bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sleep Duration and Behaviours: A Descriptive Analysis of a Cohort of Dogs up to 12 Months of Age
Authors: Kinsman Rachel , Owczarczak-Garstecka Sara , Casey Rachel , Knowles Toby , Tasker Séverine , Woodward Joshua , Da Costa Rosa , Murray Jane
Published: July 2020

Sleep is a vital behaviour that can reflect an animal’s adaptation to the environment and their welfare. However, a better understanding of normal age-specific sleep patterns is crucial. This study aims to provide population norms and descriptions of sleep-related behaviours for 16-week-old puppies and 12-month-old dogs living in domestic environments. Participants recruited to a longitudinal study answered questions relating to their dogs’ sleep behaviours in surveys issued to them when their dogs reached 16 weeks (n = 2332) and 12 months of age (n = 1091). For the statistical analysis, subpopulations of dogs with data regarding sleep duration at both timepoints were used. Owners of 16-week-old puppies perceived their dogs to sleep longer during the day and over a 24 h period, but for less time during the night than owners of 12-month-old dogs. At both timepoints, dogs were most commonly settled to sleep by being left in a room/area without human company. However, of dogs that had access to people overnight, 86.7% and 86.8% chose to be around people at 16 weeks and 12 months of age, respectively. The most common sleeping place was in a kennel/crate at 16 weeks (49.1%), and a dog bed at 12 months (31.7%). Future research within this longitudinal study will investigate how sleep duration and behaviours change with age and impact on a dog’s health and behaviour.
Identification and Functional Annotation of Genes Related to Horses’ Performance: From GWAS to Post-GWAS
Authors: Littiere Thayssa O. , Castro Gustavo H. F. , Rodriguez Maria del Pilar R. , Bonafé Cristina M. , Magalhães Ana F. B. , Faleiros Rafael R. , Vieira João I. G. , Santos Cassiane G. , Verardo Lucas L.
Published: July 2020

Integration of genomic data with gene network analysis can be a relevant strategy for unraveling genetic mechanisms. It can be used to explore shared biological processes between genes, as well as highlighting transcription factors (TFs) related to phenotypes of interest. Unlike other species, gene–TF network analyses have not yet been well applied to horse traits. We aimed to (1) identify candidate genes associated with horse performance via systematic review, and (2) build biological processes and gene–TF networks from the identified genes aiming to highlight the most candidate genes for horse performance. Our systematic review considered peer-reviewed articles using 20 combinations of keywords. Nine articles were selected and placed into groups for functional analysis via gene networks. A total of 669 candidate genes were identified. From that, gene networks of biological processes from each group were constructed, highlighting processes associated with horse performance (e.g., regulation of systemic arterial blood pressure by vasopressin and regulation of actin polymerization and depolymerization). Transcription factors associated with candidate genes were also identified. Based on their biological processes and evidence from the literature, we identified the main TFs related to horse performance traits, which allowed us to construct a gene–TF network highlighting TFs and the most candidate genes for horse performance.
Fronthaul Design for Wireless Networks
Authors: Sousa Ivo , Sousa Nuno , Queluz Maria Paula , Rodrigues António
Published: July 2020

Cloud Radio Access Network (C-RAN) architectures have arisen as an alternative to traditional wireless network architectures, notably by taking advantage of the functional split between the multiple distributed Remote Radio Heads (RRHs) and the centralized Baseband Units (BBUs), through the creation of a new connectivity segment—the fronthaul. In order to maximize the investment return, it is important to find out, for this C-RAN segment, which technologies provide cost-effective solutions. This paper addresses this issue by evaluating and comparing the performance of Microwave Radio Transmission (MRT), Free Space Optics (FSO), and Fiber Optics (FO) technologies when applied to the fronthaul. First, a methodology is provided to determine the most cost-effective solution for each RRH–BBU link, as well as to compute the required number of BBUs and where they should be positioned in order to minimize the overall network costs. Next, a cost-effectiveness comparison of the aforementioned communication technologies is presented for individual fronthaul segments under different weather conditions, link lengths, and bit rate requirements. Moreover, an assessment is performed regarding the impact of the RRH density on the selection of cost-effective communication technologies for C-RANs. The obtained results allow concluding that fronthaul expenses are significantly affected by the performance of FSO systems, which in turn is affected by weather conditions; this highlights the relevance of having accurate climate statistics and forecasts in order to get the most out of the FSO technology and, consequently, lowering the overall network costs.
A Proposal of Physical Performance Tests Adapted as Home Workout Options during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: da Cunha de Sá-Caputo Danúbia , Taiar Redha , Seixas Adérito , Sanudo Borja , Sonza Anelise , Bernardo-Filho Mario
Published: July 2020

