bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radiologic Definition of Sarcopenia in Chronic Liver Disease
Authors: Lee Chul-min , Kang Bo Kyeong , Kim Mimi
Published: January 2021

Sarcopenia is prevalent in patients with chronic liver disease, and affected patients tend to have worse clinical outcomes and higher mortality. However, relevant analyses are limited by heterogeneity in the definition of sarcopenia and in the methodological approaches in assessing it. We reviewed several radiologic methods for sarcopenia in patients with chronic liver disease. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) can measure muscle mass, but it is difficult to evaluate muscle quality using this technique. Computed tomography, known as the gold standard for diagnosing sarcopenia, enables the objective measurement of muscle quantity and quality. The third lumbar skeletal muscle index (L3 SMI) more accurately predicted the mortality of subjects than the psoas muscle index (PMI). Few studies have evaluated the sarcopenia of chronic liver disease using ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging, and more studies are needed. Unification of the measurement method and cut-off value would facilitate a more systematic and universal prognosis evaluation in patients with chronic liver disease.
The Effect of Laser Beam Processing on the Properties of WC-Co Coatings Deposited on Steel
Authors: Radek Norbert , Konstanty Janusz , Pietraszek Jacek , Orman Łukasz , Szczepaniak Marcin , Przestacki Damian
Published: January 2021

The main objective of the present work is to determine the effects of laser processing on properties of WC-Co electro-spark deposited (ESD) coatings on steel substrates. Tungsten carbide coatings have been applied to steel substrates using a manual electrode feeder, model EIL-8A. The laser beam processing (LBP) of electro-spark coatings was performed using an Nd:YAG fiber laser. The microstructure and properties of laser treated/melted coatings were evaluated by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), surface geometric structure (SGS) and roughness measurements and adhesion, microhardness, residual stresses, corrosion resistance and application tests. The obtained experimental data were subjected to statistical analysis and multidimensional numerical and visual exploratory techniques. It has been shown conclusively that the laser-treated ESD WC-Co coatings are characterized by lower microhardness, higher resistance to corrosion, increased roughness and better adhesion to the substrate. LBP homogenizes the chemical composition, refines the microstructure and heals microcracks and pores of ESD coatings. The laser treated ESD WC-Co coatings can be used in frictional sliding nodes (e.g., on the front seal rings used in pumps) and as protective layers.
Predictive Models for the Binary Diffusion Coefficient at Infinite Dilution in Polar and Nonpolar Fluids
Authors: Aniceto José P. S. , Zêzere Bruno , Silva Carlos M.
Published: January 2021

Experimental diffusivities are scarcely available, though their knowledge is essential to model rate-controlled processes. In this work various machine learning models to estimate diffusivities in polar and nonpolar solvents (except water and supercritical CO2) were developed. Such models were trained on a database of 90 polar systems (1431 points) and 154 nonpolar systems (1129 points) with data on 20 properties. Five machine learning algorithms were evaluated: multilinear regression, k-nearest neighbors, decision tree, and two ensemble methods (random forest and gradient boosted). For both polar and nonpolar data, the best results were found using the gradient boosted algorithm. The model for polar systems contains 6 variables/parameters (temperature, solvent viscosity, solute molar mass, solute critical pressure, solvent molar mass, and solvent Lennard-Jones energy constant) and showed an average deviation (AARD) of 5.07%. The nonpolar model requires five variables/parameters (the same of polar systems except the Lennard-Jones constant) and presents AARD = 5.86%. These results were compared with four classic models, including the 2-parameter correlation of Magalhães et al. (AARD = 5.19/6.19% for polar/nonpolar) and the predictive Wilke-Chang equation (AARD = 40.92/29.19%). Nonetheless Magalhães et al. requires two parameters per system that must be previously fitted to data. The developed models are coded and provided as command line program.
Stress Concentration Factors for Welded Plate T-Joints Subjected to Tensile, Bending and Shearing Loads
Authors: Molski Krzysztof L. , Tarasiuk Piotr
Published: January 2021

The paper deals with the problem of stress concentration at the weld toe of a plate T-joint subjected to axial, bending, and shearing loading modes. Theoretical stress concentration factors were obtained from numerical simulations using the finite element method for several thousand geometrical cases, where five of the most important geometrical parameters of the joint were considered to be independent variables. For each loading mode—axial, bending, and shearing—highly accurate closed form parametric expression has been derived with a maximum percentage error lower than 2% with respect to the numerical values. Validity of each approximating formula covers the range of dimensional proportions of welded plate T-joints used in engineering applications. Two limiting cases are also included in the solutions—when the weld toe radius tends to zero and the main plate thickness becomes infinite.
Comparison of the Properties of Natural Sorbents for the Calcium Looping Process
Authors: Labus Krzysztof
Published: January 2021

