bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vertical Profile Diving and Floating Motion Control of the Underwater Glider Based on Fuzzy Adaptive LADRC Algorithm
Authors: Wang Zhiguang , Yu Caoyang , Li Mingjie , Yao Baoheng , Lian Lian
Published: June 2021

The underwater glider is a kind of novel invention that has been proven to be perfect for long-duration, wide-range marine environmental monitoring tasks. It is controlled by changing the buoyancy and adjusting the posture. For precise control of the underwater glider’s trajectory, a fuzzy adaptive linear active disturbance rejection control (LADRC) is designed in this paper. This controller allows the glider to dive to a predetermined depth precisely and float at a specific depth. In addition, the controller takes some important factors into account, such as model uncertainty, environmental disturbances, and the limited dynamic output of the actual mechanical actuator. Finally, simulation results show the superiority of this fuzzy adaptive LADRC control method. Particularly, when the underwater glider was controlled to dive 100 m at a predetermined attitude angle θ = −1 rad, the maximum overshoot of FLADRC is reduced by 75.1%, 56.6% relative to PID, LADRC, respectively.
Hydro-Saline Dynamics of a Shallow Mediterranean Coastal Lagoon: Complementary Information from Short and Long Term Monitoring
Authors: Boutron Olivier , Paugam Caroline , Luna-Laurent Emilie , Chauvelon Philippe , Sous Damien , Rey Vincent , Meulé Samuel , Chérain Yves , Cheiron Anais , Migne Emmanuelle
Published: June 2021

The Vaccarès Lagoon System, located in the central part of the Rhône Delta (France), is a complex shallow coastal lagoon, exposed to a typical Mediterranean climate and a specific hydrological regime affected by man-controlled exchanges with the sea and agricultural drainage channels. In this article, we report the results obtained by a series of monitoring programs, with different spatial and temporal resolutions. Long-term datasets from 1999 to 2019 with data collected on a monthly basis and a high spatial resolution highlighted the significant spatial heterogeneity in salinity regimes, and helped to determine the long-term evolution of the total mass of dissolved salt. High-frequency surveys allowed to characterize the water levels and salinity dynamics seasonal response to (i) the exchanges with the Mediterranean Sea, (ii) the exchanges with agricultural drainage channels, and (iii) the rain and evaporation. In addition, wind effects on salinity variations are also explored. This work shows how different spatial and temporal monitoring strategies provide complementary information on the dynamic of such a complex system. Results will be useful and provide insight for the management of similar lagoon systems, accommodating for both human activities and ecological stakes in the context of global change.
The Dynamics of Foreign Exchange Derivative Use in China
Authors: Sun Yidi , Morley Bruce
Published: June 2021

The aim of this study is to determine the main factors affecting the use of foreign exchange hedging instruments by Chinese firms, following their regulatory changes in the derivative markets. The original contributions to this literature include the use of a panel dataset of 316 Chinese firms with the data running from 2012 to 2017 and a dynamic random effects probability approach. The results suggest the main determinants of derivative use are the overseas trade conducted by these firms, with some evidence of non-linearity, as well as firms being more likely to use derivatives when there is more information asymmetry and agency problems, potentially due to greater controls on their use in China.
A Study of Yielding and Plasticity of Rapid Prototyped ABS
Authors: Șerban Dan-Andrei , Marșavina Cosmin , Coșa Alexandru Viorel , Belgiu George , Negru Radu
Published: June 2021

In this article, the yielding and plastic flow of a rapid-prototyped ABS compound was investigated for various plane stress states. The experimental procedures consisted of multiaxial tests performed on an Arcan device on specimens manufactured through photopolymerization. Numerical analyses were employed in order to determine the yield points for each stress state configuration. The results were used for the calibration of the Hosford yield criterion and flow potential. Numerical analyses performed on identical specimen models and test configurations yielded results that are in accordance with the experimental data.
Comparative Study of Sargassum fusiforme Polysaccharides in Regulating Cecal and Fecal Microbiota of High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice
Authors: Wei Bin , Xu Qiao-Li , Zhang Bo , Zhou Tao-Shun , Ke Song-Ze , Wang Si-Jia , Wu Bin , Xu Xue-Wei , Wang Hong
Published: June 2021

Seaweed polysaccharides represent a kind of novel gut microbiota regulator. The advantages and disadvantages of using cecal and fecal microbiota to represent gut microbiota have been discussed, but the regulatory effects of seaweed polysaccharides on cecal and fecal microbiota, which would benefit the study of seaweed polysaccharide-based gut microbiota regulator, have not been compared. Here, the effects of two Sargassum fusiforme polysaccharides prepared by water extraction (SfW) and acid extraction (SfA) on the cecal and fecal microbiota of high-fat diet (HFD) fed mice were investigated by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The results indicated that 16 weeks of HFD dramatically impaired the homeostasis of both the cecal and fecal microbiota, including the dominant phyla Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria, and genera Coriobacteriaceae, S24-7, and Ruminococcus, but did not affect the relative abundance of Firmicutes, Clostridiales, Oscillospira, and Ruminococcaceae in cecal microbiota and the Simpson’s index of fecal microbiota. Co-treatments with SfW and SfA exacerbated body weight gain and partially reversed HFD-induced alterations of Clostridiales and Ruminococcaceae. Moreover, the administration of SfW and SfA also altered the abundance of genes encoding monosaccharide-transporting ATPase, α-galactosidase, β-fructofuranosidase, and β-glucosidase with the latter showing more significant potency. Our findings revealed the difference of cecal and fecal microbiota in HFD-fed mice and demonstrated that SfW and SfA could more significantly regulate the cecal microbiota and lay important foundations for the study of seaweed polysaccharide-based gut microbiota regulators.
Marine Actinomycetes, New Sources of Biotechnological Products
Authors: Jagannathan Sveta V. , Manemann Erika M. , Rowe Sarah E. , Callender Maiya C. , Soto William
Published: June 2021

