bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Dentists and Dental Students in Germany
Authors: Ohlendorf Daniela , Naser Antonia , Haas Yvonne , Haenel Jasmin , Fraeulin Laura , Holzgreve Fabian , Erbe Christina , Betz Werner , Wanke Eileen M. , Brueggmann Doerthe , Nienhaus Albert , Groneberg David A.
Published: November 2020

Background: Dentists are at a higher risk of suffering from musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) than the general population. However, the latest study investigating MSD in the dental profession in Germany was published about 20 years ago. Therefore, the aim of this study was to reveal the current prevalence of MSD in dentists and dental students in Germany. Methods: The final study size contained 450 (287 f/163 m) subjects of different areas of specialization. The age of the participants ranged from 23 to 75 years. The questionnaire consisted of a modified version of the Nordic Questionnaire, work-related questions from the latest questionnaire of German dentists, typical medical conditions and self-developed questions. Results: The overall prevalence showed that dentists suffered frequently from MSD (seven days: 65.6%, twelve months: 92%, lifetime: 95.8%). The most affected body regions included the neck (42.7%–70.9%–78.4%), shoulders (29.8%–55.6%–66.2%) and lower back (22.9%–45.8%–58.7%). Overall, female participants stated that they suffered from pain significantly more frequently, especially in the neck, shoulders and upper back. Conclusion: The prevalence of MSD among dentists, especially in the neck, shoulder and back area, was significantly higher than in the general population. In addition, women suffered more frequently from MSD than men in almost all body regions.
Perceived Paternal and Maternal Parenting Attributes among Chinese Adolescents: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Dou Diya , Shek Daniel T. L. , Kwok Ka Ho Robin
Published: November 2020

This meta-analysis study examined perceived parental differences between Chinese mothers and fathers from the perspective of adolescents. A systematic search for relevant articles published up to 2019 was performed in electronic databases. The random-effect model was used to calculate the weighted and pooled effect size at the 95% confidence interval. This study was based on 43 studies in English peer-reviewed journals involving 55,759 Chinese adolescents aged between 11 and 18 years. We conducted subgroup analyses to explore whether differences in study designs (i.e., cross-sectional and longitudinal) and adolescent gender could explain perceived parental differences. The results showed that perceived maternal parenting attributes were more positive than perceived paternal parenting attributes in cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. Besides, perceived paternal parenting attributes showed slightly greater variability than did maternal parenting attributes. Subgroup analysis based on adolescent gender revealed that only adolescent girls perceived maternal parenting attributes to be more positive than paternal parenting attributes.
Updating the Mediterranean Diet Pyramid towards Sustainability: Focus on Environmental Concerns
Authors: Serra-Majem Lluís , Tomaino Laura , Dernini Sandro , Berry Elliot M. , Lairon Denis , Ngo de la Cruz Joy , Bach-Faig Anna , Donini Lorenzo M. , Medina Francesc-Xavier , Belahsen Rekia , Piscopo Suzanne , Capone Roberto , Aranceta-Bartrina Javier , La Vecchia Carlo , Trichopoulou Antonia
Published: November 2020

Background: Nowadays the food production, supply and consumption chain represent a major cause of ecological pressure on the natural environment, and diet links worldwide human health with environmental sustainability. Food policy, dietary guidelines and food security strategies need to evolve from the limited historical approach, mainly focused on nutrients and health, to a new one considering the environmental, socio-economic and cultural impact—and thus the sustainability—of diets. Objective: To present an updated version of the Mediterranean Diet Pyramid (MDP) to reflect multiple environmental concerns. Methods: We performed a revision and restructuring of the MDP to incorporate more recent findings on the sustainability and environmental impact of the Mediterranean Diet pattern, as well as its associations with nutrition and health. For each level of the MDP we provided a third dimension featuring the corresponding environmental aspects related to it. Conclusions: The new environmental dimension of the MDP enhances food intake recommendations addressing both health and environmental issues. Compared to the previous 2011 version, it emphasizes more strongly a lower consumption of red meat and bovine dairy products, and a higher consumption of legumes and locally grown eco-friendly plant foods as much as possible.
Performance Evaluation and Comparison of Bivariate Statistical-Based Artificial Intelligence Algorithms for Spatial Prediction of Landslides
Authors: Chen Wei , Sun Zenghui , Zhao Xia , Lei Xinxiang , Shirzadi Ataollah , Shahabi Himan
Published: November 2020

The purpose of this study is to compare nine models, composed of certainty factors (CFs), weights of evidence (WoE), evidential belief function (EBF) and two machine learning models, namely random forest (RF) and support vector machine (SVM). In the first step, fifteen landslide conditioning factors were selected to prepare thematic maps, including slope aspect, slope angle, elevation, stream power index (SPI), sediment transport index (STI), topographic wetness index (TWI), plan curvature, profile curvature, land use, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), soil, lithology, rainfall, distance to rivers and distance to roads. In the second step, 152 landslides were randomly divided into two groups at a ratio of 70/30 as the training and validation datasets. In the third step, the weights of the CF, WoE and EBF models for conditioning factor were calculated separately, and the weights were used to generate the landslide susceptibility maps. The weights of each bivariate model were substituted into the RF and SVM models, respectively, and six integrated models and landslide susceptibility maps were obtained. In the fourth step, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and related parameters were used for verification and comparison, and then the success rate curve and the prediction rate curves were used for re-analysis. The comprehensive results showed that the hybrid model is superior to the bivariate model, and all nine models have excellent performance. The WoE–RF model has the highest predictive ability (AUC_T: 0.9993, AUC_P: 0.8968). The landslide susceptibility maps produced in this study can be used to manage landslide hazard and risk in Linyou County and other similar areas.
Between Post-Flâneur and Smartphone Zombie: Smartphone Users’ Altering Visual Attention and Walking Behavior in Public Space
Authors: Argin Gorsev , Pak Burak , Turkoglu Handan
Published: November 2020

