bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parametric Study of Resistive Plasmoid Instability
Authors: Lotfi Hossein , Hosseinpour Mahboub
Published: October 2021

By using 2.5-dimensional resistive MHD simulations, dynamics of the plasmoid instability in a Harris current sheet has been studied with taking into account two main controlling parameters: the plasma-β in the range (0 < β < 1) and the amplitude ratio of magnetic guide field to the reconnection plane field in three different cases with zero, uniform, and non-uniform guide field. Varying the plasma-β changes the plasma compressibility which affects significantly on the linear and nonlinear growth rates of the plasmoid instability. For each of three cases, some associated scaling relations between the instability growth rate, the plasma-β and the magnitude of guide field are obtained.
The Stepping Threshold Test for Reactive Balance: Validation of Two Observer-Based Evaluation Strategies to Assess Stepping Behavior in Fall-Prone Older Adults
Authors: Adams Michael , Brüll Leon , Lohkamp Monika , Schwenk Michael
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Measurement of reactive balance is critical for fall prevention but is severely underrepresented in the clinical setting due to the lack of valid assessments. The Stepping Threshold Test (STT) is a newly developed instrumented test for reactive balance on a movable platform, however, it has not yet been validated for fall-prone older adults. Furthermore, different schemes of observer-based evaluation seem possible. The aim of this study was to investigate validity with respect to fall risk, interpretability, and feasibility of the STT using two different evaluation strategies.

Methods: This study involved 71 fall-prone older adults (aged ≥ 65) who underwent progressively increasing perturbations in four directions for the STT. Single and multiple-step thresholds for each perturbation direction were determined via two observer-based evaluation schemes, which are the 1) consideration of all steps (all-step-count evaluation, ACE) and 2) consideration of those steps that extend the base of support in the direction of perturbation (direction-sensitive evaluation, DSE). Established balance measures including global (Brief Balance Evaluations Systems Test, BriefBEST), proactive (Timed Up and Go, TUG), and static balance (8-level balance scale, 8LBS), as well as fear of falling (Short Falls Efficacy Scale—International, FES-I) and fall occurrence in the past year, served as reference measurements.

Results: The sum scores of STT correlated moderately with the BriefBEST (ACE: r = 0.413; DSE: r = 0.388) and TUG (ACE: r = −0.379; DSE: r = −0.435) and low with the 8LBS (ACE: r = 0.173; DSE: r = 0.246) and Short FES-I (ACE: r = −0.108; DSE: r = −0.104). The sum scores did not distinguish between fallers and non-fallers. No floor/ceiling effects occurred for the STT sum score, but these effects occurred for specific STT thresholds for both ACE (mean floor effect = 13.04%, SD = 19.35%; mean ceiling effect = 4.29%, SD = 7.75%) and DSE (mean floor effect = 7.86%, SD = 15.23%; mean ceiling effect = 21.07%, SD = 26.08). No severe adverse events occurred.

Discussion: Correlations between the STT and other balance tests were in the expected magnitude, indicating convergent validity. However, the STT could not distinguish between fallers and non-fallers, referring to a need for further studies and prospective surveys of falls to validate the STT. Current results did not allow a definitive judgment on the advantage of using ACE or DSE. Study results represented a step toward a reactive balance assessment application in a clinical setting.
Challenges to Operationalizing Sustainable Diets: Perspectives From Kenya and Vietnam
Authors: Hoey Lesli , Khoury Colin K. , Osiemo Jamleck , Shires Anna , Binge Brenda , Duong Thanh Thi , Jalango Dorcas , Trinh Huong T. , Huynh Tuyen Thi Thanh , Judelsohn Alex , Haan Stef de , Heller Martin C. , Chege Christine K. , Jones Andrew D.
Published: October 2021

Despite the urgent need for comprehensive food systems strategies, the challenge lies in defining feasible, evidence-based intervention points. Too little is known about issues food systems decision-makers and other change agents are running up against, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where food systems are the most vulnerable to a growing number of intertwined crises. We look at this question through the lens of sustainable diets, a growing area of research and a concept that is the basis of over 30 sets of national guidelines that aim to simultaneously address health, economic and environmental dimensions of food systems. Based on 114 interviews carried out in Kenya and Vietnam, we examine the extent to which food systems researchers, business and project managers and policy actors are attempting to intervene in food systems in ways that mirror the concept of sustainable diets. We also consider how they are managing two key ingredients that are critical to systems-change—interdisciplinary data and cross-sector collaboration. Most stakeholders we interviewed were carrying out systems-based projects, oriented—even if not explicitly—around many of the sustainable diets domains: agriculture, livelihoods, food security/access/nutrition and/or environment. The majority faced formidable challenges with both data and collaborations, however, showing why it can be so difficult to move from normative ideals like “sustainable diets” to practical realities, regardless of the context. To support more comprehensive food systems policies and interventions, our findings suggest the need for strategies that can improve the collection and accessibility of actionable, cross-sector data, and mechanisms to overcome institutional barriers that limit collaboration.
Comparison Between Single-Use Flexible Ureteroscope and Reusable Flexible Ureteroscope for Upper Urinary Calculi: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Meng Chunyang , Peng Lei , Li Jinze , Li Yunxiang , Li Jinming , Wu Ji
Published: October 2021

Objective: This article explores the differences in the effectiveness and safety of the treatment of the upper urinary calculi between single-use flexible ureteroscope (su-fURS) and reusable flexible ureteroscope (ru-fURS).

Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus database, and CNKI databases within a period from the date of database establishment to November 2020. Stata 16 was used for calculation and statistical analyses.

Results: A total of 1,020 patients were included in the seven studies. The statistical differences were only found in the Clavien–Dindo grade II postoperative complication [odds ratio (OR) 0.47; 95% CI 0.23–0.98; p = 0.04]. No significant statistical differences were observed in operative time (OT), estimated blood loss (EBL), length of hospital stay (LOS), and stone-free rate (SFR).

Conclusion: Our meta-analysis results demonstrate that su-fURS, compared with ru-fURS, has similar effectiveness and better security for treating upper urinary calculi.
The Impact of Skip vs. Non-Skip N2 Lymph Node Metastasis on the Prognosis of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Xinxin , Guo Haixie , Hu Quanteng , Ying Yongquan , Chen Baofu
Published: October 2021

Objective: The skip N2 metastases were frequent in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the better prognosis of NSCLC with a skip over non-skip N2 lymph node metastases is controversial. The primary aim of this study is to investigate the prognosis effect of skip N2 lymph node metastases on the survival of NSCLC.

Setting: A literature search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library with the term of “N2” or “mediastinal lymph node” or “mediastinal nodal metastases”, and “lung cancer” and “skip” or “skipping” in the title/abstract field. The primary outcomes of interests are 3- and 5-year survival in NSCLC.

Participants: Patients who underwent complete resection by lobectomy, bilobectomy, or pneumonectomy with systemic ipsilateral lymphadenectomy and were staged as pathologically N2 were included.

Primary and Secondary Outcome Measures: The 3- and 5-year survival of NSCLC was analyzed. The impact of publication year, number of patients, baseline mean age, gender, histology, adjuvant therapy, number of skip N2 stations, and survival analysis methods on the primary outcome were also analyzed.

Results: A total of 21 of 409 studies with 6,806 patients met the inclusion criteria and were finally included for the analysis. The skip N2 lymph node metastases NSCLC had a significantly better overall survival (OS) than the non-skip N2 NSCLC [hazard ratio (HR), 0.71; 95% CI, 0.62–0.82; P < 0.001; I2 = 40.4%]. The skip N2 lymph node metastases NSCLC had significantly higher 3- and 5-year survival rates than the non-skip N2 lymph node metastases NSCLC (OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.66–0.84; P < 0.001; I2 = 60%; and OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.71–0.86; P < 0.001; I2 = 67.1%, respectively).

Conclusion: This meta-analysis suggests that the prognosis of skip N2 lymph node metastases NSCLC is better than that of a non-skip N2 lymph node.
Establishment of a New Cell Line of Canine Mammary Tumor CMT-1026
Authors: Mei Chen , Xin Liang , Liu Yang , Lin Jiabao , Xian Hong , Zhang Xue , Hu Wei , Xia Zhaofei , Wang Hongjun , Lyu Yanli
Published: October 2021

Canine mammary tumors (CMTs) have histopathological, epidemiologic and clinical characteristics similar to those in humans and are known to be one of the best models for human breast cancer (HBC). This research aimed to describe a newly established canine cell line, CMT-1026. Tumor samples were collected from a female dog exhibiting clinical mammary neoplasm, and the adherent cells were cultured. Both the histology and immunohistochemistry (IHC) of tumor samples were estimated. Cell growth, ultrastructural, cytological and immunocytochemistry (ICC) features of CMT-1026 were examined. CMT-1026 cells were inoculated into 10 female BALB/c nude mice to evaluate oncogenicity and metastatic ability. Hematoxylin-eosin (H.E.) staining of the tumors revealed an epithelial morphology. Electron microscopy was used to detect histological and cytological of smears, and ultrathin sections showed that CMT-1026 cells were polygonal and characterized by atypia and high mitotic index in the tumor, with prominent nucleoli and multinucleated cells. IHC characterization of CMT-1026 indicated ER-, PR-, HER-2, p63+, CK5/6+, and α-SMA+ epithelial cells. ICC characterization of CMT-1026 showed high expression of Claudin-1, Delta-catenin, SOX-2, and KI-67. At 2 weeks after inoculation of the CMT-1026 cells, phyma was found in 100% of the mice. The xenograft cancers showed conservation of the original H.E. features of the female dog cancer. In conclusion, CMT-1026 may be a model of canine mammary cancer that can be used in research on the pathogenesis of both CMT and HBC.
Interacción terapéutica y cambio
Authors: Cionini Lorenzo , Mattei Daniela Maria
Published: October 2021

Los autores consideran las relaciones entre interacción terapéutica y cambio psicológico en función de las operaciones de interiorización de la figura del terapeuta por parte del paciente y de experimentación de los esquemas de apego puestos en juego en el setting terapéutico.
Los sistemas comportamentales interpersonales en la relación terapéutica.
Authors: Liotti Giovanni , Intreccialagli Bruno
Published: October 2021

En este atículo los autores desarrollan el concepto de sistema comportamental que surge de la investigación etológica y de las teorías evolucionistas del comportamiento, aplicándolo al análisis de algunos fenómenos de la relación terapéutica, como guía para la conducción de ésta.
Juegos familiares: amor y odio en una pareja
Authors: Prata Giuliana
Published: October 2021

