bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Roles of Lysyl Oxidase Family Members in the Tumor Microenvironment and Progression of Liver Cancer
Authors: Lin Hung-Yu , Li Chia-Jung , Yang Ya-Ling , Huang Ying-Hsien , Hsiau Ya-Tze , Chu Pei-Yi
Published: December 2020

The lysyl oxidase (LOX) family members are secreted copper-dependent amine oxidases, comprised of five paralogues: LOX and LOX-like l-4 (LOXL1-4), which are characterized by catalytic activity contributing to the remodeling of the cross-linking of the structural extracellular matrix (ECM). ECM remodeling plays a key role in the angiogenesis surrounding tumors, whereby a corrupt tumor microenvironment (TME) takes shape. Primary liver cancer includes hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), ranked as the seventh most common cancer globally, with limited therapeutic options for advanced stages. In recent years, a growing body of evidence has revealed the key roles of LOX family members in the pathogenesis of liver cancer and the shaping of TME, indicating their notable potential as therapeutic targets. We herein review the clinical value and novel biological roles of LOX family members in tumor progression and the TME of liver cancers. In addition, we highlight recent insights into their mechanisms and their potential involvement in the development of target therapy for liver cancer.
Juvenile Leaves or Adult Leaves: Determinants for Vegetative Phase Change in Flowering Plants
Authors: Manuela Darren , Xu Mingli
Published: December 2020

Vegetative leaves in Arabidopsis are classified as either juvenile leaves or adult leaves based on their specific traits, such as leaf shape and the presence of abaxial trichomes. The timing of the juvenile-to-adult phase transition during vegetative development, called the vegetative phase change, is a critical decision for plants, as this transition is associated with crop yield, stress responses, and immune responses. Juvenile leaves are characterized by high levels of miR156/157, and adult leaves are characterized by high levels of miR156/157 targets, SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE (SPL) transcription factors. The discovery of this miR156/157-SPL module provided a critical tool for elucidating the complex regulation of the juvenile-to-adult phase transition in plants. In this review, we discuss how the traits of juvenile leaves and adult leaves are determined by the miR156/157-SPL module and how different factors, including embryonic regulators, sugar, meristem regulators, hormones, and epigenetic proteins are involved in controlling the juvenile-to-adult phase transition, focusing on recent insights into vegetative phase change. We also highlight outstanding questions in the field that need further investigation. Understanding how vegetative phase change is regulated would provide a basis for manipulating agricultural traits under various conditions.
Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Increases the Adhesion of Lactobacillus reuteri to Host Mucin to Enhance Probiotic Effects
Authors: Deng Zhaoxi , Dai Tian , Zhang Wenming , Zhu Junli , Luo Xin , Fu Dongyan , Liu Jianxin , Wang Haifeng
Published: December 2020

The ability to adhere to the intestinal mucus layer is an important property of probiotic bacteria. Lactobacillus reuteri strains ZJ615 and ZJ617 show low and high adhesion, respectively, to intestinal epithelial cells. In this study, we quantified bacterial cell wall-associated glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenases (cw-GAPDH) and bacterial cell membrane permeability in both strains using immunoblotting and flow cytometry, respectively. Highly adhesive L. reuteri ZJ617 possessed significantly more cw-GAPDH, higher cell membrane permeability, and significantly higher adhesive ability toward mucin compared with low-adhesive L. reuteri ZJ615. In vitro adhesion studies and analysis of interaction kinetics using the Octet, the system revealed significantly decreased interaction between L. reuteri and mucin when mucin was oxidized when bacterial surface proteins were removed when bacteria were heat-inactivated at 80 °C for 30 min, and when the interaction was blocked with an anti-GAPDH antibody. SWISS-MODEL analysis suggested intensive interactions between mucin glycans (GalNAcα1-O-Ser, GalNAcαSer, and Galβ3GalNAc) and GAPDH. Furthermore, in vivo studies revealed significantly higher numbers of bacteria adhering to the jejunum, ileum, and colon of piglets orally inoculated with L. reuteri ZJ617 compared with those inoculated with L. reuteri ZJ615; this led to a significantly decreased rate of diarrhea in piglets inoculated with L. reuteri ZJ617. In conclusion, there are strong correlations among the abundance of cw-GAPDH in L. reuteri, the ability of the bacterium to adhere to the host, and the health benefits of this probiotic.
Identification and Physicochemical Characterization of a New Allergen from Ascaris lumbricoides
Authors: Ahumada Velky , Manotas María , Zakzuk Josefina , Aglas Lorenz , Coronado Sandra , Briza Peter , Lackner Peter , Regino Ronald , Araujo Galber , Ferreira Fatima , Caraballo Luis
Published: December 2020

