bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the Genetic Structure of Invasive Bigheaded Carp (Hypophthalmichthys spp.) Populations in Central-European Lacustrine and Riverine Habitats
Authors: Molnár Tamás , Lehoczky István , Edviné Meleg Erika , Boros Gergely , Specziár András , Mozsár Attila , Vitál Zoltán , Józsa Vilmos , Allele Wahiba , Urbányi Béla , Fatle Fatema Ali Al , Kovács Balázs
Published: July 2021

Bigheaded carps (bighead carp, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, and silver carp, Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) and their hybrids play an important ecological and economic role in their original habitat, while their introduced stocks may pose serious ecological risks. To address questions about the persistence and invasiveness of these fish, we need to better understand their population structures. The genetic structures of bigheaded carp populations inhabiting Lake Balaton and the Tisza River were examined with ten microsatellite markers and a mitochondrial DNA marker (COI). The Lake Balaton stock showed higher genetic diversity compared with the Tisza River stock. Based on hierarchical clustering, the Tisza population was characterized only by only silver carps, while the Balaton stock included hybrid and silver carp individuals. All COI haplotypes originated from the Yangtze River. Based on the high genomic and mitochondrial diversity, along with the significant deviation from H–W equilibrium and the lack of evidence of bottleneck effect, it can be assumed that bigheaded carps do not reproduce in Lake Balaton. The present stock in Balaton may have originated from repeated introductions and escapes from the surrounding fishponds. The Tisza stock consists solely of silver carp individuals. This stock appears to have significant reproductive potential and may become invasive if environmental factors change due to climate change.
New Insights in Canine Reproduction
Authors: De los Reyes Monica , Songsasen Nucharin
Published: July 2021

Reproduction in canids has been characterized by having some peculiar aspects, such as the extended reproductive cycle and ovulation of immature oocytes [...]
Concept and Feasibility Evaluation of Distributed Sensor-Based Measurement Systems Using Formation Flying Multicopters
Authors: Yang Juntang , Khedar Yogesh , Ben-Larbi Mohamed Khalil , Backhaus Jan , Lampert Astrid , Bestmann Ulf , Stoll Enrico
Published: July 2021

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been used for increasing research applications in atmospheric measurements. However, most current solutions for these applications are based on a single UAV with limited payload capacity. In order to address the limitations of the single UAV-based approach, this paper proposes a new concept of measurements using tandem flying multicopters as a distributed sensor platform. Key challenges of the proposed concept are identified including the relative position estimation and control in wind-perturbed outdoor environment and the precise alignment of payloads. In the proposed concept, sliding mode control is chosen as the relative position controller and a gimbal stabilization system is introduced to achieve fine payload alignment. The characterization of the position estimation sensors (including global navigation satellite system and real-time kinematics) and flight controller is carried out using different UAVs (a DJI Matrice M600 Pro Hexacopter and Tarot X4 frame based Quadcopter) under different wind levels. Based on the experimental data, the performance of the sliding mode controller and the performance of the gimbal stabilization system are evaluated in a hardware-in-the-loop simulation environment (called ELISSA). Preliminary achievable control accuracies of the relative position and attitude of subsystems in the proposed concept are estimated based on experimental results.
Unveiling the Dynamics of the European Entrepreneurial Framework Conditions over the Last Two Decades: A Cluster Analysis
Authors: Costa e Silva Eliana , Correia Aldina , Borges Ana
Published: July 2021

Entrepreneurship is a theme of global interest, and it is the subject of investigations conducted by many researchers and projects. In particular, the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor project is a global project that involves several countries and years of surveys on entrepreneurship indicators. This study focuses on the 12 indicators of the entrepreneurial ecosystem defined by the Entrepreneurial Framework Conditions (EFCs). The EFCs are specifically related to the quality of the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Using clustering techniques, the present study analyzes how European experts’ perceptions on the EFCs of their home country have changed between 2000 and 2019. The main finding is the existence of significant differences between the clusters obtained over the years and between countries. Therefore, in theoretical terms, this dynamical behavior in relation to the entrepreneurial conditions of economies should be considered in future works, namely, those concerning the definition of the number of clusters, which, according to the internal validation measures computed in this work, should be two.
Effect of Immobilization Support and Fermentation Temperature on Beer and Fermented Milk Aroma Profiles
Authors: Kandylis Panagiotis , Dimitrellou Dimitra , Gousi Mantha , Kordouli Eleana , Kanellaki Maria
Published: July 2021

The food industry increasingly produces wastes like coconut and peanut shells. In addition, low temperature fermentation is always a challenge. Therefore, in the present study, a sustainable exploitation of these by-products is proposed through the production of carriers for immobilized cells of yeast and bacteria. The immobilized cells, after thermally drying, were evaluated for their efficiency in beer and milk fermentations respectively, in various fermentation temperatures and storage for up to three months. The beers and fermented milks were evaluated for their aroma and the results showed products of high quality. Coconut shells resulted in better products with increased fruity ester content in fermented milks and reduced dimethyl sulfite and vicinal diketones and increased ratio of esters to alcohol in beers. These results reveal the possibilities of immobilized cells in coconut and peanut shells for application in food industry, however, more research is needed to evaluate their effect on sensory characteristics and possible prebiotic and probiotic potential especially in the case of fermented milks.
Kefir as a Functional Beverage Gaining Momentum towards Its Health Promoting Attributes
Authors: Ganatsios Vassilios , Nigam Poonam , Plessas Stavros , Terpou Antonia
Published: July 2021

