bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circulating MicroRNAs as Novel Biomarkers for Osteoporosis and Fragility Fracture Risk: Is There a Use in Assessment Risk?
Authors: Ciuffi Simone , Donati Simone , Marini Francesca , Palmini Gaia , Luzi Ettore , Brandi Maria Luisa
Published: September 2020

Osteoporosis is a multifactorial skeletal disease that is associated with both bone mass decline and microstructure damage. The fragility fractures—especially those affecting the femur—that embody the clinical manifestation of this pathology continue to be a great medical and socioeconomic challenge worldwide. The currently available diagnostic tools, such as dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) score, and bone turnover markers, show limited specificity and sensitivity; therefore, the identification of alternative approaches is necessary. As a result of their advantageous features, such as non-invasiveness, biofluid stability, and easy detection, circulating cell-free miRs are promising new potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of osteoporosis and low-traumatic fracture risk assessment. However, due to the absence of both standardized pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical protocols for their measurement and universally accepted guidelines for diagnostic use, their clinical utility is limited. The aim of this review was to record all the data currently available in the literature concerning the use of circulating microRNAs as both potential biomarkers for osteoporosis diagnosis and fragility fracture risk evaluation, and group them according to the experimental designs, in order to support a more conscious choice of miRs for future research in this field.
Comparative Study of the Mode of Action of Clinically Approved Platinum-Based Chemotherapeutics
Authors: Schoch Sarah , Gajewski Sabine , Rothfuß Jana , Hartwig Andrea , Köberle Beate
Published: September 2020

Platinum drugs are among the most effective anticancer agents, but their mode of action is still not fully understood. We therefore carried out a systematic investigation on the cellular activities of cisplatin, carboplatin and oxaliplatin in A498 kidney cancer cells. Cytotoxicity was higher for cisplatin and oxaliplatin compared to carboplatin, with induction of apoptosis as the preferred mode of cell death. Gene expression profiling displayed modulation of genes related to DNA damage response/repair, cell cycle regulation and apoptosis which was more pronounced upon oxaliplatin treatment. Furthermore, repression of specific DNA repair genes was restricted to oxaliplatin. Transcriptional level observations were further analyzed on the functional level. Uptake studies revealed low intracellular platinum accumulation and DNA platination upon carboplatin treatment. Removal of overall DNA platination was comparable for the three drugs. However, no processing of oxaliplatin-induced interstrand crosslinks was observed. Cisplatin and carboplatin influenced cell cycle distribution comparably, while oxaliplatin had no effect. Altogether, we found a similar mode of action for cisplatin and carboplatin, while the activity of oxaliplatin appeared to differ. This might be clinically relevant as due to the difference in mode of action oxaliplatin could be active in tumors which show resistance towards cisplatin and carboplatin.
Application of Various Price-Discount Policy for Deteriorated Products and Delay-in-Payments in an Advanced Inventory Model
Authors: Saren Sharmila , Sarkar Biswajit , Bachar Raj Kumar
Published: September 2020

In this proposed research, clear prospects of a real life marketing scenario, by analyzing a price discount policy and variable demand, are derived. The proposed study presents a production model along with time-dependent and selling price related demand for decaying items. Items deteriorate over time, therefore, considering deterioration in this model makes it more acceptable to the present marketing situation. The concept of delay-in-payments is utilized in this inventory system. In this research, a retailer buys some products, enjoys constant credit-period offers which are provided by the supplier. This model depicts a price discount strategy which is based on purchasing cost to attract more consumers in any business industry. By using this strategy, any manufacturer or business may gain more profit in comparison to methods suggested by earlier literature. The average profit function of the inventory system is maximized analytically and also finds the selling-price per unit and duration of the inventory cycle optimally. A numerical example, along with a case study and their graphical representations, are incorporated to verify the optimality of this research very clearly. The findings of this research have maximized the average profit function more than the existing literature.
Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Injection of Stromal Vascular Fraction Derived from Autologous Adipose Tissues in Systemic Sclerosis Patients with Hand Disability: A Proof-Of-Concept Trial
Authors: Park Youngjae , Lee Yoon Jae , Koh Jung Hee , Lee Jennifer , Min Hong-Ki , Kim Moon Young , Kim Ki Joo , Lee Su Jin , Rhie Jong Won , Kim Wan-Uk , Park Sung-Hwan , Moon Suk-Ho , Kwok Seung-Ki
Published: September 2020