Capturing CO2 from industrial processes may be one of the main ways to control global temperature increases. One of the proposed methods is the calcium looping technology (CaL). The aim of this research was to assess the sequestration capacity of selected carbonate rocks, serpentinite, and basalt using a TGA-DSC analysis, thus simulating the CaL process. The highest degrees of conversion were obtained for limestones, lower degrees were obtained for magnesite and serpentinite, and the lowest were obtained for basalt. The decrease in the conversion rate, along with the subsequent CaL cycles, was most intense for the sorbents with the highest values. Thermally pretreated limestone samples demonstrated different degrees of conversion, which were the highest for the calcium-carbonate-rich limestones. The cumulative carbonation of the pretreated samples was more than twice as low as that of the raw ones. The thermal pretreatment was effective for the examined rocks.
Application of Physical Methods for the Detection of a Thermally Degraded Recycled Material in Plastic Parts Made of Polypropylene Copolymer
Authors: Běhálek Luboš , Dobránsky Jozef , Pollák Martin , Borůvka Martin , Brdlík Pavel
Published: January 2021

The paper deals with the possibility of applying physical methods to detect a thermally degraded recycled material in plastic parts made of polypropylene. Standard methods of evaluating the mechanical properties of the material under static tensile and bending stress, as well as under dynamic impact stress using the Charpy method, were used for the experimental measurements. The rheological properties of materials were monitored using a method involving measuring the melt flow index, while their thermal properties and oxidative stability were monitored using differential scanning calorimetry. Based on the methods used, it can be clearly stated that the most suitable technique for detecting thermally degraded recycled material in polypropylene is the method involving establishing the melt flow index. The bending test seems to be the most suitable method for detecting recycled material by measuring the material’s mechanical properties. Similarly to the melt volume flow rate (MVR) method, it was possible to unambiguously detect the presence of even a small amount of recycled material in the whole from measuring the material’s bending properties. It is clear from the results that in the short term, there may be no change in the useful properties of the parts, but in the long term the presence of degraded recycled material will have adverse consequences on their lifespan.
Solution-Processed Efficient Blue Phosphorescent Organic Light-Emitting Diodes (PHOLEDs) Enabled by Hole-Transport Material Incorporated Single Emission Layer
Authors: Earmme Taeshik
Published: January 2021

Solution-processed blue phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes (PHOLEDs) based on a single emission layer with small-molecule hole-transport materials (HTMs) are demonstrated. Various HTMs have been readily incorporated by solution-processing to enhance hole-transport properties of the polymer-based emission layer. Poly(N-vinylcarbazole) (PVK)-based blue emission layer with iridium(III) bis(4,6-(di-fluorophenyl)pyridinato-N,C2′)picolinate (FIrpic) triplet emitter blended with solution-processed 1,1-bis[(di-4-tolylamino)phenyl]cyclohexane (TAPC) gave luminous efficiency of 21.1 cd/A at a brightness of 6220 cd/m2 with an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 10.6%. Blue PHOLEDs with solution-incorporated HTMs turned out to be 50% more efficient compared to the reference device without HTMs. The high hole mobility, high triplet energy of HTM, and favorable energy transfer between HTM blended PVK host and FIrpic blue dopant were found to be important factors for achieving high device performance. The results are instructive to design and/or select proper hole-transport materials in solution-processed single emission layer.
Bending Response of 3D-Printed Titanium Alloy Sandwich Panels with Corrugated Channel Cores
Authors: Zhao Zhenyu , Ren Jianwei , Du Shaofeng , Wang Xin , Wei Zihan , Zhang Qiancheng , Zhou Yilai , Yang Zhikun , Lu Tian Jian
Published: January 2021

Ultralight sandwich constructions with corrugated channel cores (i.e., periodic fluid-through wavy passages) are envisioned to possess multifunctional attributes: simultaneous load-carrying and heat dissipation via active cooling. Titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) corrugated-channel-cored sandwich panels (3CSPs) with thin face sheets and core webs were fabricated via the technique of selective laser melting (SLM) for enhanced shear resistance relative to other fabrication processes such as vacuum brazing. Four-point bending responses of as-fabricated 3CSP specimens, including bending resistance and initial collapse modes, were experimentally measured. The bending characteristics of the 3CSP structure were further explored using a combined approach of analytical modeling and numerical simulation based on the method of finite elements (FE). Both the analytical and numerical predictions were validated against experimental measurements. Collapse mechanism maps of the 3CSP structure were subsequently constructed using the analytical model, with four collapse modes considered (face-sheet yielding, face-sheet buckling, core yielding, and core buckling), which were used to evaluate how its structural geometry affects its collapse initiation mode.
The Effect of Complex Modification on the Impedance of Cement Matrices
Authors: Yakovlev Grigory , Vít Černý , Polyanskikh Irina , Gordina Anastasiya , Pudov Igor , Gumenyuk Alexander , Smirnova Olga
Published: January 2021

The research results presented in this article were obtained by joint scientific research on creatingcement materials with reduced impedance. It is known that functional additives added to impart electrically conductive properties have a negative impact on physical and mechanical characteristics of the material. This study suggests using the multiwall carbon nanotubes in the amount of 7% from binder mass as a functional additive. The results obtained prove that the addition of this amount of the modifier does not lead to a significant decrease of strength characteristics. Calcium nitrate in the amount of 1–7% was added in order to level the strength loss and to ensure the effective stable electrical conductivity. The multifunctionality of using this salt has been proven, which is manifested in the anti-frost and anticorrosive effects as well in enhancement of electrical conductivity. The optimal composition of the additive with 7% of carbon nanotubes and 3% of calcium nitrate ensures a reduced electrical impedance of cement matrix. The electrical conductivity was 2440 Ohm, while the decrease of strength properties was within 10% in comparison tothe control sample. The nature of changes in the microstructure were studied to determine the influence of complex modifications that showed significant changes in the morphology of the hydration products. The optimum electrical characteristics of cementitious materials are provided due to the uniform distribution of carbon nanotubes and the formation of a network of interconnected micropores filled with the solution of calcium nitrate that provides additional and stable electrical conductivity over time.
Prey Capturing Dynamics and Nanomechanically Graded Cutting Apparatus of Dragonfly Nymph
Authors: Kundanati Lakshminath , Das Prashant , Pugno Nicola M.
Published: January 2021