The consumption of fermented foods posing health-promoting attributes is a rising global trend. In this manner, fermented dairy products represent a significant subcategory of functional foods with established positive health benefits. Likewise, kefir—a fermented milk product manufactured from kefir grains—has been reported by many studies to be a probiotic drink with great potential in health promotion. Existing research data link regular kefir consumption with a wide range of health-promoting attributes, and more recent findings support the link between kefir’s probiotic strains and its bio-functional metabolites in the enhancement of the immune system, providing significant antiviral effects. Although it has been consumed for thousands of years, kefir has recently gained popularity in relation to novel biotechnological applications, with different fermentation substrates being tested as non-dairy functional beverages. The present review focuses on the microbiological composition of kefir and highlights novel applications associated with its fermentation capacity. Future prospects relating to kefir’s capacity for disease prevention are also addressed and discussed.
The Effect of Real-Time Video-Based Engagement and Feedback during Pedaling on Cadence Control and Exercise Motivation: A Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Soni Mukesh , Wijeratne Tissa , Ackland David C.
Published: July 2021

The use of video and music as an intrinsic, dissociative attentional stimulus during exercise is thought to distract from the physical discomfort of exercise, and contribute to improved exercise adherence; however, the effects of video-based feedback and engagement during pedaling on exercise performance and motivation are poorly understood. The aims of the present study were twofold. Firstly, to develop a novel video-based engagement regime for pedaling that links pedaling cadence with the play rate of a video, and secondly, to employ an instrumented pedaling device to assess the influence of the video engagement paradigm on cadence performance and exercise motivation. Eighteen healthy subjects participated in 15-min-duration pedaling sessions while targeting a specific low cadence (60 rotations per minute) and high cadence (100 rotations per minute), including pedaling with the provision of (i) target pedaling cadence information only, (ii) visual feedback on cadence control, including pedaling duration, pedaling cadence, and cadence deviation from target, and (iii) real-time engagement, which involved pedaling at the target speed to maintain the playback rate of a pre-recorded video. Cadence deviation from the target was evaluated, and self-reported exercise motivation examined with a post-exercise survey. Pedaling-cadence deviations significantly reduced with cadence feedback at both low and high cadence (p < 0.05). Participants reported enjoying feedback and video-based engagement during pedaling, with 83% of participants feeling that engagement motivated them to perform pedaling-based exercise. In conclusion, real-time cadence control feedback and video-based engagement during pedaling for healthy individuals may improve performance in targeted pedaling tasks. Through dissociation from the physical cues associated with exercise and fatigue, feedback and engagement may ultimately increase enjoyment and exercise compliance and adherence of pedaling-based exercise. The findings may be useful in prescription and maintenance of targeted pedaling exercises for stroke rehabilitation and exercise therapy.
How to Train Your Phage: The Recent Efforts in Phage Training
Authors: Abdelsattar Abdallah , Dawooud Alyaa , Rezk Nouran , Makky Salsabil , Safwat Anan , Richards Philip , El-Shibiny Ayman
Published: July 2021

Control of pathogenic bacteria by deliberate application of predatory phages has potential as a powerful therapy against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The key advantages of phage biocontrol over antibacterial chemotherapy are: (1) an ability to self-propagate inside host bacteria, (2) targeted predation of specific species or strains of bacteria, (3) adaptive molecular machinery to overcome resistance in target bacteria. However, realizing the potential of phage biocontrol is dependent on harnessing or adapting these responses, as many phage species switch between lytic infection cycles (resulting in lysis) and lysogenic infection cycles (resulting in genomic integration) that increase the likelihood of survival of the phage in response to external stress or host depletion. Similarly, host range will need to be optimized to make phage therapy medically viable whilst avoiding the potential for deleteriously disturbing the commensal microbiota. Phage training is a new approach to produce efficient phages by capitalizing on the evolved response of wild-type phages to bacterial resistance. Here we will review recent studies reporting successful trials of training different strains of phages to switch into lytic replication mode, overcome bacterial resistance, and increase their host range. This review will also highlight the current knowledge of phage training and future implications in phage applications and phage therapy and summarize the recent pipeline of the magistral preparation to produce a customized phage for clinical trials and medical applications.
Synthesis of Inorganic Compounds in the Matrix of Polysaccharide Chitosan
Authors: Zemskova Larisa , Silant’ev Vladimir , Tokar Eduard , Egorin Andrei
Published: July 2021

