bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of Deformation and Breakup of Submillimeter Droplets’ Spray in a Supersonic Nozzle Flow
Authors: Gobyzov Oleg A. , Ryabov Mikhail N. , Bilsky Artur V.
Published: September 2020

The problem of secondary atomization of droplets is crucial for many applications. In high-speed flows, fine atomization usually takes place, and the breakup of small droplets determines the final products of atomization. An experimental study of deformation and breakup of 15–60 µm size droplets in an accelerated flow inside a converging–diverging nozzle is considered in the paper. Particle image velocimetry and shadow photography were employed in the experiments. Results of gas and liquid phase flow measurements and visualization are presented and analyzed, including gas and droplets’ velocity, shape and size distributions of droplets. Weber numbers for droplets’ breakup are reported. For those small droplets at low Weber numbers, the presence of well-known droplets’ breakup morphology is confirmed, and rare “pulling” breakup mode is detected and qualitatively described. For the “pulling” breakup mode, a consideration, explaining its development in smaller droplets through shear stress effect, is provided.
Bound-State Electron Dynamics Driven by Near-Resonantly Detuned Intense and Ultrashort Pulsed XUV Fields
Authors: Magunia Alexander , Aufleger Lennart , Ding Thomas , Rupprecht Patrick , Rebholz Marc , Ott Christian , Pfeifer Thomas
Published: September 2020

We report on numerical results revealing line-shape asymmetry changes of electronic transitions in atoms near-resonantly driven by intense extreme-ultraviolet (XUV) electric fields by monitoring their transient absorption spectrum after transmission through a moderately dense atomic medium. Our numerical model utilizes ultrashort broadband XUV laser pulses varied in their intensity (1014–1015 W/cm2) and detuning nearly out of resonance for a quantitative evaluation of the absorption line-shape asymmetry. It will be shown how transient energy shifts of the bound electronic states can be linked to these asymmetry changes in the case of an ultrashort XUV driving pulse temporally shorter than the lifetime of the resonant excitation, and how the asymmetry can be controlled by the near-resonant detuning of the XUV pulse. In the case of a two-level system, the numerical model is compared to an analytical calculation, which helps to uncover the underlying mechanism for the detuning- and intensity-induced line-shape modification and links it to the generalized Rabi frequency. To further apply the numerical model to recent experimental results of the near-resonant dressing of the 2s2p doubly excited state in helium by an ultrashort XUV free-electron laser pulse we extend the two-level model with an ionization continuum, thereby enabling the description of transmission-type (Fraunhofer-like) transient absorption of a strongly laser-coupled autoionizing state.
Numerical Study on the Feasibility of a 24 GHz ISM-Band Doppler Radar Antenna for Near-Field Sensing of Human Respiration in Electromagnetic Aspects
Authors: Park Seungyong , Kim Sungpeel , Kim Dong Kyoo , Choi Jaehoon , Jung Kyung-Young
Published: September 2020

The feasibility study of a 24 GHz industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) band Doppler radar antenna in electromagnetic aspects is numerically performed for near-field sensing of human respiration. The Doppler radar antenna consists of a transmitting (Tx) antenna and a receiving (Rx) antenna close to the human body for a wearable device. The designed slot-type Doppler radar antenna is embedded between an RO4350B superstrate and an FR-4 substrate. To obtain the higher radiation pattern of the antenna towards the human body, a ground plane reflector is placed underneath the substrate. The measured −10 dB reflection coefficient (S11) bandwidth is 23.74 to 25.56 GHz and the mutual coupling (S21) between Tx and Rx antennas is lower than −30 dB at target frequencies. The Doppler radar performance of the proposed Doppler radar antenna is performed numerically by investigating the signal returned from the human body. The Doppler effect due to human respiration is investigated through the I/Q and arctangent demodulation of the returned signal. According to the results, the phase variation of the returned signal is proportional to the displacement of the body surface, which is about 0.8 rad in accordance with 1 mm displacement. The numerical experiments indicate that the proposed Doppler radar antenna can be used for near-field sensing of human respiration in electromagnetic aspects.
Synthesis of Silicon Carbide Powders from Methyl-Modified Silica Aerogels
Authors: Lee Kyoung-Jin , Kang Yanggu , Kim Young Hun , Baek Se Won , Hwang Haejin
Published: September 2020

β-silicon carbide (SiC) powders were synthesized by the carbothermal reduction of methyl-modified silica aerogel/carbon mixtures. The correlations between the phase evolution and morphologies of the SiC powders and the C/SiO2 ratio were investigated. At a C/SiO2 ratio of 3, β-SiC formed at 1425 °C and single-phase SiC powders were obtained at 1525 °C. The methyl groups (-CH3) on the silica aerogel surfaces played important roles in the formation of SiC during the carbothermal reduction. SiC could be synthesized from the silica aerogel/carbon mixtures under lower temperature and C/SiO2 ratios than those needed for quartz or hydrophilic silica. The morphology of the SiC powder depended on the C/SiO2 ratio. A low C/SiO2 ratio resulted in β-SiC powder with spherical morphology, while agglomerates consisting of fine SiC particles were obtained at the C/SiO2 ratio of 3. High-purity SiC powder (99.95%) could be obtained with C/SiO2 = 0.5 and 3 at 1525 °C for 5 h.
Can We Exploit Machine Learning to Predict Congestion over mmWave 5G Channels?
Authors: Diez Luis , Fernández Alfonso , Khan Muhammad , Zaki Yasir , Agüero Ramón
Published: September 2020