Aquatic predatory insects, like the nymphs of a dragonfly, use rapid movements to catch their prey and it presents challenges in terms of movements due to drag forces. Dragonfly nymphs are known to be voracious predators with structures and movements that are yet to be fully understood. Thus, we examine two main mouthparts of the dragonfly nymph (Libellulidae: Insecta: Odonata) that are used in prey capturing and cutting the prey. To observe and analyze the preying mechanism under water, we used high-speed photography and, electron microscopy. The morphological details suggest that the prey-capturing labium is a complex grasping mechanism with additional sensory organs that serve some functionality. The time taken for the protraction and retraction of labium during prey capture was estimated to be 187 ± 54 ms, suggesting that these nymphs have a rapid prey mechanism. The Young’s modulus and hardness of the mandibles were estimated to be 9.1 ± 1.9 GPa and 0.85 ± 0.13 GPa, respectively. Such mechanical properties of the mandibles make them hard tools that can cut into the exoskeleton of the prey and also resistant to wear. Thus, studying such mechanisms with their sensory capabilities provides a unique opportunity to design and develop bioinspired underwater deployable mechanisms.
Research on the Properties of Mineral–Cement Emulsion Mixtures Using Recycled Road Pavement Materials
Authors: Skotnicki Łukasz , Kuźniewski Jarosław , Szydło Antoni
Published: January 2021

The reduction in natural resources and aspects of environmental protection necessitate alternative uses of waste materials in the area of construction. Recycling is also observed in road construction where mineral–cement emulsion (MCE) mixtures are applied. The MCE mix is a conglomerate that can be used to make the base layer in road pavement structures. MCE mixes contain reclaimed asphalt from old, degraded road surfaces, aggregate improving the gradation, asphalt emulsion, and cement as a binder. The use of these ingredients, especially cement, can cause shrinkage and cracks in road layers. The article presents selected issues related to the problem of cracking in MCE mixtures. The authors of the study focused on reducing the cracking phenomenon in MCE mixes by using an innovative cement binder with recycled materials. The innovative cement binder based on dusty by-products from cement plants also contributes to the optimization of the recycling process in road surfaces. The research was carried out in the field of stiffness, fatigue life, crack resistance, and shrinkage analysis of mineral–cement emulsion mixes. It was found that it was possible to reduce the stiffness and the cracking in MCE mixes. The use of innovative binders will positively affect the durability of road pavements.
Notch Signaling Pathway in Pancreatobiliary Tumors
Authors: Borlak Francesca , Reutzel-Selke Anja , Schirmeier Anja , Gogolok Julia , von Hoerschelmann Ellen , Sauer Igor M. , Pratschke Johann , Bahra Marcus , Schmuck Rosa B.
Published: January 2021

Background and Objectives: The Notch signaling pathway plays an important role both in the development of the ductal systems of the pancreas and the bile ducts as well as in cancer development and progression. The aim of this study was to examine the expression of central proteins of the Notch signaling pathway in pancreatobiliary tumors and its influence on patient survival. Materials and Methods: We compared the receptors (Notch1, Notch4), activating splicing factors (ADAM17), and target genes (HES1) of the Notch pathway and progenitor cell markers with relevance for the Notch signaling pathway (CD44, MSI1) between pancreatic adenocarcinomas (PDAC, n = 14), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCC, n = 24), and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (eCC, n = 22) cholangiocarcinomas via immunohistochemistry and ImageJ software-assisted analysis. An Immunohistochemistry (IHC)-score was determined by the percentage and intensity of stained (positive) cells (scale 0–7) and normal and malignant tissue was compared. In the IHC results, patients’ (gender, age) and tumor (TNM Classification of Malignant Tumors, Union Internationale contre le Cancer (UICC) stages, grading, and lymphangitic carcinomatosa) characteristics were correlated to patient survival. Results: For eCC, the expression of CD44 (p = 0.043, IHC-score 3.94 vs. 3.54) and for iCC, the expression of CD44 (p = 0.026, IHC-score 4.04 vs. 3.48) and Notch1 (p < 0.001, IHC-score 2.87 vs. 1.78) was significantly higher in the tumor compared to non-malignant tissue. For PDAC, the expression of ADAM17 (p = 0.008, IHC-score 3.43 vs. 1.73), CD44 (p = 0.012, IHC-score 3.64 vs. 2.27), Notch1 (p = 0.012, IHC-score 2.21 vs. 0.64), and Notch4 (p = 0.008, IHC-score 2.86 vs. 0.91) was significantly higher in the tumor tissue. However, none of the analyzed Notch-signaling related components showed an association to patient survival. Conclusion: A significant overexpression of almost all studied components of the Notch signaling pathway can be found in the tumor tissue, however, without a significant influence on patient survival. Therefore, further studies are warranted to draw conclusions on Notch pathway’s relevance for patient survival.
Association of Colonic Diverticula with Colorectal Adenomas and Cancer
Authors: Viscido Angelo , Ciccone Fabiana , Vernia Filippo , Gabrieli Dolores , Capannolo Annalisa , Stefanelli Gianpiero , Necozione Stefano , Valerii Giorgio , Ashktorab Hassan , Latella Giovanni
Published: January 2021

