bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Molecularly Imprinted Polymer via Emulsion Polymerization for Application in Solanesol Separation
Authors: Zhao Guojie , Liu Jing , Liu Minghong , Han Xiaobin , Peng Yulong , Tian Xiatian , Liu Jialei , Zhang Shaofeng
Published: April 2020

High-purity solanesol can be used for pharmaceutical applications, but the current method for purifying solanesol has high cost and difficult continuous operation, and the use of molecular imprinting to purify natural products is a hot research topic of current research. Solanesol molecularly imprinted polymers were synthesized via emulsion polymerization for the first time. The morphology of the SSO-MIPs was observed with a scanning electron microscope, and the effects of the synthesis time, initiator dosage, functional monomer dosage, and cross-linking agent dosage on the adsorption effects under high-temperature and rapid synthesis conditions were discussed. The results demonstrate that the optimum synthesis conditions were a ratio of the template molecules to the functional monomers to the cross-linking agents of 1:8:30 (mol:mol:mol), 10 mg of the initiator, and a synthesis temperature of 70 °C. The imprinting factor of SSO-MIPs synthesized under the optimized process was found to reach 2.51, and the SSO-MIPs synthesized by this method exhibited a good adsorption effect, emitted less pollution during the synthesis process, and are convenient for demulsification. This research reports a reliable method for the synthesis of solanesol molecularly imprinted polymers.
Temperature Effects on Vibration-Based Damage Detection of a Reinforced Concrete Slab
Authors: Wang Zhenpeng , Huang Minshui , Gu Jianfeng
Published: April 2020

To study the variations in modal properties of a reinforced concrete (RC) slab (such as natural frequencies, mode shapes and damping ratios) under the influence of ambient temperature, a laboratory RC slab is monitored for over a year, the simple linear regression (LR) and autoregressive with exogenous input (ARX) models between temperature and frequencies are established and validated, and a damage identification based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) is utilized to detect the assumed damage considering temperature effects. Firstly, the vibration testing is performed for one year and the variations of natural frequencies, mode shapes and damping ratios under different ambient temperatures are analyzed. The obtained results show that the change of ambient temperature causes a major change of natural frequencies, which, on the contrary, has little effect on damping ratios and modal shapes. Secondly, based on a theoretical derivation analysis of natural frequency, the models are determined from experimental data on the healthy structure, and the functional relationship between temperature and elastic modulus is obtained. Based on the monitoring data, the LR model and ARX model between structural elastic modulus and ambient temperature are acquired, which can be used as the baseline of future damage identification. Finally, the established ARX model is validated based on a PSO algorithm and new data from the assumed 5% uniform damage and 10% uniform damage are compared with the models. If the eigenfrequency exceeds the certain confidence interval of the ARX model, there is probably another cause that drives the eigenfrequency variations, such as structural damage. Based on the constructed ARX model, the assumed damage is identified accurately.
Differential Effects of the Allelochemical Juglone on Growth of Harmful and Non-Target Freshwater Algae
Authors: Park Myung-Hwan , Kim Keonhee , Hwang Soon-Jin
Published: April 2020

Allelopathy has been applied to control nuisance algae in aquatic systems, but the effects of allelochemicals on the broad spectrum of algae are not well understood. We investigate algicidal effects of the allelochemical juglone on the bloom-forming, harmful algae Microcystis aeruginosa and Stephanodiscus hantzschii, and on several non-target algal species including cyanobacteria (Anabaena flos–aquae, Oscillatoria curviceps, and Phormidium subfuscum), diatoms (Asterionella formosa, Fragilaria crotonensis, and Synedra acus), and green algae (Chlorella vulgaris, Scenedesmus ecornis, and Scenedesmus quadricauda), in laboratory and field enclosure bioassays. Under three treatment concentrations (0.01, 0.1, and 1 mg L−1) of juglone, Microcystis cell density is significantly reduced by 35–93%. Concentrations of 0.1 and 1 mg L−1 inhibits Stephanodiscus growth almost equally (66% and 75%, respectively). To contrast, juglone produces a stimulatory allelopathic effect on three green algae, and other tested diatoms showed hormesis. Overall, the cyanobacteria are more sensitive to juglone than the green algae and diatoms. These results indicate that the allelopathic effects of juglone on microalgae vary depending on their characteristic cellular morphology and anatomy.
Predicting Reputation in the Sharing Economy with Twitter Social Data
Authors: Prada Antonio , Iglesias Carlos A.
Published: April 2020

