bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review of the Synthesis, Properties, and Applications of Bulk and Two-Dimensional Tin (II) Sulfide (SnS)
Authors: Norton Kane J. , Alam Firoz , Lewis David J.
Published: February 2021

Tin(II) sulfide (SnS) is an attractive semiconductor for solar energy conversion in thin film devices due to its bandgap of around 1.3 eV in its orthorhombic polymorph, and a band gap energy of 1.5–1.7 eV for the cubic polymorph—both of which are commensurate with efficient light harvesting, combined with a high absorption coefficient (10−4 cm−1) across the NIR–visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum, leading to theoretical power conversion efficiencies >30%. The high natural abundance and a relative lack of toxicity of its constituent elements means that such devices could potentially be inexpensive, sustainable, and accessible to most nations. SnS exists in its orthorhombic form as a layer structure similar to black phosphorus; therefore, the bandgap energy can be tuned by thinning the material to nanoscale dimensions. These and other properties enable SnS applications in optoelectronic devices (photovoltaics, photodetectors), lithium- and sodium-ion batteries, and sensors among others with a significant potential for a variety of future applications. The synthetic routes, structural, optical and electronic properties as well as their applications (in particular photonic applications and energy storage) of bulk and 2D tin(II) sulfide are reviewed herein.
Simulation Design of Incremental Leg Tapered Birdcage Coil for Head Imaging at 4.7T MRI
Authors: Song Hyunwoo , Kim Kyoung-Nam , Hernandez Daniel
Published: February 2021

This study analyzed asymmetrical designs of birdcage (BC) coils, for which the conventional shape of the BC is modified in order to improve field intensity and uniformity in the brain region for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 4.7T. Typically the BC coil has insufficient field uniformity when operating at higher frequencies such as 200 MHz, corresponding to the Larmor frequency at 4.7T, due to the interaction between the electrical properties of body tissue and the propagated magnetic field wavelength. We propose a new design of BC coil, which consists of different ring diameters and leg width. The performance of proposed designs was compared to that of a head-size BC coil. Using finite-difference time-domain simulations to obtain the |B1+| fields for a human model, we demonstrate that the proposed designs can achieve better field intensity and uniformity compared with other BC coil designs.
Analysis of Educational Data in the Current State of University Learning for the Transition to a Hybrid Education Model
Authors: Villegas-Ch. William , Palacios-Pacheco Xavier , Roman-Cañizares Milton , Luján-Mora Sergio
Published: February 2021

Currently, the 2019 Coronavirus Disease pandemic has caused serious damage to health throughout the world. Its contagious capacity has forced the governments of the world to decree isolation and quarantine to try to control the pandemic. The consequences that it leaves in all sectors of society have been disastrous. However, technological advances have allowed people to continue their different activities to some extent while maintaining isolation. Universities have great penetration in the use of technology, but they have also been severely affected. To give continuity to education, universities have been forced to move to an educational model based on synchronous encounters, but they have maintained the methodology of a face-to-face educational model, what has caused several problems in the learning of students. This work proposes the transition to a hybrid educational model, provided that this transition is supported by data analysis to identify the new needs of students. The knowledge obtained is contrasted with the performance presented by the students in the face-to-face modality and the necessary parameters for the transition to this modality are clearly established. In addition, the guidelines and methodology of online education are considered in order to take advantage of the best of both modalities and guarantee learning.
Parallel Algorithm with Blocks for a Single-Machine Total Weighted Tardiness Scheduling Problem
Authors: Uchroński Mariusz
Published: February 2021

In this paper, the weighted tardiness single-machine scheduling problem is considered. To solve it an approximate (tabu search) algorithm, which works by improving the current solution by searching the neighborhood, is used. Methods of eliminating bad solutions from the neighborhood (the so-called block elimination properties) were also presented and implemented in the algorithm. Blocks allow a significant shortening of the process of searching the neighborhood generated by insert type moves. The designed parallel tabu search algorithm was implemented using the MPI (Message Passing Interface) library. The obtained speedups are very large (over 60,000×) and superlinear. This may be a sign that the parallel algorithm is superior to the sequential one as the sequential algorithm is not able to effectively search the solution space for the problem under consideration. Only the introduction of diversification process through parallelization can provide an adequate coverage of the entire search process. The current methods of parallelization of metaheuristics give a speedup which strongly depends on the problem’s instances, rarely greater than number of used parallel processors. The method proposed here allows the obtaining of huge speedup values (over 60,000×), but only when so-called blocks are used. The above-mentioned speedup values can be obtained on high performance computing infrastructures such as clusters with the use of MPI library.
Protected Network Architecture for Ensuring Consistency of Medical Data through Validation of User Behavior and DICOM Archive Integrity
Authors: Magomedov Shamil , Lebedev Artem
Published: February 2021