Background and Objectives: Conflicting evidence is reported regarding any association between colonic diverticula with colorectal adenomas or cancer. The present study aimed to evaluate, in a cohort of Caucasian patients, the association between colonic diverticula and colorectal polyps and cancer. Materials and Methods: All consecutive patients undergoing colonoscopy at our institution were included in the study. The presence and location of diverticula, polyps, and cancers were recorded. Histologically, polyps were classified as adenoma (with low or high dysplasia), hyperplastic, or inflammatory. The relative risk of the association of polyps and cancer with diverticula was assessed. Multiple logistic regression analyses, including age, sex, family history for colorectal cancer (CRC), and family history for diverticula, were carried out. Results: During the study period, 1490 patients were enrolled; 37.2% (n = 555) showed colonic diverticula or polyps or CRC (308 males, mean age 66 years). Particularly, 12.3% (n = 183) patients presented only diverticula, 13.7% (n = 204) only polyps or cancer, 11.3% (n = 168) both diseases, and 62.7% (n = 935) neither diverticula nor polyps and cancer. A total of 38 patients presented colorectal cancer, 17 of which had also diverticula. A significant increase in relative risk (RR 2.81, 95% CI 2.27–3.47, p < 0.0001) of colorectal adenoma and cancer in patients with colonic diverticula was found. At multivariate analysis, only diverticula resulted to be significantly associated with colorectal adenomas and cancer (Odds Ratio, OR 3.86, 95% CI 2.90–5.14, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: A significant association of colonic diverticula with colorectal adenoma or cancer was found. This implies that patients with colonic diverticula require a vigilant follow-up procedure for the prevention of colorectal cancer from those applicable to the general population.
Data Driven Modelling of Nuclear Power Plant Performance Data as Finite State Machines
Authors: Naik Kshirasagar , Pandey Mahesh , Panda Anannya , Albasir Abdurhman , Taneja Kunal
Published: January 2021

Accurate modelling and simulation of a nuclear power plant are important factors in the strategic planning and maintenance of the plant. Several nonlinearities and multivariable couplings are associated with real-world plants. Therefore, it is quite challenging to model such cyberphysical systems using conventional mathematical equations. A visual analytics approach which addresses these limitations and models both short term as well as long term behaviour of the system is introduced. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) followed by Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) is used to extract features from the data, k-means clustering is applied to label the data instances. Finite state machine representation formulated from the clustered data is then used to model the behaviour of cyberphysical systems using system states and state transitions. In this paper, the indicated methodology is deployed over time-series data collected from a nuclear power plant for nine years. It is observed that this approach of combining the machine learning principles with the finite state machine capabilities facilitates feature exploration, visual analysis, pattern discovery, and effective modelling of nuclear power plant data. In addition, finite state machine representation supports identification of normal and abnormal operation of the plant, thereby suggesting that the given approach captures the anomalous behaviour of the plant.
Rind from Purple Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) Attenuates Diet-Induced Physiological and Metabolic Changes in Obese Rats
Authors: John Oliver D. , Mouatt Peter , Panchal Sunil K. , Brown Lindsay
Published: January 2021

The pulp of the purple mangosteen, Garcinia mangostana, is a popular tropical fruit but the rind containing xanthones such as α-mangostin together with procyanidins and anthocyanidins is usually discarded as waste. However, this rind has been used in South-East Asia for diarrhoea, dysentery, skin infections and wounds. As xanthones have reported anti-inflammatory and antioxidant responses, this study has determined the bioactive compounds and evaluated the effects of G. mangostana rind on physiological, metabolic, liver and cardiovascular parameters in rats with diet-induced metabolic syndrome. Rats fed a diet with increased simple sugars and saturated fats developed obesity, hypertension, increased left ventricular stiffness, dyslipidaemia and fatty liver. Administration of G. mangostana rind as 5% of the food to rats with diet-induced metabolic syndrome gave a dose of 168 mg/kg/day α-mangostin, 355 mg/kg/day procyanidins, 3.9 mg/kg/day anthocyanins and 11.8 mg/kg/day hydroxycitric acid for 8 weeks which reduced body weight and attenuated physiological and metabolic changes in rats including decreased abdominal fat deposition, decreased abdominal circumference and whole-body fat mass, improved liver structure and function and improved cardiovascular parameters such as systolic blood pressure, left ventricular stiffness and endothelial function. These responses were associated with decreased infiltration of inflammatory cells, decreased deposition of collagen in both heart and liver and decreased mean adipocyte size in retroperitoneal adipose tissues. We conclude that, in rats with diet-induced metabolic syndrome, chronic intake of G. mangostana rind decreased infiltration of inflammatory cells which decreased physiological, metabolic, liver and cardiovascular symptoms.
Magnesium in Obesity, Metabolic Syndrome, and Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Piuri Gabriele , Zocchi Monica , Della Porta Matteo , Ficara Valentina , Manoni Michele , Zuccotti Gian Vincenzo , Pinotti Luciano , Maier Jeanette A. , Cazzola Roberta
Published: January 2021

