bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computational Modeling of Information Propagation during the Sleep–Waking Cycle
Authors: Razi Farhad , Moreno-Bote Rubén , Sancristóbal Belén
Published: September 2021

Non-threatening familiar sounds can go unnoticed during sleep despite the fact that they enter our brain by exciting the auditory nerves. Extracellular cortical recordings in the primary auditory cortex of rodents show that an increase in firing rate in response to pure tones during deep phases of sleep is comparable to those evoked during wakefulness. This result challenges the hypothesis that during sleep cortical responses are weakened through thalamic gating. An alternative explanation comes from the observation that the spatiotemporal spread of the evoked activity by transcranial magnetic stimulation in humans is reduced during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep as compared to the wider propagation to other cortical regions during wakefulness. Thus, cortical responses during NREM sleep remain local and the stimulus only reaches nearby neuronal populations. We aim at understanding how this behavior emerges in the brain as it spontaneously shifts between NREM sleep and wakefulness. To do so, we have used a computational neural-mass model to reproduce the dynamics of the sensory auditory cortex and corresponding local field potentials in these two brain states. Following the synaptic homeostasis hypothesis, an increase in a single parameter, namely the excitatory conductance g¯AMPA, allows us to place the model from NREM sleep into wakefulness. In agreement with the experimental results, the endogenous dynamics during NREM sleep produces a comparable, even higher, response to excitatory inputs to the ones during wakefulness. We have extended the model to two bidirectionally connected cortical columns and have quantified the propagation of an excitatory input as a function of their coupling. We have found that the general increase in all conductances of the cortical excitatory synapses that drive the system from NREM sleep to wakefulness does not boost the effective connectivity between cortical columns. Instead, it is the inter-/intra-conductance ratio of cortical excitatory synapses that should raise to facilitate information propagation across the brain.
Associations of Hyperactivity and Inattention Scores with Theta and Beta Oscillatory Dynamics of EEG in Stop-Signal Task in Healthy Children 7–10 Years Old
Authors: Bocharov Andrey V. , Savostyanov Alexander N. , Slobodskaya Helena R. , Tamozhnikov Sergey S. , Levin Evgeny A. , Saprigyn Alexander E. , Proshina Ekaterina A. , Astakhova Tatiana N. , Merkulova Ekaterina A. , Knyazev Gennady G.
Published: September 2021

In the current study, we aimed to investigate the associations between the natural variability in hyperactivity and inattention scores, as well as their combination with EEG oscillatory responses in the Stop-Signal task in a sample of healthy children. During performance, the Stop-Signal task EEGs were recorded in 94 Caucasian children (40 girls) from 7 to 10 years. Hyperactivity/inattention and inattention scores positively correlated with RT variability. Hyperactivity/inattention and inattention scores negatively correlated with an increase in beta spectral power in the first 200 ms after presentation of the Go stimulus. Such results are in line with the lack of arousal model in ADHD children and can be associated with less sensory arousal in the early stages of perception in children with symptoms of inattention. The subsequent greater increase in theta rhythm at about 300 ms after presentation of the Go stimulus in children with higher inattention scores may be associated with increased attention processes and compensation for insufficient vigilance in the early stages of perception.
Neuron-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Modulate Microglia Activation and Function
Authors: Peng Hui , Harvey Brock T. , Richards Christopher I. , Nixon Kimberly
Published: September 2021

Microglia act as the immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS). They play an important role in maintaining brain homeostasis but also in mediating neuroimmune responses to insult. The interactions between neurons and microglia represent a key process for neuroimmune regulation and subsequent effects on CNS integrity. However, the molecular mechanisms of neuron-glia communication in regulating microglia function are not fully understood. One recently described means of this intercellular communication is via nano-sized extracellular vesicles (EVs) that transfer a large diversity of molecules between neurons and microglia, such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. To determine the effects of neuron-derived EVs (NDEVs) on microglia, NDEVs were isolated from the culture supernatant of rat cortical neurons. When NDEVs were added to primary cultured rat microglia, we found significantly improved microglia viability via inhibition of apoptosis. Additionally, application of NDEVs to cultured microglia also inhibited the expression of activation surface markers on microglia. Furthermore, NDEVs reduced the LPS-induced proinflammatory response in microglia according to reduced gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, MCP-1) and iNOS, but increased expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10. These findings support that neurons critically regulate microglia activity and control inflammation via EV-mediated neuron–glia communication. (Supported by R21AA025563 and R01AA025591).
Shedding Light on the Volatile Composition of Broa, a Traditional Portuguese Maize Bread
Authors: Bento-Silva Andreia , Duarte Noélia , Belo Maria , Mecha Elsa , Carbas Bruna , Brites Carla , Vaz Patto Maria Carlota , Bronze Maria Rosário
Published: September 2021

