bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a Balance Recovery Performance Measure for Gait Perturbation Training Based on the Center of Pressure
Authors: Rieger Markus M. , Papegaaij Selma , Steenbrink Frans , Pijnappels Mirjam , van Dieën Jaap H.
Published: February 2021

Background: The availability of instrumented treadmills that can apply unexpected perturbations during walking has made gait perturbation training more popular in clinical practice. To quantify and monitor balance recovery while training, easy to use measures are needed and may be based on integrated force plate data. Therefore, we aimed to quantify and evaluate different implementations of the recovery performance measure based on center of pressure data.

Methods: Recovery performance was calculated based on differences in center of pressure trajectories between unperturbed walking and balance recovery after a perturbation. Five methodological choices leading to 36 different implementations were evaluated. Test-retest reliability, effect sizes, and concurrent validity were evaluated against trunk velocity measures.

Results: Differences in measures of (dis-)similarity, time normalization and reference data affected reliability, sensitivity and validity and none of the performance measure implementations based on center of pressure trajectories was superior on all criteria. Measures assessing perturbation effects on trunk velocities provided more reliable and sensitive recovery outcomes.

Discussion: Different implementations of the recovery performance measure can be chosen dependent on constraints imposed in the clinical setting.

Conclusion: Quantifying recovery performance based on center of pressure data is possible and may be suitable to monitor improvement in recovery performance after gait perturbations in specific clinical setups. Validity of performance measures in general requires further attention.
Xingbi Gel Ameliorates Allergic Rhinitis by Regulating IFN-γ Gene Promoter Methylation in CD4+ T Cells via the ERK-DNMT Pathway
Authors: Ai Si , Lin Yueyong , Zheng Jian , Zhuang Xiangli
Published: February 2021

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common, non-infectious, chronic nasal mucosal disease primarily mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE) following allergen exposure. Currently, studies on AR mainly focus on cytokines, IgE and its receptors, basophils, eosinophils, mast cells, and related genes. Among these, an imbalance between T helper (Th) 1 and Th2 cells is considered an important mechanism underlying AR pathogenesis. The most important cytokines in AR are interleukin (Il)-4 and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) which are secreted by Th2 and Th1 cells, respectively. Il-4 and IFN-γ are antagonistic to each other in regulating IgE synthesis. In this study, the expression of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) 1/2 and its phosphorylation from p-ERK1/2, were significantly increased in a cluster of differentiation of 4+ T cells of AR mice, suggesting that the ERK signaling pathway in these cells is involved in the occurrence and development of AR. This result also implies an enhanced expression of deoxyribonucleic acid methyltransferases (DNMTs). To verify the relationship between ERK signaling and DNMT expression, AR mice were treated with PD98059, a specific inhibitor of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway. The results revealed that perturbations in ERK signaling were significantly positively correlated with the downregulation of DNMT1 expression. Pharmacological intervention is key to treating AR. This study demonstrated that Xingbi gel intervention affected both serum IgE levels and AR behavior scores in mice. Based on its effects on IFN-γ gene expression, the regulation of Th1/Th2 balance, and the ERK signaling pathway, research on the effects of Xingbi gel on AR may provide new avenues in its prevention and treatment.
Comparative Genomics of Mycobacterium avium Subspecies Paratuberculosis Sheep Strains
Authors: Mizzi Rachel , Timms Verlaine J. , Price-Carter Marian L. , Gautam Milan , Whittington Richard , Heuer Cord , Biggs Patrick J. , Plain Karren M.
Published: February 2021

Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) is the aetiological agent of Johne's disease (JD), a chronic enteritis that causes major losses to the global livestock industry. Further, it has been associated with human Crohn's disease. Several strains of MAP have been identified, the two major groups being sheep strain MAP, which includes the Type I and Type III sub-lineages, and the cattle strain or Type II MAP lineage, of which bison strains are a sub-grouping. Major genotypic, phenotypic and pathogenic variations have been identified in prior comparisons, but the research has predominately focused on cattle strains of MAP. In countries where the sheep industries are more prevalent, however, such as Australia and New Zealand, ovine JD is a substantial burden. An information gap exists regarding the genomic differences between sheep strain sub-lineages and the relevance of Type I and Type III MAP in terms of epidemiology and/or pathogenicity. We therefore investigated sheep MAP isolates from Australia and New Zealand using whole genome sequencing. For additional context, sheep MAP genome datasets were downloaded from the Sequence Read Archive and GenBank. The final dataset contained 18 Type III and 16 Type I isolates and the K10 cattle strain MAP reference genome. Using a pan-genome approach, an updated global phylogeny for sheep MAP from de novo assemblies was produced. When rooted with the K10 cattle reference strain, two distinct clades representing the lineages were apparent. The Australian and New Zealand isolates formed a distinct sub-clade within the type I lineage, while the European type I isolates formed another less closely related group. Within the type III lineage, isolates appeared more genetically diverse and were from a greater number of continents. Querying of the pan-genome and verification using BLAST analysis revealed lineage-specific variations (n = 13) including genes responsible for metabolism and stress responses. The genetic differences identified may represent important epidemiological and virulence traits specific to sheep MAP. This knowledge will potentially contribute to improved vaccine development and control measures for these strains.
Site-Specific Effects of Organic Amendments on Parameters of Tropical Agricultural Soil and Yield: A Field Experiment in Three Countries in Southeast Asia
Authors: Doan Thuy Thu , Sisouvanh Phimmasone , Sengkhrua Thanyakan , Sritumboon Supranee , Rumpel Cornelia , Jouquet Pascal , Bottinelli Nicolas
Published: February 2021

