bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Spatiotemporal Variability of Temperature and Precipitation Over the Upper Indus Basin: An Evaluation of 15 Year WRF Simulations
Authors: Dars Ghulam Hussain , Strong Courtenay , Kochanski Adam K. , Ansari Kamran , Ali Syed Hammad
Published: March 2020

Investigating the trends in the major climatic variables over the Upper Indus Basin (UIB) region is difficult for many reasons, including highly complex terrain with heterogeneous spatial precipitation patterns and a scarcity of gauge stations. The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model was applied to simulate the spatiotemporal variability of precipitation and temperature over the Indus Basin from 2000 through 2015 with boundary conditions derived from the Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR) data. The WRF model was configured with three nested domains (d01–d03) with horizontal resolutions increasing inward from 36 km to 12 km to 4 km horizontal resolution, respectively. These simulations were a continuous run with a spin-up year (i.e., 2000) to equilibrate the soil moisture, snow cover, and temperature at the beginning of the simulation. The simulations were then compared with TRMM and station data for the same time period using root mean squared error (RMSE), percentage bias (PBIAS), mean bias error (MBE), and the Pearson correlation coefficient. The results showed that the precipitation and temperature simulations were largely improved from d01 to d03. However, WRF tended to overestimate precipitation and underestimate temperature in all domains. This study presents high-resolution climatological datasets, which could be useful for the study of climate change and hydrological processes in this data-sparse region.
A Proposed Soft Computing Model for Ultimate Strength Estimation of FRP-Confined Concrete Cylinders
Authors: Kamgar Reza , Naderpour Hosein , Komeleh Houman Ebrahimpour , Jakubczyk-Gałczyńska Anna , Jankowski Robert
Published: March 2020

In this paper, the feed-forward backpropagation neural network (FFBPNN) is used to propose a new formulation for predicting the compressive strength of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP)-confined concrete cylinders. A set of experimental data has been considered in the analysis. The data include information about the dimensions of the concrete cylinders (diameter, length) and the total thickness of FRP layers, unconfined ultimate concrete strength, ultimate confinement pressure, ultimate tensile strength of the FRP laminates and the ultimate concrete strength of the concrete cylinders. The confined ultimate concrete strength is considered as the output data, while other parameters are considered as the input data. These parameters are mostly used in existing FRP-confined concrete models. Soft computing techniques are used to estimate the compressive strength of FRP-confined concrete cylinders. Finally, a new formulation is proposed. The results of the proposed formula are compared to the existing methods. To verify the proposed method, results are compared with other methods. The results show that the described method can forecast the compressive strength of FRP-confined concrete cylinders with high precision in comparison with the existing formulas. Moreover, the mean percentage of error for the proposed method is very low (3.49%). Furthermore, the proposed formula can estimate the ultimate compressive capacity of FRP-confined concrete cylinders with a different type of FRP and arbitrary thickness in the initial design of practical projects.
Stable Sparse Model with Non-Tight Frame
Authors: Zhang Min , Shi Yunhui , Qi Na , Yin Baocai
Published: March 2020

Overcomplete representation is attracting interest in image restoration due to its potential to generate sparse representations of signals. However, the problem of seeking sparse representation must be unstable in the presence of noise. Restricted Isometry Property (RIP), playing a crucial role in providing stable sparse representation, has been ignored in the existing sparse models as it is hard to integrate into the conventional sparse models as a regularizer. In this paper, we propose a stable sparse model with non-tight frame (SSM-NTF) via applying the corresponding frame condition to approximate RIP. Our SSM-NTF model takes into account the advantage of the traditional sparse model, and meanwhile contains RIP and closed-form expression of sparse coefficients which ensure stable recovery. Moreover, benefitting from the pair-wise of the non-tight frame (the original frame and its dual frame), our SSM-NTF model combines a synthesis sparse system and an analysis sparse system. By enforcing the frame bounds and applying a second-order truncated series to approximate the inverse frame operator, we formulate a dictionary pair (frame pair) learning model along with a two-phase iterative algorithm. Extensive experimental results on image restoration tasks such as denoising, super resolution and inpainting show that our proposed SSM-NTF achieves superior recovery performance in terms of both subjective and objective quality.
Waiting Time Distributions of Transport through a Two-Channel Quantum System
Authors: Liu Weici , Wang Faqiang , Liang Ruisheng
Published: March 2020

In this work, the waiting time distribution (WTD) statistics of electron transport through a two-channel quantum system in a strong Coulomb blockade regime and non-interacting dots are investigated by employing a particle-number resolved master equation with the Born–Markov approximation. The results show that the phase difference between the two channels, the asymmetry of the dot-state couplings to the left and right electrodes, and Coulomb repulsion have obvious effects on the WTD statistics of the system. In a certain parameter range, the system manifests the coherent oscillatory behavior of WTDs in the strong Coulomb blockade regime, and the phase difference between the two channels is clearly reflected in the oscillation phase of the WTDs. The two-channel quantum dot (QD) system for non-interacting dots manifests nonrenewal characteristics, and the electron waiting time of the system is negatively correlated. The different phase differences between the two channels can clearly enhance the negative correlation. These results deepen our understanding of the WTD statistical properties of electron transport through a mesoscopic QD system and help pave a new path toward constructing nanostructured QD electronic devices.
Principle and Applications of the Coupling of Surface Plasmons and Excitons
Authors: He Zhicong , Li Fang , Liu Yahui , Yao Fuqiang , Xu Litu , Han Xiaobo , Wang Kai
Published: March 2020