In Portugal, maize has been used for centuries to produce an ethnic bread called broa, employing traditional maize varieties, which are preferred by the consumers in detriment of commercial hybrids. In order to evaluate the maize volatiles that can influence consumers’ acceptance of broas, twelve broas were prepared from twelve maize varieties (eleven traditional and one commercial hybrid), following a traditional recipe. All maize flours and broas were analyzed by HS-SPME-GC-MS (headspace solid-phase microextraction) and broas were appraised by a consumer sensory panel. In addition, the major soluble phenolics and total carotenoids contents were quantitated in order to evaluate their influence as precursors or inhibitors of volatile compounds. Results showed that the major volatiles detected in maize flours and broas were aldehydes and alcohols, derived from lipid oxidation, and some ketones derived from carotenoids’ oxidation. Both lipid and carotenoids’ oxidation reactions appeared to be inhibited by soluble phenolics. In contrast, phenolic compounds appeared to increase browning reactions during bread making and, consequently, the production of pyranones. Traditional samples, especially those with higher contents in pyranones and lower contents in aldehydes, were preferred by the consumer sensory panel. These findings suggest that, without awareness, consumers prefer broas prepared from traditional maize flours with higher contents in health-promoting phenolic compounds, reinforcing the importance of preserving these valuable genetic resources.
Prognostic Role of Preoperative Sarcopenia Evaluation of Cervical Muscles with Long-Term Outcomes of Patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Yoshimura Takuya , Suzuki Hajime , Takayama Hirotaka , Higashi Shotaro , Hirano Yuka , Tezuka Masahiro , Ishida Takayuki , Ishihata Kiyohide , Amitani Marie , Amitani Haruka , Nishi Yasuhiro , Nakamura Yasunori , Imamura Yasushi , Nozoe Etsuro , Nakamura Norifumi
Published: September 2021

Accumulating evidence has shown that sarcopenia in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is at a risk of poor prognosis. There is no universal consensus on how to assess sarcopenia in patients with OSCC in daily practice. It is important to validate the usefulness of sarcopenia assessment from cervical muscles, which are frequently used in routine clinical practice in patients with OSCC. In this study, we investigated whether preoperative lumbar (L3) skeletal muscle mass and adiposity in OSCC patients were associated with cervical (C3) skeletal muscle mass and adiposity from CT measurements. We also investigated whether skeletal muscle mass and adiposity in the C3 muscles were associated with survival rates in patients with OSCC. We demonstrated that both the quality and quantity of muscle between the C3 and L3 levels were positively correlated with each other. We also demonstrated that the survival rates in patients with low sternocleidomastoid muscle mass index, high processus spinosus muscle-intramuscular adipose tissue content, and the combination of both were significantly lower than those in the controls. These results suggest that the assessment of sarcopenia from multiple neck muscles by preoperative CT measurements may be useful in predicting the prognosis of patients with OSCC.
Senescence in HBV-, HCV- and NAFLD- Mediated Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Senotherapeutics: Current Evidence and Future Perspective
Authors: Giannakoulis Vassilis G. , Dubovan Peter , Papoutsi Eleni , Kataki Agapi , Koskinas John
Published: September 2021

Cell senescence constitutes a physiological process that serves as protection from malignant transformation of cells. However, recent scientific discoveries also identify cell senescence as pivotal in hepatocellular cancer (HCC) biology. The review herein aimed to accumulate evidence on senescence as a mediator of HCC occurrence in hepatitis B (HBV), C (HCV) virus infections, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In HBV infection, the carcinogenic HBV X protein frequently mutates during chronic infection, and subsequently exhibits different effects on senescence. In HCV infection, senescent non-functional T-cells do not effectively clear pre-malignant hepatocytes. Furthermore, the HCV Core protein inhibits the occurrence of normal stress-induced hepatocyte senescence, allowing damaged cells to maintain their proliferative potential. In NAFLD-mediated HCC, current data point towards the gut microbiome and hepatic stellate cell senescence. Additionally, senescence contributes in the development of resistance in targeted therapies, such as sorafenib. Finally, the promising role of senotherapeutics in HCC was also explored. Overall, although we may still be at a primitive stage in fully unraveling the role of senescence in cancer, it seems that understanding and harnessing senescence may have the potential to revolutionize the way we treat hepatocellular cancer.
The Survival Benefit of Chemoradiotherapy following Induction Chemotherapy with Gemcitabine Plus Nab-Paclitaxel for Unresectable Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Takada Ryoji , Ikezawa Kenji , Daiku Kazuma , Maeda Shingo , Abe Yutaro , Urabe Makiko , Kai Yugo , Yamai Takuo , Fukutake Nobuyasu , Nakabori Tasuku , Uehara Hiroyuki , Ashida Reiko , Akita Hirofumi , Takahashi Hidenori , Teshima Teruki , Ohkawa Kazuyoshi
Published: September 2021