The Actinomycetales order is one of great genetic and functional diversity, including diversity in the production of secondary metabolites which have uses in medical, environmental rehabilitation, and industrial applications. Secondary metabolites produced by actinomycete species are an abundant source of antibiotics, antitumor agents, anthelmintics, and antifungals. These actinomycete-derived medicines are in circulation as current treatments, but actinomycetes are also being explored as potential sources of new compounds to combat multidrug resistance in pathogenic bacteria. Actinomycetes as a potential to solve environmental concerns is another area of recent investigation, particularly their utility in the bioremediation of pesticides, toxic metals, radioactive wastes, and biofouling. Other applications include biofuels, detergents, and food preservatives/additives. Exploring other unique properties of actinomycetes will allow for a deeper understanding of this interesting taxonomic group. Combined with genetic engineering, microbial experimental evolution, and other enhancement techniques, it is reasonable to assume that the use of marine actinomycetes will continue to increase. Novel products will begin to be developed for diverse applied research purposes, including zymology and enology. This paper outlines the current knowledge of actinomycete usage in applied research, focusing on marine isolates and providing direction for future research.
Programmed Death-Ligand 1 (PD-L1) Expression Is Induced by Insulin in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Cells Pointing to Its Role in Immune Checkpoint Control
Authors: Heckl Steffen M. , Mau Franziska , Senftleben Anke , Daunke Tina , Beckinger Silje , Abdullazade Samir , Schreiber Stefan , Röcken Christoph , Sebens Susanne , Schäfer Heiner
Published: June 2021

Type-2 diabetes (T2DM) is a risk factor for the development of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and is characterized by insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia. Besides the well-known growth-promoting activity of insulin or the other members of the Insulin/Insulin-like Growth factor (IGF) axis, we here describe an inducing effect of insulin on PD-L1 expression in PDAC cells. Treatment of the PDAC cell lines BxPc3, A818-6, and T3M4 with insulin increased PD-L1 expression in a time- and dose dependent fashion, as shown by Western blot and qPCR analysis. siRNA mediated knock-down showed that the effects of insulin on PD-L1 depend on the insulin and IGF receptors (InsR and IGFR, respectively). In addition, a crosstalk of insulin-induced ERK activation and Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) triggered PD-L1 expression. This involves different mechanisms in the three cell lines including upregulation of InsR-A expression in A818-6 and modulation of the adaptor protein Gab1 in BxPc3 cells. As a consequence of the insulin-induced PD-L1 expression, PDAC cells suppress the proliferation of activated human CD8+ T-cells in coculture experiments. The suppression of CD8+ cell proliferation by insulin-pretreated PDAC cells was reversed by PD-1 blockade with Pembrolizumab or by PD-L1 siRNA. Furthermore, the clinical relevance of these observations was supported by detecting a coexpression of cytoplasmic InsR (characteristic for its activation) and PD-L1 in tumor tissues from PDAC patients. Our findings provide a novel insight into the protumorigenic role of insulin in PDAC. Recognizing the impact of insulin on PD-L1 expression as part of the immune privilege, strategies to interfere with this mechanism could pave the way towards a more efficient immunotherapy of PDAC.
Mixing Mechanism of Microfluidic Mixer with Staggered Virtual Electrode Based on Light-Actuated AC Electroosmosis
Authors: Shi Liuyong , Ding Hanghang , Zhong Xiangtao , Yin Binfeng , Liu Zhenyu , Zhou Teng
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we present a novel microfluidic mixer with staggered virtual electrode based on light-actuated AC electroosmosis (LACE). We solve the coupled system of the flow field described by Navier–Stokes equations, the described electric field by a Laplace equation, and the concentration field described by a convection–diffusion equation via a finite-element method (FEM). Moreover, we study the distribution of the flow, electric, and concentration fields in the microchannel, and reveal the generating mechanism of the rotating vortex on the cross-section of the microchannel and the mixing mechanism of the fluid sample. We also explore the influence of several key geometric parameters such as the length, width, and spacing of the virtual electrode, and the height of the microchannel on mixing performance; the relatively optimal mixer structure is thus obtained. The current micromixer provides a favorable fluid-mixing method based on an optical virtual electrode, and could promote the comprehensive integration of functions in modern microfluidic-analysis systems.
In-Silico Modeling of Tumor Spheroid Formation and Growth
Authors: Amereh Meitham , Edwards Roderick , Akbari Mohsen , Nadler Ben
Published: June 2021