Surface plasmons have been attracting increasing attention and have been studied extensively in recent decades because of their half-light and half-material polarized properties. On the one hand, the tightly confined surface plasmonic mode may reduce the size of integrated optical devices beyond the diffraction limit; on the other hand, it provides an approach toward enhancement of the interactions between light and matter. In recent experiments, researchers have realized promising applications for surface plasmons in quantum information processing, ultra-low-power lasers, and micro-nano processing devices by using plasmonic structures, which have demonstrated their superiority over traditional optics structures. In this paper, we introduce the theoretical principle of surface plasmons and review the research work related to the interactions between plasmons and excitons. Some perspectives with regard to the future development of plasmonic coupling are also outlined.
Towards a Reliable Comparison and Evaluation of Network Intrusion Detection Systems Based on Machine Learning Approaches
Authors: Magán-Carrión Roberto , Urda Daniel , Díaz-Cano Ignacio , Dorronsoro Bernabé
Published: March 2020

Presently, we are living in a hyper-connected world where millions of heterogeneous devices are continuously sharing information in different application contexts for wellness, improving communications, digital businesses, etc. However, the bigger the number of devices and connections are, the higher the risk of security threats in this scenario. To counteract against malicious behaviours and preserve essential security services, Network Intrusion Detection Systems (NIDSs) are the most widely used defence line in communications networks. Nevertheless, there is no standard methodology to evaluate and fairly compare NIDSs. Most of the proposals elude mentioning crucial steps regarding NIDSs validation that make their comparison hard or even impossible. This work firstly includes a comprehensive study of recent NIDSs based on machine learning approaches, concluding that almost all of them do not accomplish with what authors of this paper consider mandatory steps for a reliable comparison and evaluation of NIDSs. Secondly, a structured methodology is proposed and assessed on the UGR’16 dataset to test its suitability for addressing network attack detection problems. The guideline and steps recommended will definitively help the research community to fairly assess NIDSs, although the definitive framework is not a trivial task and, therefore, some extra effort should still be made to improve its understandability and usability further.
Changes in the Dynamics of the Northern Hemisphere Atmospheric Circulation and the Relationship to Surface Temperature in the 20th and 21st Centuries
Authors: Kononova Nina K. , Lupo Anthony R.
Published: March 2020

This study examines the long-term fluctuations in the Northern Hemisphere (NH) and global atmospheric circulation, teleconnections, including blocking, and surface temperature over the period 1899–2018. The teleconnection and blocking data were available from the mid-20th century. The classification of the global atmospheric circulation was developed from an early subjective categorization of atmospheric circulation conditions for the NH that considered the number, location, and amplitude of waves on the jet stream for frequently occurring circulation patterns. This work updated earlier studies that identified three circulation epochs based on the predominance of one of four different flow types that were grouped primarily based on whether the flow was zonal or meridional. This work noted a significant correlation between the early 21st century flow change toward the occurrence of more meridional flows and the increase in the occurrence of blocking as well as changes in the teleconnection indexes. The early 21st century was associated with a distinct change in the Northern Hemisphere flow entropy as measured using Information or Shannon Entropy, a change that was shown to be statistically significant. Additionally, this demonstrated that this quantity has utility as a dynamic diagnostic tool in atmospheric science. Finally, a comparison of these flow regimes to the 20th and 21st century variations in surface temperature were considered here. The global average annual surface temperature variations correlated strongly to fluctuations in the predominant atmospheric circulation type.
Kinetic Measurements of Cl Atom Reactions with C5–C8 Unsaturated Alcohols
Authors: Grira Asma , Amarandei Cornelia , Romanias Manolis N. , El Dib Gisèle , Canosa André , Arsene Cecilia , Bejan Iustinian Gabriel , Olariu Romeo Iulian , Coddeville Patrice , Tomas Alexandre
Published: March 2020

The reactions of five structurally similar unsaturated alcohols, i.e., (Z)-2-penten-1-ol, (E)-2-hexen-1-ol, (E)-3-hexen-1-ol, (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, and 1-octen-3-ol, with Cl atoms in the gas phase, were investigated at 296 ± 2 K and 1 atm by the relative-rate kinetic technique using a 600-L Teflon reaction chamber. Selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS) was used simultaneously to monitor the decay of the alcohols of interest and selected reference compounds. Tetrahydrofuran (THF), propan-1-ol, and octane were used as reference compounds. Chlorine atoms were produced by the photolysis of molecular chlorine (Cl2) using broadband actinic lamps near 365 nm. The estimated rate constant values (in 10−10 cm3∙molecule−1∙s−1) followed the order 2.99 ± 0.53 ((Z)-2-penten-1-ol) < 3.05 ± 0.59 ((E)-3-hexen-1-ol) < 3.15 ± 0.58 ((Z)-3-hexen-1-ol) < 3.41 ± 0.65 ((E)-2-hexen-1-ol) < 4.03 ± 0.77 (1-octen-3-ol). The present work provides the first value of the rate constant for the reaction of 1-octen-3-ol with Cl atoms. The results are discussed and interpreted in relation to other studies where literature data are available. The structure–activity relationship and the atmospheric implications are discussed as well.
Advances in Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) Production, Volume 2
Authors: Koller Martin
Published: March 2020