An optimal therapeutic strategy for unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer (UR-LAPC) has not been established. This study investigated the therapeutic efficacy of chemoradiotherapy (CRT) following induction chemotherapy with gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel (GnP) (CRT group) compared with systemic chemotherapy alone (CTx group) in patients with UR-LAPC. This was a retrospective study of 63 consecutive patients with UR-LAPC treated at our department in a Japanese cancer referral center between February 2015 and July 2018. We excluded patients who underwent other regimens and those enrolled in another prospective study. The CRT group (n = 25) exhibited significantly better progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) than the CTx group (n = 20, PFS 17.9 vs. 7.6 months, p = 0.044; OS 29.2 vs. 17.4 months, p < 0.001). In the multivariate analyses, CRT following induction chemotherapy was identified as an independent prognostic factor for OS. Seven (15.6%) patients underwent conversion surgery, all of whom were in the CRT group. The R0 resection rate was 85.7% (6/7). In summary, patients with UR-LAPC experienced favorable treatment outcomes after receiving GnP as the first-line chemotherapy, especially when receiving additional CRT. Thus, this treatment strategy represents a promising treatment option for selected patients with UR-LAPC.
Gene Expression Profiling as a Potential Tool for Precision Oncology in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Hijazo-Pechero Sara , Alay Ania , Marín Raúl , Vilariño Noelia , Muñoz-Pinedo Cristina , Villanueva Alberto , Santamaría David , Nadal Ernest , Solé Xavier
Published: September 2021

Recent technological advances and the application of high-throughput mutation and transcriptome analyses have improved our understanding of cancer diseases, including non-small cell lung cancer. For instance, genomic profiling has allowed the identification of mutational events which can be treated with specific agents. However, detection of DNA alterations does not fully recapitulate the complexity of the disease and it does not allow selection of patients that benefit from chemo- or immunotherapy. In this context, transcriptional profiling has emerged as a promising tool for patient stratification and treatment guidance. For instance, transcriptional profiling has proven to be especially useful in the context of acquired resistance to targeted therapies and patients lacking targetable genomic alterations. Moreover, the comprehensive characterization of the expression level of the different pathways and genes involved in tumor progression is likely to better predict clinical benefit from different treatments than single biomarkers such as PD-L1 or tumor mutational burden in the case of immunotherapy. However, intrinsic technical and analytical limitations have hindered the use of these expression signatures in the clinical setting. In this review, we will focus on the data reported on molecular classification of non-small cell lung cancer and discuss the potential of transcriptional profiling as a predictor of survival and as a patient stratification tool to further personalize treatments.
Role of the Transcriptional Repressor Zinc Finger with KRAB and SCAN Domains 3 (ZKSCAN3) in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells
Authors: Pan Hsuan-Yeh , Valapala Mallika
Published: September 2021

Lysosomes are important for proper functioning of the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. RPE cells have a daily burden of phagocytosis of photoreceptor outer segments (POS) and also degrade cellular waste by autophagy. Here, we identified the role of Zinc-finger protein with KRAB and SCAN domains 3 (ZKSCAN3) in co-ordinate regulation of lysosomal function and autophagy in the RPE. Our studies show that in the RPE, ZKSCAN3 is predominantly nuclear in healthy cells and its nuclear expression is reduced upon nutrient deprivation. siRNA-mediated knockdown of ZKSCAN3 results in de-repression of some of the ZKSCAN3 target genes. Knockdown of ZKSCAN3 also resulted in an induction in autophagy flux, increase in the number of functional lysosomes and accompanied activation of lysosomal cathepsin B activity in ARPE-19 cells. We also demonstrated that inhibition of P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) retains ZKSCAN3 in the nucleus in nutrient-deprived cells. In summary, our studies elucidated the role of ZKSCAN3 as a transcriptional repressor of autophagy and lysosomal function in the RPE.
Recent Progress on Electroactive Polymers: Synthesis, Properties and Applications
Authors: Rahman Md Hafizur , Werth Harmony , Goldman Alexander , Hida Yuki , Diesner Court , Lane Logan , Menezes Pradeep L.
Published: September 2021

Electroactive polymers (EAPs) are an advanced family of polymers that change their shape through electric stimulation and have been a point of interest since their inception. This unique functionality has helped EAPs to contribute to versatile fields, such as electrical, biomedical, and robotics, to name a few. Ionic EAPs have a significant advantage over electronic EAPs. For example, Ionic EAPs require a lower voltage to activate than electronic EAPs. On the other hand, electronic EAPs could generate a relatively larger actuation force. Therefore, efforts have been focused on improving both kinds to achieve superior properties. In this review, the synthesis routes of different EAP-based actuators and their properties are discussed. Moreover, their mechanical interactions have been investigated from a tribological perspective as all these EAPs undergo surface interactions. Such interactions could reduce their useful life and need significant research attention for enhancing their life. Recent advancements and numerous applications of EAPs in various sectors are also discussed in this review.
HPRep: Quantifying Reproducibility in HiChIP and PLAC-Seq Datasets
Authors: Rosen Jonathan D. , Yang Yuchen , Abnousi Armen , Chen Jiawen , Song Michael , Jones Ian R. , Shen Yin , Hu Ming , Li Yun
Published: September 2021