Data related to the fabrication of hybrid materials based on the polysaccharide chitosan were systematized and reviewed. The possibility of using chitosan as a “host” matrix for in situ synthesis of inorganic compounds for the preparation of various types of composite materials were investigated. Coprecipitation of metal oxides/hydroxides (Fe, Ni, Al, Zr, Cu and Mn) with chitosan was carried out through the alkalinization of solutions containing metal salts and chitosan, with the addition of ammonia or alkali solutions, homogeneous hydrolysis of urea, or electrophoretic deposition on the cathode. The synthesis of transition metal ferrocyanides and hydroxyapatite was achieved from precursor salts in a chitosan solution with simultaneous alkalinization. The mechanism of composite formation during the coprecipitation process of inorganic compounds with chitosan is discussed. Composite materials are of interest as sorbents, coatings, sensors, and precursors for the production of ceramic and electrode materials.
Clinical Application of the Novel Cell-Based Biosensor for the Ultra-Rapid Detection of the SARS-CoV-2 S1 Spike Protein Antigen: A Practical Approach
Authors: Mavrikou Sophie , Tsekouras Vasileios , Hatziagapiou Kyriaki , Paradeisi Foteini , Bakakos Petros , Michos Athanasios , Koutsoukou Antonia , Konstantellou Elissavet , Lambrou George I. , Koniari Eleni , Tatsi Elizabeth-Barbara , Papaparaskevas Joseph , Iliopoulos Dimitrios , Chrousos George P. , Kintzios Spyridon
Published: July 2021

The availability of antigen tests for SARS-CoV-2 represents a major step for the mass surveillance of the incidence of infection, especially regarding COVID-19 asymptomatic and/or early-stage patients. Recently, we reported the development of a Bioelectric Recognition Assay-based biosensor able to detect the SARS-CoV-2 S1 spike protein expressed on the surface of the virus in just three minutes, with high sensitivity and selectivity. The working principle was established by measuring the change of the electric potential of membrane-engineered mammalian cells bearing the human chimeric spike S1 antibody after attachment of the respective viral protein. In the present study, we applied the novel biosensor to patient-derived nasopharyngeal samples in a clinical set-up, with absolutely no sample pretreatment. More importantly, membrane-engineered cells were pre-immobilized in a proprietary biomatrix, thus enabling their long-term preservation prior to use as well as significantly increasing their ease-of-handle as test consumables. The plug-and-apply novel biosensor was able to detect the virus in positive samples with a 92.8% success rate compared to RT-PCR. No false negative results were recorded. These findings demonstrate the potential applicability of the biosensor for the early, routine mass screening of SARS-CoV-2 on a scale not yet realized.
Recall of Reverberant Speech in Quiet and Four-Talker Babble Noise
Authors: Koo Miseung , Jeon Jihui , Moon Hwayoung , Suh Myung-Whan , Lee Jun-Ho , Oh Seung-Ha , Park Moo-Kyun
Published: July 2021

Using behavioral evaluation of free recall performance, we investigated whether reverberation and/or noise affected memory performance in normal-hearing adults. Thirty-four participants performed a free-recall task in which they were instructed to repeat the initial word after each sentence and to remember the target words after each list of seven sentences, in a 2 (reverberation) × 2 (noise) factorial design. Pupil dilation responses (baseline and peak pupil dilation) were also recorded sentence-by-sentence while the participants were trying to remember the target words. In noise, speech was presented at an easily audible level using an individualized signal-to-noise ratio (95% speech intelligibility). As expected, recall performance was significantly lower in the noisy environment than in the quiet condition. Regardless of noise interference or reverberation, sentence- baseline values gradually increased with an increase in the number of words to be remembered for a subsequent free-recall task. Long reverberation time had no significant effect on memory retrieval of verbal stimuli or pupillary responses during encoding.
Bemisia tabaci Vesicle-Associated Membrane Protein 2 Interacts with Begomoviruses and Plays a Role in Virus Acquisition
Authors: Fan Yun-Yun , Zhong Yu-Wei , Zhao Jing , Chi Yao , Bouvaine Sophie , Liu Shu-Sheng , Seal Susan E. , Wang Xiao-Wei
Published: July 2021

Begomoviruses cause substantial losses to agricultural production, especially in tropical and subtropical regions, and are exclusively transmitted by members of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci species complex. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the transmission of begomoviruses by their whitefly vector are not clear. In this study, we found that B. tabaci vesicle-associated membrane protein 2 (BtVAMP2) interacts with the coat protein (CP) of tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), an emergent begomovirus that seriously impacts tomato production globally. After infection with TYLCV, the transcription of BtVAMP2 was increased. When the BtVAMP2 protein was blocked by feeding with a specific BtVAMP2 antibody, the quantity of TYLCV in B. tabaci whole body was significantly reduced. BtVAMP2 was found to be conserved among the B. tabaci species complex and also interacts with the CP of Sri Lankan cassava mosaic virus (SLCMV). When feeding with BtVAMP2 antibody, the acquisition quantity of SLCMV in whitefly whole body was also decreased significantly. Overall, our results demonstrate that BtVAMP2 interacts with the CP of begomoviruses and promotes their acquisition by whitefly.
Impact of Repetitive DNA Elements on Snake Genome Biology and Evolution
Authors: Ahmad Syed Farhan , Singchat Worapong , Panthum Thitipong , Srikulnath Kornsorn
Published: July 2021

