bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategies to Build Hybrid Protein–DNA Nanostructures
Authors: Hernandez-Garcia Armando
Published: May 2021

Proteins and DNA exhibit key physical chemical properties that make them advantageous for building nanostructures with outstanding features. Both DNA and protein nanotechnology have growth notably and proved to be fertile disciplines. The combination of both types of nanotechnologies is helpful to overcome the individual weaknesses and limitations of each one, paving the way for the continuing diversification of structural nanotechnologies. Recent studies have implemented a synergistic combination of both biomolecules to assemble unique and sophisticate protein–DNA nanostructures. These hybrid nanostructures are highly programmable and display remarkable features that create new opportunities to build on the nanoscale. This review focuses on the strategies deployed to create hybrid protein–DNA nanostructures. Here, we discuss strategies such as polymerization, spatial directing and organizing, coating, and rigidizing or folding DNA into particular shapes or moving parts. The enrichment of structural DNA nanotechnology by incorporating protein nanotechnology has been clearly demonstrated and still shows a large potential to create useful and advanced materials with cell-like properties or dynamic systems. It can be expected that structural protein–DNA nanotechnology will open new avenues in the fabrication of nanoassemblies with unique functional applications and enrich the toolbox of bionanotechnology.
Comparative Gene Signature of (−)-Oleocanthal Formulation Treatments in Heterogeneous Triple Negative Breast Tumor Models: Oncological Therapeutic Target Insights
Authors: Qusa Mohammed H. , Abdelwahed Khaldoun S. , Siddique Abu Bakar , El Sayed Khalid A.
Published: May 2021

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) heterogeneity and limited therapeutic options confer its phenotypic aggressiveness. The discovery of anti-TNBC natural products with valid molecular target(s) and defined pharmacodynamic profile would facilitate their therapeutic nutraceutical use by TNBC patients. The extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) is a key Mediterranean diet ingredient. S-(−)-Oleocanthal (OC) leads the bioactive anti-tumor EVOO phenolic ingredients. A previous study reported the solid dispersion formulated OC with (+)-xylitol (OC-X) suppressed the in vivo progression and recurrence of the TNBC MDA-MB-231 cells. This study investigates the ability of OC-X formulation to suppress the in vivo heterogeneous BC initiation and progression utilizing advanced preclinical transgenic MMTV-PyVT and TNBC PDX mouse models. Furthermore, the clustering of the gene expression profiles in MMTV-PyVT and PDX mouse tumors treated with OC-X acquired by a Clariom S microarray analysis identified the distinctly affected genes. Several affected novel signature genes identified in response to OC-X treatments and proved overlapped in both mouse and human tumor models, shedding some lights toward understanding the OC anticancer molecular mechanism and assisting in predicting prospective clinical outcomes. This study provides molecular and preclinical evidences of OC-X potential as a nutraceutical suppressing heterogeneous TNBC model and offers preliminary gene-level therapeutic mechanistic insights.
Heiner Syndrome and Milk Hypersensitivity: An Updated Overview on the Current Evidence
Authors: Arasi Stefania , Mastrorilli Carla , Pecoraro Luca , Giovannini Mattia , Mori Francesca , Barni Simona , Caminiti Lucia , Castagnoli Riccardo , Liotti Lucia , Saretta Francesca , Marseglia Gian Luigi , Novembre Elio
Published: May 2021

Infants affected by Heiner syndrome (HS) display chronic upper or lower respiratory tract infections, including otitis media or pneumonia. Clinically, gastrointestinal signs and symptoms, anemia, recurrent fever and failure to thrive can be also present. Chest X-rays can show patchy infiltrates miming pneumonia. Clinical manifestations usually disappear after a milk-free diet. The pathogenetic mechanism underlying HS remains unexplained, but the formation of immune complexes and the cell-mediated reaction have been proposed. Patients usually outgrow this hypersensitivity within a few years. The aim of this review is to provide an updated overview on the current evidence on HS in children, with a critical approach on the still undefined points of this interesting disease. Finally, we propose the first structured diagnostic approach for HS.
Short-Term Protein Supplementation Does Not Alter Energy Intake, Macronutrient Intake and Appetite in 50–75 Year Old Adults
Authors: Tuttiett Esme R. , Green Dan J. , Stevenson Emma J. , Hill Thomas R. , Corfe Bernard M. , Williams Elizabeth A.
Published: May 2021

Ageing is associated with a reduction in muscle mass and strength, termed sarcopenia. Dietary protein is important for the maintenance of muscle mass through the promotion of muscle protein synthesis. However, protein is also reported to be a highly satiating nutrient. This raises concerns that protein intake for musculoskeletal health reasons in older adults may exacerbate age-related decreased appetite and may result in reduced energy and nutrient intake. This study aimed to investigate the effect of short-term protein supplementation and its timing (morning vs. evening), on energy and nutrient intake and appetite measures in middle-older age adults. Twenty-four 50–75 year olds were recruited to a randomised cross-over trial. In phase 1 (pre-supplementation) participants completed a food diary and reported hunger and appetite on three alternate days. During the second and third phases, participants consumed a 20 g whey protein gel (78 mL/368 kJ), for four days, either in the morning (after breakfast) or the evening (before bed), whilst completing the same assessments as phase 1. No differences in dietary intakes of energy, macronutrients and micronutrients were recorded when comparing the pre-supplementation phase to the protein supplementation phases, irrespective of timing (excluding the contribution of the protein supplement itself). Similarly, no differences were observed in self-reported feelings of hunger and appetite. In conclusion, a 20 g/day whey protein supplement given outside of meal-times did not alter habitual dietary intakes, hunger or appetite in this middle-older age adult population in the short-term. This approach may be a useful strategy to increasing habitual protein intake in the middle-older age population.
Impacts of a School-Based Intervention That Incorporates Nutrition Education and a Supportive Healthy School Canteen Environment among Primary School Children in Malaysia
Authors: Teo Choon Huey , Chin Yit Siew , Lim Poh Ying , Masrom Shahril Azian Haji , Shariff Zalilah Mohd
Published: May 2021