Mathematical modeling has significant potential for understanding of biological models of cancer and to accelerate the progress in cross-disciplinary approaches of cancer treatment. In mathematical biology, solid tumor spheroids are often studied as preliminary in vitro models of avascular tumors. The size of spheroids and their cell number are easy to track, making them a simple in vitro model to investigate tumor behavior, quantitatively. The growth of solid tumors is comprised of three main stages: transient formation, monotonic growth and a plateau phase. The last two stages are extensively studied. However, the initial transient formation phase is typically missing from the literature. This stage is important in the early dynamics of growth, formation of clonal sub-populations, etc. In the current work, this transient formation is modeled by a reaction–diffusion partial differential equation (PDE) for cell concentration, coupled with an ordinary differential equation (ODE) for the spheroid radius. Analytical and numerical solutions of the coupled equations were obtained for the change in the radius of tumor spheroids over time. Human glioblastoma (hGB) cancer cells (U251 and U87) were spheroid cultured to validate the model prediction. Results of this study provide insight into the mechanism of development of solid tumors at their early stage of formation.
Human Health Risk Distribution and Safety Threshold of Cadmium in Soil of Coal Chemical Industry Area
Authors: Zhang Kai , Li XiaoNan , Song ZhenYu , Yan JiaYu , Chen MengYue , Yin JunCheng
Published: June 2021

Cadmium (Cd) is a highly carcinogenic metal that plays an important role in the risk management of soil pollution. In this study, 153 soil samples were collected from a coal chemical plant in northwest China, and the human health risks associated with Cd were assessed through multiple exposure pathways. Meanwhile, by the Kriging interpolation method, the spatial distribution and health risks of Cd were explored. The results showed that the average concentration of Cd in the soil was 0.540 mg/kg, which was 4.821 and 5.567 times that of the soil background value in Ningxia and China, respectively. In comparison, the concentration of Cd in the soil was below the national soil environmental quality three-level standard (1.0 mg/kg). In addition, health risk assessment results showed that the total carcinogenic risk of Cd was 1.269 × 10−6–2.189 × 10−6, both above the acceptable criteria (1 × 10−6), while the hazard quotient was within the acceptable level. Oral intake and ingestion of soil particles were the main routes of exposure, and the carcinogenic risk control value of oral intake was the lowest (0.392 mg/kg), which could be selected as the strict reference of the safety threshold for Cd in the coal chemical soil. From Kriging, a prediction map can be centrally predicted on heavy metal pollution in the area surrounding the coal entrance corridor and pedestrian entrance. This study can provide a theoretical basis for the determination of the heavy metal safety threshold of the coal chemical industry in China.
Selected In Situ Hybridization Methods: Principles and Application
Authors: Veselinyová Dominika , Mašlanková Jana , Kalinová Katarina , Mičková Helena , Mareková Mária , Rabajdová Miroslava
Published: June 2021

We are experiencing rapid progress in all types of imaging techniques used in the detection of various numbers and types of mutation. In situ hybridization (ISH) is the primary technique for the discovery of mutation agents, which are presented in a variety of cells. The ability of DNA to complementary bind is one of the main principles in every method used in ISH. From the first use of in situ techniques, scientists paid attention to the improvement of the probe design and detection, to enhance the fluorescent signal intensity and inhibition of cross-hybrid presence. This article discusses the individual types and modifications, and is focused on explaining the principles and limitations of ISH division on different types of probes. The article describes a design of probes for individual types of in situ hybridization (ISH), as well as the gradual combination of several laboratory procedures to achieve the highest possible sensitivity and to prevent undesirable events accompanying hybridization. The article also informs about applications of the methodology, in practice and in research, to detect cell to cell communication and principles of gene silencing, process of oncogenesis, and many other unknown processes taking place in organisms at the DNA/RNA level.
A Supramolecular Photosensitizer System Based on Nano-Cu/ZIF-8 Capped with Water-Soluble Pillar[6]arene and Methylene Blue Host–Guest Complexations
Authors: Hu Chenhao , Yu Yueyuan , Chao Shuang , Zhu Huidan , Pei Yuxin , Chen Lan , Pei Zhichao
Published: June 2021

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) as a safe, non-invasive modality for cancer therapy, in which the low oxygen and high glutathione in the tumor microenvironment reduces therapeutic efficiency. In order to overcome these problems, we prepared a supramolecular photosensitive system of O2-Cu/ZIF-8@ZIF-8@WP6–MB (OCZWM), which was loaded with oxygen to increase the oxygen concentration in the tumor microenvironment, and the Cu2+ in the system reacted with glutathione (GSH) to reduce the GSH concentration to generate Cu+. It is worth noting that the generated Cu+ can produce the Fenton reaction, thus realizing the combination therapy of PDT and chemodynamic therapy (CDT) to achieve the purpose of significantly improving the anti-cancer efficiency.
Development, Characterization, and Immunomodulatory Evaluation of Carvacrol-loaded Nanoemulsion
Authors: Dantas Amanda Gabrielle Barros , de Souza Rafael Limongi , de Almeida Anderson Rodrigues , Xavier Júnior Francisco Humberto , Pitta Maira Galdino da Rocha , Rêgo Moacyr Jesus Barreto de Melo , Oliveira Elquio Eleamen
Published: June 2021