To analyze the impact of Ascaris lumbricoides infection on the pathogenesis and diagnosis of allergic diseases, new allergens should be identified. We report the identification of a new Ascaris lumbricoides allergen, Asc l 5. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical and immunological features of the Asc l 5 allergen. We constructed an A. lumbricoides cDNA library and Asc l 5 was identified by immunoscreening. After purification, rAsc l 5 was physicochemically characterized. Evaluation of its allergenic activity included determination of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) binding frequency (in two populations: 254 children and 298 all-age subjects), CD203c based-basophil activation tests (BAT) and a passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) mouse model. We found by amino acid sequence analysis that Asc l 5 belongs to the SXP/RAL-2 protein family of nematodes. rAsc l 5 is a monomeric protein with an alpha-helical folding. IgE sensitization to rAsc l 5 was around 52% in general population; positive BAT rate was 60%. rAsc l 5 induced specific IgE production in mice and a positive PCA reaction. These results show that Asc l 5 has structural and immunological characteristics to be considered as a new allergen from A. lumbricoides.
Influence of Natural Killer Cells and Natural Killer T Cells on Periodontal Disease: A Systematic Review of the Current Literature
Authors: Seidel Andreas , Seidel Corinna L. , Weider Matthias , Junker Rüdiger , Gölz Lina , Schmetzer Helga
Published: December 2020

Natural killer (NK) cells, as members of the innate immune system, and natural killer T (NKT) cells, bridging innate and adaptive immunity, play a prominent role in chronic inflammatory diseases and cancerogenesis, yet have scarcely been examined in oral diseases. Therefore, systematic research on the latest literature focusing on NK/NKT cell-mediated mechanisms in periodontal disease, including the time period 1988–2020, was carried out in MEDLINE (PubMed) using a predetermined search strategy, with a final selection of 25 studies. The results showed that NK cells tend to have rather proinflammatory influences via cytokine production, cytotoxic effects, dendritic-cell-crosstalk, and autoimmune reactions, while contrarily, NKT cell-mediated mechanisms were proinflammatory and immunoregulatory, ranging from protective effects via B-cell-regulation, specific antibody production, and the suppression of autoimmunity to destructive effects via cytokine production, dendritic-cell-crosstalk, and T-/B-cell interactions. Since NK cells seem to have a proinflammatory role in periodontitis, further research should focus on the proinflammatory and immunoregulatory properties of NKT cells in order to create, in addition to antibacterial strategies in dental inflammatory disease, novel anti-inflammatory therapeutic approaches modulating host immunity towards dental health.
The Effect of Intraoperative Magnesium Sulphate Infusion on Emergence Agitation after Ambulatory Ophthalmic Surgery in Children
Authors: Lee Yea-Ji , Kim Bo-Young , Park Jae-Hee , Kim Sae-Yeon , Park Hee-Yeon , Do Sang-Hwan
Published: December 2020

This study investigated whether intraoperative infusion of magnesium sulphate reduces the incidence of emergence agitation (EA) in paediatric patients who undergo ambulatory ophthalmic surgery using the Paediatric Anaesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) scale. Ninety-two paediatric patients who were scheduled for elective ophthalmic surgery were randomly allocated to two groups: control or magnesium. In the magnesium group, patients received an initial intravenous loading dose of 30 mg/kg of 10% solution of magnesium sulphate over 10 min and then a continuous infusion of 10 mg/kg×h during the surgery. In the control group, an equal volume of 0.9% isotonic saline was administered in the same way as in the magnesium group. The PAED scale was assessed at 15-min intervals until the PAED score reached below 10 at the postanaesthetic care unit. EA was defined as a PAED score of 10 or higher. Of the 86 patients recruited, 44 and 42 were allocated to the control and magnesium groups, respectively. The incidence of EA was 77.3% in the control group and 57.1% in the magnesium group (odds ratio, 0.392; 95% confidence interval, 0.154 to 0.997; p = 0.046). The intraoperative infusion of magnesium sulphate significantly reduced the incidence of EA.
Effect of Phenolic Resin on the Rheological and Morphological Characteristics of Styrene-Butadiene Rubber-Modified Asphalt
Authors: Cheng Peifeng , Li Yiming , Zhang Zhanming
Published: December 2020

To improve the thermal-aging stability and rheological performance of styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR)-modified asphalt, phenolic resin (PF) was introduced in the process of preparing SBR-modified asphalt by melt blending. The effect of PF and SBR on the high and low-temperature rheological performance of the asphalt binder before and after aging was evaluated by a temperature and frequency sweep using a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and fluorescence microscopy (FM) were used to further investigate the effect of PF and SBR on the thermal stability and morphological characteristics of the asphalt binder. The results showed that the addition of PF can enhance the high-temperature deformation resistance and short-term aging resistance of SBR-modified asphalt. Moreover, PF and SBR form an embedded network structure within the asphalt binder and alleviate the deterioration of the polymer during the aging process. Compared with SBR-modified asphalt, the chemical system of composite-modified asphalt is more stable, and it can remain stable with an aging time of less than 5 h.
Inhibition of Biofilm Formation by Modified Oxylipins from the Shipworm Symbiont Teredinibacter turnerae
Authors: Lacerna Noel M. , Ramones Cydee Marie V. , Robes Jose Miguel D. , Picart Myra Ruth D. , Tun Jortan O. , Miller Bailey W. , Haygood Margo G. , Schmidt Eric W. , Salvador-Reyes Lilibeth A. , Concepcion Gisela P.
Published: December 2020