The problem of consistency of medical data in Hospital Data Management Systems is considered in the context of correctness of medical images stored in a PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) and legality of actions authorized users perform when accessing MIS (Medical Information System) facilities via web interfaces. The purpose of the study is to develop a SIEM-like (Security Information and Event Management) architecture for offline analysis of DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) archive integrity and users’ activity. To achieve amenable accuracy when validating DICOM archive integrity, two aspects are taken into account: correctness of periodicity of the incoming data stream and correctness of the image data (time series) itself for the considered modality. Validation of users’ activity assumes application of model-driven approaches using state-of-the-art machine learning methods. This paper proposes a network architecture with guard clusters to protect sensitive components like the DICOM archive and application server of the MIS. New server roles were designed to perform traffic interception, data analysis and alert management without reconfiguration of production software components. The cluster architecture allows the analysis of incoming big data streams with high availability, providing horizontal scalability and fault tolerance. To minimize possible harm from spurious DICOM files the approach should be considered as an addition to other securing techniques like watermarking, encrypting and testing data conformance with a standard.
Widely Wavelength-Tunable High Power Single-Longitudinal-Mode Fiber Laser in Mid-Infrared Waveband
Authors: Lu Yi , Jiang Xiaogang , Chen Feihong , Lu Chenlong , He Sailing
Published: February 2021

We demonstrate a mid-infrared (MIR) wavelength-tunable high-power single-longitudinal-mode (SLM) fiber laser using a compound cavity structure. The compound cavity consists of an Er-doped ZBLAN fiber perpendicularly cleaved at two-ends and an external cavity formed by a fiber end-face and a narrow bandwidth ruled reflective diffraction grating. SLM operation is achieved through the combined effects of the narrow bandwidth grating and the compound cavity. By rotating the grating, the laser wavelength can be continuously tuned over 100 nm from 2705 nm to 2806 nm with the SLM operation maintained. High output power up to 450 mW is achieved under the SLM regime.
Nanostructured Strontium-Doped Calcium Phosphate Cements: A Multifactorial Design
Authors: Dapporto Massimiliano , Gardini Davide , Tampieri Anna , Sprio Simone
Published: February 2021

Calcium phosphate cements (CPCs) have been extensively studied in last decades as nanostructured biomaterials for the regeneration of bone defects, both for dental and orthopedic applications. However, the precise control of their handling properties (setting time, viscosity, and injectability) still represents a remarkable challenge because a complicated adjustment of multiple correlated processing parameters is requested, including powder particle size and the chemical composition of solid and liquid components. This study proposes, for the first time, a multifactorial investigation about the effects of powder and liquid variation on the final performance of Sr-doped apatitic CPCs, based on the Design of Experiment approach. In addition, the effects of two mixing techniques, hand spatula (low-energy) and planetary shear mixing (high-energy), on viscosity and extrusion force were compared. This work aims to shed light on the various steps involved in the processing of CPCs, thus enabling a more precise and tailored design of the device, based on the clinical need.
Toward More Sustainable River Transportation in Remote Regions of the Amazon, Brazil
Authors: Hernández-Fontes Jassiel Vladimir , Maia Harlysson Wheiny Silva , Chávez Valeria , Silva Rodolfo
Published: February 2021

This paper explores means of achieving more efficient and sustainable river transport in remote regions by making relatively simple, practical modifications to boats or implementing new technologies for propulsion and energy generation. The research focuses on the case of the simple boats used to transport children to school in riverine communities of the Brazilian Amazon. A range of options to improve the efficiency of existing boats is described. Under normal operational conditions, small improvements to these boats may have long-term environmental and socioeconomic benefits. Implementing changes such as those suggested, it may also be possible to boost sources of employment in these regions and elsewhere, where industrial and technological limitations are significant.
Sustainable Cross-Laminated Timber Structures in a Seismic Area: Overview and Future Trends
Authors: Sandoli Antonio , D’Ambra Claudio , Ceraldi Carla , Calderoni Bruno , Prota Andrea
Published: February 2021

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) buildings are recognized as a robust alternative to heavyweight constructions, because beneficial for seismic resistance and environmental sustainability, more than other construction materials. The lightness of material and the satisfactory dissipative response of the mechanical connections provide an excellent seismic response to multi-story CLT buildings, in spite of permanent damage to timber panels in the connection zones. Basically, CLT constructions are highly sustainable structures from extraction of raw material, to manufacturing process, up to usage, disposal and recycling. With respect to other constructions, the potential of CLT buildings is that their environmental sustainability in the phases of disposal and/or recycling can be further enhanced if the seismic damage in structural timber components is reduced or nullified. This paper reports a state-of-the art overview on seismic performance and sustainability aspects of CLT buildings in seismic prone regions. Technological issues and modelling approaches for traditional CLT buildings currently proposed in literature are discussed, focusing the attention on some research advancements and future trends devoted to enhance seismic performance and environmental sustainability of CLT buildings in seismic prone regions.
Dynamic Torque Coordinated Control Considering Engine Starting Conditions for a Power-Split Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle
Authors: Su Yanzhao , Hu Minghui , Huang Jin , Qin Datong , Fu Chunyun , Zhang Yi
Published: February 2021