During the two years that have passed since the first volume of “Advances in Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) production” was published, the progress in PHA-related research was indeed tremendous, calling for the next, highly bioprocess- and bioengineering-oriented volume. This editorial paper summarizes and puts into context the contributions to this second volume of the Bioengineering Special Issue; it covers highly topical fields of PHA-related R&D activities, covering, beside the pronounced bioengineering-related articles, the fields of the microbiology of underexplored, but probably emerging, PHA production strains from the groups of Pseudomonas, cyanobacteria, methanotrophs, and from the extremophilic domain of haloarchaea. Moreover, novel second-generation lignocellulose feedstocks for PHA production from agriculture to be used in biorefinery concepts, new approaches for fine-tuning the composition of PHA co- and terpolyesters, process simulation for PHA production from methane-rich natural gas, the challenges associated with rheology-governed oxygen transfer in high cell density cultivations, rapid spectroscopic in-line analytics for process monitoring, and the biomedical application of PHA biopolyesters after appropriate advanced processing are the subjects of the presented studies.
An Oral Rinse Active Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 Point-of-Care Immunotest May Be Less Accurate in Patients with Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Rautava Jaana , Gürsoy Ulvi K. , Kullström Adrian , Könönen Eija , Sorsa Timo , Tervahartiala Taina , Gürsoy Mervi
Published: March 2020

The diagnostic accuracy of point-of-care (PoC) applications may be compromised in individuals with additional inflammatory conditions. This cross-sectional study examined the performance of a commercial oral rinse active matrix metalloproteinase-8 (aMMP-8) PoC immunotest in individuals with (n = 47) and without Crohn’s disease (CD) (n = 41). Oral rinse collected from the participants was analyzed by the PoC immunotest. Molecular forms and fragments of salivary MMP-8 were detected by western immunoblotting. The sensitivity of the immunotest for periodontitis was 60.0% in the CD group and 90.0% in the control group. The respective specificity was 75.0% and 80.0%. In both groups, clinical diagnosis of periodontitis exhibited a significant association with the immunotest results, however, the odds ratio (OR) was more than ten-fold in controls (OR 54.3, 95% CI: 3.1–953, p = 0.006) in comparison to CD patients (OR 5.2, 95% CI: 1.3–21.6, p = 0.022). According to Western immunoblot results, the immunotest MMP-8 positivity was not related to elevated levels of molecular forms and fragments of MMP-8 in the CD group, as in the control group. The diagnostic accuracy of the aMMP-8 PoC oral rinse immunotest is reduced in CD patients, which may be related to lower levels or undetectable complexes.
Phenols and Melanoidins as Natural Antioxidants in Beer. Structure, Reactivity and Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Martinez-Gomez Alvaro , Caballero Isabel , Blanco Carlos A.
Published: March 2020

Beer is one of the most consumed drinks around the world, containing a variety of compounds that offer both appreciated sensorial characteristics and health advantages. Important healthy compounds in beer are those with antioxidant properties that attenuate the content of free radicals produced as by-products in the human metabolism, exerting an appreciable effect against cancers or cardiovascular diseases. This work details a study of antioxidant compounds present in beer, focusing on the two main groups: phenols (including polyphenolic forms) and melanoidins, formed specifically during brewing as Maillard products. The fundaments of the most important methods to evaluate beer antioxidant activity, the main antioxidant compounds present in beer—especially those with healthy properties—and the new trends to increase beer antioxidant activity are also discussed.
The Biomolecular Spectrum Drives Microbial Biology and Functions in Agri-Food-Environments
Authors: Sharma Minaxi , Singh Dhananjaya Pratap , Rangappa Kanchugarakoppal S. , Stadler Marc , Mishra Pradeep Kumar , Silva Roberto Nascimento , Prasad Ram , Gupta Vijai Kumar
Published: March 2020

Microbial biomolecules have huge commercial and industrial potential. In nature, biological interactions are mostly associated with biochemical and biological diversity, especially with the discovery of associated biomolecules from microbes. Within cellular or subcellular systems, biomolecules signify the actual statuses of the microorganisms. Understanding the biological prospecting of the diverse microbial community and their complexities and communications with the environment forms a vital basis for active, innovative biotechnological breakthroughs. Biochemical diversity rather than the specific chemicals that has the utmost biological importance. The identification and quantification of the comprehensive biochemical diversity of the microbial molecules, which generally consequences in a diversity of biological functions, has significant biotechnological potential. Beneficial microbes and their biomolecules of interest can assist as potential constituents for the wide-range of natural product-based preparations and formulations currently being developed on an industrial scale. The understanding of the production methods and functions of these biomolecules will contribute to valorisation of agriculture, food bioprocessing and biopharma, and prevent human diseases related to the environment.
Effects of an 8-Week Protein Supplementation Regimen with Hyperimmunized Cow Milk on Exercise-Induced Organ Damage and Inflammation in Male Runners: A Randomized, Placebo Controlled, Cross-Over Study
Authors: Ma Sihui , Tominaga Takaki , Kanda Kazue , Sugama Kaoru , Omae Chiaki , Hashimoto Shunsuke , Aoyama Katsuhiko , Yoshikai Yasunobu , Suzuki Katsuhiko
Published: March 2020

