bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3D Reservoir Geological Modeling Algorithm Based on a Deep Feedforward Neural Network: A Case Study of the Delta Reservoir of Upper Urho Formation in the X Area of Karamay, Xinjiang, China
Authors: Yao Jianpeng , Liu Qingbin , Liu Wenling , Liu Yuyang , Chen Xiaodong , Pan Mao
Published: December 2020

Three-dimensional (3D) reservoir geological modeling is an advanced reservoir characterization method, which runs through the exploration and the development process of oil and gas fields. Reservoir geological modeling is playing an increasingly significant role in determining the distribution, internal configuration, and quality of a reservoir as well. Conventional variogram-based methods such as statistical interpolation and reservoir geological modeling have difficulty characterizing complex reservoir geometries and heterogeneous reservoir properties. Taking advantage of deep feedforward neural networks (DFNNs) in nonlinear fitting, this paper compares the reservoir geological modeling results of different methods on the basis of an existing lithofacies model and seismic data from the X area of Karamay, Xinjiang, China. Adopted reservoir geological modeling methods include conventional sequential Gaussian simulation and DFNN-based reservoir geological modeling method. The constrained data in the experiment mainly include logging data, seismic attribute data, and lithofacies model. Then, based on the facies-controlled well-seismic combined reservoir geological modeling method, this paper explores the application of multioutput DFNN and transfer learning in reservoir geological modeling. The results show that the DFNN-based reservoir geological modeling results are closer to the actual model. In DFNN-based reservoir geological modeling, the facies control effect is obvious, and the simulation results have a higher coincidence rate in a test well experiment. The feasibility of applying multioutput DFNN and transfer learning in reservoir geological modeling provides solutions for further optimization methods, such as solving small-sample problems and improving the modeling efficiency.
Impact of Users’ Behavior and Real Weather Conditions on the Energy Consumption of Tenement Houses in Wroclaw, Poland: Energy Performance Gap Simulation Based on a Model Calibrated by Field Measurements
Authors: Szulgowska-Zgrzywa Małgorzata , Stefanowicz Ewelina , Piechurski Krzysztof , Chmielewska Agnieszka , Kowalczyk Marek
Published: December 2020

This paper presents the results of measuring the final energy consumption for heating and domestic hot water (DHW) preparation and indoor conditions in 15 apartments located in pre-war tenement houses. The measurements were compared to the computed energy consumption. The calculations ware made based on the model calibrated by field measurements. The discrepancies between measurements and calculations were assessed using the energy performance gap (EPG). Calculations were made separately for energy for heating and for DHW preparation. Additionally, the results of EPG calculations for different levels of analysis are presented aiming at assessing the impact of weather, temperature in the surrounding zones and users’ behavior. Users’ behaviors influencing the size of the EPG were divided into typical (energy saving or excessive energy consumption) and forced (energy poverty, response to the apartment’s surroundings, technical limitations. The connection between the heating sources and the heating habits has been clearly observed in the research. The former (typical) behaviors were the origin of the energy gap in the apartments heated with natural gas and district heating. The latter (forced) were the origin of the gap in the apartments heated with mostly electricity and solid fuel (with one exception: one apartment that utilized the district heating).
Comparing the Environmental Integrity of Emission Reductions from REDD Programs with Renewable Energy Projects
Authors: Espejo Andres B. , Becerra-Leal Maria Catalina , Aguilar-Amuchastegui Naikoa
Published: December 2020

Reducing deforestation and forest degradation presents a climate-change mitigation opportunity that is critical to meeting the Paris Agreement goals, and to achieving reductions in the atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHGs). Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) provides developing countries with results-based financial incentives for reducing deforestation and forest degradation through either non-market payments (payments without generation of carbon credits), or market-based mechanisms (carbon credits). REDD credits have been recently accepted to be used in offsetting programs (e.g., CORSIA) and are being considered under Article 6. However, various publications have questioned whether carbon credits from REDD should be accepted under market-based mechanisms, and have identified issues regarding their environmental integrity and their ability to offset emissions from other sectors. In recent years, REDD implementation has moved from the project level to the national or subnational (jurisdictional) level, and is addressing some of the concerns that have been raised for project-level interventions regarding the robustness of baselines and leakage, for example. In this paper we compare the environmental integrity of credits from REDD programs with that from on-grid renewable energy projects by examining aspects related to permanence, additionality, baselines, uncertainty, and leakage. We show that the environmental integrity of emission reductions sourced from REDD programs has unique strengths, and that those sourced from renewable energy projects have weaknesses of their own. Probably due to a lack of understanding of the respective weaknesses and strengths of these two sources of credits, the emission reductions from REDD programs have been historically questioned and subjected to a level of scrutiny that has not been made with emission reductions from other sectors, such as renewable energy projects. Recognizing the strengths and weaknesses of emission reductions from both types should help decision makers and carbon standards recognize the high quality of emission reductions from REDD programs, and rationalize the current requirements or restrictions imposed.
Effect of Dextrose Equivalent on Maltodextrin/Whey Protein Spray-Dried Powder Microcapsules and Dynamic Release of Loaded Flavor during Storage and Powder Rehydration
Authors: Li Kaixin , Pan Bowen , Ma Lingjun , Miao Song , Ji Junfu
Published: December 2020