The bioactivity-guided purification of the culture broth of the shipworm endosymbiont Teredinibacter turnerae strain 991H.S.0a.06 yielded a new fatty acid, turneroic acid (1), and two previously described oxylipins (2–3). Turneroic acid (1) is an 18-carbon fatty acid decorated by a hydroxy group and an epoxide ring. Compounds 1–3 inhibited bacterial biofilm formation in Staphylococcus epidermidis, while only 3 showed antimicrobial activity against planktonic S. epidermidis. Comparison of the bioactivity of 1–3 with structurally related compounds indicated the importance of the epoxide moiety for selective and potent biofilm inhibition.
Cyanobacteria and Red Macroalgae as Potential Sources of Antioxidants and UV Radiation-Absorbing Compounds for Cosmeceutical Applications
Authors: Vega Julia , Bonomi-Barufi José , Gómez-Pinchetti Juan Luis , Figueroa Félix L.
Published: December 2020

In recent years, research on natural products has gained considerable attention, particularly in the cosmetic industry, which is looking for new bio-active and biodegradable molecules. In this study, cosmetic properties of cyanobacteria and red macroalgae were analyzed. The extractions were conducted in different solvents (water, ethanol and two combinations of water:ethanol). The main molecules with antioxidant and photoprotective capacity were mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs), scytonemin and phenolic compounds. The highest contents of scytonemin (only present in cyanobacteria) were observed in Scytonema sp. (BEA 1603B) and Lyngbya sp. (BEA 1328B). The highest concentrations of MAAs were found in the red macroalgae Porphyra umbilicalis, Gelidium corneum and Osmundea pinnatifida and in the cyanobacterium Lyngbya sp. Scytonema sp. was the unique species that presented an MAA with maximum absorption in the UV-B band, being identified as mycosporine-glutaminol for the first time in this species. The highest content of polyphenols was observed in Scytonema sp. and P. umbilicalis. Water was the best extraction solvent for MAAs and phenols, whereas scytonemin was better extracted in a less polar solvent such as ethanol:dH2O (4:1). Cyanobacterium extracts presented higher antioxidant activity than those of red macroalgae. Positive correlations of antioxidant activity with different molecules, especially polyphenols, biliproteins and MAAs, were observed. Hydroethanolic extracts of some species incorporated in creams showed an increase in the photoprotection capacity in comparison with the base cream. Extracts of these organisms could be used as natural photoprotectors improving the diversity of sunscreens. The combination of different extracts enriched in scytonemin and MAAs could be useful to design broad-band natural UV-screen cosmeceutical products.
Role of Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Pediatric Pneumonia
Authors: Bianchini Sonia , Silvestri Ettore , Argentiero Alberto , Fainardi Valentina , Pisi Giovanna , Esposito Susanna
Published: December 2020

Respiratory viral infections represent the leading cause of hospitalization in infants and young children worldwide and the second leading cause of infant mortality. Among these, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) represents the main cause of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in young children worldwide. RSV manifestation can range widely from mild upper respiratory infections to severe respiratory infections, mainly bronchiolitis and pneumonia, leading to hospitalization, serious complications (such as respiratory failure), and relevant sequalae in childhood and adulthood (wheezing, asthma, and hyperreactive airways). There are no specific clinical signs or symptoms that can distinguish RSV infection from other respiratory pathogens. New multiplex platforms offer the possibility to simultaneously identify different pathogens, including RSV, with an accuracy similar to that of single polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the majority of cases. At present, the treatment of RSV infection relies on supportive therapy, mainly consisting of oxygen and hydration. Palivizumab is the only prophylactic method available for RSV infection. Advances in technology and scientific knowledge have led to the creation of different kinds of vaccines and drugs to treat RSV infection. Despite the good level of these studies, there are currently few registered strategies to prevent or treat RSV due to difficulties related to the unpredictable nature of the disease and to the specific target population.
Bioorthogonal Reactions in Activity-Based Protein Profiling
Authors: Verhelst Steven H. L. , Bonger Kimberly M. , Willems Lianne I.
Published: December 2020

Activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) is a powerful technique to label and detect active enzyme species within cell lysates, cells, or whole animals. In the last two decades, a wide variety of applications and experimental read-out techniques have been pursued in order to increase our understanding of physiological and pathological processes, to identify novel drug targets, to evaluate selectivity of drugs, and to image probe targets in cells. Bioorthogonal chemistry has substantially contributed to the field of ABPP, as it allows the introduction of tags, which may be bulky or have unfavorable physicochemical properties, at a late stage in the experiment. In this review, we give an overview of the bioorthogonal reactions that have been implemented in ABPP, provide examples of applications of bioorthogonal chemistry in ABPP, and share some thoughts on future directions.
Protein-Protein Interaction Disruptors of the YAP/TAZ-TEAD Transcriptional Complex
Authors: Pobbati Ajaybabu V. , Rubin Brian P.
Published: December 2020