Prolonged strenuous exercise may induce inflammation, cause changes in gastrointestinal permeability, and lead to other unfavorable biological changes and diseases. Nutritional approaches have been used to prevent exercise-induced inflammatory responses and gastrointestinal disorders. Hyperimmunized milk, obtained by immunizing cows against specific antigens, promotes the development of immunity against pathogens, promotes anti-inflammatory effects, and protects intestinal function. Immune protein (IMP) is a concentrated product of hyperimmunized milk and is a more promising means of supplementation to protect against acute infections and inflammation. To determine whether IMP has protective properties against exercise-induced gastrointestinal dysfunction and inflammation, we examined biochemical markers, intestinal damage markers, and pro-/anti-inflammatory profiles of young male runners using a randomized, placebo controlled, cross-over design. Urine samples were collected and used for measurements of creatinine, N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase, osmotic pressure, and specific gravity. Titin was measured as a muscle damage marker. Further, urine concentrations of complement 5a, calprotectin, fractalkine, myeloperoxidase, macrophage colony-stimulating factor, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP), interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-1 receptor antagonist, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p40, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. We demonstrated that urine osmotic pressure, urine specific gravity, I-FABP, IFN-γ, IL-1β, and TNF-α were reduced by 8 weeks of IMP supplementation, indicating that IMP may have potential in preventing strenuous exercise-induced renal dysfunction, increased intestinal permeability, and inflammation. Thus, IMP supplementation may be a feasible nutritional approach for the prevention of unfavorable exercise-induced symptoms.
Molecularly Imprinted Nanoparticles Based Sensor for Cocaine Detection
Authors: D’Aurelio Roberta , Chianella Iva , Goode Jack A. , Tothill Ibtisam E.
Published: March 2020

The development of a sensor based on molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles (nanoMIPs) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) for the detection of trace levels of cocaine is described in this paper. NanoMIPs for cocaine detection, synthesized using a solid phase, were applied as the sensing element. The nanoMIPs were first characterized by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Dynamic Light Scattering and found to be ~148.35 ± 24.69 nm in size, using TEM. The nanoMIPs were then covalently attached to gold screen-printed electrodes and a cocaine direct binding assay was developed and optimized, using EIS as the sensing principle. EIS was recorded at a potential of 0.12 V over the frequency range from 0.1 Hz to 50 kHz, with a modulation voltage of 10 mV. The nanoMIPs sensor was able to detect cocaine in a linear range between 100 pg mL−1 and 50 ng mL−1 (R2 = 0.984; p-value = 0.00001) and with a limit of detection of 0.24 ng mL−1 (0.70 nM). The sensor showed no cross-reactivity toward morphine and a negligible response toward levamisole after optimizing the sensor surface blocking and assay conditions. The developed sensor has the potential to offer a highly sensitive, portable and cost-effective method for cocaine detection.
Cognitive and Emotional Aspects of Cupping Therapy
Authors: Hong Minyoung , Lee In-Seon , Ryu Yeonhee , Kim Junsuk , Chae Younbyoung
Published: March 2020

Cupping therapy has recently gained public attention and is widely used in many regions. Some patients are resistant to being treated with cupping therapy, as visually unpleasant marks on the skin may elicit negative reactions. This study aimed to identify the cognitive and emotional components of cupping therapy. Twenty-five healthy volunteers were presented with emotionally evocative visual stimuli representing fear, disgust, happiness, neutral emotion, and cupping, along with control images. Participants evaluated the valence and arousal level of each stimulus. Before the experiment, they completed the Fear of Pain Questionnaire-III. In two-dimensional affective space, emotional arousal increases as hedonic valence ratings become increasingly pleasant or unpleasant. Cupping therapy images were more unpleasant and more arousing than the control images. Cluster analysis showed that the response to cupping therapy images had emotional characteristics similar to those for fear images. Individuals with a greater fear of pain rated cupping therapy images as more unpleasant and more arousing. Psychophysical analysis showed that individuals experienced unpleasant and aroused emotional states in response to the cupping therapy images. Our findings suggest that cupping therapy might be associated with unpleasant-defensive motivation and motivational activation. Determining the emotional components of cupping therapy would help clinicians and researchers to understand the intrinsic effects of cupping therapy.
The Relation between Sustained Attention and Incidental and Intentional Object-Location Memory
Authors: Barel Efrat , Tzischinsky Orna
Published: March 2020