The extensive use of smartphones in our everyday lives has created new modes of appropriation and behavior in public spaces. Recognition of these are essential for urban design and planning practices which help us to improve the relationship between humans, technologies, and urban environment. This study aims to research smartphone users in public space by observing their altering visual attention and walking behavior, and, in this way, to reveal the emergent “new figures”. For this purpose, Korenmarkt square in Ghent, Belgium, was observed for seven days in 10-min time intervals. The gaze and walking behavior of smartphone users were encoded as geo-located and temporal data, analyzed and mapped using statistical and spatial analysis methods. Developing and implementing new methods for identifying the characteristics of smartphone users, this study resulted in a nuanced characterization of novel spatial appropriations. The findings led to a better understanding and knowledge of the different behavior patterns of emergent figures such as “post-flâneurs” and “smartphone zombies” while uncovering their altering visual interactions with and movements in the public space. The results evoked questions on how researchers and designers can make use of spatial analysis methods and rethink the public space of the future as a hybrid construct integrating the virtual and the physical.
Induced Pluripotency: A Powerful Tool for In Vitro Modeling
Authors: Zahumenska Romana , Nosal Vladimir , Smolar Marek , Okajcekova Terezia , Skovierova Henrieta , Strnadel Jan , Halasova Erika
Published: November 2020

One of the greatest breakthroughs of regenerative medicine in this century was the discovery of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology in 2006 by Shinya Yamanaka. iPSCs originate from terminally differentiated somatic cells that have newly acquired the developmental capacity of self-renewal and differentiation into any cells of three germ layers. Before iPSCs can be used routinely in clinical practice, their efficacy and safety need to be rigorously tested; however, iPSCs have already become effective and fully-fledged tools for application under in vitro conditions. They are currently routinely used for disease modeling, preparation of difficult-to-access cell lines, monitoring of cellular mechanisms in micro- or macroscopic scales, drug testing and screening, genetic engineering, and many other applications. This review is a brief summary of the reprogramming process and subsequent differentiation and culture of reprogrammed cells into neural precursor cells (NPCs) in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) conditions. NPCs can be used as biomedical models for neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), which are currently considered to be one of the major health problems in the human population.
Rice Bran and Vitamin B6 Suppress Pathological Neovascularization in a Murine Model of Age-Related Macular Degeneration as Novel HIF Inhibitors
Authors: Ibuki Mari , Lee Deokho , Shinojima Ari , Miwa Yukihiro , Tsubota Kazuo , Kurihara Toshihide
Published: November 2020

Pathological neovascularization in the eye is a leading cause of blindness in all age groups from retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in children to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the elderly. Inhibiting neovascularization via antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs has been used for the effective treatment. However, anti-VEGF therapies may cause development of chorioretinal atrophy as they affect a physiological amount of VEGF essential for retinal homeostasis. Furthermore, anti-VEGF therapies are still ineffective in some cases, especially in patients with AMD. Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) is a strong regulator of VEGF induction under hypoxic and other stress conditions. Our previous reports have indicated that HIF is associated with pathological retinal neovascularization in murine models of ROP and AMD, and HIF inhibition suppresses neovascularization by reducing an abnormal increase in VEGF expression. Along with this, we attempted to find novel effective HIF inhibitors from natural foods of our daily lives. Food ingredients were screened for prospective HIF inhibitors in ocular cell lines of 661W and ARPE-19, and a murine AMD model was utilized for examining suppressive effects of the ingredients on retinal neovascularization. As a result, rice bran and its component, vitamin B6 showed inhibitory effects on HIF activation and suppressed VEGF mRNA induction under a CoCl2-induced pseudo-hypoxic condition. Dietary supplement of these significantly suppressed retinal neovascularization in the AMD model. These data suggest that rice bran could have promising therapeutic values in the management of pathological ocular neovascularization.
Microfluidic-Based Detection of AML-Specific Biomarkers Using the Example of Promyelocyte Leukemia
Authors: Emde Benedikt , Kreher Heike , Bäumer Nicole , Bäumer Sebastian , Bouwes Dominique , Tickenbrock Lara
Published: November 2020

