by a FA profile of high nutritional value. Moreover, color parameters (redness, yellowness, brightness, Chroma) were measured on sturgeon fillets, showing many species-specific characteristics of sturgeon meat.
HPTLC-DESI-HRMS-Based Profiling of Anthraquinones in Complex Mixtures—A Proof-of-Concept Study Using Crude Extracts of Chilean Mushrooms
Authors: Laub Annegret , Sendatzki Ann-Katrin , Palfner Götz , Wessjohann Ludger A. , Schmidt Jürgen , Arnold Norbert
Published: February 2020

High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) coupled with negative ion desorption electrospray ionization high-resolution mass spectrometry (DESI-HRMS) was used for the analysis of anthraquinones in complex crude extracts of Chilean dermocyboid Cortinarii. For this proof-of-concept study, the known anthraquinones emodin, physcion, endocrocin, dermolutein, hypericin, and skyrin were identified by their elemental composition. HRMS also allowed the differentiation of the investigated anthraquinones from accompanying compounds with the same nominal mass in the crude extracts. An investigation of the characteristic fragmentation pattern of skyrin in comparison with a reference compound showed, exemplarily, the feasibility of the method for the determination of these coloring, bioactive and chemotaxonomically important marker compounds. Accordingly, we demonstrate that the coupling of HPTLC with DESI-HRMS represents an advanced and efficient technique for the detection of anthraquinones in complex matrices. This analytical approach may be applied in the field of anthraquinone-containing food and plants such as Rheum spp. (rhubarb), Aloe spp., Morinda spp., Cassia spp. and others. Furthermore, the described method can be suitable for the analysis of anthraquinone-based colorants and dyes, which are used in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industry.
Inactivation of L. monocytogenes and S. typhimurium Biofilms by Means of an Air-Based Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP) System
Authors: Govaert Marlies , Smet Cindy , Graeffe Annika , L. Walsh James , Van Impe Jan F. M.
Published: February 2020

Previous (biofilm) inactivation studies using Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP) focused on helium (with or without the addition of oxygen) as feeding gas since this proved to result in a stable and uniform plasma. In industry, the use of helium gas is expensive and unsafe for employees. Ambient air is a possible substitute, provided that similar inactivation efficacies can be obtained. In this research, 1 and 7 day-old (single/dual-species) model biofilms containing L. monocytogenes and/or S. typhimurium cells were treated with an air-based Surface Barrier Discharge (SBD) plasma set-up for treatment times between 0 and 30 min. Afterwards, cell densities were quantified via viable plate counts, and predictive models were applied to determine the inactivation kinetics and the efficacy. Finally, the results were compared to previously obtained results using a helium-based SBD and DBD (Dielectric Barrier Discharge) system. This study has demonstrated that the efficacy of the air-based CAP treatment depended on the biofilm and population type, with log-reductions ranging between 1.5 and 2.5 log10(CFU/cm2). The inactivation efficacy was not significantly influenced by the working gas, although the values were generally higher for the air-based system. Finally, this study has demonstrated that the electrode configuration was more important than the working gas composition, with the DBD electrode being the most efficient.
Molecular-Assisted Distinctness and Uniformity Testing Using SLAF-Sequencing Approach in Soybean
Authors: Zhang Shengrui , Li Bin , Chen Ying , Shaibu Abdulwahab S. , Zheng Hongkun , Sun Junming
Published: February 2020

Distinctness, uniformity and stability (DUS) testing of cultivars through morphological descriptors is an important and compulsory part of soybean breeding. Molecular markers are usually more effective and accurate in describing the genetic features for the identification and purity assessment of cultivars. In the present study, we assessed the distinctness and uniformity of five soybean cultivars using both single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers developed by specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) technology, and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The phylogenetic tree and principal component analysis (PCA) from both the SLAF-seq and SSR methods showed a clear distinction among cultivars Zhonghuang 18, Zhonghuang 68 and Zhonghuang 35, while no clear distinction was observed between cultivars Zhonghuang 13 and Hedou 13. Using the SLAF-seq method, we determined the proportion of homozygous loci for the five soybean cultivars. The heterozygosity of each individual plant was estimated for the assessment of cultivar purity and the purity levels of the five soybean cultivars ranged from 91.89% to 93.96%. To further validate the applicability of the SLAF-seq approach for distinctness testing, we used the SNP information of 150 soybean cultivars with different origins. The cultivars were also distinguished clearly. Taken together, SLAF-seq can be used as an accurate and reliable method in the assessment of the distinctness and uniformity of soybean cultivars.
Construction and Analysis of GmFAD2-1A and GmFAD2-2A Soybean Fatty Acid Desaturase Mutants Based on CRISPR/Cas9 Technology
Authors: Wu Nan , Lu Qiang , Wang Piwu , Zhang Qi , Zhang Jun , Qu Jing , Wang Nan
Published: February 2020