Social isolation and physical distancing measures, such as quarantine, local confinement, lockdown and isolation, aim to slow the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This condition is necessary; however, sedentary behaviors are stimulated. The aim of this manuscript is to propose simple home-based exercises that everyone, considering their individual limitations, could perform. Moreover, individuals might monitor their performance daily. Feasible and useful home-based exercise strategies, to counter-balance the negative impact of the sedentary lifestyle during confinement, will stimulate the population to perform some exercises wherever possible. For this, home-based exercises were proposed based on physical tests, such as a stair climb test, balance test, single-leg-stance-test, gait speed, five-chair stand, free walking, free run, six-minute walk test, timed up and go, sit-and-reach, fingertip-to-floor test, and free physical exercises. It is important to consider that when the individual is performing the test, physical exercise is also being done. In conclusion, several exercises that consider the clinical conditions of the individuals and can reduce their sedentary behavior, considering COVID-19 confinement, are suggested to improve the population’s quality of life.
Personalized Standard Deviations Improve the Baseline Estimation of Collaborative Filtering Recommendation
Authors: Tan Zhenhua , He Liangliang , Wu Danke , Chang Qiuyun , Zhang Bin
Published: July 2020

Baseline estimation is a critical component for latent factor-based collaborative filtering (CF) recommendations to obtain baseline predictions by evaluating global deviations for both users and items from personalized ratings. Classical baseline estimation presupposes that the user’s factual rating range is the same as the system’s given rating range. However, from observations on real datasets of movie recommender systems, we found that different users have different actual rating ranges, and users can be classified into four kinds according to their personalized rating criterion, including normal, strict, lenient, and middle. We analyzed ratings’ distributions and found that the proportion of user ratings’ local standard deviation to the system’s global standard deviation is equal to that of the user’s actual rating range to the system’s rating range. We propose an improved and unified baseline estimation model based on the standard deviation’s proportion to alleviate the influence of classical baseline estimation’s limitation. We also apply the proposed baseline estimation model in existing latent factor-based CF recommendations and propose two instances. We performed experiments on full ratings of datasets by cross evaluations, including Flixster, Movielens (10 M), Movielens (latest small), FilmTrust, and MiniFilm. The results prove that the proposed baseline estimation model has better predictive accuracy than the classical model and is efficient in improving prediction performance for existing latent factor-based CF recommendations.
Post-synthesis Tellurium Doping Induced Mirror Twin Boundaries in Monolayer Molybdenum Disulfide
Authors: Ji Xujing , Nallappagari Krishnamurthy Manjunath , Lv Danhui , Li Jixue , Jin Chuanhong
Published: July 2020

Mirror twin boundaries (MTBs) have brought intriguing one-dimensional physics into the host 2D crystal. In this letter, we reported a chalcogen atom exchange route to induce MTBs into as-formed MoS2 monolayers via post-synthesis tellurium doping. Results from annular dark-field scanning transition electron microscope (ADF-STEM) characterizations revealed that tellurium substituted the sulfur sublattices of MoS2 preferentially around the edge areas. A large number of MTBs in a configuration of 4|4P-Te was induced therein. Analysis of the lattice structures around MTBs revealed that such a tellurium-substitution-induced MTB formation is an energy-favored process to reduce the strain upon a high ratio of tellurium doping.
Effect of the Soft and Hard Interbedded Layers of Bedrock on the Mechanical Characteristics of Stabilizing Piles
Authors: Dong Manman , Wang Liangqing , Shahbodagh Babak , Du Xi , Deng Shan , Sun Zihao
Published: July 2020

In this paper, the mechanical characteristics of stabilizing piles embedded in layered bedrocks are studied both experimentally and numerically. The influence of soft and hard interbedded layers in the structure of the bedrock on the mechanical characteristics of stabilizing piles is particularly investigated. The discrete element method is used to numerically investigate the response of the stabilizing piles embedded in composite and inclined bedrocks. The simulation results and comparison with experimental data are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and accuracy of the discrete element model. As the dip angle of the soft/hard interbedded bedrock layers increases from 0° to 45°, it is observed that the displacement of the embedded section of the stabilizing pile increases and reaches the maximum displacement at 45°. In the range of 45° to 75°, the influence of the dip angle of the layered bedrock on the displacement of the embedded section of the pile is gradually reduced.
A Risk-Based Approach to Assess the Operational Resilience of Transmission Grids
Authors: Papic Milorad , Ekisheva Svetlana , Cotilla-Sanchez Eduardo
Published: July 2020

Modern risk analysis studies of the power system increasingly rely on big datasets, either synthesized, simulated, or real utility data. Particularly in the transmission system, outage events have a strong influence on the reliability, resilience, and security of the overall energy delivery infrastructure. In this paper we analyze historical outage data for transmission system components and discuss the implications of nearby overlapping outages with respect to resilience of the power system. We carry out a risk-based assessment using North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Transmission Availability Data System (TADS) for the North American bulk power system (BPS). We found that the quantification of nearby unscheduled outage clusters would improve the response times for operators to readjust the system and provide better resilience still under the standard definition of N-1 security. Finally, we propose future steps to investigate the relationship between clusters of outages and their electrical proximity, in order to improve operator actions in the operation horizon.
The Regulatory Role of IL-10 in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Porro Chiara , Cianciulli Antonia , Panaro Maria Antonietta
Published: July 2020