The preparation of powdered microcapsules of flavor substances should not only protect these substances from volatilization during storage but also improve their diffusion during use. This study aimed to investigate the effects of maltodextrin (MD) with different dextrose equivalent (DE) values on retention of flavor substances during storage, and the dynamic release of flavor substances during dissolution. MDs with three different DE values and whey protein isolate were mixed in a ratio of 4:1 as wall materials to encapsulate ethyl acetate, and powdered microcapsules were prepared by spray drying. It was proved that MD could reduce the diffusion of flavor substances under different relative humidity conditions through the interaction between core material and wall material. During dissolution, MD released flavor substances quickly owing to its superior solubility. The reconstituted emulsion formed after the powder dissolved in water recaptured flavor substances and made the system reach equilibrium. This study explored the mechanism of flavor release during the storage and dissolution of powder microcapsules and should help us understand the application of powder microcapsules in food systems.
Seasonal Sensory Evaluation of Low Commercial Value or Unexploited Fish Species from the Portuguese Coast
Authors: Silva Frederica , Duarte Ana M. , Mendes Susana , Magalhães Elisabete , Pinto Filipa R. , Barroso Sónia , Neves Ana , Sequeira Vera , Vieira Ana Rita , Gordo Leonel , Gil Maria Manuel
Published: December 2020

Overfishing is increasing over time, and according to FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization), about one third of the world’s fish stocks are now overfished. Thus, diversifying the target species is essential for fisheries sustainability contributing to improve resource-efficient processes. Non-target species can be valuable resources for the development of new food products. However, those species are scarcely studied, and it is of high importance to trace their seasonal sensory profile as a first step towards their valorisation. Therefore, in this study, seasonal influence on sensory properties of five low commercial value or unexploited fish species, namely Trachurus picturatus (blue jack mackerel), Spondyliosoma cantharus (black seabream), Trigla lyra (piper gurnard), Serranus cabrilla (comber) and Capros aper (boarfish), was assessed in order to identify the most favourable season for catching each species. Fish samples were assessed by a panel of 16 semi-trained assessors for sensory attributes previously identified. The evaluation takes place every 2 months. Statistical differences were reported between attributes and seasons for all species, except for T. lyra, which did not present any difference in its sensory attributes throughout the year.
Fatty Acid Composition and Volatile Profile of M. longissimus thoracis from Commercial Lambs Reared in Different Forage Systems
Authors: Ye Yangfan , Eyres Graham T. , Reis Mariza G. , Schreurs Nicola M. , Silcock Patrick , Agnew Michael P. , Johnson Patricia L. , Maclean Paul , Realini Carolina E.
Published: December 2020

Animal production factors can affect the fatty acid and volatile profile of lamb meat. The fatty acid and volatile composition of the M. longissimus thoracis was evaluated from 150 lambs from 10 groups of commercial lambs that differed in age, sex, diet and breed, from three farms, which represent typical forage lamb production systems in New Zealand. The meat from 4-month-old composite lambs slaughtered at weaning had a similar polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acid ratio compared to 6- to 8-month-old composite lambs, but a greater ratio than that of 12-month-old Merino lambs (p < 0.05), with all ratios being lower than the recommended ≥0.45. All lamb production systems produced meat with an omega-6 to omega-3 ratio below 1.5, well below the recommended ratio ≤ 4.0. Meat from 4-month-old lambs had higher C12:0, C14:0 and C16:0 and lower C18:0, reflecting the composition of the milk diet, resulting in higher atherogenic index than meat from other animal groups, while meat from 12-month-old Merino lambs, with lower content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, showed higher thrombogenic index. Meat from lambs processed at weaning contained the greatest concentration of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids, which would qualify as a ‘source’ or ‘good source’ of these target fatty acids based on the Commission of Regulation of the European Union or the Food Standards Australia New Zealand guidelines, respectively. Volatiles were extracted from the headspace of raw lean meat and 36 volatile compounds were identified. The abundance of carbon disulphide, isododecane, heptanal, 2,5-hexanediol and 3-octanone and pentanoic, octanoic, nonanoic and heptanoic acids was similar between all groups of lambs. Meat from 12-month-old Merino lambs had low abundance of acetic, propanoic, butanoic and hexanoic acids, and hexanal, octanal and dimethyl sulphide. For 6- to 8-month-old composite lambs, hexanal, octanal and nonanal were present at higher relative abundance in meat from lambs that grazed on chicory than perennial ryegrass. The significant differences in the fatty acid and volatile profiles in meat from 12-month-old Merino lambs compared with lambs slaughtered at weaning or further grazed on red clover, chicory or mixed pasture may result in distinctive nutritional value and lamb flavour.
Part Meat and Part Plant: Are Hybrid Meat Products Fad or Future?
Authors: Grasso Simona , Jaworska Sylvia
Published: December 2020

