bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biting midge dynamics and bluetongue transmission: a multiscale model linking catch data with climate and disease outbreaks
Authors: Möhlmann Tim W. R. , Keeling Matt J. , Wennergren Uno , Favia Guido , Santman-Berends Inge , Takken Willem , Koenraadt Constantianus J. M. , Brand Samuel P. C.
Published: January 2021

Bluetongue virus (BTV) serotype 8 has been circulating in Europe since a major outbreak occurred in 2006, causing economic losses to livestock farms. The unpredictability of the biting activity of midges that transmit BTV implies difficulty in computing accurate transmission models. This study uniquely integrates field collections of midges at a range of European latitudes (in Sweden, The Netherlands, and Italy), with a multi-scale modelling approach. We inferred the environmental factors that influence the dynamics of midge catching, and then directly linked predicted midge catches to BTV transmission dynamics. Catch predictions were linked to the observed prevalence amongst sentinel cattle during the 2007 BTV outbreak in The Netherlands using a dynamic transmission model. We were able to directly infer a scaling parameter between daily midge catch predictions and the true biting rate per cow per day. Compared to biting rate per cow per day the scaling parameter was around 50% of 24 h midge catches with traps. Extending the estimated biting rate across Europe, for different seasons and years, indicated that whilst intensity of transmission is expected to vary widely from herd to herd, around 95% of naïve herds in western Europe have been at risk of sustained transmission over the last 15 years.
Thresholding of the Elliott-Yafet spin-flip scattering in multi-sublattice magnets by the respective exchange energies
Authors: Born Artur , Decker Régis , Büchner Robby , Haverkamp Robert , Ruotsalainen Kari , Bauer Karl , Pietzsch Annette , Föhlisch Alexander
Published: January 2021

How different microscopic mechanisms of ultrafast spin dynamics coexist and interplay is not only relevant for the development of spintronics but also for the thorough description of physical systems out-of-equilibrium. In pure crystalline ferromagnets, one of the main microscopic mechanism of spin relaxation is the electron-phonon (el-ph) driven spin-flip, or Elliott-Yafet, scattering. Unexpectedly, recent experiments with ferro- and ferrimagnetic alloys have shown different dynamics for the different sublattices. These distinct sublattice dynamics are contradictory to the Elliott-Yafet scenario. In order to rationalize this discrepancy, it has been proposed that the intra- and intersublattice exchange interaction energies must be considered in the microscopic demagnetization mechanism, too. Here, using a temperature-dependent x-ray emission spectroscopy (XES) method, we address experimentally the element specific el-ph angular momentum transfer rates, responsible for the spin-flips in the respective (sub)lattices of Fe$$_{20}$$

20

Ni$$_{80}$$

80

, Fe$$_{50}$$

50

Ni$$_{50}$$

50

and pure nickel single crystals. We establish how the deduced rate evolution with the temperature is linked to the exchange coupling constants reported for different alloy stoichiometries and how sublattice exchange energies threshold the related el-ph spin-flip channels. Thus, these results evidence that the Elliott-Yafet spin-flip scattering, thresholded by sublattice exchange energies, is the relevant microscopic process to describe sublattice dynamics in alloys and elemental magnetic systems.
Fabrication and temperature-dependent electrical characterization of a C-shape nanowire patterned by a DNA origami
Authors: Bayrak Türkan , Martinez-Reyes Amanda , Arce David Daniel Ruiz , Kelling Jeffrey , Samano Enrique C , Erbe Artur
Published: January 2021

We introduce a method based on directed molecular self-assembly to manufacture and electrically characterise C-shape gold nanowires which clearly deviate from typical linear shape due to the design of the template guiding the assembly. To this end, gold nanoparticles are arranged in the desired shape on a DNA-origami template and enhanced to form a continuous wire through electroless deposition. C-shape nanowires with a size below 150nm on a $${\hbox {SiO}_2}/\hbox {Si}$$

SiO
2

/
Si

substrate are contacted with gold electrodes by means of electron beam lithography. Charge transport measurements of the nanowires show hopping, thermionic and tunneling transports at different temperatures in the 4.2K to 293K range. The different transport mechanisms indicate that the C-shape nanowires consist of metallic segments which are weakly coupled along the wires.
Three-dimensional modeling of in-ground cathodic protection systems with deforming anodes
Authors: Mansouri Abraham , Binali Alreem Essa , Khan Najeeb , Zamanzadeh Mehrooz , Taheri Peyman
Published: January 2021

The design of sacrificial cathodic protection (CP) systems conventionally involves steady-state assumptions, which means design parameters are considered constant during the in-service life of CP systems. In contrast, it is evident by experimental observations (including field measurements) that cathodic protection is a transient process due to variations in electrolyte properties such as seasonal changes in electrical conductivity of soil, depletion of anodes, and formation of corrosion deposits on anode material surface, to name a few. The lack of practical time-dependent models on this critical issue is apparent in the literature; accordingly, in this study, a pseudo transient electrochemical model is adopted to highlight the transient behavior of cathodic protection systems and investigate key differences with steady-state behavior. For the sake of demonstration, the developed model is used to simulate the time-dependent performance of a sacrificial anode bed for cathodic protection of screw-pile foundations. The methodology proposed in this study can be used by corrosion engineers to improve and optimize the design of CP systems and numerically estimate the performance of sacrificial anodes and the level of protection over time.
LIM Homeobox 4 (lhx4) regulates retinal neural differentiation and visual function in zebrafish
Authors: Guo Rui , Ge Kangkang , Wang Yuying , Lu Minxia , Li Fei , Tian Lili , Gan Lin , Sheng Donglai
Published: January 2021