The distinctive biology and unique evolutionary features of snakes make them fascinating model systems to elucidate how genomes evolve and how variation at the genomic level is interlinked with phenotypic-level evolution. Similar to other eukaryotic genomes, large proportions of snake genomes contain repetitive DNA, including transposable elements (TEs) and satellite repeats. The importance of repetitive DNA and its structural and functional role in the snake genome, remain unclear. This review highlights the major types of repeats and their proportions in snake genomes, reflecting the high diversity and composition of snake repeats. We present snakes as an emerging and important model system for the study of repetitive DNA under the impact of sex and microchromosome evolution. We assemble evidence to show that certain repetitive elements in snakes are transcriptionally active and demonstrate highly dynamic lineage-specific patterns as repeat sequences. We hypothesize that particular TEs can trigger different genomic mechanisms that might contribute to driving adaptive evolution in snakes. Finally, we review emerging approaches that may be used to study the expression of repetitive elements in complex genomes, such as snakes. The specific aspects presented here will stimulate further discussion on the role of genomic repeats in shaping snake evolution.
Experimental and Computational Studies on N-alkylation Reaction of N-Benzoyl 5-(Aminomethyl)Tetrazole
Authors: Aouine Younas , Jmiai Aaziz , Alami Anouar , El Asri Abdallah , El Issami Souad , Bakas Idriss
Published: July 2021

The N-alkylation reaction of N-benzoyl 5-(aminomethyl)tetrazole (5-AMT) with benzyl bromide was carried out in the presence of K2CO3 as a base. Two separable regioisomers were obtained, thus their purification led to determine the proportion of each of them, and their structures were attributed essentially based on 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy in addition to the elemental analysis and MS data. In order to confirm the results obtained at the synthesis level, a computational study was carried out by application of density functional theory (DFT) using the Becke three-parameter hybrid exchange functional and the Lee-Yang-Parr correlation functional (B3LYP).
Sentence Repetition Tasks to Detect and Prevent Language Difficulties: A Scoping Review
Authors: Rujas Irene , Mariscal Sonia , Murillo Eva , Lázaro Miguel
Published: July 2021

Sentence repetition tasks (SRTs) have been widely used in language development research for decades. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in studying performance in SRTs as a clinical marker for language impairment. What are the characteristics of SRTs? For what purposes have SRTs been used? To what extent have they been used with young children, in different languages, and with different clinical populations? In order to answer these and other questions, we conducted a scoping review. Peer reviewed studies published in indexed scientific journals (2010–2021) were analyzed. A search in different databases yielded 258 studies. Research published in languages other than English or Spanish, adult samples, dissertations, case studies, artificial models, and theoretical publications were excluded. After this exclusion, 203 studies were analyzed. Our results show that most research using SRT were conducted with English monolingual speakers older than 5 years of age; studies with bilingual participants have mostly been published since 2016; and SRTs have been used with several non-typical populations. Research suggests that they are a reliable tool for identifying language difficulties and are specifically suitable for detecting developmental language disorder.
Fabrication and Sterilization Characteristics of Visible Light Photocatalyst of CuO/ZrO2/CB/Coal-Tar-Pitch-SAC
Authors: Xu Ziang , Xu Guiying , Han Beibei , Wang Kun , Ge Hui , An Baigang , Ju Dongying , Chai Maorong , Li Lixiang , Zhou Weimin
Published: July 2021

To provide an effective method of green aquaculture, the photocatalysts of CuO/ZrO2/CB/coal-tar-pitch-SAC, which have visible light sterilization capacity, were successfully fabricated by coating ZrO2 and CuO on the surface of CB/coal-tar-pitch-SAC. The structures of synthesized CuO/ZrO2/CB/coal-tar-pitch-SAC were investigated by XRD, XPS and SEM measurements in detail. It was observed that CuO/ZrO2/CB/coal-tar-pitch-SAC materials possess obvious heterojunction structure and excellent visible light sterilization capacity when the prepared weight ratio of CuO, ZrO2 and CB/coal-tar-pitch-SAC is controlled as 0.03:0.3:1. Our studies can provide a beneficial reference for the design of photocatalysts with sterilization capacity in visible light.
Characteristic Value of the Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) for Natural and Planted Larch in Northeast China
Authors: Tian Zhaopeng , Xu Junhua , Li Mingyue , Wang Zhaohui , Serrano Erik , Gong Yingchun , Ren Haiqing
Published: July 2021

The density and modulus of elasticity (MOE) distribution can provide information on the effectiveness of parametric and non-parametric methods in calculating the characteristic value of MOE. In this study, we aim to determine the optimal distribution model of the actual measured data of the lumber. We also estimate the lumber’s MOE characteristic value and compare the difference in density and MOE between natural and planted larch. Approximately 1200 pieces of dimension lumber of 4 m × 140 mm × 40 mm in size, made from larch and planted larch, were obtained, tested, and the corresponding standard MOE value was calculated. Results revealed the 3-parameter Weibull distribution to be optimal in fitting the natural and planted larch distributions. The parametric method proved effective in calculating the characteristic value of both larch groups, with characteristic MOE values of 9.73 kN/mm2 and 8.84 kN/mm2, and characteristic density values of 530 kg/m3 and 460 kg/m3 for natural and planted larch, respectively. Moreover, the MOE and density values followed grades C40 and C35. Thus, the conclusion is that the parametric method should be used to determine these characteristic values for natural and planted larch.
Ability of Yeast Metabolic Activity to Reduce Sugars and Stabilize Betalains in Red Beet Juice
Authors: Dygas Dawid , Nowak Szymon , Olszewska Joanna , Szymańska Monika , Mroczyńska-Florczak Marta , Berłowska Joanna , Dziugan Piotr , Kręgiel Dorota
Published: July 2021