There is a growing interest in flexitarian diets, which has resulted in the commercialisation of new hybrid meat products, containing both meat and plant-based ingredients. Consumer attitudes towards hybrid meat products have not been explored, and it is not clear which factors could affect the success of such products. This study is the first to overview of the UK hybrid meat product market and to explore consumer’s attitudes towards hybrid meat products in 201 online reviews, using tools and techniques of corpus linguistics (language analysis). In the positive reviews, consumers emphasised the taste dimension of the hybrid meat products, seeing them as healthier options with good texture and easy to prepare. The negative reviews related to the poor sensory quality and not to the concept of hybridity itself. Using a multidisciplinary approach, our findings revealed valuable insights into consumer attitudes and highlighted factors to consider to market new hybrid meat products effectively.
Knowing in Nurses’ Belief and Attitude about Patient Activation: A Validation of the Korean Clinician Support for Patient Activation Measure Using Rasch Analysis
Authors: Choi Suhyeon , Ham Yun Hee , Han Kihye , Ryu Eunjung
Published: December 2020

Background: Patient engagement is considered a critical factor in improving healthcare delivery. This study aimed to test the Korean version of the Clinician Support for Patient Activation Measure (CS-PAM) using Rasch analysis, and to explore nurses’ beliefs about patient self-management. Methods: A cross-sectional, exploratory study design was employed. The staff nurses who were recruited from six hospitals were requested to complete the Korean CS-PAM. Their responses were subsequently subjected to Rasch analysis to validate the Korean CS-PAM. The CS-PAM was paraphrased into Korean using the standardized forward–backward translation method. Results: The internal consistency of the scale had good Cronbach’s alpha value. For all items, the infit and outfit statistics fell well within the acceptable range of 0.5–1.5. This measure formed a unidimensional Guttman-like scale that explained 54.7% of the variance. Conclusions: The Korean version of the CS-PAM showed good psychometric properties and appeared to be consistent with the meaning of the original CS-PAM. However, the items have a somewhat different ranking order when compared to the English and Dutch versions. The instrument might be useful for identifying the supportive beliefs and attitudes of nurses or healthcare providers in order to improve patient activation in healthcare.
Preparative Scale Production of Recombinant Human Transthyretin for Biophysical Studies of Protein-Ligand and Protein-Protein Interactions
Authors: Cotrina Ellen Y. , Vilà Marta , Nieto Joan , Arsequell Gemma , Planas Antoni
Published: December 2020

Human transthyretin (hTTR), a serum protein with a main role in transporting thyroid hormones and retinol through binding to the retinol-binding protein, is an amyloidogenic protein involved in familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP), familial amyloidotic cardiomyopathy, and central nervous system selective amyloidosis. hTTR also has a neuroprotective role in Alzheimer disease, being the major Aβ binding protein in human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that prevents amyloid-β (Aβ) aggregation with consequent abrogation of toxicity. Here we report an optimized preparative expression and purification protocol of hTTR (wt and amyloidogenic mutants) for in vitro screening assays of TTR ligands acting as amyloidogenesis inhibitors or acting as molecular chaperones to enhance the TTR:Aβ interaction. Preparative yields were up to 660 mg of homogenous protein per L of culture in fed-batch bioreactor. The recombinant wt protein is mainly unmodified at Cys10, the single cysteine in the protein sequence, whereas the highly amyloidogenic Y78F variant renders mainly the S-glutathionated form, which has essentially the same amyloidogenic behavior than the reduced protein with free Cys10. The TTR production protocol has shown inter-batch reproducibility of expression and protein quality for in vitro screening assays.
Virus-Mediated Cell-Cell Fusion
Authors: Leroy Héloïse , Han Mingyu , Woottum Marie , Bracq Lucie , Bouchet Jérôme , Xie Maorong , Benichou Serge
Published: December 2020

Cell-cell fusion between eukaryotic cells is a general process involved in many physiological and pathological conditions, including infections by bacteria, parasites, and viruses. As obligate intracellular pathogens, viruses use intracellular machineries and pathways for efficient replication in their host target cells. Interestingly, certain viruses, and, more especially, enveloped viruses belonging to different viral families and including human pathogens, can mediate cell-cell fusion between infected cells and neighboring non-infected cells. Depending of the cellular environment and tissue organization, this virus-mediated cell-cell fusion leads to the merge of membrane and cytoplasm contents and formation of multinucleated cells, also called syncytia, that can express high amount of viral antigens in tissues and organs of infected hosts. This ability of some viruses to trigger cell-cell fusion between infected cells as virus-donor cells and surrounding non-infected target cells is mainly related to virus-encoded fusion proteins, known as viral fusogens displaying high fusogenic properties, and expressed at the cell surface of the virus-donor cells. Virus-induced cell-cell fusion is then mediated by interactions of these viral fusion proteins with surface molecules or receptors involved in virus entry and expressed on neighboring non-infected cells. Thus, the goal of this review is to give an overview of the different animal virus families, with a more special focus on human pathogens, that can trigger cell-cell fusion.
Monosomy 3 Influences Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Gene Expression in Uveal Melanoma Patients; Consequences for Liquid Biopsy
Authors: Soltysova Andrea , Sedlackova Tatiana , Dvorska Dana , Jasek Karin , Chokhachi Baradaran Pooneh , Horvathova Kajabova Viera , Demkova Lucia , Buocikova Verona , Kurucova Terezia , Lyskova Darina , Furdova Alena , Minarik Gabriel , Babal Pavel , Dankova Zuzana , Smolkova Bozena
Published: December 2020