The identification of protein-protein interaction disruptors (PPIDs) that disrupt the YAP/TAZ-TEAD interaction has gained considerable momentum. Several studies have shown that YAP/TAZ are no longer oncogenic when their interaction with the TEAD family of transcription factors is disrupted. The transcriptional co-regulator YAP (its homolog TAZ) interact with the surface pockets of TEADs. Peptidomimetic modalities like cystine-dense peptides and YAP cyclic and linear peptides exploit surface pockets (interface 2 and interface 3) on TEADs and function as PPIDs. The TEAD surface might pose a challenge for generating an effective small molecule PPID. Interestingly, TEADs also have a central pocket that is distinct from the surface pockets, and which small molecules leverage exclusively to disrupt the YAP/TAZ-TEAD interaction (allosteric PPIDs). Although small molecules that occupy the central pocket belong to diverse classes, they display certain common features. They are flexible, which allows them to adopt a palmitate-like conformation, and they have a predominant hydrophobic portion that contacts several hydrophobic residues and a small hydrophilic portion that faces the central pocket opening. Despite such progress, more selective PPIDs that also display favorable pharmacokinetic properties and show tolerable toxicity profiles are required to evaluate the feasibility of using these PPIDs for cancer therapy.
New Application of 1,2,4-Triazole Derivatives as Antitubercular Agents. Structure, In Vitro Screening and Docking Studies
Authors: Karczmarzyk Zbigniew , Swatko-Ossor Marta , Wysocki Waldemar , Drozd Monika , Ginalska Grazyna , Pachuta-Stec Anna , Pitucha Monika
Published: December 2020

A series of 1,2,4-triazole derivatives were synthesized and assigned as potential anti-tuberculosis substances. The molecular and crystal structures for the model compounds C1, C12, and C13 were determined using X-ray analysis. The X-ray investigation confirmed the synthesis pathway and the assumed molecular structures for analyzed 1,2,4-triazol-5-thione derivatives. The conformational preferences resulting from rotational degrees of freedom of the 1,2,4-triazole ring substituents were characterized. The lipophilicity (logP) and electronic parameters as the energy of frontier orbitals, dipole moments, NBO net charge distribution on the atoms, and electrostatic potential distribution for all structures were calculated at AM1 and DFT/B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level. The in vitro test was done against M. tuberculosis H37Ra, M. phlei, M. smegmatis, and M. timereck. The obtained results clearly confirmed the antituberculosis potential of compound C4, which turned out to be the most active against Mycobacterium H37Ra (MIC = 0.976 μg/mL), Mycobaterium pheli (MIC = 7.81 μg/mL) and Mycobacerium timereck (62.6 μg/mL). Satisfactory results were obtained with compounds C8, C11, C14 versus Myc. H37Ra, Myc. pheli, Myc. timereck (MIC = 31.25−62.5 μg/mL). The molecular docking studies were carried out for all investigated compounds using the Mycobacterium tuberculosis cytochrome P450 CYP121 enzyme as molecular a target connected with antimycobacterial activity.
Multicomponent Synthesis of Luminescent Iminoboronates
Authors: Guieu Samuel , Esteves Cátia I. C. , Rocha João , Silva Artur M. S.
Published: December 2020

A family of iminoboronates was prepared through a one-pot multicomponent reaction, starting from boronic acid, anthranilic acid, and different salicylaldehydes. Their synthesis was straightforward and the complexes were obtained in good to excellent yields. Their photophysical properties were assessed in a diluted solution, and the complexes proved to be faintly luminescent. These chelates demonstrated remarkable Aggregation-Induced Emission Enhancement, which was rationalized using crystal structures.
Optimization and Fabrication of an MOEMS Gyroscope Based on a WGM Resonator
Authors: Xia Dunzhu , Zhang Bing , Wu Hao , Wu Tao
Published: December 2020

In this paper, the characterization of a whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonator applied in a novel micro-opto-electro-mechanical system (MOEMS) gyroscope was investigated. The WGM optical transmission coupling model was analyzed and compared by adjusting key parameters, such as the cavity radius, the waveguide width, and the gap between them for silicon and silicon nitride materials in simulations, which will greatly affect the quality factor (Q) of the WGM resonator. Furthermore, the structural parameters of the disk resonant gyroscope were also optimized. Then, the fabrication process was optimized to overcome the difficulties in the realization of micro-optical devices. Finally, a gyroscope prototype with the integrated WGM resonator was verified experimentally. The scale factor and bias instability performance of the MOEMS gyroscope was 2.63 mv/°/s and 4.0339°/h, respectively.
A Review on Auditory Perception for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Authors: Martinez-Carranza Jose , Rascon Caleb
Published: December 2020

Although a significant amount of work has been carried out for visual perception in the context of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), not so much has been done regarding auditory perception. The latter can complement the observation of the environment that surrounds a UAV by providing additional information that can be used to detect, classify, and localize audio sources of interest. Motivated by the usefulness of auditory perception for UAVs, we present a literature review that discusses the audio techniques and microphone configurations reported in the literature. A categorization of techniques is proposed based on the role a UAV plays in the auditory perception (is it the one being perceived or is it the perceiver?), as well as a set of objectives that are more popularly aimed to be accomplished in the current literature (detection, classification, and localization). This literature review aims to provide a concise landscape of the most relevant works on auditory perception in the context of UAVs to date and provides insights into future avenues of research as a guide to those who are beginning to work in this field.
Novel Resonance-Based Wireless Power Transfer Using Mixed Coupling
Authors: Park SangWook , Ahn Seungyoung
Published: December 2020