Background: Stromal vascular fraction (SVF) has recently emerged as a potential therapeutic modality, due to its multipotent cellular components in tissue regeneration. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a progressive autoimmune disease that results in hand disability by skin fibrosis and microangiopathies. We performed an open-label study to investigate the efficacy and safety of SVF injection in SSc patients (Clinical Trial number: NCT03060551). Methods: We gathered 20 SSc patients with hand disability, planning for a 24-week follow-up period. SVF was extracted from autologous adipose tissues, processed by the closed system kit, and injected into each finger of SSc patients. We observed various efficacy and safety profiles at each follow-up visit. Results: Among the 20 initially enrolled patients, eighteen received SVF injection, and were completely followed-up for the whole study period. Patients received 3.61 × 106 mesenchymal stem cells into each finger on average. Skin fibrosis, hand edema, and quality of life were significantly improved, and 31.6% of active ulcers were healed at 24 weeks after injections. Semiquantitative results of nailfold capillary microscopy were ameliorated. There was no single serious adverse event related to the procedure. Conclusions: Injection of SVF derived from autologous adipose tissues is tolerable, and shows clinical efficacy in SSc patients.
ADMA: A Key Player in the Relationship between Vascular Dysfunction and Inflammation in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Dowsett Laura , Higgins Erin , Alanazi Sarah , Alshuwayer Noha A. , Leiper Fiona C. , Leiper James
Published: September 2020

Atherosclerosis is a chronic cardiovascular disease which increases risk of major cardiovascular events including myocardial infarction and stroke. Elevated plasma concentrations of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) have long been recognised as a hallmark of cardiovascular disease and are associated with cardiovascular risk factors including hypertension, obesity and hypertriglyceridemia. In this review, we discuss the clinical literature that link ADMA concentrations to increased risk of the development of atherosclerosis. The formation of atherosclerotic lesions relies on the interplay between vascular dysfunction, leading to endothelial activation and the accumulation of inflammatory cells, particularly macrophages, within the vessel wall. Here, we review the mechanisms through which elevated ADMA contributes to endothelial dysfunction, activation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production; how ADMA may affect vascular smooth muscle phenotype; and finally whether ADMA plays a regulatory role in the inflammatory processes occurring within the vessel wall.
Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Emergency on Health Professionals: Burnout Incidence at the Most Critical Period in Spain
Authors: Martínez-López José Ángel , Lázaro-Pérez Cristina , Gómez-Galán José , Fernández-Martínez María del Mar
Published: September 2020

Background: The health profession is a burnout producer due to the continuous contact with pain and suffering. In addition, excessive workloads can generate stress and psychological distress. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the degree of burnout and its main triggers in health professionals in Spain at the most critical period of the COVID-19 emergency. Method: A quantitative research was developed through a simple random sampling in different Spanish hospitals through the period of greatest impact of the pandemic (N = 157). Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire from Maslach burnout inventory (MBI) containing 22 items, which measures three subscales: emotional burnout, depersonalization, and self-fulfillment. Results: depersonalization values reached 38.9%. A total of 90.4% of the health professionals considered that psychological care should be provided from the work centers. Furthermore, 43.3% of the health professionals estimated that they might need psychological treatment in the future. Finally, 85.4% stated that the lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) generated an increase in stress and anxiety. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the need to consider specific mental health care services and training in crises to avoid possible psychological disorders. The information obtained is also valuable for the development of future prevention protocols and training of health personnel to face pandemics of these characteristics or emergency scenarios. Having the necessary physical means for their protection, as well to updated regular and accurate information, is essential to avoid feelings of fear and uncertainty. This would promote the health of these professionals.
Autologous Unilateral Breast Reconstruction with Venous Supercharged IMAP-Flaps: A Step by Step Guide of the Split Breast Technique
Authors: Bachleitner Kathrin , Weitgasser Laurenz , Amr Amro , Schoeller Thomas
Published: September 2020

Various techniques for breast reconstruction ranging from reconstruction with implants to free tissue transfer, with the disadvantage of either carrying a foreign body or dealing with donor site morbidity, have been described. In patients who had a unilateral mastectomy and offer a contralateral mamma hypertrophy a breast reconstruction can be performed with the excess tissue from the hypertrophic side using the split breast technique. Here a local internal mammary artery perforator (IMAP) flap of the hypertrophic breast can be used for reconstruction avoiding the downsides of implants or a microsurgical reconstruction and simultaneously reducing the enlarged donor breast in order to achieve symmetry. Methods: Between April 2010 and February 2019 the split breast technique was performed in five patients after mastectomy due to breast cancer. Operating time, length of stay, complications and the need for secondary operations were analyzed and the surgical technique including flap supercharging were described in detail. Results: All five IMAP-flaps survived and an aesthetically pleasant result could be achieved using the split breast technique. An average of two secondary corrections to achieve better symmetry were necessary after each breast reconstruction. Complications included venous flap congestion, partial flap necrosis and asymmetry. No breast cancer recurrence was recorded. An overall approval of the surgical technique among patients was observed. Conclusions: The use of the contralateral breast for unilateral total breast reconstruction represents an additional highly useful technique for selected patients, is safe and reliable results can be achieved. Although this technique is carried out as a single-stage procedure, including breast reduction and reconstruction at the same time, secondary operations may be necessary to achieve superior symmetry and a satisfying aesthetic result. Survival of the IMAP-flaps can be improved by venous supercharging of the flaps onto the thoracoepigastric vein.
Determination and Validation of Residual Stresses in CFRP/Metal Hybrid Components Using the Incremental Hole Drilling Method
Authors: Wu Tao , Tinkloh Steffen R. , Tröster Thomas , Zinn Wolfgang , Niendorf Thomas
Published: September 2020