Despite outstanding advances in diagnosis and the treatment of primary uveal melanoma (UM), nearly 50% of UM patients develop metastases via hematogenous dissemination, driven by the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Despite the failure in UM to date, a liquid biopsy may offer a feasible non-invasive approach for monitoring metastatic disease progression and addressing protracted dormancy. To detect circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in UM patients, we evaluated the mRNA expression of EMT-associated transcription factors in CD45-depleted blood fraction, using qRT-PCR. ddPCR was employed to assess UM-specific GNA11, GNAQ, PLCβ4, and CYSLTR2 mutations in plasma DNA. Moreover, microarray analysis was performed on total RNA isolated from tumor tissues to estimate the prognostic value of EMT-associated gene expression. In total, 42 primary UM and 11 metastatic patients were enrolled. All CD45-depleted samples were negative for CTC when compared to the peripheral blood fraction of 60 healthy controls. Tumor-specific mutations were detected in the plasma of 21.4% patients, merely, in 9.4% of primary UM, while 54.5% in metastatic patients. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering of differentially expressed EMT genes showed significant differences between monosomy 3 and disomy 3 tumors. Newly identified genes can serve as non-invasive prognostic biomarkers that can support therapeutic decisions.
Recontamination of Healthcare Surfaces by Repeated Wiping with Biocide-Loaded Wipes: “One Wipe, One Surface, One Direction, Dispose” as Best Practice in the Clinical Environment
Authors: Edwards Nicholas W. M. , Best Emma L. , Goswami Parikshit , Wilcox Mark H. , Russell Stephen J.
Published: December 2020

The wiping of high-touch healthcare surfaces made of metals, ceramics and plastics to remove bacteria is an accepted tool in combatting the transmission of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs). In practice, surfaces may be repeatedly wiped using a single wipe, and the potential for recontamination may be affected by various factors. Accordingly, we studied how the surface to be wiped, the type of fibre in the wipe and how the presence of liquid biocide affected the degree of recontamination. Experiments were conducted using metal, ceramic and plastic healthcare surfaces, and two different wipe compositions (hygroscopic and hydrophilic), with and without liquid biocide. Despite initially high removal efficiencies of >70% during initial wiping, all healthcare surfaces were recontaminated with E. coli, S. aureus and E. faecalis when wiped more than once using the same wipe. Recontamination occurred regardless of the fibre composition of the wipe or the presence of a liquid biocide. The extent of recontamination by E. coli, S. aureus and E. faecalis bacteria also increased when metal healthcare surfaces possessed a higher microscale roughness (<1 μm), as determined by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The high propensity for healthcare surfaces to be re-contaminated following initial wiping suggests that a “One wipe, One surface, One direction, Dispose” policy should be implemented and rigorously enforced.
Peptide–Peptide Co-Assembly: A Design Strategy for Functional Detection of C-peptide, A Biomarker of Diabetic Neuropathy
Authors: Chan Kiat Hwa , Lim Jaehong , Jee Joo Eun , Aw Jia Hui , Lee Su Seong
Published: December 2020

Diabetes-related neuropathy is a debilitating condition that may be averted if it can be detected early. One possible way this can be achieved at low cost is to utilise peptides to detect C-peptide, a biomarker of diabetic neuropathy. This depends on peptide-peptide co-assembly, which is currently in a nascent stage of intense study. Instead, we propose a bead-based triple-overlay combinatorial strategy that can preserve inter-residue information during the screening process for a suitable complementary peptide to co-assemble with C-peptide. The screening process commenced with a pentapeptide general library, which revealed histidine to be an essential residue. Further screening with seven tetrapeptide focused libraries led to a table of self-consistent peptide sequences that included tryptophan and lysine at high frequencies. Three complementary nonapeptides (9mer com-peptides), wpkkhfwgq (Trp-D), kwkkhfwgq (Lys-D), and KWKKHFWGQ (Lys-L) (as a negative control) were picked from this table for co-assembly studies with C-peptide. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopies were utilized to study inter-peptide interactions and changes in secondary structures respectively. ATR-FTIR studies showed that there is indeed inter-peptide interaction between C-peptide and the tryptophan residues of the 9mer com-peptides. CD studies of unaggregated and colloidal C-peptide with the 9mer com-peptides suggest that the extent of co-assembly of C-peptide with Trp-D is greatest, followed by Lys-D and Lys-L. These results are promising and indicate that the presented strategy is viable for designing and evaluating longer complementary peptides, as well as complementary peptides for co-assembly with other polypeptides of interest and importance. We discuss the possibility of designing complementary peptides to inhibit toxic amyloidosis with this approach.
Cell Death in Liver Diseases: A Review
Authors: Shojaie Layla , Iorga Andrea , Dara Lily
Published: December 2020