For a power-split plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PS-PHEV), the control system cannot effectively reduce jerks under some engine-starting conditions due to the pulsating torque of the engine, elastic characteristics of the transmission, battery power limitations, and the limitation of the maximum torque of the motor. To solve this problem, a dynamic torque-coordinated control method considering engine starting conditions (DTCC-ESC) is proposed in this paper. The proposed DTCC-ESC mainly includes three parts: the engine segment active control before and after engine ignition to minimize the impact of the engine ripple torque on the shocks of the powertrain system; the feedforward control of the engine starting conditions and the feedback control of the engine’s optimal target speed; and the active damping feedback compensation control for system resonance to reduce system vibrations. The results show that the proposed DTCC-ESC can effectively improve driving comfort under different engine starting conditions.
Magmatic Geothermal Genesis Model in the Huailai Area Based on the Constraints of the Crust–Mantle-Scale Geoelectric Structure
Authors: Fanwen Meng , Jiangtao Han , Wenyu Liu , Lijia Liu
Published: February 2021

The Huailai area is rich in geothermal resources, but the formation mechanism of its deep heat source is still unclear. In this paper, based on 16 broadband magnetotelluric sounding points, the two-dimensional electrical structure of the crust and mantle in the Huailai area was obtained. Combined with deep seismic reflection and P-wave seismic tomography, the geophysical characteristics of deep heat sources and reservoirs in the Huailai area are described. The Huailai area is characterized by low resistivity and layered reflection above 2 km in depth, which shows the distribution of the Cenozoic sedimentary cover layer. The upper crust is characterized by high resistivity without an obvious reflector, corresponding to the crystalline basement of the basin, whose main lithology is Archean gneiss. There is a highly conductive and bright-spot-reflective structure under the basement, which extends to 100 km, indicating the upwelling of mantle-derived material. Combined with the results of helium isotope tracing, a magma-type geothermal model in the Huailai area is proposed. The upwelling mantle-derived magma material is enriched under the basement to form a heat source. The heat is transferred to the upper crust through heat conduction along the crystalline basement. Then, groundwater circulation brings deep heat to the surface, forming hydrothermal resources.
Estimation of Stability Parameters for Wide Body Aircraft Using Computational Techniques
Authors: Ahmad Muhammad , Hussain Zukhruf Liaqat , Shah Syed Irtiza Ali , Shams Taimur Ali
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we present the procedure of estimating the aerodynamic coefficients for a commercial aviation aircraft from geometric parameters at low-cruise-flight conditions using US DATCOM (United States Data Compendium) and XFLR software. The purpose of this research was to compare the stability parameters from both pieces of software to determine the efficacy of software solution for a wide-body aircraft at the stated flight conditions. During the initial phase of this project, the geometric parameters were acquired from established literature. In the next phase, stability and control coefficients of the aircraft were estimated using both pieces of software in parallel. Results obtained from both pieces of software were compared for any differences and the both pieces of software were validated with analytical correlations as presented in literature. The plots of various parameters with variations of the angle of attack or control surface deflection have also been obtained and presented. The differences between the software solutions and the analytical results can be associated with approximations of techniques used in software (the vortex lattice method is the background theory used in both DATCOM and XFLR). Additionally, from the results, it can be concluded that XFLR is more reliable than DATCOM for longitudinal, directional, and lateral stability/control coefficients. Analyses of a Boeing 747-200 (a wide-body commercial airliner) in DATCOM and XFLR for complete stability/control analysis including all modes in the longitudinal and lateral directions have been presented. DATCOM already has a sample analysis of a previous version of the Boeing 737; however, the Boeing 747-200 is much larger than the former, and complete analysis was, therefore, felt necessary to study its aerodynamics characteristics. Furthermore, in this research, it was concluded that XFLR is more reliable for various categories of aircraft alike in terms of general stability and control coefficients, and hence many aircraft can be dependably modeled and analyzed in this software.
Seismic Ground Response Prediction Based on Multilayer Perceptron
Authors: Yoo Jaewon , Hong Seokgyeong , Ahn Jaehun
Published: February 2021

Earthquake disasters can cause enormous social and economic damage, and therefore the sustainability of infrastructure requires the mitigation of earthquake consequences. In seismic design of infrastructures, it is essential to estimate the response of the site during earthquake. Geotechnical engineers have developed quantitative methods for analyzing the seismic ground response. This study proposes a multilayer perceptron (MLP) model to evaluate the seismic response of the surface based on the seismic motion at the bedrock (or 100 m level), and compares its performance with that of a conventional model. A total of 6 sites, with 100 earthquake events at each site, were selected from the Kiban Kyoshin Network (KiK-net) and used as datasets. The acceleration response spectra were calculated from the predicted and measured (baseline) acceleration histories and compared. The proposed MLP model predicted the magnitudes of response and the natural periods where the response amplifies closely with the measured ground motions (baseline). The MLP model outperformed the conventional model for seismic ground response analysis. However, the proposed model did not perform as well for earthquakes whose response spectra exceed 2 g due to a deficiency in large earthquake measurements in the training datasets.
Biomechanics of Trail Running Performance: Quantification of Spatio-Temporal Parameters by Using Low Cost Sensors in Ecological Conditions
Authors: Perrotin Noé , Gardan Nicolas , Lesprillier Arnaud , Le Goff Clément , Seigneur Jean-Marc , Abdi Ellie , Sanudo Borja , Taiar Redha
Published: February 2021