To lower the risk of obesity, diabetes, and other related diseases, the WHO recommends that consumers reduce their consumption of sugars. Here, we propose a microbiological method to reduce the sugar content in red beet juice, while incurring only slight losses in the betalain content and maintaining the correct proportion of the other beet juice components. Several yeast strains with different metabolic activities were investigated for their ability to reduce the sugar content in red beet juice, which resulted in a decrease in the extract level corresponding to sugar content from 49.7% to 58.2%. This strategy was found to have the additional advantage of increasing the chemical and microbial stability of the red beet juice. Only slight losses of betalain pigments were noted, to final concentrations of 5.11% w/v and 2.56% w/v for the red and yellow fractions, respectively.
Assessing Wildfire Regimes in Indigenous Lands of the Brazilian Savannah-Like Cerrado
Authors: Melo Pedro , Sparacino Javier , Argibay Daihana , Sousa Júnior Vicente , Barros Roseli , Espindola Giovana
Published: July 2021

The Brazilian savannah-like Cerrado is classified as a fire-dependent biome. Human activities have altered the fire regimes in the region, and as a result, not all fires have ecological benefits. The indigenous lands (ILs) of the Brazilian Cerrado have registered the recurrence of forest fires. Thus, the diagnosis of these events is fundamental to understanding the burning regimes and their consequences. The main objective of this paper is to evaluate the fire regimes in Cerrado’s indigenous lands from 2008 to 2017. We used the Landsat time series, at 30 m spatial resolution, available in the Google Earth Engine platform to delineate the burned areas. We used precipitation data from a meteorological station to define the rainy season (RS), early dry season (EDS), middle dry season (MDS), and late dry season (LDS) periods. During 2008–2017, our results show that the total burned area in the indigenous lands and surrounding area was 2,289,562 hectares, distributed in 14,653 scars. Most fires took place between June and November, and the annual burned area was quite different in the years studied. It was also possible to identify areas with high fire recurrence. The fire regime patterns described here are the first step towards understanding the fire regimes in the region and establishing directions to improve management strategies and guide public policies.
Performance Investigation of MQL Parameters Using Nano Cutting Fluids in Hard Milling
Authors: Duc Tran Minh , Long Tran The , Tuan Ngo Minh
Published: July 2021

Machining difficult-to-cut materials is one of the increasingly concerned issues in the metalworking industry. Low machinability and high cutting temperature generated from the contact zone are the main obstacles that need to be solved in order to improve economic and technical efficiency but still have to ensure environmental friendliness. The application of MQL method using nano cutting fluid is one of the suggested solutions to improve the cooling and lubricating performance of pure-MQL for machining difficult-to-cut materials. The main objective of this paper is to investigate the effects of nanofluid MQL (NFMQL) parameters including the fluid type, type of nanoparticles, air pressure and air flow rate on cutting forces and surface roughness in hard milling of 60Si2Mn hardened steel (50–52 HRC). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was implemented to study the effects of investigated variables on hard machining performance. The most outstanding finding is that the main effects of the input variables and their interaction are deeply investigated to prove the better machinability and the superior cooling lubrication performance when machining under NFMQL condition. The experimental results indicate that the uses of smaller air pressure and higher air flow rate decrease the cutting forces and improve the surface quality. Al2O3 nanoparticles show the better results than MoS2 nanosheets. The applicability of soybean oil, a type of vegetable oil, is proven to be enlarged in hard milling by suspending nanoparticles, suitable for further studies in the field of sustainable manufacturing.
Introduction: Indigenous Perspectives on Genealogical Research
Authors: Mahuika Nēpia , Kukutai Tahu
Published: July 2021

Indigenous genealogies encompass complex layers of connection within and between human, environment and spirit, realms [...]
CircIMPACT: An R Package to Explore Circular RNA Impact on Gene Expression and Pathways
Authors: Buratin Alessia , Gaffo Enrico , Dal Molin Anna , Bortoluzzi Stefania
Published: July 2021

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are transcripts generated by back-splicing. CircRNAs might regulate cellular processes by different mechanisms, including interaction with miRNAs and RNA-binding proteins. CircRNAs are pleiotropic molecules whose dysregulation has been linked to human diseases and can drive cancer by impacting gene expression and signaling pathways. The detection of circRNAs aberrantly expressed in disease conditions calls for the investigation of their functions. Here, we propose CircIMPACT, a bioinformatics tool for the integrative analysis of circRNA and gene expression data to facilitate the identification and visualization of the genes whose expression varies according to circRNA expression changes. This tool can highlight regulatory axes potentially governed by circRNAs, which can be prioritized for further experimental study. The usefulness of CircIMPACT is exemplified by a case study analysis of bladder cancer RNA-seq data. The link between circHIPK3 and heparanase (HPSE) expression, due to the circHIPK3-miR558-HPSE regulatory axis previously determined by experimental studies on cell lines, was successfully detected. CircIMPACT is freely available at GitHub.
The Antioxidant Defense System during Lanzhou Lily Scales Storage Is Modulated by Hydrogen Sulfide
Authors: Li Changxia , Chen Guibao , Huang Dengjing , Wang Ni , Liao Weibiao
Published: July 2021