Regulated cell death (RCD) is pivotal in directing the severity and outcome of liver injury. Hepatocyte cell death is a critical event in the progression of liver disease due to resultant inflammation leading to fibrosis. Apoptosis, necrosis, necroptosis, autophagy, and recently, pyroptosis and ferroptosis, have all been investigated in the pathogenesis of various liver diseases. These cell death subroutines display distinct features, while sharing many similar characteristics with considerable overlap and crosstalk. Multiple types of cell death modes can likely coexist, and the death of different liver cell populations may contribute to liver injury in each type of disease. This review addresses the known signaling cascades in each cell death pathway and its implications in liver disease. In this review, we describe the common findings in each disease model, as well as the controversies and the limitations of current data with a particular focus on cell death-related research in humans and in rodent models of alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and steatohepatitis (NASH/NAFLD), acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity, autoimmune hepatitis, cholestatic liver disease, and viral hepatitis.
Characterization of In Vitro and In Vivo Metabolism of Antazoline Using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Giebułtowicz Joanna , Korytowska Natalia , Piotrowski Roman , Kułakowski Piotr , Latacz Gniewomir , Szymańska Ewa , Wiśniowska Barbara , Polak Sebastian
Published: December 2020

Antazoline (ANT) was recently shown to be an effective and safe antiarrhythmic drug in the termination of atrial fibrillation. However, the drug is still not listed in clinical guidelines. No data on ANT metabolism in humans is available. We used liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry to identify and characterize metabolites of ANT. We analyzed plasma of volunteers following a single intravenous administration of 100 mg of ANT mesylate and in in vitro cultures of human hepatocytes. We revealed that ANT was transformed into at least 15 metabolites and we investigated the role of cytochrome P450 isoforms. CYP2D6 was the main one involved in the fast metabolism of ANT. The biotransformation of ANT by CYP2C19 was much slower. The main Phase I metabolite was M1 formed by the removal of phenyl and metabolite M2 with hydroxyl in the para position of phenyl. Glucuronidation was the leading Phase II metabolism. Further study on pharmacokinetics of the metabolites would allow us to better understand the activity profile of ANT and to predict its potential clinical applications. Ultimately, further investigation of the activity profile of the new hydroxylated M2 metabolite of ANT might result in an active substance with a different pharmacological profile than the parent molecule, and potentially a new drug candidate.
Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Targeting Subcellular Organelles
Authors: Gisbert-Garzarán Miguel , Lozano Daniel , Vallet-Regí María
Published: December 2020

Current chemotherapy treatments lack great selectivity towards tumoral cells, which leads to nonspecific drug distribution and subsequent side effects. In this regard, the use of nanoparticles able to encapsulate and release therapeutic agents has attracted growing attention. In this sense, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have been widely employed as drug carriers owing to their exquisite physico-chemical properties. Because MSNs present a surface full of silanol groups, they can be easily functionalized to endow the nanoparticles with many different functionalities, including the introduction of moieties with affinity for the cell membrane or relevant compartments within the cell, thus increasing the efficacy of the treatments. This review manuscript will provide the state-of-the-art on MSNs functionalized for targeting subcellular compartments, focusing on the cytoplasm, the mitochondria, and the nucleus.
Heme Degradation in Pathophysiology of and Countermeasures to Inflammation-Associated Disease
Authors: Haines Donald David , Tosaki Arpad
Published: December 2020

The class of tetrapyrrol “coordination complexes” called hemes are prosthetic group components of metalloproteins including hemoglobin, which provide functionality to these physiologically essential macromolecules by reversibly binding diatomic gasses, notably O2, which complexes to ferrous (reduced/Fe(II)) iron within the heme porphyrin ring of hemoglobin in a pH- and PCO2-dependent manner—thus allowing their transport and delivery to anatomic sites of their function. Here, pathologies associated with aberrant heme degradation are explored in the context of their underlying mechanisms and emerging medical countermeasures developed using heme oxygenase (HO), its major degradative enzyme and bioactive metabolites produced by HO activity. Tissue deposits of heme accumulate as a result of the removal of senescent or damaged erythrocytes from circulation by splenic macrophages, which destroy the cells and internal proteins, including hemoglobin, leaving free heme to accumulate, posing a significant toxicogenic challenge. In humans, HO uses NADPH as a reducing agent, along with molecular oxygen, to degrade heme into carbon monoxide (CO), free ferrous iron (FeII), which is sequestered by ferritin protein, and biliverdin, subsequently metabolized to bilirubin, a potent inhibitor of oxidative stress-mediated tissue damage. CO acts as a cellular messenger and augments vasodilation. Nevertheless, disease- or trauma-associated oxidative stressors sufficiently intense to overwhelm HO may trigger or exacerbate a wide range of diseases, including cardiovascular and neurologic syndromes. Here, strategies are described for counteracting the effects of aberrant heme degradation, with a particular focus on “bioflavonoids” as HO inducers, shown to cause amelioration of severe inflammatory diseases.
Performance Analysis of Embedded Mechanoluminescence-Perovskite Self-Powered Pressure Sensor for Structural Health Monitoring
Authors: Carani Lucas Braga , Eze Vincent Obiozo , Iwuagwu Chetanna , Okoli Okenwa Izeji
Published: December 2020