Magnesium (Mg2+) deficiency is probably the most underestimated electrolyte imbalance in Western countries. It is frequent in obese patients, subjects with type-2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, both in adulthood and in childhood. This narrative review aims to offer insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms linking Mg2+ deficiency with obesity and the risk of developing metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Literature highlights critical issues about the treatment of Mg2+ deficiency, such as the lack of a clear definition of Mg2+ nutritional status, the use of different Mg2+ salts and dosage and the different duration of the Mg2+ supplementation. Despite the lack of agreement, an appropriate dietary pattern, including the right intake of Mg2+, improves metabolic syndrome by reducing blood pressure, hyperglycemia, and hypertriglyceridemia. This occurs through the modulation of gene expression and proteomic profile as well as through a positive influence on the composition of the intestinal microbiota and the metabolism of vitamins B1 and D.
Effects of Three-Month Feeding High Fat Diets with Different Fatty Acid Composition on Myocardial Proteome in Mice
Authors: Lepczyński Adam , Ożgo Małgorzata , Michałek Katarzyna , Dratwa-Chałupnik Alicja , Grabowska Marta , Herosimczyk Agnieszka , Liput Kamila P. , Poławska Ewa , Kram Andrzej , Pierzchała Mariusz
Published: January 2021

Westernized diet is characterized by a high content of saturated fatty acids (SFA) and a low level of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), often accompanied by an imbalance in the omega-6/omega-3 PUFA ratio. Since increased intake of SFA and n-6 PUFA is considered as a cardiovascular disease risk factor, this study was conducted to determine whether a three-month dietary supplementation of high-fat diets (HFDs) with saturated fatty acids and a significant proportion of various n-6 and n-3 PUFA ratios would affect the architecture and protein expression patterns of the murine heart. Therefore, three HFD (n = 6) feeding groups: rich in SFA, dominated by PUFA with the n-6/n-3–14:1, and n-6/n-3–5:1, ratios were compared to animals fed standard mouse chow. For this purpose, we performed two-dimensional electrophoresis with MALDI-ToF mass spectrometry-based identification of differentially expressed cardiac proteins, and a histological examination of cardiac morphology. The results indicated that mice fed with all HFDs developed signs of hypertrophy and cardiac fibrosis. Animals fed SFA-rich HFD manifested the most severe cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis lesions, whereas less pronounced changes were observed in the group of animals that ingested the highest amount of omega-3 FA. In general, all HFDs, regardless of FA composition, evoked a comparable pattern of cardiac protein changes and affected the following biological processes: lipid metabolism and FA β-oxidation, glycolysis, TCA cycle, respiratory chain, myocardium contractility, oxidative stress and PUFA eicosanoid metabolism. However, it should be noted that three proteins, namely IDH3A, LDHB, and AK1, were affected differently by various FA contents. High expression of these myocardial proteins found in the group of animals fed a HFD with the highest n-3 PUFA content could be closely related to the observed development of hypertrophy.
Epidemiology and (Patho)Physiology of Folic Acid Supplement Use in Obese Women before and during Pregnancy
Authors: van der Windt Melissa , Schoenmakers Sam , van Rijn Bas , Galjaard Sander , Steegers-Theunissen Régine , van Rossem Lenie
Published: January 2021

Preconception folic acid supplement use is a well-known method of primary prevention of neural tube defects (NTDs). Obese women are at a higher risk for having a child with a NTD. As different international recommendations on folic acid supplement use for obese women before and during pregnancy exist, this narrative review provides an overview of epidemiology of folate deficiency in obese (pre)pregnant women, elaborates on potential mechanisms underlying folate deficiency, and discusses considerations for the usage of higher doses of folic acid supplements. Women with obesity more often suffer from an absolute folate deficiency, as they are less compliant to periconceptional folic acid supplement use recommendations. In addition, their dietary folate intake is limited due to an unbalanced diet (relative malnutrition). The association of obesity and NTDs also seems to be independent of folate intake, with studies suggesting an increased need of folate (relative deficiency) due to derangements involved in other pathways. The relative folate deficiency, as a result of an increased metabolic need for folate in obese women, can be due to: (1) low-grade chronic inflammation (2) insulin resistance, (3) inositol, and (4) dysbiotic gut microbiome, which plays a role in folate production and uptake. In all these pathways, the folate-dependent one-carbon metabolism is involved. In conclusion, scientific evidence of the involvement of several folate-related pathways implies to increase the recommended folic acid supplementation in obese women. However, the physiological uptake of synthetic folic acid is limited and side-effects of unmetabolized folic acid in mothers and offspring, in particular variations in epigenetic (re)programming with long-term health effects, cannot be excluded. Therefore, we emphasize on the urgent need for further research and preconception personalized counseling on folate status, lifestyle, and medical conditions.
Curcumin from Turmeric Rhizome: A Potential Modulator of DNA Methylation Machinery in Breast Cancer Inhibition
Authors: Fabianowska-Majewska Krystyna , Kaufman-Szymczyk Agnieszka , Szymanska-Kolba Aldona , Jakubik Jagoda , Majewski Grzegorz , Lubecka Katarzyna
Published: January 2021