IL-10, an immunosuppressive cytokine, is considered an important anti-inflammatory modulator of glial activation, preventing inflammation-mediated neuronal degeneration under pathological conditions. In this narrative review, we summarize recent insights about the role of IL-10 in the neurodegeneration associated with neuroinflammation, in diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis, Traumatic Brain Injury, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Parkinson’s Disease, focusing on the contribution of this cytokine not only in terms of protective action, but also as possibly responsible for clinical worsening. The knowledge of this double face of the same coin, regarding the biological role of the IL-10, could aid the development of targeted therapies useful for limiting neurodegenerative processes.
Starch and Glycogen Analyses: Methods and Techniques
Authors: Brust Henrike , Orzechowski Slawomir , Fettke Joerg
Published: July 2020

For complex carbohydrates, such as glycogen and starch, various analytical methods and techniques exist allowing the detailed characterization of these storage carbohydrates. In this article, we give a brief overview of the most frequently used methods, techniques, and results. Furthermore, we give insights in the isolation, purification, and fragmentation of both starch and glycogen. An overview of the different structural levels of the glucans is given and the corresponding analytical techniques are discussed. Moreover, future perspectives of the analytical needs and the challenges of the currently developing scientific questions are included.
A Novel Approach to Bacterial Expression and Purification of Myristoylated Forms of Neuronal Calcium Sensor Proteins
Authors: Vladimirov Vasiliy I. , Baksheeva Viktoriia E. , Mikhailova Irina V. , Ismailov Ramis G. , Litus Ekaterina A. , Tikhomirova Natalia K. , Nazipova Aliya A. , Permyakov Sergei E. , Zernii Evgeni Yu. , Zinchenko Dmitry V.
Published: July 2020

N-terminal myristoylation is a common co-and post-translational modification of numerous eukaryotic and viral proteins, which affects their interaction with lipids and partner proteins, thereby modulating various cellular processes. Among those are neuronal calcium sensor (NCS) proteins, mediating transduction of calcium signals in a wide range of regulatory cascades, including reception, neurotransmission, neuronal growth and survival. The details of NCSs functioning are of special interest due to their involvement in the progression of ophthalmological and neurodegenerative diseases and their role in cancer. The well-established procedures for preparation of native-like myristoylated forms of recombinant NCSs via their bacterial co-expression with N-myristoyl transferase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae often yield a mixture of the myristoylated and non-myristoylated forms. Here, we report a novel approach to preparation of several NCSs, including recoverin, GCAP1, GCAP2, neurocalcin δ and NCS-1, ensuring their nearly complete N-myristoylation. The optimized bacterial expression and myristoylation of the NCSs is followed by a set of procedures for separation of their myristoylated and non-myristoylated forms using a combination of hydrophobic interaction chromatography steps. We demonstrate that the refolded and further purified myristoylated NCS-1 maintains its Ca2+-binding ability and stability of tertiary structure. The developed approach is generally suited for preparation of other myristoylated proteins.
A Polyoxometalate Composite Based on Hierarchical MIL-101 with Enhanced Catalytic Activity in Methanolysis of Styrene Oxide
Authors: Zhao Tian , Zhu Hexin , Dong Ming
Published: July 2020

A new efficient polyoxometalate composite catalyst of hierarchical MIL-101 and phosphotungstic acid (PTA) was facilely prepared by the immersion method. The material was thoroughly characterized by powder x-ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and inductively coupled plasma‒optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Compared to the pristine nonhierarchical MIL-101 composite, the hierarchical composite demonstrated much higher catalytic performance in methanolysis of styrene oxide, such as catalytic activity and reusability.
MicroRNA Regulatory Pathways in the Control of the Actin–Myosin Cytoskeleton
Authors: Uray Karen , Major Evelin , Lontay Beata
Published: July 2020

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key modulators of post-transcriptional gene regulation in a plethora of processes, including actin–myosin cytoskeleton dynamics. Recent evidence points to the widespread effects of miRNAs on actin–myosin cytoskeleton dynamics, either directly on the expression of actin and myosin genes or indirectly on the diverse signaling cascades modulating cytoskeletal arrangement. Furthermore, studies from various human models indicate that miRNAs contribute to the development of various human disorders. The potentially huge impact of miRNA-based mechanisms on cytoskeletal elements is just starting to be recognized. In this review, we summarize recent knowledge about the importance of microRNA modulation of the actin–myosin cytoskeleton affecting physiological processes, including cardiovascular function, hematopoiesis, podocyte physiology, and osteogenesis.
Regorafenib Regulates AD Pathology, Neuroinflammation, and Dendritic Spinogenesis in Cells and a Mouse Model of AD
Authors: Han Kyung-Min , Kang Ri Jin , Jeon Hyongjun , Lee Hyun-ju , Lee Ji-Soo , Park HyunHee , Gak Jeon Seong , Suk Kyoungho , Seo Jinsoo , Hoe Hyang-Sook
Published: July 2020