A microfluidic assay for the detection of promyelocytic leukemia (PML)-retinoic acid receptor α (RARα) fusion protein was developed. This microfluidic-based system can be used for rapid personalized differential diagnosis of acute promyelocyte leukemia (APL) with the aim of early initiation of individualized therapy. The fusion protein PML-RARα occurs in 95% of acute promyelocytic leukemia cases and is considered as diagnostically relevant. The fusion protein is formed as a result of translocation t(15,17) and is detected in the laboratory by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) or reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Diagnostic methods require many laboratory steps with specialized staff. The developed microfluidic assay includes a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) system for PML-RARα on surface of magnetic microparticles in a microfluidic chip. A rapid detection of PML-RARα in cell lysates is achieved in less than one hour. A biotinylated PML-antibody on the surface of magnetic streptavidin coated microparticles is used as capture antibody. The bound translocation product is detected by a RARα antibody conjugated with horseradish peroxidase and the substrate QuantaRed. The analysis is performed in microfluidic channels which involves automated liquid processing with stringent washing and short incubation times. The results of the developed assay show that cell lysates of PML-RARα-positive cells (NB-4) can be clearly distinguished from PML-RARα-negative cells (HL-60, MV4-11).
Double-Headed Cationic Lipopeptides: An Emerging Class of Antimicrobials
Authors: Małuch Izabela , Stachurski Oktawian , Kosikowska-Adamus Paulina , Makowska Marta , Bauer Marta , Wyrzykowski Dariusz , Hać Aleksandra , Kamysz Wojciech , Deptuła Milena , Pikuła Michał , Sikorska Emilia
Published: November 2020

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) constitute a promising tool in the development of novel therapeutic agents useful in a wide range of bacterial and fungal infections. Among the modifications improving pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics of natural AMPs, an important role is played by lipidation. This study focuses on the newly designed and synthesized lipopeptides containing multiple Lys residues or their shorter homologues with palmitic acid (C16) attached to the side chain of a residue located in the center of the peptide sequence. The approach resulted in the development of lipopeptides representing a model of surfactants with two polar headgroups. The aim of this study is to explain how variations in the length of the peptide chain or the hydrocarbon side chain of an amino acid residue modified with C16, affect biological functions of lipopeptides, their self-assembling propensity, and their mode of action.
Reducing Flower Competition for Assimilates by Half Results in Higher Yield of Fagopyrum esculentum
Authors: Hornyák Marta , Słomka Aneta , Sychta Klaudia , Dziurka Michał , Kopeć Przemysław , Pastuszak Jakub , Szczerba Anna , Płażek Agnieszka
Published: November 2020

Despite abundant flowering throughout the season, common buckwheat develops a very low number of kernels probably due to competition for assimilates. We hypothesized that plants with a shorter flowering period may give a higher seed yield. To verify the hypothesis, we studied nutrient stress in vitro and in planta and analyzed different embryological and yield parameters, including hormone profile in the flowers. In vitro cultivated flowers on media with strongly reduced nutrient content demonstrated a drastic increase in degenerated embryo sacs. In in planta experiments, where 50% or 75% of flowers or all lateral ramifications were removed, the reduction of the flower competition by half turned out to be the most promising treatment for improving yield. This treatment increased the frequency of properly developed embryo sacs, the average number of mature seeds per plant, and their mass. Strong seed compensation under 50% inflorescence removal could result from increased production of salicylic and jasmonic acid that both favor more effective pollinator attraction. Plants in single-shoot cultivation finished their vegetation earlier, and they demonstrated greater single seed mass per plant than in control. This result suggests that plants of common buckwheat with shorter blooming period could deliver higher seed yield.
Sufficient Thrombin Generation Despite 95% Hemodilution: An In Vitro Experimental Study
Authors: Gratz Johannes , Schlimp Christoph J. , Honickel Markus , Hochhausen Nadine , Schöchl Herbert , Grottke Oliver
Published: November 2020

Guidelines for the treatment of severe bleeding comprise viscoelastic-test-guided use of coagulation factor concentrates as part of their recommendations. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of substituting fibrinogen, prothrombin complex concentrate, and a combination of both on conventional coagulation tests, viscoelastic test results, and thrombin generation. Blood was drawn from seven healthy volunteers to obtain platelet-free plasma, which later was diluted by replacing 40%, 60%, 80%, 90%, 95%, and 99% with a crystalloid solution. The diluted samples were spiked with fibrinogen concentrate, prothrombin complex concentrate, a combination of both, or a corresponding amount of crystalloid solution. Up to a dilution level of 95%, viscoelastically determined clotting time was significantly shorter in the group substituted with fibrinogen only in comparison with the additional use of prothrombin complex concentrate. Clot firmness and endogenous thrombin potential remained at relatively stable values up to a dilution level of 95% with the substitution of fibrinogen but not prothrombin complex concentrate. Substitution of prothrombin complex concentrate led to an excessive overshoot of thrombin generation. The results of our study question currently propagated treatment algorithms for bleeding patients that include the use of prothrombin complex concentrate for patients without former intake of oral anticoagulants. Even in severely bleeding patients, thrombin generation might be sufficient to achieve adequate hemostasis.
Augmented Realities, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning: Clinical Implications and How Technology Is Shaping the Future of Medicine
Authors: Moawad Gaby N. , Elkhalil Jad , Klebanoff Jordan S. , Rahman Sara , Habib Nassir , Alkatout Ibrahim
Published: November 2020