The recent popularity of trail running and the use of portable sensors capable of measuring many performance results have led to the growth of new fields in sports science experimentation. Trail running is a challenging sport; it usually involves running uphill, which is physically demanding and therefore requires adaptation to the running style. The main objectives of this study were initially to use three “low-cost” sensors. These low-cost sensors can be acquired by most sports practitioners or trainers. In the second step, measurements were taken in ecological conditions orderly to expose the runners to a real trail course. Furthermore, to combine the collected data to analyze the most efficient running techniques according to the typology of the terrain were taken, as well on the whole trail circuit of less than 10 km. The three sensors used were (i) a Stryd sensor (Stryd Inc., Boulder, CO, USA) based on an inertial measurement unit (IMU), 6 axes (3-axis gyroscope, 3-axis accelerometer) fixed on the top of the runner’s shoe, (ii) a Global Positioning System (GPS) watch and (iii) a heart belt. Twenty-eight trail runners (25 men, 3 women: average age 36 ± 8 years; height: 175.4 ± 7.2 cm; weight: 68.7 ± 8.7 kg) of different levels completed in a single race over a 8.5 km course with 490 m of positive elevation gain. This was performed with different types of terrain uphill (UH), downhill (DH), and road sections (R) at their competitive race pace. On these sections of the course, cadence (SF), step length (SL), ground contact time (GCT), flight time (FT), vertical oscillation (VO), leg stiffness (Kleg), and power (P) were measured with the Stryd. Heart rate, speed, ascent, and descent speed were measured by the heart rate belt and the GPS watch. This study showed that on a ≤10 km trail course the criteria for obtaining a better time on the loop, determined in the test, was consistency in the effort. In a high percentage of climbs (>30%), two running techniques stand out: (i) maintaining a high SF and a short SL and (ii) decreasing the SF but increasing the SL. In addition, it has been shown that in steep (>28%) and technical descents, the average SF of the runners was higher. This happened when their SL was shorter in lower steep and technically challenging descents.
Monolithic Double Resonator for Quartz Enhanced Photoacoustic Spectroscopy
Authors: Rousseau Roman , Ayache Diba , Maurin Nicolas , Trzpil Wioletta , Bahriz Michael , Vicet Aurore
Published: February 2021

A new approach for Quartz Enhanced Photoacoustic Spectroscopy is presented, based on an acoustic excitation from the outside of the prongs of a quartz tuning fork, to increase the sensitivity of the sensor. For this purpose, we introduce a monolithic acoustic double-resonator (double-mR) in a T-shape configuration, using 3D printing. It was modelized and experimentally characterized using a 1392 nm distributed feedback laser diode, targeting a water vapor absorption line. The setup showed a two-factor enhancement of the signal, compared to a classical off-beam QEPAS approach and confirmed the strong interest of photolithographic printing techniques for acoustic developments.
A New Inverted Topp-Leone Distribution: Applications to the COVID-19 Mortality Rate in Two Different Countries
Authors: Almetwally Ehab , Alharbi Randa , Alnagar Dalia , Hafez Eslam
Published: February 2021

This paper aims to find a statistical model for the COVID-19 spread in the United Kingdom and Canada. We used an efficient and superior model for fitting the COVID 19 mortality rates in these countries by specifying an optimal statistical model. A new lifetime distribution with two-parameter is introduced by a combination of inverted Topp-Leone distribution and modified Kies family to produce the modified Kies inverted Topp-Leone (MKITL) distribution, which covers a lot of application that both the traditional inverted Topp-Leone and the modified Kies provide poor fitting for them. This new distribution has many valuable properties as simple linear representation, hazard rate function, and moment function. We made several methods of estimations as maximum likelihood estimation, least squares estimators, weighted least-squares estimators, maximum product spacing, Crame´r-von Mises estimators, and Anderson-Darling estimators methods are applied to estimate the unknown parameters of MKITL distribution. A numerical result of the Monte Carlo simulation is obtained to assess the use of estimation methods. also, we applied different data sets to the new distribution to assess its performance in modeling data.
Preparation, Optimization and In-Vitro Evaluation of Curcumin-Loaded Niosome@calcium Alginate Nanocarrier as a New Approach for Breast Cancer Treatment
Authors: Akbarzadeh Iman , Shayan Mona , Bourbour Mahsa , Moghtaderi Maryam , Noorbazargan Hassan , Eshrati Yeganeh Faten , Saffar Samaneh , Tahriri Mohammadreza
Published: February 2021