It is well known that transport protocol performance is severely hindered by wireless channel impairments. We study the applicability of Machine Learning (ML) techniques to predict congestion status of 5G access networks, in particular mmWave links. We use realistic traces, using the 3GPP channel models, without being affected using legacy congestion-control solutions. We start by identifying the metrics that might be exploited from the transport layer to learn the congestion state: delay and inter-arrival time. We formally study their correlation with the perceived congestion, which we ascertain based on buffer length variation. Then, we conduct an extensive analysis of various unsupervised and supervised solutions, which are used as a benchmark. The results yield that unsupervised ML solutions can detect a large percentage of congestion situations and they could thus bring interesting possibilities when designing congestion-control solutions for next-generation transport protocols.
Characterization and Prediction of Air Transport Delays in China
Authors: Zanin Massimiliano , Zhu Yanbo , Yan Ran , Dong Peiji , Sun Xiaoqian , Wandelt Sebastian
Published: September 2020

Air transport delays are a major source of direct and opportunity costs in modern societies, being this problem is especially important in the case of China. In spite of this, our knowledge on delay generation is mostly based on intuition, and the scientific community has hitherto devoted little attention to this topic. We here present the first data-driven systemic study of air transport delays in China, of their evolution and causes, based on 11 million flights between 2016 and 2018. A significant fraction of the delays can be explained by a few variables, e.g., weather conditions and traffic levels, the most important factors being the presence of thunderstorms and the season of the year. Remaining delays can often be explained by en-route weather phenomena or by reactionary delays. This study contributes towards a better understanding of delays and their prediction through a data-driven methodology, leveraging on statistics and data mining concepts.
Development and Validation of Overpressure Response Model in Steel Tunnels Subjected to External Explosion
Authors: Hung Cheng-Wei , Lai Hsin-hung , Shen Bor-Cherng , Wu Pin-Wen , Chen Tai-An
Published: September 2020

This study employed C4 explosives to evaluate the overpressure response in steel tunnels subjected to external explosions. The explosive scaled distance of the C4 charge from 2.15 to 3.26 m/kg1/3 was evaluated by experiments and the hydrodynamic finite element code LS-DYNA. The numerical results are in agreement with the experimental results. A simple way to estimate the overpressure in steel tunnels was proposed in this paper. The proposed methodology is both useful and efficient and can be further developed for designing protection for military structures and other facilities against explosion.
Assessing Stiffness, Joint Torque and ROM for Paretic and Non-Paretic Lower Limbs during the Subacute Phase of Stroke Using Lokomat Tools
Authors: Chaparro-Rico Betsy D. M. , Cafolla Daniele , Tortola Paolo , Galardi Giuseppe
Published: September 2020

The efficacy of Lokomat on motor recovery in stroke patients is well known. However, few studies have examined Lokomat tools to assess stiffness, joint torque and range of motion (ROM) during the subacute phase of stroke. The purpose of this retrospective observational study is to assess the changes of joint torque, ROM and stiffness that were estimated with Lokomat tools, namely L-FORCE (lower limb-force), L-ROM (lower limb-range of motion)and L-STIFF (lower limb-stiff), for paretic and non-paretic lower limbs in the subacute phase of stroke, assuming that the tools were able to measure these changes. The data come from 10 subjects in the subacute phase who had their first ever-stroke and followed a treatment that included Lokomat. The measurements came from basal assessments (T0) and one-month follow-up (T1). The measures were compared between paretic and non-paretic legs, and between T0 and T1. Significant differences in stiffness, joint torque and ROM were obtained between the paretic and non-paretic limbs at both T0 and T1. A non-significant trend was obtained for reduced stiffness and increased torque and ROM between T0 and T1 of the paretic limbs. The Lokomat tools were able to measure the changes between paretic and non-paretic legs and the small changes between T0 and T1 measurements.
Effect of Competent Caliche Layers on Measuring the Capacity of Axially Loaded Drilled Shafts Using the Osterberg Test
Authors: Afsharhasani Rouzbeh , Karakouzian Moses , Farhangi Visar
Published: September 2020

This study investigates the effect of the location of an O-cell hydraulic jack along the length of a drilled shaft in a full-scale Osterberg test performed in soils containing layers of caliche. The location of the hydraulic jack with respect to caliche layers influences the measurements obtained from the Osterberg test and the subsequent interpretation of drilled shaft capacity. In this study, drilled shaft capacities were derived utilizing data from 30 Osterberg full-scale field load tests in soils containing caliche layers. The hydraulic jack was placed at the midpoint of the drilled shaft length. Additionally, the Osterberg test data was used to calibrate a numerical model by Plaxis finite element software for drilled shaft analysis. Using the calibrated model, several scenarios of hydraulic jack location were simulated. The scenarios included hydraulic jack locations at several distances above and below a caliche layer. The results of the simulations indicate that in cases where the O-cell was installed far from the caliche layer, the Osterberg tests results showed lower pile resistance capacity compared to the top-down test. However, in cases where the O-cell was installed close to the caliche layers, the Osterberg tests results showed comparable pile resistance capacity compared to the top-down tests. This study recommends installing the hydraulic jack as close as possible to the caliche layers for more reliable interpretation of the Osterberg field tests which leads to a cost-effective design approach by reducing the required shaft length.
The Heat Pulse Method for Soil Physical Measurements: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: He Hailong , Dyck Miles , Lv Jialong
Published: September 2020