In this study, a school nutrition program (SNP) that incorporates nutrition education and a healthy school canteen environment was developed to improve nutrition knowledge among intervention respondents and provide a healthier environment for them to practice healthy eating. In the current study, we evaluated the impacts of the SNP on eating behaviors, physical activity, body mass index-for-age (BAZ), and cognitive performance at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up points between intervention and comparison groups. This intervention study involved 523 primary school children (7–11 years old) from six selected schools in Batu Pahat District, Malaysia. Each respondent completed anthropometric and cognitive performance assessments and a set of standardized questionnaire at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up points. Multiple linear mixed model analysis was performed to determine the impacts of that SNP after being adjusted for covariates. After the program, the intervention group increased their frequency of breakfast, lunch, and dinner consumption and morning tea snacking and showed more frequent physical activity and better cognitive performance as compared to the comparison group overtime (p < 0.05). At 3-month follow-up, the intervention group showed lower BAZ scores than their comparison counterparts (p < 0.05). The SNP showed positive effects on eating behaviors, physical activity, BAZ, and cognitive performance in school children. Hence, the SNP is highly recommended for all primary school children.
Prospective Associations between Maternal and Child Diet Quality and Sedentary Behaviors
Authors: Juton Charlotte , Lerin Carles , Homs Clara , Casas Esteve Rafael , Berruezo Paula , Cárdenas-Fuentes Gabriela , Fíto Montserrat , Grau Maria , Estrada Lidia , Gómez Santiago F. , Schröder Helmut
Published: May 2021

As the most likely primary caregivers, mothers are an integral part of children’s social influence and are therefore greatly involved in shaping their children’s behaviors. The objectives were to determine the prospective associations between maternal and child diet quality and sedentary behaviors. This study, within the framework of a community-based intervention study, included 1130 children aged 8–10 years and their mothers. The study was carried out during two academic years (2012/2014) with a mean follow-up of 15 months. Exposure and outcome variables were measured at baseline and follow-up, respectively. Diet quality was assessed by the KIDMED questionnaire and the short Diet Quality Screener, respectively. Sedentary behaviors were determined by standardized questions of sedentary behaviors. Maternal consumption of fruits, vegetables, fish, legumes, pasta/rice, dairy products, nuts and baked goods were positively associated (p < 0.05) with the corresponding child behavior. Multiple linear regression models adjusted for sex, age, maternal education and intervention group revealed significant cross-sectional (p < 0.005) and prospective (p < 0.01) associations between maternal and child overall diet quality and sedentary behaviors. Maternal diet quality and sedentary behaviors were predictive for these lifestyle behaviors in children.
Fungal Infection and Inflammation in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Poore T. Spencer , Hong Gina , Zemanick Edith T.
Published: May 2021

Fungi are frequently recovered from lower airway samples from people with cystic fibrosis (CF), yet the role of fungi in the progression of lung disease is debated. Recent studies suggest worsening clinical outcomes associated with airway fungal detection, although most studies to date are retrospective or observational. The presence of fungi can elicit a T helper cell type 2 (Th-2) mediated inflammatory reaction known as allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), particularly in those with a genetic atopic predisposition. In this review, we discuss the epidemiology of fungal infections in people with CF, risk factors associated with development of fungal infections, and microbiologic approaches for isolation and identification of fungi. We review the spectrum of fungal disease presentations, clinical outcomes after isolation of fungi from airway samples, and the importance of considering airway co-infections. Finally, we discuss the association between fungi and airway inflammation highlighting gaps in knowledge and future research questions that may further elucidate the role of fungus in lung disease progression.
MH-76, a Novel Non-Quinazoline α1-Adrenoceptor Antagonist, but Not Prazosin Reduces Inflammation and Improves Insulin Signaling in Adipose Tissue of Fructose-Fed Rats
Authors: Kubacka Monika , Mogilski Szczepan , Zadrożna Monika , Nowak Barbara , Szafarz Małgorzata , Pomierny Bartosz , Marona Henryk , Waszkielewicz Anna , Jawień Wojciech , Sapa Jacek , Bednarski Marek , Knutelska Joanna , Kotańska Magdalena
Published: May 2021