As an important gaseous regulator, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is involved in various aspects of plant processes, including seed germination, stomatal movement, and postharvest senescence. The preservation capacity of Lanzhou lily (Lilium davidii var. unicolor Salisb) scales fumigated with or without exogenously applied sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS, a H2S donor) was investigated in the current study. Results indicate that NaHS fumigation was able to extend storage life and elicit endogenous H2S production of postharvest Lanzhou lily scales with an optimal concentration at 0.8 mM. Moreover, exogenously applied NaHS (0.8 mM) led to higher soluble sugar, soluble protein, and ascorbic acid levels and lower total phenolic and flavonoid contents compared with those of the control. The application of 0.8 mM NaHS also reduced the lipid peroxidation level and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in scales, as indicated by the lower malondialdehyde (MDA) content, relative conductivity, lipoxygenase (LOX) activity, O2− production rate, and hydrogen per-oxide (H2O2) content. Further, scales treated with 0.8 mM NaHS exhibited significantly higher activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and ascorbic acid peroxidase (APX). Collectively, our data provide new insight into how the postharvest senescence of Lanzhou lily scales might be alleviated by H2S by enhancing antioxidant defense systems.
Are Dried and Powdered Moringa oleifera Lam. Leaves Susceptible to Moths That Feed on Stored Products?
Authors: Limonta Lidia , Locatelli Daria Patrizia
Published: July 2021

The leaves of Moringa oleifera are increasingly used as a food supplement in several countries due to their nutritional composition, which is rich in protein, vitamins, and mineral salts. Foodstuffs can be damaged by several pests when stored in environments with temperatures that are favorable to insect development; therefore, the susceptibility of M. oleifera leaves to attacks of moths that feed on stored products was tested. Tests were carried out on Pyralid Cadra cautella, Corcyra cephalonica, and Plodia interpunctella, as well as Geometrid Idaea inquinata, which were reared on dried whole or powdered M. oleifera leaves, an artificial diet, or an artificial diet supplemented with dried or powdered leaves. The numbers of adults and the development periods with the different diets were recorded. M. oleifera leaves were unsuitable as a rearing medium for all of the species except I. inquinata, although only a few individuals of this species reached the adult stage. The use of an artificial diet of which one-quarter consisted of dried and powdered leaves did not affect the number of progeny or on the biological cycle, showing that the effect was due to the nutritional composition, as well as to the toxic effect. The storage of M. oleifera as powdered leaves is recommended in order to preserve the nutritional characteristics and avoid damage caused by moth larvae.
Evaluation of Hardness and Residual Stress Changes of AISI 4140 Steel Due to Thermal Load during Surface Grinding
Authors: Kohls Ewald , Heinzel Carsten , Eich Marco
Published: July 2021

During surface grinding, internal material loads are generated, which take effect on the surface and subsurface zone of AISI 4140 steel. High thermal loads can result in specific material modifications, e.g., hardness reduction and tensile residual stresses, due to inappropriate combinations of system and process parameters which influence the functional performance of the ground component in a negative way. In order to avoid this damaging impact due to the thermal effect, an in-depth understanding of the thermal loads and the resulting modifications is required. This relationship is described in the concept of Process Signatures applied in this paper. Experimentally determined temperature-time histories at various depths below the surface were used to estimate the thermal loads at the surface and subsurface using a numerical approach based on the finite element method (FEM). The results show that the hardness change during surface grinding correlates with the maximum temperature rate at given maximum temperatures. In addition, correlations between the hardness change and the Hollomon–Jaffe parameter are identified, taking into account both the absolute temperature and its evolution over time. Furthermore, it was shown that the surface residual stresses correlate with the maximum local temperature gradients at the surface if no detectable tempering of the microstructure takes place.
Genetic Relationships in the Toxin-Producing Fungal Endophyte, Alternaria oxytropis Using Polyketide Synthase and Non-Ribosomal Peptide Synthase Genes
Authors: Creamer Rebecca , Hille Deana Baucom , Neyaz Marwa , Nusayr Tesneem , Schardl Christopher L. , Cook Daniel
Published: July 2021

The legume Oxytropis sericea hosts a fungal endophyte, Alternaria oxytropis, which produces secondary metabolites (SM), including the toxin swainsonine. Polyketide synthase (PKS) and non-ribosomal peptide synthase (NRPS) enzymes are associated with biosynthesis of fungal SM. To better understand the origins of the SM, an unannotated genome of A. oxytropis was assessed for protein sequences similar to known PKS and NRPS enzymes of fungi. Contigs exhibiting identity with known genes were analyzed at nucleotide and protein levels using available databases. Software were used to identify PKS and NRPS domains and predict identity and function. Confirmation of sequence for selected gene sequences was accomplished using PCR. Thirteen PKS, 5 NRPS, and 4 PKS-NRPS hybrids were identified and characterized with functions including swainsonine and melanin biosynthesis. Phylogenetic relationships among closest amino acid matches with Alternaria spp. were identified for seven highly conserved PKS and NRPS, including melanin synthesis. Three PKS and NRPS were most closely related to other fungi within the Pleosporaceae family, while five PKS and PKS-NRPS were closely related to fungi in the Pleosporales order. However, seven PKS and PKS-NRPS showed no identity with fungi in the Pleosporales or the class Dothideomycetes, suggesting a different evolutionary origin for those genes.
Effects of Glucosinolate-Derived Isothiocyanates on Fungi: A Comprehensive Review on Direct Effects, Mechanisms, Structure-Activity Relationship Data and Possible Agricultural Applications
Authors: Plaszkó Tamás , Szűcs Zsolt , Vasas Gábor , Gonda Sándor
Published: July 2021