Heat pulse method is a transient method that estimates soil thermal properties by characterizing the radial transport of short-duration line-source heat applied to soils. It has been widely used to measure a wide range of soil physical properties including soil thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, heat capacity, water content, ice content, bulk density, water flux and evaporation in laboratory and field environments. Previous studies generally focus on the scientific aspects of heat pulse method based on selected publications, and there is a lack of study investigating the heat pulse publication as a whole. The objective of this study was to give an overall view of the use of heat pulse method for soil physical measurements from the bibliometric perspectives. The analyses were based on the Web of Science Core Collection data between 1992 and 2019 using HistCite Pro and VOSviewer. The results showed an increasing trend in the volume of publications on this field and Dr. Robert Horton was the most productive researcher coauthoring papers on the heat pulse method. The co-authorship analysis revealed that researchers from soil science are closely collaborated, but this is not true for researchers in other fields. There is a lack of new young scientists committing to this field while the older generation of researchers are retiring. The United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Servics (USDA-ARS), the China Agriculture University and the Chinese Academy of Science were the top three organizations applying the heat pulse method, while the USA, China and Canada were the top three countries. The Soil Science Society of America Journal, Water Resources Research and Agricultural and Forestry Meteorology were the most widely used journals. The con-occurrence and citation analysis could be used to map the development of the field and identify the most influential publications. The study showed that the bibliometric analysis is a useful tool to visualize research status as well as to provide the general information of novices and experts alike on the heat pulse method for soil physical measurements.
Computational Modeling of Skull Bone Structures and Simulation of Skull Fractures Using the YEAHM Head Model
Authors: Barbosa Alcino , Fernandes Fábio A. O. , Alves de Sousa Ricardo J. , Ptak Mariusz , Wilhelm Johannes
Published: September 2020

The human head is a complex multi-layered structure of hard and soft tissues, governed by complex materials laws and interactions. Computational models of the human head have been developed over the years, reaching high levels of detail, complexity, and precision. However, most of the attention has been devoted to the brain and other intracranial structures. The skull, despite playing a major role in direct head impacts, is often overlooked and simplified. In this work, a new skull model is developed for the authors’ head model, the YEAHM, based on the original outer geometry, but segmenting it with sutures, diploë, and cortical bone, having variable thickness across different head sections and based on medical craniometric data. These structures are modeled with constitutive models that consider the non-linear behavior of skull bones and also the nature of their failure. Several validations are performed, comparing the simulation results with experimental results available in the literature at several levels: (i) local material validation; (ii) blunt trauma from direct impact against stationary skull; (iii) three impacts at different velocities simulating falls; (iv) blunt ballistic temporoparietal head impacts. Accelerations, impact forces, and fracture patterns are used to validate the skull model.
Oxidative Stress in Reproduction: A Mitochondrial Perspective
Authors: Almansa-Ordonez Alexandra , Bellido Raquel , Vassena Rita , Barragan Montserrat , Zambelli Filippo
Published: September 2020

Mitochondria are fundamental organelles in eukaryotic cells that provide ATP through oxidative phosphorylation. During this process, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced, and an imbalance in their concentrations can induce oxidative stress (OS), causing cellular damage. However, mitochondria and ROS play also an important role in cellular homeostasis through a variety of other signaling pathways not related to metabolic rates, highlighting the physiological relevance of mitochondria–ROS interactions. In reproduction, mitochondria follow a peculiar pattern of activation, especially in gametes, where they are relatively inactive during the initial phases of development, and become more active towards the final maturation stages. The reasons for the lower metabolic rates are attributed to the evolutionary advantage of keeping ROS levels low, thus avoiding cellular damage and apoptosis. In this review, we provide an overview on the interplay between mitochondrial metabolism and ROS during gametogenesis and embryogenesis, and how OS can influence these physiological processes. We also present the possible effects of assisted reproduction procedures on the levels of OS, and the latest techniques developed to select gametes and embryos based on their redox state. Finally, we evaluate the treatments developed to manage OS in assisted reproduction to improve the chances of pregnancy.
miR-361-5p Mediates SMAD4 to Promote Porcine Granulosa Cell Apoptosis through VEGFA
Authors: Ma Mengnan , Zhang Jinbi , Gao Xiaomeng , Yao Wang , Li Qifa , Pan Zengxiang
Published: September 2020