HiChIP and PLAC-Seq are emerging technologies for studying genome-wide long-range chromatin interactions mediated by the protein of interest, enabling more sensitive and cost-efficient interrogation of protein-centric chromatin conformation. However, due to the unbalanced read distribution introduced by protein immunoprecipitation, existing reproducibility measures developed for Hi-C data are not appropriate for the analysis of HiChIP and PLAC-Seq data. Here, we present HPRep, a stratified and weighted correlation metric derived from normalized contact counts, to quantify reproducibility in HiChIP and PLAC-Seq data. We applied HPRep to multiple real datasets and demonstrate that HPRep outperforms existing reproducibility measures developed for Hi-C data. Specifically, we applied HPRep to H3K4me3 PLAC-Seq data from mouse embryonic stem cells and mouse brain tissues as well as H3K27ac HiChIP data from human lymphoblastoid cell line GM12878 and leukemia cell line K562, showing that HPRep can more clearly separate among pseudo-replicates, real replicates, and non-replicates. Furthermore, in an H3K4me3 PLAC-Seq dataset consisting of 11 samples from four human brain cell types, HPRep demonstrated the expected clustering of data that could not be achieved by existing methods developed for Hi-C data, highlighting the need for a reproducibility metric tailored to HiChIP and PLAC-Seq data.
Oncological Properties of Intravenous Leiomyomatosis: Involvement of Mesenchymal Tumor Stem-Like Cells
Authors: Tamura Saya , Hayashi Takuma , Tokunaga Hideki , Yaegashi Nobuo , Abiko Kaoru , Konishi Ikuo
Published: September 2021

Uterine leiomyoma, also known as fibroids, is the most common benign neoplasm of the female genital tract. Leiomyoma is the most common uterine tumor. The leiomyoma subtypes account for approximately 10% of leiomyomas. Intravenous leiomyomatosis, a uterine leiomyoma subtype, is an intravascular growth of benign smooth muscle cells, occasionally with pelvic or extrapelvic extension. Uterine leiomyosarcoma, a malignant tumor, tends to metastasize hematogenously, and distant metastasis to the lungs and liver is common. Therefore, the oncological properties of this intravenous leiomyomatosis resemble those of the malignant tumor uterine leiomyosarcoma. Cancer stem cells migrate to distant organs via intravascular infiltration, leading to micrometastases. We examined the oncological properties of intravenous leiomyomatosis using molecular pathological techniques on tissue excised from patients with uterine leiomyoma. CD44-positive mesenchymal tumor stem-like cells were detected in both patients with intravenous leiomyomatosis and uterine leiomyosarcoma. The oncological properties of intravenous leiomyomatosis were found to be similar to those of uterine leiomyosarcoma. However, in intravenous leiomyomatosis, cyclin E and Ki-67-positive cells were rare and no pathological findings suspecting malignancy were observed. It is expected that establishing a treatment method targeting cancer stem cells will lead to the treatment of malignant tumors with a low risk of recurrence and metastasis.
Restriction of RAP% in HMA Based on Aggregate Gradation and Binder Properties
Authors: Gottumukkala Bharath , Kusam Sudhakar Reddy , Tandon Vivek , Muppireddy Amaranatha Reddy , Mullapudi Ramya Sri
Published: September 2021

The use of recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) in pavement construction reduces the project cost and helps in conserving the naturally occurring aggregates. To incorporate RAP in hot mix asphalt, it is vital to know the amount and quality of the reclaimed binder. Three new asphalt binders were selected for this investigation. RAP material from one source was blended in different proportions with VG-10 and VG-30. Penetration, softening point, G */sin δ, G * sin δ and binder fatigue life Nf (from Linear Amplitude Sweep test) values of different blends were compared. The milled RAP aggregate gradation varied from source to source due to factors such as the gradation of the mix used in the existing layer, milling method and processing of RAP material. This variability controls the use of higher proportions of RAP in new mixes. To investigate the effect of RAP gradation on the proportion of RAP that can be used in the new mix, RAP sources with different gradation (three dense and two gap gradations) were selected. The proportion of RAP that can be used for preparing mixes with these gradations varied significantly with the source of RAP, and the target gradation. In most cases, it was found that allowable RAP percentages are smaller for the gap gradations compared to those permitted for dense gradations. The proportion of RAP in a mix can be increased by selecting an appropriate gradation for a RAP source or by using a suitable RAP source for a given gradation.
The Effects of General Anaesthesia and Light on Behavioural Rhythms and GABAA Receptor Subunit Expression in the Mouse SCN
Authors: Chong Janelle , Cheeseman James Frederick , Pawley Matthew D. M. , Kwakowsky Andrea , Warman Guy R.
Published: September 2021

General anaesthesia (GA) is known to affect the circadian clock. However, the mechanisms that underlie GA-induced shifting of the clock are less well understood. Activation of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-type A receptors (GABAAR) in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) can phase shift the clock and thus GABA and its receptors represent a putative pathway via which GA exerts its effect on the clock. Here, we investigated the concurrent effects of the inhalational anaesthetic, isoflurane, and light, on mouse behavioural locomotor rhythms and on α1, β3, and γ2 GABAAR subunit expression in the SCN of the mouse brain. Behavioural phase shifts elicited by exposure of mice to four hours of GA (2% isoflurane) and light (400 lux) (n = 60) were determined by recording running wheel activity rhythms in constant conditions (DD). Full phase response curves for the effects of GA + light on behavioural rhythms show that phase shifts persist in anaesthetized mice exposed to light. Daily variation was detected in all three GABAAR subunits in LD 12:12. The γ2 subunit expression was significantly increased following GA in DD (compared to light alone) at times of large behavioural phase delays. We conclude that the phase shifting effect of light on the mouse clock is not blocked by GA administration, and that γ2 may potentially be involved in the phase shifting effect of GA on the clock. Further analysis of GABAAR subunit expression in the SCN will be necessary to confirm its role.
The Language of Dreams: Application of Linguistics-Based Approaches for the Automated Analysis of Dream Experiences
Authors: Elce Valentina , Handjaras Giacomo , Bernardi Giulio
Published: September 2021