Background: Quinazoline α1-adrenoceptors antagonists have been shown to exert moderately favorable effects on the metabolic profile in hypertensive patients. However, based on AntiHypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial (ALLHAT) results, they are no longer recommended as a first line therapy of hypertension. Recent studies have shown that quinazoline-based α1-adrenoceptors antagonists (prazosin, doxazosin) induce the apoptosis and necrosis, which may be responsible for ALLHAT outcomes; however, these effects were proven to be independent of α1-adrenoceptor blockade and were associated with the presence of quinazoline moiety. MH-76 (1-[3-(2,6-dimethylphenoxy)propyl]-4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazine hydrochloride)) is a non-quinazoline α1-adrenoceptor antagonist which, in fructose-fed rats, exerted antihypertensive effect, and, contrary to prazosin, reduced insulin resistance and abdominal adiposity. In this study we aimed to further investigate and compare the effects of MH-76 and prazosin on inflammation in adipose tissue of fructose-fed rats. Methods: Abdominal adipose tissue was collected from four groups of fructose-fed rats (Control, Fructose, Fructose + MH-76 and Fructose + Prazosin) and subjected to biochemical, histopathological and immunohistochemical studies. Moreover, selected tissue distribution studies were performed. Results: Treatment with MH-76 but not with prazosin improved endothelial integrity, reduced adipose tissue inflammation and infiltration by immune cells, resulting in lowering leptin, MCP-1, IL-6, TNF-α and PAI-1 levels. In adipose tissue from Fructose + MH-76 animals, a higher amount of eosinophils accompanied with higher IL-4 concentration was observed. Treatment with MH-76 but not with prazosin markedly reduced phosphorylation of IRS-1 at Ser307. Conclusion: MH-76 may improve insulin signaling in adipose tissue by reducing the pro-inflammatory cytokine production and inhibiting the inflammatory cells recruitment. In contrast, in adipose tissue from animals treated with prazosin, the inflammatory effect was clearly enhanced.
Pharmacokinetic Drug Interaction between Tofacitinib and Voriconazole in Rats
Authors: Lee Ji-Sang , Kim Hyo-Sung , Jung Yong-Seob , Choi Hyeon-Gyeom , Kim So-Hee
Published: May 2021

Fungal infections are prevalent in patients with immune diseases. Voriconazole, a triazole antifungal drug, inhibits the cytochromes CYP3A4 and CYP2C, and tofacitinib, a Janus kinase inhibitor for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, is metabolized by CYP3A4 and CYP2C19 in humans. Here, we investigated their interaction during simultaneous administration of both drugs to rats, either intravenously or orally. The area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time zero to time infinity (AUC) of tofacitinib was significantly greater, by 166% and 171%, respectively, and the time-averaged non-renal clearance (CLNR) of tofacitinib was significantly slower (59.5%) than that for tofacitinib alone. An in vitro metabolism study showed non-competitive inhibition of tofacitinib metabolism in the liver and intestine by voriconazole. The concentration/apparent inhibition constant (Ki) ratios of voriconazole were greater than two, indicating that the inhibition of tofacitinib metabolism could be due to the inhibition of the CYP3A1/2 and CYP2C11 enzymes by voriconazole. The pharmacokinetics of voriconazole were not affected by the co-administration of tofacitinib. In conclusion, the significantly greater AUC and slower CLNR of tofacitinib after intravenous and oral administration of both drugs were attributable to the non-competitive inhibition of tofacitinib metabolism via CYP3A1/2 and CYP2C11 by voriconazole in rats.
Toxicokinetic/Toxicodynamic Interaction Studies in Rats between the Drugs of Abuse γ-Hydroxybutyric Acid and Ketamine and Treatment Strategies for Overdose
Authors: Kwatra Nisha V. , Morris Marilyn E.
Published: May 2021

γ-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) is widely abused alone and in combination with other club drugs such as ketamine. GHB exhibits nonlinear toxicokinetics, characterized by saturable metabolism, saturable absorption and saturable renal reabsorption mediated by monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs). In this research, we characterized the effects of ketamine on GHB toxicokinetics/toxicodynamics (TK/TD) and evaluated the use of MCT inhibition and specific receptor antagonism as potential treatment strategies for GHB overdose in the presence of ketamine. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were administered GHB 600 mg/kg i.v. alone or with ketamine (6 mg/kg i.v. bolus plus 1 mg/kg/min i.v. infusion). Plasma and urine samples were collected and respiratory parameters (breathing frequency, tidal and minute volume) continuously monitored using whole-body plethysmography. Ketamine co-administration resulted in a significant decrease in GHB total and metabolic clearance, with renal clearance remaining unchanged. Ketamine prevented the compensatory increase in tidal volume produced by GHB, and this resulted in a significant decline in minute volume when compared to GHB alone. Sleep time and lethality were also increased after ketamine co-administration when compared to GHB. L-lactate and AR-C155858 (potent MCT inhibitor) treatment resulted in an increase in GHB renal and total clearance and improvement in respiratory depression. AR-C155858 administration also resulted in a significant decrease in GHB brain/plasma ratio. SCH50911 (GABAB receptor antagonist), but not naloxone, improved GHB-induced respiratory depression in the presence of ketamine. In conclusion, ketamine ingestion with GHB can result in significant TK/TD interactions. MCT inhibition and GABAB receptor antagonism can serve as potential treatment strategies for GHB overdose when it is co-ingested with ketamine.
Untangling Dual-Targeting Therapeutic Mechanism of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Based on Reversed Allosteric Communication
Authors: Qiu Yuran , Yin Xiaolan , Li Xinyi , Wang Yuanhao , Fu Qiang , Huang Renhua , Lu Shaoyong
Published: May 2021