Technology has been integrated into every facet of human life, and whether it is completely advantageous remains unknown, but one thing is for sure; we are dependent on technology. Medical advances from the integration of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and augmented realities are widespread and have helped countless patients. Much of the advanced technology utilized by medical providers today has been borrowed and extrapolated from other industries. There remains no great collaboration between providers and engineers, which may be why medicine is only in its infancy of innovation with regards to advanced technologic integration. The purpose of this narrative review is to highlight the different technologies currently being utilized in a variety of medical specialties. Furthermore, we hope that by bringing attention to one shortcoming of the medical community, we may inspire future innovators to seek collaboration outside of the purely medical community for the betterment of all patients seeking care.
Anterior Chamber Angle Assessment Techniques: A Review
Authors: Riva Ivano , Micheletti Eleonora , Oddone Francesco , Bruttini Carlo , Montescani Silvia , De Angelis Giovanni , Rovati Luigi , Weinreb Robert N. , Quaranta Luciano
Published: November 2020

Assessment of the anterior chamber angle (ACA) is an essential part of the ophthalmological examination. It is intrinsically related to the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma and has a role in its prevention. Although slit-lamp gonioscopy is considered the gold-standard technique for ACA evaluation, its poor reproducibility and the long learning curve are well-known shortcomings. Several new imaging techniques for angle evaluation have been developed in the recent years. However, whether these instruments may replace or not gonioscopy in everyday clinical practice remains unclear. This review summarizes the last findings in ACA evaluation, focusing on new instruments and their application to the clinical practice. Special attention will be given to the comparison between these new techniques and traditional slit-lamp gonioscopy. Whereas ultrasound biomicroscopy and anterior segment optical coherence tomography provide quantitative measurements of the anterior segment’s structures, new gonio-photographic systems allow for a qualitative assessment of angle findings, similarly to gonioscopy. Recently developed deep learning algorithms provide an automated classification of angle images, aiding physicians in taking faster and more efficient decisions. Despite new imaging techniques made analysis of the ACA more objective and practical, the ideal method for ACA evaluation has still to be determined.
Porosity Effects on the Dispersion Relation of Water Waves through Dense Array of Vertical Cylinders
Authors: Jamain Joffrey , Touboul Julien , Rey Vincent , Belibassakis Kostas
Published: November 2020

There is growing interest for water-wave flows through arrangements of cylinders with application to the performance of porous marine structures and environmental flows in coastal vegetation. For specific few cases experimental data are available in the literature concerning the modification of the dispersion equation for waves through a dense array of vertical cylinders. This paper presents a numerical study of the porosity effects on the dispersion relation of water waves through such configurations. To this aim, the sloshing problem in a tank full of vertical cylinders intersecting the free surface is studied using the finite element method, and the influence of the porosity on the wave number is quantified. On the basis of numerical results, a new modification of a dispersion relation for porous medium is suggested based on a wide range of collected data. Moreover, the domain of validity of this new dispersion relation is examined considering the number of cylinders and the extrapolation to the infinite medium.
Candida parapsilosis as a Causative Agent of Onychomycosis in Patient with Cirrhosis of the Liver
Authors: Kukhar Yelena , Smagulova Ainura , Daniyarova Ainash , Baiduissenova Aliya , Kiyan Vladimir
Published: November 2020

We report the first case of non-dermatophytic onychomycosis of the toenail described in Kazakhstan caused by Candida parapsilosis. The biological properties of the strain were studied. C. parapsilosis forms white creamy colonies, smooth with focal wrinkles, and the reversum is light-yellow. The culture of C. parapsilosis is represented by a yeast form, characterized by the presence of round or cylindrical yeast cells with active budding. The strain has a high saccharolytic and urease activity and is indifferent to the sucrose and maltose. The C. parapsilosis strain was sensitive to polyene and azole antifungal agents. The highest sensitivity was found to ketoconazole, itraconazole and nystatin.
MiR-10a, 27a, 34b/c, and 300 Polymorphisms are Associated with Ischemic Stroke Susceptibility and Post-Stroke Mortality
Authors: Ryu Chang Soo , Oh Seung Hun , Lee Kee Ook , Park Han Sung , An Hui Jeong , Lee Jeong Yong , Ko Eun Ju , Park Hyeon Woo , Kim Ok Joon , Kim Nam Keun
Published: November 2020

A recent study of the ischemic stroke described the roles played by miRNAs in the downregulation of specific cell-cycle gene expression and it is thought to require the development of biomarkers for the prognostic of ischemic stroke. Here, we hypothesized that four miRNA polymorphisms (miR-10a, miR-27a, miR-34b/c, and miR-300) may affect stroke susceptibility and mortality. Blood samples were collected from 530 patients and 403 controls. Genetic polymorphisms were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and real-time PCR. We found that the miR-300 rs12894467 TC genotype and the dominant model (AOR: 2.069, p-value: 0.017; AOR: 1.931, p-value: 0.027) were significantly associated with an increased risk for the ischemic stroke subtype. In Cox proportional hazard regression models, the miR-10a rs3809783 A>T and miR-34b/c rs4938723 T>C polymorphisms were associated with the mortality rates among ischemic stroke patients. We found that a miR-300 polymorphism was associated with increased ischemic stroke susceptibility among the Korean population. Additionally, polymorphisms in miR-10a and miR-34b/c were associated with the increased or decreased mortality of ischemic stroke patients. This study marks the first report of an association between ischemic stroke and miRNA polymorphisms (miR-10aA>T, miR-27aT>C, miR-34b/cT>C, and miR-300T>C) in the Korean population.
Critical Shear Rate of Polymer-Enhanced Hydraulic Fluids
Authors: Panwar Pawan , Michael Paul , Devlin Mark , Martini Ashlie
Published: November 2020