Cancer is one of the most common causes of mortality, and its various treatment methods can have many challenges for patients. As one of the most widely used cancer treatments, chemotherapy may result in diverse side effects. The lack of targeted drug delivery to tumor tissues can raise the possibility of damage to healthy tissues, with attendant dysfunction. In the present study, an optimum formulation of curcumin-loaded niosomes with a calcium alginate shell (AL-NioC) was developed and optimized by a three-level Box–Behnken design—in terms of dimension and drug loading efficiency. The niosomes were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering. The as-formulated niosomes showed excellent stability for up to 1 month at 4 °C. Additionally, the niosomal formulation demonstrated a pH-dependent release; a slow-release profile in physiological pH (7.4), and a more significant release rate at acidic conditions (pH = 3). Cytotoxicity studies showed high compatibility of AL-NioC toward normal MCF10A cells, while significant toxicity was observed in MDA-MB-231 and SKBR3 breast cancer cells. Gene expression studies of the cancer cells showed downregulation of Bcl2, cyclin D, and cyclin E genes, as well as upregulation of P53, Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-9 genes expression following the designed treatment. Flow cytometry studies confirmed a significant enhancement in the apoptosis rate in the presence of AL-NioC in both MDA-MB-231 and SKBR3 cells as compared to other samples. In general, the results of this study demonstrated that—thanks to its biocompatibility toward normal cells—the AL-NioC formulation can efficiently deliver hydrophobic drugs to target cancer cells while reducing side effects.
On Urinary Bladder Cancer Diagnosis: Utilization of Deep Convolutional Generative Adversarial Networks for Data Augmentation
Authors: Lorencin Ivan , Baressi Šegota Sandi , Anđelić Nikola , Mrzljak Vedran , Ćabov Tomislav , Španjol Josip , Car Zlatan
Published: February 2021

Urinary bladder cancer is one of the most common urinary tract cancers. Standard diagnosis procedure can be invasive and time-consuming. For these reasons, procedure called optical biopsy is introduced. This procedure allows in-vivo evaluation of bladder mucosa without the need for biopsy. Although less invasive and faster, accuracy is often lower. For this reason, machine learning (ML) algorithms are used to increase its accuracy. The issue with ML algorithms is their sensitivity to the amount of input data. In medicine, collection can be time-consuming due to a potentially low number of patients. For these reasons, data augmentation is performed, usually through a series of geometric variations of original images. While such images improve classification performance, the number of new data points and the insight they provide is limited. These issues are a motivation for the application of novel augmentation methods. Authors demonstrate the use of Deep Convolutional Generative Adversarial Networks (DCGAN) for the generation of images. Augmented datasets used for training of commonly used Convolutional Neural Network-based (CNN) architectures (AlexNet and VGG-16) show a significcan performance increase for AlexNet, where AUCmicro reaches values up to 0.99. Average and median results of networks used in grid-search increases. These results point towards the conclusion that GAN-based augmentation has decreased the networks sensitivity to hyperparemeter change.
A Novel One-Pot Enzyme Cascade for the Biosynthesis of Cladribine Triphosphate
Authors: Frisch Julia , Maršić Tin , Loderer Christoph
Published: February 2021

Cladribine triphosphate is the active compound of the anti-cancer and multiple sclerosis drug Mavenclad (cladribine). Biosynthesis of such non-natural deoxyribonucleotides is challenging but important in order to study the pharmaceutical modes of action. In this study, we developed a novel one-pot enzyme cascade for the biosynthesis of cladribine triphosphate, starting with the nucleobase 2Cl-adenine and the generic co-substrate phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate. The cascade is comprised of the three enzymes, namely, adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (APT), polyphosphate kinase (PPK), and ribonucleotide reductase (RNR). APT catalyzes the binding of the nucleobase to the ribose moiety, followed by two consecutive phosphorylation reactions by PPK. The formed nucleoside triphosphate is reduced to the final product 2Cl-deoxyadenonsine triphosphate (cladribine triphosphate) by the RNR. The cascade is feasible, showing comparative product concentrations and yields to existing enzyme cascades for nucleotide biosynthesis. While this study is limited to the biosynthesis of cladribine triphosphate, the design of the cascade offers the potential to extend its application to other important deoxyribonucleotides.
Incorporation of α2-Plasmin Inhibitor into Fibrin Clots and Its Association with the Clinical Outcome of Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients
Authors: Bagoly Zsuzsa , Baráth Barbara , Orbán-Kálmándi Rita , Szegedi István , Bogáti Réka , Sarkady Ferenc , Csiba László , Katona Éva
Published: February 2021

Cross-linking of α2-plasmin inhibitor (α2-PI) to fibrin by activated factor XIII (FXIIIa) is essential for the inhibition of fibrinolysis. Little is known about the factors modifying α2-PI incorporation into the fibrin clot and whether the extent of incorporation has clinical consequences. Herein we calculated the extent of α2-PI incorporation by measuring α2-PI antigen levels from plasma and serum obtained after clotting the plasma by thrombin and Ca2+. The modifying effect of FXIII was studied by spiking of FXIII-A-deficient plasma with purified plasma FXIII. Fibrinogen, FXIII, α2-PI incorporation, in vitro clot-lysis, soluble fibroblast activation protein and α2-PI p.Arg6Trp polymorphism were measured from samples of 57 acute ischemic stroke patients obtained before thrombolysis and of 26 healthy controls. Increasing FXIII levels even at levels above the upper limit of normal increased α2-PI incorporation into the fibrin clot. α2-PI incorporation of controls and patients with good outcomes did not differ significantly (49.4 ± 4.6% vs. 47.4 ± 6.7%, p = 1.000), however it was significantly lower in patients suffering post-lysis intracranial hemorrhage (37.3 ± 14.0%, p = 0.004). In conclusion, increased FXIII levels resulted in elevated incorporation of α2-PI into fibrin clots. In stroke patients undergoing intravenous thrombolysis treatment, α2-PI incorporation shows an association with the outcome of therapy, particularly with thrombolysis-associated intracranial hemorrhage.
Beneficial Effect of Tempol, a Membrane-Permeable Radical Scavenger, on Inflammation and Osteoarthritis in In Vitro Models
Authors: Calabrese Giovanna , Ardizzone Alessio , Campolo Michela , Conoci Sabrina , Esposito Emanuela , Paterniti Irene
Published: February 2021