Dual-targeting therapeutics by coadministration of allosteric and orthosteric drugs is drawing increased attention as a revolutionary strategy for overcoming the drug-resistance problems. It was further observed that the occupation of orthosteric sites by therapeutics agents has the potential to enhance allosteric ligand binding, which leads to improved potency of allosteric drugs. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), as one of the most critical anti-cancer targets belonging to the receptor tyrosine kinase family, represents a quintessential example. It was revealed that osimertinib, an ATP-competitive covalent EGFR inhibitor, remarkably enhanced the affinity of a recently developed allosteric inhibitor JBJ-04-125-02 for EGFRL858R/T790M. Here, we utilized extensive large-scale molecular dynamics simulations and the reversed allosteric communication to untangle the detailed molecular underpinning, in which occupation of osimertinib at the orthosteric site altered the overall conformational ensemble of EGFR mutant and reshaped the allosteric site via long-distance signaling. A unique intermediate state resembling the active conformation was identified, which was further stabilized by osimertinib loading. Based on the allosteric communication pathway, we predicted a novel allosteric site positioned around K867, E868, H893, and K960 within the intermediate state. Its correlation with the orthosteric site was validated by both structural and energetic analysis, and its low sequence conservation indicated the potential for selective targeting across the human kinome. Together, these findings not only provided a mechanistic basis for future clinical application of the dual-targeting therapeutics, but also explored an innovative perception of allosteric inhibition of tyrosine kinase signaling.
Exogenous Application of Zinc to Mitigate the Salt Stress in Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek—Evaluation of Physiological and Biochemical Processes
Authors: Al-Zahrani Hassan S. , Alharby Hesham F. , Hakeem Khalid Rehman , Rehman Reiaz Ul
Published: May 2021

Salt stress adversely affects the growth and productivity of crops. However, reports suggest that the application of various micronutrients could help the plant to cope with this stress. Hence, the objective of the study was to examine the effect of exogenous application of Zinc (Zn) on salt tolerance in Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek (mungbean). Mungbean is considered to be an economically important crop and possess a strategic position in Southeast Asian countries for sustainable crop production. It is rich in quality proteins, minerals and vitamins. Three weeks old grown seedlings were subjected to NaCl (150 mM and 200 mM) alone or with Zn (250 µM). After 21 days of treatment, plants were harvested for investigating morphological, physiological and biochemical changes. We found that the Zn application mitigates the negative effect upon plant growth to a variable extent. This may be attributed to the increased shoot and root length, improved chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, enhanced total soluble sugar (TSS), total soluble protein (TSP) and proline accumulation, decreased H2O2 content and increased enzymatic antioxidant activities. Zn’s application improved the performance of the enzymes such as phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and tyrosine ammonia-lyase (TAL) of the secondary metabolism, which resulted in the improvement of total phenol and flavonoids. The antioxidant activities such as 1,1diphenyl 2-picryl hydrazine (DPPH) and ferrous reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP) of the plants also showed improved results in their salt only treatments. Furthermore, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide radical (SOD) scavenging activity were also improved upon the application of 250 µM zinc. Thus, Zn application in low doses offers promising potential for recovering plants suffering from salinity stress. In conclusion, we assume that zinc application improved salt tolerance in mungbean through the improvement of various physiological and photochemical processes which could prove to be useful in nutrient mediated management for crop improvement.
Synthesis of Dense 1,2,3-Triazole Polymers Soluble in Common Organic Solvents
Authors: Yamasaki Shota , Kamon Yuri , Xu Linlin , Hashidzume Akihito
Published: May 2021

Aiming at synthesis of dense 1,2,3-triazole polymers soluble in common organic solvents, a new 3-azido-1-propyne derivative, i.e., t-butyl 4-azido-5-hexynoate (tBuAH), was synthesized and polymerized by copper(I)-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) and Huisgen cycloaddition (HC). CuAAC polymerization produced poly(tBuAH) composed of 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazole units (1,4-units), whereas HC polymerization gave poly(tBuAH) composed of 1,4- and 1,5-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazole units (1,4- and 1,5-units). In HC polymerization, the fraction of 1,4-unit (f1,4) decreased with the permittivity of solvent used. Differential scanning calorimetry data indicated that the melting point of poly(tBuAH) increased from 61 to 89 °C with increasing f1,4 from 0.38 to 1.0, indicative of higher crystallinity of poly(tBuAH) composed of 1,4-unit. Preliminary steady-state fluorescence study indicated that all the poly(tBuAH) samples of different f1,4 emitted weak but significant fluorescence in DMF. The maximum of fluorescence band shifted from ca. 350 to ca. 450 nm with varying the excitation wavelength from 300 to 400 nm.
Polytriphenylamine and Poly(styrene-co-hydroxystyrene) Blends as High-Performance Anticorrosion Coating for Iron
Authors: Lee Ting-Hsuan , Tsai Jen-Hao , Chen Hong-Yu , Huang Ping-Tsung
Published: May 2021