LIM homeobox 4 (LHX4) is expressed in the photoreceptors (PRs) of the outer nuclear layer (ONL) and bipolar cells (BCs) of the inner nuclear layer (INL) in mouse and chicken retina. It regulates the subtype-specific development of rod BCs and cone BCs in the mouse retina. However, no report has been published on its expression and function in the zebrafish retina. In this study, we assessed the expression of Lhx4 using in situ hybridization (ISH) technique and explored its role in zebrafish (Danio rerio) retinal development via morpholino (MO) technology. We found that the expression oflhx4in the zebrafish retina begins 48 h post-fertilization (hpf) and is continuously expressed in the ONL and INL. A zebrafish model constructed withlhx4knockdown in the eyes through vivo-MO revealed that:lhx4knockdown inhibits the differentiation of Parvalbumin+amacrine cells (ACs) and Rhodopsin+rod photoreceptors (RPs), enhances the expression of visual system homeobox 2 (vsx2); and damages the responses of zebrafish to light stimulus, without affecting the differentiation of OFF-BCs and rod BCs, and apoptosis in the retina. These findings reveal thatlhx4regulates neural differentiation in the retina and visual function during zebrafish embryonic development.
A genome-wide transcriptomic analysis of embryos fathered by obese males in a murine model of diet-induced obesity
Authors: Bernhardt Laura , Dittrich Marcus , El-Merahbi Rabih , Saliba Antoine-Emmanuel , Müller Tobias , Sumara Grzegorz , Vogel Jörg , Nichols-Burns Stefanie , Mitchell Megan , Haaf Thomas , El Hajj Nady
Published: January 2021

Paternal obesity is known to have a negative impact on the male’s reproductive health as well as the health of his offspring. Although epigenetic mechanisms have been implicated in the non-genetic transmission of acquired traits, the effect of paternal obesity on gene expression in the preimplantation embryo has not been fully studied. To this end, we investigated whether paternal obesity is associated with gene expression changes in eight-cell stage embryos fathered by males on a high-fat diet. We used single embryo RNA-seq to compare the gene expression profile of embryos generated by males on a high fat (HFD) versus control (CD) diet. This analysis revealed significant upregulation of theSamd4bandGata6gene in embryos in response to a paternal HFD. Furthermore, we could show a significant increase in expression of bothGata6andSamd4bduring differentiation of stromal vascular cells into mature adipocytes. These findings suggest that paternal obesity may induce changes in the male germ cells which are associated with the gene expression changes in the resulting preimplantation embryos.
A set of composite, non-redundant EEG measures of NREM sleep based on the power law scaling of the Fourier spectrum
Authors: Bódizs Róbert , Szalárdy Orsolya , Horváth Csenge , Ujma Péter P. , Gombos Ferenc , Simor Péter , Pótári Adrián , Zeising Marcel , Steiger Axel , Dresler Martin
Published: January 2021

Features of sleep were shown to reflect aging, typical sex differences and cognitive abilities of humans. However, these measures are characterized by redundancy and arbitrariness. Our present approach relies on the assumptions that the spontaneous human brain activity as reflected by the scalp-derived electroencephalogram (EEG) during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep is characterized by arrhythmic, scale-free properties and is based on the power law scaling of the Fourier spectra with the additional consideration of the rhythmic, oscillatory waves at specific frequencies, including sleep spindles. Measures derived are the spectral intercept and slope, as well as the maximal spectral peak amplitude and frequency in the sleep spindle range, effectively reducing 191 spectral measures to 4, which were efficient in characterizing known age-effects, sex-differences and cognitive correlates of sleep EEG. Future clinical and basic studies are supposed to be significantly empowered by the efficient data reduction provided by our approach.
On the stiffness of surfaces with non-Gaussian height distribution
Authors: Pérez-Ràfols Francesc , Almqvist Andreas
Published: January 2021

In this work, the stiffness, i.e., the derivative of the load-separation curve, is studied for self-affine fractal surfaces with non-Gaussian height distribution. In particular, the heights of the surfaces are assumed to follow a Weibull distribution. We find that a linear relation between stiffness and load, well established for Gaussian surfaces, is not obtained in this case. Instead, a power law, which can be motivated by dimensionality analysis, is a better descriptor. Also unlike Gaussian surfaces, we find that the stiffness curve is no longer independent of the Hurst exponent in this case. We carefully asses the possible convergence errors to ensure that our conclusions are not affected by them.
Ex vivo culture of intact human patient derived pancreatic tumour tissue
Authors: Kokkinos John , Sharbeen George , Haghighi Koroush S. , Ignacio Rosa Mistica C. , Kopecky Chantal , Gonzales-Aloy Estrella , Youkhana Janet , Timpson Paul , Pereira Brooke A. , Ritchie Shona , Pandzic Elvis , Boyer Cyrille , Davis Thomas P. , Butler Lisa M. , Goldstein David , McCarroll Joshua A. , Phillips Phoebe A.
Published: January 2021