This study presents an equivalent circuit model for the analysis of wireless power transfer (WPT) through both electric and magnetic couplings using merely a resonant coupler. Moreover, the frequency split phenomenon, which occurs when transmitting couplers are near receiving couplers, is explained. This phenomenon was analyzed using simple circuit models derived via a mode decomposition technique. To verify the proposed method, a resonant coupler using mixed coupling was designed and its efficiency was compared with the result obtained using a commercial electromagnetic solver. The results of this study are expected to aid in designing various WPT couplers or sensor antennas by selecting electric, magnetic, or mixed couplings. Furthermore, the results of this study are expected to be applied to technologies that sense objects, or simultaneously transmit and receive information and power wirelessly.
A Survey of Alzheimer’s Disease Early Diagnosis Methods for Cognitive Assessment
Authors: Fernández Montenegro Juan Manuel , Villarini Barbara , Angelopoulou Anastassia , Kapetanios Epaminondas , Garcia-Rodriguez Jose , Argyriou Vasileios
Published: December 2020

Dementia is a syndrome that is characterised by the decline of different cognitive abilities. A high rate of deaths and high cost for detection, treatments, and patients care count amongst its consequences. Although there is no cure for dementia, a timely diagnosis helps in obtaining necessary support, appropriate medication, and maintenance, as far as possible, of engagement in intellectual, social, and physical activities. The early detection of Alzheimer Disease (AD) is considered to be of high importance for improving the quality of life of patients and their families. In particular, Virtual Reality (VR) is an expanding tool that can be used in order to assess cognitive abilities while navigating through a Virtual Environment (VE). The paper summarises common AD screening and diagnosis techniques focusing on the latest approaches that are based on Virtual Environments, behaviour analysis, and emotions recognition, aiming to provide more reliable and non-invasive diagnostics at home or in a clinical environment. Furthermore, different AD diagnosis evaluation methods and metrics are presented and discussed together with an overview of the different datasets.
A Microwave Three-Dimensional Imaging Method Based on Optimal Wave Spectrum Reconstruction
Authors: Zhang Yan , Wang Baoping , Fang Yang , Song Zuxun
Published: December 2020

Limited by the Shannon–Nyquist sampling law, the number of antenna elements and echo signal data of the traditional microwave three-dimensional (3D) imaging system are extremely high. Compressed sensing imaging methods based on sparse representation of target scene can reduce the data sampling rate, but the dictionary matrix of these methods takes a lot of memory, and the imaging has poor quality for continuously distributed targets. For the above problems, a microwave 3D imaging method based on optimal wave spectrum reconstruction and optimization with target reflectance gradient is proposed in this paper. Based on the analysis of the spatial distribution characteristics of the target echo in the frequency domain, this method constructs an orthogonal projection reconstruction model for the wavefront to realize the optimal reconstruction of the target wave spectrum. Then, the inverse Fourier transform of the optimal target wave spectrum is optimized according to the law of the target reflectance gradient distribution. The proposed method has the advantages of less memory space and less computation time. What is more, the method has a better imaging quality for the continuously distributed target. The computer simulation experiment and microwave anechoic chamber measurement experiment verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Sea Surface Imaging with a Shortened Delayed-Dechirp Process of Airborne FMCW SAR for Ocean Monitoring on Emergency
Authors: Hwang Ji-hwan , Kim Duk-jin
Published: December 2020

A sea surface imaging technique for an emergency response using a ready-made frequency modulated continuous wave–synthetic aperture radar (FMCW SAR) system and its experimental results are described in this paper. The optimal range of radiowave incidence angle for sea surface imaging was analyzed by a theoretical scattering model and measurement data, and it was properly applied to the FMCW SAR system by readjusting the delayed-dechirp process. Raw data acquired through flight experiments were reconstructed to SAR image by the range-doppler algorithm. To verify the performance of the reconstructed sea surface image, dual-channel images collected by the configuration of the along-track interferometry were used, and then performance indicators such as signal attenuation, coherence, and phase difference were analyzed. Through this experimental study, it was confirmed that the ready-made FMCW SAR system without a function of the incident angle control can also conduct limited missions for maritime observation. It is possible to be an alternative resource for emergency response, in which the cases are requiring urgent maritime disaster detection and analysis.
3D Motion Capture May Detect Spatiotemporal Changes in Pre-Reaching Upper Extremity Movements with and without a Real-Time Constraint Condition in Infants with Perinatal Stroke and Cerebral Palsy: A Longitudinal Case Series
Authors: Mazzarella Julia , McNally Mike , Richie Daniel , Chaudhari Ajit M. W. , Buford John A. , Pan Xueliang , Heathcock Jill C.
Published: December 2020