The study of dreams represents a crucial intersection between philosophical, psychological, neuroscientific, and clinical interests. Importantly, one of the main sources of insight into dreaming activity are the (oral or written) reports provided by dreamers upon awakening from their sleep. Classically, two main types of information are commonly extracted from dream reports: structural and semantic, content-related information. Extracted structural information is typically limited to the simple count of words or sentences in a report. Instead, content analysis usually relies on quantitative scores assigned by two or more (blind) human operators through the use of predefined coding systems. Within this review, we will show that methods borrowed from the field of linguistic analysis, such as graph analysis, dictionary-based content analysis, and distributional semantics approaches, could be used to complement and, in many cases, replace classical measures and scales for the quantitative structural and semantic assessment of dream reports. Importantly, these methods allow the direct (operator-independent) extraction of quantitative information from language data, hence enabling a fully objective and reproducible analysis of conscious experiences occurring during human sleep. Most importantly, these approaches can be partially or fully automatized and may thus be easily applied to the analysis of large datasets.
Detecting Coronavirus from Chest X-rays Using Transfer Learning
Authors: Badawi Abeer , Elgazzar Khalid
Published: September 2021

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an illness caused by a novel coronavirus family. One of the practical examinations for COVID-19 is chest radiography. COVID-19 infected patients show abnormalities in chest X-ray images. However, examining the chest X-rays requires a specialist with high experience. Hence, using deep learning techniques in detecting abnormalities in the X-ray images is presented commonly as a potential solution to help diagnose the disease. Numerous research has been reported on COVID-19 chest X-ray classification, but most of the previous studies have been conducted on a small set of COVID-19 X-ray images, which created an imbalanced dataset and affected the performance of the deep learning models. In this paper, we propose several image processing techniques to augment COVID-19 X-ray images to generate a large and diverse dataset to boost the performance of deep learning algorithms in detecting the virus from chest X-rays. We also propose innovative and robust deep learning models, based on DenseNet201, VGG16, and VGG19, to detect COVID-19 from a large set of chest X-ray images. A performance evaluation shows that the proposed models outperform all existing techniques to date. Our models achieved 99.62% on the binary classification and 95.48% on the multi-class classification. Based on these findings, we provide a pathway for researchers to develop enhanced models with a balanced dataset that includes the highest available COVID-19 chest X-ray images. This work is of high interest to healthcare providers, as it helps to better diagnose COVID-19 from chest X-rays in less time with higher accuracy.
Multi-Component Crystals of 2,2′-Bipyridine with Aliphatic Dicarboxylic Acids: Melting Point-Structure Relations
Authors: Nethanani Vhukhudo , Batisai Eustina
Published: September 2021

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between the melting point and the supramolecular structure of three multi-component crystals of aliphatic dicarboxylic acids with 2,2′-bipyridine and to investigate the conformations of 2,2′-bipyridine in published multi-component crystals. The crystals were prepared using the solvent evaporation method and were characterized using single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The crystal structures were further analyzed using CrystalExplorer, and the results were correlated with the melting points. The results of the conformation analysis of the reported multi-component crystals of 2,2′-bipyridine are also presented.
Effect of KyAl4(Si8-y) O20(OH)4 Calcined Based-Clay on the Microstructure and Mechanical Performances of High-Performance Concrete
Authors: Nduka David O. , Olawuyi Babatunde J. , Fagbenle Olabosipo I. , Fonteboa Belén G.
Published: September 2021

The work described in this paper has been performed to determine the potential use of meta-illite (KyAl4(Si8-y) O20(OH)4) calcined clay (MCC) as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) in a binary Portland cement (PC) for high-performance concrete (HPC) production. To obtain the properties of the cementitious materials, the chemical composition, mineral phases, morphology, calcination efficiency and physical properties were quantitatively analysed using the advanced techniques of X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray (SEM/EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared/attenuated total reflection (FTIR/ATR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), laser particle sizing and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) nitrogen absorption method. The MCC’s effect on the workability and mechanical properties (compressive, splitting tensile and flexural strengths) and microstructure (morphology and crystalline phases) of hardened MCC-based HPCs were determined. The XRF result shows that the oxide composition of MCC confirmed the pozzolanic material requirements with recorded high useful oxides content. At the same time, the SEM image presents particles of broad, solid masses with a wider surface area of irregular shape. The XRD results show that the MCC was majorly an illite-based clay mineral calcined at a maximum temperature of 650 °C, as revealed by the TGA. The MCC addition increases the slump flow of HPCs at 5–15% cement replacement. The MCC incorporation at 10% cement replacement best improved the porosity of HPCs at a later age resulting in increased mechanical and microstructural properties of tested samples. Therefore, it is recommended that MCC addition within 10% cement replacement be adopted for low W/B Class I HPC at no deleterious results on mechanical and microstructural properties of the concrete.
Survival in Advanced Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Associated with Cardiovascular Comorbidities and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Slavchev Stanislav , Kornovski Yavor , Yordanov Angel , Ivanova Yonka , Kostov Stoyan , Slavcheva Svetoslava
Published: September 2021