En este artículo la autora expone un caso paradigmático para describir los juegos familiares de tres generaciones de una familia con un hijo “psicótico”. Se hace un especial énfasis a la dinámica relacional de la segunda generación, es decir, de la pareja de los padres del paciente “psicótico”.
Hipnosis ericksoniana. Aplicaciones en psicoterapia
Authors: Camino Agustí , Gibernau Montserrat
Published: October 2021

En el presente artículo se realiza una breve revisión sobre los conceptos de inconsciente. Se describen los postulados básicos de la psicoterapia de Milton H. Erickson, ilustrándolos a través del estudio de dos casos que presentaban trastornos de angustia.
A Separation and Desalination Process for Farmland Saline-Alkaline Water
Authors: Yang Qiaonan , Hu Can , Li Jie , Yi Xiaokang , He Yichuan , Zhang Jie , Sun Zhilin
Published: October 2021

Salination poses serious hazards to farmland soil. For the purpose of solving soil salination, desalination of water sources, and other problems faced by arid areas, a separation and desalination process for farmland saline-alkaline water is proposed; a separation and desalination device based on this process is also presented and tested. Results indicate that water associated with the pretreatment device satisfied the working conditions of the composite nanofiltration (NF)-reverse osmosis (RO) membrane system. The composite NF-RO membrane system produced a better filtering effect than either the NF membrane or the RO membrane. When used for filtering saline-alkaline water, the composite NF-RO membrane system achieved a desalination rate of 96.06%, a total hardness removal rate of 98.93%, and a Cl- removal rate of 99.32%, adhering to the standard for irrigation water quality. The flashing-condensation process realized a fresh water recovery rate greater than 70%. During brine evaporation using solar salt making processes, the primary compound of crystals precipitated was NaCl (with a relative content of 93%), suggesting that the precipitates have the potential values of industrial salts. These findings offer new technical references for solving the problem of farmland irrigation water faced by saline-alkaline areas worldwide.
A Novel Cryptocurrency Price Prediction Model Using GRU, LSTM and bi-LSTM Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Hamayel Mohammad J. , Owda Amani Yousef
Published: October 2021

Cryptocurrency is a new sort of asset that has emerged as a result of the advancement of financial technology and it has created a big opportunity for researches. Cryptocurrency price forecasting is difficult due to price volatility and dynamism. Around the world, there are hundreds of cryptocurrencies that are used. This paper proposes three types of recurrent neural network (RNN) algorithms used to predict the prices of three types of cryptocurrencies, namely Bitcoin (BTC), Litecoin (LTC), and Ethereum (ETH). The models show excellent predictions depending on the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). Results obtained from these models show that the gated recurrent unit (GRU) performed better in prediction for all types of cryptocurrency than the long short-term memory (LSTM) and bidirectional LSTM (bi-LSTM) models. Therefore, it can be considered the best algorithm. GRU presents the most accurate prediction for LTC with MAPE percentages of 0.2454%, 0.8267%, and 0.2116% for BTC, ETH, and LTC, respectively. The bi-LSTM algorithm presents the lowest prediction result compared with the other two algorithms as the MAPE percentages are: 5.990%, 6.85%, and 2.332% for BTC, ETH, and LTC, respectively. Overall, the prediction models in this paper represent accurate results close to the actual prices of cryptocurrencies. The importance of having these models is that they can have significant economic ramifications by helping investors and traders to pinpoint cryptocurrency sales and purchasing. As a plan for future work, a recommendation is made to investigate other factors that might affect the prices of cryptocurrency market such as social media, tweets, and trading volume.
Comparison of the Automatic and Manual Broiler Pre-Slaughter Chain Based on Trailer Microclimate during Transportation and Its Effect on m. pectoralis major
Authors: Beňo Filip , Škorpilová Tereza , Pohůnek Václav , Bauer Josef , Ševčík Rudolf
Published: October 2021

This study aims to compare two broiler pre-slaughter chain methods: (i) the automatic pre-slaughter chain (APC) and (ii) manual pre-slaughter chain (MPC). The comparison is based on the evaluation of the trailer microclimate, number of injuries, and breast muscle (m. pectoralis major) quality. Transportation lasts 3.5 h, unloading 1 h. The selection of two hundred 39-day-old broilers (Ross 308 and Cobb 500 breeds) is random for each type of method. After slaughter, the pH value, electrical conductivity (EC), and color (lightness) of breast muscle tissues are determined at different post-mortem intervals. The MPC negatively affects the microclimate (p < 0.001), meat qualitative characteristics (p < 0.001), and places a greater strain on the body of chickens compared with APC. The average pH15min value of MPC broiler breast muscle tissue, generally used as the main meat quality parameter, is 5.97 ± 0.12, in contrast to 6.36 ± 0.16 for APC. Higher pH15min value of APC indicates better welfare and pre-slaughter handling. Values of EC and L* of breast tissues also confirms a difference between the methods of broiler handling (p < 0.001). No difference is found between the breed lines (p > 0.05).
Oocyte Cryopreservation in Domestic Animals and Humans: Principles, Techniques and Updated Outcomes
Authors: Tharasanit Theerawat , Thuwanut Paweena
Published: October 2021