Recent developments in sensing technologies have triggered a lot of research interest in exploring novel self-powered, inexpensive, compact and flexible pressure sensors with the potential for structural health monitoring (SHM) applications. Herein, we assessed the performance of an embedded mechanoluminescent (ML) and perovskite pressure sensor that integrates the physical principles of mechanoluminescence and perovskite materials. For a continuous in-situ SHM, it is crucial to evaluate the capabilities of the sensing device when embedded into a composite structure. An experimental study of how the sensor is affected by the embedment process into a glass fiber-reinforced composite has been conducted. A series of devices with and without ML were embedded within a composite laminate, and the signal responses were collected under different conditions. We also demonstrated a successful encapsulation process in order for the device to withstand the composite manufacturing conditions. The results show that the sensor exhibits distinct signals when subjected to different load conditions and can be used for the in-situ SHM of advanced composite structures.
Mixed versus Focused Resistance Training during an Australian Football Pre-Season
Authors: James Lachlan P. , Haycraft Jade , Pierobon Anthony , Suchomel Timothy J. , Connick Mark
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of a focused versus mixed-methods strength-power training plan on athletes undertaking high volumes of concurrent training. Fourteen junior elite male Australian football players were randomly assigned into either the focused or mixed group. Both training groups undertook a sequenced training intervention consisting of a four-week mesocycle emphasising heavy strength followed by a four-week mesocycle of high velocity emphasis. Training differed between groups by way of the degree of emphasis placed on the targeted attribute in each cycle and occurred during the preseason. Testing occurred pre- and post-training and consisted of the unloaded and loaded (+20 kg) countermovement jump (CMJ). Focused training elicited practical (non-trivial) improvements in flight time to contraction ratio (FT:CT) (g = 0.45, ±90% confidence interval 0.49) underpinned by a small reduction in contraction time (g = −0.46, ±0.45) and a small increase in braking (g = 0.36, ±0.42) and concentric phase mean force (g = 0.22, ±0.39). Conversely, the mixed group demonstrated an unchanged FT:CT (g = −0.13, ±0.56). Similar respective changes occurred in the loaded condition. Preferential improvements in FT:CT occur when a greater focus is placed on a targeted physical quality in a sequenced training plan of junior elite Australian football players during preseason training.
Predicting the Deflection of Square Plates Subjected to Fully Confined Blast Loading
Authors: Zheng Cheng , Wang Yiwen , Kong Xiangshao , Zhou Hu , Liu Haibao , Wu Weiguo
Published: December 2020

The main objective of this study is to conveniently and rapidly develop a new dimensionless number to characterize and predict the deflection of square plates subjected to fully confined blast loading. Firstly, based on the Kirchhoff–Love theory and dimension analysis, a set of dimensionless parameters was obtained from the governing equation representing the response of a thin plate subjected to impact load. A new dimensionless number with a definite physical meaning was then proposed based on dimensional analysis, in which the influence of bending, torsion moment and membrane forces on the dynamic response of the blast-loaded plate were considered along with the related parameters of the blast' energy, the yield strength of the material, the plate thickness and dimensions of the confined space. By analyzing the experimental data of plates subjected to confined blast loading, an approximately linear relationship between the midpoint deflection–thickness ratio of the target plate and the new dimensionless number was derived. On this basis, an empirical formula to predict the deflection of square plates subjected to fully confined blast loading was subsequently regressed, and its calculated results agree well with the experimental data. Furthermore, numerical simulations of square plates subjected to blast loading in a cuboid chamber with different lengths were performed. The numerical results were compared with the calculated data to verify the applicability of the present empirical formula in different scenarios of blast loading from explosions in a cuboid space. It is indicated that the new dimensionless number and corresponding empirical formula presented in this paper have good applicability and reliability for the deflection prediction of plates subjected to fully confined explosions in a cuboid chamber with different lengths, especially when the plates experience a large deflection–thickness ratio.
Distribution and Sediment Selection by the Mud Shrimp Upogebia noronhensis (Crustacea: Thalassinidea) and the Potential Effects on the Associated Macroinfaunal Community
Authors: Sumida Paulo Yukio G. , Güth Arthur Z. , Quintana Cintia Organo , Pires-Vanin Ana M. S.
Published: December 2020

Burrowers such as thalassinideans remobilize sediment in benthic ecosystems, altering granulometry, enhancing organic matter cycling and oxygenation. We characterized the distribution of the mud shrimp Upogebia noronhensis and the associated macroinfauna along a depth and granulometric gradient in a shallow subtidal area in the southern Brazilian coast. Mud shrimp densities were estimated by burrow opening count using 0.25 m2 quadrats in three sediment zones: sand, sand-mud transition and mud. Macroinfaunal community descriptors and sediment granulometric characteristics were assessed. U. noronhensis average density varied from 0.6 to 145 individuals m−2 and was highest in the transition zone and lowest in the sand zone. Macrofauna in the sand zone was at least three times more abundant and 1.2 times richer, averaging 436.3 organisms and 39 species, while the transition and mud zones were more even in species distribution (species evenness > 0.7). The shrimp presence seems to be linked to a coarse sand content <80% and clay and silt <40% in the sediment, a compromise between gallery construction ability and filter-feeding suitability. High densities and aggregated distribution of mud shrimp, combined with alteration of sediment grain composition and organic matter, are likely to affect macroinfaunal abundance nearby the burrows.
Germline Genetic Association between Stromal Interaction Molecule 1 (STIM1) and Clinical Outcomes in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Huang Chi-Cheng , Lin Min-Rou , Yang Yu-Chen , Hsu Yu-Wen , Wong Henry Sung-Ching , Chang Wei-Chiao
Published: December 2020