The poor prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is attributed to the highly fibrotic stroma and complex multi-cellular microenvironment that is difficult to fully recapitulate in pre-clinical models. To fast-track translation of therapies and to inform personalised medicine, we aimed to develop a whole-tissue ex vivo explant model that maintains viability, 3D multicellular architecture, and microenvironmental cues of human pancreatic tumours. Patient-derived surgically-resected PDAC tissue was cut into 1–2 mm explants and cultured on gelatin sponges for 12 days. Immunohistochemistry revealed that human PDAC explants were viable for 12 days and maintained their original tumour, stromal and extracellular matrix architecture. As proof-of-principle, human PDAC explants were treated with Abraxane and we observed different levels of response between patients. PDAC explants were also transfected with polymeric nanoparticles + Cy5-siRNA and we observed abundant cytoplasmic distribution of Cy5-siRNA throughout the PDAC explants. Overall, our novel model retains the 3D architecture of human PDAC and has advantages over standard organoids: presence of functional multi-cellular stroma and fibrosis, and no tissue manipulation, digestion, or artificial propagation of organoids. This provides unprecedented opportunity to study PDAC biology including tumour-stromal interactions and rapidly assess therapeutic response to drive personalised treatment.
Evaluation and comparison of recombinase polymerase amplification coupled with lateral-flow bioassay for Escherichia coli O157:H7 detection using different genes
Authors: Rani Alka , Ravindran Vivek B. , Surapaneni Aravind , Shahsavari Esmaeil , Haleyur Nagalakshmi , Mantri Nitin , Ball Andrew S.
Published: January 2021

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli serotype O157:H7 is a food and waterborne zoonotic pathogen causing gastroenteritis in humans. Rapid and simple detection in water and food is imperative to control its spread. However, traditional microbial detection approaches are time-consuming, expensive and complex to operate at the point-of-care without professional training. We present a rapid, simple, sensitive, specific and portable method for detection of E. coli O157:H7 in drinking water, apple juice and milk. We evaluated the effect of gene selection in detecting E. coli O157:H7 using recombinase polymerase amplification coupled with a lateral flow assay using rfbE, fliC and stx gene targets. As low as 100 ag and 1 fg DNA, 4–5 CFU/mL and 101 CFU/mL of E. coli O157:H7 was detected using the stx and rfbE gene targets respectively with 100% specificity, whilst the detection limit was 10 fg DNA and 102 CFU/mL for the fliC gene target, with 72.8% specificity. The RPA-LFA can be completed within 8 min at temperatures between 37 and 42 °C with reduced handling and simple equipment requirements. The test threshold amplification of the target was achieved in 5–30 min of incubation. In conclusion, RPA-LFA represents a potential rapid and effective alternative to conventional methods for the monitoring of E. coli O157:H7 in food and water.
Chondroprotective effects of purple corn anthocyanins on advanced glycation end products induction through suppression of NF-κB and MAPK signaling
Authors: Chuntakaruk Hathaichanok , Kongtawelert Prachya , Pothacharoen Peraphan
Published: January 2021

Formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which are associated with diabetes mellitus, contributes to prominent features of osteoarthritis, i.e., inflammation-mediated destruction of articular cartilage. Among the phytochemicals which play a role in anti-inflammatory effects, anthocyanins have also been demonstrated to have anti-diabetic properties. Purple corn is a source of three major anthocyanins: cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside and peonidin-3-O-glucoside. Purple corn anthocyanins have been demonstrated to be involved in the reduction of diabetes-associated inflammation, suggesting that they may have a beneficial effect on diabetes-mediated inflammation of cartilage. This investigation of the chondroprotective effects of purple corn extract on cartilage degradation found a reduction in glycosaminoglycans released from AGEs induced cartilage explants, corresponding with diminishing of uronic acid loss of the cartilage matrix. Investigation of the molecular mechanisms in human articular chondrocytes showed the anti-inflammatory effect of purple corn anthocyanins and the metabolite, protocatechuic acid (PCA) on AGEs induced human articular chondrocytes via inactivation of the NFκb and MAPK signaling pathways. This finding suggests that purple corn anthocyanins and PCA may help ameliorate AGEs mediated inflammation and diabetes-mediated cartilage degradation.
Enhanced polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) production by newly isolated rare actinomycetes Rhodococcus sp. strain BSRT1-1 using response surface methodology
Authors: Trakunjae Chanaporn , Boondaeng Antika , Apiwatanapiwat Waraporn , Kosugi Akihiko , Arai Takamitsu , Sudesh Kumar , Vaithanomsat Pilanee
Published: January 2021

Poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) is a biodegradable polymer, synthesized as carbon and energy reserve by bacteria and archaea. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on PHB production by a rare actinomycete species, Rhodococcus pyridinivorans BSRT1-1. Response surface methodology (RSM) employing central composite design, was applied to enhance PHB production in a flask scale. A maximum yield of 3.6 ± 0.5 g/L in biomass and 43.1 ± 0.5 wt% of dry cell weight (DCW) of PHB were obtained when using RSM optimized medium, which was improved the production of biomass and PHB content by 2.5 and 2.3-fold, respectively. The optimized medium was applied to upscale PHB production in a 10 L stirred-tank bioreactor, maximum biomass of 5.2 ± 0.5 g/L, and PHB content of 46.8 ± 2 wt% DCW were achieved. Furthermore, the FTIR and 1H NMR results confirmed the polymer as PHB. DSC and TGA analysis results revealed the melting, glass transition, and thermal decomposition temperature of 171.8, 4.03, and 288 °C, respectively. In conclusion, RSM can be a promising technique to improve PHB production by a newly isolated strain of R. pyridinivorans BSRT1-1 and the properties of produced PHB possessed similar properties compared to commercial PHB.
CFD simulation of CO2 absorption by water-based TiO2 nanoparticles in a high pressure stirred vessel
Authors: Ghasem Nayef
Published: January 2021

This work presents the modeling and simulation of CO2 capture by a water-based Titanium dioxide (TiO2) solid nanoparticle in a stirred high-pressure vessel at a constant temperature. Photocatalytic material such as TiO2 has excellent properties, namely it is nontoxic, inexpensive, and non-polluting. CFD model equations are developed and solved using COMSOL software package. The effect of the concentration of a solid nanoparticle in a water-based TiO2 solution, the size of TiO2 nanoparticles and the rate of mixing on the CO2 absorption rate is investigated. A 2D mathematical model considers both shuttle and micro-convention mechanisms. Results reveal that the best TiO2 concentration range is between 0.5 and 1 kg/m3 and that a particle size of 10 nm is more efficient than higher particle sizes. A moderate mixing rate maximizes the CO2 removal rate. The theoretical predictions are validated using lab experimental data and those in the available literature. Results confirm that the model calculations match with the experimental results. Accordingly, the model successfully predicts the experimental data and can be used for further studies.
Significance of nanoparticle’s radius, heat flux due to concentration gradient, and mass flux due to temperature gradient: The case of Water conveying copper nanoparticles
Authors: Shah Nehad Ali , Animasaun I. L. , Chung Jae Dong , Wakif Abderrahim , Alao F. I. , Raju C. S. K.
Published: January 2021

The performance of copper selenide and effectiveness of chemical catalytic reactors are dependent on an inclined magnetic field, the nature of the chemical reaction, introduction of space heat source, changes in both distributions of temperature and concentration of nanofluids. This report presents the significance of increasing radius of nanoparticles, energy flux due to the concentration gradient, and mass flux due to the temperature gradient in the dynamics of the fluid subject to inclined magnetic strength is presented. The non-dimensionalization and parameterization of the dimensional governing equation were obtained by introducing suitable similarity variables. Thereafter, the numerical solutions were obtained through shooting techniques together with 4th order Runge–Kutta Scheme and MATLAB in-built package. It was concluded that at all the levels of energy flux due to concentration gradient, reduction in the viscosity of water-based nanofluid due to a higher radius of copper nanoparticles causes an enhancement of the velocity. The emergence of both energy flux and mass flux due to gradients in concentration and temperature affect the distribution of temperature and concentration at the free stream.
Acetyl-CoA flux from the cytosol to the ER regulates engagement and quality of the secretory pathway
Authors: Dieterich Inca A. , Cui Yusi , Braun Megan M. , Lawton Alexis J. , Robinson Nicklaus H. , Peotter Jennifer L. , Yu Qing , Casler Jason C. , Glick Benjamin S. , Audhya Anjon , Denu John M. , Li Lingjun , Puglielli Luigi
Published: January 2021

Nε-lysine acetylation in the ER is an essential component of the quality control machinery. ER acetylation is ensured by a membrane transporter, AT-1/SLC33A1, which translocates cytosolic acetyl-CoA into the ER lumen, and two acetyltransferases, ATase1 and ATase2, which acetylate nascent polypeptides within the ER lumen. Dysfunctional AT-1, as caused by gene mutation or duplication events, results in severe disease phenotypes. Here, we used two models of AT-1 dysregulation to investigate dynamics of the secretory pathway: AT-1 sTg, a model of systemic AT-1 overexpression, and AT-1S113R/+, a model of AT-1 haploinsufficiency. The animals displayed reorganization of the ER, ERGIC, and Golgi apparatus. In particular, AT-1 sTg animals displayed a marked delay in Golgi-to-plasma membrane protein trafficking, significant alterations in Golgi-based N-glycan modification, and a marked expansion of the lysosomal network. Collectively our results indicate that AT-1 is essential to maintain proper organization and engagement of the secretory pathway.
The role of dorsolateral and ventromedial prefrontal cortex in the processing of emotional dimensions
Authors: Nejati Vahid , Majdi Reyhaneh , Salehinejad Mohammad Ali , Nitsche Michael A.
Published: January 2021