The soybean fatty acid desaturase family is composed of seven genes, but the function of each gene has not been reported. Bioinformatics was used to analyse the structure of genes in this family, as well as the correlation between Δ12-fatty acid desaturase II (FAD2) expression and oleic acid content on different days after flowering of soybean. In the present study, CRISPR/Cas9 technology was used to construct single and double mutant knockout vectors of functional genes in the FAD2 family. Analysis of the molecular biology and expression patterns of genes in the FAD2 family, namely, GmFAD2-1A (Glyma.10G278000) and GmFAD2-2A (Glyma.19G147300), showed that they had little homology with other soybean FAD2 genes, and that their function was slightly changed. Sequencing of the target showed that the editing efficiency of the GmFAD2-1A and GmFAD2-2A genes was 95% and 55.56%, respectively, and that the double mutant editing efficiency was 66.67%. The mutations were divided into two main types, as follows: base deletion and insertion. A near-infrared grain analyser determined the following results: In the T2 generation, the oleic acid content increased from 17.10% to 73.50%; the linoleic acid content decreased from 62.91% to 12.23%; the protein content increased from 37.69% to 41.16%; in the T3 generation, the oleic acid content increased from 19.15% to 72.02%; the linoleic acid content decreased from 56.58% to 17.27%. In addition, the protein content increased from 37.52% to 40.58% compared to that of the JN38 control variety.
In Situ Pavement Monitoring: A Review
Authors: Barriera Maria , Pouget Simon , Lebental Bérengère , Van Rompu Julien
Published: February 2020

The assessment of pavement conditions and their evolution with time is a crucial component for the establishment of pavement quality management (QM) plans and the implementation of QM practices. An effective pavement management system (PMS) is based on pavement conditions data continuously collected along the lifetime of a road. These data are used to model the pavement response, evaluate its performances, and trigger the necessary maintenance actions when they do not meet previously defined performance indicators. In the last decades, pavement monitoring via embedded sensing technologies has attracted more and more attention. Indeed, the integration of sensors in the road pavement allows the assessment of the complete history of pavement conditions, starting from sensor installation. Once the technologies are stabilized, collecting this information is expected to help road managers to define more effective asset management plans. This paper first proposes an overview of the most used devices for pavement instrumentation, categorized according to the measured parameters. Then a review of some prominent instrumented sections is presented by focusing on the methodology used for data interpretation.
Preparation of Multicomponent Biocomposites and Characterization of Their Physicochemical and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Anisimov Yuriy A. , Cree Duncan E. , Wilson Lee D.
Published: February 2020

This work focused on a mutual comparison and characterization of the physicochemical properties of three-component polymer composites. Binary polyaniline–chitosan (PANI–CHT) composites were synthesized by in situ polymerization of PANI onto CHT. Ternary composites were prepared by blending with a third component, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Composites with variable PANI:CHT (25:75, 50:50 and 75:25) weight ratios were prepared whilst fixing the composition of PVA. The structure and physicochemical properties of the composites were evaluated using thermal analysis (thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)) and spectroscopic methods (infrared (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)). The equilibrium and dynamic adsorption properties of composites were evaluated by solvent swelling in water, water vapour adsorption and dye adsorption isotherms. The electrical conductivity was estimated using current–voltage curves. The mechanical properties of the samples were evaluated using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and correlated with the structural parameters of the composites. The adsorption and swelling properties paralleled the change in the electrical and mechanical properties of the materials. In most cases, samples with higher content of chitosan exhibit higher adsorption and mechanical properties, and lower conductivity. Acid-doped samples showed much higher adsorption, swelling, and electrical conductivity than their undoped analogues.
A Novel Decay Rate for a Coupled System of Nonlinear Viscoelastic Wave Equations
Authors: Zennir Khaled , Alodhaibi Sultan S.
Published: February 2020