Among all cancers in women, breast cancer has the highest incidence. The mortality of breast cancer is highly associated with metastasis. Migration and malignant transformation of cancer cells have been reported to be modulated by store-operated calcium (SOC) channels, which control calcium signaling and cell proliferation pathways. Stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) is a calcium sensor in the endoplasmic reticulum, triggering the activation of store-operated calcium signaling. However, the clinical relevance of STIM1 in breast cancer is still unclear. Here, we recruited 348 breast cancer patients and conducted a genetic association study to address this question. Four tagging germline single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in STIM1 were selected and RNA sequencing data of 525 breast cancer samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were evaluated. The results show that rs2304891 and rs3750996 were correlated with clinical stage of breast cancer. Expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis indicated that risk G allele of STIM1 contributed to the higher expression of STIM1. In addition, we found an increased risk of rs2304891 G allele and rs3750996 A allele in estrogen receptor (ER) positive and progesterone receptor (PR) positive patients. In conclusion, our results suggest that germline SNV, rs2304891 and rs3750996 as well as STIM1 expression are important biomarkers for the prediction of clinical outcomes in breast cancer patients.
Prediction of Major Depressive Disorder Following Beta-Blocker Therapy in Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Jin Suho , Kostka Kristin , Posada Jose D. , Kim Yeesuk , Seo Seung In , Lee Dong Yun , Shah Nigam H. , Roh Sungwon , Lim Young-Hyo , Chae Sun Geu , Jin Uram , Son Sang Joon , Reich Christian , Rijnbeek Peter R. , Park Rae Woong , You Seng Chan
Published: December 2020

Incident depression has been reported to be associated with poor prognosis in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD), which might be associated with beta-blocker therapy. Because early detection and intervention can alleviate the severity of depression, we aimed to develop a machine learning (ML) model predicting the onset of major depressive disorder (MDD). A model based on L1 regularized logistic regression was trained against the South Korean nationwide administrative claims database to identify risk factors for the incident MDD after beta-blocker therapy in patients with CVD. We identified 50,397 patients initiating beta-blockers for CVD, with 774 patients developing MDD within 365 days after initiating beta-blocker therapy. An area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.74 was achieved. A history of non-selective beta-blockers and factors related to anxiety disorder, sleeping problems, and other chronic diseases were the most strong predictors. AUCs of 0.62–0.71 were achieved in the external validation conducted on six independent electronic health records and claims databases in the USA and South Korea. In conclusion, an ML model that identifies patients at high-risk for incident MDD was developed. Application of ML to identify susceptible patients for adverse events of treatment may serve as an important approach for personalized medicine.
Palbociclib Plus Fulvestrant or Everolimus Plus Exemestane for Pretreated Advanced Breast Cancer with Lobular Histotype in ER+/HER2− Patients: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis of a Multicenter Retrospective Patient Series
Authors: Orlandi Armando , Iattoni Elena , Pizzuti Laura , Fabbri Agnese , Botticelli Andrea , Di Dio Carmela , Palazzo Antonella , Garufi Giovanna , Indellicati Giulia , Alesini Daniele , Carbognin Luisa , Paris Ida , Vaccaro Angela , Moscetti Luca , Fabi Alessandra , Magri Valentina , Naso Giuseppe , Cassano Alessandra , Vici Patrizia , Giannarelli Diana , Franceschini Gianluca , Marchetti Paolo , Bria Emilio , Tortora Giampaolo
Published: December 2020

Cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) in combination with endocrine therapy (ET) show meaningful efficacy and tolerability in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), but the optimal sequence of ET has not been established. It is not clear if patients with lobular breast carcinomas (LBC) derive the same benefits when receiving second line CDK4/6i. This retrospective study compared the efficacy of palbociclib plus fulvestrant (PALBO–FUL) with everolimus plus exemestane (EVE–EXE) as second-line ET for hormone-resistant metastatic LBC. From 2013 to 2018, patients with metastatic LBC positivity for estrogen and/or progesterone receptors and HER2/neu negativity, who had relapsed during adjuvant hormonal therapy or first-line hormonal treatment, were enrolled from six centers in Italy in this retrospective study. A total of 74 out of 376 patients (48 treated with PALBO–FUL and 26 with EVE–EXE) with metastatic LBC were eligible for inclusion. Progression-free survival (PFS) was longer in patients receiving EVE–EXE compared with PALBO–FUL (6.1 vs. 4.5 months, univariate HR 0.58, 95% CI 0.35–0.96; p = 0.025). On the propensity score (PS) analysis, PFS was confirmed to be significantly longer for patients treated with EVE–EXE compared to PALBO–FUL (6.0 vs. 4.6 months, p = 0.04). This retrospective analysis suggests that EVE–EXE is more effective than PALBO–FUL for second line ET of metastatic LBC, allowing us to speculate on the optimal therapeutic sequence.
Method to Determine the Constitutive Permeability Parameters of Non-Linear Consolidation Models by Means of the Oedometer Test
Authors: García-Ros Gonzalo , Alhama Iván
Published: December 2020