Lightweight materials contribute to an efficient decrease in fuel consumption in the automotive and aircraft industries. Hybrid components made of metal and carbon fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRP) have a high potential in lightweight applications due to their high strength-to-weight ratio. For cost-effective processing of hybrid materials, advanced manufacturing processes such as the prepreg-press-technology have been developed, in which the bonding between a metallic component and a fiber compound is exclusively realized in the forming process. However, upon processing of these hybrid components at elevated temperature, the difference in thermal expansion coefficients of the two materials leads to the formation of tensile residual stresses upon cooling. It is well known that these tensile residual stresses can be detrimentally effective with respect to the durability of a hybrid component. The objective of this work is to accurately measure and analyze residual stresses in hybrid components made of unidirectional CFRP and steel through the incremental hole drilling method. Within this study, the evaluation formalism for orthotropic materials is employed for measuring non-uniform residual stresses in hybrid materials. In order to improve the measurement accuracy, a customized strain gauge with eight grids is employed and a drilling increment size of only 20 µm is utilized. The influence of the angle between the strain gauge rosette and the fiber direction on the evaluation of the residual stresses is investigated. In order to evaluate the reliability of the results determined, a bending test applying a well-defined load is carried out. By direct comparison of the experimentally determined stresses and stress values calculated by the finite element method, the applicability of the hole drilling method for robust determination of residual stresses in CFRP/metal hybrid components is finally validated.
Modeling of Breaching-Generated Turbidity Currents Using Large Eddy Simulation
Authors: Alhaddad Said , de Wit Lynyrd , Labeur Robert Jan , Uijttewaal Wim
Published: September 2020

Breaching flow slides result in a turbidity current running over and directly interacting with the eroding, submarine slope surface, thereby promoting further sediment erosion. The investigation and understanding of this current are crucial, as it is the main parameter influencing the failure evolution and fate of sediment during the breaching phenomenon. In contrast to previous numerical studies dealing with this specific type of turbidity currents, we present a 3D numerical model that simulates the flow structure and hydrodynamics of breaching-generated turbidity currents. The turbulent behavior in the model is captured by large eddy simulation (LES). We present a set of numerical simulations that reproduce particular, previously published experimental results. Through these simulations, we show the validity, applicability, and advantage of the proposed numerical model for the investigation of the flow characteristics. The principal characteristics of the turbidity current are reproduced well, apart from the layer thickness. We also propose a breaching erosion model and validate it using the same series of experimental data. Quite good agreement is observed between the experimental data and the computed erosion rates. The numerical results confirm that breaching-generated turbidity currents are self-accelerating and indicate that they evolve in a self-similar manner.
Cloud and IoT Applications in Material Handling Automation and Intralogistics
Authors: Ponis Stavros T. , Efthymiou Orestis K.
Published: September 2020

During the last decade, digitalization has borne tremendous changes on the way we live and do business. Industry 4.0, the new industrial revolution, is merging the physical, digital and virtual worlds through emerging technologies that collide with each other and create a distinctive paradigm shift. Even though the topic of Industry 4.0, has attracted significant attention during the past few years, literature in this subject area is still limited. The main objective of this paper is to study the current state of the art and identify major trends and research shortcomings. To that end, the authors conducted a methodological literature review based primarily on the SCOPUS bibliographic database. The review returned 49 relative papers dealing with the paper’s subject area. Through a thorough study of the selected papers, four dominant literature categories were recognized and discussed in detail. According to the literature reviewed, it is evident that massive changes are underway for warehouses and intralogistics facilities. Still, despite the intense discussion and appeal of the subject, one of the most important challenges in the scientific area under study, as the literature highlights, is the absence of a matching, to its significance, number of real-life applications. To that end, this paper provides a detailed description of a Cloud-based IoT application drawn from a Distribution Center (DC) that supplies retail home furnishing and sporting goods products to stores in Greece and the Balkan region, with the objective to showcase the feasibility of such an investment, highlight its potential and provide motivation to practitioners to evaluate and proceed in similar technological investments.
Novel Approach and Interpretation for the Determination of Electromagnetic Forming Limits
Authors: Demir Koray , Goyal Siddhant , Hahn Marlon , Tekkaya Erman
Published: September 2020