The main goal of the present paper is to study the existence, uniqueness and behavior of a solution for a coupled system of nonlinear viscoelastic wave equations with the presence of weak and strong damping terms. Owing to the Faedo-Galerkin method combined with the contraction mapping theorem, we established a local existence in [ 0 , T ] . The local solution was made global in time by using appropriate a priori energy estimates. The key to obtaining a novel decay rate is the convexity of the function χ , under the special condition of the initial energy E ( 0 ) . The condition of the weights of weak and strong damping has a fundamental role in the proof. The existence of both three different damping mechanisms and strong nonlinear sources make the paper very interesting from a mathematics point of view, especially when it comes to unbounded spaces such as R n .
Regular CA-Groupoids and Cyclic Associative Neutrosophic Extended Triplet Groupoids (CA-NET-Groupoids) with Green Relations
Authors: Yuan Wangtao , Zhang Xiaohong
Published: February 2020

Based on the theories of AG-groupoid, neutrosophic extended triplet (NET) and semigroup, the characteristics of regular cyclic associative groupoids (CA-groupoids) and cyclic associative neutrosophic extended triplet groupoids (CA-NET-groupoids) are further studied, and some important results are obtained. In particular, the following conclusions are strictly proved: (1) an algebraic system is a regular CA-groupoid if and only if it is a CA-NET-groupoid; (2) if (S, *) is a regular CA-groupoid, then every element of S lies in a subgroup of S, and every ℋ -class in S is a group; and (3) an algebraic system is an inverse CA-groupoid if and only if it is a regular CA-groupoid and its idempotent elements are commutative. Moreover, the Green relations of CA-groupoids are investigated, and some examples are presented for studying the structure of regular CA-groupoids.
Optimal Design of Gearless Flux-Switching Generator with Ferrite Permanent Magnets
Authors: Prakht Vladimir , Dmitrievskii Vladimir , Kazakbaev Vadim
Published: February 2020

In this paper, the optimal design of the Flux-Switching Generator with ferrite magnets based on a two-mode substituting load profile for a gearless wind generator is considered. A one-criterion Nelder-Mead method is used to optimize the generator design. The optimization function is constructed mainly so as to minimize the average losses in the generator and the required AC–DC converter power. Also, the Flux-Switching Generator torque-ripple and the ferrite magnets volume are minimized. Using substituting profiles instead of initial ones reduces the calculation efforts substantially. The paper contains the analysis of the optimal design of the Flux-Switching Generator with ferrite magnets.
Studies in Sums of Finite Products of the Second, Third, and Fourth Kind Chebyshev Polynomials
Authors: Kim Taekyun , Kim Dae San , Lee Hyunseok , Kwon Jongkyum
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we consider three sums of finite products of Chebyshev polynomials of two different kinds, namely sums of finite products of the second and third kind Chebyshev polynomials, those of the second and fourth kind Chebyshev polynomials, and those of the third and fourth kind Chebyshev polynomials. As a generalization of the classical linearization problem, we represent each of such sums of finite products as linear combinations of Hermite, generalized Laguerre, Legendre, Gegenbauer, and Jacobi polynomials. These are done by explicit computations and the coefficients involve terminating hypergeometric functions 2 F 1 , 1 F 1 , 2 F 2 , and 4 F 3 .
Effect of Contact Plug Deposition Conditions on Junction Leakage and Contact Resistance in Multilevel CMOS Logic Interconnection Device
Authors: Cui Yinhua , Jeong Jeong Yeul , Gao Yuan , Pyo Sung Gyu
Published: February 2020

Here, we developed the optimal conditions in terms of physical and electrical characteristics of the barrier and tungsten (W) deposition process of a contact module, which is the segment connecting the device and the multi-layer metallization (MLM) metal line in the development of 100 nm-class logic devices. To confirm its applicability to the logic contact of barrier and W films, a contact hole was formed, first to check the bottom coverage and the filling status of each film, then to check the electrical resistance and leakage characteristics to analyze the optimal conditions. At an aspect ratio of 3.89:1, ionized metal plasma (IMP) Ti had a bottom coverage of 40.9% and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) titanium nitride (TiN) of 76.2%, confirming that it was possible to apply the process to 100 nm logic contacts. W filling was confirmed, and a salicide etching rate (using Radio Frequency (RF) etch) of 13–18 Å/s at a 3.53:1 aspect ratio was applied. The etching rate on the thermal oxide plate was 9 Å/s. As the RF etch amount increased from 50–100 Å, the P active resistance increased by 0.5–1 Ω. The resistance also increased as the amount of IMP Ti deposition increased to 300 Å. A measurement of the borderless contact junction leakage current indicated that the current in the P + N well increased by more than an order of magnitude when IMP Ti 250 Å or more was deposited. The contact resistance value was 0.5 Ω. An AC bias improved the IMP Ti deposition rate by 10% in bottom coverage, but there was no significant difference in contact resistance. In the case of applying IMP TiN, the overall contact resistance decreased to 2 Ω compared to CVD TiN, but the distribution characteristics were poor. The best results were obtained under the conditions of RF etch 50 Å, IMP Ti 200 Å, and CVD TiN 2 × 50 Å.
Methylcellulose Hydrogel with Melissa officinalis Essential Oil as a Potential Treatment for Oral Candidiasis
Authors: Serra Elisa , Saubade Fabien , Ligorio Cosimo , Whitehead Kathryn , Sloan Alastair , Williams David W. , Hidalgo-Bastida Araida , Verran Joanna , Malic Sladjana
Published: February 2020