Oocyte cryopreservation plays important roles in basic research and the application of models for genetic preservation and in clinical situations. This technology provides long-term storage of gametes for genetic banking and subsequent use with other assisted reproductive technologies. Until recently, oocytes have remained the most difficult cell type to freeze, as the oocytes per se are large with limited surface area to cytoplasm ratio. They are also highly sensitive to damage during cryopreservation, and therefore the success rate of oocyte cryopreservation is generally poor when compared to noncryopreserved oocytes. Although advancement in oocyte cryopreservation has progressed rapidly for decades, the improvement of cryosurvival and clinical outcomes is still required. This review focuses on the principles, techniques, outcomes and prospects of oocyte cryopreservation in domestic animals and humans.
Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns in Diabetic Foot Infections, an Epidemiological Study in Northeastern Italy
Authors: Boschetti Giovanni , Sgarabotto Dino , Meloni Marco , Bruseghin Marino , Whisstock Christine , Marin Mariagrazia , Ninkovic Sasa , Pinfi Michela , Brocco Enrico
Published: October 2021

This study is a retrospective epidemiological assessment of bacterial species isolated from a cohort of out-patients with diabetic foot infections referred to our “Diabetic Foot Unit” over one year, with particular attention to index pathogens, as identified by the EARS Network. Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa accounted for 33.5% and 11.9% of cases, respectively. MRSA was isolated in 27.1% of patients, with 14.06% showing additional resistance to three antimicrobial classes. Pseudomonas aeruginosa presented extensive resistance to fluoroquinolones (57.3%), which was associated with resistance to piperacillin in 17.6% or to carbapenems in 23.5% of cases. Other pathogens, such as methicillin resistantStaphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli and Morganella morganii ESBL and Enterococcus faecium VRE, were also found.
Investigation of Lipoproteins Oxidation Mechanisms by the Analysis of Lipid Hydroperoxide Isomers
Authors: Kato Shunji , Osuka Yusuke , Khalifa Saoussane , Obama Takashi , Itabe Hiroyuki , Nakagawa Kiyotaka
Published: October 2021

The continuous formation and accumulation of oxidized lipids (e.g., lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH)) which are present even in plasma lipoproteins of healthy subjects, are ultimately considered to be linked to various diseases. Because lipid peroxidation mechanisms (i.e., radical, singlet oxygen, and enzymatic oxidation) can be suppressed by certain proper antioxidants (e.g., radical oxidation is efficiently suppressed by tocopherol), in order to suppress lipid peroxidation successfully, the determination of the peroxidation mechanism involved in the formation of LOOH is deemed crucial. In this study, to determine the peroxidation mechanisms of plasma lipoproteins of healthy subjects, we develop novel analytical methods using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for 1-palmitoyl-2-linoleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine hydroperoxide (PC 16:0/18:2;OOH) and cholesteryl linoleate hydroperoxide (CE 18:2;OOH) isomers. Using the newly developed methods, these PC 16:0/18:2;OOH and CE 18:2;OOH isomers in the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) of healthy subjects are analyzed. Consequently, it is found that predominant PC 16:0/18:2;OOH and CE 18:2;OOH isomers in LDL and HDL are PC 16:0/18:2;9OOH, PC 16:0/18:2;13OOH, CE 18:2;9OOH, and CE 18:2;13OOH, which means that PC and CE in LDL and HDL are mainly oxidized by radical and/or enzymatic oxidation. In conclusion, the insights about the oxidation mechanisms shown in this study would be useful for a more effective suppression of oxidative stress in the human organism.
Phytochemicals from Indian Ethnomedicines: Promising Prospects for the Management of Oxidative Stress and Cancer
Authors: Fatima Nishat , Baqri Syed Shabihe Raza , Alsulimani Ahmad , Fagoonee Sharmila , Slama Petr , Kesari Kavindra Kumar , Roychoudhury Shubhadeep , Haque Shafiul
Published: October 2021

Oxygen is indispensable for most organisms on the earth because of its role in respiration. However, it is also associated with several unwanted effects which may sometimes prove fatal in the long run. Such effects are more evident in cells exposed to strong oxidants containing reactive oxygen species (ROS). The adverse outcomes of oxidative metabolism are referred to as oxidative stress, which is a staple theme in contemporary medical research. Oxidative stress leads to plasma membrane disruption through lipid peroxidation and has several other deleterious effects. A large body of literature suggests the involvement of ROS in cancer, ageing, and several other health hazards of the modern world. Plant-based cures for these conditions are desperately sought after as supposedly safer alternatives to mainstream medicines. Phytochemicals, which constitute a diverse group of plant-based substances with varying roles in oxidative reactions of the body, are implicated in the treatment of cancer, aging, and all other ROS-induced anomalies. This review presents a summary of important phytochemicals extracted from medicinal plants which are a part of Indian ethnomedicine and Ayurveda and describes their possible therapeutic significance.
Protective Effect of Polymethoxyflavones Isolated from Kaempferia parviflora against TNF-α-Induced Human Dermal Fibroblast Damage
Authors: Phung Hung Manh , Lee Sullim , Hong Sukyung , Lee Sojung , Jung Kiwon , Kang Ki Sung
Published: October 2021

Similar to other organs, the skin undergoes a natural aging process. Moreover, constant direct exposure to environmental stresses, including ultraviolet irradiation, causes the signs of skin aging to appear rather early. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammatory responses accelerate skin damage in extrinsic aging. In this study, we aimed to investigate the skin protective effects of polymethoxyflavones found in Kaempferia parviflora against oxidative stress and inflammation-induced damage in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) stimulated by tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). The experimental data identified 5,7,4′ trimethoxyflavone (TMF) as the most potent constituent in preventing TNF-α-induced HDF damage among the tested compounds and it was not only effective in inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) production but also in stimulating collagen, type I, and alpha 1 (COLIA1) expression. TMF suppressed TNF-α-stimulated generation of ROS and pro-inflammatory mediators, such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 in HDFs. TMF also inhibited the pathways regulating fibroblast damage, including mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), activator protein 1 (AP-1), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB). In conclusion, TMF may be a potential agent for preventing skin aging and other dermatological disorders associated with oxidative stress and inflammation.
Differential Yet Integral Contributions of Nrf1 and Nrf2 in the Human HepG2 Cells on Antioxidant Cytoprotective Response against Tert-Butylhydroquinone as a Pro-Oxidative Stressor
Authors: Wufuer Reziyamu , Fan Zhuo , Liu Keli , Zhang Yiguo
Published: October 2021