Organic amendments may improve the quality of acidic tropical agricultural soils with low organic carbon contents under conventional management (mineral fertilization and irrigation) in Southeast Asia. We investigated the effect of biochar, compost and their combination on maize growth and yield, soil physical, biological and chemical properties at harvesting time at four sites in three countries: Thailand, Vietnam and Laos. Treatments consisted of 10 t·ha−1 cow manure compost and 7 t·ha−1 of Bamboo biochar and their combination. Maize biomass production and cop yields were recorded for two seasons. Elemental content, pH and nutrient availability of soils were analyzed after the first growing season. We also characterized macrofauna abundance and water infiltration. Few changes were noted for maize biomass production and maize cop yield. Soil chemical parameters showed contrasting, site-specific results. Compost and biochar amendments increased soil organic carbon, pH, total K and N, P and K availability especially for sandy soils in Thailand. The combination of both amendments could reduce nutrient availability as compared to compost only treatments. Physical and biological parameters showed no treatment response. We conclude that the addition of compost, biochar and their mixture to tropical soils have site-specific short-term effects on chemical soil parameters. Their short-term effect on plants is thus mainly related to nutrient input. The site-dependent results despite similar crops, fertilization and irrigation practices suggest that inherent soil parameters and optimization of organic amendment application to specific pedoclimatic conditions need future attention.
Human–Wildlife Conflict: The Human Dimension of European Bison Conservation in the Bieszczady Mountains (Poland)
Authors: Klich Daniel , Łopucki Rafał , Perlińska-Teresiak Magdalena , Lenkiewicz-Bardzińska Agata , Olech Wanda
Published: February 2021

An important limitation for the population growth of European bison in the Bieszczady Mountains may be the level of social acceptance. The study aimed to compare attitudes to European bison of local village inhabitants in Bieszczady and city dwellers in Rzeszów. We also investigated whether damage caused by European bison or other wild species changes peoples’ perceptions of this animal. Our study showed that not only does the growing European bison population cause an increase in negative attitudes among local village communities, but this species also causes more conflict than any other herbivore in the Bieszczady Mountains. Village residents believed that the main threats that arise from European bison were the damage they cause and forest use limitations. The current compensation system for the damage caused by this species does not solve the problem because over 60% of damage is not effectively reported to the state administration. The city dwellers of Rzeszów displayed a different attitude towards the European bison. We concluded that while educational workshops for local villagers may alleviate conflict in the short-term, ultimately it is only by restricting the growth of the European bison population that a long-term effect will be achieved.
Molecular Characterization of Velogenic Newcastle Disease Virus (Sub-Genotype VII.1.1) from Wild Birds, with Assessment of Its Pathogenicity in Susceptible Chickens
Authors: Abd Elfatah Khaled Saad , Elabasy Moshira Abas , El-khyate Faris , Elmahallawy Ehab Kotb , Mosad Samah M. , El-Gohary Fatma A. , Abdo Walied , Al-Brakati Ashraf , Seadawy Mohamed G. , Tahoon Abd Elnaby , El-Gohary Abd Elgalil
Published: February 2021

Newcastle disease (ND) is considered to be one of the most economically significant avian viral diseases. It has a worldwide distribution and a continuous diversity of genotypes. Despite its limited zoonotic potential, Newcastle disease virus (NDV) outbreaks in Egypt occur frequently and result in serious economic losses in the poultry industry. In this study, we investigated and characterized NDV in wild cattle egrets and house sparrows. Fifty cattle egrets and fifty house sparrows were collected from the vicinity of chicken farms in Kafrelsheikh Governorate, Egypt, which has a history of NDV infection. Lung, spleen, and brain tissue samples were pooled from each bird and screened for NDV by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RRT-PCR) and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to amplify the 370 bp NDV F gene fragment. NDV was detected by RRT-PCR in 22 of 50 (44%) cattle egrets and 13 of 50 (26%) house sparrows, while the conventional RT-PCR detected NDV in 18 of 50 (36%) cattle egrets and 10 of 50 (20%) of house sparrows. Phylogenic analysis revealed that the NDV strains identified in the present study are closely related to other Egyptian class II, sub-genotype VII.1.1 NDV strains from GenBank, having 99.7–98.5% identity. The pathogenicity of the wild-bird-origin NDV sub-genotype VII.1.1 NDV strains were assessed by experimental inoculation of identified strains (KFS-Motobas-2, KFS-Elhamoul-1, and KFS-Elhamoul-3) in 28-day-old specific-pathogen-free (SPF) Cobb chickens. The clinical signs and post-mortem changes of velogenic NDV genotype VII (GVII) were observed in inoculated chickens 3 to 7 days post-inoculation, with 67.5–70% mortality rates. NDV was detected in all NDV-inoculated chickens by RRT-PCR and RT-PCR at 3, 7, and 10 days post-inoculation. The histopathological findings of the experimentally infected chickens showed marked pulmonary congestion and pneumonia associated with complete bronchial stenosis. The spleen showed histocytic cell proliferation with marked lymphoid depletion, while the brain had malacia and diffuse gliosis. These findings provide interesting data about the characterization of NDV in wild birds from Egypt and add to our understanding of their possible role in the transmission dynamics of the disease in Egypt. Further research is needed to explore the role of other species of wild birds in the epidemiology of this disease and to compare the strains circulating in wild birds with those found in poultry.
Spent Hen Muscle Protein-Derived RAS Regulating Peptides Show Antioxidant Activity in Vascular Cells
Authors: Fan Hongbing , Bhullar Khushwant S. , Wu Jianping
Published: February 2021