Many application-relevant fluids exhibit shear thinning, where viscosity decreases with shear rate above some critical shear rate. For hydraulic fluids formulated with polymeric additives, the critical shear rate is a function of the molecular weight and concentration of the polymers. Here we present a model for predicting the critical shear rate and Newtonian viscosity of fluids, with the goal of identifying a fluid that shear thins in a specific range relevant to hydraulic pumps. The model is applied to predict the properties of fluids comprising polyisobutene polymer and polyalphaolefin base oil. The theoretical predictions are validated by comparison to viscosities obtained from experimental measurements and molecular dynamics simulations across many decades of shear rates. Results demonstrate that the molecular weight of the polymer plays a key role in determining the critical shear rate, whereas the concentration of polymer primarily affects the Newtonian viscosity. The simulations are further used to show the molecular origins of shear thinning and critical shear rate. The atomistic simulations and simple model developed in this work can ultimately be used to formulate polymer-enhanced fluids with ideal shear thinning profiles that maximize the efficiency of hydraulic systems.
SERS Effect on Spin-Coated Seeding of Tilted Au-ZnO Nanorods for Low-Cost Diagnosis
Authors: Jue Miyeon , Pack Chan-Gi , Oh Seakhee , Paulson Bjorn , Lee Kwanhee , Kim Jun Ki
Published: November 2020

Uniformly parallel Au-coated ZnO nanorods have previously been shown to amplify local Raman signals, providing increased sensitivity to disease markers in the detection of inflammation and cancer. However, practical and cost-effective fabrication methods of substrates for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) fail to produce highly uniform surfaces. Here, the feasibility of Raman enhancement on less-uniform substrates is assessed. ZnO nanorod structures were fabricated by hydrothermal synthesis, starting from spin-coated seed substrates. Following analysis, the nanostructures were coated with Au to create stochastically variant substrates. The non-uniformity of the fabricated Au-coated ZnO nanorod structures is confirmed morphologically by FE-SEM and structurally by X-ray diffraction, and characterized by the angular distributions of the nanorods. Monte Carlo finite element method simulations matching the measured angular distributions and separations predicted only moderate increases in the overall Raman enhancement with increasing uniformity. Highly variant substrates exhibited approximately 76% of the Raman enhancement of more uniform substrates in simulations and experiments. The findings suggest that, although highly inhomogeneous Au-coated ZnO nanorod substrates may not attain the same Raman enhancement as more uniform substrates, the relaxation of fabrication tolerances may be economically viable.
Research of Wood Waste as a Potential Filler for Loose-Fill Building Insulation: Appropriate Selection and Incorporation into Polyurethane Biocomposite Foams
Authors: Augaitis Nerijus , Vaitkus Saulius , Członka Sylwia , Kairytė Agnė
Published: November 2020

Currently, the recycling potential of wood waste (WW) is still limited, and in a resource efficiency approach, recycling WW in insulation materials, such as polyurethane (PUR), appears as an appropriate solution. It is known that the quality of WW is the main aspect which influences the stability of the final products. Therefore, the current study analyses different WW-based fillers as possible modifiers for polyurethane biocomposite foams for the application as loose-fill materials in building envelopes. During the study of WW-based fillers, it was determined that the most promising filler is wood scobs (WS) with a thermal conductivity of 0.0496 W/m·K, short-term water absorption by partial immersion—12.5 kg/m2, water vapour resistance—0.34 m2·h·Pa/mg and water vapour diffusion resistance factor—2.4. In order to evaluate the WS performance as a filler in PUR biocomposite foams, different ratios of PUR binder and WS filler (PURb/WS) were selected. It was found that a 0.40 PURb/WS ratio is insufficient for the appropriate wetting of WS filler while a 0.70 PURb/WS ratio produced PUR biocomposite foams with the most suitable performance: thermal conductivity reduced from 0.0523 to 0.0476 W/m·K, water absorption—from 5.6 to 1.3 kg/m2, while the compressive strength increased from 142 to 272 kPa and the tensile strength increased from 44 to 272 kPa.
Solving Multi-Point Boundary Value Problems Using Sinc-Derivative Interpolation
Authors: Abdella Kenzu , Trivedi Jeet
Published: November 2020

In this paper, the Sinc-derivative collocation method is used to solve linear and nonlinear multi-point boundary value problems. This is done by interpolating the first derivative of the unknown variable via Sinc numerical methods and obtaining the desired solution through numerical integration of the interpolation and all higher order derivatives through successive differentiation of the interpolation. Non-homogeneous boundary conditions are reduced to homogeneous using suitable transformations. The efficiency and the accuracy of the method are tested using illustrative examples previously considered by other researchers who used different approaches. The results show the excellent performance of the Sinc-derivative collocation method.
Spherical Ruled Surfaces in S3 Characterized by the Spherical Gauss Map
Authors: Kim Young Ho , Jung Sun Mi
Published: November 2020