This paper presents an easy-to-apply methodology that allows obtaining the permeability index and the initial hydraulic conductivity of clayey soils, basic constitutive parameters in non-linear models of consolidation, based on the laboratory oedometer test. For this, the data of the void ratio, compressibility index and characteristic consolidation time are taken from the test and, as an inverse problem, the constitutive permeability parameters sought are determined by applying the universal solutions of the characteristic time for a general non-linear consolidation model with constitutive relations void ratio-effective soil stress and hydraulic conductivity-void ratio of logarithmic type. The application protocol of the inverse problem is described in detail and illustrated by a series of applications carried out on real laboratory data belonging to two different soils. The influence that errors in laboratory parameter measurements can have on the final values of the permeability index and initial hydraulic conductivity is studied, showing the maximum deviations that may appear and, by last, the precision of the results obtained.
On the Size of Subclasses of Quasi-Copulas and Their Dedekind–MacNeille Completion
Authors: Durante Fabrizio , Fernández-Sánchez Juan , Trutschnig Wolfgang , Úbeda-Flores Manuel
Published: December 2020

We study some topological properties of the class of supermodular n-quasi-copulas and check that the topological size of the Dedekind–MacNeille completion of the set of n-copulas is small, in terms of the Baire category, in the Dedekind–MacNeille completion of the set of the supermodular n-quasi-copulas, and in turn, this set and the set of n-copulas are small in the set of n-quasi-copulas.
Asymptotics and Uniqueness of Solutions of the Elasticity System with the Mixed Dirichlet–Robin Boundary Conditions
Authors: Matevossian Hovik A.
Published: December 2020

We study properties of generalized solutions of the Dirichlet–Robin problem for an elasticity system in the exterior of a compact, as well as the asymptotic behavior of solutions of this mixed problem at infinity, with the condition that the energy integral with the weight |x|a is finite. Depending on the value of the parameter a, we have proved uniqueness (or non-uniqueness) theorems for the mixed Dirichlet–Robin problem, and also given exact formulas for the dimension of the space of solutions. The main method for studying the problem under consideration is the variational principle, which assumes the minimization of the corresponding functional in the class of admissible functions.
Ultrasound Assessment of Extracranial Carotids and Vertebral Arteries in Acute Cerebral Ischemia
Authors: Psychogios Klearchos , Magoufis Georgios , Kargiotis Odysseas , Safouris Apostolos , Bakola Eleni , Chondrogianni Maria , Zis Panagiotis , Stamboulis Elefterios , Tsivgoulis Georgios
Published: December 2020

Assessing ischemic etiology and mechanism during the acute phase of an ischemic stroke is crucial in order to tailor and monitor appropriate treatment and determine prognosis. Cervical Duplex Ultrasound (CDU) has evolved since many years as an excellent screening tool for the evaluation of extracranial vasculature. CDU has the advantages of a low cost, easily applicable, bed side examination with high temporal and spatial resolution and without exposing the patients to any significant complications. It represents an easily repeatable test that can be performed in the emergency room as a first-line examination of cervical artery pathology. CDU provides well validated estimates of the type of the atherosclerotic plaque, the degree of stenosis, as well as structural and hemodynamic information directly about extracranial vessels (e.g., subclavian steal syndrome) and indirectly about intracranial circulation. CDU may also aid the diagnosis of non-atherosclerotic lesions of vessel walls including dissections, arteritis, carotid-jugular fistulas and fibromuscular dysplasias. The present narrative review outlines all potential applications of CDU in acute stroke management and also highlights its potential therapeutic implications.
On the Neurobiology of Meditation: Comparison of Three Organizing Strategies to Investigate Brain Patterns during Meditation Practice
Authors: Travis Frederick
Published: December 2020

Three broad organizing strategies have been used to study meditation practices: (1) consider meditation practices as using similar processes and so combine neural images across a wide range of practices to identify the common underlying brain patterns of meditation practice, (2) consider meditation practices as unique and so investigate individual practices, or (3) consider meditation practices as fitting into larger categories and explore brain patterns within and between categories. The first organizing strategy combines meditation practices defined as deep concentration, attention to external and internal stimuli, and letting go of thoughts. Brain patterns of different procedures would all contribute to the final averages, which may not be representative of any practice. The second organizing strategy generates a multitude of brain patterns as each practice is studied individually. The rich detail of individual differences within each practice makes it difficult to identify reliable patterns between practices. The third organizing principle has been applied in three ways: (1) grouping meditations by their origin—Indian or Buddhist practices, (2) grouping meditations by the procedures of each practice, or (3) grouping meditations by brain wave frequencies reported during each practice. Grouping meditations by their origin mixes practices whose procedures include concentration, mindfulness, or effortless awareness, again resulting in a confounded pattern. Grouping meditations by their described procedures yields defining neural imaging patterns within each category, and clear differences between categories. Grouping meditations by the EEG frequencies associated with their procedures yields an objective system to group meditations and allows practices to “move” into different categories as subjects’ meditation experiences change over time, which would be associated with different brain patterns. Exploring meditations within theoretically meaningful categories appears to yield the most reliable picture of meditation practices.