Spent hens are egg-laying hens reaching the end of their egg-laying cycles, being a major byproduct of the egg industry. Recent studies have been focusing on finding new value-added uses for spent hens. We have previously identified four bioactive peptides from spent hen muscle proteins, including three angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory (ACEi) peptides (VRP, LKY, and VRY), and one ACE2 upregulating (ACE2u) peptide (VVHPKESF (V-F)). In the current study, we further assessed their antioxidant and cytoprotective activities in two vascular cell lines—vascular smooth muscle A7r5 cells (VSMCs) and endothelial EA.hy926 cells (ECs)—upon stimulation by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and angiotensin (Ang) II, respectively. The results from our study revealed that all four peptides attenuated oxidative stress in both cells. None of the investigated peptides altered the expression of TNFα receptors in ECs; however, VRY and V-F downregulated Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R), while V-F upregulated the Mas receptor (MasR) in VSMCs. Further, we found that the antioxidant effects of VRP, LKY, and VRY were likely through acting as direct radical scavengers, while that of V-F was at least partially ascribed to increased endogenous antioxidant enzymes (GPx4 and SOD2) in both cells. Besides, as an ACE2u peptide, V-F exerted antioxidant effect in a MasR-dependent manner, indicating a possible involvement of the upregulated ACE2-MasR axis underlying its antioxidant action. The antioxidant activities of VRP, LKY, VRY, and V-F in vascular cells indicated their multifunctional properties, in addition to their ACEi or ACE2u activity, which supports their potential use as functional food ingredients against hypertension.
Centrifuge Modeling for the Evaluation of the Cyclic Behavior of Offshore Wind Turbine with Tripod Foundation
Authors: Jeong Yeong-Hoon , Lee Seong-Won , Kim Jae-Hyun
Published: February 2021

In this study, the cyclic responses of an offshore wind turbine with a tripod foundation installed on an actual site were evaluated in a centrifuge. To understand the behavior of the turbine at the site, the site soil conditions, environmental loads, and real offshore wind turbine structure installed at the actual site were modeled by considering the centrifuge scaling law. From a series of cyclic loading tests, the cyclic responses of the tripod foundation were evaluated in terms of temporary/permanent displacements and cyclic stiffness. Moreover, the long-term behavior of the tripod foundation was predicted from the experimental results. The test results showed that the initial stiffness of the soil–foundation system decreased as the loading amplitude increased and that the stiffness increased with the number of cycles due to soil densification. The findings revealed that the cyclic behaviors of the tripod were more affected by the load amplitude than the number of cycles. In addition, the permanent rotation increased logarithmically with the number of cycles. A simple method to predict the displacement and change in the foundation stiffness of the actual wind turbine is proposed based on the results of the model tests. The results of this study also provide key insights into the long-term cyclic behavior of tripod foundations for offshore wind turbines.
Concentrations and Sources of Atmospheric PM, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Nitropolycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Kanazawa, Japan
Authors: Hayakawa Kazuichi , Tang Ning , Xing Wanli , Oanh Pham Kim , Hara Akinori , Nakamura Hiroyuki
Published: February 2021