The Laplace operator on a Riemannian manifold plays an important role with eigenvalue problems and the spectral theory. Extending such an eigenvalue problem of smooth maps including the Gauss map, the notion of finite-type was introduced. The simplest finite-type is of 1-type. In particular, the spherical Gauss map is defined in a very natural way on spherical submanifolds. In this paper, we study ruled surfaces of the 3-dimensional sphere with generalized 1-type spherical Gauss map which generalizes the notion of 1-type. The classification theorem of ruled surfaces of the sphere with the spherical Gauss map of generalized 1-type is completed.
Influence of Sodium Sulfate Addition on Iron Grain Growth during Carbothermic Roasting of Red Mud Samples with Different Basicity
Authors: Grudinsky Pavel , Zinoveev Dmitry , Pankratov Denis , Semenov Artem , Panova Maria , Kondratiev Alex , Zakunov Andrey , Dyubanov Valery , Petelin Alexander
Published: November 2020

Red mud is an iron-containing waste of alumina production with high alkalinity. A promising approach for its recycling is solid-phase carbothermic roasting in the presence of special additives followed by magnetic separation. The crucial factor of the separation of the obtained iron metallic particles from gangue is sufficiently large iron grains. This study focuses on the influence of Na2SO4 addition on iron grain growth during carbothermic roasting of two red mud samples with different (CaO + MgO)/(SiO2 + Al2O3) ratio of 0.46 and 1.21, respectively. Iron phase distribution in the red mud and roasted samples were investigated in detail by Mössbauer spectroscopy method. Based on thermodynamic calculations and results of multifactorial experiments, the optimal conditions for the roasting of the red mud samples with (CaO + MgO)/(SiO2 + Al2O3) ratio of 0.46 and 1.21 were duration of 180 min with the addition of 13.65% Na2SO4 at 1150 °C and 1350 °C followed by magnetic separation that led to 97% and 83.91% of iron recovery, as well as 51.6% and 83.7% of iron grade, respectively. The mechanism of sodium sulfate effect on iron grain growth was proposed. The results pointed out that Na2SO4 addition is unfavorable for the red mud carbothermic roasting compared with other alkaline sulfur-free additives.
Diversity of Actinobacteria Isolated from Date Palms Rhizosphere and Saline Environments: Isolation, Identification and Biological Activity Evaluation
Authors: Messaoudi Omar , Wink Joachim , Bendahou Mourad
Published: November 2020

The diversity of cultural Actinobacteria in two types of Algerian Sahara environments, including saline environments and date palms rhizosphere, was investigated. In this study, a total of 40 strains of actinomycetes was isolated from different soil samples, using a rehydration and centrifugation method. Molecular identification, based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, revealed that these isolates were affiliated to six clusters corresponding to eight genera, including Streptomyces, Nocardiopsis, Saccharopolyspora, Actinomadura, Actinocorallia, Micromonospora, Couchioplanes, and Planomonospora. A taxonomic analysis, based on the morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular investigation, of selected strains, which belong to the rare Actinobacteria, was undertaken. Four strains (CG3, A111, A93, and A79) were found to form distinct phyletic lines and represent new actinobacterial taxa. An assessment of antimicrobial proprieties of the 40 obtained actinomycetes strains, showed moderate to strong antimicrobial activities against fungi and bacteria. This study demonstrated the richness of Algerian Sahara with rare Actinobacteria, which can provide novel bioactive metabolites, to solving some of the most challenging problems of the day, such as multi-drug resistance.
The Duration of Increased Grain Feeding Affects the Microbiota throughout the Digestive Tract of Yearling Holstein Steers
Authors: Plaizier J. C. , Azevedo P. , Schurmann B. L. , Górka P. , Penner G. B. , Khafipour E.
Published: November 2020

Effects of the duration of moderate grain feeding on the taxonomic composition of gastrointestinal microbiota were determined in 15 Holstein yearling steers. Treatments included feeding a diet of 92% dry matter (DM) hay (D0), and feeding a 41.5% barley grain diet for 7 (D7) or 21 d (D21) before slaughter. At slaughter, digesta samples were collected from six regions, i.e., the rumen, jejunum, ileum, cecum, colon, and rectum. Extracted DNA from these samples was analyzed using MiSeq Illumina sequencing of the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. Three distinct PCoA clusters existed, i.e., the rumen, the jejunum/ileum, and the cecum/colon/rectum. Feeding the grain diet for 7 d reduced microbial diversity in all regions, except the ileum. Extending the duration of grain feeding from 7 to 21 d did not affect this diversity further. Across regions, treatment changed the relative abundances of 89 genera. Most of the changes between D0 and D7 and between D7 and D21 were opposite, demonstrating the resilience of gastrointestinal microbiota to a moderate increase in grain feeding. Results show that the duration of a moderate increase in grain feeding affects how gastrointestinal microbiota respond to this increase.
Metagenomics-Based Proficiency Test of Smoked Salmon Spiked with a Mock Community
Authors: Sala Claudia , Mordhorst Hanne , Grützke Josephine , Brinkmann Annika , Petersen Thomas N. , Poulsen Casper , Cotter Paul D. , Crispie Fiona , Ellis Richard J. , Castellani Gastone , Amid Clara , Hakhverdyan Mikhayil , Guyader Soizick Le , Manfreda Gerardo , Mossong Joël , Nitsche Andreas , Ragimbeau Catherine , Schaeffer Julien , Schlundt Joergen , Tay Moon Y. F. , Aarestrup Frank M. , Hendriksen Rene S. , Pamp Sünje Johanna , De Cesare Alessandra
Published: November 2020