A new method to determine electromagnetic forming limits curves (EM-FLCs) for sheet metals is proposed. The different strain paths (between uniaxial and biaxial tension) are achieved by specific tool coil and specimen designs. It is ensured that the apex of the specimen deforms on a constant strain path, and excess bending at the apex is avoided. This is done so that the determined EM-FLCs are comparable to their quasi-static counterparts. The method determines the EM-FLCs for the aluminum alloys AA-1050a-H24 and EN AW-5083-H111 and the magnesium alloy Mg AZ31-O. Overall, it is observed that the necking limits in electromagnetic forming (EMF) are higher compared to quasi-static forming. The fracture surfaces of electromagnetically deformed specimens are examined to reveal the existence of out-of-plane shear stresses. A numerical analysis corroborates this observation and their variation with strain rate. The presence of such stresses is proposed as a possible reason for the increased necking limits in EMF. As reasons for higher forming limits, previous research has identified inertial stabilization, strain rate hardening, die impact, and change in deformation mechanism. The current study reaffirms the positive effect of inertial stabilization and makes key observations in the increase of twinning in EMF of Mg AZ31-O.
A Novel Technique to Increase the Thickness of TiO₂ of Dental Implants by Nd: DPSS Q-sw Laser Treatment
Authors: Scarano Antonio , Postiglione Francesca , Khater Ahmad G. A. , Al-Hamed Faez Saleh , Lorusso Felice
Published: September 2020

High bone–implant contact is a crucial factor in the achievement of osseointegration and long time clinical success of dental implants. Micro, nano, microtopography, and oxide layer of dental implants influence tissue response. The lasers were used for achieving an implant surface with homogeneous micro texturing and uncontaminated surface. The present study aimed to characterize the implant surfaces treated by Nd: DPSS Q-sw Laser treatment compared to machined implants. A total of 10 machined implants and 10 lasered surface implants were evaluated in this study. The implant surfaces were evaluated by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES), and metallography to characterize and measure the thickness of the oxide layer on the implant titanium surface. The machined surfaces showed a non-homogeneous oxide layer ranging between 20 and 30 nm. The lasered implant surfaces showed a homogeneous oxide layer ranging between 400 nm and 460 nm in the area of the laser holes, while outside the layer, thickness ranged between 200 nm and 400 nm without microcracks or evidence of damage. Another exciting result after this laser treatment is a topographically controlled, repeatable, homogeneous, and clean surface. This technique can obtain the implant surface without leaving residues of foreign substances on it. The study results indicate that the use of Nd: DPSS Q-sw laser produces a predictable and reproducible treatment able to improve the titanium oxide layer on the dental implant surface.
A Systematic Critical Appraisal of the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews on the Effect of Autologous Platelet Concentrates in the Treatment of Periodontal Intraosseous Defects
Authors: Guida Agostino , Cecoro Gennaro , Rullo Rosario , Laino Luigi , Del Fabbro Massimo , Annunziata Marco
Published: September 2020

The present study aimed to perform a systematic critical appraisal of the methodological quality of systematic reviews (SRs) on the effect of autologous platelet concentrates (APCs) in the treatment of periodontal intraosseous defects and to provide a synthesis of the main clinical findings available. An electronic and hand search was performed up to February 2020; 14 systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), of which 11 were meta-analyses, were included. Only one SR fully satisfied all 11 items of the AMSTAR (“A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews”) checklist for methodological quality evaluation, 3 SRs were classified of high quality, 8 of medium quality, and 2 of low quality. There is some evidence on the beneficial additive effect of APCs in the surgical treatment of intraosseous defects when used alone or in combination with bone grafts. APCs did not show any advantage when used together with guided tissue regeneration (GTR) or enamel matrix derivative (EMD). Undertaking SRs which adhere to rigorous standards and protocols is strongly recommended. There are increasing data on the positive adjunctive effect of APCs in the surgical treatment of intraosseous defects but, due to the heterogeneity of the available primary studies, the quality of evidence remains rather low and further long-term well-designed RCTs are encouraged.
Analysis of Selected Properties of Biocomposites Based on Polyethylene with a Natural Origin Filler
Authors: Sasimowski Emil , Majewski Łukasz , Grochowicz Marta
Published: September 2020