The ventromedial and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex are two major prefrontal regions that usually interact in serving different cognitive functions. On the other hand, these regions are also involved in cognitive processing of emotions but their contribution to emotional processing is not well-studied. In the present study, we investigated the role of these regions in three dimensions (valence, arousal and dominance) of emotional processing of stimuli via ratings of visual stimuli performed by the study participants on these dimensions. Twenty- two healthy adult participants (mean age 25.21 ± 3.84 years) were recruited and received anodal and sham transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) (1.5 mA, 15 min) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) and and ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) in three separate sessions with an at least 72-h interval. During stimulation, participants underwent an emotional task in each stimulation condition. The task included 100 visual stimuli and participants were asked to rate them with respect to valence, arousal, and dominance. Results show a significant effect of stimulation condition on different aspects of emotional processing. Specifically, anodal tDCS over the dlPFC significantly reduced valence attribution for positive pictures. In contrast, anodal tDCS over the vmPFC significantly reduced arousal ratings. Dominance ratings were not affected by the intervention. Our results suggest that the dlPFC is involved in control and regulation of valence of emotional experiences, while the vmPFC might be involved in the extinction of arousal caused by emotional stimuli. Our findings implicate dimension-specific processing of emotions by different prefrontal areas which has implications for disorders characterized by emotional disturbances such as anxiety or mood disorders.
A dynamic modelling analysis of the impact of tobacco control programs on population-level nicotine dependence
Authors: Skinner Adam , Occhipinti Jo-An , Osgood Nathaniel D.
Published: January 2021

According to the ‘hardening hypothesis’, average nicotine dependence will increase as less dependent smokers quit relatively easily in response to effective public health interventions, so that sustained progress in reducing smoking prevalence will depend on shifting the emphasis of tobacco control programs towards intensive treatment of heavily dependent smokers (who comprise an increasing fraction of continuing smokers). We used a system dynamics model of smoking behaviour to explore the potential for hardening in a population of smokers exposed to effective tobacco control measures over an extended period. Policy-induced increases in the per capita cessation rate are shown to lead inevitably to a decline in the proportion of smokers who are heavily dependent, contrary to the hardening hypothesis. Changes in smoking behaviour in Australia over the period 2001‒2016 resulted in substantial decreases in current smoking prevalence (from 23.1% in 2001 to 14.6% in 2016) and the proportion of heavily dependent smokers in the smoking population (from 52.1% to 36.9%). Public health interventions that have proved particularly effective in reducing smoking prevalence (tobacco tax increases, smoke-free environment legislation, antismoking mass media campaigns) are expected to also contribute to a decline in population-level nicotine dependence.
On the generation of internal waves by river plumes in subcritical initial conditions
Authors: Mendes R. , da Silva J. C. B. , Magalhaes J. M. , St-Denis B. , Bourgault D. , Pinto J. , Dias J. M.
Published: January 2021

Internal waves (IWs) in the ocean span across a wide range of time and spatial scales and are now acknowledged as important sources of turbulence and mixing, with the largest observations having 200 m in amplitude and vertical velocities close to 0.5 m s−1. Their origin is mostly tidal, but an increasing number of non-tidal generation mechanisms have also been observed. For instance, river plumes provide horizontally propagating density fronts, which were observed to generate IWs when transitioning from supercritical to subcritical flow. In this study, satellite imagery and autonomous underwater measurements are combined with numerical modeling to investigate IW generation from an initial subcritical density front originating at the Douro River plume (western Iberian coast). These unprecedented results may have important implications in near-shore dynamics since that suggest that rivers of moderate flow may play an important role in IW generation between fresh riverine and coastal waters.
Study of the active ingredients and mechanism of Sparganii rhizoma in gastric cancer based on HPLC-Q-TOF–MS/MS and network pharmacology
Authors: Lu Xiaona , Zheng Yawei , Wen Fang , Huang Wenjie , Chen Xiaoxue , Ruan Shuai , Gu Suping , Hu Yue , Teng Yuhao , Shu Peng
Published: January 2021

Sparganii rhizoma (SL) has potential therapeutic effects on gastric cancer (GC), but its main active ingredients and possible anticancer mechanism are still unclear. In this study, we used HPLC-Q-TOF–MS/MS to comprehensively analyse the chemical components of the aqueous extract of SL. On this basis, a network pharmacology method incorporating target prediction, gene function annotation, and molecular docking was performed to analyse the identified compounds, thereby determining the main active ingredients and hub genes of SL in the treatment of GC. Finally, the mRNA and protein expression levels of the hub genes of GC patients were further analysed by the Oncomine, GEPIA, and HPA databases. A total of 41 compounds were identified from the aqueous extract of SL. Through network
analysis, we identified seven main active ingredients and ten hub genes: acacetin, sanleng acid, ferulic acid, methyl 3,6-dihydroxy-2-[(2-hydroxyphenyl) ethynyl]benzoate, caffeic acid, adenine nucleoside, azelaic acid and PIK3R1, PIK3CA, SRC, MAPK1, AKT1, HSP90AA1, HRAS, STAT3, FYN, and RHOA. The results indicated that SL might play a role in GC treatment by controlling the PI3K-Akt and other signalling pathways to regulate biological processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and angiogenesis in tumour cells. In conclusion, this study used HPLC-Q-TOF–MS/MS combined with a network pharmacology approach to provide an essential reference for identifying the chemical components of SL and its mechanism of action in the treatment of GC.
Effect of gasoline additive on combustion and emission characteristics of an n-butanol Partially Premixed Compression Ignition engine under different parameters
Authors: Lu An , Zhang Chunhua , Ji Peng , Li Yangyang
Published: January 2021