PM2.5 (fine particles with diameters 2.5 micrometers and smaller) and PM>2.5 were separately collected in Kanazawa, Japan in every season, from the spring of 2017 to the winter of 2018, and nine polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and six nitropolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (NPAHs) were respectively determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence and chemiluminescence detections. The atmospheric concentrations of both the PAHs and NPAHs showed seasonal changes (highest in the winter and lowest in the summer), which differed from the variations in the total suspended particulate matter (TSP) and PM2.5 amounts (which were highest in the spring). The contributions of major sources to the combustion-derived particulate (Pc) in the PM2.5 were calculated using the 1-nitropyrene-pyrene (NP) method, using pyrene and 1-nitropyrene as the representative markers of PAHs and NPAHs, respectively. The annual average concentration of Pc accounted for only 2.1% of PM2.5, but showed the same seasonal variation as PAHs. The sources of Pc were vehicles (31%) and coal heating facilities/industries (69%). A backward trajectory analysis showed that the vehicle-derived Pc was mainly from Kanazawa and its surroundings, and that coal heating facilities/industry-derived Pc was transported from city areas in central and northern China in the winter, and during the Asian dust event in the spring. These results show that large amounts of PAHs were transported over a long range from China during the winter. Even in the spring, after the coal heating season was over in China, PAHs were still transported to Japan after Asian dust storms passed through Chinese city areas. By contrast, the main contributors of NPAHs were vehicles in Kanazawa and its surroundings. The recent Pc concentrations were much lower than those in 1999. This decrease was mostly attributed to the decrease in the contribution of vehicle emissions. Thus, the changes in the atmospheric concentrations of Pc, PAHs and NPAHs in Kanazawa were strongly affected not only by the local emissions but also by long-range transport from China.
Postharvest Burning of Crop Residues in Home Stoves in a Rural Site of Daejeon, Korea: Its Impact to Atmospheric Carbonaceous Aerosol
Authors: Jung Jin Sang , Kang Ji Hwan
Published: February 2021

To investigate the impact of burning postharvest crop residues in home stoves, PM2.5 samples (particulate matter with a diameter of <2.5 μm) were collected every 3 h at a rural site in Daejeon, Korea during the postharvest season in 2014. A high concentration of levoglucosan was observed with a peak value of 3.8 µg/m3 during the sampling period. The average mannosan/levoglucosan ratio (0.18) at the rural site during a severe BB episode (levoglucosan > 1 μg/m3) was similar to burnings of pepper stems (0.19) and bean stems (0.18) whereas the average OC/levoglucosan ratio (9.9) was similar to burning of pepper stems (10.0), implying that the severe BB episode was mainly attributed to burning of pepper stems. A very strong correlation was observed between levoglucosan and organic carbon (OC) (R2 = 0.81) during the entire sampling period, suggesting that the emission of organic aerosols at the rural site was strongly associated with the burning of crop residues in home stoves. The average mannosan/levoglucosan ratio (0.17 ± 0.06) in the rural area was similar to that in a nearby urban area in Daejeon (0.16 ± 0.04). It was concluded that crop residue burning in a home stove for space heating is one of the important sources of carbonaceous aerosols not only in a rural area but also in the urban area of Daejeon, Korea during the postharvest season.
Carfilzomib in Combination with Bortezomib Enhances Apoptotic Cell Death in B16-F1 Melanoma Cells
Authors: Lee Min Seung , Lim So Hyun , Yu Ah-Ran , Hwang Chi Yeon , Kang Insug , Yeo Eui-Ju
Published: February 2021

Proteasome inhibitors, such as bortezomib (BZ) and carfilzomib (CFZ), have been suggested as treatments for various cancers. To utilize BZ and/or CFZ as effective therapeutics for treating melanoma, we studied their molecular mechanisms using B16-F1 melanoma cells. Flow cytometry of Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled cells indicated apoptosis induction by treatment with BZ and CFZ. Apoptosis was evidenced by the activation of various caspases, including caspase 3, 8, 9, and 12. Treatment with BZ and CFZ induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, as indicated by an increase in eIF2α phosphorylation and the expression of ER stress-associated proteins, including GRP78, ATF6α, ATF4, XBP1, and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein. The effects of CFZ on ER stress and apoptosis were lower than that of BZ. Nevertheless, CFZ and BZ synergistically induced ER stress and apoptosis in B16-F1 cells. Furthermore, the combinational pharmacological interactions of BZ and CFZ against the growth of B16-F1 melanoma cells were assessed by calculating the combination index and dose-reduction index with the CompuSyn software. We found that the combination of CFZ and BZ at submaximal concentrations could obtain dose reduction by exerting synergistic inhibitory effects on cell growth. Moreover, this drug combination reduced tumor growth in C57BL/6 syngeneic mice. Taken together, these results suggest that CFZ in combination with BZ may be a beneficial and potential strategy for melanoma treatment.
Blood Biomarkers in Frontotemporal Dementia: Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ntymenou Sofia , Tsantzali Ioanna , Kalamatianos Theodosis , Voumvourakis Konstantinos I. , Kapaki Elisabeth , Tsivgoulis Georgios , Stranjalis George , Paraskevas George P.
Published: February 2021

Biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are useful in the differential diagnosis between frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and Alzheimer’s dementia (AD), but require lumbar puncture, which is a moderately invasive procedure that can cause anxiety to patients. Gradually, the measurement of blood biomarkers has been attracting great interest. Testing blood instead of CSF, in order to measure biomarkers, offers numerous advantages because it negates the need for lumbar puncture, it is widely available, and can be repeated, allowing the prediction of disease course. In this study, a systematic review of the existing literature was conducted, as well as meta-analysis with greater emphasis on the most studied biomarkers, p-tau and progranulin. The goal was to give prominence to evidence regarding the use of plasma biomarkers in clinical practice.
Survival Outcomes with Photodynamic Therapy, Chemotherapy and Radiation in Patients with Stage III or Stage IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Chhatre Sumedha , Vachani Anil , Allison Ron R. , Jayadevappa Ravishankar
Published: February 2021