One of the most systematically studied bioactive nutraceuticals for its benefits in the management of various diseases is the turmeric-derived compounds: curcumin. Turmeric obtained from the rhizome of a perennial herb Curcuma longa L. is a condiment commonly used in our diet. Curcumin is well known for its potential role in inhibiting cancer by targeting epigenetic machinery, with DNA methylation at the forefront. The dynamic DNA methylation processes serve as an adaptive mechanism to a wide variety of environmental factors, including diet. Every healthy tissue has a precise DNA methylation pattern that changes during cancer development, forming a cancer-specific design. Hypermethylation of tumor suppressor genes, global DNA demethylation, and promoter hypomethylation of oncogenes and prometastatic genes are hallmarks of nearly all types of cancer, including breast cancer. Curcumin has been shown to modulate epigenetic events that are dysregulated in cancer cells and possess the potential to prevent cancer or enhance the effects of conventional anti-cancer therapy. Although mechanisms underlying curcumin-mediated changes in the epigenome remain to be fully elucidated, the mode of action targeting both hypermethylated and hypomethylated genes in cancer is promising for cancer chemoprevention. This review provides a comprehensive discussion of potential epigenetic mechanisms of curcumin in reversing altered patterns of DNA methylation in breast cancer that is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death among females worldwide. Insight into the other bioactive components of turmeric rhizome as potential epigenetic modifiers has been indicated as well.
Effects of Three Different Family-Based Interventions in Overweight and Obese Children: The “4 Your Family” Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Varagiannis Panagiotis , Magriplis Emmanuella , Risvas Grigoris , Vamvouka Katerina , Nisianaki Adamantia , Papageorgiou Anna , Pervanidou Panagiota , Chrousos George P. , Zampelas Antonis
Published: January 2021

Childhood overweight and obesity prevalence has risen dramatically in the past decades, and family-based interventions may be an effective method to improve children’s eating behaviors. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of three different family-based interventions: group-based, individual-based, or by website approach. Parents and school aged overweight or obese children, 8–12 years of age, were eligible for the study. A total of 115 children were randomly allocated in one of the three interventions, and 91 completed the study (79% compliance); Group 1 (n = 36) received group-based interventions by various experts; Group 2 (n = 30) had interpersonal family meetings with a dietitian; and Group 3 (n = 25) received training through a specifically developed website. Anthropometric, dietary, physical activity, and screen time outcomes were measured at baseline and at the end of the study. Within-group comparisons indicated significant improvement in body weight, body mass index (BMI)-z-score, physical activity, and screen time from baseline in all three study groups (p < 0.05). Furthermore, total body fat percentage (%TBF) was also decreased in Groups 2 and 3. Between-group differences varied with body weight and %TBF change, being larger in Group 3 compared to Groups 1 and 2, in contrast to BMI-z-score, screen time, and health behaviors, which were significantly larger in Group 2 than the other two groups. In conclusion, personalized family-based interventions are recommended to successfully improve children’s lifestyle and body weight status.
Myricetin as a Promising Molecule for the Treatment of Post-Ischemic Brain Neurodegeneration
Authors: Pluta Ryszard , Januszewski Sławomir , Czuczwar Stanisław J.
Published: January 2021

The available drug therapy for post-ischemic neurodegeneration of the brain is symptomatic. This review provides an evaluation of possible dietary therapy for post-ischemic neurodegeneration with myricetin. The purpose of this review was to provide a comprehensive overview of what scientists have done regarding the benefits of myricetin in post-ischemic neurodegeneration. The data in this article contribute to a better understanding of the potential benefits of myricetin in the treatment of post-ischemic brain neurodegeneration, and inform physicians, scientists and patients, as well as their caregivers, about treatment options. Due to the pleiotropic properties of myricetin, including anti-amyloid, anti-phosphorylation of tau protein, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and autophagous, as well as increasing acetylcholine, myricetin is a promising candidate for treatment after ischemia brain neurodegeneration with full-blown dementia. In this way, it may gain interest as a potential substance for the prophylaxis of the development of post-ischemic brain neurodegeneration. It is a safe substance, commercially available, inexpensive and registered as a pro-health product in the US and Europe. Taken together, the evidence available in the review on the therapeutic potential of myricetin provides helpful insight into the potential clinical utility of myricetin in treating neurodegenerative disorders with full-blown dementia. Therefore, myricetin may be a promising complementary agent in the future against the development of post-ischemic brain neurodegeneration. Indeed, there is a scientific rationale for the use of myricetin in the prevention and treatment of brain neurodegeneration caused by ischemia.
Pilot Clinical Trial of Time-Restricted Eating in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Świątkiewicz Iwona , Mila-Kierzenkowska Celestyna , Woźniak Alina , Szewczyk-Golec Karolina , Nuszkiewicz Jarosław , Wróblewska Joanna , Rajewski Paweł , Eussen Simone J. P. M. , Færch Kristine , Manoogian Emily N. C. , Panda Satchidananda , Taub Pam R.
Published: January 2021