The role of attention allocation in object-location memory has been widely studied through incidental and intentional encoding conditions. However, the relation between sustained attention and memory encoding processes has scarcely been studied. The present study aimed to investigate performance differences across incidental and intentional encoding conditions using a divided attention paradigm. Furthermore, the study aimed to examine the relation between sustained attention and incidental and intentional object-location memory performance. Based on previous findings, an all women sample was recruited in order to best illuminate the potential effects of interest. Forty-nine women participated in the study and completed the psychomotor vigilance test, as well as object-location memory tests, under both incidental and intentional encoding divided attention conditions. Performance was higher in the incidental encoding condition than in the intentional encoding condition. Furthermore, sustained attention correlated with incidental, but not with intentional memory performance. These findings are discussed in light of the automaticity hypothesis, specifically as it regards the role of attention allocation in encoding object-location memory. Furthermore, the role of sustained attention in incidental memory performance is discussed in light of previous animal and human studies that have examined the brain regions involved in these cognitive processes. We conclude that under conditions of increased mental demand, executive attention is associated with incidental, but not with intentional encoding, thus identifying the exact conditions under which executive attention influence memory performance.
Lysine Acetylation Reshapes the Downstream Signaling Landscape of Vav1 in Lymphocytes
Authors: Rodríguez-Fdez Sonia , Fernández-Nevado Lucía , Lorenzo-Martín L. Francisco , Bustelo Xosé R.
Published: March 2020

Vav1 works both as a catalytic Rho GTPase activator and an adaptor molecule. These functions, which are critical for T cell development and antigenic responses, are tyrosine phosphorylation-dependent. However, it is not known whether other posttranslational modifications can contribute to the regulation of the biological activity of this protein. Here, we show that Vav1 becomes acetylated on lysine residues in a stimulation- and SH2 domain-dependent manner. Using a collection of both acetylation- and deacetylation-mimicking mutants, we show that the acetylation of four lysine residues (Lys222, Lys252, Lys587, and Lys716) leads to the downmodulation of the adaptor function of Vav1 that triggers the stimulation of the nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT). These sites belong to two functional subclasses according to mechanistic criteria. We have also unveiled additional acetylation sites potentially involved in either the stimulation (Lys782) or the downmodulation (Lys335, Lys374) of specific Vav1-dependent downstream responses. Collectively, these results indicate that Nε-lysine acetylation can play variegated roles in the regulation of Vav1 signaling. Unlike the case of the tyrosine phosphorylation step, this new regulatory layer is not conserved in other Vav family paralogs.
Development and Differentiation in Monobodies Based on the Fibronectin Type 3 Domain
Authors: Chandler Peter G. , Buckle Ashley M.
Published: March 2020

As a non-antibody scaffold, monobodies based on the fibronectin type III (FN3) domain overcome antibody size and complexity while maintaining analogous binding loops. However, antibodies and their derivatives remain the gold standard for the design of new therapeutics. In response, clinical-stage therapeutic proteins based on the FN3 domain are beginning to use native fibronectin function as a point of differentiation. The small and simple structure of monomeric monobodies confers increased tissue distribution and reduced half-life, whilst the absence of disulphide bonds improves stability in cytosolic environments. Where multi-specificity is challenging with an antibody format that is prone to mis-pairing between chains, multiple FN3 domains in the fibronectin assembly already interact with a large number of molecules. As such, multiple monobodies engineered for interaction with therapeutic targets are being combined in a similar beads-on-a-string assembly which improves both efficacy and pharmacokinetics. Furthermore, full length fibronectin is able to fold into multiple conformations as part of its natural function and a greater understanding of how mechanical forces allow for the transition between states will lead to advanced applications that truly differentiate the FN3 domain as a therapeutic scaffold.
The Pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine Derivative, SCO-201, Reverses Multidrug Resistance Mediated by ABCG2/BCRP
Authors: Ambjørner Sophie E. B. , Wiese Michael , Köhler Sebastian Christoph , Svindt Joen , Lund Xamuel Loft , Gajhede Michael , Saaby Lasse , Brodin Birger , Rump Steffen , Weigt Henning , Brünner Nils , Stenvang Jan
Published: March 2020

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, such as breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), are key players in resistance to multiple anti-cancer drugs, leading to cancer treatment failure and cancer-related death. Currently, there are no clinically approved drugs for reversal of cancer drug resistance caused by ABC transporters. This study investigated if a novel drug candidate, SCO-201, could inhibit BCRP and reverse BCRP-mediated drug resistance. We applied in vitro cell viability assays in SN-38 (7-Ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin)-resistant colon cancer cells and in non-cancer cells with ectopic expression of BCRP. SCO-201 reversed resistance to SN-38 (active metabolite of irinotecan) in both model systems. Dye efflux assays, bidirectional transport assays, and ATPase assays demonstrated that SCO-201 inhibits BCRP. In silico interaction analyses supported the ATPase assay data and suggest that SCO-201 competes with SN-38 for the BCRP drug-binding site. To analyze for inhibition of other transporters or cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, we performed enzyme and transporter assays by in vitro drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics studies, which demonstrated that SCO-201 selectively inhibited BCRP and neither inhibited nor induced CYPs. We conclude that SCO-201 is a specific, potent, and potentially non-toxic drug candidate for the reversal of BCRP-mediated resistance in cancer cells.
Mesenchymal MACF1 Facilitates SMAD7 Nuclear Translocation to Drive Bone Formation
Authors: Zhao Fan , Ma Xiaoli , Qiu Wuxia , Wang Pai , Zhang Ru , Chen Zhihao , Su Peihong , Zhang Yan , Li Dijie , Ma Jianhua , Yang Chaofei , Chen Lei , Yin Chong , Tian Ye , Hu Lifang , Li Yu , Zhang Ge , Wu Xiaoyang , Qian Airong
Published: March 2020