The study investigates the effect of the content and size of wheat bran grains on selected properties of a lignocellulosic biocomposite on a polyethylene matrix. The biocomposite samples were made by injection method of low-density polyethylene with 5%, 10% and 15% by weight of wheat bran. Three bran fractions with grain sizes <0.4 mm, 0.4–0.6 mm and 0.6–0.8 mm were used. The properties of the mouldings (after primary shrinkage) were examined after their 2.5-year natural aging period. Processing properties, such as MFR (mass flow rate) and processing shrinkage, were determined. Selected physical, mechanical and structural properties of the produced biocomposite samples were tested. The results allowed the determination of the influence of both the content of bran and the size of its grains on such properties of the biocomposite as: color, gloss, processing shrinkage, tensile strength, MFR mass flow rate, chemical structure (FTIR), thermal properties (DSC, TG), p-v-T relationship. The tests did not show any deterioration of the mechanical characteristics of the tested composites after natural aging.
Advanced Constitutive Modeling of the Thixotropic Elasto-Visco-Plastic Behavior of Blood: Description of the Model and Rheological Predictions
Authors: Giannokostas Konstantinos , Moschopoulos Pantelis , Varchanis Stylianos , Dimakopoulos Yannis , Tsamopoulos John
Published: September 2020

This work focuses on the advanced modeling of the thixotropic nature of blood, coupled with an elasto-visco-plastic formulation by invoking a consistent and validated model for TEVP materials. The proposed model has been verified for the adequate description of the rheological behavior of suspensions, introducing a scalar variable that describes dynamically the level of internal microstructure of rouleaux at any instance, capturing accurately the aggregation and disaggregation mechanisms of the RBCs. Also, a non-linear fitting is adopted for the definition of the model’s parameters on limited available experimental data of steady and transient rheometric flows of blood samples. We present the predictability of the new model in various steady and transient rheometric flows, including startup shear, rectangular shear steps, shear cessation, triangular shear steps and LAOS tests. Our model provides predictions for the elasto-thixotropic mechanism in startup shear flows, demonstrating a non-monotonic relationship of the thixotropic index on the shear-rate. The intermittent shear step test reveals the dynamics of the structural reconstruction, which in turn is associated with the aggregation process. Moreover, our model offers robust predictions for less examined tests such as uniaxial elongation, in which normal stress was found to have considerable contribution. Apart from the integrated modeling of blood rheological complexity, our implementation is adequate for multi-dimensional simulations due to its tensorial formalism accomplished with a single time scale for the thixotropic effects, resulting in a low computational cost compared to other TEVP models.
Effects of Cooling Rate during Quenching and Tempering Conditions on Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of Carbon Steel Flange
Authors: Jo Haeju , Kang Moonseok , Park Geon-Woo , Kim Byung-Jun , Choi Chang Yong , Park Hee Sang , Shin Sunmi , Lee Wookjin , Ahn Yong-Sik , Jeon Jong Bae
Published: September 2020

This study investigated the mechanical properties of steel in flanges, with the goal of obtaining high strength and high toughness. Quenching was applied alone or in combination with tempering at one of nine combinations of three temperatures TTEM and durations tTEM. Cooling rates at various flange locations during quenching were first estimated using finite element method simulation, and the three locations were selected for mechanical testing in terms of cooling rate. Microstructures of specimens were observed at each condition. Tensile test and hardness test were performed at room temperature, and a Charpy impact test was performed at −46 °C. All specimens had a multiphase microstructure composed of matrix and secondary phases, which decomposed under the various tempering conditions. Decrease in cooling rate (CR) during quenching caused reduction in hardness and strength but did not affect low-temperature toughness significantly. After tempering, hardness and strength were reduced and low-temperature toughness was increased. Microstructures and mechanical properties under the various tempering conditions and CRs during quenching were discussed. This work was based on the properties directly obtained from flanges under industrial processes and is thus expected to be useful for practical applications.
Corrosion Susceptibility and Allergy Potential of Austenitic Stainless Steels
Authors: Reclaru Lucien , Ardelean Lavinia Cosmina
Published: September 2020

Although called stainless steels, austenitic steels are sensitive to localized corrosion, namely pitting, crevice, and intergranular form. Seventeen grades of steel were tested for localized corrosion. Steels were also tested in general corrosion and in galvanic couplings (steels–precious alloys) used in watchmaking applications. The evaluations have been carried out in accordance with the ASTM standards which specifically concern the forms of corrosion namely, general (B117-97, salt fog test), pitting (G48-11, FeCl3), crevice (F746-87) and intergranular (A262-15, Strauss chemical test and G108-94, Electrochemical potentiodynamic reactivation test). All tests revealed sensitivity to corrosion. We have noticed that the transverse face is clearly more sensitive than the longitudinal face, in the direction of rolling process. The same conclusion has been drawn from the tests of nickel release. It should be pointed out that, despite the fact that the grade of steel is in conformity with the classification standards, the behavior is very different from one manufacturer to another, due to parameters dependent on the production process, such as casting volume, alloying additions, and deoxidizing agents. The quantities of nickel released are related to the operations involved in the manufacturing process. Heat treatments reduce the quantities of nickel released. The surface state has little influence on the release. The hardening procedures increase the quantities of nickel released. The quantities of released nickel are influenced by the inclusionary state and the existence of the secondary phases in the steel structure. Another aspect is related to the strong dispersion of results concerning nickel release and corrosion behavior of raw materials.
Strengths, Microstructure and Nanomechanical Properties of Concrete Containing High Volume of Zeolite Powder
Authors: Yu Zhouping , Yang Weijun , Zhan Peimin , Liu Xian , Chen Deng
Published: September 2020