In recent years, the sharing economy has become popular, with outstanding examples such as Airbnb, Uber, or BlaBlaCar, to name a few. In the sharing economy, users provide goods and services in a peer-to-peer scheme and expose themselves to material and personal risks. Thus, an essential component of its success is its capability to build trust among strangers. This goal is achieved usually by creating reputation systems where users rate each other after each transaction. Nevertheless, these systems present challenges such as the lack of information about new users or the reliability of peer ratings. However, users leave their digital footprints on many social networks. These social footprints are used for inferring personal information (e.g., personality and consumer habits) and social behaviors (e.g., flu propagation). This article proposes to advance the state of the art on reputation systems by researching how digital footprints coming from social networks can be used to predict future behaviors on sharing economy platforms. In particular, we have focused on predicting the reputation of users in the second-hand market Wallapop based solely on their users’ Twitter profiles. The main contributions of this research are twofold: (a) a reputation prediction model based on social data; and (b) an anonymized dataset of paired users in the sharing economy site Wallapop and Twitter, which has been collected using the user self-mentioning strategy.
Unmanned Aerial Systems for Investigating the Polar Atmospheric Boundary Layer—Technical Challenges and Examples of Applications
Authors: Lampert Astrid , Altstädter Barbara , Bärfuss Konrad , Bretschneider Lutz , Sandgaard Jesper , Michaelis Janosch , Lobitz Lennart , Asmussen Magnus , Damm Ellen , Käthner Ralf , Krüger Thomas , Lüpkes Christof , Nowak Stefan , Peuker Alexander , Rausch Thomas , Reiser Fabian , Scholtz Andreas , Sotomayor Zakharov Denis , Gaus Dominik , Bansmer Stephan , Wehner Birgit , Pätzold Falk
Published: April 2020

Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) fill a gap in high-resolution observations of meteorological parameters on small scales in the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL). Especially in the remote polar areas, there is a strong need for such detailed observations with different research foci. In this study, three systems are presented which have been adapted to the particular needs for operating in harsh polar environments: The fixed-wing aircraft M 2 AV with a mass of 6 kg, the quadrocopter ALICE with a mass of 19 kg, and the fixed-wing aircraft ALADINA with a mass of almost 25 kg. For all three systems, their particular modifications for polar operations are documented, in particular the insulation and heating requirements for low temperatures. Each system has completed meteorological observations under challenging conditions, including take-off and landing on the ice surface, low temperatures (down to −28 ∘ C), icing, and, for the quadrocopter, under the impact of the rotor downwash. The influence on the measured parameters is addressed here in the form of numerical simulations and spectral data analysis. Furthermore, results from several case studies are discussed: With the M 2 AV, low-level flights above leads in Antarctic sea ice were performed to study the impact of areas of open water within ice surfaces on the ABL, and a comparison with simulations was performed. ALICE was used to study the small-scale structure and short-term variability of the ABL during a cruise of RV Polarstern to the 79 ∘ N glacier in Greenland. With ALADINA, aerosol measurements of different size classes were performed in Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard, in highly complex terrain. In particular, very small, freshly formed particles are difficult to monitor and require the active control of temperature inside the instruments. The main aim of the article is to demonstrate the potential of UAS for ABL studies in polar environments, and to provide practical advice for future research activities with similar systems.
Aircraft Takeoff Performance in a Changing Climate for Canadian Airports
Authors: Zhao Yijie , Sushama Laxmi
Published: April 2020

Temperature and wind are major meteorological factors that affect the takeoff and landing performance of aircraft. Warmer temperatures and the associated decrease in air density in future climate, and changes to crosswind and tailwind, can potentially impact aircraft performance. This study evaluates projected changes to aircraft takeoff performance, in terms of weight restriction days and strong tailwind and crosswind occurrences, for 13 major airports across Canada, for three categories of aircraft used for long-, medium- and short-haul flights. To this end, two five-member ensembles of transient climate change simulations performed with a regional climate model, for Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 4.5 and 8.5 scenarios, respectively, are analyzed. Results suggest that the projected increases in weight restriction days associated with the increases in daily maximum temperatures vary with aircraft category and airfield location, with larger increases noted for airfields in the south central regions of Canada. Although avoiding takeoff during the warmest period of the day could be a potential solution, analysis focused on the warmest and coolest periods of the day suggests more weight restriction hours even during the coolest period of the day, for these airfields. Though RCP8.5 in general suggests larger changes to weight restriction hours compared to RCP4.5, the differences between the two scenarios are more prominent for the coolest part of the day, as projected changes to daily minimum temperatures occur at a much faster rate for RCP8.5 compared to RCP4.5, and also due to the higher increases in daily minimum temperatures compared to maximum temperatures. Both increases and decreases to crosswind and tailwind are projected, which suggest the need for detailed case studies, especially for those airfields that suggest increases. This study provides useful preliminary insights related to aircraft performance in a warmer climate, which will be beneficial to the aviation sector in developing additional analysis and to support climate change adaptation-related decision-making.
Possible Mechanisms of Eosinophil Accumulation in Eosinophilic Pneumonia
Authors: Nakagome Kazuyuki , Nagata Makoto
Published: April 2020