Carvacrol (CV) is an essential oil with numerous therapeutic properties, including immunomodulatory activity. However, this effect has not been studied in nanoemulsion systems. The objective of this study was to develop an innovative carvacrol-loaded nanoemulsion (CVNE) for immunomodulatory action. The developed CVNE comprised of 5% w/w oily phase (medium chain triglycerides + CV), 2% w/w surfactants (Tween 80®/Span 80®), and 93% w/w water, and was produced by ultrasonication. Dynamic light scattering over 90 days was used to characterize CVNE. Cytotoxic activity and quantification of cytokines were evaluated in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) culture supernatants. CVNE achieved a drug loading of 4.29 mg/mL, droplet size of 165.70 ± 0.46 nm, polydispersity index of 0.14 ± 0.03, zeta potential of −10.25 ± 0.52 mV, and good stability for 90 days. CVNE showed no cytotoxicity at concentrations up to 200 µM in PBMCs. CV diminished the production of IL-2 in the PBMC supernatant. However, CVNE reduced the levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-2, IL-17, and IFN-γ at 50 µM. In conclusion, a stable CVNE was produced, which improved the CV immunomodulatory activity in PBMCs.
Porphyrin-Based Supramolecular Flags in the Thermal Gradients’ Wind: What Breaks the Symmetry, How and Why
Authors: Nicosia Angelo , Vento Fabiana , Marletta Giovanni , Messina Grazia , Satriano Cristina , Villari Valentina , Micali Norberto , De Martino Maria , Schotman Maaike , Mineo Placido
Published: June 2021

The Spontaneous Symmetry Breaking (SSB) phenomenon is a natural event in which a system changes its symmetric state, apparently reasonless, in an asymmetrical one. Nevertheless, this occurrence could be hiding unknown inductive forces. An intriguing investigation pathway uses supramolecular aggregates of suitable achiral porphyrins, useful to mimic the natural light-harvesting systems (as chlorophyll). Using as SSB probe supramolecular aggregates of 5,10,15,20-tetrakis[p(ω-methoxypolyethyleneoxy)phenyl]porphyrin (StarP), a non-ionic achiral PEGylated porphyrin, we explore here its interaction with weak asymmetric thermal gradients fields. The cross-correlation of the experimental data (circular dichroism, confocal microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and cryo-transmission electron microscopy) revealed that the used building blocks aggregate spontaneously, organizing in flag-like structures whose thermally-induced circular dichroism depends on their features. Finally, thermal gradient-induced enantioselectivity of the supramolecular flag-like aggregates has been shown and linked to their size-dependence mesoscopic deformation, which could be visualized as waving flags in the wind.
AB-Kefir Reduced Body Weight and Ameliorated Inflammation in Adipose Tissue of Obese Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet, but Not a High-Sucrose Diet
Authors: Chen Yung-Tsung , Hsu Ai-Hua , Chiou Shiou-Yun , Lin Yu-Chun , Lin Jin-Seng
Published: June 2021

Consumption of different types of high-calorie foods leads to the development of various metabolic disorders. However, the effects of multi-strain probiotics on different types of diet-induced obesity and intestinal dysbiosis remain unclear. In this study, mice were fed a control diet, high-fat diet (HFD; 60% kcal fat and 20% kcal carbohydrate), or western diet (WD; 40% kcal fat and 43% kcal carbohydrate) and administered with multi-strain AB-Kefir containing six strains of lactic acid bacteria and a Bifidobacterium strain, at 109 CFU per mouse for 10 weeks. Results demonstrated that AB-Kefir reduced body weight gain, glucose intolerance, and hepatic steatosis with a minor influence on gut microbiota composition in HFD-fed mice, but not in WD-fed mice. In addition, AB-Kefir significantly reduced the weight and size of adipose tissues by regulating the expression of CD36, Igf1, and Pgc1 in HFD-fed mice. Although AB-Kefir did not reduce the volume of white adipose tissue, it markedly regulated CD36, Dgat1 and Mogat1 mRNA expression. Moreover, the abundance of Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes_group and Ruminiclostridium significantly correlated with changes in body weight, liver weight, and fasting glucose in test mice. Overall, this study provides important evidence to understand the interactions between probiotics, gut microbiota, and diet in obesity treatment.
Diagnostic Performance and Accuracy of the MNA-SF against GLIM Criteria in Community-Dwelling Older Adults from Poland
Authors: Kaluźniak-Szymanowska Aleksandra , Krzymińska-Siemaszko Roma , Lewandowicz Marta , Deskur-Śmielecka Ewa , Stachnik Katarzyna , Wieczorowska-Tobis Katarzyna
Published: June 2021

Up to 28% of elderly residents in Europe are at risk of malnutrition. As uniform diagnostic criteria for malnutrition have not been formulated, in autumn 2018, the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) presented a consensus on its diagnosis. According to the consensus, the diagnosis of malnutrition requires a positive screening test result for the risk of malnutrition, and the presence of at least one etiologic and one phenotypic criterion. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic performance and accuracy of the Mini Nutritional Assessment—Short Form (MNA-SF) against GLIM criteria. The analysis involved 273 community-dwelling volunteers aged ≥ 60 years. All participants were screened for malnutrition with the MNA-SF questionnaire. Next, the GLIM phenotypic and etiologic criteria were assessed in all subjects. Based on the presence of at least one phenotypic and one etiologic criterion, malnutrition was diagnosed in more than one-third of participants (n = 103, 37.7%). According to the MNA-SF, only 7.3% of subjects had malnutrition, and 28.2% were at risk of malnutrition. The agreement between the MNA-SF score and the GLIM criteria were observed in only 22.3% of the population. The sensitivity and specificity of MNA-SF against the GLIM criteria were fair (59.2% and 78.8%, respectively). The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.77, indicating the fair ability of MNA-SF to diagnose malnutrition. Based on the present study results, the best solution may be an optional replacement of the screening tool in the first step of the GLIM algorithm with clinical suspicion of malnutrition.
Dietary Antiplatelets: A New Perspective on the Health Benefits of the Water-Soluble Tomato Concentrate Fruitflow®
Authors: O’Kennedy Niamh , Duss Ruedi , Duttaroy Asim K
Published: June 2021