In order to save resources and reduce the carbon footprint of concrete, the addition of high volumes of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) to replace cement is one of the most effective and promising methods. Zeolite powder (ZP), with a high specific surface area, exhibits high pozzolanic reactivity in cement-based materials. This paper investigates the effects of ZP addition used to replace cement at the levels of 20%, 40% and 60% on the strength development and microstructure evolution of concrete, and the nanomechanical properties are analyzed using nanoindentation technique. The results show that the replacement of ZP for cement generally has a dilution effect on the concrete, leading to a detrimental effect on the strength development. However, the 20% ZP replacement for cement slightly enhances the 90-day compressive strength. The pore structure analysis shows that the sample with 20% ZP content has a lower total porosity than the control sample. The hydration of ZP goes against the dilution effect and reduces the total porosity of concrete to compact the microstructure. Nanoindentation investigation of the matrix shows that 20% ZP decreases the content of portlandite but increases the content of high density calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H). This is beneficial for improving the nanomechanical properties of interface transition zone. However, further increases in the content of ZP (40% and 60%) decrease the total volume of C-S-H and increase the porosity to degrade the microstructure.
Classification of Complex Fuzzy Numbers and Fuzzy Inner Products
Authors: Yoon Jin Hee , Byun Taechang , Lee Ji Eun , Lee Keun Young
Published: September 2020

The paper is concerned with complex fuzzy numbers and complex fuzzy inner product spaces. In the classical complex number set, a complex number can be expressed using the Cartesian form or polar form. Both expressions are needed because one expression is better than the other depending on the situation. Likewise, the Cartesian form and the polar form can be defined in a complex fuzzy number set. First, the complex fuzzy numbers (CFNs) are categorized into two types, the polar form and the Cartesian form, as type I and type II. The properties of the complex fuzzy number set of those two expressions are discussed, and how the expressions can be used practically is shown through an example. Second, we study the complex fuzzy inner product structure in each category and find the non-existence of an inner product on CFNs of type I. Several properties of the fuzzy inner product space for type II are proposed from the modulus that is newly defined. Specfically, the Cauchy-Schwartz inequality for type II is proven in a compact way, not only the one for fuzzy real numbers. In fact, it was already discussed by Hasanhani et al; however, they proved every case in a very complicated way. In this paper, we prove the Cauchy-Schwartz inequality in a much simpler way from a general point of view. Finally, we introduce a complex fuzzy scalar product for the generalization of a complex fuzzy inner product and propose to study the condition for its existence on CFNs of type I.
Dispersion Trading Based on the Explanatory Power of S&P 500 Stock Returns
Authors: Schneider Lucas , Stübinger Johannes
Published: September 2020

This paper develops a dispersion trading strategy based on a statistical index subsetting procedure and applies it to the S&P 500 constituents from January 2000 to December 2017. In particular, our selection process determines appropriate subset weights by exploiting a principal component analysis to specify the individual index explanatory power of each stock. In the following out-of-sample trading period, we trade the most suitable stocks using a hedged and unhedged approach. Within the large-scale back-testing study, the trading frameworks achieve statistically and economically significant returns of 14.52 and 26.51 percent p.a. after transaction costs, as well as a Sharpe ratio of 0.40 and 0.34, respectively. Furthermore, the trading performance is robust across varying market conditions. By benchmarking our strategies against a naive subsetting scheme and a buy-and-hold approach, we find that our statistical trading systems possess superior risk-return characteristics. Finally, a deep dive analysis shows synchronous developments between the chosen number of principal components and the S&P 500 index.
Marine Cyanobacteria and Microalgae Metabolites—A Rich Source of Potential Anticancer Drugs
Authors: Mondal Arijit , Bose Sankhadip , Banerjee Sabyasachi , Patra Jayanta Kumar , Malik Jai , Mandal Sudip Kumar , Kilpatrick Kaitlyn L. , Das Gitishree , Kerry Rout George , Fimognari Carmela , Bishayee Anupam
Published: September 2020