In the past 25 years, Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, also called NFE2L2) had been preferentially parsed as a master hub of regulating antioxidant, detoxification, and cytoprotective genes; albeit as a matter of fact that Nrf1 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 1, also called NFE2L1)—rather than Nrf2—is indispensable for cell homeostasis and organ integrity during normal growth and development. Herein, distinct genotypic cell lines (i.e., Nrf1α−/−, Nrf2−/−ΔTA, and caNrf2ΔN) are employed to determine differential yet integral roles of Nrf1 and Nrf2 in mediating antioxidant responsive genes to tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ) serving as a pro-oxidative stressor. In Nrf1α−/− cells, Nrf2 was highly accumulated but also could not fully compensate specific loss of Nrf1α’s function in its basal cytoprotective response against endogenous oxidative stress, though it exerted partially inducible antioxidant response, as the hormetic effect of tBHQ, against apoptotic damages. By contrast, Nrf2−/−ΔTA cells gave rise to a substantial reduction of Nrf1 in both basal and tBHQ-stimulated expression levels and hence resulted in obvious oxidative stress, but it can still be allowed to mediate a potent antioxidant response, as accompanied by a significantly decreased ratio of GSSG (oxidized glutathione) to GSH (reduced glutathione). Conversely, a remarkable increase of Nrf1 expression resulted from the constitutive active caNrf2ΔN cells, which were not manifested with oxidative stress, whether or not it was intervened with tBHQ. Such inter-regulatory effects of Nrf1 and Nrf2 on the antioxidant and detoxification genes (encoding HO-1, NQO1, GCLC, GCLM, GSR, GPX1, TALDO, MT1E, and MT2), as well on the ROS (reactive oxygen species)-scavenging activities of SOD (superoxide dismutase) and CAT (catalase), were further investigated. The collective results unraveled that Nrf1 and Nrf2 make distinctive yet cooperative contributions to finely tuning basal constitutive and/or tBHQ-inducible expression levels of antioxidant cytoprotective genes in the inter-regulatory networks. Overall, Nrf1 acts as a brake control for Nrf2’s functionality to be confined within a certain extent, whilst its transcription is regulated by Nrf2.
Effects of Black Garlic Extract and Nanoemulsion on the Deoxy Corticosterone Acetate-Salt Induced Hypertension and Its Associated Mild Cognitive Impairment in Rats
Authors: Chen Chun-Yu , Tsai Tsung-Yu , Chen Bing-Huei
Published: October 2021

Organosulfur compounds, phenolic acids and flavonoids in raw and black garlic were determined, and followed by preparation of black garlic nanoemulsion for studying their effects on deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt-induced hypertension and associated mild cognitive impairment in rats. Three organosulfur compounds, including diallyl sulfide (87.8 μg/g), diallyl disulfide (203.9 μg/g) and diallyl trisulfide (282.6 μg/g) were detected in black garlic by GC-MS, while gallic acid (19.19 μg/g), p-coumaric acid (27.03 μg/g) and quercetin (22.77 μg/g) were detected by UPLC-MS/MS. High doses of both black garlic extract and nanoemulsion prepared using Tween-80, glycerol, grapeseed oil and water could decrease systolic blood pressure through the elevation of bradykinin and nitric oxide levels as well as diminish aldosterone and angiotensin II levels in rats. In Morris water maze test, they could significantly decrease escape latency and swimming distance and increase the time spent in the target quadrant, accompanied by a decline of acetylcholinesterase activity and malondialdehyde level in the hippocampus as well as a rise in glutathione level and activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. In addition, the levels of tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-6 and interleukin-1β were reduced. Effects of lowering blood pressure and improving learning/memory ability in rats followed the order: lisinopril > black garlic nanoemulsion > black garlic extract.
Energy Transformation on Vault in Elite Artistic Gymnastics: Comparisons between Simple and Difficult Tsukahara and Yurchenko Vaults
Authors: Schärer Christoph , Gross Micah , Lorenzetti Silvio , Hübner Klaus
Published: October 2021

Performance on vault in artistic gymnastics depends on the difficulty and the execution quality of the performed vault. However, differences of kinetic energy between simple and difficult vaults remain elusive. Therefore, in this study, 48 Tsukahara and Yurchenko vaults, performed by 20 top-level gymnasts, were recorded with 3D-motion capture and the flux of translational (TKE), angular kinetic (AKE), potential (PE), and total energy were calculated and compared. Results revealed that upon initial springboard contact, almost all of the kinetic energy for Tsukahara vaults is comprised of TKE, whereas Yurchenko vaults were characterized by substantially less TKE, but far greater AKE (and similar PE). During springboard contact of Tsukahara vaults, AKE is increased (+70%) and thereafter mostly preserved during push off from the table (−6%). For Yurchenko vaults, AKE is preserved during springboard contact but reduced (−30%) in exchange for PE at push off. During the second flight phase of Yurchenko vaults, total energy was 10% higher than at initial springboard contact (Tsukahara: −1%). For vaults of increasing difficulty, 5.9% more AKE is needed for each additional 180° of longitudinal-axis rotation. This knowledge may help coaches evaluate athletes’ potential and focus training on appropriate physical and/or technical aspects of the vault performance.
A Method for Detecting Surface Defects in Railhead by Magnetic Flux Leakage
Authors: Jia Yinliang , Zhang Shicheng , Wang Ping , Ji Kailun
Published: October 2021