Candida spp. are the most prevalent fungi of the human microbiota and are opportunistic pathogens that can cause oral candidiasis. Management of such infections is limited due to the low number of antifungal drugs available, their relatively high toxicity and the emergence of antifungal resistance. Therefore, much interest in the antimicrobial potential of natural compounds has recently been evident. The use of hydrogels in the delivery of biocides has been explored due to their biocompatibility, ease with drug encapsulation, and due to their potential to confer mechanical and structural properties similar to biological tissue. Methylcellulose hydrogels (10% (w/v)) with 1% (v/v) and 2% (v/v) Melissa officinalis oil were synthesised. The rheological properties and gelation time of the hydrogels were evaluated. Antimicrobial action, the antifungal potential and ability to displace Candida were determined. Rheological tests revealed that the hydrogel jellified in three minutes at 37 °C. Loaded hydrogels successfully inhibited Candida albicans growth as evident by zone of inhibition and time-kill assays. A significant reduction in retained C. albicans was demonstrated with the hydrogel at 2% Melissa officinalis concentration. This work demonstrated that an essential oil-loaded hydrogel had the potential to provide a novel antimicrobial therapy for the treatment of oral candidiasis.
Recombinant of the Staphylococcal Bacteriophage Lysin CHAPk and Its Elimination against Streptococcus agalactiae Biofilms
Authors: Shan Yuxue , Yang Na , Teng Da , Wang Xiumin , Mao Ruoyu , Hao Ya , Ma Xuanxuan , Fan Huan , Wang Jianhua
Published: February 2020

Bovine mastitis is the most important infectious disease, causing significant losses in the dairy industry, in which Streptococcus agalactiae is a major pathogen. In this study, lysin CHAPk, derived from bacteriophage K, was expressed heterogeneously, and its antimicrobial and anti-biofilm effects against S. agalactiae isolated from bovine mastitis were further analyzed. CHAPk was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3), in which the purified yield of CHAPk was up to 14.6 mg/L with the purity of 95%. Time-killing kinetic curves showed that CHAPk fastly killed S. agalactiae in TSB medium and in milk within 25 min (by 3.3 log10 CFU/mL and 2.4 log10 CFU/mL, respectively). Observation of scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed cells wrinkled and ruptured after the treatment of CHAPk. CHAPk effectively inhibited early biofilms by 95% in 8 × MIC, and eradicated mature biofilms by 89.4% in 16 × MIC. Moreover, CHAPk killed 99% bacteria in mature biofilms. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) also demonstrated the potent antimicrobial and anti-biofilm action of CHAPk. It was firstly demonstrated CHAPk had the characters of inhibition/elimination of S. agalactiae biofilms and killing the bacteria in biofilms. CHAPk has the potential to develop a new antibacterial agent for mastitis treatment of S. agalactiae infections.
Isolation of an Obligate Mixotrophic Methanogen That Represents the Major Population in Thermophilic Fixed-Bed Anaerobic Digesters
Authors: Nagoya Misa , Kouzuma Atsushi , Ueno Yoshiyuki , Watanabe Kazuya
Published: February 2020

Methanothermobacter Met2 is a metagenome-assembled genome (MAG) that encodes a putative mixotrophic methanogen constituting the major populations in thermophilic fixed-bed anaerobic digesters. In order to characterize its physiology, the present work isolated an archaeon (strain Met2-1) that represents Met2-type methanogens by using a combination of enrichments under a nitrogen atmosphere, colony formation on solid media and limiting dilution under high partial pressures of hydrogen. Strain Met2-1 utilizes hydrogen and carbon dioxide for methanogenesis, while the growth is observed only when culture media are additionally supplemented with acetate. It does not grow on acetate in the absence of hydrogen. The results demonstrate that Methanothermobacter sp. strain Met2-1 is a novel methanogen that exhibits obligate mixotrophy.