Cancer is at present one of the utmost deadly diseases worldwide. Past efforts in cancer research have focused on natural medicinal products. Over the past decades, a great deal of initiatives was invested towards isolating and identifying new marine metabolites via pharmaceutical companies, and research institutions in general. Secondary marine metabolites are looked at as a favorable source of potentially new pharmaceutically active compounds, having a vast structural diversity and diverse biological activities; therefore, this is an astonishing source of potentially new anticancer therapy. This review contains an extensive critical discussion on the potential of marine microbial compounds and marine microalgae metabolites as anticancer drugs, highlighting their chemical structure and exploring the underlying mechanisms of action. Current limitation, challenges, and future research pathways were also presented.
Insights into the Light Response of Skeletonema marinoi: Involvement of Ovothiol
Authors: Milito Alfonsina , Orefice Ida , Smerilli Arianna , Castellano Immacolata , Napolitano Alessandra , Brunet Christophe , Palumbo Anna
Published: September 2020

Diatoms are one of the most widespread groups of microalgae on Earth. They possess extraordinary metabolic capabilities, including a great ability to adapt to different light conditions. Recently, we have discovered that the diatom Skeletonema marinoi produces the natural antioxidant ovothiol B, until then identified only in clams. In this study, we investigated the light-dependent modulation of ovothiol biosynthesis in S. marinoi. Diatoms were exposed to different light conditions, ranging from prolonged darkness to low or high light, also differing in the velocity of intensity increase (sinusoidal versus square-wave distribution). The expression of the gene encoding the key ovothiol biosynthetic enzyme, ovoA, was upregulated by high sinusoidal light mimicking natural conditions. Under this situation higher levels of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide as well as ovothiol and glutathione increase were detected. No ovoA modulation was observed under prolonged darkness nor low sinusoidal light. Unnatural conditions such as continuous square-wave light induced a very high oxidative stress leading to a drop in cell growth, without enhancing ovoA gene expression. Only one of the inducible forms of nitric oxide synthase, nos2, was upregulated by light with consequent production of NO under sinusoidal light and darkness conditions. Our data suggest that ovothiol biosynthesis is triggered by a combined light stress caused by natural distribution and increased photon flux density, with no influence from the daily light dose. These results open new perspectives for the biotechnological production of ovothiols, which are receiving a great interest for their biological activities in human model systems.
Absolute Configurations and Chitinase Inhibitions of Quinazoline-Containing Diketopiperazines from the Marine-Derived Fungus Penicillium polonicum
Authors: Guo Xing-Chen , Zhang Ya-Hui , Gao Wen-Bin , Pan Li , Zhu Hua-Jie , Cao Fei
Published: September 2020

Three new quinazoline-containing diketopiperazines, polonimides A–C (1–3), along with four analogues (4–7), were obtained from the marine-derived fungus Penicillium polonicum. Among them, 2 and 4, 3 and 5 were epimers, respectively, resulting the difficulty in the determination of their configurations. The configurations of 1–3 were determined by 1D nuclear overhauser effect (NOE), Marfey and electron circular dichroism (ECD) methods. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) calculation with the combination of DP4plus probability method was used to distinguish the absolute configurations of C-3 in 3 and 5. All of 1–7 were tested for their chitinase inhibitory activity against OfHex1 and OfChi-h and cytotoxicity against A549, HGC-27 and UMUC-3 cell lines. Compounds 1–7 exhibited weak activity towards OfHex1 and strong activity towards OfChi-h at a concentration of 10.0 μM, with the inhibition rates of 0.7%–10.3% and 79.1%–95.4%, respectively. Interestingly, 1–7 showed low cytotoxicity against A549, HGC-27 and UMUC-3 cell lines, suggesting that good prospect of this cluster of metabolites for drug discovery.
Neutral Lipids, Glycolipids, and Phospholipids, Isolated from Sandfish (Arctoscopus japonicus) Eggs, Exhibit Anti-Inflammatory Activity in LPS-Stimulated RAW264.7 Cells through NF-κB and MAPKs Pathways
Authors: Rod-in Weerawan , Monmai Chaiwat , Shin Il-sik , You SangGuan , Park Woo Jung
Published: September 2020

Total lipids were extracted from sandfish (Arctoscopus japonicus), and then they were separated into the following three lipid fractions: neutral lipids, glycolipids, and phospholipids. In this study, we analyzed the lipid fractions of A. japonicus eggs and we determined their anti-inflammatory activity in RAW264.7 macrophage cells. In these three lipid-fractions, the main fatty acids were as follows: palmitic acid (16:0), oleic acid (18:1n-9), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3). Among the lipid fractions, phospholipids showed the highest concentration of DHA and EPA (21.70 ± 1.92 and 18.96 ± 1.27, respectively). The three lipid fractions of A. japonicus significantly suppressed the production of NO in macrophages. Moreover, they also significantly inhibited the expression of iNOS, COX-2, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α, in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the lipid fractions of A. japonicus suppressed the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 subunits in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, they attenuated the activation of MAPKs (p38, ERK1/2, and JNK) phosphorylation in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. These results indicate that all the lipid fractions of A. japonicus exert anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing the activation of NF-κB and MAPK pathways. Therefore, the lipid fractions of A. japonicus might be potentially used as anti-inflammatory agents.
Refractory High-Entropy HfTaTiNbZr-Based Alloys by Combined Use of Ball Milling and Spark Plasma Sintering: Effect of Milling Intensity
Authors: Shkodich Natalia , Sedegov Alexey , Kuskov Kirill , Busurin Sergey , Scheck Yury , Vadchenko Sergey , Moskovskikh Dmitry
Published: September 2020