Plants heavily rely on chemical defense systems against a variety of stressors. The glucosinolates in the Brassicaceae and some allies are the core molecules of one of the most researched such pathways. These natural products are enzymatically converted into isothiocyanates (ITCs) and occasionally other defensive volatile organic constituents (VOCs) upon fungal challenge or tissue disruption to protect the host against the stressor. The current review provides a comprehensive insight on the effects of the isothiocyanates on fungi, including, but not limited to mycorrhizal fungi and pathogens of Brassicaceae. In the review, our current knowledge on the following topics are summarized: direct antifungal activity and the proposed mechanisms of antifungal action, QSAR (quantitative structure-activity relationships), synergistic activity of ITCs with other agents, effects of ITCs on soil microbial composition and allelopathic activity. A detailed insight into the possible applications is also provided: the literature of biofumigation studies, inhibition of post-harvest pathogenesis and protection of various products including grains and fruits is also reviewed herein.
Determinants of Bank Profitability in CEE Countries: Evidence from GMM Panel Data Estimates
Authors: Horobet Alexandra , Radulescu Magdalena , Belascu Lucian , Dita Sandra Maria
Published: July 2021

Given the high resilience of the Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) banking sectors during the last financial crisis and their major role in the CEE region in financing the economy and supporting the high growth rates achieved there, our paper investigates the determinants of banking profitability in the CEE banking sectors based on a Generalized Method of Methods (GMM) approach using data between 2009 and 2018. We have selected determinants from the macroeconomic factors and from the financial-banking specific factors using a two-step GMM method. Our findings demonstrate that unemployment rate, inflation, budget balance, non-governmental credit, non-performing loan rates, concentration rate and capitalization rate negatively impact on the banking profitability in the CEE banking sectors. According to these findings, some policy recommendations were elaborated.
Functional Effects In Silico Prediction for Androgen Receptor Ligand-Binding Domain Novel I836S Mutation
Authors: Rayevsky Alexey , Sirokha Dmytro , Samofalova Dariia , Lozhko Dmytro , Gorodna Olexandra , Prokopenko Inga , Livshits Liudmyla
Published: July 2021

Over 1000 mutations are described in the androgen receptor (AR) gene. Of those, about 600 were found in androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) patients, among which 400 mutations affect the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of the AR protein. Recently, we reported a novel missense mutation c.2507T>G I836S (ClinVarID: 974911) in a patient with complete AIS (CAIS) phenotype. In the present study, we applied a set of computational approaches for the structural analysis of the ligand-binding domains in a wild-type and mutant AR to evaluate the functional impact of the novel I836S mutation. We revealed that the novel I836S substitution leads to a shorter existence time of the ligand’s gating tunnel and internal cavity, occurring only in the presence of S836 phosphorylation. Additionally, the analysis of phosphorylation of the 836 mutant residues explained the negative impact on AR homodimerization, since monomer surface changes indirectly impacted the binding site. Our analyses provide evidence that I836S causes disruptions of AR protein functionality and development of CAIS clinical features in patients.
A Lizardite–HCN Interaction Leading the Increasing of Molecular Complexity in an Alkaline Hydrothermal Scenario: Implications for Origin of Life Studies
Authors: Villafañe-Barajas Saúl A. , Ruiz-Bermejo Marta , Rayo-Pizarroso Pedro , Gálvez-Martínez Santos , Mateo-Martí Eva , Colín-García María
Published: July 2021

Hydrogen cyanide, HCN, is considered a fundamental molecule in chemical evolution. The named HCN polymers have been suggested as precursors of important bioorganics. Some novel researches have focused on the role of mineral surfaces in the hydrolysis and/or polymerization of cyanide species, but until now, their role has been unclear. Understanding the role of minerals in chemical evolution processes is crucial because minerals undoubtedly interacted with the organic molecules formed on the early Earth by different process. Therefore, we simulated the probable interactions between HCN and a serpentinite-hosted alkaline hydrothermal system. We studied the effect of serpentinite during the thermolysis of HCN at basic conditions (i.e., HCN 0.15 M, 50 h, 100 °C, pH > 10). The HCN-derived thermal polymer and supernatant formed after treatment were analyzed by several complementary analytical techniques. The results obtained suggest that: (I) the mineral surfaces can act as mediators in the mechanisms of organic molecule production such as the polymerization of HCN; (II) the thermal and physicochemical properties of the HCN polymer produced are affected by the presence of the mineral surface; and (III) serpentinite seems to inhibit the formation of bioorganic molecules compared with the control (without mineral).
Synthesis and Evaluation of Chalcone-Quinoline Based Molecular Hybrids as Potential Anti-Malarial Agents
Authors: Vinindwa Bonani , Dziwornu Godwin Akpeko , Masamba Wayiza
Published: July 2021