An inter-laboratory proficiency test was organized to assess the ability of participants to perform shotgun metagenomic sequencing of cold smoked salmon, experimentally spiked with a mock community composed of six bacteria, one parasite, one yeast, one DNA, and two RNA viruses. Each participant applied its in-house wet-lab workflow(s) to obtain the metagenomic dataset(s), which were then collected and analyzed using MG-RAST. A total of 27 datasets were analyzed. Sample pre-processing, DNA extraction protocol, library preparation kit, and sequencing platform, influenced the abundance of specific microorganisms of the mock community. Our results highlight that despite differences in wet-lab protocols, the reads corresponding to the mock community members spiked in the cold smoked salmon, were both detected and quantified in terms of relative abundance, in the metagenomic datasets, proving the suitability of shotgun metagenomic sequencing as a genomic tool to detect microorganisms belonging to different domains in the same food matrix. The implementation of standardized wet-lab protocols would highly facilitate the comparability of shotgun metagenomic sequencing dataset across laboratories and sectors. Moreover, there is a need for clearly defining a sequencing reads threshold, to consider pathogens as detected or undetected in a food sample.
Magnetic Nanoparticles with Dual Surface Functions—Efficient Carriers for Metalloporphyrin-Catalyzed Drug Metabolite Synthesis in Batch and Continuous-Flow Reactors
Authors: Balogh-Weiser Diána , Decsi Balázs , Krammer Réka , Dargó Gergő , Ender Ferenc , Mizsei János , Berkecz Róbert , Gyarmati Benjámin , Szilágyi András , Tőtős Róbert , Paizs Csaba , Poppe László , Balogh György T.
Published: November 2020

The dual functionalization of magnetic nanoparticles with inert (methyl) and reactive (aminopropyl) groups enables efficient immobilization of synthetic metalloporphyrins (such as 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorophenyl)iron(II) porphyrin and 5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(4-sulfonatophenyl)iron(II) porphyrin) via covalent or ionic interactions. The proportion of reactive function on the surface has significant effect on the biomimetic activity of metalloporphyrins. The optimized magnetic nanocatalyst containing porphyrin was successfully applied for biomimetic oxidation of antihypertensive drug Amlodipine in batch and continuous-flow reactors as well.
Hydrocarbon-Stapled Peptide Based-Nanoparticles for siRNA Delivery
Authors: Simon Matthieu , Laroui Nabila , Heyraud Marianne , Laconde Guillaume , Ali Lamiaa M. A. , Bourbiaux Kevin , Subra Gilles , Vezenkov Lubomir L. , Legrand Baptiste , Amblard Muriel , Bettache Nadir
Published: November 2020

Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are promising molecules for developing new therapies based on gene silencing; however, their delivery into cells remains an issue. In this study, we took advantage of stapled peptide technology that has emerged as a valuable strategy to render natural peptides more structured, resistant to protease degradation and more bioavailable, to develop short carriers for siRNA delivery. From the pool of stapled peptides that we have designed and synthesized, we identified non-toxic vectors that were able to efficiently encapsulate siRNA, transport them into the cell and induce gene silencing. Remarkably, the most efficient stapled peptide (JMV6582), is composed of only eight amino-acids and contains only two cationic charges.
Nanoplasmonic Paper-Based Platform for General Screening of Biomacromolecules
Authors: Pujol-Vila Ferran , Aveling Jenkins Andrew Tobias , Muñoz-Berbel Xavier , Mas Gordi Jordi
Published: November 2020

Hygiene assessment in industrial and clinical environments is crucial in the prevention of health risks. Current technologies for routine cleanliness evaluation rely on the detection of specific biomolecules, thus requiring more than one test for broad-range screening. Herein, the modulation of the catalytic activity of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) by biomacromolecules was employed to develop a nanoplasmonic platform for general hygiene screening. AuNPs were immobilized on cellulose paper by simple adsorption. When ferricyanide was dispensed onto the paper, the AuNPs catalysed the ferricyanide’s dissociation, releasing free cyanide ions that dissolved them. The AuNP dissolution produced an intense colour shift detectable with the naked eye. When biomacromolecules (e.g., proteins and polysaccharides) were present, they spontaneously attached to AuNPs, forming a biomolecular corona (biocorona), reducing their catalytic activity until complete suppression when the NPs were fully covered by molecules. The concentration-dependent decrease in the catalytic activity was here used to quantify biomacromolecules and complex samples such as milk, eggs, soy sauce and yeast extract (in 20 min), with detection limits comparable to those of standard methods, i.e., 0.25 µg mL−1 for albumin. This nano-enabled technology may be applied as a broad-range (unspecific) alert system for inexpensive cleanliness evaluation, with potential applications in sensitive sectors including productive industries and hospitals.
A Three Demultiplexer C-Band Using Angled Multimode Interference in GaN–SiO2 Slot Waveguide Structures
Authors: Ioudashkin Eduard , Malka Dror
Published: November 2020