Microtubule actin crosslinking factor 1 (MACF1) is a large crosslinker that contributes to cell integrity and cell differentiation. Recent studies show that MACF1 is involved in multiple cellular functions such as neuron development and epidermal migration, and is the molecular basis for many degenerative diseases. MACF1 is highly abundant in bones, especially in mesenchymal stem cells; however, its regulatory role is still less understood in bone formation and degenerative bone diseases. In this study, we found MACF1 expression in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) of osteoporotic bone specimens was significantly lower. By conditional gene targeting to delete the mesenchymal Macf1 gene in mice, we observed in MSCs decreased osteogenic differentiation capability. During early stage bone development, the MACF1 conditional knockout (cKO) mice exhibit significant ossification retardation in skull and hindlimb, and by adulthood, mesenchymal loss of MACF1 attenuated bone mass, bone microarchitecture, and bone formation capability significantly. Further, we showed that MACF1 interacts directly with SMAD family member 7 (SMAD7) and facilitates SMAD7 nuclear translocation to initiate downstream osteogenic pathways. Hopefully these findings will expand the biological scope of the MACF1 gene, and provide an experimental basis for targeting MACF1 in degenerative bone diseases such as osteoporosis.
Response to Stimulations Inducing Circadian Rhythm in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Kaneko Hitomi , Kaitsuka Taku , Tomizawa Kazuhito
Published: March 2020

Regenerative medicine and disease modeling are expanding rapidly, through the development of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). Many exogeneous supplements are often used for the directed differentiation of hiPSCs to specific lineages, such as chemicals and hormones. Some of these are known to synchronize the circadian clock, like forskolin (Frk) and dexamethasone (Dex); however, the response to these stimulations has not been fully elucidated for hiPSCs. In this study, we examined the response of clock genes to synchronizing stimulation, and compared it with fully differentiated cells, U2OS, and fibroblasts. The expression of clock genes did not show circadian rhythms in hiPSCs with Frk and Dex, which could be due to the significantly low levels of BMAL1. On the other hand, a circadian-like rhythm of D-box binding protein (DBP) expression was observed in hiPSCs by culturing them in an environment with a simulated body temperature. However, the inhibition of temperature-inducible factors, which are involved in temperature rhythm-induced synchronization, could not repress the expression of such rhythms, while the inhibition of HIF-1α significantly repressed them. In summary, we suggest that clock genes do not respond to the synchronizing agents in hiPSCs; instead, a unique circadian-like rhythm is induced by the temperature rhythm.
A Non-Invasive Investigation into the Prevalence of Higher than Normal Blood Pressure, Hypertension and the Association between Blood Pressure and Body Weight in Male and Female Adolescents in the Polokwane Local Municipality, Limpopo-South Africa: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Raphadu Thato Tshepo , Staden Marlise Van , Dibakwane Winnie Maletladi , Monyeki Kotsedi Daniel
Published: March 2020

Background: Hypertension (HT) is one of the greatest non-communicable diseases affecting both sexes in all human populations; and it is a major cause of death and morbidity across the world. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of pre-hypertension, hypertension and investigate the association between blood pressure (BP) and body weight (looking into body mass index (BMI) and body surface area (BSA)). Method: A cross-sectional study of adolescents aged 13–19 years was conducted at three secondary schools consisting of 121 females and 97 males. Data on height; weight; and blood pressure was collected from all participants. BMI and BP percentiles were calculated for each participant. Results: The prevalence of pre-hypertension and hypertension in males was 28.9% and 10.3% compared to 25.6% and 7.4% in females. The prevalence of pre-hypertension and hypertension in adolescents who are overweight/obese was 7.3% and 2.7%. A weak positive association between BMI; systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was found (r = 0.254 and 0.216; p-value = 0.001) for the whole population. A significant, moderate correlation was found between BSA on SBP was found (r = 0.407, p-value = 0.001); and a significant, weak correlation between BSA and DBP was found (r = 0.183, p-value = 0.007. In conclusion, the prevalence of pre-hypertension and hypertension was higher in males as compared to females. Results highlight the need for screening for blood pressure and body weight in adolescents; especially in adolescents who were found to have pre-hypertension as they are at high risk of developing hypertension.
Recent Advances on Coated Milling Tool Technology—A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Sousa Vitor F. C. , Silva Francisco J. G.
Published: March 2020