An electroactive polytriphenylamine (PTPA-C6) is blended with poly(styrene-co-hydroxystyrene) (PS-co-PHS) as coating layers to enhance protection efficiency of PTPA-C6 on iron substrate in 3.5% sodium chloride (NaCl) solution. Experimental results show that incorporation of hydroxyl group to the polystyrene not only increases the miscibility of PTPA-C6 with PS through the hydrogen bond formation, but also enhances the bonding strength between the polymer coating layer and iron substrate. These improvements lead to superior enhancement in anticorrosion performance of PTPA-C6, even after thermal treatment. Protection efficiency (PE) of PTPA-C6 increases from 81.52% of the PTPA-C6 itself to over 94.40% under different conditions (PEmax = 99.19%).
Controlling Growth of Poly (Triethylene Glycol Acrylate-Co-Spiropyran Acrylate) Copolymer Liquid Films on a Hydrophilic Surface by Light and Temperature
Authors: Ben-Miled Aziz , Nabiyan Afshin , Wondraczek Katrin , Schacher Felix H. , Wondraczek Lothar
Published: May 2021

A quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) was employed for in situ investigations of the effect of temperature and light on the conformational changes of a poly (triethylene glycol acrylate-co-spiropyran acrylate) (P (TEGA-co-SPA)) copolymer containing 12–14% of spiropyran at the silica–water interface. By monitoring shifts in resonance frequency and in acoustic dissipation as a function of temperature and illumination conditions, we investigated the evolution of viscoelastic properties of the P (TEGA-co-SPA)-rich wetting layer growing on the sensor, from which we deduced the characteristic coil-to-globule transition temperature, corresponding to the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of the PTEGA part. We show that the coil-to-globule transition of the adsorbed copolymer being exposed to visible or UV light shifts to lower LCST as compared to the bulk solution: the transition temperature determined acoustically on the surface is 4 to 8 K lower than the cloud point temperature reported by UV/VIS spectroscopy in aqueous solution. We attribute our findings to non-equilibrium effects caused by confinement of the copolymer chains on the surface. Thermal stimuli and light can be used to manipulate the film formation process and the film’s conformational state, which affects its subsequent response behavior.
Responsive Polyesters with Alkene and Carboxylic Acid Side-Groups for Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Mountaki Stella Afroditi , Kaliva Maria , Loukelis Konstantinos , Chatzinikolaidou Maria , Vamvakaki Maria
Published: May 2021

Main chain polyesters have been extensively used in the biomedical field. Despite their many advantages, including biocompatibility, biodegradability, and others, these materials are rather inert and lack specific functionalities which will endow them with additional biological and responsive properties. In this work, novel pH-responsive main chain polyesters have been prepared by a conventional condensation polymerization of a vinyl functionalized diol with a diacid chloride, followed by a photo-induced thiol-ene click reaction to attach functional carboxylic acid side-groups along the polymer chains. Two different mercaptocarboxylic acids were employed, allowing to vary the alkyl chain length of the polymer pendant groups. Moreover, the degree of modification, and as a result, the carboxylic acid content of the polymers, was easily tuned by varying the irradiation time during the click reaction. Both these parameters, were shown to strongly influence the responsive behavior of the polyesters, which presented adjustable pKα values and water solubilities. Finally, the difunctional polyesters bearing the alkene and carboxylic acid functionalities enabled the preparation of cross-linked polyester films by chemically linking the pendant vinyl bonds on the polymer side groups. The biocompatibility of the cross-linked polymers films was assessed in L929 fibroblast cultures and showed that the cell viability, proliferation, and attachment were greatly promoted on the polyester surface, bearing the shorter alkyl chain length side groups and the higher fraction of carboxylic acid functionalities.
A Food-Grade Resin with LDH–Salicylate to Extend Mozzarella Cheese Shelf Life
Authors: Quintieri Laura , Bugatti Valeria , Caputo Leonardo , Vertuccio Luigi , Gorrasi Giuliana
Published: May 2021

Mozzarella cheese can be considered by far the world’s most popular Italian dairy product. Extending the shelf life of mozzarella cheese is an important issue in the dairy industry due to the high risk of contamination by several bacteria species, including spoilage pseudomonads. In this work, active packaging was prepared by coating traditional polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers of “ovoline” mozzarella cheese with a food-grade resin mixed with a layered double hydroxide (LDH) in which salicylate anion was intercalatedby ionic exchange.. This antimicrobial molecule is listed in EC-Directive 10/2011/EC of 14 January 2011. Morphological arrangement of the molecule into the LDH layers was evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and controlled release followed by UV spectroscopy. Then, active trays were used to pack the mozzarella cheeses stored for 20 days at 4 °C and under thermal abuse (15 °C). Samples from both conditions showed coliform reduction (by ca. 2 log CFU/g) throughout the storage period. Depending on temperature, total mesophilic aerobic bacteria, Pseudomonas spp., yeasts, and mold loads were reduced in the first 3 days; at 4 °C. Slower acidification and lower proteolysis were also found in treated samples in comparison to control ones. The fitting of the Gompertz function to coliforms and spoilage pseudomonads highlighted an increase in the shelf life of mozzarella cheese of ca. 2 days at 4 °C. These results suggest that salicylate–LDH-coated PET may be applied to extend the shelf-life of mozzarella cheese and also counteract its spoilage if accidental interruptions to refrigeration occur.
Production, Characterization and Commercial Formulation of a Biosurfactant from Candida tropicalis UCP0996 and Its Application in Decontamination of Petroleum Pollutants
Authors: Almeida Darne Germano , Soares da Silva Rita de Cássia Freire , Meira Hugo Morais , Brasileiro Pedro Pinto Ferreira , Silva Elias José , Luna Juliana Moura , Rufino Raquel Diniz , Sarubbo Leonie Asfora
Published: May 2021