Eosinophilic pneumonia (EP), including acute EP and chronic EP, is characterized by the massive pulmonary infiltration of eosinophils into the lung. However, the mechanisms underlying the selective accumulation of eosinophils in EP have not yet been fully elucidated. We reported that bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from EP patients induced the transmigration of eosinophils across endothelial cells in vitro. The concentrations of eotaxin-2 (CCL24) and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-4 (CCL13), which are CC chemokine receptor (CCR) 3 ligands, were elevated in the BALF of EP patients, and anti-CCR3 monoclonal antibody inhibited the eosinophil transmigration induced by the BALF of EP patients. The concentration of macrophage inflammatory protein 1β (CCL4), a CCR5 ligand that induces eosinophil migration, was increased in the BALF of EP patients. Furthermore, the concentration of interleukin (IL) 5 was increased in the BALF of EP patients, and it has been reported that anti-IL-5 antibody treatment resulted in remission and the reduction of glucocorticoid use in some cases of chronic EP. The concentrations of lipid mediators, such as leukotriene (LT) B4, damage-associated molecular pattern molecules (DAMPs), such as uric acid, or extracellular matrix proteins, such as periostin, were also increased in the BALF of EP patients. These findings suggest that chemokines, such as CCR3/CCR5 ligands, cytokines, such as IL-5, lipid mediators, such as LTB4, DAMPs, and extracellular matrix proteins may play roles in the accumulation or activation of eosinophils in EP.
Phenolic Compounds Exerting Lipid-Regulatory, Anti-Inflammatory and Epigenetic Effects as Complementary Treatments in Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Toma Laura , Sanda Gabriela , Niculescu Loredan , Deleanu Mariana , Sima Anca , Stancu Camelia
Published: April 2020

Atherosclerosis is the main process behind cardiovascular diseases (CVD), maladies which continue to be responsible for up to 70% of death worldwide. Despite the ongoing development of new and potent drugs, their incomplete efficacy, partial intolerance and numerous side effects make the search for new alternatives worthwhile. The focus of the scientific world turned to the potential of natural active compounds to prevent and treat CVD. Essential for effective prevention or treatment based on phytochemicals is to know their mechanisms of action according to their bioavailability and dosage. The present review is focused on the latest data about phenolic compounds and aims to collect and correlate the reliable existing knowledge concerning their molecular mechanisms of action to counteract important risk factors that contribute to the initiation and development of atherosclerosis: dyslipidemia, and oxidative and inflammatory-stress. The selection of phenolic compounds was made to prove their multiple benefic effects and endorse them as CVD remedies, complementary to allopathic drugs. The review also highlights some aspects that still need clear scientific explanations and draws up some new molecular approaches to validate phenolic compounds for CVD complementary therapy in the near future.
Sequential Interferon β-Cisplatin Treatment Enhances the Surface Exposure of Calreticulin in Cancer Cells via an Interferon Regulatory Factor 1-Dependent Manner
Authors: Yang Pei-Ming , Hsieh Yao-Yu , Du Jia-Ling , Yen Shih-Chieh , Hung Chien-Fu
Published: April 2020

Immunogenic cell death (ICD) refers to a unique form of cell death that activates an adaptive immune response against dead-cell-associated antigens. Accumulating evidence indicates that the efficacy of conventional anticancer agents relies on not only their direct cytostatic/cytotoxic effects but also the activation of antitumor ICD. Common anticancer ICD inducers include certain chemotherapeutic agents (such as anthracyclines, oxaliplatin, and bortezomib), radiotherapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT), and oncolytic virotherapies. However, most chemotherapeutic reagents are inefficient or fail to trigger ICD. Therefore, better understanding on the molecular determinants of chemotherapy-induced ICD will help in the development of more efficient combinational anticancer strategies through converting non- or relatively weak ICD inducers into bona fide ICD inducers. In this study, we found that sequential, but not concurrent, treatment of cancer cells with interferon β (IFNβ), a type I IFN, and cisplatin (an inefficient ICD inducer) can enhance the expression of ICD biomarkers in cancer cells, including surface translocation of an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperone, calreticulin (CRT), and phosphorylation of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor alpha (eIF2α). These results suggest that exogenous IFNβ may activate molecular determinants that convert cisplatin into an ICD inducer. Further bioinformatics and in vitro experimental analyses found that interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1) acted as an essential mediator of surface CRT exposure by sequential IFNβ-cisplatin combination. Our findings not only help to design more effective combinational anticancer therapy using IFNβ and cisplatin, but also provide a novel insight into the role of IRF1 in connecting the type I IFN responses and ICD.
Salivary Biomarkers: Future Approaches for Early Diagnosis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Schepici Giovanni , Silvestro Serena , Trubiani Oriana , Bramanti Placido , Mazzon Emanuela
Published: April 2020

Many neurological diseases are characterized by progressive neuronal degeneration. Early diagnosis and new markers are necessary for prompt therapeutic intervention. Several studies have aimed to identify biomarkers in different biological liquids. Furthermore, it is being considered whether saliva could be a potential biological sample for the investigation of neurodegenerative diseases. This work aims to provide an overview of the literature concerning biomarkers identified in saliva for the diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and multiple sclerosis (MS). Specifically, the studies have revealed that is possible to quantify beta-amyloid1–42 and TAU protein from the saliva of AD patients. Instead, alpha-synuclein and protein deglycase (DJ-1) have been identified as new potential salivary biomarkers for the diagnosis of PD. Nevertheless, future studies will be needed to validate these salivary biomarkers in the diagnosis of neurological diseases.
The Role of Anti-Angiogenics in Pre-Treated Metastatic BRAF-Mutant Colorectal Cancer: A Pooled Analysis
Authors: Gelsomino Fabio , Casadei-Gardini Andrea , Rossini Daniele , Boccaccino Alessandra , Masi Gianluca , Cremolini Chiara , Spallanzani Andrea , Viola Massimo Giuseppe , Garajovà Ingrid , Salati Massimiliano , Elia Maria Teresa , Caputo Francesco , Santini Chiara , Falcone Alfredo , Cascinu Stefano , Tamburini Emiliano
Published: April 2020