Follicular atresia is an inevitable degenerative process that occurs in mammalian ovarian follicles. The molecular events involved in atresia, particularly granulosa cell apoptosis, have long attracted researchers’ attention. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) is downregulated during follicular atresia in porcine ovaries and serves as an inhibitor of apoptosis in granulosa cells. In addition, transforming growth factor (TGF)-βsignaling has been considered a central trigger in granulosa cell apoptosis. However, the link between TGF-β signaling and VEGFA is unknown. We proved that miR-361-5p is significantly upregulated during the atresia process and that it promotes GC apoptosis by directly targeting the VEGFA 3′UTR. In addition, we revealed that the miR-361-5p coding gene MIR361 was significantly downregulated by SMAD4, the central intracellular mediator of TGF-β signaling, that bound to the MIR361 promoter. In conclusion, our findings expanded what is known about VEGFA posttranscriptional regulation and revealed a complete SMAD4/miR-361-5p/VEGFA regulatory network in ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis. These data provide useful references for follicular atresia and ovarian physiological function studies.
Recent Approaches to Chiral 1,4-Dihydropyridines and their Fused Analogues
Authors: Rucins Martins , Plotniece Aiva , Bernotiene Eiva , Tsai Wei-Bor , Sobolev Arkadij
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this review is to highlight recent developments in the synthesis of chiral 1,4-dihydropyridines and their fused analogues. 1,4-Dihydropyridines are among the most active calcium antagonists that are used for the treatment of hypertension. Enantiomers of unsymmetrical 1,4-dihydropyridines often show different biological activities and may have even an opposite action profile. Hantzsch synthesis usually produces racemic mixtures of unsymmetrical 1,4-dihydropyridines. Therefore, the development of stereoselective synthesis of 1,4-dihydropyridines is one of the priorities of medicinal chemistry. Over the years, numerous methodologies have been developed for the production of enantiopure 1,4-dihydropyridines, such as stereoselective synthesis using chiral auxiliaries and chiral cyclocondensation partners, chromatographical methods, resolution of diastereomeric 1,4-dihydropyridine salts, enzyme catalysed kinetic resolution, or asymmetrisation of ester groups of 1,4-dihydropyridines. These approaches have been studied in detail and are relatively well established. The catalytic asymmetric approach holds the greatest promise in delivering the most practical and widely applicable methods. Substantial progress has been made toward the development of enantioselective organocatalytic methods for the construction of the chiral dihydropyridines. However, most of them do not provide a convenient way to pharmacologically important 1,4-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarboxylates. Organocatalytic enantioselective desymmetrisation of prochiral 1,4-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarbaldehydes also has great promise in the synthesis of pharmacologically important 1,4-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarboxylates.
Teacher Perceptions of Training and Pedagogical Value of Cross-Reality and Sensor Data from Smart Buildings
Authors: Rowe Shawn , Riggio Mariapaola , De Amicis Raffaele , Rowe Susan R.
Published: September 2020

This paper discusses elementary, and secondary (K-12) teachers’ perceptions of cross-reality (XR) tools for data visualization and use of sensor data from the built environment in classroom curricula. Our objective was to explore the use of sensor-informed XR in the built environment and civil engineering (BECE) field to support K-12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) experiential learning and foster BECE-related career awareness. We conducted surveys and informal questionnaires with 33 primary and secondary teachers attending an annual two-day university-based teacher professional development workshop as part of a statewide STEM afterschool program serving students in rural communities. We assessed teachers’ familiarity with, knowledge about, and appraisal of using cross-reality platforms and sensor data in classrooms and after school curricula. Findings show that, while all teachers reported relatively high interest in learning about sensor applications and innovative interactive techniques, middle school teachers in particular were most likely to see value in using these applications for teaching and learning. Implications for teacher professional development are discussed.
Staging Melanocytic Skin Neoplasms Using High-Level Pixel-Based Features
Authors: Ibraheem Mai Ramadan , El-Sappagh Shaker , Abuhmed Tamer , Elmogy Mohammed
Published: September 2020

The formation of malignant neoplasm can be seen as deterioration of a pre-malignant skin neoplasm in its functionality and structure. Distinguishing melanocytic skin neoplasms is a challenging task due to their high visual similarity with different types of lesions and the intra-structural variants of melanocytic neoplasms. Besides, there is a high visual likeliness level between different lesion types with inhomogeneous features and fuzzy boundaries. The abnormal growth of melanocytic neoplasms takes various forms from uniform typical pigment network to irregular atypical shape, which can be described by border irregularity of melanocyte lesion image. This work proposes analytical reasoning for the human-observable phenomenon as a high-level feature to determine the neoplasm growth phase using a novel pixel-based feature space. The pixel-based feature space, which is comprised of high-level features and other color and texture features, are fed into the classifier to classify different melanocyte neoplasm phases. The proposed system was evaluated on the PH2 dermoscopic images benchmark dataset. It achieved an average accuracy of 95.1% using a support vector machine (SVM) classifier with the radial basis function (RBF) kernel. Furthermore, it reached an average Disc similarity coefficient (DSC) of 95.1%, an area under the curve (AUC) of 96.9%, and a sensitivity of 99%. The results of the proposed system outperform the results of other state-of-the-art multiclass techniques.
Sensory Characteristics Contributing to Pleasantness of Oat Product Concepts by Finnish and Chinese Consumers
Authors: Laaksonen Oskar , Ma Xueying , Pasanen Eerika , Zhou Peng , Yang Baoru , Linderborg Kaisa M.
Published: September 2020