Contamination by oil and its derivatives causes serious damage to the environment, motivating the development of innovative technologies for the removal of these contaminants, such as the use of biosurfactants. In the present study, the biosurfactant from Candida tropicalis UCP0996 produced in the low cost-medium formulated with molasses, residual frying oil, and corn steep liquor, was characterized and its toxicity, formulation, and application in removal and biodegradation of oil were investigated. The surface tension of the medium was reduced to 30.4 mN/m, yielding 4.11 g/L of isolated biosurfactant after 120 h. Tests under extreme environmental conditions indicated the stability of the biosurfactant. Chemical characterization by thin layer chromatography (TLC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), and gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy (CG-MS) revealed the glycolipidic nature of the biosurfactant. The isolated biosurfactant showed no toxicity against the microcrustacean Artemia salina, while the properties of the formulated biosurfactant remained stable during 120 days of storage. The biosurfactant removed 66.18% of motor oil adsorbed in marine stones and dispersed 70.95% of oil in seawater. The biosurfactant was also able to increase by 70% the degradation of motor oil by seawater indigenous microorganisms, showing great potential to be applied as a commercial additive in the bioremediation of oil spills.
Effect of Flow Rate on Turbulence Dissipation Rate Distribution in a Multiphase Pump
Authors: Huang Zongliu , Shi Guangtai , Liu Xiaobing , Wen Haigang
Published: May 2021

The turbulence dissipation will cause the increment of energy loss in the multiphase pump and deteriorate the pump performance. In order to research the turbulence dissipation rate distribution characteristics in the pressurized unit of the multiphase pump, the spiral axial flow type multiphase pump is researched numerically in the present study. This research is focused on the turbulence dissipation rate distribution characteristics in the directions of inlet to outlet, hub to rim, and in the circumferential direction of the rotating impeller blades. Numerical simulation based on the RANS (Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes equations) and the k-ω SST (Shear Stress Transport) turbulence model has been carried out. The numerical method is verified by comparing the numerical results with the experimental data. Results show that the regions of the large turbulence dissipation rate are mainly at the inlet and outlet of the rotating impeller and static impeller, while it is almost zero from the inlet to the middle of outlet in the suction surface and pressure surface of the first-stage rotating impeller blades. The turbulence dissipation rate is increased gradually from the hub to the rim of the inlet section of the first-stage rotating impeller, while it is decreased firstly and then increased on the middle and outlet sections. The turbulence dissipation rate distributes unevenly in the circumferential direction on the outlet section. The maximum value of the turbulence dissipation rate occurs at 0.9 times of the rated flow rate, while the minimum value at 1.5 times of the rated flow rate. Four turning points in the turbulence dissipation rate distribution that are the same as the number of impeller blades occur at 0.5 times the blade height at 0.9 times the rated flow rate condition. The turbulence dissipation rate distribution characteristics in the pressurized unit of the multiphase pump have been studied carefully in this paper, and the research results have an important significance for improving the performance of the multiphase pump theoretically.
Factors Affecting Detoxification of Softwood Enzymatic Hydrolysates Using Sodium Dithionite
Authors: Ilanidis Dimitrios , Stagge Stefan , Alriksson Björn , Jönsson Leif J.
Published: May 2021

Conditioning of lignocellulosic hydrolysates with sulfur oxyanions, such as dithionite, is one of the most potent methods to improve the fermentability by counteracting effects of inhibitory by-products generated during hydrothermal pretreatment under acidic conditions. The effects of pH, treatment temperature, and dithionite dosage were explored in experiments with softwood hydrolysates, sodium dithionite, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast. Treatments with dithionite at pH 5.5 or 8.5 gave similar results with regard to ethanol productivity and yield on initial glucose, and both were always at least ~20% higher than for treatment at pH 2.5. Experiments in the dithionite concentration range 5.0–12.5 mM and the temperature range 23–110 °C indicated that treatment at around 75 °C and using intermediate dithionite dosage was the best option (p ≤ 0.05). The investigation indicates that selection of the optimal temperature and dithionite dosage offers great benefits for the efficient fermentation of hydrolysates from lignin-rich biomass, such as softwood residues.
Exploring the Roles of Daily Spiritual Experiences, Self-Efficacy, and Gender in Shopping Addiction: A Moderated Mediation Model
Authors: Charzyńska Edyta , Sitko-Dominik Magdalena , Wysocka Ewa , Olszanecka-Marmola Agata
Published: May 2021