Background. FOLFOXIRI plus Bevacizumab is one of the most frequently used first-line treatments for patients with BRAF-mutant colorectal cancer (CRC), while second-line treatment requires extensive further research. In this pooled analysis, we evaluate the impact of anti-angiogenics in patients with pre-treated BRAF-mutant CRC. Methods. We monitored patients in randomized, controlled studies who had advanced CRC and were undergoing second-line chemotherapy in addition to utilizing Bevacizumab, Ramucirumab or Aflibercept treatments. These data were pooled together with the data and results of BRAF-mutant patients enrolled in two phase III trials (TRIBE and TRIBE-2 study), who had been treated with second-line treatment both with or without Bevacizumab. Overall survival (OS), in relation to BRAF mutational status, was the primary focus. Results. Pooled analysis included 129 patients. Anti-angiogenics were found to have a significant advantage over the placebo in terms of OS (HR 0.50, 95%CI 0.29–0.85) (p = 0.01). Conclusions. Our pooled analysis confirms the efficacy of anti-angiogenics in pre-treated BRAF-mutant CRC, establishing the combination of chemotherapy plus Bevacizumab or Ramucirumab or Aflibercept as a valid treatment option.
Knockdown of UTX/KDM6A Enriches Precursor Cell Populations in Urothelial Cell Cultures and Cell Lines
Authors: Lang Alexander , Whongsiri Patcharawalai , Yilmaz Merve , Lautwein Tobias , Petzsch Patrick , Greife Annemarie , Günes Cagatay , Köhrer Karl , Niegisch Günter , Hoffmann Michèle , Schulz Wolfgang A.
Published: April 2020

The histone demethylase UTX (gene: KDM6A) directs cell and tissue differentiation during development. Deleterious mutations in KDM6A occur in many human cancers, most frequently in urothelial carcinoma. The consequences of these mutations are poorly understood; plausibly, they may disturb urothelial differentiation. We therefore investigated the effects of UTX siRNA-mediated knockdown in two in vitro models of urothelial differentiation; namely, primary cultures of urothelial epithelial cells treated with troglitazone and PD153035 and the immortalized urothelial cell line HBLAK treated with high calcium and serum. In both models, efficient UTX knockdown did not block morphological and biochemical differentiation. An apparent delay was due to a cytotoxic effect on the cell cultures before the initiation of differentiation, which induced apoptosis partly in a p53-dependent manner. As a consequence, slowly cycling, smaller, KRT14high precursor cells in the HBLAK cell line were enriched at the expense of more differentiated, larger, proliferating KRT14low cells. UTX knockdown induced apoptosis and enriched KRT14high cells in the BFTC-905 papillary urothelial carcinoma cell line as well. Our findings suggest an explanation for the frequent occurrence of KDM6A mutations across all stages and molecular subtypes of urothelial carcinoma, whereby loss of UTX function does not primarily impede later stages of urothelial differentiation, but favors the expansion of precursor populations to provide a reservoir of potential tumor-initiating cells.
A Rapid Method for the Selection of Amidohydrolases from Metagenomic Libraries by Applying Synthetic Nucleosides and a Uridine Auxotrophic Host
Authors: Urbelienė Nina , Meškienė Rita , Tiškus Matas , Stanislauskienė Rūta , Aučynaitė Agota , Laurynėnas Audrius , Meškys Rolandas
Published: April 2020

In this study, the development of a rapid, high-throughput method for the selection of amide-hydrolysing enzymes from the metagenome is described. This method is based on uridine auxotrophic Escherichia coli strain DH10B ∆pyrFEC and the use of N4-benzoyl-2’-deoxycytidine as a sole source of uridine in the minimal microbial M9 medium. The approach described here permits the selection of unique biocatalysts, e.g., a novel amidohydrolase from the activating signal cointegrator homology (ASCH) family and a polyethylene terephthalate hydrolase (PETase)-related enzyme.
The Effect of NNK, A Tobacco Smoke Carcinogen, on the miRNA and Mismatch DNA Repair Expression Profiles in Lung and Head and Neck Squamous Cancer Cells
Authors: Doukas Sotirios G. , Vageli Dimitra P. , Lazopoulos George , Spandidos Demetrios A. , Sasaki Clarence T. , Tsatsakis Aristidis
Published: April 2020

Tobacco smoking is a common risk factor for lung cancer and head and neck cancer. Molecular changes such as deregulation of miRNA expression have been linked to tobacco smoking in both types of cancer. Dysfunction of the Mismatch DNA repair (MMR) mechanism has also been associated with a poor prognosis of these cancers, while a cross-talk between specific miRNAs and MMR genes has been previously proposed. We hypothesized that exposure of lung and head and neck squamous cancer cells (NCI and FaDu, respectively) to tobacco-specific nitrosamine 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) is capable of altering the expression of MSH2 and MLH1, key MMR components, by promoting specific miRNA deregulation. We found that either a low (1 μM) or high (2 μM) dose of NNK induced significant upregulation of “oncomirs” miR-21 and miR-155 and downregulation of “tumor suppressor” miR-422a, as well as the reduction of MMR protein and mRNA expression, in NCI and FaDu, compared to controls. Inhibition of miR-21 restored the NNK-induced reduced MSH2 phenotype in both NCI and FaDu, indicating that miR-21 might contribute to MSH2 regulation. Finally, NNK exposure increased NCI and FaDu survival, promoting cancer cell progression. We provide novel findings that deregulated miR-21, miR-155, and miR-422a and MMR gene expression patterns may be valuable biomarkers for lung and head and neck squamous cell cancer progression in smokers.
Structural, Morphological, and Optical Properties of Iron Doped WO3 Thin Film Prepared by Pulsed Laser Deposition
Authors: Osiac Mariana , Cioatera Nicoleta , Jigau Maria
Published: April 2020