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common and widespread diseases which is highly disabling for humans. This makes OA a chronic disease for which it is urgent to find new therapeutic strategies. The inflammatory state in OA contributes to its progression through multiple mechanisms involving the recruitment of phagocytes and leukocytes, inflammatory response, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Tempol (4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl) is classifiable as a piperidine nitroxide, with excellent antioxidant effects, while its anti-inflammatory role is not yet clear. On this basis, we explored its promising biological properties in two in vitro model:, macrophage (J774) and chondrocyte (CC) cell lines. With this aim in mind, we induced inflammation in J774 and CC using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and Interleukin1β (IL-1β), and after 24, 72 and 168 h of tempol treatment analyzed their effects on cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory activity. Our data suggested that tempol treatment is able to reduce inflammation and nitrite production in LPS-induced J774 as well as reducing the production of proinflammatory mediators including cytokines, enzymes, and metalloproteases (MMPs) in IL-1β-stimulated CC. Thus, since inflammation and oxidative stress have a crucial role in the pathogenesis and progression of OA, tempol could be considered as a new therapeutic approach for this pathology.
SIRT1 and SIRT2 Modulators: Potential Anti-Inflammatory Treatment for Depression?
Authors: Zhang Yuqing , Anoopkumar-Dukie Shailendra , Davey Andrew Keith
Published: February 2021

Depression is a psychiatric disorder that has a significant health burden on patients and their families. Unfortunately, the current antidepressant medications that mainly target monoamine neurotransmitters have limited efficacy. Recent evidence has indicated that neuroinflammation participates in the genesis and development of depression, and interacts with other factors involved in depression. Therefore, exploring effective anti-inflammatory medications could be beneficial for the development of new treatment options for depression. Sirtuins are a unique class of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)-dependent deacetylases, which have seven members that can affect multiple downstream targets by deacetylation activity. Among these seven members, SIRT1 and SIRT2 have been shown to participate in the pathophysiology of inflammation in numerous studies. Thus, in this short article, we review the association of SIRT1 and SIRT2 activity and depression, and evidence of the effects of SIRT1 and SIRT2 modulators on inflammation in vitro and depressive-like behaviours in vivo.
PERK Pathway and Neurodegenerative Disease: To Inhibit or to Activate?
Authors: Shacham Talya , Patel Chaitanya , Lederkremer Gerardo Z.
Published: February 2021

With the extension of life span in recent decades, there is an increasing burden of late-onset neurodegenerative diseases, for which effective treatments are lacking. Neurodegenerative diseases include the widespread Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD), the less frequent Huntington’s disease (HD) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and also rare early-onset diseases linked to mutations that cause protein aggregation or loss of function in genes that maintain protein homeostasis. The difficulties in applying gene therapy approaches to tackle these diseases is drawing increasing attention to strategies that aim to inhibit cellular toxicity and restore homeostasis by intervening in cellular pathways. These include the unfolded protein response (UPR), activated in response to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, a cellular affliction that is shared by these diseases. Special focus is turned to the PKR-like ER kinase (PERK) pathway of the UPR as a target for intervention. However, the complexity of the pathway and its ability to promote cell survival or death, depending on ER stress resolution, has led to some confusion in conflicting studies. Both inhibition and activation of the PERK pathway have been reported to be beneficial in disease models, although there are also some reports where they are counterproductive. Although with the current knowledge a definitive answer cannot be given on whether it is better to activate or to inhibit the pathway, the most encouraging strategies appear to rely on boosting some steps without compromising downstream recovery.
The Controversial Role of Autophagy in Ewing Sarcoma Pathogenesis—Current Treatment Options
Authors: Koustas Evangelos , Sarantis Panagiotis , Karamouzis Michalis V. , Vielh Philippe , Theocharis Stamatios
Published: February 2021