The milling process is one of the most used processes in the manufacturing industry. Milling, as a process, as evolved, with new machines and methods being employed, in order to obtain the best results consistently. Milling tools have also seen quite an evolution, from the uncoated high-speed steel tool, to the now vastly used, coated tools. Information on the use of these coated tools in recent scientific researches was collected. The coatings that are currently being researched are going to be presented, highlighting some novel advances in the nanocomposite and diamond coatings area, as these coatings are seeing a growing use in the industry, with very satisfactory results, with performance and tool-life increase. Wear mechanism of various types of coatings are also a popular topic on recent research, as the cutting behavior of these coated tools provides valuable information on the tool’s-life. Furthermore, analysis of these mechanisms enables for the selection of the best coating type for the correct application. Recently, the employment of coated tools paired with sustainable lubrication methods as seen some use. As this presents the opportunity to enhance the coated tool’s and the process’s performance, obtaining better results, in terms of better tool-life and better surface finish quality, in a more sustainable fashion.
Investigation of the Effects of Various Organic Solvents on the PCBM Electron Transport Layer of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Tsai Chih-Hung , Lin Chia-Ming , Kuei Cheng-Hao
Published: March 2020

In this study, four organic solvents including 1,2-dichlorobenzene (DCB), chlorobenzene (CB), methylbenzene (MB), and chloroform (CF) were used as solvents in the [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) electron transport layer (ETL) of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). This study observed the effects of various solvents on the surface morphology of the ETL by using an optical microscope (OM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The surface roughness, crystal structure, and surface element bonding of the ETL were observed using an atomic force microscope (AFM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscope (XPS), respectively. The absorption spectrum of the perovskite layer was explored using an ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrometer. The characteristics of the PSC device were analyzed in terms of its current density–voltage (J–V) curve, external quantum efficiency (EQE), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements. The results showed that DCB is a solvent with a high boiling point, low vapor pressure, and high dielectric constant, and using DCB as the solvent for ETL, the uniformity, coverage, and surface roughness of the ETL showed better properties. The power conversion efficiency of the PSC in which DCB was used as the solvent achieved a value of 11.07%, which was higher than that of the PSCs in which other solvents were used.
Laboratory Investigation on Physical, Rheological Thermal and Microscopic Characteristics of Water-Foamed Asphalt under Three Environmental Conditions
Authors: Guo Wei , Guo Xuedong , Li Yingsong , Dai Wenting
Published: March 2020

Applications of water-foamed binders have received widespread attention due to its environmental and economic benefits. This study aims to evaluate the properties of water-foamed asphalt under three environmental conditions (high-temperature evaporation, low-temperature frozen and the freeze–thaw cycle). Conventional physical properties tests, dynamic shear rheometer test (DSR), differential scanning calorimetry test (DSC) and scanning electron microscope test (SEM) are employed to assess the physical, rheological thermal and microscopic characteristics of samples. Conventional physical properties test results showed that the performance of a foamed binder had declined under three environmental processes and the foamed asphalt gradually returned to the characteristics before being foamed, with the increase of process time. A comprehensive evaluation index, deterioration degree was proposed based on the test results and entropy theory, and the deterioration process of the foamed binder under three environmental conditions was quantified. Moreover, freeze–thaw (F–T) cycles had been proved to have the most significant influence on the performance of a foamed binder among three environmental factors, which was a key issue that limits the application and promotion of foamed asphalt in seasonal frozen regions. The DSR test showed that the resistance to high-temperature permanent deformation of the foamed binder was improved after F–T cycles, and the fatigue resistance became worse. The sensitivity analysis of complex modulus and frequency illustrated that foamed asphalt after F–T cycles were more sensitive to the loading frequency and less sensitive to the temperature. The DSC test indicated that the thermal stability of foamed asphalt was improved after F–T cycles. The disappearance of circular “cavitation” observed through SEM test revealed that moisture of foamed asphalt was gradually precipitated and self-healing phenomenon occurred during F–T cycles.
Hash-Based Hierarchical Caching and Layered Filtering for Interactive Previews in Global Illumination Rendering
Authors: Roth Thorsten , Weier Martin , Bauszat Pablo , Hinkenjann André , Li Yongmin
Published: March 2020

Modern Monte-Carlo-based rendering systems still suffer from the computational complexity involved in the generation of noise-free images, making it challenging to synthesize interactive previews. We present a framework suited for rendering such previews of static scenes using a caching technique that builds upon a linkless octree. Our approach allows for memory-efficient storage and constant-time lookup to cache diffuse illumination at multiple hitpoints along the traced paths. Non-diffuse surfaces are dealt with in a hybrid way in order to reconstruct view-dependent illumination while maintaining interactive frame rates. By evaluating the visual fidelity against ground truth sequences and by benchmarking, we show that our approach compares well to low-noise path-traced results, but with a greatly reduced computational complexity, allowing for interactive frame rates. This way, our caching technique provides a useful tool for global illumination previews and multi-view rendering.
A Comparative Assessment of Pain Caused by the Placement of Banded Orthodontic Appliances with and without Low-Level Laser Therapy: A Randomized Controlled Prospective Study
Authors: Nicotra Carmelo , Polizzi Alessandro , Zappalà Graziano , Leonida Alessandro , Indelicato Francesco , Caccianiga Gianluigi
Published: March 2020