Molecular hybridization is a drug discovery strategy that involves the rational design of new chemical entities by the fusion (usually via a covalent linker) of two or more drugs, both active compounds and/or pharmacophoric units recognized and derived from known bioactive molecules. The expected outcome of this chemical modification is to produce a new hybrid compound with improved affinity and efficacy compared to the parent drugs. Additionally, this strategy can result in compounds presenting modified selectivity profiles, different and/or dual modes of action, reduced undesired side effects and ultimately lead to new therapies. In this study, molecular hybridization was used to generate new molecular hybrids which were tested against the chloroquine sensitive (NF54) strain of P. falciparum. To prepare the new molecular hybrids, the quinoline nucleus, one of the privileged scaffolds, was coupled with various chalcone derivatives via an appropriate linker to produce a total of twenty-two molecular hybrids in 11%–96% yield. The synthesized compounds displayed good antiplasmodial activity with IC50 values ranging at 0.10–4.45 μM.
Targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway in Lung Cancer: An Update Regarding Potential Drugs and Natural Products
Authors: Iksen  , Pothongsrisit Sutthaorn , Pongrakhananon Varisa
Published: July 2021

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers and has a high mortality rate. Due to its high incidence, the clinical management of the disease remains a major challenge. Several reports have documented a relationship between the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/ protein kinase B (AKT)/ mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway and lung cancer. The recognition of this pathway as a notable therapeutic target in lung cancer is mainly due to its central involvement in the initiation and progression of the disease. Interest in using natural and synthetic medications to target these signaling pathways has increased in recent years, with promising results in vitro, in vivo, and in clinical trials. In this review, we focus on the current understanding of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling in tumor development. In addition to the signaling pathway, we highlighted the therapeutic potential of recently developed PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors based on preclinical and clinical trials.
Assessment of the In Vivo Release and Biocompatibility of Novel Vesicles Containing Zinc in Rats
Authors: Mititelu-Tartau Liliana , Bogdan Maria , Pricop Daniela Angelica , Buca Beatrice Rozalina , Pauna Ana-Maria , Dijmarescu Lorena Anda , Pelin Ana-Maria , Pavel Liliana Lacramioara , Popa Gratiela Eliza
Published: July 2021

This paper is focused on the in vivo release and biocompatibility evaluation in rats of some novel systems entrapping zinc chloride in lipid vesicles. The particles were prepared by zinc chloride immobilization inside lipid vesicles made using phosphatidylcholine, stabilized with 0.5% chitosan solution, and dialyzed for 10 h to achieve a neutral pH. The submicrometric systems were physico-chemically characterized. White Wistar rats, assigned into four groups of six animals each, were treated orally with a single dose, as follows: Group I (control): deionized water 0.3 mL/100 g body weight; Group II (Zn): 2 mg/kg body weight (kbw) zinc chloride; Group III (LV-Zn): 2 mg/kbw zinc chloride in vesicles; Group IV (LVC-Zn): 2 mg/kbw zinc chloride in vesicles stabilized with chitosan. Haematological, biochemical, and immune parameters were assessed after 24 h and 7 days, and then liver fragments were collected for histopathological examination. The use of zinc submicrometric particles—especially those stabilized with chitosan—showed a delayed zinc release in rats. No substantial changes to blood parameters, plasma biochemical tests, serum complement activity, or peripheral neutrophils phagocytic capacity were noted; moreover, the tested substances did not induce liver architectural disturbances. The obtained systems provided a delayed release of zinc, and showed good biocompatibility in rats.
Classification, Toxicity and Bioactivity of Natural Diterpenoid Alkaloids
Authors: Thawabteh Amin Mahmood , Thawabteh Alà , Lelario Filomena , Bufo Sabino Aurelio , Scrano Laura
Published: July 2021

Diterpenoid alkaloids are natural compounds having complex structural features with many stereo-centres originating from the amination of natural tetracyclic diterpenes and produced primarily from plants in the Aconitum, Delphinium, Consolida genera. Corals, Xenia, Okinawan/Clavularia, Alcyonacea (soft corals) and marine sponges are rich sources of diterpenoids, despite the difficulty to access them and the lack of availability. Researchers have long been concerned with the potential beneficial or harmful effects of diterpenoid alkaloids due to their structural complexity, which accounts for their use as pharmaceuticals as well as their lousy reputation as toxic substances. Compounds belonging to this unique and fascinating family of natural products exhibit a broad spectrum of biological activities. Some of these compounds are on the list of clinical drugs, while others act as incredibly potent neurotoxins. Despite numerous attempts to prepare synthetic products, this review only introduces the natural diterpenoid alkaloids, describing ‘compounds’ structures and classifications and their toxicity and bioactivity. The purpose of the review is to highlight some existing relationships between the presence of substituents in the structure of such molecules and their recognised bioactivity.