The iron doped tungsten-oxide (Fe and WO3) thin film with different morphology and crystalline structures were obtained for different substrate temperatures at the oxygen pressure of 14.66 Pa. The Fe-doped WO3 films were deposited by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). The influence of the substrate temperature on the surface and on the crystalline phases of the films was studied. The XRD (X-ray diffraction) analysis indicates the changing in the crystalline phases from γ-monoclinic to a mixture of γ-monoclinic and hexagonal phases dependent on the temperature of annealing and as-grown films. Related to the as-grown and annealing films conditions, the SEM (scanning electron microscopy) shows a change in the image surface from nanoneedles, to nanoporous, and further to long nanowires and broad nanobands. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) shows the elemental composition of the Fe-doped WO3 film as-grown and after annealing treatment. Raman spectroscopy presented the main vibration mode of the Fe-doped WO3 thin film. The optical energy bandgap of the films is decreasing as the substrate temperature increases.
MicroRNA Expression Profile Changes after Cardiopulmonary Bypass and Ischemia/Reperfusion-Injury in a Porcine Model of Cardioplegic Arrest
Authors: Kiss Attila , Heber Stefan , Kramer Anne-Margarethe , Hackl Matthias , Skalicky Susanna , Hallström Seth , Podesser Bruno , Santer David
Published: April 2020

Identification of microRNAs (miRNA) associated with cardiopulmonary bypass, cardiac arrest and subsequent myocardial ischemia/reperfusion may unravel novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers. The primary aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of cardiopulmonary bypass and temperature of cardioplegic arrest on myocardial miRNA profile in pigs’ left ventricular tissue. We employed next-generation sequencing to analyse miRNA profiles in the following groups: (1) hearts were arrested with antegrade warm St Thomas Hospital No. 2 (STH2) cardioplegia (n = 5; STH2-warm, 37 °C) and (2) cold STH2 (n = 6; STH2-cold, 4 °C) cardioplegia. Sixty min of ischemia was followed by 60 min of on-pump reperfusion with an additional 90 min of off-pump reperfusion. In addition, two groups without cardiac arrest (off-pump and on-pump group; n = 3, respectively) served as additional controls. STH2-warm and STH2-cold cardioplegia revealed no hemodynamic differences. In contrast, coronary venous creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB) levels were significantly lower in pigs receiving STH2-warm cardioplegia (p < 0.05). Principal component analysis revealed that cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegic arrest markedly affected miRNAs in left ventricular tissue. Accordingly, ssc-miR-122, ssc-miR-10a-5p, ssc-miR-193a-3p, ssc-miR-499-3p, ssc-miR-374a-5p, ssc-miR-345-5p, ssc-miR-142-3p, ssc-miR-424-5p, ssc-miR-545-3p, ssc-miR-30b-5p, ssc-miR-145-5p, ssc-miR-374b-5p and ssc-miR-139-3p were differently regulated by cardiopulmonary bypass (false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05 versus off-pump group). However, only ssc-miR-451 was differently expressed between STH2-warm and STH2-cold (FDR < 0.05). These data demonstrate for the first time that cardiopulmonary bypass and temperature of cardioplegic solution affected the expression of miRNAs in left ventricular tissue. In conclusion, specific miRNAs are potential therapeutic targets for limiting ischemia-reperfusion injury in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
High-Sensitivity Troponin I and Creatinine Kinase-Myocardial Band in Screening for Myocardial Injury in Patients with Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Authors: Kim June-Sung , Ko Byuk Sung , Sohn Chang Hwan , Kim Youn-Jung , Kim Won Young
Published: April 2020

Myocardial dysfunction due to acute carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is common and associated with poor outcomes. The role of cardiac markers, including creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB), high-sensitivity troponin I (hsTnI), and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), in identifying patients with CO-induced cardiomyopathy were evaluated. This single-center, retrospective cohort study included 905 consecutive adult patients in the CO poisoning registry from February 2009 to December 2019. Cardiomyopathy was defined as any abnormality on transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), including left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction, right ventricular dysfunction, and wall motion abnormalities. The areas under receiver operating curves (AUCs) for biomarkers were compared. Of the 850 included patients, 101 (11.9%) had CO-induced cardiomyopathy. Initial and peak hsTnI and CK-MB concentrations, and initial BNP concentrations were significantly higher in patients with than without cardiomyopathy (all P-values < 0.01), but the AUCs were higher for hsTnI (0.894) and CK-MB (0.864) than for BNP (0.796). Initial TnI > 0.01 ng/mL and CK-MB > 1.5 ng/mL each had 95% sensitivity and 97% negative predictive value for CO-induced cardiomyopathy. Higher hsTnI or CK-MB levels on admission can identify patients at high-risk of CO-induced cardiomyopathy and can be a screening tool for CO poisoning.
Inexpensive Millimeter-Wave Communication Channel Using Glow Discharge Detector and Satellite Dish Antenna
Authors: Kahana Lidor , Rozban Daniel , Gihasi Moshe , Abramovich Amir , Yitzhaky Yitzhak , Kopeika Natan
Published: April 2020