The oral multi-target kinase inhibitor regorafenib, which targets the oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK), is an effective therapeutic for patients with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors or metastatic colorectal cancer. However, whether regorafenib treatment has beneficial effects on neuroinflammation and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology has not been carefully addressed. Here, we report the regulatory function of regorafenib in neuroinflammatory responses and AD-related pathology in vitro and in vivo. Regorafenib affected AKT signaling to attenuate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated expression of proinflammatory cytokines in BV2 microglial cells and primary cultured microglia and astrocytes. In addition, regorafenib suppressed LPS-induced neuroinflammatory responses in LPS-injected wild-type mice. In 5x FAD mice (a mouse model of AD), regorafenib ameliorated AD pathology, as evidenced by increased dendritic spine density and decreased Aβ plaque levels, by modulating APP processing and APP processing-associated proteins. Furthermore, regorafenib-injected 5x FAD mice displayed significantly reduced tau phosphorylation at T212 and S214 (AT100) due to the downregulation of glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK3β) activity. Taken together, our results indicate that regorafenib has beneficial effects on neuroinflammation, AD pathology, and dendritic spine formation in vitro and in vivo.
“The Social Network” and Muscular Dystrophies: The Lesson Learnt about the Niche Environment as a Target for Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: Cappellari Ornella , Mantuano Paola , De Luca Annamaria
Published: July 2020

The muscle stem cells niche is essential in neuromuscular disorders. Muscle injury and myofiber death are the main triggers of muscle regeneration via satellite cell activation. However, in degenerative diseases such as muscular dystrophy, regeneration still keep elusive. In these pathologies, stem cell loss occurs over time, and missing signals limiting damaged tissue from activating the regenerative process can be envisaged. It is unclear what comes first: the lack of regeneration due to satellite cell defects, their pool exhaustion for degeneration/regeneration cycles, or the inhibitory mechanisms caused by muscle damage and fibrosis mediators. Herein, Duchenne muscular dystrophy has been taken as a paradigm, as several drugs have been tested at the preclinical and clinical levels, targeting secondary events in the complex pathogenesis derived from lack of dystrophin. We focused on the crucial roles that pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokines play in triggering muscle necrosis after damage and stimulating satellite cell activation and self-renewal, along with growth and mechanical factors. These processes contribute to regeneration and niche maintenance. We review the main effects of drugs on regeneration biomarkers to assess whether targeting pathogenic events can help to protect niche homeostasis and enhance regeneration efficiency other than protecting newly formed fibers from further damage.
A Synchronized Multi-Unit Wireless Platform for Long-Term Activity Monitoring
Authors: Coviello Giuseppe , Avitabile Gianfranco , Florio Antonello
Published: July 2020

One of the objectives of the medicine is to modify patients’ ways of living. In this context, a key role is played by the diagnosis. When dealing with acquisition systems consisting of multiple wireless devices located in different parts of the body, it becomes fundamental to ensure synchronization between the individual units. This task is truly a challenge, so one aims to limit the complexity of the calculation and ensure long periods of operation. In fact, in the absence of synchronization, it is impossible to relate all the measurements coming from the different subsystems on a single time scale for the extraction of complex characteristics. In this paper, we first analyze in detail all the possible causes that lead to have a system that is not synchronous and therefore not usable. Then, we propose a firmware implementation strategy and a simple but effective protocol that guarantees perfect synchrony between the devices while keeping computational complexity low. The employed network has a star topology with a master/slave architecture. In this paper a new approach to the synchronization problem is introduced to guarantee a precise but not necessarily accurate synchronization between the units. In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed solution, a platform consisting of two different types of units has been designed and built. In particular, a nine Degrees of Freedom (DoF) Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) is used in one unit while a nine-DoF IMU and all circuits for the analysis of the superficial Electromyography (sEMG) are present on the other unit. The system is completed by an Android app that acts as a user interface for starting and stopping the logging operations. The paper experimentally demonstrates that the proposed solution overcomes all the limits set out and it guarantees perfect synchronization of the single measurement, even during long-duration acquisitions. In fact, a less than 30 μ s time mismatch has been registered for a 24 h test, and the possibility to perform complex post-processing on the acquired data with a simple and effective system has been proven.
An Ultra-Low-Power Area-Efficient Non-Coherent Binary Phase-Shift Keying Demodulator for Implantable Biomedical Microsystems
Authors: Ghazi Milad , Maghami Mohammad Hossein , Amiri Parviz , Hamedi-Hagh Sotoudeh
Published: July 2020

A novel non-coherent, low-power, area-efficient binary phase-shift keying demodulator for wireless implantable biomedical microsystems is proposed. The received data and synchronized clock signal are detected using a delayed digitized format of the input signal. The proposed technique does not require any kind of oscillator circuit, and due to the synchronization of all circuit signals, the proposed demodulator can work in a wide range of biomedical data telemetry common frequencies in different process/temperature corners. The presented circuit has been designed and post-layout-simulated in a standard 0.18 μm CMOS technology and occupies 17 × 27 μm2 of active area. Post-layout simulation results indicate that with a 1.8 V power supply, power consumption of the designed circuit is 8.5 μW at a data rate of 20 Mbps. The presented demodulation scheme was also implemented on a proof-of-concept circuit board for verifying its functionality.
Speech Enhancement Based on Fusion of Both Magnitude/Phase-Aware Features and Targets
Authors: Lang Haitao , Yang Jie
Published: July 2020