Perinatal stroke (PS), occurring between 20 weeks of gestation and 28 days of life, is a leading cause of hemiplegic cerebral palsy (HCP). Hallmarks of HCP are motor and sensory impairments on one side of the body—especially the arm and hand contralateral to the stroke (involved side). HCP is diagnosed months or years after the original brain injury. One effective early intervention for this population is constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT), where the uninvolved arm is constrained by a mitt or cast, and therapeutic activities are performed with the involved arm. In this preliminary investigation, we used 3D motion capture to measure the spatiotemporal characteristics of pre-reaching upper extremity movements and any changes that occurred when constraint was applied in a real-time laboratory simulation. Participants were N = 14 full-term infants: N = six infants with typical development; and N = eight infants with PS (N = three infants with PS were later diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP)) followed longitudinally from 2 to 6 months of age. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using 3D motion capture to identify the differences in the spatiotemporal characteristics of the pre-reaching upper extremity movements between the diagnosis group, involved versus uninvolved side, and with versus and without constraint applied in real time. This would be an excellent application of wearable sensors, allowing some of these measurements to be taken in a clinical or home setting.
Accuracy and Acceptability of Wearable Motion Tracking for Inpatient Monitoring Using Smartwatches
Authors: Auepanwiriyakul Chaiyawan , Waibel Sigourney , Songa Joanna , Bentley Paul , Faisal A. Aldo
Published: December 2020

Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) within an everyday consumer smartwatch offer a convenient and low-cost method to monitor the natural behaviour of hospital patients. However, their accuracy at quantifying limb motion, and clinical acceptability, have not yet been demonstrated. To this end we conducted a two-stage study: First, we compared the inertial accuracy of wrist-worn IMUs, both research-grade (Xsens MTw Awinda, and Axivity AX3) and consumer-grade (Apple Watch Series 3 and 5), and optical motion tracking (OptiTrack). Given the moderate to strong performance of the consumer-grade sensors, we then evaluated this sensor and surveyed the experiences and attitudes of hospital patients (N = 44) and staff (N = 15) following a clinical test in which patients wore smartwatches for 1.5–24 h in the second study. Results indicate that for acceleration, Xsens is more accurate than the Apple Series 5 and 3 smartwatches and Axivity AX3 (RMSE 1.66 ± 0.12 m·s−2; R2 0.78 ± 0.02; RMSE 2.29 ± 0.09 m·s−2; R2 0.56 ± 0.01; RMSE 2.14 ± 0.09 m·s−2; R2 0.49 ± 0.02; RMSE 4.12 ± 0.18 m·s−2; R2 0.34 ± 0.01 respectively). For angular velocity, Series 5 and 3 smartwatches achieved similar performances against Xsens with RMSE 0.22 ± 0.02 rad·s−1; R2 0.99 ± 0.00; and RMSE 0.18 ± 0.01 rad·s−1; R2 1.00± SE 0.00, respectively. Surveys indicated that in-patients and healthcare professionals strongly agreed that wearable motion sensors are easy to use, comfortable, unobtrusive, suitable for long-term use, and do not cause anxiety or limit daily activities. Our results suggest that consumer smartwatches achieved moderate to strong levels of accuracy compared to laboratory gold-standard and are acceptable for pervasive monitoring of motion/behaviour within hospital settings.
A Fabric-Based Textile Stretch Sensor for Optimized Measurement of Strain in Clothing
Authors: Teyeme Yetanawork , Malengier Benny , Tesfaye Tamrat , Van Langenhove Lieva
Published: December 2020

Fabric stretch sensors are available as planar fabrics, but their reliability and reproducibility are low. To find a good working setup for use in an elastic sports garment, the design of such sensors must be optimized. The main purpose of this study was to develop resistive strain sensors from stretchable conductive fabric and investigating the influence of stretchability on conductivity/resistivity. The influence of using the sensor in a sweat rich environment was also determined, in order to evaluate the potential use of the sensor in sporting garments. The sensor resistivity performance was analyzed for its sensitivity, working range, and repeatability and it was determined what makes the sensitivity when elongated or stretched. The resistivity was found to decrease with elongation if no sweat is present, this can be due to molecular rearrangement and a higher degree of orientation that improves the conductivity of a material. The result from this finding also shows that for wearable applications the commercial EeonTexTM conductive stretchable fabric did not show a considerable resistivity increase, nor a good sensitivity. The sensitivity of the sensor was between 0.97 and 1.28 and varies with different elongation %. This may be due to the mechanical deformation characteristics of knitted samples that lead to changes in conductivity. We advise that the testing performed in this paper is done by default on new stretch sensitive textile materials, so practical use of the material can be correctly estimated.
Feedback Control of a Nonlinear Electrostatic Force Transducer
Authors: Ryger Ivan , Balogh Richard , Chamraz Stefan , Artusio-Glimpse Alexandra , Stephens Michelle , Williams Paul A. , Lehman John
Published: December 2020

We document a feedback controller design for a nonlinear electrostatic transducer that exhibits a strong unloaded resonance. Challenging features of this type of transducer include the presence of multiple fixed points (some of which are unstable), nonlinear force-to-deflection transfer, effective spring-constant softening due to electrostatic loading and associated resonance frequency shift. Furthermore, due to the utilization of lowpass filters in the electronic readout circuitry, a significant amount of transport delay is introduced in the feedback loop. To stabilize this electro-mechanical system, we employ an active disturbance-rejecting controller with nonlinear force mapping and delay synchronization. As demonstrated by numerical simulations, the combination of these three control techniques stabilizes the system over a wide range of electrode deflections. The proposed controller shows good setpoint tracking and disturbance rejection, and improved settling time, compared to the sensor alone.
Principal Characteristics of Affected and Unaffected Side Trunk Movement and Gait Event Parameters during Hemiplegic Stroke Gait with IMU Sensor
Authors: Seo Jeong-Woo , Kim Seul-Gee , Kim Joong Il , Ku Boncho , Kim Kahye , Lee Sangkwan , Kim Jaeuk U.
Published: December 2020