Background: Ovarian carcinoma (OC) is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage, necessitating a multimodal approach that includes surgery and systemic therapy. The incidence of OC is approximately five times higher in women over 65 years of age. Cardiovascular comorbidities and type 2 diabetes mellitus, both prevalent at this age, can influence therapeutic strategy and have an adverse effect on survival. Objectives: Our study aimed to determine the impact of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus on survival in advanced ovarian cancer. Materials and methods: From 2004 to 2012, we retrospectively studied 104 patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (FIGO stage II–IV) who underwent surgical treatment at the Gynecology Clinic, St. Anna University Hospital, Varna, Bulgaria. Patients were followed for an average of 90 (52–129) months. We divided the study population into two groups: those with concurrent cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus (CVD) and those without these comorbidities (No-CVD group). Overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and disease-free survival (DFS) were compared between groups using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Cardiovascular comorbidities and diabetes mellitus were evaluated for their prognostic value for survival using multivariate Cox proportional regression analysis adjusted for age, stage of OC, grade and histological type of the tumor, ascites presence, residual tumor size (RT), performance status, and type of hysterectomy. Results: The Kaplan–Meier analysis showed reduced OS and DSS in the CVD group compared to the No-CVD group. The median OS was 24.5 months (95% CI 18.38 months) and 38 months (95% CI 26, not reached), respectively (Log-rank p = 0.045). The median DSS was 25.5 months (95% CI 19.39 months) and 48 months (95% CI 28, not reached), respectively (Log-rank p = 0.033). The Cox regression multivariate analysis established a lower (by 68%) overall survival rate for the CVD patient group than the No-CVD group, approaching statistical significance (HR 1.68, 95% CI 0.99, 2.86, p = 0.055). Cardiovascular diseases and diabetes were associated with a 79% reduction in DSS (HR 1.79, 95% CI 1.02, 3.13, p = 0.041) and a twofold increase in the risk of disease progression (HR 2.05, 95% CI 1.25, 3.37, p = 0.005). Conclusions: According to our study, cardiovascular comorbidities and diabetes may adversely affect OC survival. Optimal control of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, and their risk factors may be beneficial for patients with advanced OC. Further research involving a larger patient population is necessary to establish these comorbidities as independent prognostic factors.
Capsule Endoscopy in Crohn’s Disease—From a Relative Contraindication to Habitual Monitoring Tool
Authors: Lahat Adi , Veisman Ido
Published: September 2021

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that may involve the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus. Habitual disease monitoring is highly important during disease management, aiming to identify and treat disease exacerbations, in order to avoid immediate and future complications. Currently, ilio-clonoscopy is the gold standard for mucosal assessment. However, the procedure is invasive, involves sedation and allows for visualization of the colon and only a small part of the terminal ileum, while most of the small bowel is not visualized. Since CD may involve the whole length of the small bowel, the disease extent might be underestimated. Capsule endoscopy (CE) provides a technology that can screen the entire bowel in a non-invasive procedure, with minimal side effects. In recent years, this technique has gained in popularity for CD evaluation and monitoring. When CE was first introduced, two decades ago, the fear of possible capsule retention in the narrowed inflamed bowel lumen limited its use in CD patients, and a known CD located at the small bowel was even regarded as a relative contraindication for capsule examination. However, at present, as experience using CE in CD patients has accumulated, this procedure has become one of the accepted tools for disease diagnosis and monitoring. In our current review, we summarize the historic change in the indications and contraindications for the usage of capsule endoscopy for the evaluation of CD, and discuss international recommendations regarding CE’s role in CD diagnosis and monitoring.
Dysregulation of miRNAs in DLBCL: Causative Factor for Pathogenesis, Diagnosis and Prognosis
Authors: Alsaadi Mohammed , Khan Muhammad Yasir , Dalhat Mahmood Hassan , Bahashwan Salem , Khan Muhammad Uzair , Albar Abdulgader , Almehdar Hussein , Qadri Ishtiaq
Published: September 2021