Data regarding the association between photodynamic therapy (PDT) and mortality in lung cancer patients are limited. We analyzed the association between PDT and mortality in patients with stage III or IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using data from the National Cancer Database (NCDB) between 2004 and 2016. From the NCDB, we identified patients receiving laser ablation/cryosurgery or local tumor destruction/excision (which includes PDT). From Medicare and Medicaid claims between 2000 and 2013, we identified NSCLC patients receiving PDT and those receiving bronchoscopy, then used these to confirm the PDT treatment. From NCDB, we extracted NSCLC patients who received radiation with chemotherapy, radiation alone or chemotherapy alone. We used survival analysis to determine the association between PDT and mortality. Between 2004 and 2016, 457,556 NSCLC patients with stage III or stage IV were identified, of which 147 received PDT with radiation and chemotherapy, 227,629 received radiation with chemotherapy, 106,667 had radiation therapy alone and 122,193 received chemotherapy alone. Compared to the radiation alone group, the PDT group and radiation with chemotherapy group had lower hazard of mortality (50% and 53% lower, respectively). Among the NSCLC patients with stage III or stage IV disease, the addition of PDT to radiation therapy offers survival benefit over radiation therapy alone.
An Investigator-Initiated Phase 2 Study of Nivolumab Plus Low-Dose Ipilimumab as First-Line Therapy for Microsatellite Instability—High Advanced Gastric or Esophagogastric Junction Cancer (NO LIMIT, WJOG13320G/CA209-7W7)
Authors: Kawakami Hisato , Hironaka Shuichi , Esaki Taito , Chayama Kazuaki , Tsuda Masahiro , Sugimoto Naotoshi , Kadowaki Shigenori , Makiyama Akitaka , Machida Nozomu , Hirano Hidekazu , Hirata Kenro , Hara Hiroki , Yabusaki Hiroshi , Komatsu Yoshito , Muro Kei
Published: February 2021

Nivolumab (NIVO) plus low-dose ipilimumab (IPI) has shown a promising survival benefit in first-line treatment of microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) colorectal cancer. We hypothesized that this regimen might also be beneficial for MSI-H gastric cancer (GC), which accounts for ~5% of all GC cases. NO LIMIT (WJOG13320G/CA209-7W7) is an investigator-initiated, single-arm, open-label, 14-center phase 2 trial of NIVO plus low-dose IPI for MSI-H GC in the first-line setting. Eligibility criteria include unresectable advanced, recurrent, or metastatic gastric or esophagogastric junction cancer with a histologically confirmed diagnosis of adenocarcinoma; confirmed MSI-H status with the MSI-IVD Kit (FALCO); no prior systemic anticancer therapy; an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 or 1; and a measurable lesion per RECIST 1.1. The primary objective of the study is to determine the overall response rate (ORR) for the NIVO+IPI regimen as assessed by blinded independent central review. Secondary end points include progression-free survival, overall survival, duration of response, safety, tolerability, and biomarkers. The number of patients was set at 28 on the basis of the threshold and expected ORR values of 35 and 65%, respectively, with a one-sided alpha error of 0.025 and power of 0.80. Subjects will receive treatment with nivolumab (240 mg) biweekly in combination with ipilimumab (1 mg/kg) every 6 weeks. The results of this study should clarify the therapeutic potential of NIVO+IPI for MSI-H GC in the first-line setting. Trial registration: JapicCTI-205400.
Differential Effects of Trp53 Alterations in Murine Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Betzler Alexander M. , Nanduri Lahiri K. , Hissa Barbara , Blickensdörfer Linda , Muders Michael H. , Roy Janine , Jesinghaus Moritz , Steiger Katja , Weichert Wilko , Kloor Matthias , Klink Barbara , Schroeder Michael , Mazzone Massimiliano , Weitz Jürgen , Reissfelder Christoph , Rahbari Nuh N. , Schölch Sebastian
Published: February 2021

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) development is a multi-step process resulting in the accumulation of genetic alterations. Despite its high incidence, there are currently no mouse models that accurately recapitulate this process and mimic sporadic CRC. We aimed to develop and characterize a genetically engineered mouse model (GEMM) of Apc/Kras/Trp53 mutant CRC, the most frequent genetic subtype of CRC. Methods: Tumors were induced in mice with conditional mutations or knockouts in Apc, Kras, and Trp53 by a segmental adeno-cre viral infection, monitored via colonoscopy and characterized on multiple levels via immunohistochemistry and next-generation sequencing. Results: The model accurately recapitulates human colorectal carcinogenesis clinically, histologically and genetically. The Trp53 R172H hotspot mutation leads to significantly increased metastatic capacity. The effects of Trp53 alterations, as well as the response to treatment of this model, are similar to human CRC. Exome sequencing revealed spontaneous protein-modifying alterations in multiple CRC-related genes and oncogenic pathways, resulting in a genetic landscape resembling human CRC. Conclusions: This model realistically mimics human CRC in many aspects, allows new insights into the role of TP53 in CRC, enables highly predictive preclinical studies and demonstrates the value of GEMMs in current translational cancer research and drug development.
Reduced Graphene Oxide-Supported Pt-Based Catalysts for PEM Fuel Cells with Enhanced Activity and Stability
Authors: Pushkareva Irina V. , Pushkarev Artem S. , Kalinichenko Valery N. , Chumakov Ratibor G. , Soloviev Maksim A. , Liang Yanyu , Millet Pierre , Grigoriev Sergey A.
Published: February 2021