Oats are increasingly popular among consumers and the food industry. While data exist on sensory characteristics of oats as such, previous studies focusing on the pleasantness of oats, and especially investigations of a wide range of oat products by European and Asian consumers, are scarce. An online questionnaire was organized in Finland (n = 381; 83.7% Finnish) focusing on the liking and familiarity of oat products, followed by sensory tests in Finland (n = 65 and n = 73) and China (n = 103) using the Check-All-That-Apply method and hedonic ratings. A questionnaire revealed that the Finnish consumers rated the pleasantness and familiarity of several oat product categories, such as breads and porridges, higher compared to participants of other ethnicities. Sensory tests showed both similarities, e.g., porridges were described as “natural”, “healthy” and “oat-like”, and differences between countries, e.g., sweet biscuits, were described as “crispy” and “hard” by Finnish consumers and “strange” and “musty” by Chinese consumers. Sweet products were unanimously preferred. The ethnicity had an important role affecting the rating of pleasantness and familiarity of oat product categories, whereas food neophobia and health interest status also had an influence. The proved healthiness of oats was a crucial factor affecting the choices of consumers and their acceptance in both countries.
Perceptions about Healthy Eating and Emotional Factors Conditioning Eating Behaviour: A Study Involving Portugal, Brazil and Argentina
Authors: Cardoso Ana Paula , Ferreira Vanessa , Leal Marcela , Ferreira Manuela , Campos Sofia , Guiné Raquel P. F.
Published: September 2020

This study analysed the perceptions about healthy eating as well as some emotional factors conditioning eating behaviour in a sample of people from Portugal, Brazil and Argentina. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study involving a non-probabilistic sample of 2501 participant. Data was collected through a questionnaire applied to adult citizens residing in their respective countries. For data analysis chi-square tests were used, and associations were evaluated by Cramer’s coefficients. Moreover, a tree classification analysis was conducted for variables related with perceptions about healthy eating and emotional conditioning of eating behaviour. The results revealed that participants’ perceptions are generally in agreement with healthy eating. However, significant differences were found between countries (p = 0.018) and by levels of education (p < 0.0005), with a more accurate perception for Portugal and at the university level. The existence of statistically significant associations between all sociodemographic variables considered and the conditioning of eating behaviour by emotional motivations should be noted. Tree classification analysis showed that the most important discriminant sociodemographic variable for perceptions about healthy eating was education, followed by professional area and country, while the most relevant discriminants for emotional conditioning of eating behaviour were country and then living environment and sex. Thus, it is important to consider these variables in initiatives that aim to promote adherence to behaviours that contribute to the health and well-being of the population.
Antioxidant Potential of Mung Bean (Vigna radiata) Albumin Peptides Produced by Enzymatic Hydrolysis Analyzed by Biochemical and In Silico Methods
Authors: Kusumah Jennifer , Real Hernandez Luis M. , Gonzalez de Mejia Elvira
Published: September 2020

The objective of this study was to investigate the biochemical antioxidant potential of peptides derived from enzymatically hydrolyzed mung bean (Vigna radiata) albumins using an 2,2′-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging assay, a ferrous ion chelating assay and an oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay. Peeled raw mung bean was ground into flour and mixed with buffer (pH 8.3, 1:20 w/v ratio) before being stirred, then filtered using 3 kDa and 30 kDa molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) centrifugal filters to obtain albumin fraction. The albumin fraction then underwent enzymatic hydrolysis using either gastrointestinal enzymes (pepsin and pancreatin) or thermolysin. Peptides in the hydrolysates were sequenced. The peptides showed low ABTS radical-scavenging activity (90–100 μg ascorbic acid equivalent/mL) but high ferrous ion chelating activity (1400–1500 μg EDTA equivalent/mL) and ORAC values (>120 μM Trolox equivalent). The ferrous ion chelating activity was enzyme- and hydrolysis time-dependent. For thermolysin hydrolysis, there was a drastic increase in ferrous ion chelating activity from t = 0 (886.9 μg EDTA equivalent/mL) to t = 5 min (1559.1 μg EDTA equivalent/mL) before plateauing. For pepsin–pancreatin hydrolysis, there was a drastic decrease from t = 0 (878.3 μg EDTA equivalent/mL) to t = 15 (138.0 μg EDTA equivalent/mL) after pepsin was added, but this increased from t = 0 (131.1 μg EDTA equivalent/mL) to t = 15 (1439.2 μg EDTA equivalent/mL) after pancreatin was added. There was no significant change in ABTS radical scavenging activity or ORAC values throughout different hydrolysis times for either the thermolysin or pepsin–pancreatin hydrolysis. Overall, mung bean hydrolysates produced peptides with high potential antioxidant capacity, being particularly effective ferrous ion chelators. Other antioxidant assays that use cellular lines should be performed to measure antioxidant capacity before animal and human studies.
Regulation of mTORC2 Signaling
Authors: Fu Wenxiang , Hall Michael N.
Published: September 2020