Recently, supervised learning methods have shown promising performance, especially deep neural network-based (DNN) methods, in the application of single-channel speech enhancement. Generally, those approaches extract the acoustic features directly from the noisy speech to train a magnitude-aware target. In this paper, we propose to extract the acoustic features not only from the noisy speech but also from the pre-estimated speech, noise and phase separately, then fuse them into a new complementary feature for the purpose of obtaining more discriminative acoustic representation. In addition, on the basis of learning a magnitude-aware target, we also utilize the fusion feature to learn a phase-aware target, thereby further improving the accuracy of the recovered speech. We conduct extensive experiments, including performance comparison with some typical existing methods, generalization ability evaluation on unseen noise, ablation study, and subjective test by human listener, to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method. Experimental results prove that the proposed method has the ability to improve the quality and intelligibility of the reconstructed speech.
Reduction of Spurious Signal Upconversion in Frequency Multipliers
Authors: Szczepaniak Zenon , Rogala Tomasz
Published: July 2020

Usually many applications of radar transceivers and heterodyne frequency synthesizers assume a spurious signal power level below −60 dBc. In the case of modern synthesizers using direct digital synthesis (DDS) systems, the number of emerging spurious signal frequencies is very large, and spectral purity within −60 dBc can only be obtained in the relatively narrow tuning band of the DDS unit. For the purposes of widening this useful frequency range, the frequency multiplying operation is applied commonly. Then, during the process of frequency multiplication of the baseband signal containing inband spurious signals, the effect of the upconversion of spurious signals occurs. The paper contains an analysis of the undesirable effects of the conversion of spurious signal frequencies accompanying the process of frequency multiplication. A method of reducing the level of upconverted spurious signals is proposed. The numerical calculations and measurement results are provided. For the case of a frequency multiplier with a multiplying factor equal to N, the power ratio between the desired output signal and upconverted spurious signal drops by an additional 1/N2. It has been found that the application of the presented method during the design process of the frequency multiplier allows this ratio to be improved by 6 dB.
A Hybrid Cryptography Scheme for NILM Data Security
Authors: Feng Ruijue , Wang Zhidong , Li Zhifeng , Ma Haixia , Chen Ruiyuan , Pu Zhengbin , Chen Ziqiu , Zeng Xianyu
Published: July 2020

Using fine-grained data analysis, non-invasive load monitoring (NILM) can reveal the detail of electricity customers’ habits, which is helpful in the improvement of refined management and better user experience. However, the possibility of electricity customers’ privacy leak is also gradually increasing, and the security of NILM data has become a priority problem to be solved. To protect the privacy disclosure of NILM data, this paper analyzes the NILM privacy leak problems and ways in which information leak occurs faced by NILM data. On the basis of the comprehensive survey of cryptographic algorithms to choose the most appropriate data security method for NILM, a hybrid cryptography scheme was proposed to protect the data security. In the scheme, symmetric algorithm AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) was used to encrypt data for high efficiency, and asymmetric algorithm RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman) was used to encrypt AES key for identity authentication. The classical algorithm HMAC-SHA1 (Hash Message Authentication Codes-Secure Hash Algorithm 1) was further developed to guarantee the integrity of data. By transplanting the algorithm into STM32 MCU (STMicroelectronics 32 bit Micro Controller Unit) for performance test and using Visual studio 2017 + QT tools to develop the test interface, one optimal operation mode was selected for the scheme. At the same time, the effectiveness of the scheme was verified, and the scheme computing cost depended on the efficiency of encryption and decryption, or signature and verification of the RSA algorithm.
Radiomics Based on Thyroid Ultrasound Can Predict Distant Metastasis of Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Kwon Mi-ri , Shin Jung Hee , Park Hyunjin , Cho Hwanho , Kim Eunjin , Hahn Soo Yeon
Published: July 2020

We aimed to evaluate whether radiomics analysis based on gray-scale ultrasound (US) can predict distant metastasis of follicular thyroid cancer (FTC). We retrospectively included 35 consecutive FTCs with distant metastases and 134 FTCs without distant metastasis. We extracted a total of 60 radiomics features derived from the first order, shape, gray-level cooccurrence matrix, and gray-level size zone matrix features using US imaging. A radiomics signature was generated using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator and was used to train a support vector machine (SVM) classifier in five-fold cross-validation. The SVM classifier showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.90 on average on the test folds. Age, size, widely invasive histology, extrathyroidal extension, lymph node metastases on pathology, nodule-in-nodule appearance, marked hypoechogenicity, and rim calcification on the US were significantly more frequent among FTCs with distant metastasis compared to those without metastasis (p < 0.05). Radiomics signature and widely invasive histology were significantly associated with distant metastasis on multivariate analysis (p < 0.01 and p = 0.003). The classifier using the results of the multivariate analysis showed an AUC of 0.93. The radiomics signature from thyroid ultrasound is an independent biomarker for noninvasively predicting distant metastasis of FTC.
Structural Safety Analysis for an Oscillating Water Column Wave Power Conversion System Installed in Caisson Structure
Authors: Lee Hsien Hua , Wu Thung-Yeh , Lin Chung-You , Chiu Yung-Fang
Published: July 2020