Platinum (Pt)-based electrocatalysts supported by reduced graphene oxide (RGO) were synthesized using two different methods, namely: (i) a conventional two-step polyol process using RGO as the substrate, and (ii) a modified polyol process implicating the simultaneous reduction of a Pt nanoparticle precursor and graphene oxide (GO). The structure, morphology, and electrochemical performances of the obtained Pt/RGO catalysts were studied and compared with a reference Pt/carbon black Vulcan XC-72 (C) sample. It was shown that the Pt/RGO obtained by the optimized simultaneous reduction process had higher Pt utilization and electrochemically active surface area (EASA) values, and a better performance stability. The use of this catalyst at the cathode of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) led to an increase in its maximum power density of up to 17%, and significantly enhanced its performance especially at high current densities. It is possible to conclude that the optimized synthesis procedure allows for a more uniform distribution of the Pt nanoparticles and ensures better binding of the particles to the surface of the support. The advantages of Pt/RGO synthesized in this way over conventional Pt/C are the high electrical conductivity and specific surface area provided by RGO, as well as a reduction in the percolation limit of the components of the electrocatalytic layer due to the high aspect ratio of RGO.
Photocatalytic Porous Silica-Based Granular Media for Organic Pollutant Degradation in Industrial Waste-Streams
Authors: McIntyre Hannah M. , Hart Megan L.
Published: February 2021

Photocatalytic treatment of organic contaminants in industrial wastewaters has gained interest due to their potential for effective degradation. However, photocatalytic slurry reactors are hindered by solution turbidity, dissolved salt content, and absorbance of light. Research presented here introduces the development and application of a novel, photocatalytic, porous silica-based granular media (SGM). SGM retains the cross-linked structure developed during synthesis through a combination of foaming agent addition and activation temperature. The resultant media has a high porosity of 88%, with a specific surface area of ~150 m2/gram. Photocatalytic capabilities are further enhanced as the resultant structure fixes the photocatalyst within the translucent matrix. SGM is capable of photocatalysis combined with diffusion of nucleophiles, electrophiles, and salts from pore space. The photocatalytic efficiencies of SGM at various silica contents were quantified in batch reactors using methylene blue destruction over time and cycles. Methylene blue concentrations of 10 mg/L were effectively degraded (>90%) within 40 min. This effectiveness was retained over multiple cycles and various methylene blue concentrations. SGM is a passive and cost-effective granular treatment system technology which can translate to other organic contaminants and industrial processes.
Role of Telomeres Shortening in Atherogenesis: An Overview
Authors: Yegorov Yegor E. , Poznyak Anastasia V. , Nikiforov Nikita G. , Starodubova Antonina V. , Orekhov Alexander N.
Published: February 2021

It is known that the shortening of the telomeres leads to cell senescence, accompanied by acquiring of pro-inflammatory phenotype. The expression of telomerase can elongate telomeres and resist the onset of senescence. The initiation of atherosclerosis is believed to be associated with local senescence of the endothelial cells of the arteries in places with either low or multidirectional oscillatory wall shear stress. The process of regeneration of the artery surface that has begun does not lead to success for several reasons. Atherosclerotic plaques are formed, which, when developed, lead to fatal consequences, which are the leading causes of death in the modern world. The pronounced age dependence of the manifestations of atherosclerosis pushes scientists to try to link the development of atherosclerosis with telomere length. The study of the role of telomere shortening in atherosclerosis is mainly limited to measuring the telomeres of blood cells, and only in rare cases (surgery or post-mortem examination) are the telomeres of local cells available for measurement. The review discusses the basic issues of cellular aging and the interpretation of telomere measurement data in atherosclerosis, as well as the prospects for the prevention and possible treatment of atherosclerosis.
Scaling of Droplet Breakup in High-Pressure Homogenizer Orifices. Part I: Comparison of Velocity Profiles in Scaled Coaxial Orifices
Authors: Preiss Felix Johannes , Mutsch Benedikt , Kähler Christian J. , Karbstein Heike Petra
Published: February 2021