MicroRNA is a small non-coding RNA (sncRNA) involved in gene silencing and regulating post-transcriptional gene expression. miRNAs play an essential role in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, viral diseases and cancer. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), arising from different stages of B-cell differentiation whose pathogenesis involves miRNAs. Various viral and non-viral vectors are used as a delivery vehicle for introducing specific miRNA inside the cell. Adenoviruses are linear, double-stranded DNA viruses with 35 kb genome size and are extensively used in gene therapy. Meanwhile, Adeno-associated viruses accommodate up to 4.8 kb foreign genetic material and are favorable for transferring miRNA due to small size of miRNA. The genetic material is integrated into the DNA of the host cell by retroviruses so that only dividing cells are infected and stable expression of miRNA is achieved. Over the years, remarkable progress was made to understand DLBCL biology using advanced genomics and epigenomics technologies enabling oncologists to uncover multiple genetic mutations in DLBCL patients. These genetic mutations are involved in epigenetic modification, ability to escape immunosurveillance, impaired BCL6 and NF-κβ signaling pathways and blocking terminal differentiation. These pathways have since been identified and used as therapeutic targets for the treatment of DLBCL. Recently miRNAs were also identified to act either as oncogenes or tumor suppressors in DLBCL pathology by altering the expression levels of some of the known DLBCL related oncogenes. i.e., miR-155, miR-17-92 and miR-21 act as oncogenes by altering the expression levels of MYC, SHIP and FOXO1, respectively, conversely; miR-34a, mir-144 and miR-181a act as tumor suppressors by altering the expression levels of SIRT1, BCL6 and CARD11, respectively. Hundreds of miRNAs have already been identified as biomarkers in the prognosis and diagnosis of DLBCL because of their significant roles in DLBCL pathogenesis. In conclusion, miRNAs in addition to their role as biomarkers of prognosis and diagnosis could also serve as potential therapeutic targets for treating DLBCL.
Potential Role of Hydroxyapatite Nanocrystalline for Early Diagnostics of Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Chyzhma Ruslana , Piddubnyi Artem , Danilchenko Sergey , Kravtsova Olha , Moskalenko Roman
Published: September 2021

Calcification is one of the clinical and morphological manifestations of ovarian tumors and it begins at the initial stages of carcinogenesis. Thus, this process can be used for the early diagnostics of some malignant ovarian tumors. We compared the results of ultrasound and histology and found that calcifications of a size less than 200 μm are not detected by ultrasound. These calcified structures are round fragile particles of different sizes. In the EDX (Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy) spectra, the main lines were from Ca and P, and the ratio of these elements corresponds to hydroxyapatite. Thus, we established that hydroxyapatite is the main mineral component of ovarian psammoma bodies and could be used for early diagnostics of ovarian malignant neoplasia.
Demethylation of Non-CpG Sites in DNA Is Initiated by TET2 5-Methylcytosine Dioxygenase
Authors: Dey Aninda Sundar , Bhattacharya Chayan , Guan Yihong , Jha Babal Kant , Mukherji Mridul
Published: September 2021

In the mammalian genome, cytosine methylation predominantly occurs at CpG sites. In addition, a number of recent studies have uncovered extensive C5 cytosine methylation (5mC) at non-CpG (5mCpH, where H = A/C/T) sites. Little is known about the enzyme responsible for active demethylation of 5mCpH sites. Using a very sensitive and quantitative LC–MS/MS method, we demonstrate that the human TET2, an iron (II)- and 2OG-dependent dioxygenase, which is a frequently mutated gene in several myeloid malignancies, as well as in a number of other types of cancers, can oxidize 5mCpH sites in double-stranded DNA in vitro. Similar to oxidation of 5mCpG, oxidation of 5mC at CpH sites produces 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), 5-formylcytosine (5fC), and 5-carboxycytosine (5caC) bases in DNA. After 5mCpG, which is the most preferred substrate, TET2 prefers 5mCpC as a substrate, followed by 5mCpA and then 5mCpT. Since the TDG/BER pathway and deformylation or decarboxylation of 5fC or 5caC, respectively, can convert 5fCpH and 5caCpH to an unmodified cytosine base in DNA, our results suggest a novel demethylation pathway of 5mCpH sites initiated by TET2 dioxygenase.
Terminal Impact Time Control Cooperative Guidance Law for UAVs under Time-Varying Velocity
Authors: Jiang Zhanyuan , Ge Jianquan , Xu Qiangqiang , Yang Tao
Published: September 2021

Aiming at the problem that multiple Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) attack the stationary target cooperatively under time-varying velocity, the cooperative guidance law with finite time convergence on two-dimensional plan and the three-dimensional cooperative guidance laws with impact time constraint are designed separately in this paper. Firstly, based on the relative motion equation between UAV and target on two-dimensional plane, the time cooperative guidance model of multiple UAVs is established. Then based on the consistency theory and graph theory, a distributed time cooperative guidance law is designed, which can ensure that the impact time of all UAVs can be quickly consistent in a limited time. Next, the cooperative guidance problem is expanded from two-dimensional plane to three-dimensional space, the motion model between UAV and target in three-dimensional space is established and the expression of time-to-go estimation under time-varying velocity is derived. Finally, according to whether there is the communication among UAVs under the condition of time-varying velocity, a multiple UAVs three-dimensional cooperative guidance law based on desired impact time and a multiple UAVs three-dimensional cooperative guidance law based on coordination variables are designed, respectively. The simulation results show that the cooperative guidance law with finite time convergence on two-dimensional plan and the three-dimensional cooperative guidance law with impact time constraint proposed in this paper are effective, which can both realize the saturation attack under the time-varying velocity.
Effect of Ducted Multi-Propeller Configuration on Aerodynamic Performance in Quadrotor Drone
Authors: Li Yi , Yonezawa Koichi , Liu Hao
Published: September 2021