In this study, an alternative way, a so called caisson based type of oscillating water column (OWC) wave energy converting system was proposed to capture and convert wave energy. Since the caisson structure is constructed to protect the coastal line or ports, it is important to know if a built-in associated OWC system will be a burden to affect the safety of the structure or it is safe enough to work appropriately. In this study, three steps of structural analysis were performed: firstly, the analysis for the structural safety of the whole caisson structure; secondly, performing the mechanic analysis for the chamber of the associated OWC system; and finally, performing the analysis for the wave induced air-pressure in the chamber under the design conditions of a local location during the wave-converting operation. For the structural safety analysis, a typical structural model associated with caisson breakwater was built and analyzed while the shape of the structure, material applied to the construction, and associated boundary conditions were all set-up according to the wave and structures. The motion and the strain distribution of the caisson structure subjected to designated waves of 50-year return period were evaluated and compared to the safety requirement by the code. For the analysis of the energy converting performance, a numerical method by using a theorem of unsteady Navier–Stokes equations in conservation form was used to analyze the proposed OWC model when the structure subjected to an incident wave of a 10-year return period.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Multicomponent Metal Ti(C,N)-Based Cermets
Authors: Wang Xuelei , Wang Qiufeng , Dong Zhaojun , Zhou Xiaoqian , Wang Xiaoliang , Zhang Boyan , Meng Chao
Published: July 2020

Ti(C,N)-based cermets with multicomponent ingredients were prepared using vacuum sintering technology. The effect of molding agents, binder phase and sintering temperature on Ti(C,N)-based cermets were studied. The optimum molding performance was obtained by adding 2% polyvinyl alcohol (PVA-1788). The microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti(C,N)-based cermets were investigated. The Ti(C,N)-based cermet with a weight percentage of TiC:TiN:Ni:Co:Mo:WC:Cr3C2:C = 40:10:20:10:7:8:4:1 and sintered at 1450 °C had the optimal mechanical properties. The relative bending strength, Vickers hardness, elastic modulus and wear resistance were 2010 MPa, 15.01 GPa, 483.57 GPa and 27 mg, respectively. Additionally, X-ray diffraction (XRD), backscatter scanning electron microscopy pictures (SEM–BSE), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) and optical micrographs of Ti(C,N)-based cermets were characterized.
Changes in the Fecal Metabolome Are Associated with Feeding Fiber Not Health Status in Cats with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Hall Jean A. , Jewell Dennis E. , Ephraim Eden
Published: July 2020

The objective was to determine the effects of feeding different fiber sources to cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) compared with healthy cats (both n = 10) on fecal metabolites. A cross-over within split-plot study design was performed using healthy and CKD cats (IRIS stage 1, 2, and 3). After cats were fed a complete and balanced dry food designed to aid in the management of renal disease for 14 days during a pre-trial period, they were randomly assigned to two fiber treatments for 4 weeks each. The treatment foods were formulated similar to pre-trial food and contained 0.500% betaine, 0.586% oat beta glucan, and either 0.407% short chain fructooligosaccharides (scFOS) fiber or 3.44% apple pomace. Both treatment foods had similar crude fiber (2.0 and 2.1% for scFOS and apple pomace, respectively) whereas soluble fiber was 0.8 and 1.6%, respectively. At baseline, CKD had very little impact on the fecal metabolome. After feeding both fiber sources, some fecal metabolite concentrations were significantly different compared with baseline. Many fecal uremic toxins decreased, although in healthy cats some increased; and some more so when feeding apple pomace compared with scFOS, e.g., hippurate, 4-hydroxyhippurate, and 4-methylcatechol sulfate; the latter was also increased in CKD cats. Changes in secondary bile acid concentrations were more numerous in healthy compared with CKD cats, and cats in both groups had greater increases in some secondary bile acids after consuming apple pomace compared with scFOS, e.g., tauroursodeoxycholate and hyocholate. Although changes associated with feeding fiber were more significant than changes associated with disease status, differential modulation of the gut-kidney axis using dietary fiber may benefit cats.
Biostratinomy and Diagenetic Impact on Exceptional Preservation of Coccospheres from Lower Oligocene Coccolith Limestones
Authors: Ciurej Agnieszka , Bąk Marta , Szczerba Marek
Published: July 2020

Lower Oligocene coccolith limestones, known as Tylawa Limestones, in the Polish part of the Outer Carpathians have been analyzed using back-scattered electron (BSE) and charge contrast imaging (CCI) techniques and X-ray diffraction. The aim of the study was to reconstruct the fossilization history of the excellently preserved coccospheres, commonly observed in these sediments, deposited in the Paratethys basin. Multiple petrographic and geochemical analyses indicate that the exceptional preservation of coccospheres has been caused by the special coincidence of biostratinomic processes: pre- and post-depositional processes within the water–sediment interface and possible early cementation. We discuss the origin of the calcite and silica and provide some hypotheses regarding the environment and possible factors responsible for the spectacular preservation process. Based on the observed intermediate steps of calcite and silica alteration, we propose an extended model of biostratinomic processes and diagenesis. The possibility of finding exquisitely preserved coccospheres not only in soft clay-rich deposits but also in heavily lithified rocks extends the possibilities of research on the development and evolution of this group of organisms.
Increased Adsorption of Heavy Metal Ions in Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes with Improved Dispersion Stability
Authors: Rodríguez Carolina , Briano Sebastián , Leiva Eduardo
Published: July 2020