Properties of emulsions such as stability, viscosity or color can be influenced by the droplet size distribution. High-pressure homogenization (HPH) is the method of choice for emulsions with a low to medium viscosity with a target mean droplet diameter of less than 1 µm. During HPH, the droplets of the emulsion are exposed to shear and extensional stresses, which cause them to break up. Ongoing work is focused on better understanding the mechanisms of droplet breakup and relevant parameters. Since the gap dimensions of the disruption unit (e.g., flat valve or orifice) are small (usually below 500 µm) and the droplet breakup also takes place on small spatial and time scales, the resolution limit of current measuring systems is reached. In addition, the high velocities impede time resolved measurements. Therefore, a five-fold and fifty-fold magnified optically accessible coaxial orifice were used in this study while maintaining the dimensionless numbers characteristic for the droplet breakup (Reynolds and Weber number, viscosity and density ratio). Three matching material systems are presented. In order to verify their similarity, the local velocity profiles of the emerging free jet were measured using both a microparticle image velocimetry (µ-PIV) and a particle image velocimetry (PIV) system. Furthermore, the influence of the outlet geometry on the velocity profiles is investigated. Similar relationships were found on all investigated scales. The areas with the highest velocity fluctuations were identified where droplets are exposed to the highest turbulent forces. The Reynolds number had no influence on the normalized velocity fluctuation field. The confinement of the jet started to influence the velocity field if the outlet channel diameter is smaller than 10 times the diameter of the orifice. In conclusion, the scaling approach offers advantages to study very fast processes on very small spatial scales in detail. The presented scaling approach also offers chances in the optimization of the geometry of the disruption unit. However, the results also show challenges of each size scale, which can come from the respective production, measurement technology or experimental design. Depending on the problem to be investigated, we recommend conducting experimental studies at different scales.
Effects of Substituents on Photophysical and CO-Photoreleasing Properties of 2,6-Substituted meso-Carboxy BODIPY Derivatives
Authors: Sánchez-Carnerero Esther M. , Russo Marina , Jakob Andreas , Muchová Lucie , Vítek Libor , Klán Petr
Published: February 2021

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an endogenously produced signaling molecule involved in the control of a vast array of physiological processes. One of the strategies to administer therapeutic amounts of CO is the precise spatial and temporal control over its release from photoactivatable CO-releasing molecules (photoCORMs). Here we present the synthesis and photophysical and photochemical properties of a small library of meso-carboxy BODIPY derivatives bearing different substituents at positions 2 and 6. We show that the nature of substituents has a major impact on both their photophysics and the efficiency of CO photorelease. CO was found to be efficiently released from π-extended 2,6-arylethynyl BODIPY derivatives possessing absorption spectra shifted to a more biologically desirable wavelength range. Selected photoCORMs were subjected to in vitro experiments that did not reveal any serious toxic effects, suggesting their potential for further biological research.
Preparation of Coating on the Titanium Surface by Micro-Arc Oxidation to Improve Corrosion Resistance
Authors: Hu Yulong , Wang Zhiqiao , Ai Jianyang , Bu Shichao , Liu Hongwei
Published: February 2021

In this paper, two kinds of micro-arc oxidation (MAO) coatings on TA2 with different thickness were prepared by controlled oxidation time and then were characterized for their composition, crystalline structure, and surface morphology. The effect of MAO treatment on electrochemical corrosion behaviors of TA2 in 3.5% NaCl solution were studied by the electrochemical measurements including open circuit potential (OCP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization curves. The results indicate that the electrochemical behavior of MAO coating is related to the coating structure. OCP can be used to evaluate the porosity of MAO coating. More positive OCP indicates coating with lower porosity and larger resistance obtained from EIS. The MAO treatment can significantly enhance the corrosion resistance of TA2, but the thickness increase of MAO coating could not further improve the corrosion resistance. In addition, because of the increase in effective surface area, the MAO treatment may enhance the cathode action of TA2 when the galvanic cell is composed of TA2 and other more negative metal, which in turn promotes the corrosion of negative metal.
The Role of Carbon Quantum Dots in Organic Photovoltaics: A Short Overview
Authors: Vercelli Barbara
Published: February 2021

Carbon quantum dots (CDs) are a new class of fluorescent carbonaceous nanomaterials that were casually discovered in 2004. Since then, they have become object of great interest in the scientific community because of their peculiar optical properties (e.g., size-dependent and excitation wavelength-dependent fluorescence), which make them very similar to the well-known semiconductor quantum dots and suitable for application in photovoltaic devices (PVs). In fact, with appropriate structural engineering, it is possible to modulate CDs photoluminescence properties, band gap, and energy levels in order to realize the band matching suitable to enable the desired directional flow of charge carriers within the PV device architecture in which they are implanted. Considering the latest developments, in the present short review, the employment of CDs in organic photovoltaic devices (OPVs) will be summarized, in order to study the role played by these nanomaterials in the improvement of the performances of the devices. After a first brief summary of the strategies of structural engineering of CDs and the effects on their optical properties, the attention will be devoted to the recent highlights of CDs application in organic solar cells (OSCs) and in dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), in order to guide the users towards the full exploitation of the use of these nanomaterials in such OPV devices.
Providing Consistent State to Distributed Storage System
Authors: Talluri Laskhmi Siva Rama Krishna , Thirumalaisamy Ragunathan , Kota Ramgopal , Sadi Ram Prasad Reddy , KC Ujjwal , Naha Ranesh Kumar , Mahanti Aniket
Published: February 2021