Motivated by a bioinspired optimal aerodynamic design of a multi-propeller configuration, here we propose a ducted multi-propeller design to explore the improvement of lift force production and FM efficiency in quadrotor drones through optimizing the ducted multi-propeller configuration. We first conducted a CFD-based study to explore a high-performance duct morphology in a ducted single-propeller model in terms of aerodynamic performance and duct volume. The effect of a ducted multi-propeller configuration on aerodynamic performance is then investigated in terms of the tip distance and the height difference of propellers under a hovering state. Our results indicate that the tip distance-induced interactions have a noticeable effect in impairing the lift force production and FM efficiency but are limited to small tip distances, whereas the height difference-induced interactions have an impact on enhancing the aerodynamic performance over a certain range. An optimal ducted multi-propeller configuration with a minimal tip distance and an appropriate height difference was further examined through a combination of CFD simulations and a surrogate model in a broad-parameter space, which enables a significant improvement in both lift force production and FM efficiency for the multirotor, and thus provides a potential optimal design for ducted multirotor UAVs.
Model-Based Optimization of Mannitol Production by Using a Sequence of Batch Reactors for a Coupled Bi-Enzymatic Process—A Dynamic Approach
Authors: Maria Gheorghe , Peptănaru Ioana Mirela
Published: September 2021

Multi-enzymatic reactions can successfully replace complex chemical syntheses, using milder reaction conditions, and generating less waste. The present model-based analysis compares the performances of several optimally operated Batch Reactors (BR) with those of an optimally operated serial Sequence of BRs (SeqBR). In multi-enzymatic systems, SeqBR could be more advantageous and flexible, allowing the optimization of costly enzymes amounts used in each BR in the series. Exemplification was made for the bi-enzymatic reduction of D-fructose to mannitol by using MDH (mannitol dehydrogenase) and the NADH cofactor, with the in situ continuous regeneration of NADH at the expense of formate degradation in the presence of FDH (formate dehydrogenase). For such coupled enzymatic systems, the model-based engineering evaluations are difficult tasks, because they must account for the common species’ initial levels, their interaction, and their dynamics. The determination of optimal operating modes of sole BR or of a SeqBR turns into a multi-objective optimization problem with multiple constraints to be solved for every particular system. The study presents multiple elements of novelty: (i) the proof of higher performances of an optimal SeqBR (including N-BRs) compared to a sole optimal BR operated for N-number of runs and (ii) the effect of using a multi-objective optimization criteria on SeqBR adjustable dynamics.
Estimation of Carbon Monoxide, Sulfur Oxides, Nitrogen Oxides, Volatile Organic Compounds, and Particulate Matters Emission Due to Cryptocurrency Miners’ Activity in Iran
Authors: Talaiekhozani Amirreza , Lotfi Ghahroud Majid , Rezania Shahabaldin
Published: September 2021

Nowadays, electricity consumption has increased worldwide due to the activity of cryptocurrency miners. Much of Iran’s electricity is generated by fossil fuel power plants. So, generating more electricity means producing more air pollutants in Iran. There is not sufficient information about the effects of cryptocurrency mining on Iran’s air pollution. This study aims to estimate the amount of carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter (PM) emitted by Iran’s power plants when they generate extra electricity for cryptocurrency miners. In this study, we firstly estimated the amount of fuel used for the electricity needed for cryptocurrency miners. Then, the amounts of emitted NOx, CO, VOCs, SOx, and total PM for generation of such electricity were estimated via the guidelines of the European Environment Agency for emission inventory estimation. The results showed that an on average of 3530, 1547, 103, 11, and 35 tons of NOx, CO, VOCs, SOx, and total PM, respectively, have been emitted into the atmosphere in Iran annually.
Cross-Cultural Adaptation, Psychometric Properties and Measurement Invariance of the Italian Version of the Job Satisfaction Scale
Authors: Platania Silvia , Caponnetto Pasquale , Morando Martina , Maglia Marilena , Auditore Roberta , Santisi Giuseppe
Published: September 2021

The JSS is based on the theoretical position that job satisfaction represented an affective or attitudinal reaction to a job, and today is one of the most popular instruments used in I-O psychology. This paper discusses the contribution to the validation of an Italian adaptation of the Job Satisfaction Survey. Five hundred and twenty-seven participants (258 men, 269 women) were enrolled to participate in this study, aged between 19 and 65 (Mage = 36.0, SD = 11.7). The sample mostly worked in public administration, in health care, and in the educational sector. A self-report questionnaire is used to investigate the psychometric properties of this scale, also measuring other variables. A back-translation procedure is used. The results pinpointed the goodness of the scale and the normality distribution. Confirmative factor analyses and multigroup confirmative factor analyses were performed to verify the factorial structure of the scale. The results confirmed the same factorial structure of the original version, suggesting a nine higher-order factor structure. The results from the multigroup confirmatory factor analysis showed that this factor solution was invariant across gender (men vs. women) and found evidence for metric invariance, uniqueness invariance, and scalar and structural invariance. The findings confirmed the applicability in the Italian context.