Ewing Sarcoma (ES) is a rare, aggressive, and highly metastasizing cancer in children and young adults. Most ES cases carry the fusion of the Ewing Sarcoma Breakpoint Region 1 (EWSR1) and FLI1 (Friend leukemia virus integration site 1) genes, leading to an EWS–FLI1 fused protein, which is associated with autophagy, a homeostatic and catabolic mechanism under normal and pathological conditions. Following such interesting and controversial data regarding autophagy in ES, many clinical trials using modulators of autophagy are now underway in this field. In the present review, we summarize current data and clinical trials that associate autophagy with ES. In vitro studies highlight the controversial role of autophagy as a tumor promoter or a tumor suppressor mechanism in ES. Clinical and in vitro studies on ES, together with the autophagy modulators, suggest that caution should be adopted in the application of autophagy as a therapeutic target. Monitoring and targeting autophagy in every ES patient could eliminate the need for targeting multiple pathways in order to achieve the maximum beneficial effect. Future studies are required to focus on which ES patients are affected by autophagy modulators in order to provide novel and more efficient therapeutic protocols for patients with ES based on the current autophagy status of the tumors.
Activated Protein C (APC) and 3K3A-APC-Induced Regression of Choroidal Neovascularization (CNV) Is Accompanied by Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Reduction
Authors: Livnat Tami , Weinberger Yehonatan , Fernández José A. , Bashir Alaa , Ben-David Gil , Palevski Dahlia , Levy-Mendelovich Sarina , Kenet Gili , Budnik Ivan , Nisgav Yael , Griffin John H. , Weinberger Dov
Published: February 2021

The activated protein C (APC) ability to inhibit choroidal neovascularization (CNV) growth and leakage was recently shown in a murine model. A modified APC, 3K3A-APC, was designed to reduce anticoagulant activity while maintaining full cytoprotective properties, thus diminishing bleeding risk. We aimed to study the ability of 3K3A-APC to induce regression of CNV and evaluate vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) role in APC’s activities in the retina. CNV was induced by laser photocoagulation on C57BL/6J mice. APC and 3K3A-APC were injected intravitreally after verification of CNV presence. CNV volume and vascular penetration were evaluated on retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE)-choroid flatmount by fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran imaging. VEGF levels were measured using immunofluorescence anti-VEGF staining. We found that 3K3A-APC induced regression of pre-existing CNV. VEGF levels, measured in the CNV lesion sites, significantly decreased upon APC and 3K3A-APC treatment. Reduction in VEGF was sustained 14 days post a single APC injection. As 3K3A-APC retained APCs’ activities, we conclude that the anticoagulant properties of APC are not mandatory for APC activities in the retina and that VEGF reduction may contribute to the protective effects of APC and 3K3A-APC. Our results highlight the potential use of 3K3A-APC as a novel treatment for CNV and other ocular pathologies.
Development of Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Materials from Termite Hill Soil Stabilized with Cement for Low-Cost Housing in Chad
Authors: Mahamat Assia Aboubakar , Linda Bih Numfor , Ayeni Olugbenga , Azikiwe Onwualu Peter , Savastano Holmer , Oluwole Soboyejo Winston
Published: February 2021

This paper explores the effects of cement stabilization (5, 10, 15 and 20 wt%) on the structural and mechanical properties (compressive/flexural strengths and fracture toughness) of abandoned termite mound soil. The crystal structures and crystallinity of the constituents were determined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), while the microstructure was characterized via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The functional groups were also identified using Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR). The compressive/flexural strengths of the stabilized and un-stabilized termite mound soil were also studied after curing for 7, 14 and 28 days. The fracture toughness mechanism was analyzed with the aid of the R-curve method. Additionally, the underlying deformation and cracking mechanisms are elucidated via in-situ/ex-situ optical and scanning electron microscopy. The stabilized termite mound soil displayed the highest mechanical properties of 13.91 MPa, 10.25 MPa and 3.52 kPa·m1/2 for compressive strength, flexural strength and fracture toughness, respectively. Besides displaying good mechanical properties and being locally available at no cost, renewable and an eco-friendly material, the termite mound soil will contribute to lowering the cost of housing in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Chad.
Effective Strategies, Mechanisms, and Photocatalytic Efficiency of Semiconductor Nanomaterials Incorporating rGO for Environmental Contaminant Degradation
Authors: Mohd Kaus Noor Haida , Rithwan Ahmad Fadhil , Adnan Rohana , Ibrahim Mohd Lokman , Thongmee Sirikanjana , Mohd Yusoff Siti Fairus
Published: February 2021

The water pollution problems severely affect the natural water resources due to the large disposal of dyes, heavy metals, antibiotics, and pesticides. Advanced oxidation processes (AOP) have been developed using semiconductor nanomaterials as photocatalysts for water treatment as an essential strategy to minimize environmental pollution. Significant research efforts have been dedicated over the past few years to enhancing the photocatalytic efficiencies of semiconductor nanomaterials. Graphene-based composites created by integrating reduced graphene oxide (rGO) into various semiconductor nanomaterials enable the unique characteristics of graphene, such as the extended range of light absorption, the separation of charges, and the high capacity of adsorption of pollutants. Therefore, rGO-based composites improve the overall visible-light photocatalytic efficiency and lead to a new pathway for high-performance photocatalysts’ potential applications. This brief review illustrates the strategies of combining rGO with various semiconductor nanomaterials and focuses primarily on modification and efficiency towards environmental contaminants.
Enhanced Performance of Immobilized Rhizopus oryzae Lipase on Coated Porous Polypropylene Support with Additives
Authors: Sani Fatimah , Mokhtar Nur Fathiah , Mohamad Ali Mohd Shukuri , Raja Abd Rahman Raja Noor Zaliha
Published: February 2021