The experiments were conducted on a modified two-cylinder diesel engine to investigate the effects of excess-air coefficient (λ) and intake temperature (Tin) of different blending ratios (volume ratio of gasoline in the blends) on the combustion and emission characteristics of a Partially Premixed Compression Ignition (PPCI) engine. The results show that with the increase of gasoline blending ratio, the peak in-cylinder pressure (Pmax), the peak in-cylinder temperature (Tmax) and the peak heat release rate (HRRmax) of four test fuels all increase first and then decrease. When gasoline volume fraction is 10%, HC and CO emissions are the lowest. In addition, intake temperature (Tin) has a significant effect on the n-butanol/gasoline PPCI engine. With the increase of Tin, the in-cylinder Pmax and HRRmax of four test fuels gradually increase, the combustion phase advances and HC and CO emissions decrease, while NOx emissions increase slightly. Furthermore, as λ increases, the Pmax, Tmax and HRRmax of the four test fuels show monotonously reducing trend. At the same time, mixture concentration has basically no effect on start of combustion (CA10), the combustion duration (CD) gradually extends, and HC and CO emissions increase.
Improving ensiling characteristics by adding lactic acid bacteria modifies in vitro digestibility and methane production of forage-sorghum mixture silage
Authors: Kaewpila Chatchai , Gunun Pongsatorn , Kesorn Piyawit , Subepang Sayan , Thip-uten Suwit , Cai Yimin , Pholsen Suradej , Cherdthong Anusorn , Khota Waroon
Published: January 2021

Improving the nutrition of livestock is an important aspect of global food production sustainability. This study verified whether lactic acid bacteria (LAB) inoculant could promote ensiling characteristics, nutritive value, and in vitro enteric methane (CH4) mitigation of forage sorghum (FS) mixture silage in attacking malnutrition in Zebu beef cattle. The FS at the soft dough stage, Cavalcade hay (CH), and cassava chip (CC) were obtained. The treatments were designed as a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design. Factor A was FS prepared without or with CH, CC, and CH + CC. Factor B was untreated or treated with Lactobacillus casei TH14. The results showed that all FS mixture silages preserved well with lower pH values below 4.0 and higher lactic acid contents above 56.4 g/kg dry matter (DM). Adding LAB boosted the lactic acid content of silages. After 24 h and 48 h of in vitro rumen incubation, the CC-treated silage increased in vitro DM digestibility (IVDMD) with increased total gas production and CH4 production. The LAB-treated silage increased IVDMD but decreased CH4 production. Thus, the addition of L. casei TH14 inoculant could improve lactic acid fermentation, in vitro digestibility, and CH4 mitigation in the FS mixture silages.
Influence of machine learning membership functions and degree of membership function on each input parameter for simulation of reactors
Authors: Pelalak Rasool , Nakhjiri Ali Taghvaie , Marjani Azam , Rezakazemi Mashallah , Shirazian Saeed
Published: January 2021

To understand impact of input and output parameters during optimization and degree of complexity, in the current study we numerically designed a bubble column reactor with a single sparger in the middle of the reactor. After that, some input and output parameters were selected in the post-processing of the numerical method, and then the machine learning observation started to investigate the level of complexity and impact of each input on output parameters. The adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) method was exploited as a machine learning approach to analyze the gas–liquid flow in the reactor. The ANFIS method was used as a machine learning approach to simulate the flow of a 3D (three-dimensional) bubble column reactor. This model was also used to analyze the influence of input and output parameters together. More specifically, by analyzing the degree of membership functions as a function of each input, the level of complexity of gas fraction was investigated as a function of computing nodes (X, Y, and Z directions). The results showed that a higher number of membership functions results in a better understanding of the process and higher model accuracy and prediction capability. X and Y computing nodes have a similar impact on the gas fraction, while Z computing points (height of reactor) have a uniform distribution of membership function across the column. Four membership functions (MFs) in each input parameter are insufficient to predict the gas fraction in the 3D bubble column reactor. However, by adding two membership functions, all features of gas fraction in the 3D reactor can be captured by the machine learning algorithm. Indeed, the degree of MFs was considered as a function of each input parameter and the effective parameter was found based on the impact of MFs on the output.
Application of multiparametric MR imaging to predict the diversification of renal function in miR29a-mediated diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Su Chia-Hao , Hsu Yung-Chien , Thangudu Suresh , Chen Wei-Yu , Huang Yu-Ting , Yu Chun-Chieh , Shih Ya-Hsueh , Wang Ching-Jen , Lin Chun-Liang
Published: January 2021

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the major leading cause of kidney failure. To identify the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD), renal function/fibrosis is playing a crucial role. Unfortunately, lack of sensitivities/specificities of available clinical biomarkers are key major issues for practical healthcare applications to identify the renal functions/fibrosis in the early stage of DN. Thus, there is an emerging approach such as therapeutic or diagnostic are highly desired to conquer the CKD at earlier stages. Herein, we applied and examined the application of dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) to identify the progression of fibrosis between wild type (WT) and miR29a transgenic (Tg) mice during streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. Further, we also validate the potential renoprotective role of miR29a to maintain the renal perfusion, volume, and function. In addition, Ktrans values of DCE-MRI and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of DWI could significantly reflect the level of fibrosis between WT and Tg mice at identical conditions. As a result, we strongly believed that the present non-invasive MR imaging platforms have potential to serveas an important tool in research and clinical imaging for renal fibrosis in diabetes, and that microenvironmental changes could be identified by MR imaging acquisition prior to histological biopsy and diabetic podocyte dysfunction.
Continuity in intuition and insight: from real to naturalistic virtual environment
Authors: Eskinazi M. , Giannopulu I.
Published: January 2021