With the rapid development of the world’s railways, rail is vital to ensure the safety of rail transit. This article focuses on the magnetic flux leakage (MFL) non-destructive detection technology of the surface defects in railhead. A Multi-sensors method is proposed. The main sensor and four auxiliary sensors are arranged in the detection direction. Firstly, the root mean square (RMS) of the x-component of the main sensor signal is calculated. In the data more significant than the threshold, the defects are determined by the relative values of the sensors signal. The optimal distances among these sensors are calculated to the size of a defect and the lift-off. From the finite element simulation and physical experiments, it is shown that this method can effectively suppress vibration interference and improve the detection accuracy of defects.
Design of a Planar Cable-Driven Parallel Robot for Non-Contact Tasks
Authors: Mattioni Valentina , Ida’ Edoardo , Carricato Marco
Published: October 2021

Cable-driven parallel robots offer significant advantages in terms of workspace dimensions and payload capability. Their mechanical structure and transmission system consist of light and extendable cables that can withstand high tensile loads. Cables are wound and unwound by a set of motorized winches, so that the robot workspace dimensions mainly depend on the amount of cable that each drum can store. For this reason, these manipulators are attractive for many industrial tasks to be performed on a large scale, such as handling, pick-and-place, and manufacturing, without a substantial increase in costs and mechanical complexity with respect to a small-scale application. This paper presents the design of a planar overconstrained cable-driven parallel robot for quasi-static non-contact operations on planar vertical surfaces, such as laser engraving, inspection and thermal treatment. The overall mechanical structure of the robot is shown, by focusing on the actuation and guidance systems. A novel concept of the cable guidance system is outlined, which allows for a simple kinematic model to control the manipulator. As an application example, a laser diode is mounted onto the end-effector of a prototype to perform laser engraving on a paper sheet. Observations on the experiments are reported and discussed.
Chronic Periodontitis and Acute Respiratory Infections: A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Lee Jae-Hong , Jeong Seong-Nyum
Published: October 2021

Chronic periodontitis (CP) may increase the risk of exacerbation of and hospitalization for respiratory infections. The aim of the present study was to determine whether CP is associated with acute respiratory infections by analyzing a population-based longitudinal database from the National Health Insurance Service—National Sample Cohort. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between CP and acute respiratory infections, including acute nasopharyngitis, acute pharyngitis, acute tonsillitis, acute laryngitis and tracheitis, acute bronchitis, and acute bronchiolitis, while adjusting for the confounding effects of sociodemographic variables (sex, age, household income, and smoking status) and comorbidities (diabetes mellitus). Among 545,416 recruited participants, 98,490 (18.1%) had CP. Multivariate analysis, adjusted for sociodemographic variables and comorbidities, showed that except influenza and pneumonia, total acute respiratory infections (odds ratio (OR), 1.33; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.28–1.38; p < 0.001), acute upper respiratory infections (OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.22–1.29; p < 0.001), and acute lower respiratory infections (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.20–1.26; p < 0.001) were significantly associated with CP. The findings of the current cohort study suggest an association between CP and acute respiratory infections. Particularly, CP seems to increase the risk of acute upper and lower respiratory infections.
Pathologic Complete Response Prediction after Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation Therapy for Rectal Cancer Using Radiomics and Deep Embedding Network of MRI
Authors: Lee Seunghyun , Lim Joonseok , Shin Jaeseung , Kim Sungwon , Hwang Heasoo
Published: October 2021

Assessment of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (nCRT) is essential in rectal cancer staging and treatment planning. However, when predicting the pathologic complete response (pCR) after nCRT for rectal cancer, existing works either rely on simple quantitative evaluation based on radiomics features or partially analyze multi-parametric MRI. We propose an effective pCR prediction method based on novel multi-parametric MRI embedding. We first seek to extract volumetric features of tumors that can be found only by analyzing multiple MRI sequences jointly. Specifically, we encapsulate multiple MRI sequences into multi-sequence fusion images (MSFI) and generate MSFI embedding. We merge radiomics features, which capture important characteristics of tumors, with MSFI embedding to generate multi-parametric MRI embedding and then use it to predict pCR using a random forest classifier. Our extensive experiments demonstrate that using all given MRI sequences is the most effective regardless of the dimension reduction method. The proposed method outperformed any variants with different combinations of feature vectors and dimension reduction methods or different classification models. Comparative experiments demonstrate that it outperformed four competing baselines in terms of the AUC and F1-score. We use MRI sequences from 912 patients with rectal cancer, a much larger sample than in any existing work.
Impact of Virtual Reality on Student Motivation in a High School Science Course
Authors: Santos Garduño Hugo Ariel , Esparza Martínez Martha Idalia , Portuguez Castro May
Published: October 2021