Our understanding of platelet functionality has undergone a sea change in the last decade. No longer are platelets viewed simply as regulators of haemostasis; they are now acknowledged to be pivotal in coordinating the inflammatory and immune responses. This expanded role for platelets brings new opportunities for controlling a range of health conditions, targeting platelet activation and their interactions with other vascular cells. Antiplatelet drugs may be of wider utility than ever expected but often cause platelet suppression too strong to be used out of clinical settings. Dietary antiplatelets represent a nutritional approach that can be efficacious while safe for general use. In this review, we discuss potential new uses for dietary antiplatelets outside the field of cardiovascular health, with specific reference to the water-soluble tomato extract Fruitflow®. Its uses in different aspects of inflammation and immune function are discussed, highlighting exercise-induced inflammation, mediating the effects of air pollution, and controlling thrombotic aspects of the immune response. Potential future developments in women’s health, erectile dysfunction, and the allergic response indicate how broad the utility of dietary antiplatelets can be.
Effect of Improvement in Sarcopenia on Functional and Discharge Outcomes in Stroke Rehabilitation Patients
Authors: Matsushita Tatsuya , Nishioka Shinta , Taguchi Shiori , Yamanouchi Anna , Okazaki Yuka , Oishi Kana , Nakashima Ryusei , Fujii Tatsuya , Tokunaga Yoshiharu , Onizuka Shinya
Published: June 2021

This cross-sectional study investigated the proportion of patients’ recovery from sarcopenia status and the relationship between improvement in sarcopenia (IS) and function and discharge outcome in hospitalized patients with stroke. This study included patients with stroke, aged 65 years or more, with a diagnosis of sarcopenia, who were admitted to a convalescent rehabilitation ward. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 criteria. Patients were divided according to the presence or absence of sarcopenia at discharge: IS group and non-improvement in sarcopenia (NIS) group. Among the 227 participants (mean age: 80.5 years; 125 females), 30% (69/227) of the patients were in the IS group, while 70% (158/227) were in the NIS group. The IS group showed a higher Functional Independence Measure (FIM) than the NIS group (median 112 vs. 101, p = 0.003). The results demonstrated that IS was independently associated with higher FIM (partial regression coefficient, 5.378; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.709–10.047). The IS group had higher odds of home discharge than the NIS group (odds ratio, 2.560; 95% CI, 0.912–7.170). In conclusion, recovery from sarcopenia may be associated with better function in patients with stroke.
The Effect of a Lifestyle Intervention on Type 2 Diabetes Pathophysiology and Remission: The Stevenshof Pilot Study
Authors: de Hoogh Iris M. , Oosterman Johanneke E. , Otten Wilma , Krijger Anne-Margreeth , Berbée-Zadelaar Susanne , Pasman Wilrike J. , van Ommen Ben , Pijl Hanno , Wopereis Suzan
Published: June 2021

Although lifestyle interventions can lead to diabetes remission, it is unclear to what extent type 2 diabetes (T2D) remission alters or improves the underlying pathophysiology of the disease. Here, we assess the effects of a lifestyle intervention on T2D reversal or remission and the effects on the underlying pathology. In a Dutch primary care setting, 15 adults with an average T2D duration of 13.4 years who were (pharmacologically) treated for T2D received a diabetes subtyping (“diabetyping”) lifestyle intervention (DLI) for six months, aiming for T2D remission. T2D subtype was determined based on an OGTT. Insulin and sulphonylurea (SU) derivative treatment could be terminated for all participants. Body weight, waist/hip ratio, triglyceride levels, HbA1c, fasting, and 2h glucose were significantly improved after three and six months of intervention. Remission and reversal were achieved in two and three participants, respectively. Indices of insulin resistance and beta cell capacity improved, but never reached healthy values, resulting in unchanged T2D subtypes. Our study implies that achieving diabetes remission in individuals with a longer T2D duration is possible, but underlying pathology is only minimally affected, possibly due to an impaired beta cell function. Thus, even when T2D remission is achieved, patients need to continue adhering to lifestyle therapy.
Study of the Plasma and Buffy Coat in Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infection—A Preliminary Report
Authors: Peña Karla B. , Riu Francesc , Gumà Josep , Guilarte Carmen , Pique Berta , Hernandez Anna , Àvila Alba , Parra Sandra , Castro Antoni , Rovira Conxita , Cueto Pitter , Vallverdu Immaculada , Parada David
Published: June 2021

The pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 infection affects many aspects of public health knowledge, science, and practice around the world. Several studies have shown that SARS-CoV-2 RNA in plasma seems to be associated with a worse prognosis of COVID-19. In the present study, we investigated plasma and buffy RNA in patients with COVID-19 to determine its prognostic value. A prospective study was carried out in patients hospitalized for COVID-19, in which RNA was analyzed in plasma and the buffy coat. Morphological and immunohistochemical studies were used to detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the buffy coat. In COVID-19 patients, the obtained RNA concentration in plasma was 448.3 ± 31.30 ng/mL. Of all the patients with positive plasma tests for SARS-CoV-2, 46.15% died from COVID-19. In four cases, tests revealed that SARS-CoV-2 was present in the buffy coat. Abnormal morphology of monocytes, lymphocytes and neutrophils was found. An immunohistochemical study showed positivity in mononuclear cells and platelets. Our results suggest that SARS-CoV-2 is present in the plasma. This facilitates viral dissemination and migration to specific organs, where SARS-CoV-2 infects target cells by binding to their receptors. In our study, the presence of plasma SARS-CoV-2 RNA was correlated with worse prognoses.
Ophthalmic In Situ Gels with Balsam Poplar Buds Extract: Formulation, Rheological Characterization, and Quality Evaluation
Authors: Stanciauskaite Monika , Marksa Mindaugas , Ivanauskas Liudas , Perminaite Kristina , Ramanauskiene Kristina
Published: June 2021

Balsam poplar buds are a raw material with a high content of polyphenols. Various polyphenols are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In this study, an aqueous extract of balsam poplar buds was prepared in order to use environmentally friendly and non-aggressive solvents. The aqueous extract was lyophilized, and a 1% aqueous solution of lyophilized balsam poplar buds extract (L1) was prepared. L1 solution was used as a source of polyphenols for the production of ophthalmic in situ gels, so as to develop a product featuring antioxidant properties. Poloxamer 407 (P407) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) were selected as gelling agents for the in situ gels. In order to select the formulations with the best conditions of use, formulations of different polymer concentrations (P407—10%, 12%, 15%; HPMC—0.5%, 0.75%) were prepared, choosing the same amount of the active polyphenol source L1. The physicochemical properties, rheological parameters, stability, and irritant effect on the rabbit corneal cell line (SIRC) were evaluated. Formulations in which P407 and HMPC concentrations were 10/0.75% and 12%/0.75% reached a gelation point close to the ocular surface temperature; the gels remained stable for 30 days and did not cause an irritant effect on the SIRC cell line.
Development of an Improved Method for the Determination of Iodine/β-Cyclodextrin by Means of HPLC-UV: Validation and the Thyroid-Stimulating Activity Revealed by In Vivo Studies
Authors: Sharipov Avez , Boboev Zufar , Fazliev Sunnatullo , Gulyamov Shokhid , Yunuskhodjayev Akhmatkhodja , Razzokov Jamoliddin
Published: June 2021

Iodine, being an intrinsic part of thyroid hormones, is a vital microelement required for normal growth and development, particularly in children. Inadequate daily intake of iodine causes iodine deficiency, which is responsible for several health disorders, such as cretinism and goiters. Therefore, the development of new drugs and/or food supplements for iodine deficiency is crucial. We synthesized an iodine/β-cyclodextrin complex based on a host–guest model, and in this paper, we outline the development of a new quantitative analysis method. We suggest a robust and reliable high-performance liquid chromatography method to determine the total amount of iodine species in the complex. Moreover, we performed validation of our method. The results of validation presented here show the reliability, accuracy and high precision of the method. Furthermore, for the first time, we show results of in vivo studies for the thyroid-stimulating activity of the iodine/β-cyclodextrin complex. Our findings indicate that the thyroid-stimulating activity of iodine/β-cyclodextrin is comparable to that of potassium iodide, which is the main active pharmaceutical substance of conventional drugs for iodine deficiency.
Addressing Manufacturability and Processability in Polymer Gel Electrolytes for Li/Na Batteries
Authors: Gregorio Víctor , García Nuria , Tiemblo Pilar
Published: June 2021

Gel electrolytes are prepared with Ultra High Molecular Weight (UHMW) polyethylene oxide (PEO) in a concentration ranging from 5 to 30 wt.% and Li- and Na-doped 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (PYR14-TFSI) by a simple procedure consisting of dissolving PEO by melting it directly in the liquid electrolyte while stirring the blend. This procedure is fast, reproducible and needs no auxiliary solvents, which makes it sustainable and potentially easy to scale up for mass production. The viability of the up-scaling by extrusion has been studied. Extrusion has been chosen because it is a processing method commonly employed in the plastics industry. The structure and morphology of the gel electrolytes prepared by both methods have been studied by DSC and FTIR, showing small differences among the two methods. Composite gels incorporation high concentrations of surface modified sepiolite fibers have been successfully prepared by extrusion. The rheological behavior and ionic conductivity of the gels have been characterized, and very similar performance of the extruded and manually mixed gels is detected. Ionic conductivity of all the gels, including the composites, are at or over 0.4 mS cm−1 at 25 °C, being at the same time thermoreversible and self-healing gels, tough, sticky, transparent and stretchable. This combination of properties, together with the viability of their industrial up-scaling, makes these gel electrolyte families very attractive for their application in energy storage devices.
Pressure Reduction Enhancing the Production of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural from Glucose in Aqueous Phase Catalysis System
Authors: Ke Ke , Ji Hairui , Shen Xiaoning , Kong Fangong , Li Bo
Published: June 2021