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), a serine/threonine protein kinase and a master regulator of cell growth and metabolism, forms two structurally and functionally distinct complexes, mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTORC2. While mTORC1 signaling is well characterized, mTORC2 is relatively poorly understood. mTORC2 appears to exist in functionally distinct pools, but few mTORC2 effectors/substrates have been identified. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of mTORC2 signaling, with particular emphasis on factors that control mTORC2 activity.
Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Romanian Marx Activity Rating Scale for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Suciu Oana , Prejbeanu Radu , Haragus Horia , Faur Cosmin , Onofrei Roxana Ramona , Todor Adrian
Published: September 2020

Aim: We aimed to translate, cross-cultural adapt and validate the Marx activity rating scale (MARS) of the knee for Romanian patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Method: The original English form was translated according to guidelines. We included patients with ACL injury undergoing reconstruction in two centers over 3 years. Subjects completed the translated MARS, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective knee form and EuroQol EQ5D. The examining physician completed the Tegner Lysholm scale as an objective evaluation. Re-testing was obtained after one month. We used Spearman`s correlation to evaluate construct validity and reproducibility, Cronbach’s alpha for internal consistency and intraclass correlation for test-retest reliability. Results: We collected valid forms from 99 patients (32.1 ± 8.8 years, 64.6% males) during the preoperative evaluation and 45 were re-tested. Significant, very good correlations were found between the MARS and Tegner Lysholm (Spearman’s r = 0.712, p < 0.0001) and IKDC (Spearman’s r = 0.801, p < 0.0001). Cronbach’s alpha was 0.893 at the initial completion and 0.799 at re-test. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.895. Conclusions: The Romanian-translated MARS is a valid, consistent and reliable physical activity outcome measure in patients with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
Prevalence of Depression in Retirees: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Pabón-Carrasco Manuel , Ramirez-Baena Lucia , López Sánchez Raúl , Rodríguez-Gallego Isabel , Suleiman-Martos Nora , Gómez-Urquiza José L.
Published: September 2020

Background: Retirement is a final life stage characterized by the ceasing of work and the loss of a routine, social relations, role, status, accomplishments, and aspirations, etc. Many times it is accompanied by negative feelings and can provoke different psychoemotional reactions such as depression, among others. The aim of this study is to analyze the prevalence of depression, as well as its psychoeducational approach in retirees. Methods: A paired systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted in different databases—Medline, Scopus, CUIDEN, CINAHL, LILACS and PsycINFO. Original studies were included in English, Spanish and French that were published in the last 10 years, and which approached depression in retirees. Results: A total of 11 articles were selected after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. The mean value of the prevalence levels of depression in retirees obtained in the meta-analysis was 28%. Depression is more frequent in retirees, with mandatory retirement, retirement due to illness, and anticipated retirement presenting higher levels of this disease. The health role in the psychoeducational approach is highlighted in 41.6% (n = 5). Conclusions: With almost one-third of retirees suffering from depression, it is necessary to implement prevention and early detection measures to approach a public health problem.
Promoting Equity, Social Justice, and Saving Lives with Life Jacket and Clothing Policies
Authors: Beale-Tawfeeq Angela , Quan Linda , Bennett Elizabeth , Fielding Roy
Published: September 2020

Worldwide, diverse racial/ethnic groups have disproportionately higher drowning rates. Learning to swim and wearing life jackets decrease drowning risk. We evaluated aquatic facilities’ policies regarding use of life jackets, clothing, and diapers through a lens of social justice, equity, and inclusion to ensure they met the needs of the diverse high-risk groups they serve and changing aquatic activities and programs. Public recreational pools, beach and waterpark facilities in the US and international organizations were surveyed regarding their policies on life jacket use, clothing, and diapers between 2015 and 2016. A total of 562 facilities responded, mostly pools. Almost all facilities allowed wearing life jackets in the shallow end but less so in the deep end, and wearing of T-shirts, shorts, and clothes for modesty reasons. Policies varied most on wearing non-swim clothes. Almost universal requirement of diapers applied to infants only. Respondents’ reported themes included cost, access, safety, hygiene and equipment maintenance. Reviewed policies generally reflected facilities’ responsiveness to diverse populations’ specific needs. However, policy variations around wearing clothing and swim diapers could be costly, confusing, and impede participation in aquatic activities by vulnerable populations, specifically young children and racial and ethnic minorities. Standardization of these policies could assist aquatic facilities and their users. A best-practices-based policy is outlined.
Understanding Completeness and Diversity Patterns of OSM-Based Land-Use and Land-Cover Dataset in China
Authors: Wang ShuZhu , Zhou Qi , Tian YuanJian
Published: September 2020