This study describe the characteristics of hemiplegic stroke gait with principal component analysis (PCA) of trunk movement (TM) and gait event (GE) parameters by the inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors: (1) Background: This process can determine dominant variables through multivariate examination to identify the affected, unaffected, and healthy lower-limb sides; (2) Methods: The study monitored forty patients with stroke and twenty-eight healthy individuals comprising the control group for comparison. The IMU sensors were attached to each subject while performing a 6 m walking test. Sixteen variables extracted from the measured data were divided into 7 GE and 9 TM variables explaining pelvis tilt, oblique, and rotation. (3) Results: The tilt range variables of the trunk movement on the affected and unaffected sides were lower than those of the healthy side; this showed between-group differences in various GE variables. For the healthy and affected sides, 80% of variances were explained with 2 or 3 PCs involving only a few dominant variables; and (4) Conclusions: The difference between each side leg should be considered during the development of a diagnosis method. This research can be utilized to develop functional assessment tools for personalized treatment and to design appropriate training protocols.
Swept-Source-Based Chromatic Confocal Microscopy
Authors: Jeong Dawoon , Park Se Jin , Jang Hansol , Kim Hyunjoo , Kim Jaesun , Kim Chang-Seok
Published: December 2020

Chromatic confocal microscopy (CCM) has been intensively developed because it can exhibit effective focal position scanning based on the axial chromatic aberration of broadband light reflected from a target. To improve the imaging speed of three-dimensional (3D) surface profiling, we have proposed the novel concept of swept-source-based CCM (SS-CCM) and investigated the usefulness of the corresponding imaging system. Compared to conventional CCM based on a broadband light source and a spectrometer, a swept-source in the proposed SS-CCM generates light with a narrower linewidth for higher intensity, and a single photodetector employed in the system exhibits a fast and sensitive response by immediately obtaining spectrally encoded depth from a chromatic dispersive lens array. Results of the experiments conducted to test the proposed SS-CCM system indicate that the system exhibits an axial chromatic focal distance range of approximately 360 μm for the 770–820 nm swept wavelength range. Moreover, high-speed surface profiling images of a cover glass and coin were successfully obtained with a short measurement time of 5 ms at a single position.
Spectroscopic Techniques versus Pitot Tube for the Measurement of Flow Velocity in Narrow Ducts
Authors: D’Amato Francesco , Viciani Silvia , Montori Alessio , Barucci Marco , Morreale Carmen , Bertagna Silvia , Migliavacca Gabriele
Published: December 2020

In order to assess the limits and applicability of Pitot tubes for the measurement of flow velocity in narrow ducts, e.g., biomass burning plants, an optical, dual function device was implemented. This sensor, based on spectroscopic techniques, targets a trace gas, injected inside the stack either in bursts, or continuously, so performing transit time or dilution measurements. A comparison of the two optical techniques with respect to Pitot readings was carried out in different flow conditions (speed, temperature, gas composition). The results of the two optical measurements are in agreement with each other and fit quite well the theoretical simulation of the flow field, while the results of the Pitot measurements show a remarkable dependence on position and inclination of the Pitot tube with respect to the duct axis. The implications for the metrology of small combustors’ emissions are outlined.
An Alternative Statistical Model for Predicting Salinity Variations in Estuaries
Authors: Ye Ronghui , Kong Jun , Shen Chengji , Zhang Jinming , Zhang Weisheng
Published: December 2020

Accurate salinity prediction can support the decision-making of water resources management to mitigate the threat of insufficient freshwater supply in densely populated estuaries. Statistical methods are low-cost and less time-consuming compared with numerical models and physical models for predicting estuarine salinity variations. This study proposes an alternative statistical model that can more accurately predict the salinity series in estuaries. The model incorporates an autoregressive model to characterize the memory effect of salinity and includes the changes in salinity driven by river discharge and tides. Furthermore, the Gamma distribution function was introduced to correct the hysteresis effects of river discharge, tides and salinity. Based on fixed corrections of long-term effects, dynamic corrections of short-term effects were added to weaken the hysteresis effects. Real-world model application to the Pearl River Estuary obtained satisfactory agreement between predicted and measured salinity peaks, indicating the accuracy of salinity forecasting. Cross-validation and weekly salinity prediction under small, medium and large river discharges were also conducted to further test the reliability of the model. The statistical model provides a good reference for predicting salinity variations in estuaries.
Water Engineering at Precolumbian AD 600–1100 Tiwanaku’s Urban Center (Bolivia)
Authors: Ortloff Charles R.
Published: December 2020