5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) obtained from biomass is an important platform chemical for the next generation of plastics and biofuel production. Although industrialized, the high yield of HMF in aqueous systems was rarely achieved. The main problem is that HMF tends to form byproducts when co-adsorbed with water at acid sites. In this study, the pressure was reduced to improve the maximum yield of HMF from 9.3 to 35.2% (at 190 °C in 60 min) in a glucose aqueous solution. The mechanism here involved water boiling as caused by pressure reduction, which in turn promoted the desorption of HMF from the solid catalyst, thereby inhibiting the side reaction of HMF. Furthermore, the solid catalysts could be reused three times without a significant loss of their catalytic activity. Overall, this work provides an effective strategy to improve the yield of HMF in water over heterogeneous catalysts in practice.
Interactive Decision Tree Learning and Decision Rule Extraction Based on the ImbTreeEntropy and ImbTreeAUC Packages
Authors: Gajowniczek Krzysztof , Ząbkowski Tomasz
Published: June 2021

This paper presents two new R packages ImbTreeEntropy and ImbTreeAUC for building decision trees, including their interactive construction and analysis, which is a highly regarded feature for field experts who want to be involved in the learning process. ImbTreeEntropy functionality includes the application of generalized entropy functions, such as Renyi, Tsallis, Sharma-Mittal, Sharma-Taneja and Kapur, to measure the impurity of a node. ImbTreeAUC provides non-standard measures to choose an optimal split point for an attribute (as well the optimal attribute for splitting) by employing local, semi-global and global AUC measures. The contribution of both packages is that thanks to interactive learning, the user is able to construct a new tree from scratch or, if required, the learning phase enables making a decision regarding the optimal split in ambiguous situations, taking into account each attribute and its cut-off. The main difference with existing solutions is that our packages provide mechanisms that allow for analyzing the trees’ structures (several trees simultaneously) that are built after growing and/or pruning. Both packages support cost-sensitive learning by defining a misclassification cost matrix, as well as weight-sensitive learning. Additionally, the tree structure of the model can be represented as a rule-based model, along with the various quality measures, such as support, confidence, lift, conviction, addedValue, cosine, Jaccard and Laplace.
Design and Optimization of a Curved-Crease-Folding Process Applied to a Light Metallic Structure
Authors: Raducanu Doina , Cojocaru Vasile Danut , Raducanu Vlad Andrei , Nocivin Anna , Serban Nicolae , Cinca Ion , Cojocaru Elisabeta Mirela , Moldovan Laurentiu , Trisca-Rusu Corneliu , Balkan Irina Varvara
Published: June 2021

Presently, the realization of complex, unconventional designs using efficient modalities is possible due to an increasing interest in interdisciplinary approaches: materials science, mathematics, IT, architecture, etc. Computerized techniques, among which the algorithmic/generative design is the most advanced one, that are associated with the individualized production methods are used for finding solutions for modern spatial forms with an unconventional spatial geometric shape, which are generically called “free-forms”. This work presents the design, realization and testing of a thin-walled metallic structure proposed as a light structural unit. An integrated research approach was proposed that utilized an algorithmic/digital design applied to the curved-crease-folding method with the study (at different length scales) of the metallic material behaviour after folding. An original method was proposed for the digital design and simulations. The specific mechanical behaviour of the metallic material in the elastic–plastic regime was used in this case to improve the structural performances; mechanical and structural tests were realized to analyse the behaviour of the entire structure. The results are useful for enhancing the accuracy of the digital design, the structural simulation programs and the fabrication methods.
Benchmarking Anchor-Based and Anchor-Free State-of-the-Art Deep Learning Methods for Individual Tree Detection in RGB High-Resolution Images
Authors: Zamboni Pedro , Junior José Marcato , Silva Jonathan de Andrade , Miyoshi Gabriela Takahashi , Matsubara Edson Takashi , Nogueira Keiller , Gonçalves Wesley Nunes
Published: June 2021

Urban forests contribute to maintaining livability and increase the resilience of cities in the face of population growth and climate change. Information about the geographical distribution of individual trees is essential for the proper management of these systems. RGB high-resolution aerial images have emerged as a cheap and efficient source of data, although detecting and mapping single trees in an urban environment is a challenging task. Thus, we propose the evaluation of novel methods for single tree crown detection, as most of these methods have not been investigated in remote sensing applications. A total of 21 methods were investigated, including anchor-based (one and two-stage) and anchor-free state-of-the-art deep-learning methods. We used two orthoimages divided into 220 non-overlapping patches of 512 × 512 pixels with a ground sample distance (GSD) of 10 cm. The orthoimages were manually annotated, and 3382 single tree crowns were identified as the ground-truth. Our findings show that the anchor-free detectors achieved the best average performance with an AP50 of 0.686. We observed that the two-stage anchor-based and anchor-free methods showed better performance for this task, emphasizing the FSAF, Double Heads, CARAFE, ATSS, and FoveaBox models. RetinaNet, which is currently commonly applied in remote sensing, did not show satisfactory performance, and Faster R-CNN had lower results than the best methods but with no statistically significant difference. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the performance of novel deep-learning methods in remote sensing applications and could be used as an indicator of the most suitable methods in such applications.
Estimation of the Potential Achievable Solar Energy of the Buildings Using Photogrammetric Mesh Models
Authors: Zhang Yunsheng , Dai Zhisheng , Wang Weixi , Li Xiaoming , Chen Siyang , Chen Li
Published: June 2021