One of the most common techniques for increasing data bitrate using the telecommunication system is to use dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM). However, the implementation of DWDM with more channels requires additional waveguide coupler devices and greater energy consumption, which can limit the system performances. To solve these issues, we propose a new approach for designing the demultiplexer using angled multimode interference (AMMI) in gallium nitride (GaN)–silica (SiO2) slot waveguide structures. SiO2 and GaN materials are selected for confining the infrared light inside the GaN areas under the transverse electric (TE) field mode. The results show that, after 3.56 mm light propagation, three infrared wavelengths in the C-band can be demultiplexed using a single AMMI coupler with a power loss of 1.31 to 2.44 dB, large bandwidth of 12 to 13.69 nm, very low power back reflection of 47.64 to 48.76 dB, and crosstalk of −12.67 to −15.62 dB. Thus, the proposed design has the potential for improving performances in the telecommunication system that works with DWDM technology.
Pseudomonas putida Represses JA- and SA-Mediated Defense Pathways in Rice and Promotes an Alternative Defense Mechanism Possibly through ABA Signaling
Authors: Wang Rui , Wang Hai-Lin , Tang Rui-Ping , Sun Meng-Ying , Chen Tang-Min , Duan Xu-Chu , Lu Xiao-Feng , Liu Dong , Shi Xin-Chi , Laborda Pedro , Wang Su-Yan
Published: November 2020

The signaling pathways induced by Pseudomonas putida in rice plants at the early plant–rhizobacteria interaction stages, with and without inoculation of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae, were studied. In the absence of pathogen, P. putida reduced ethylene (ET) production, and promoted root and stem elongation. Interestingly, gene OsHDA702, which plays an important role in root formation, was found significantly up-regulated in the presence of the rhizobacterium. Although X. oryzae pv. oryzae inoculation enhanced ET production in rice plants, P. putida treatment repressed ET-, jasmonic acid (JA)- and salicylic acid (SA)-mediated defense pathways, and induced the biosynthesis of abscisic acid (ABA), and the overexpression of OsHDA705 and some pathogenesis-related proteins (PRs), which in turn increased the susceptibility of the rice plants against the pathogen. Collectively, this is the first work on the defense signaling induced by plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria in plants at the early interaction stages, and suggests that rhizobacteria stimulate an alternative defense mechanism in plants based on ABA accumulation and OsHDA705 signaling.
Nexus between Energy Usability, Economic Indicators and Environmental Sustainability in Four ASEAN Countries: A Non-Linear Autoregressive Exogenous Neural Network Modelling Approach
Authors: Mustapa Siti Indati , Ayodele Freida Ozavize , Ayodele Bamidele Victor , Mohammad Norsyahida
Published: November 2020

This study investigates the use of a non-linear autoregressive exogenous neural network (NARX) model to investigate the nexus between energy usability, economic indicators, and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in four Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), namely Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Optimized NARX model architectures of 5-29-1, 5-19-1, 5-17-1, 5-13-1 representing the input nodes, hidden neurons and the output units were obtained from the series of models configured. Based on the relationship between the input variables, CO2 emissions were predicted with a high correlation coefficient (R) > 0.9. and low mean square errors (MSE) of 3.92 × 10−21, 4.15 × 10−23, 2.02 × 10−19, 1.32 × 10−20 for Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, respectively. Coal consumption has the highest level of influence on CO2 emissions in the four ASEAN countries based on the sensitivity analysis. These findings suggest that government policies in the four ASEAN countries should be more intensified on strategies to reduce CO2 emissions in relationship with the energy and economic indicators.
Analysis of Impact of Rain Conditions on ADAS
Authors: Roh Chang-Gyun , Kim Jisoo , Im I-Jeong
Published: November 2020

Various technologies are being developed to support safe driving. Among them, ADAS, including LDWS, is becoming increasingly common. This driver assistance system aims to create a safe road environment while compensating for the driver’s carelessness. The driver is affected by external environmental factors such as rainfall, snowfall, and bad weather conditions. ADAS is designed to recognize the surrounding situation and enable safe driving by using sensors, but it does not operate normally in bad weather conditions. In this study, we quantitatively measured the effect of bad weather conditions on the actual ADAS function. Additionally, we conducted a vehicle-based driving experiment to suggest an improvement plan for safer driving. In the driving experiment, when the vehicle driving speed was changed in four stages of rainfall, it was confirmed that it affected the View Range value, where the primary variable is the visibility of ADAS. As a result of the analysis, we demonstrated that when the rainfall exceeded a precipitation of 20 mm, the ADAS sensor did not operate, regardless of the vehicle speed. This means that a problem affecting safe driving may occur due to functionality in bad weather situations in which the driver requires ADAS assistance. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a technology that can maintain the minimum ADAS functionality under rainfall conditions and other bad weather conditions.