A full proof of concept for low-cost millimeter wave (MMW) communication link is demonstrated in this study. The suggested MMW channel is based on a very inexpensive commercially available off-axis dish antenna usually used for TV satellites, two Arduino Uno micro controller boards, and glow discharge detectors (GDD). The GDD is a robust and inexpensive room-temperature plasma device which was found to be a sensitive MMW radiation detector. The Arduino micro controllers are used to encode a text message into serial bits and also decode it. Those serial bits were used to modulate the MMW radiation in On-Off keying. The detection of MMW radiation was performed using a simple and inexpensive GDD. The suggested MMW channel can be used as point to point backhaul wireless communication for the 5th generation of cellular communication.
Comparative Study of Powertrain Hybridization for Heavy-Duty Vehicles Equipped with Diesel and Gas Engines
Authors: Kulikov Ilya , Kozlov Andrey , Terenchenko Alexey , Karpukhin Kirill
Published: April 2020

This article describes a study that aimed to estimate the fuel-saving potential possessed by the hybridization of conventional powertrains intended for heavy-duty vehicles based on diesel and natural gas fueled engines. The tools used for this analysis constitute mathematical models of vehicle dynamics and the powertrain, including its components, i.e., the engine, electric drive, transmission, and energy storage system (ESS). The model of the latter, accompanied by experimental data, allowed for an analysis of employing a supercapacitor regarding the selection of its energy content and the interface between the traction electric drive and the ESS (in light of the wide voltage operating range of supercapacitors). The results revealed the influence of these factors on both the supercapacitor efficiency (during its operation within a powertrain) and the vehicle fuel economy. After implementation of the optimized ESS design within the experimentally validated vehicle model, simulations were conducted in several driving cycles. The results allowed us to compare the fuel economy provided by the hybridization for diesel and gas powertrains in different driving conditions, with different vehicle masses, taking into account the onboard auxiliary power consumption.
Convective Drying of Ceramic Bricks by CFD: Transport Phenomena and Process Parameters Analysis
Authors: de Vasconcellos Araújo Morgana , Raquel de Brito Correia Balbina , Alves Agra Brandão Vanderson , Rodrigues de Oliveira Iran , Sousa Santos Rosilda , de Oliveira Neto Guilherme Luiz , de Lucena Silva Leonardo Pereira , Gilson Barbosa de Lima Antonio
Published: April 2020

In the manufacturing process of ceramic brick, the step of drying needs the control of process variables to uniformly dry the porous material, producing a good end-product. The majority of numerical simulations involving drying of ceramic materials is performed considering only the solid domain, resulting in a very simplified and limited study. This way, the objective of this work is the analysis of the drying process with hot air of an industrial hollow clay brick inside the oven at different temperatures by using computational fluid dynamic (CFD). The results of the temperature and water mass distribution inside the brick and of air in the oven at different times of the drying process are shown, analyzed and checked with experimental data, and it was obtained in a concordance with the data. An equation to calculate the brick water mass diffusivity depending on the drying air temperature was proposed.
Adjustment of the Yielding System of Mechanical Rock Bolts for Room and Pillar Mining Method in Stratified Rock Mass
Authors: Skrzypkowski Krzysztof , Korzeniowski Waldemar , Zagórski Krzysztof , Zagórska Anna
Published: April 2020

The article presents a novel yielding mechanism, especially designed for the rock bolt support. Mechanical rock bolts with an expansion head and equipped with one, two, four and six dome bearing plates were tested in the laboratory conditions. Furthermore, in the Phase2D numerical program, five room and pillar widths were modeled. The main aim of numerical modeling was to determine the maximal range of the rock damage area and the total displacements in the expanded room. The models were made for a room and pillar method with a roof sag for copper ore deposits in the Legnica-Głogów Copper District in Poland. Additionally, in the article a load model of the rock bolt support as a result of a geomechanical seismic event is presented. Based on the results of laboratory tests (load–displacement characteristics), the strain energy of the bolt support equipped with the yielding device in the form of dome bearing plates was determined and compared with the impact energy caused by predicted falling rock layers. Based on the laboratory tests, numerical modeling and mathematical dynamic model of rock bolt support, the dependence of the drop height and the corresponding impact energy for the expanded room was determined.
The Possible Roles of Wastewater Treatment Plants in Sector Coupling
Authors: Schäfer Michael , Gretzschel Oliver , Steinmetz Heidrun
Published: April 2020