The immobilization of Rhizopus oryzae lipase (RoL) by hydrophobic adsorption on polypropylene supports with additives was investigated. Additives such as hen egg albumin, sodium caseinate and CAVAMAX® W6 were used to coat the support during immobilization where the immobilized RoL on coated support was compared to those of noncoated support. Following the immobilization, the catalytic activity of immobilized RoL was characterized based on different temperatures and pH. The immobilized RoL without additives showed optimal lipase activity at an optimum temperature of 50 °C and pH 6. However, RoL lipase that was immobilized on support treated with CAVAMAX® W6 had better performance in terms of hydrolytic activity and stability as compared to other additives. In addition, by having a support treated with hen egg albumin, the immobilized RoL was capable of yielding higher ester during esterification reactions.
Advances in Valorization of Lignocellulosic Biomass towards Energy Generation
Authors: Haq Ikram , Qaisar Kinza , Nawaz Ali , Akram Fatima , Mukhtar Hamid , Zohu Xin , Xu Yong , Mumtaz Muhammad , Rashid Umer , Ghani Wan , Choong Thomas
Published: February 2021

The booming demand for energy across the world, especially for petroleum-based fuels, has led to the search for a long-term solution as a perfect source of sustainable energy. Lignocellulosic biomass resolves this obstacle as it is a readily available, inexpensive, and renewable fuel source that fulfills the criteria of sustainability. Valorization of lignocellulosic biomass and its components into value-added products maximizes the energy output and promotes the approach of lignocellulosic biorefinery. However, disruption of the recalcitrant structure of lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) via pretreatment technologies is costly and power-/heat-consuming. Therefore, devising an effective pretreatment method is a challenge. Likewise, the thermochemical and biological lignocellulosic conversion poses problems of efficiency, operational costs, and energy consumption. The advent of integrated technologies would probably resolve this problem. However, it is yet to be explored how to make it applicable at a commercial scale. This article will concisely review basic concepts of lignocellulosic composition and the routes opted by them to produce bioenergy. Moreover, it will also discuss the pros and cons of the pretreatment and conversion methods of lignocellulosic biomass. This critical analysis will bring to light the solutions for efficient and cost-effective conversion of lignocellulosic biomass that would pave the way for the development of sustainable energy systems.
Immune Profiling of Syngeneic Murine and Patient GBMs for Effective Translation of Immunotherapies
Authors: Khalsa Jasneet Kaur , Shah Khalid
Published: February 2021

Immunotherapy for brain tumors remains elusive, unlike many other cancer types for which it is one of the most promising therapeutic options. Recent studies have comprehensively profiled the immune-landscape of the highly malignant brain tumor, glioblastoma (GBM) in patients and identified novel immune-modulatory targets. However, given that pre-clinical exploration of potential novel therapeutics is primarily performed in immune-competent mice, it is vital to compare the immune-profiling data obtained from syngeneic mouse GBM models with GBM patient samples. This will pave the way for utilizing appropriate clinically relevant mouse GBM models for evaluating novel immune-therapies in pre-clinical settings. Recent brain tumor immune-profiling studies using state-of-the-art time of flight cytometry (CyTOF) analysis compared different human and mouse GBM types and reported immunological distinctions amongst these mouse models. These studies also contrast the immune phenotype of brain tumor patients with commonly used pre-clinical immune-competent mouse models. In this perspective, we provide the outcomes of very recent brain tumor immune-profiling studies and their implications on designing and translating unique, tumor-subtype specific therapeutics.
STAT6 Signaling Mediates PPARγ Activation and Resolution of Acute Sterile Inflammation in Mice
Authors: Lee Ye-JI , Kim Bo-Min , Ahn Young-Ho , Choi Ji Ha , Choi Youn-Hee , Kang Jihee Lee
Published: February 2021

The signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) transcription factor promotes activation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) pathway in macrophages. Little is known about the effect of proximal signal transduction leading to PPARγ activation for the resolution of acute inflammation. Here, we studied the role of STAT6 signaling in PPARγ activation and the resolution of acute sterile inflammation in a murine model of zymosan-induced peritonitis. First, we showed that STAT6 is aberrantly activated in peritoneal macrophages after zymosan injection. Utilizing STAT6−/− and wild-type (WT) mice, we found that STAT6 deficiency further enhanced zymosan-induced proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 in peritoneal lavage fluid (PLF) and serum, neutrophil numbers and total protein amount in PLF, but reduced proresolving molecules, such as IL-10 and hepatocyte growth factor, in PLF. The peritoneal macrophages and spleens of STAT6−/− mice exhibited lower mRNA and protein levels of PPARγ and its target molecules over the course of inflammation than those of WT mice. The deficiency of STAT6 was shown to impair efferocytosis by peritoneal macrophages. Taken together, these results suggest that enhanced STAT6 signaling results in PPARγ-mediated macrophage programming, contributing to increased efferocytosis and inflammation resolution.