Although spirituality has been considered a protective factor against shopping addiction, the mechanisms involved in this relationship are still poorly recognized. The present study aims to test the association of daily spiritual experiences, self-efficacy, and gender with shopping addiction. The sample consisted of 430 young adults (275 women and 155 men), with a mean age of 20.44 (SD = 1.70). The Daily Spiritual Experiences Scale, the General Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Bergen Shopping Addiction Scale were used to measure the study variables. The results showed that: (1) Daily spiritual experiences had a direct negative effect on shopping addiction; (2) daily spiritual experiences were positively related to self-efficacy, thought the effect was moderated by gender; (3) self-efficacy negatively correlated with a shopping addiction; and (4) the indirect effect of daily spiritual experiences on shopping addiction through self-efficacy was significant for women but insignificant for men. The findings confirm that spirituality protects young adults against developing a shopping addiction. They also suggest that when introducing spiritual issues into shopping addiction prevention or treatment programs, the gender-specific effects of spirituality on shopping addiction via self-efficacy should be considered to adequately utilize young women’s and men’s spiritual resources.
Mapping Muslim Moral Provinces: Framing Feminized Piety of Pakistani Diaspora
Authors: Mehmood Maryyum
Published: May 2021

Over the last two decades we have seen a proliferation in the number of self-proclaimed Islamic scholars preaching piety to Muslim women. An emerging few of these scholars gaining prominence happen to be women, feminizing what is predominantly a patriarchal domain of dawah (missionary work) and proselytization. Traditionally speaking, Muslim missionaries have never been restricted to a particular moral province, perhaps due to the fact that Islam was never intended as a hierarchical religion with a mosque–state divide. This makes mapping Muslim moral spaces in a hyper-globalized world—one in which shared identities and ideologies transcend territorial boundaries—all the more challenging. Using the firebrand female Muslim tele preacher, Dr. Farhat Hashmi, and her global proselytizing mission (Al-Huda International) as a springboard for discussion, this paper seeks to map out the ways in which modern Muslim women in the post-9/11 British Pakistani diaspora navigate these moral provinces. By juxtaposing the staunchly orthodox impositions of niqab-clad Dr. Hashmi, with the revolt from within Muslim spaces, from practicing, ‘middle-path’ Muslims, this paper critically engages with Saba Mahmood’s concept of the ‘politics of piety’ and its various critiques. In so doing, we reimagine Muslim spaces, as well as the moralization versus multivocality debate surrounding them, and the importance of positioning agency and complex lived realities of women occupying these spaces at the center of our analysis on Muslim moral provinces.
Religion in Creating Populist Appeal: Islamist Populism and Civilizationism in the Friday Sermons of Turkey’s Diyanet
Authors: Yilmaz Ihsan , Demir Mustafa , Morieson Nicholas
Published: May 2021

Drawing on the extant literature on populism, we aim to flesh out how populists in power utilize religion and related state resources in setting up aggressive, multidimensional religious populist “us” versus “them” binaries. We focus on Turkey as our case and argue that by instrumentalizing the Diyanet (Turkey’s Presidency of Religious Affairs), the authoritarian Islamists in power have been able to consolidate manufactured populist dichotomies via the Diyanet’s weekly Friday sermons. Populists’ control and use of a state institution to propagate populist civilizationist narratives and construct antagonistic binaries are underexamined in the literature. Therefore, by examining Turkish populists’ use of the Diyanet, this paper will make a general contribution to the extant literature on religion and populism. Furthermore, by analyzing the Diyanet’s weekly Friday sermons from the last ten years we demonstrate how different aspects of populism—its horizontal, vertical, and civilizational dimensions—have become embedded in the Diyanet’s Friday sermons. Equally, this paper shows how these sermons have been tailored to facilitate the populist appeal of Erdoğan’s Islamist regime. Through the Friday sermons, the majority—Sunni Muslim Turks are presented with statements that evoke negative emotions and play on their specific fears, their sense of victimhood and through which their anxieties—real and imagined—are revived and used to construct populist binaries to construct and mobilize the people in support of an authoritarian Islamist regime purported to be fighting a “civilizational enemy” on behalf of “the people”. Finally, drawing on insights from the Turkish case, we illustrate how the “hosting” function of the civilizational aspect plays a vital role in tailoring internal (vertical and horizontal) religious populist binaries.
The Sovereign-Bank Nexus in the Face of the COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreak—Evidence from EU Member States
Authors: Boitan Iustina Alina , Marchewka-Bartkowiak Kamilla
Published: May 2021

The major focus of this paper is on the sovereign–banks relationship following the COVID-19 pandemic crisis outbreak, with a view to gaining an insight into banks’ exposure to the sovereign. We rely on a series of complementary research approaches, such as desk research, comparative statistical analysis, exploratory learning algorithm, and a deterministic panel regression framework. The analysis reveals that most EU countries were not prepared for the pandemic crisis as they lacked a financial security buffer. The growing fiscal pressure and lockdown restrictions additionally resulted in an increase in banks’ exposure to the government debt market and higher government debt securities exposure on their balance sheets. One of the novelties of the research is the adoption of the gap method in order to measure the changes between banking assets major items (government securities vs. loans) and uncovering the preference for holding a specific type of asset. Additional insight is brought by the clustering solution, which shows increased cross-country heterogeneity in terms of the sovereign–banks relationship. Empirical research shows that banks’ involvement in the sovereign debt market is sensitive mainly to negative information related to pandemic occurrence and, to a lower extent, to positive information reflected by government’s reactions and economic stimulus measures. In addition, our results reveal there is no crowding-out effect triggered by the pandemic, in terms of lending to the sovereign against lending to the real economy. In the pandemic onset banks did not proceed to a sharp portfolio rebalancing in favor of the sovereign.
Towards Automatic Recognition of Wakes Generated by Dark Vessels in Sentinel-1 Images
Authors: Graziano Maria Daniela , Renga Alfredo
Published: May 2021