The development of a power system based on high shares of renewable energy sources puts high demands on power grids and the remaining controllable power generation plants, load management and the storage of energy. To reach climate protection goals and a significant reduction of CO2, surplus energies from fluctuating renewables have to be used to defossilize not only the power production sector but the mobility, heat and industry sectors as well, which is called sector coupling. In this article, the role of wastewater treatment plants by means of sector coupling is pictured, discussed and evaluated. The results show significant synergies—for example, using electrical surplus energy to produce hydrogen and oxygen with an electrolyzer to use them for long-term storage and enhancing purification processes on the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Furthermore, biofuels and storable methane gas can be produced or integrate the WWTP into a local heating network. An interconnection in many fields of different research sectors are given and show that a practical utilization is possible and reasonable for WWTPs to contribute with sustainable energy concepts to defossilization.
A Decade in Review: Alaska’s Adaptive Management of an Invasive Apex Predator
Authors: Dunker Kristine , Massengill Robert , Bradley Parker , Jacobson Cody , Swenson Nicole , Wizik Andy , DeCino Robert
Published: April 2020

Northern pike are an invasive species in southcentral Alaska and have caused the decline and extirpation of salmonids and other native fish populations across the region. Over the last decade, adaptive management of invasive pike populations has included population suppression, eradication, outreach, angler engagement, and research to mitigate damages from pike where feasible. Pike suppression efforts have been focused in open drainages of the northern and western Cook Inlet areas, and eradication efforts have been primarily focused on the Kenai Peninsula and the municipality of Anchorage. Between 2010 and 2020, almost 40,000 pike were removed from southcentral Alaska waters as a result of suppression programs, and pike have been successfully eradicated from over 20 lakes and creeks from the Kenai Peninsula and Anchorage, nearly completing total eradication of pike from known distributions in those areas. Northern pike control actions are tailored to the unique conditions of waters prioritized for their management, and all efforts support the goal of preventing further spread of this invasive aquatic apex predator to vulnerable waters.
Active Flow Control on a Square-Back Road Vehicle
Authors: Cerutti Juan José , Sardu Costantino , Cafiero Gioacchino , Iuso Gaetano
Published: April 2020

An experimental investigation focused on the manipulation of the wake generated by a square back car model is presented. Four continuously-blowing rectangular slot jets were mounted on the rear face of a 1:10 commercial van model. Load cell measurements evidence drag reduction for different forcing configurations, reaching a maximum of 12% for lateral and bottom jets blowing. The spectral analysis of the pressure fluctuations evidence, for all forced cases, an energy attenuation with respect to the natural case, especially close to the shedding frequency. An energy budget highlighted the most efficient forcing configurations accounting for both the drag reduction and the power required to feed the blowing system. Two main configurations are considered: the maximum drag reduction and the best compromise, yielding 5% drag reduction and a convenient energy balance. Particle Image Velocimetry (pPIV) and stereoscopic PIV (sPIV) experiments were performed allowing the three-dimensional reconstruction of the wake in the three considered configurations. Consistently with static and fluctuating pressure measurements, sPIV results reveal a dramatic change in the wake structure when the jets blow in the maximum drag reduction configuration. Conversely, the best compromise configuration reveals a wake structure similar to the natural one.
Comment on Experimental Determination of the Threshold Dose for Bifidogenic Activity of Dietary 1-Kestose in Rats. Foods 2020, 9, 4
Authors: Shen Yihao , Shi Yang , Sun Zhongke
Published: April 2020

Currently, our group is undertaking a program trying to evaluate the bifidogenic effect/activity of different prebiotics and their dose-effect relationships [...]
The Potential Role of Activating the ATP-Sensitive Potassium Channel in the Treatment of Hyperphagic Obesity
Authors: Cowen Neil , Bhatnagar Anish
Published: April 2020

To evaluate the potential role of ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel activation in the treatment of hyperphagic obesity, a PubMed search was conducted focused on the expression of genes encoding the KATP channel, the response to activating the KATP channel in tissues regulating appetite and the establishment and maintenance of obesity, the evaluation of KATP activators in obese hyperphagic animal models, and clinical studies on syndromic obesity. KATP channel activation is mechanistically involved in the regulation of appetite in the arcuate nucleus; the regulation of hyperinsulinemia, glycemic control, appetite and satiety in the dorsal motor nucleus of vagus; insulin secretion by β-cells; and the synthesis and β-oxidation of fatty acids in adipocytes. KATP channel activators have been evaluated in hyperphagic obese animal models and were shown to reduce hyperphagia, induce fat loss and weight loss in older animals, reduce the accumulation of excess body fat in growing animals, reduce circulating and hepatic lipids, and improve glycemic control. Recent experience with a KATP channel activator in Prader–Willi syndrome is consistent with the therapeutic responses observed in animal models. KATP channel activation, given the breadth of impact and animal model and clinical results, is a viable target in hyperphagic obesity.
Case Study: Safety Assessment of Plant Layout between Ethylene Storage Tanks and Process Equipment According to Capacity and Weather Conditions
Authors: Choi Jae-Young , Byeon Sang-Hoon
Published: April 2020