In recent years, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been intensively studied as an effective adsorbent for the removal of pollutants from wastewater. One of the main problems for its use corresponds to the agglomeration of the CNTs due to the interactions between them, which prevents using their entire surface area. In this study, we test the effect of dispersion of oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the removal of heavy metals from acidic solutions. For this, polyurethane filters were dyed with a well-dispersed oxidized MWCNTs solution using chemical and mechanical dispersion methods. Filters were used in column experiments, and the sorption capacity increased more than six times (600%) compared to experiments with suspended MWCNTs. Further, kinetic experiments showed a faster saturation on MWCNTs in column experiments. These results contribute to a better understanding of the effect of dispersion on the use of CNTs as heavy metal ions adsorbent.
X6: A Novel Antibody for Potential Use in Gluten Quantification
Authors: Shatalova Aleksandrina , Shatalov Ivan , Lebedin Yuri
Published: July 2020

Gliadin is a fraction of gluten, known to trigger celiac disease in susceptible people. To date, the life-long gluten-free diet is used for the prevention of this disease. Hence, methods for gluten control in foods are of significant importance. Being one of the most-used methods used for this purpose, ELISA should use high-affinity antibodies to gliadin peptides involved into celiac process. This study investigates the characteristics of a novel anti-gliadin antibody X6. We found the QXQPFPXP site to be a recognized epitope that provides specific binding of the antibody to cereal prolamins involved in celiac disease manifestation. A specificity study using immunoblotting shows the recognition of wheat, barley and rye proteins—as well as α-gliadin homologs from non-edible cereals (Dasypyrum villosum). Reactivity to avenin was less pronounced, as this protein does not contain the PFP motif most critical for antibody recognition. The proteins of Zea mays and Setaria italica were not recognized by X6. X6-based ELISA highly correlated with R5 and G12, which are Codex Alimentarius standards in the quantitative assessment of gluten content (Pearson’s R = 0.86 and 0.87, respectively). Qualitative assessment revealed no significant differences between R5 and G12 and X6.
Covalently Functionalized DNA Duplexes and Quadruplexes as Hybrid Catalysts in an Enantioselective Friedel–Crafts Reaction
Authors: Dey Surjendu , Jäschke Andres
Published: July 2020

The precise site-specific positioning of metal–ligand complexes on various DNA structures through covalent linkages has gained importance in the development of hybrid catalysts for aqueous-phase homogeneous catalysis. Covalently modified double-stranded and G-quadruplex DNA-based hybrid catalysts have been investigated separately. To understand the role of different DNA secondary structures in enantioselective Friedel–Crafts alkylation, a well-known G-quadruplex-forming sequence was covalently modified at different positions. The catalytic performance of this modified DNA strand was studied in the presence and absence of a complementary DNA sequence, resulting in the formation of two different secondary structures, namely duplex and G-quadruplex. Indeed, the secondary structures had a tremendous effect on both the yield and stereoselectivity of the catalyzed reaction. In addition, the position of the modification, the topology of the DNA, the nature of the ligand, and the length of the linker between ligand and DNA were found to modulate the catalytic performance of the hybrid catalysts. Using the optimal linker length, the quadruplexes formed the (−)-enantiomer with up to 65% ee, while the duplex yielded the (+)-enantiomer with up to 62% ee. This study unveils a new and simple way to control the stereochemical outcome of a Friedel–Crafts reaction.
Properly Substituted Cyclic Bis-(2-bromobenzylidene) Compounds Behaved as Dual p300/CARM1 Inhibitors and Induced Apoptosis in Cancer Cells
Authors: Fioravanti Rossella , Tomassi Stefano , Di Bello Elisabetta , Romanelli Annalisa , Plateroti Andrea Maria , Benedetti Rosaria , Conte Mariarosaria , Novellino Ettore , Altucci Lucia , Valente Sergio , Mai Antonello
Published: July 2020

Bis-(3-bromo-4-hydroxy)benzylidene cyclic compounds have been reported by us as epigenetic multiple ligands, but different substitutions at the two wings provided analogues with selective inhibition. Since the 1-benzyl-3,5-bis((E)-3-bromobenzylidene)piperidin-4-one 3 displayed dual p300/EZH2 inhibition joined to cancer-selective cell death in a panel of tumor cells and in in vivo xenograft models, we prepared a series of bis((E)-2-bromobenzylidene) cyclic compounds 4a–n to test in biochemical (p300, PCAF, SIRT1/2, EZH2, and CARM1) and cellular (NB4, U937, MCF-7, SH-SY5Y) assays. The majority of 4a–n exhibited potent dual p300 and CARM1 inhibition, sometimes reaching the submicromolar level, and induction of apoptosis mainly in the tested leukemia cell lines. The most effective compounds in both enzyme and cellular assays carried a 4-piperidone moiety and a methyl (4d), benzyl (4e), or acyl (4k–m) substituent at N1 position. Elongation of the benzyl portion to 2-phenylethyl (4f) and 3-phenylpropyl (4g) decreased the potency of compounds at both the enzymatic and cellular levels, but the activity was promptly restored by introduction of a ketone group into the phenylalkyl substituent (4h–j). Western blot analyses performed in NB4 and MCF-7 cells on selected compounds confirmed their inhibition of p300 and CARM1 through decrease of the levels of acetyl-H3 and acetyl-H4, marks for p300 inhibition, and of H3R17me2, mark for CARM1 inhibition.
Fermented Ginseng Extract, BST204, Suppresses Tumorigenesis and Migration of Embryonic Carcinoma through Inhibition of Cancer Stem Cell Properties
Authors: Park Jong Woo , Park Jee Hun , Han Jeung-Whan
Published: July 2020