OpenStreetMap (OSM) data are considered essential for land-use and land-cover (LULC) mapping despite their lack of quality. Most relevant studies have employed an LULC reference dataset for quality assessment, but such a reference dataset is not freely available for most countries and regions. Thus, this study conducts an intrinsic quality assessment of the OSM-based LULC dataset (i.e., without using a reference LULC dataset) by examining the patterns of both its completeness and diversity. With China chosen as the study area, an OSM-based LULC dataset of the country was first generated and validated by using various accuracy measures. Both its completeness and diversity patterns were then mapped and analyzed in terms of each prefecture-level division of the country. The results showed the following: (1) While the overall accuracy was as high as 82.2%, most complete regions of China were not mapped well owing to a lack of diverse LULC classes. (2) In terms of socioeconomic factors and the number of contributors, higher correlations were noted for diversity patterns than completeness patterns; thus, the diversity pattern is a better reflection of socioeconomic factors and the spatial patterns of contributors. (3) Both the completeness and the diversity patterns can be combined to better understand an OSM-based LULC dataset. These results indicate that it is useful to consider diversity as a supplement for intrinsically assessing the quality of an OSM-based LULC dataset. This analytical method can also be applied to other countries and regions.
Adipokines as Biomarkers of Atopic Dermatitis in Adults
Authors: Jaworek Andrzej Kazimierz , Szepietowski Jacek C. , Szafraniec Krystyna , Jaworek Magdalena , Hałubiec Przemysław , Wojas-Pelc Anna , Pokorski Mieczysław
Published: September 2020

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is characterized by chronic, relapsing, pruritic skin inflammation and does not have a well-understood pathogenesis. In this study, we addressed the contribution of adipokines to AD eczema based on the assessment of blood levels of adiponectin, resistin, leptin, lipocalin-2, and vaspin in adult non-obese patients suffering from chronic extrinsic childhood-onset AD. We investigated 49 AD patients with a median age of 37 years. The control group consisted of 30 age-matched healthy subjects. Adipokines were assessed in the serum by ELISA assays and the severity of AD with the SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index. We found that adiponectin and resistin decreased and leptin appreciably increased in AD patients when compared to those in healthy subjects. Further, the levels of adiponectin and resistin were inversely related to the intensity of eczema. In conclusion, apart from the formerly investigated role of leptin in AD, this study points to adiponectin and resistin as the potential candidate adipokine biomarkers involved in shaping eczema intensity and severity, which may help predict disease exacerbations and enable the development of effective targeted therapeutic interventions.
Stress and Psychological Distress in Emerging Adulthood: A Gender Analysis
Authors: Matud M. , Díaz Amelia , Bethencourt Juan , Ibáñez Ignacio
Published: September 2020

Emerging adulthood is a critical period of life that entails many life transitions in living arrangements, relationships, education and employment, which can generate stress and psychological distress in the emerging adult. The aim of the present study was to assess the relevance of stress, coping styles, self-esteem and perceived social support in the distress of emerging adult women and men. The sample consists of 4816 people (50% females) from the Spanish general population, ranging in age from 18 to 29 years old. All participants were assessed through questionnaires and scales that assess psychological distress, stress, coping styles, self-esteem and social support. Women scored higher than men in psychological distress, chronic stress, minor daily hassles, emotional coping style and social support, whereas men scored higher than women in rational and detachment coping styles and in self-esteem. Psychological distress was significantly predicted in women and men by high emotional coping style, lower self-esteem, high number of life events, and less social support. Another statistically significant predictor in men was less detachment coping style, whereas in women it was high chronic stress. The results of this research are relevant to healthcare professionals interested in improving the mental health of the emerging adult.
Foetal Sonographic Anogenital Distance Is Longer in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Mothers
Authors: Perlman Sharon , Toledano Yoel , Kivilevitch Zvi , Halevy Nufar , Rubin Elena , Gilboa Yinon
Published: September 2020

Anogenital distance (AGD) is a biomarker for the prenatal hormonal environment. Androgen excess is a key element in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The aim of this study was to assess the sonographic foetal AGD in a population of PCOS mothers in comparison to the general population. Foetal AGD was measured prospectively by 2D ultrasound in PCOS mothers and compared to prenatal AGD nomograms. The results were interpreted regarding maternal and foetal characteristics. The mean sonographic foetal AGD centile measurement in PCOS mothers was significantly longer in comparison to the general population (86.04% ± 18.22; p < 0.001). Estimated foetal weight and birthweight were appropriate for gestational age and did not correlate with AGD. Sonographic foetal AGD was significantly longer in PCOS diabetic mothers and in those who conceived following assisted reproduction treatments when compared to the general population (p < 0.001). Our results support the role of AGD as a biomarker of the prenatal hormonal environment and provide evidence for the hyperandrogenic effect in PCOS pregnancies on foetal androgenic status and genitalia development.
The Challenges of OSCC Diagnosis: Salivary Cytokines as Potential Biomarkers
Authors: Roi Alexandra , Roi Ciprian Ioan , Negruțiu Meda Lavinia , Riviș Mircea , Sinescu Cosmin , Rusu Laura-Cristina
Published: September 2020

Fast, economic, and noninvasive, molecular analysis of saliva has the potential to become a diagnostic tool of reference for several local and systemic diseases, oral cancer included. The diagnosis of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) can be performed using high specificity and sensibility biomarkers that can be encountered in the biological fluids. Recent advances in salivary proteomics have underlined the potential use of salivary biomarkers as early diagnosis screening tools for oral neoplasia. In this respect, over 100 salivary molecules have been described and proposed as oral cancer biomarkers, out of which cytokines are among the most promising. Besides being directly involved in inflammation and immune response, the role of salivary cytokines in tumor growth and progression linked them to the incidence of oral malignant lesions. This review summarizes the existing studies based on the use of salivary cytokines as potential oral cancer biomarkers, their involvement in the malignant process based on their type, and ther influence upon prognostic and metastatic rates.
Is There an Association between Diabetes and Neck and Back Pain? Results of a Case-Control Study
Authors: Lima Florencio Lidiane , Lopez-de-Andres Ana , Hernández-Barrera Valentin , Palacios-Ceña Domingo , Fernández-de-las-Peñas César , Jimenez-Garcia Rodrigo , Perez-Farinos Napoleon , Carabantes-Alarcon David , Martinez-Hernandez David , Albaladejo-Vicente Romana
Published: September 2020