It is essential to expose students to real situations in science courses, to experience how classroom concepts are reflected in the real world. However, the materials and methods available are not always very adequate; for example, chemistry courses involve the supervision of reagents to avoid risky situations, in addition to the costs, logistics of preparing materials, and possible adverse environmental factors. As an alternative solution, the following experience was carried out using virtual reality (VR) equipment, with very realistic applications that allowed 304 fourth semester high school students to have an immersive, interactive, and contextualized experience of the disciplinary contents. The students were asked about their perception regarding the motivation and acceptance of the use of virtual reality. The results were 72% positive for attention, 61% positive for relevance, 64% positive for trust, and 71% positive for satisfaction. Also, they mentioned their intention to continue using this resource and create lines of research to study the different aspects that could form a disciplinary proposal for an entire course based on virtual reality.
Generating Flood Hazard Maps Based on an Innovative Spatial Interpolation Methodology for Precipitation
Authors: Zare Mohammad , Schumann Guy J.-P. , Teferle Felix Norman , Mansorian Ruja
Published: October 2021

In this study, a new approach for rainfall spatial interpolation in the Luxembourgian case study is introduced. The method used here is based on a Fuzzy C-Means (FCM) clustering method. In a typical FCM procedure, there are a lot of available data and each data point belongs to a cluster, with a membership degree [0 1]. On the other hand, in our methodology, the center of clusters is determined first and then random data are generated around cluster centers. Therefore, this approach is called inverse FCM (i-FCM). In order to calibrate and validate the new spatial interpolation method, seven rain gauges in Luxembourg, Germany and France (three for calibration and four for validation) with more than 10 years of measured data were used and consequently, the rainfall for ungauged locations was estimated. The results show that the i-FCM method can be applied with acceptable accuracy in validation rain gauges with values for R2 and RMSE of (0.94–0.98) and (9–14 mm), respectively, on a monthly time scale and (0.86–0.89) and (1.67–2 mm) on a daily time scale. In the following, the maximum daily rainfall return periods (10, 25, 50 and 100 years) were calculated using a two-parameter Weibull distribution. Finally, the LISFLOOD FP flood model was used to generate flood hazard maps in Dudelange, Luxembourg with the aim to demonstrate a practical application of the estimated local rainfall return periods in an urban area.
Effects of Long-Term Nitrogen Fertilization and Ground Water Level Changes on Soil CO2 Fluxes from Oil Palm Plantation on Tropical Peatland
Authors: Chaddy Auldry , Melling Lulie , Ishikura Kiwamu , Goh Kah Joo , Toma Yo , Hatano Ryusuke
Published: October 2021

A long-term study on the effect of nitrogen (N) fertilization on soil carbon dioxide (CO2) fluxes in tropical peatland was conducted to (1) quantify the annual CO2 emissions from an oil palm plantation under different N application rates and (2) evaluate the temporal effects of groundwater level (GWL) and water-filled pore space (WFPS) on soil organic carbon (SOC) and CO2 fluxes. Monthly measurement of soil CO2 fluxes using a closed chamber method was carried out from January 2010 until December 2013 and from January 2016 to December 2017 in an oil palm plantation on tropical peat in Sarawak, Malaysia. Besides the control (T1, without N fertilization), there were three N treatments: low N (T2, 31.1 kg N ha−1 year−1), moderate N (T3, 62.2 kg N ha−1 year−1), and high N (T4, 124.3 kg N ha−1 year−1). The annual CO2 emissions ranged from 7.7 ± 1.2 (mean ± SE) to 16.6 ± 1.0 t C ha−1 year−1, 9.8 ± 0.5 to 14.8 ± 1.4 t C ha−1 year−1, 10.5 ± 1.8 to 16.8 ± 0.6 t C ha−1 year−1, and 10.4 ± 1.8 to 17.1 ± 3.9 t C ha−1 year−1 for T1, T2, T3, and T4, respectively. Application of N fertilizer had no significant effect on annual cumulative CO2 emissions in each year (p = 0.448), which was probably due to the formation of large quantities of inorganic N when GWL was temporarily lowered from January 2010 to June 2010 (−80.9 to −103.4 cm below the peat surface), and partly due to low soil organic matter (SOM) quality. A negative relationship between GWL and CO2 fluxes (p < 0.05) and a positive relationship between GWL and WFPS (p < 0.001) were found only when the oil palm was young (2010 and 2011) (p < 0.05), indicating that lowering of GWL increased CO2 fluxes and decreased WFPS when the oil palm was young. This was possibly due to the fact that parameters such as root activity might be more predominant than GWL in governing soil respiration in older oil palm plantations when GWL was maintained near or within the rooting zone (0–50 cm). This study highlights the importance of roots and WFPS over GWL in governing soil respiration in older oil palm plantations. A proper understanding of the interaction between the direct or indirect effect of root activity on CO2 fluxes and balancing its roles in nutrient and water management strategies is critical for sustainable use of tropical peatland.
Attention-Based Long Short-Term Memory Recurrent Neural Network for Capacity Degradation of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Mamo Tadele , Wang Fu-Kwun
Published: October 2021

Monitoring cycle life can provide a prediction of the remaining battery life. To improve the prediction accuracy of lithium-ion battery capacity degradation, we propose a hybrid long short-term memory recurrent neural network model with an attention mechanism. The hyper-parameters of the proposed model are also optimized by a differential evolution algorithm. Using public battery datasets, the proposed model is compared to some published models, and it gives better prediction performance in terms of mean absolute percentage error and root mean square error. In addition, the proposed model can achieve higher prediction accuracy of battery end of life.
Bucky Ball Is a Novel Zebrafish Vasa ATPase Activator
Authors: Perera Roshan Priyarangana , Shaikhqasem Alaa , Rostam Nadia , Dickmanns Achim , Ficner Ralf , Tittmann Kai , Dosch Roland
Published: October 2021