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and erratic eating patterns are associated with circadian rhythm disruption which contributes to an increased cardiometabolic risks. Restricting eating period (time-restricted eating, TRE) can restore robust circadian rhythms and improve cardiometabolic health. We describe a protocol of the Time-Restricted Eating on Metabolic and Neuroendocrine homeostasis, Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress (TREMNIOS) pilot clinical trial in Polish adult patients with MetS and eating period of ≥14 h/day. The study aims to test the feasibility of TRE intervention and methodology for evaluating its efficacy for improving metabolic, neuroendocrine, inflammatory, oxidative stress and cardiac biomarkers, and daily rhythms of behavior for such population. Participants will apply 10-h TRE over a 12-week monitored intervention followed by a 12-week self-directed intervention. Changes in eating window, body weight and composition, biomarkers, and rhythms of behavior will be evaluated. Dietary intake, sleep, activity and wellbeing will be monitored with the myCircadianClock application and questionnaires. Adherence to TRE defined as the proportion of days recorded with app during the monitored intervention in which participants satisfied 10-h TRE is the primary outcome. TREMNIOS will also provide an exploratory framework to depict post-TRE changes in cardiometabolic outcomes and behavior rhythms. This protocol extends previous TRE-related protocols by targeting European population with diagnosed MetS and including long-term intervention, validated tools for monitoring dietary intake and adherence, and comprehensive range of biomarkers. TREMNIOS trial will lay the groundwork for a large-scale randomized controlled trial to determine TRE efficacy for improving cardiometabolic health in MetS population.
Exercise Shifts Hypothetical Food Choices toward Greater Amounts and More Immediate Consumption
Authors: Koehler Karsten , Beckford Safiya E. , Thayer Elise , Martin Alexandra R. , Boron Julie B. , Stevens Jeffrey R.
Published: January 2021

Although exercise modulates appetite regulation and food intake, it remains poorly understood how exercise impacts decision-making about food. The purpose of the present study was to assess the impact of an acute exercise bout on hypothetical choices related to the amount and timing of food intake. Forty-one healthy participants (22.0 ± 2.6 years; 23.7 ± 2.5 kg/m2, 56% female) completed 45 min of aerobic exercise and a resting control condition in randomized order. Food amount preferences and intertemporal food preferences (preference for immediate vs. delayed consumption) were assessed using electronic questionnaires with visual food cues. Compared to rest, exercise resulted in a greater increase in the food amount selected, both immediately post-exercise (+25.8 ± 11.0 vs. +7.8 ± 11.0 kcal/item, p = 0.02) and 30 min post-exercise (+47.3 ± 12.4 vs. +21.3 ± 12.4 kcal/item, p = 0.005). Exercise further resulted in a greater increase in the preference for immediate consumption immediately post-exercise (+0.23 ± 0.10 vs. +0.06 ± 0.10; p = 0.03) and 30 min post-exercise (+0.30 ± 0.12 vs. +0.08 ± 0.12; p = 0.01). Our findings demonstrate that a single bout of aerobic exercise shifts hypothetical food choices toward greater amounts and more immediate consumption, highlighting the importance of the timing of food choices made in the exercise context.
High-Order Harmonics Generation in Atomic and Molecular Zinc Plasmas
Authors: Ganeev Rashid A. , Kuroda Hiroto
Published: January 2021

We demonstrate the variations of single harmonic resonance enhancement during high-order harmonics generation in zinc-containing atomic and molecular species at the conditions of single-color and two-color pumps of laser-induced plasmas by applying different laser sources. We show how selenides of this metal notably modify the enhancement of single (9th, 15th or 16th) harmonic compared with purely atomic zinc plasmas. The variations of single harmonic enhancement are demonstrated using fixed (806 nm) and tunable (1280–1440 nm) radiation.
Finite Groups for the Kummer Surface: The Genetic Code and a Quantum Gravity Analogy
Authors: Planat Michel , Chester David , Aschheim Raymond , Amaral Marcelo M. , Fang Fang , Irwin Klee
Published: January 2021

The Kummer surface was constructed in 1864. It corresponds to the desingularization of the quotient of a 4-torus by 16 complex double points. Kummer surface is known to play a role in some models of quantum gravity. Following our recent model of the DNA genetic code based on the irreducible characters of the finite group G5:=(240,105)≅Z5⋊2O (with 2O the binary octahedral group), we now find that groups G6:=(288,69)≅Z6⋊2O and G7:=(336,118)≅Z7⋊2O can be used as models of the symmetries in hexamer and heptamer proteins playing a vital role for some biological functions. Groups G6 and G7 are found to involve the Kummer surface in the structure of their character table. An analogy between quantum gravity and DNA/RNA packings is suggested.
A Possible Accessory Muscle of the Serratus Posterior Superior Muscle
Authors: Lashley Kerrie , Granite Guinevere
Published: January 2021