Intuition and insight can be deployed on the same continuum. Intuition is the unconscious ability to create links between information; insight is a process by which a sudden comprehension and resolution of a situation arises (i.e. euréka). In the present study, real and virtual environments were used to trigger intuition and insight. The study hypothesised that immersion in real primed environments would facilitate the emergence of intuition and insight in a virtual environment. Forty nine healthy participants were randomly assigned to two groups: “primed” and “non primed.” “Primed” participants were immersed in a real environment with olfactory and visual cues; “non primed” participants did not receive any cues. All participants were exposed to a 3D naturalistic virtual environment which represented a district in Paris via a Head Mounted Display (HMD). Locations presented in the virtual scene (i.e. café places) were related to both olfactory and visual primes (i.e. café) and were based on the continuity between real and virtual environments. Once immersed in the virtual environment, all participants were instructed to use their intuition to envision the selected locations during which Skin Conductance Responses (SCRs) and verbal declarations were recorded. When initiation (a) and immersion (b) phases in the virtual environment were considered, “primed” participants had higher SCRs during the immersion phase than the initiation phase in the virtual environment. They showed higher SRCs during the first part of the virtual immersion than “non primed” participants. During the phenomenological interview, “primed” participants reported a higher number of correct intuitive answers than “non primed” participants. Moreover, “primed” participants “with” insight had higher SCRs during real environment immersion than “primed” participants “without” insight. The findings are consistent with the idea that intuitive decisions in various tasks are based on the activation of pre-existing knowledge, which is unconsciously retrieved, but nevertheless can elicit an intuitive impression of coherence and can generate insight.
Ongoing ecological and evolutionary consequences by the presence of transgenes in a wild cotton population
Authors: Vázquez-Barrios Valeria , Boege Karina , Sosa-Fuentes Tania Gabriela , Rojas Patricia , Wegier Ana
Published: January 2021

After 25 years of genetically modified cotton cultivation in Mexico, gene flow between transgenic individuals and their wild relatives represents an opportunity for analysing the impacts of the presence of novel genes in ecological and evolutionary processes in natural conditions. We show comprehensive empirical evidence on the physiological, metabolic, and ecological effects of transgene introgression in wild cotton, Gossypium hirsutum. We report that the expression of both the cry and cp4-epsps genes in wild cotton under natural conditions altered extrafloral nectar inducibility and thus, its association with different ant species: the dominance of the defensive species Camponotus planatus in Bt plants, the presence of cp4-epsps without defence role of Monomorium ebeninum ants, and of the invasive species Paratrechina longicornis in wild plants without transgenes. Moreover, we found an increase in herbivore damage to cp4-epsps plants. Our results reveal the influence of transgene expression on native ecological interactions. These findings can be useful in the design of risk assessment methodologies for genetically modified organisms and the in situ conservation of G. hirsutum metapopulations.
Analysis of early failure rate and its risk factor with 2157 total ankle replacements
Authors: Lee Jung Woo , Im Woo-Young , Song Si Young , Choi Jae-Young , Kim Sung Jae
Published: January 2021

The failure rate of TAA is still higher than that of other joint replacement procedures. This study aimed to calculate the early failure rate and identify associated patient factors. Data from the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service database from 2009 to 2017 were collected. We evaluated patients who had TAA as a primary surgical procedure. Early failure was defined as conversion to revision TAA or arthrodesis after primary TAA within five years. Patients with early failure after primary TAA were designated as the “Failure group”. Patients without early failure and who were followed up unremarkably for at least five years after primary TAA were designated as the “No failure group”. Overall, 2157 TAA participants were included. During the study period, 197 patients developed failure within five years postoperatively, for an overall failure rate of 9.1%. Significant risk factors for early failure were history of chronic pulmonary disease, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, hyperlipidemia, dementia, and alcohol abuse. A significant increase of odds ratio was found in patients with a history of dementia, chronic pulmonary disease, and diabetes. Surgical indications and preoperative patient counseling should consider these factors.
Cissus Quadrangularis enhances UCP1 mRNA, indicative of white adipocyte browning and decreases central obesity in humans in a randomized trial
Authors: Chatree Saimai , Sitticharoon Chantacha , Maikaew Pailin , Pongwattanapakin Kitchaya , Keadkraichaiwat Issarawan , Churintaraphan Malika , Sripong Chanakarn , Sririwichitchai Rungnapa , Tapechum Sompol
Published: January 2021