We aimed to assess if subjects with diabetes exhibit higher prevalence of chronic back pain than age-sex-province of residence-matched non-diabetic controls. We also aimed to identify predictors for chronic neck pain (CNP) or chronic low back pain (CLBP) among subjects with diabetes. A case control study was conducted using data obtained from the Spanish National Health Survey 2017. Multivariable conditional and unconditional logistic regression models were constructed. A total of 2095 diabetes sufferers and 2095 non-diabetic matched controls were analyzed. The prevalence of CNP and CLBP was 27.3% and 34.8%, respectively, in diabetes sufferers and 22.1% and 29.0% in non-diabetes controls (both, p < 0.001). After multivariable analysis, the ORs showed significantly higher adjusted risk of CNP (OR 1.34; 95% CI 1.19–1.51) and CLBP (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.09–1.31) in diabetes cases. Diabetes sufferers with CNP or CLBP showed higher use of pain medication and higher prevalence of migraine/frequent headache than controls. Female sex, worse self-rated health and use of pain medication were predictors for CNP and CLBP in subjects with diabetes. CNP and CLBP are significantly more prevalent in diabetes sufferers than in controls. Current results can help to design better preventive and educational strategies for these highly prevalent and burdensome pains among diabetic patients.
Current and Future Trends in Molecular Biomarkers for Diagnostic, Prognostic, and Predictive Purposes in Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer
Authors: Nikolouzakis Taxiarchis Konstantinos , Falzone Luca , Lasithiotakis Konstantinos , Krüger-Krasagakis Sabine , Kalogeraki Alexandra , Sifaki Maria , Spandidos Demetrios A. , Chrysos Emmanuel , Tsatsakis Aristidis , Tsiaoussis John
Published: September 2020

Skin cancer represents the most common type of cancer among Caucasians and presents in two main forms: melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). NMSC is an umbrella term, under which basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) are found along with the pre-neoplastic lesions, Bowen disease (BD) and actinic keratosis (AK). Due to the mild nature of the majority of NMSC cases, research regarding their biology has attracted much less attention. Nonetheless, NMSC can bear unfavorable characteristics for the patient, such as invasiveness, local recurrence and distant metastases. In addition, late diagnosis is relatively common for a number of cases of NMSC due to the inability to recognize such cases. Recognizing the need for clinically and economically efficient modes of diagnosis, staging, and prognosis, the present review discusses the main etiological and pathological features of NMSC as well as the new and promising molecular biomarkers available including telomere length (TL), telomerase activity (TA), CpG island methylation (CIM), histone methylation and acetylation, microRNAs (miRNAs), and micronuclei frequency (MNf). The evaluation of all these aspects is important for the correct management of NMSC; therefore, the current review aims to assist future studies interested in exploring the diagnostic and prognostic potential of molecular biomarkers for these entities.
Anosmia and Ageusia as Predictive Signs of COVID-19 in Healthcare Workers in Italy: A Prospective Case-Control Study
Authors: La Torre Giuseppe , Massetti Anna Paola , Antonelli Guido , Fimiani Caterina , Fantini Mauro , Marte Mattia , Faticoni Augusto , Previte Carlo Maria , Turriziani Ombretta , Pugliese Francesco , Villari Paolo , Romano Ferdinando , Mastroianni Claudio Maria ,   Covid-19 Sapienza Collaborative Group
Published: September 2020

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of symptoms and signs in healthcare workers (HCW) with Sars-CoV-2. Methods: This was a case-control study. Cases consisted of symptomatic healthcare workers who had a positive SARS-CoV-2 real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test, while controls were symptomatic healthcare workers with a negative RT-PCR test. For each symptom, ROCs were plotted. Diagnostic accuracy was calculated using the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values. A logistic regression analysis was carried out for calculating the OR (95% CI) for each symptom associated to the SARS-CoV-2 positivity. Results: We recruited 30 cases and 75 controls. Fever had the best sensitivity while dyspnea, anosmia, and ageusia had the highest specificity. The highest PPVs were found again for dyspnea (75%), anosmia (73.7%), and ageusia (66.7%). Lastly, the highest NPVs were related to anosmia (81.4%) and ageusia (79.3%). Anosmia (OR = 14.75; 95% CI: 4.27–50.87), ageusia (OR = 9.18; 95% CI: 2.80–30.15), and headache (OR = 3.92; 95% CI: 1.45–10.56) are significantly associated to SARS-CoV-2 positivity. Conclusions: Anosmia and ageusia should be considered in addition to the well-established fever, cough, and dyspnea. In a resource-limited setting, this method could save time and money.