Anatomical variation is defined as the normal range of possibilities in the topography and morphology of body structures. In contrast, an anomaly is any structural or functional anatomical finding beyond the normal range of possibilities. This case study describes a muscular anomaly found in a 73-year-old preserved Caucasian male. We observed a left-sided anomalous muscle originating from the transverse process of the C1 (Atlas) vertebra and inserting onto the proximal attachment of the serratus posterior superior (SPS) muscle at the C7 level. We suggest that this anomaly is a result of early embryological development and hypothesize that the atypical neck muscle may reinforce the action of the SPS. This finding is rare and no reference of it can be found in the literature. Reporting anatomical anomalies is important for the medical literature and education.
Vector Magnetometry Using Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems: An Example of Application for Planetary Exploration
Authors: Fernandez Romero Sergio , Morata Barrado Pablo , Rivero Rodriguez Miguel Angel , Vazquez Yañez Gustavo Adolfo , De Diego Custodio Eduardo , Michelena Marina Díaz
Published: January 2021

Geomagnetic prospection is an efficient and environmentally friendly geophysical method for the analysis of the magnetic minerals’ distribution in the subsurface. High-resolution measurements require on-ground campaigns. However, these activities might imply high costs, risk and time consumption. Some more recent works have started to use magnetometers on-board remote piloted aircrafts. Normally, they fly at a constant altitude and use scalar probes. This configuration permits the determination of the magnitude of the magnetic field but not the direction, and requires advanced techniques for in-depth interpretation of the sources. In this manuscript, we describe the accommodation of a system for vector magnetometry in a drone whose flight altitude follows the elevation of the terrain. This singularity improves the capability of interpretation, including constraints in dating due to the record of the geomagnetic field. The work consists of the design, development and implementation of a solidary payload system anchored to the body of the platform in order to determine the vector magnetic field. It describes the details of the system and the performance characteristics obtained after the calibration, as well as its demonstration via a field campaign in the spatter deposits of Cerro Gordo volcano in Campos de Calatrava volcanic province in Spain.
WTS: A Weakly towards Strongly Supervised Learning Framework for Remote Sensing Land Cover Classification Using Segmentation Models
Authors: Zhang Wei , Tang Ping , Corpetti Thomas , Zhao Lijun
Published: January 2021

Land cover classification is one of the most fundamental tasks in the field of remote sensing. In recent years, fully supervised fully convolutional network (FCN)-based semantic segmentation models have achieved state-of-the-art performance in the semantic segmentation task. However, creating pixel-level annotations is prohibitively expensive and laborious, especially when dealing with remote sensing images. Weakly supervised learning methods from weakly labeled annotations can overcome this difficulty to some extent and achieve impressive segmentation results, but results are limited in accuracy. Inspired by point supervision and the traditional segmentation method of seeded region growing (SRG) algorithm, a weakly towards strongly (WTS) supervised learning framework is proposed in this study for remote sensing land cover classification to handle the absence of well-labeled and abundant pixel-level annotations when using segmentation models. In this framework, only several points with true class labels are required as the training set, which are much less expensive to acquire compared with pixel-level annotations through field survey or visual interpretation using high-resolution images. Firstly, they are used to train a Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier. Once fully trained, the SVM is used to generate the initial seeded pixel-level training set, in which only the pixels with high confidence are assigned with class labels whereas others are unlabeled. They are used to weakly train the segmentation model. Then, the seeded region growing module and fully connected Conditional Random Fields (CRFs) are used to iteratively update the seeded pixel-level training set for progressively increasing pixel-level supervision of the segmentation model. Sentinel-2 remote sensing images are used to validate the proposed framework, and SVM is selected for comparison. In addition, FROM-GLC10 global land cover map is used as training reference to directly train the segmentation model. Experimental results show that the proposed framework outperforms other methods and can be highly recommended for land cover classification tasks when the pixel-level labeled datasets are insufficient by using segmentation models.
A Satellite-Based Land Use Regression Model of Ambient NO2 with High Spatial Resolution in a Chinese City
Authors: Zhang Lina , Yang Changyuan , Xiao Qingyang , Geng Guannan , Cai Jing , Chen Renjie , Meng Xia , Kan Haidong
Published: January 2021

Previous studies have reported that intra-urban variability of NO2 concentrations is even higher than inter-urban variability. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have developed satellite-derived land use regression (LUR) models to predict ground-level NO2 concentrations, though only a few have been conducted at a city scale. In this study, we developed a satellite-derived LUR model to predict seasonal NO2 concentrations at a city scale by including satellite-retrieved NO2 tropospheric column density, population density, traffic indicators, and NOx emission data. The R2 of model fitting and 10-fold cross validation were 0.70 and 0.61 for the satellite-derived seasonal LUR model, respectively. The satellite-based LUR model captured seasonal patterns and fine gradients of NO2 variations at a 100 m × 100 m resolution and demonstrated that NO2 pollution in winter is 1.46 times higher than that in summer. NO2 concentrations declined significantly with increasing distance from roads and with increasing distance from the city center. In Suzhou, 84% of the total population lived in areas with NO2 concentrations exceeding the annual-mean standard at 40 μg/m3 in 2014. This study demonstrated that satellite-retrieved data could help increase the accuracy and temporal resolution of the traditional LUR models at a city scale. This application could support exposure assessment at a high resolution for future epidemiological studies and policy development pertaining to air quality control.