Obesity is associated with the growth and expansion of adipocytes which could be decreased via several mechanisms. Cissus Quadrangularis (CQ) extract has been shown to reduce obesity in humans; however, its effect on human white adipocytes (hWA) has not been elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the effects of CQ on obesity, lipolysis, and browning of hWA. CQ treatment in obese humans significantly decreased waist circumference at week 4 and week 8 when compared with the baseline values (p < 0.05 all) and significantly decreased hip circumference at week 8 when compared with the baseline and week 4 values (p < 0.05 all). Serum leptin levels of the CQ-treated group were significantly higher at week 8 compared to baseline levels (p < 0.05). In hWA, glycerol release was reduced in the CQ-treated group when compared with the vehicle-treated group. In the browning experiment, pioglitazone, the PPAR-γ agonist, increased UCP1 mRNA when compared to vehicle (p < 0.01). Interestingly, 10, 100, and 1000 ng/ml CQ extract treatment on hWA significantly enhanced UCP1 expression in a dose-dependent manner when compared to pioglitazone treatment (p < 0.001 all). In conclusion, CQ decreased waist and hip circumferences in obese humans and enhanced UCP1 mRNA in hWA suggestive of its action via browning of hWA.
Effect of homogenization and solution treatments time on the elevated-temperature mechanical behavior of Inconel 718 fabricated by laser powder bed fusion
Authors: Fayed Eslam M. , Saadati Mohammad , Shahriari Davood , Brailovski Vladimir , Jahazi Mohammad , Medraj Mamoun
Published: January 2021

In the present study, the effect of homogenization and solution treatment times on the elevated-temperature (650 °C) mechanical properties and the fracture mechanisms of Inconel 718 (IN718) superalloy fabricated by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) was investigated. Homogenization times between 1 and 7 h at 1080 °C were used, while solution treatments at 980 °C were performed in the range from 15 to 60 min. The as-printed condition showed the lowest strength but the highest elongation to failure at 650 °C, compared to the heat-treated conditions. After heat treatments, the strength of the IN718 alloy increased by 20.3–31% in relation to the as-printed condition, depending on the treatment time, whereas the ductility decreased significantly, by 67.4–80%. Among the heat treatment conditions, the 1 h homogenized conditions at 1080 °C (HSA1 and HSA2) exhibited the highest strength and ductility due to the combined effects of the precipitation hardening and sub-structural changes. Further increases in the homogenization time to 4 and 7 h led to a decrease in the strength and significant ductility loss of the LPBF IN718 due to the considerable annihilation of the dislocation tangles and a greater precipitation of coarse MC carbide particles. Furthermore, it was found that the solution treatment duration had a crucial influence on the mechanical properties at 650 °C due to the increase in the grain boundary strength through the pinning effect of the intergranular δ-phase. In addition, the fracture mechanism of the LPBF IN718 was found to be dependent on the heat treatment time. Finally, this investigation provides a map that summarizes the effect of homogenization and solution treatment times on the high-temperature mechanical behavior of LPBF IN718 by relating it to the corresponding microstructural evolution. This effort strives to assist in tailoring the mechanical properties of LPBF IN718 based on the design requirements for some specific applications.
Intestinal long non-coding RNAs in response to simulated microgravity stress in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Sun Lingmei , Li Dan , Yuan Yujie , Wang Dayong
Published: January 2021

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are important in regulating the response to environmental stresses in organisms. In this study, we used Caenorhabditis elegans as an animal model to determine the functions of intestinal lncRNAs in regulating response to simulated microgravity stress. Among the intestinal lncRNAs, linc-2, linc-46, linc-61, and linc-78 were increased by simulated microgravity treatment, and linc-13, linc-14, linc-50, and linc-125 were decreased by simulated microgravity treatment. Among these 8 intestinal lncRNAs, RNAi knockdown of linc-2 or linc-61 induced a susceptibility to toxicity of simulated microgravity, whereas RNAi knockdown of linc-13, linc-14, or linc-50 induced a resistance to toxicity of simulated microgravity. In simulated microgravity treated nematodes, linc-50 potentially binds to three transcriptional factors (DAF-16, SKN-1, and HLH-30). RNAi knockdown of daf-16, skn-1, or hlh-30 could suppress resistance of linc-50(RNAi) nematodes to the toxicity of simulated microgravity. Therefore, our results provide an important basis for intestinal lncRNAs, such as the linc-50, in regulating the response to simulated microgravity in nematodes.
The impact of pipeline changes and temperature increase in a hospital historically colonised with Legionella
Authors: Quero S. , Párraga-Niño N. , Garcia-Núñez M. , Pedro-Botet M. L. , Gavaldà L. , Mateu L. , Sabrià M. , Mòdol J. M.
Published: January 2021

Healthcare-related Legionnaires’ disease has a devastating impact on high risk patients, with a case fatality rate of 30–50%. Legionella prevention and control in hospitals is therefore crucial. To control Legionella water colonisation in a hospital setting we evaluated the effect of pipeline improvements and temperature increase, analysing 237 samples over a 2-year period (first year: 129, second year: 108). In the first year, 25.58% of samples were positive for Legionella and 16.67% for amoeba. Assessing the distance of the points analysed from the hot water tank, the most distal points presented higher proportion of Legionella colonisation and lower temperatures (nearest points: 6.4% colonised, and temperature 61.4 °C; most distal points: 50% and temperature 59.1 °C). After the first year, the hot water system was repaired and the temperature stabilised. This led to a dramatic reduction in Legionella colonisation, which was negative in all the samples analysed; however, amoeba colonisation remained stable. This study shows the importance of keeping the temperature stable throughout the circuit, at around 60 °C. Special attention should be paid to the most distal points of the circuit; a fall in temperature at these weak points would favour the colonisation and spread of Legionella, because amoeba (the main Legionella reservoir) are not affected by temperature.