In cloud storage systems, users must be able to shut down the application when not in use and restart it from the last consistent state when required. BlobSeer is a data storage application, specially designed for distributed systems, that was built as an alternative solution for the existing popular open-source storage system-Hadoop Distributed File System (HDFS). In a cloud model, all the components need to stop and restart from a consistent state when the user requires it. One of the limitations of BlobSeer DFS is the possibility of data loss when the system restarts. As such, it is important to provide a consistent start and stop state to BlobSeer components when used in a Cloud environment to prevent any data loss. In this paper, we investigate the possibility of BlobSeer providing a consistent state distributed data storage system with the integration of checkpointing restart functionality. To demonstrate the availability of a consistent state, we set up a cluster with multiple machines and deploy BlobSeer entities with checkpointing functionality on various machines. We consider uncoordinated checkpoint algorithms for their associated benefits over other alternatives while integrating the functionality to various BlobSeer components such as the Version Manager (VM) and the Data Provider. The experimental results show that with the integration of the checkpointing functionality, a consistent state can be ensured for a distributed storage system even when the system restarts, preventing any possible data loss after the system has encountered various system errors and failures.
Inhibitory Effect and Mechanism of Scutellarein on Melanogenesis
Authors: Dai Liyun , Gu Lihao , Maeda Kazuhisa
Published: February 2021

Fairer skin is preferred in many Asian countries and there is a high demand for skin whitening and lightening products. However, in recent years, problems related to the safety of using whitening agents have emerged. This study demonstrates that plant-derived scutellarein effectively inhibits melanogenesis in B16 melanoma cells. However, baicalein, which is similar to scutellarein in its chemical structure, does not show any inhibitory effect on melanogenesis. Cellular tyrosinase activity is decreased by scutellarein in a dose-dependent manner. No cytotoxicity is observed at the effective concentration range. Additionally, both the protein and mRNA levels of tyrosinase are significantly decreased by scutellarein. Further, the risk of leukoderma development also is determined by evaluating the production of free hydroxyl radicals (˙OH); scutellarein treatment does not induce ˙OH production. Scutellarein shows no risk of causing leukoderma. Our results suggest that scutellarein or plant extracts containing high concentrations of scutellarein have the potential to inhibit melanin production and serve as cosmetic skin-lightening agents.
If You Plant It, They Will Come: Rapid Recruitment of Habitat-Dependent Marine Invertebrates to Transplanted Fragments of an Endangered Soft Coral Species
Authors: Larkin Meryl , Harasti David , Davis Tom , Smith Stephen
Published: February 2021

In recent decades, the transplantation of corals has been a primary focus of restoration strategies in areas where coral populations have declined [...]
Design-Assisted of Pitching Aerofoils through Enhanced Identification of Coherent Flow Structures
Authors: Avanzi Filippo , De Vanna Francesco , Ruan Yin , Benini Ernesto
Published: February 2021

This study discusses a general framework to identify the unsteady features of a flow past an oscillating aerofoil in deep dynamic stall conditions. In particular, the work aims at demonstrating the advantages for the design process of the Spectral Proper Orthogonal Decomposition in accurately producing reliable reduced models of CFD systems and comparing this technique with standard snapshot-based models. Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes system of equations, coupled with k−ω SST turbulence model, is used to produce the dataset, the latter consisting of a two-dimensional NACA 0012 aerofoil in the pitching motion. Modal analysis is performed on both velocity and pressure fields showing that, for vectored values, a proper tuning of the filtering process allows for better results compared to snapshot formulations and extract highly correlated coherent flow structures otherwise undetected. Wider filters, in particular, produce enhanced coherence without affecting the typical frequency response of the coupled modes. Conversely, the pressure field decomposition is drastically affected by the windowing properties. In conclusion, the low-order spectral reconstruction of the pressure field allows for an excellent prediction of aerodynamic loads. Moreover, the analysis shows that snapshot-based models better perform on the CFD values during the pitching cycle, while spectral-based methods better fit the loads’ fluctuations.
COVID-19 Detection by Optimizing Deep Residual Features with Improved Clustering-Based Golden Ratio Optimizer
Authors: Chattopadhyay Soham , Dey Arijit , Singh Pawan Kumar , Geem Zong Woo , Sarkar Ram
Published: February 2021

The COVID-19 virus is spreading across the world very rapidly. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared it a global pandemic on 11 March 2020. Early detection of this virus is necessary because of the unavailability of any specific drug. The researchers have developed different techniques for COVID-19 detection, but only a few of them have achieved satisfactory results. There are three ways for COVID-19 detection to date, those are real-time reverse transcription-polymerize chain reaction (RT-PCR), Computed Tomography (CT), and X-ray plays. In this work, we have proposed a less expensive computational model for automatic COVID-19 detection from Chest X-ray and CT-scan images. Our paper has a two-fold contribution. Initially, we have extracted deep features from the image dataset and then introduced a completely novel meta-heuristic feature selection approach, named Clustering-based Golden Ratio Optimizer (CGRO). The model has been implemented on three publicly available datasets, namely the COVID CT-dataset, SARS-Cov-2 dataset, and Chest X-Ray dataset, and attained state-of-the-art accuracies of 99.31%, 98.65%, and 99.44%, respectively.