Many multicellular organisms specify germ cells during early embryogenesis by the inheritance of ribonucleoprotein (RNP) granules known as germplasm. However, the role of complex interactions of RNP granules during germ cell specification remains elusive. This study characterizes the interaction of RNP granules, Buc, and zebrafish Vasa (zfVasa) during germ cell specification. We identify a novel zfVasa-binding motif (Buc-VBM) in Buc and a Buc-binding motif (zfVasa-BBM) in zfVasa. Moreover, we show that Buc and zfVasa directly bind in vitro and that this interaction is independent of the RNA. Our circular dichroism spectroscopy data reveal that the intrinsically disordered Buc-VBM peptide forms alpha-helices in the presence of the solvent trifluoroethanol. Intriguingly, we further demonstrate that Buc-VBM enhances zfVasa ATPase activity, thereby annotating the first biochemical function of Buc as a zfVasa ATPase activator. Collectively, these results propose a model in which the activity of zfVasa is a central regulator of primordial germ cell (PGC) formation and is tightly controlled by the germplasm organizer Buc.
Lenalidomide and Pomalidomide Improve Function and Induce FcγRI/CD64 in Multiple Myeloma Neutrophils
Authors: Romano Alessandra , Parrinello Nunziatina Laura , Parisi Marina , Del Fabro Vittorio , Curtopelle Angelo , Leotta Salvatore , Conticello Concetta , Di Raimondo Francesco
Published: October 2021

Background Myeloid dysfunction is an emerging hallmark of microenvironment changes occurring in multiple myeloma (MM). Our previous work showed that FcγRI/CD64 overexpression in neutrophils of newly diagnosed MM patients is associated to inferior outcomes, reduced oxidative bursts and phagocytosis, with an increased risk of bacterial infections. Pomalidomide is a novel immune-modulatory drug approved for relapsed/refractory patients (RRMM), with drug-related neutropenia as major limitation to treatment. Patients and methods Herein, we describe a prospective analysis of 51 consecutive RRMM patients treated with pomalidomide and dexamethasone (PomDex) from March 2015 through December 2016, associated with secondary prophylaxis with filgrastim (G-CSF) in case of neutrophil count <1500 cells/μL. Neutrophil function was investigated by flow cytometry, including the phagocytosis, oxidative bursts, and median fluorescence intensity of FcγRI-CD64. Controls included a group of newly diagnosed symptomatic MM (NDMM), asymptomatic (smoldering myeloma, MGUS) and healthy subjects referred to our Center in the same time-frame. Results Compared to controls, RRMM neutrophils had higher expression of FcγRI/CD64 and lower phagocytic activity and oxidative bursts. We maintained median leukocyte counts higher than 3.5 × 109/L for 6 cycles, and median neutrophil counts higher than 1.5 × 109/L, with only 6 (11%) patients developing grade 3–4 infections, without pomalidomide dose reduction. After 4 cycles of PomDex, FcγRI/CD64 was further increased in neutrophils, and phagocytic activity and oxidative bursts recovered independently from filgrastim exposure and the quality of hematological responses. Similarly, in NDMM patients, lenalidomide but not bortezomib upregulated FcγRI/CD64 expression, improving phagocytic activity and oxidative bursta as tested in vitro. Conclusions Our combined biological and clinical data provide new information on the ability of pomalidomide and lenalidomide to modulate the functional activity of neutrophils, despite their chronic activation due to FcγRI/CD64 overexpression.
Acoustic Identification of Sentence Accent in Speakers with Dysarthria: Cross-Population Validation and Severity Related Patterns
Authors: Mendoza Ramos Viviana , Lowit Anja , Van den Steen Leen , Kairuz Hernandez-Diaz Hector Arturo , Hernandez-Diaz Huici Maria Esperanza , De Bodt Marc , Van Nuffelen Gwen
Published: October 2021

Dysprosody is a hallmark of dysarthria, which can affect the intelligibility and naturalness of speech. This includes sentence accent, which helps to draw listeners’ attention to important information in the message. Although some studies have investigated this feature, we currently lack properly validated automated procedures that can distinguish between subtle performance differences observed across speakers with dysarthria. This study aims for cross-population validation of a set of acoustic features that have previously been shown to correlate with sentence accent. In addition, the impact of dysarthria severity levels on sentence accent production is investigated. Two groups of adults were analysed (Dutch and English speakers). Fifty-eight participants with dysarthria and 30 healthy control participants (HCP) produced sentences with varying accent positions. All speech samples were evaluated perceptually and analysed acoustically with an algorithm that extracts ten meaningful prosodic features and allows a classification between accented and unaccented syllables based on a linear combination of these parameters. The data were statistically analysed using discriminant analysis. Within the Dutch and English dysarthric population, the algorithm correctly identified 82.8 and 91.9% of the accented target syllables, respectively, indicating that the capacity to discriminate between accented and unaccented syllables in a sentence is consistent with perceptual impressions. Moreover, different strategies for accent production across dysarthria severity levels could be demonstrated, which is an important step toward a better understanding of the nature of the deficit and the automatic classification of dysarthria severity using prosodic features.