The pharmacological effects of BST204—a fermented ginseng extract—on several types of cancers have been reported. However, the effects of ginseng products or single ginsenosides against cancer stem cells are still poorly understood. In this study, we identified the anti-tumorigenic and anti-invasive activities of BST204 through the suppression of the cancer stem cell marker, CD133. The treatment of embryonic carcinoma cells with BST204 induced the expression of the tumor suppressor protein, p53, which decreased the expression of cell cycle regulatory proteins and downregulated the expression of CD133 and several stemness transcription factors. These changes resulted in both the inhibition of tumor cell proliferation and tumorigenesis. The knockdown of CD133 suggests that it has a role in tumorigenesis, but not in cancer cell proliferation or cell cycle arrest. Treatment with BST204 resulted in the reduced expression of the mesenchymal marker, N-cadherin, and the increased expression of the epithelial marker, E-cadherin, leading to the suppression of tumor cell migration and invasion. The knockdown of CD133 also exhibited an anti-invasive effect, indicating the role of CD133 in tumor invasion. The single ginsenosides Rg3 and Rh2—major components of BST204—exhibited limited effects against cancer stem cells compared to BST204, suggesting possible synergism among several ginsenoside compounds.
RNA Granules: A View from the RNA Perspective
Authors: Tian Siran , Curnutte Harrison A. , Trcek Tatjana
Published: July 2020

RNA granules are ubiquitous. Composed of RNA-binding proteins and RNAs, they provide functional compartmentalization within cells. They are inextricably linked with RNA biology and as such are often referred to as the hubs for post-transcriptional regulation. Much of the attention has been given to the proteins that form these condensates and thus many fundamental questions about the biology of RNA granules remain poorly understood: How and which RNAs enrich in RNA granules, how are transcripts regulated in them, and how do granule-enriched mRNAs shape the biology of a cell? In this review, we discuss the imaging, genetic, and biochemical data, which have revealed that some aspects of the RNA biology within granules are carried out by the RNA itself rather than the granule proteins. Interestingly, the RNA structure has emerged as an important feature in the post-transcriptional control of granule transcripts. This review is part of the Special Issue in the Frontiers in RNA structure in the journal Molecules.
Extraction of Ibuprofen from Natural Waters Using a Covalent Organic Framework
Authors: Fernandes Soraia P. S. , Mellah Abdelkarim , Kovář Petr , Sárria Marisa P. , Pšenička Milan , Djamila Harik , Salonen Laura M. , Espiña Begoña
Published: July 2020

Ibuprofen is one of the most widely used pharmaceuticals, and due to its inefficient removal by conventional wastewater treatment, it can be found in natural surface waters at high concentrations. Recently, we demonstrated that the TpBD-(CF3)2 covalent organic framework (COF) can adsorb ibuprofen from ultrapure water with high efficiency. Here, we investigate the performance of the COF for the extraction of ibuprofen from natural water samples from a lake, river, and estuary. In general, the complexity of the natural water matrix induced a reduction in the adsorption efficiency of ibuprofen as compared to ultrapure water. The best performance, with over 70% adsorption efficiency, was found in lake water, the sample which featured the lowest pH. According to the theoretical calculations, ibuprofen more favorably interacts with the COF pores in the protonated form, which could partially account for the enhanced adsorption efficiency found in lake water. In addition, we explored the effect of the presence of competing pharmaceuticals, namely, acetaminophen and phenobarbital, on the ibuprofen adsorption as binary mixtures. Acetaminophen and phenobarbital were adsorbed by TpBD-(CF3)2 with low efficiency and their presence led to an increase in ibuprofen adsorption in the binary mixtures. Overall, this study demonstrates that TpBD-(CF3)2 is an efficient adsorbent for the extraction of ibuprofen from natural waters as well.
Metabolic Engineering Escherichia coli for the Production of Lycopene
Authors: Wang Zhaobao , Sun JingXin , Yang Qun , Yang Jianming
Published: July 2020

Lycopene, a potent antioxidant, has been widely used in the fields of pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics. However, the production of lycopene extracted from natural sources is far from meeting the demand. Consequently, synthetic biology and metabolic engineering have been employed to develop microbial cell factories for lycopene production. Due to the advantages of rapid growth, complete genetic background, and a reliable genetic operation technique, Escherichia coli has become the preferred host cell for microbial biochemicals production. In this review, the recent advances in biological lycopene production using engineered E. coli strains are summarized: First, modification of the endogenous MEP pathway and introduction of the heterogeneous MVA pathway for lycopene production are outlined. Second, the common challenges and strategies for lycopene biosynthesis are also presented, such as the optimization of other metabolic pathways, modulation of regulatory networks, and optimization of auxiliary carbon sources and the fermentation process. Finally, the future prospects for the improvement of lycopene biosynthesis are also discussed.