The recognition of wakes generated by dark vessels is a tremendous and interesting challenge in the field of maritime surveillance by Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images. The paper aims at assessing the detection performance in different scenarios by processing Sentinel-1 SAR images along with ground truth data. Results confirm that the Radon-based approach is an effective technique for wake-based detection of dark vessels, and they lead to a deeper understanding of the effects of different sea and wind conditions. In general, the best applicative scenario is a marine image characterized by homogeneous sea clutter; the presence of natural surface film or strong transition from low wind speed areas to more windy zones worsen the detection performance. Nonetheless, the proposed approach features dark vessel detection capabilities by identifying their wakes, without any a priori knowledge of their positions.
Fast Target Localization Method for FMCW MIMO Radar via VDSR Neural Network
Authors: Cong Jingyu , Wang Xianpeng , Lan Xiang , Huang Mengxing , Wan Liangtian
Published: May 2021

The traditional frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radar two-dimensional (2D) super-resolution (SR) estimation algorithm for target localization has high computational complexity, which runs counter to the increasing demand for real-time radar imaging. In this paper, a fast joint direction-of-arrival (DOA) and range estimation framework for target localization is proposed; it utilizes a very deep super-resolution (VDSR) neural network (NN) framework to accelerate the imaging process while ensuring estimation accuracy. Firstly, we propose a fast low-resolution imaging algorithm based on the Nystrom method. The approximate signal subspace matrix is obtained from partial data, and low-resolution imaging is performed on a low-density grid. Then, the bicubic interpolation algorithm is used to expand the low-resolution image to the desired dimensions. Next, the deep SR network is used to obtain the high-resolution image, and the final joint DOA and range estimation is achieved based on the reconstructed image. Simulations and experiments were carried out to validate the computational efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed framework.
A Revised Snow Cover Algorithm to Improve Discrimination between Snow and Clouds: A Case Study in Gran Paradiso National Park
Authors: Richiardi Chiara , Blonda Palma , Rana Fabio Michele , Santoro Mattia , Tarantino Cristina , Vicario Saverio , Adamo Maria
Published: May 2021

Snow cover plays an important role in biotic and abiotic environmental processes, as well as human activities, on both regional and global scales. Due to the difficulty of in situ data collection in vast and inaccessible areas, the use of optical satellite imagery represents a useful support for snow cover mapping. At present, several operational snow cover algorithms and products are available. Even though most of them offer an up-to-daily time scale, they do not provide sufficient spatial resolution for studies requiring high spatial detail. By contrast, the Let-It-Snow (LIS) algorithm can produce high-resolution snow cover maps, based on the use of both the normalized-difference snow index (NDSI) and a digital elevation model. The latter is introduced to define a threshold value on the altitude, below which the presence of snow is excluded. In this study, we revised the LIS algorithm by introducing a new parameter, based on a threshold in the shortwave infrared (SWIR) band, and by modifying the overall algorithm workflow, such that the cloud mask selection can be used as an input. The revised algorithm has been applied to a case study in Gran Paradiso National Park. Unlike previous studies, we also compared the performance of both the original and the modified algorithms in the presence of cloud cover, in order to evaluate their effectiveness in discriminating between snow and clouds. Ground data collected by meteorological stations equipped with both snow gauges and solarimeters were used for validation purposes. The changes introduced in the revised algorithm can improve upon the overall classification accuracy obtained by the original LIS algorithm (i.e., up to 89.17 from 80.88%). The producer’s and user’s accuracy values obtained by the modified algorithm (89.12 and 95.03%, respectively) were larger than those obtained by the original algorithm (76.68 and 93.67%, respectively), thus providing a more accurate snow cover map.
Potential of a SAR Small-Satellite Constellation for Rapid Monitoring of Flood Extent
Authors: Kitajima Natsumi , Seto Rie , Yamazaki Dai , Zhou Xudong , Ma Wenchao , Kanae Shinjiro
Published: May 2021

Constellations of small satellites equipped with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) payloads can realize observations in short time intervals independently from daylight and weather conditions and this technology is now in the early stages of development. This tool would greatly contribute to rapid flood monitoring, which is usually one of the main missions in upcoming plans, but few studies have focused on this potential application and a required observation performance for flood disaster monitoring has been unclear. In this study, we propose an unprecedented method for investigating how flood extents would be temporally and spatially observed with a SAR small-satellite constellation and for evaluating that observation performance via an original index. The virtual experiments of flood monitoring with designed constellations were conducted using two case studies of flood events in Japan. Experimental results showed that a SAR small-satellite constellation with sun-synchronous orbit at 570 km altitude, 30-km swath, 15–30° incidence angle, and 20 satellites can achieve 87% acquisition of cumulative flood extent in total observations. There is a difference between the results of observation performance in two cases because of each flood’s characteristics and a SAR satellite’s observation system, which implies the necessity of individual assessments for various types of rivers.