The pre-Columbian World Heritage site of Tiwanaku (AD 600–1100) located in highland altiplano Bolivia is shown to have a unique urban water supply system with many advanced hydraulic and hydrological features. By use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling of the city water system, new revelations as to the complexity of the water system are brought forward. The water system consists of a perimeter drainage channel surrounding the ceremonial center of the city. A network of surface canals and subterranean channels connected to the perimeter drainage channel are supplied by multiple canals from a rainfall collection reservoir. The perimeter drainage channel provides rapid draining of rainy season rainfall runoff together with aquifer drainage of intercepted rainfall; water collected in the perimeter drainage channel is then directed to the Tiwanaku River then on to Lake Titicaca. During the dry season aquifer drainage continues into the perimeter drainage channel; additional water is directed into the drainage channel from a recently discovered, reservoir connected M channel. Two subterranean channels beneath the ceremonial center were supplied by M channel water delivered into the perimeter drainage channel that served to remove waste from the ceremonial center structures conveyed to the nearby Tiwanaku River. From control of the water supply to/from the perimeter drainage channel during wet and dry seasonal changes, stabilization of the deep groundwater level was achieved—this resulted in the stabilization of monumental ceremonial structure’s foundations, a continuous water supply to inner city agricultural zones, water pools for urban use and health benefits for the city population through moisture level reduction in city ceremonial and secular urban housing structures.
Enhancing Student Motivation in ESP by Increasing the Level of Engagement: A Proposed Model
Authors: Stefanova Albena , Zabunov Georgi
Published: December 2020

The article considers the opportunity to enhance student motivation in the acquisition of English for specific purposes by increasing the level of learner engagement. The authors propose to use an interdisciplinary approach by applying tools that have been approved in marketing theory and practice for the management of consumer involvement in the purchasing process and adapting them to teaching ESP to increase course effectiveness. Marketing literature analysis reveals two important points. The first one is that in classical marketing, the concepts of enduring involvement and situational involvement are used and combined together to form a complex consumer response. In modern marketing, this complex response is called consumer engagement. The second point is that situational involvement plays a key role in shaping the complex consumer response. The authors' suggestion is to use situational involvement as the major tool for boosting student motivation taking into consideration factors such as the specific features of the new generations and the growing use of modern technologies in everyday communication and learning. A description of model tasks is given to exemplify their interdisciplinary nature as well as observations related to their use in class supplemented by student feedback.
Covid 19: Need of vaccine induced herd immunity in India
Authors: D. Pragathi  , Dinesh Kumar Kukunuri  , Venkatesh Paturu
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Herd immunity is a traditional concept nothing but a form of indirect protection from contagious diseases. In a mass community, there is no need to be everyone immune. If a high proportion of members in the community are immune, spreading of the disease is reduced even to non-immunized patients. This study offers an overview of vaccine-induced herd immunity importance in this pandemic and how it will be achieved. Methodology: The data of basic reproduction number Ro values for COVID 19 of 10 weeks in India which were estimated by Ro package in R software are extracted from a research article (reference no.4) and taken the mean Ro value due to fluctuations as well as to avoid great errors by using MS Excel. Herd immunity is calculated by using a standard equation stated as R=(1-Pc )(1-P1)Ro   Results:  The mean basic reproduction number Ro for COVID 19 in India was calculated as 1.671 by using MS excel and the herd 3 determines that only 40.16% proportion of individuals need to immunized through a vaccine to achieve herd immunity towards COVID 19 in India. Conclusion: This study estimates mean base reproduction Ro as 1.671 and Herd Immunity Threshold (HIT) as 40.16% by using past data. This study concludes that vaccine-induced herd immunity helps us by playing a key role to eliminate novel coronavirus.
Anxiolytics in the Practice of a Gastroenterologist
Authors:   A.S. Loginov Moscow Clinical Scientific and Practical Center, Firsova L.D.
Published: December 2020

Anxiolytics (anti-anxiety drugs) are widely used not only in psychiatry, but also in somatic medicine. The article discusses the range of therapeutic effects of anxiolytics, justifying their widespread use in gastroenterological practice; recommendations for choosing a drug, determining its dose and the duration of the course of treatment are discussed in detail; the drug interaction of anxiolytics with drugs traditionally used in gastroenterology is analyzed
Negation of Universalist Ontology as the Basis for the Conceptualization of the “Postmarxism” Concept
Authors: Шелудченко Ігор
Published: December 2020

The article addresses the problem of etymological and theoretical uncertainty of the “postmarxism” concept, which is traced in both domestic and specialized Western studies. The basis for the formation of mental constructs, in the direction of clarifying the specifics of postmarxism, is its setting on “overcoming metaphysics”, which is expressed in an actual refusal to decode social phenomena / processes through the reference to their basic values. The study identifies the main theoretical and methodological contradictions in the understanding of postmarxism, and at the same time, in order to confirm the subject of the work, attention is paid to the avoidance of contradictions and oppositions by postmarxism itself. Because any opposition in postmarxism is questionable, it is a prerequisite for superstructure, which is meaningless itself. Also, a theoretical-comparative and semantic analysis of the "postmarxism” concept is conducted, the historical-political context of the evolution of the concept as a theoretical category and as self-identification is analyzed in order to define its position by some philosophers. The background to its formation is fundamental to explain the denial of universal ontology in postmarxism. Namely, they are decentralization, “breaking up” of structure, derriadian critique of the transcendental meaning, which in postmarxism is expressed as an artificial fixation of meaning and “ideological arrangement”.