In a chemical plant, even if an explosion occurs in a storage tank that handles flammable materials, the minimum separation distance is applied in a way to prevent chain explosion. This is because when an explosion occurs in a storage tank, thermal radiation affects nearby process equipment and causes a chain explosion. The separation distance between storage tanks and process equipment in a chemical plant depends on the global engineering guidelines PIP (Process Industry Practice) PNE00003 and GAPS (Global Asset Protection Services) GAP.2.5.2. However, there is a limitation in the global engineering guidelines that provide only a consistent separation distance according to the item types without considering the storage capacity and climatic conditions around the storage tank. This study analyzed the distance of thermal radiation (up to 37.5 kW/m2) according to the capacity of ethylene storage tank and climatic conditions by utilizing the Phast (DNV GL), which is widely used as a tool for quantitative risk analysis. The accident scenario was applied using the U.S. EPA (Environment Protection Agency)’s worst leakage accident scenario, considering climate variables, air temperature, wind speed, and atmospheric stability. In the simulation, atmospheric stability did not affect the radius of thermal radiation. Moreover, the thermal radiation tended to increase with increase in wind speed in the ambient condition and winter, but not in summer. Because both PIP PNE00003 and GAP.2.5.2 yield consistent separation distances without considering storage capacity and weather conditions, quantitative risk analysis of the results of thermal radiation is necessary to ensure safety.
Visiting Policies of Hospice Wards during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Environmental Scan in Taiwan
Authors: Hsu Ya-Chuan , Liu Ya-An , Lin Ming-Hwai , Lee Hsiao-Wen , Chen Tzeng-Ji , Chou Li-Fang , Hwang Shinn-Jang
Published: April 2020

During an epidemic, almost all healthcare facilities restrict the visiting of patients to prevent disease transmission. For hospices with terminally ill patients, the trade-off between compassion and infection control becomes a difficult decision. This study aimed to survey the changes in visiting policy for all 76 hospice wards in Taiwan during the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. The altered visiting policies were assessed by the number of visitors per patient allowed at one time, the daily number of visiting slots, the number of hours open daily, and requisites for hospice ward entry. The differences in visiting policies between hospice wards and ordinary wards were also investigated. Data were collected by reviewing the official website of each hospital and were supplemented by phone calls in cases where no information was posted on the website. One quarter (n = 20) of hospice wards had different visiting policies to those of ordinary wards in the same hospital. Only one hospice ward operated an open policy, and in contrast, nine (11.8%) stopped visits entirely. Among the 67 hospice wards that allowed visiting, at most, two visitors at one time per patient were allowed in 46 (68.6%), one visiting time daily was allowed in 32 (47.8%), one hour of visiting per day was allowed in 29 (43.3%), and checking of identity and travel history was carried out in 12 wards (17.9%). During the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly all hospice wards in Taiwan changed their visiting policies, but the degree of restriction varied. Further studies could measure the impacts of visiting policy changes on patients and healthcare professionals.
Development of Taiwan Risk Score for Sarcopenia (TRSS) for Sarcopenia Screening among Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Tseng Tzyy-Guey , Lu Chun-Kuan , Hsiao Yu-Han , Pan Shu-Chuan , Tai Chi-Jung , Lee Meng-Chih
Published: April 2020

The SARC-F questionnaire has been suggested by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) as a first-step screening tool for sarcopenia. However, the sensitivity to SARC-F is low among community-dwelling older adults. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a new prediction model for sarcopenia screening in the community setting. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of data from the Taiwan Integration of Health and Welfare (TIHW) study. Covariates including comorbidities, socioeconomic status, social support, health behaviors, body composition, and serum biomarkers were collected for analysis. Sarcopenia was defined using handgrip strength and gait speed cut-off values suggested by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. Risk scores for sarcopenia were estimated by stepwise logistic regression. Among 1025 participants (mean age, 71.95 ± 6.89 years), 179 (17.5%) had sarcopenia. Seven items, including age, female sex, receiving social assistance pension, absence of exercise, being underweight, abnormal fasting glucose levels, and abnormal creatinine levels were selected for the Taiwan Risk Scores for Sarcopenia (TRSS) with a cutoff value of 76 (sensitivity, 71.8%; specificity, 71.1%) and area under the curve (AUC) of 0.757. Our results suggested that the TRSS model could be applied cost-effectively in the community for early detection of sarcopenia.
Mental Health Inequities among Transgender People in Aotearoa New Zealand: Findings from the Counting Ourselves Survey
Authors: Tan Kyle K.H. , Ellis Sonja J. , Schmidt Johanna M. , Byrne Jack L. , Veale Jaimie F.
Published: April 2020

There has been little international research looking at differences in mental health across different age groups. This study examines mental health inequities between transgender people and the Aotearoa/New Zealand general population from youth to older adulthood. The 2018 Counting Ourselves survey (N = 1178) assessed participants’ mental health using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) and diagnoses of depression and anxiety disorders, questions that were the same as those used in the New Zealand Health Survey. Our results showed significant mean score differences for transgender people on K10, and these differences were almost two standard deviations higher than the general population (Cohen’s d = 1.87). The effect size differences, however, decreased from youth to older adults. Regression analyses indicated trans women were less likely to report psychological distress than trans men and non-binary participants. There was an interaction effect for age and gender, with lower psychological distress scores found for younger trans women but higher scores for older trans women. The stark mental health inequities faced by transgender people, especially youth, demonstrate an urgent need to improve the mental health and wellbeing of this population by implementing inclusive institutional practices to protect them from gender minority stress.