Estimating the potential achievable solar energy in urban buildings is significantly important for the long-term planning and development of environmental protection strategies. Nevertheless, conventional methods based on LiDAR data are often costly and require more than one platform to obtain complete building surface information. The development of oblique photogrammetry technology enables fast and accurate acquiring of the 3D information of the surface. In this paper, we propose an efficient method to estimate the potential achievable solar energy of building surfaces based on photogrammetric mesh models. In this method, we use photogrammetric mesh models as the input data and then propose a hierarchical algorithm for shadow analysis. Combined with the solar radiation model, we then obtain the potential achievable solar energy of the building surface. We further investigate the performance of the proposed method and it is shown that this method outperforms the multi-source LiDAR data.
An Improved Method for Pan-Tropical Above-Ground Biomass and Canopy Height Retrieval Using CYGNSS
Authors: Chen Fade , Guo Fei , Liu Lilong , Nan Yang
Published: June 2021

An improved method for retrieving Above-ground Biomass (AGB) and Canopy Height (CH) based on an observable from Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS), soil moisture from Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) and location is proposed. The observable derived from CYGNSS is more sensitive to vegetation. The CYGNSS observable, soil moisture and the location are used as the input features of an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) to retrieve AGB and CH. The sensitivity analysis of the CYGNSS observable to target parameters shows that the proposed observable is more sensitive to AGB/CH than the conventional observable. The AGB/CH retrievals of the improved method show that it has better performance than that of the traditional method, especially in the areas with AGB in the range of 0 to100 Mg/ha and CH in the range of 0 to10 m. For AGB retrievals, the root mean square error (RMSE) and correlation coefficient are 64.84 Mg/ha and 0.80 in the range of 0 to 550 Mg/ha. Compared with the traditional method, the RMSE is decreased by 11.63%, while the correlation coefficient is increased by 5.26%. For CH retrievals, the RMSE and correlation coefficient are 5.97 m and 0.83 in the range of 0 to 45 m. The RMSE is decreased by 12.59%, while the correlation coefficient is increased by 5.06%. The analysis of the improved method in different areas shows that the performance of the improved method over the area with high vegetation is better than the area with low vegetation. The results obtained here further strengthens the capability of GNSS-R for global AGB/CH retrievals as well as different land cover areas.
Evaluation of Electric Field Integral Voltage Measurement Method of Transmission Line Based on Error Transmission and Uncertainty Analysis
Authors: Fan Jiarui , Ai Cheng , Guo Aofei , Yan Xiaojun , Wang Jingang
Published: June 2021

Electric field numerical integration algorithms can realize the non-contact measurement of transmission line voltage effectively. Although there are many electric field numerical integration algorithms, lack of a comprehensive comparison of accuracy and stability among various algorithms results in difficulties in evaluating the measurement results of various algorithms. Therefore, this paper presents the G-L (Gauss–Legendre) algorithm, the I-G-L (improved Gauss–Legendre) algorithm, and the I-G-C (improved Gauss–Chebyshev) algorithm and proposes a unified error propagation model of the derived algorithms to assess the accuracy of each integration method by considering multiple error sources. Moreover, evaluation criteria for the uncertainty of transmission line voltage measurement are proposed to analyze the stability and reliability of these algorithms. A simulation model and experiment platform were then constructed to conduct error propagation and uncertainty analyses. The results show that the G-L algorithm had the highest accuracy and stability in the scheme with five integral nodes, for which the simulation error was 0.603% and the relative uncertainty was 2.130%. The I-G-L algorithm was more applicable due to the smaller number of integral nodes required, yet the algorithm was less stable in achieving the same accuracy as the G-L algorithm. In addition, the I-G-C algorithm was relatively less accurate and stable in voltage measurement.
A Multi-Sensor Environmental Perception System for an Automatic Electric Shovel Platform
Authors: Li Xudong , Liu Chong , Li Jingmin , Baghdadi Mehdi , Liu Yuanchang
Published: June 2021

Electric shovels have been widely used in heavy industrial applications, such as mineral extraction. However, the performance of the electric shovel is often affected by the complicated working environment and the proficiency of the operator, which will affect safety and efficiency. To improve the extraction performance, it is particularly important to study an intelligent electric shovel with autonomous operation technology. An electric shovel experimental platform for intelligent technology research and testing is proposed in this paper. The core of the designed platform is an intelligent environmental sensing/perception system, in which multiple sensors, such as RTK (real-time kinematic), IMU (inertial measurement unit) and LiDAR (light detection and ranging), have been employed. By appreciating the multi-directional loading characteristics of electric shovels, two 2D-LiDARs have been used and their data are synchronized and fused to construct a 3D point cloud. The synchronization is achieved with the assistance of RTK and IMU, which provide pose information of the shovel. In addition, in order to down-sample the LiDAR point clouds to facilitate more efficient data analysis, a new point cloud data processing algorithm including a bilateral-filtering based noise filter and a grid-based data compression method is proposed. The designed platform, together with its sensing system, was tested in different outdoor environment conditions. Compared with the original LiDAR point cloud, the proposed new environment sensing/perception system not only guarantees the characteristic points and effective edges of the measured objects, but also reduces the amount of processing point cloud data and improves system efficiency. By undertaking a large number of experiments, the overall measurement error of the proposed system is within 50 mm, which is well beyond the requirements of electric shovel application. The environment perception system for the automatic electric shovel platform has great research value and engineering significance for the improvement of the service problem of the electric shovel.