Patients still refuse or discontinue orthodontic treatment due to related pain and discomfort. In this study, we investigate if low-level laser therapy (LLLT) can reduce pain caused by orthodontic bands. Sixty subjects who needed bands placed on the upper permanent first molars were assigned randomly to the LLLT group, placebo, and control groups. Inclusion criteria were: age range 10–14 years, fully erupted upper first molars in healthy condition, presence of tight mesial proximal contact. Exclusion criteria were: systemic or metabolic diseases, chronic pain or neurological or psychiatric disorders, use of pharmacological agents interfering with pain perception, previous orthodontic treatment or the simultaneous presence of other devices in the patient’s mouth. The assessment of pain was performed by using a numeric rating scale (NRS) considering different time intervals, i.e., immediately after bands placement, 6 h, 24 h, and from day 2 to day 5. Differences in the maximum pain and in pain experienced at each time-point, among the three groups, was assessed by using the Kruskal–Wallis H. The final sample included 56 patients, 29 males, and 27 females, with a mean age of 12.03 ± 1.3 years. Patients were randomly allocated into three groups (tested, control, and placebo group) with each group consisting respectively of 19, 20, and 17 individuals. Subjects in the LLLT experienced less pain at each time interval as well as the maximum pain score being lower in the LLLT compared to control and placebo groups. These findings were all statistically significant (p < 0.05). LLLT can alleviate the intensity of pain after the placement of orthodontic bands.
Read Like Me: An Intervention for Struggling Readers
Authors: Young Chase , Lagrone Stacey , McCauley Joyce
Published: March 2020

The current study reports on a reading intervention method titled Read Like Me. The intervention utilizes a stacked approach of research-based methods, including reading aloud, assisted reading, and repeated reading. The student involved was a second-grade boy reading below grade level who was identified as dyslexic and diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactive disorder. Using a single-case experimental design, the intervention was monitored in four phases, including a baseline, intervention coupled with regular schooling, intervention only, and a return to baseline. The results indicated that the intervention combined with regular schooling improved his reading expression and rate and also his decoding skills, word knowledge, and reading comprehension. In conclusion, the authors offer Read Like Me as one more intervention that may be a viable option for teachers in their effort to support developing readers.
Towards a Training Framework for Improved Assistive Mobile App Acceptance and Use Rates by Blind and Visually Impaired People
Authors: Theodorou Paraskevi , Meliones Apostolos
Published: March 2020

The development of mobile apps, which are either suitably adapted or especially designed for use by sensory-deprived people, have contributed significantly to the continuously increasing adoption of digital assistive technologies by people with disabilities. Throughout the design of two assistive navigation mobile apps for blind and visually impaired people (BVI), a set of everyday practices and psychological features of the BVIs with respect to the use of mobile technology was identified. Specifically, interviews with BVIs were held at the first stage of the design process. The analysis of the responses revealed that appropriate training of a BVI on how to use these apps plays significant role on the anticipated app adoption and use rate. This study presents the everyday practices and psychological features of the BVIs, as they were inferred from the analysis of the interviews. It is argued that these psychological features and practices must be considered in the development of training practices concerning the use of the proposed technology. Towards this direction, a framework for the adequate training of BVIs on the use of assistive mobile apps is presented. Consideration of this framework during the development of assistive mobile apps for BVIs could contribute towards higher adoption rates.
Assessing Expressive Oral Reading Fluency
Authors: Morrison Timothy G. , Wilcox Brad
Published: March 2020

Educators struggle to assess various aspects of reading in valid and reliable ways. Whether it is comprehension, phonological awareness, vocabulary, or phonics, determining appropriate assessments is challenging across grade levels and student abilities. Also challenging is measuring aspects of fluency: rate, accuracy, and prosody. This article presents a history of fluency in American education with particular focus on assessing expressive oral reading. In addition, the two major approaches to prosody assessment will be explained, and the three most prominent tools for rating expressive oral reading will be analyzed and discussed.
Physical Layer Security in a Hybrid TPSR Two-Way Half-Duplex Relaying Network over a Rayleigh Fading Channel: Outage and Intercept Probability Analysis
Authors: Hoang An Ngo , Tran Minh , Nguyen Tan N. , Ha Duy-Hung
Published: March 2020

In this paper, the system performance of a hybrid time–power splitting relaying (TPSR) two-way half-duplex (HD) relaying network over a Rayleigh fading channel is investigated in terms of the outage probability (OP) and intercept probability (IP). The proposed model has two sources, A and B, which communicate with each other with the help of an intermediate relay (R) under the presence of an eavesdropper (E). The physical layer security (PLS) was considered in this case. Firstly, we derived the closed-form expressions of the exact and asymptotic IP in two cases, using MRC (maximal ratio combining) and SC (selection combining) techniques. The closed-form expressions of the system OP was then analyzed and derived. All the analytical expressions of the OP and IP of the system model were verified by a Monte Carlo simulation in connection with all the main system parameters. In the research results, the analytical and simulation values were in total agreement, demonstrating the correctness of the system performance analysis.