For the first time, a powder of refractory body-centered cubic (bcc) HfTaTiNbZr-based high-entropy alloy (RHEA) was prepared by short-term (90 min) high-energy ball milling (HEBM) followed by spark plasma sintering (SPS) at 1300 °C for 10 min and the resultant bulk material was characterized by XRD and SEM/EDX. The material showed ultra-high Vickers hardness (10.7 GPa) and a density of 9.87 ± 0.18 g/cm³ (98.7%). Our alloy was found to consist of HfZrTiTaNb-based solid solution with bcc structure as a main phase, a hexagonal closest packed (hcp) Hf/Zr-based solid solution, and Me2Fe phases (Me = Hf, Zr) as minor admixtures. Principal elements of the HEA phase were uniformly distributed over the bulk of HfTaTiNbZr-based alloy. Similar alloys synthesized without milling or in the case of low-energy ball milling (LEBM, 10 h) consisted of a bcc HEA and a Hf/Zr-rich hcp solid solution; in this case, the Vickers hardness of such alloys was found to have a value of 6.4 GPa and 5.8 GPa, respectively.
Exercise May Affect Metabolism in Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Shahid Muhammad , Kim Jayoung
Published: September 2020

Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is a significant comorbidity for cancer patients and survivors. Physical activity (PA) has been found to be a strong gene modulator that can induce structural and functional changes in the brain. PA and exercise reduce the risk of cancer development and progression and has been shown to help in overcoming post-treatment syndromes. Exercise plays a role in controlling cancer progression through direct effects on cancer metabolism. In this review, we highlight several priorities for improving studies on CRCI in patients and its underlying potential metabolic mechanisms.
A Direct Comparison between the Lateral Magnetophoretic Microseparator and AdnaTest for Isolating Prostate Circulating Tumor Cells
Authors: Cho Hyungseok , Chung Jae-Seung , Han Ki-Ho
Published: September 2020

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are important biomarkers for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of cancer. However, because of their extreme rarity, a more precise technique for isolating CTCs is required to gain deeper insight into the characteristics of cancer. This study compares the performance of a lateral magnetophoretic microseparator (“CTC-μChip”), as a representative microfluidic device, and AdnaTest ProstateCancer (Qiagen), as a commercially available specialized method, for isolating CTCs from the blood of patients with prostate cancer. The enumeration and genetic analysis results of CTCs isolated via the two methods were compared under identical conditions. In the CTC enumeration experiment, the number of CTCs isolated by the CTC-μChip averaged 17.67 CTCs/mL, compared to 1.56 CTCs/mL by the AdnaTest. The number of contaminating white blood cells (WBCs) and the CTC purity with the CTC-μChip averaged 772.22 WBCs/mL and 3.91%, respectively, whereas those with the AdnaTest averaged 67.34 WBCs/mL and 1.98%, respectively. Through genetic analysis, using a cancer-specific gene panel (AR (androgen receptor), AR-V7 (A\androgen receptor variant-7), PSMA (prostate specific membrane antigen), KRT19 (cytokeratin-19), CD45 (PTPRC, Protein tyrosine phosphatase, receptor type, C)) with reverse transcription droplet digital PCR, three genes (AR, AR-V7, and PSMA) were more highly expressed in cells isolated by the CTC-μChip, while KRT19 and CD45 were similarly detected using both methods. Consequently, this study showed that the CTC-μChip can be used to isolate CTCs more reliably than AdnaTest ProstateCancer, as a specialized method for gene analysis of prostate CTCs, as well as more sensitively obtain cancer-associated gene expressions.
Fused Deposition Modeling of Microfluidic Chips in Polymethylmethacrylate
Authors: Kotz Frederik , Mader Markus , Dellen Nils , Risch Patrick , Kick Andrea , Helmer Dorothea , Rapp Bastian
Published: September 2020

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is one of the most important thermoplastic materials and is a widely used material in microfluidics. However, PMMA is usually structured using industrial scale replication processes, such as hot embossing or injection molding, not compatible with rapid prototyping. In this work, we demonstrate that microfluidic chips made from PMMA can be 3D printed using fused deposition modeling (FDM). We demonstrate that using FDM microfluidic chips with a minimum channel cross-section of ~300 µm can be printed and a variety of different channel geometries and mixer structures are shown. The optical transparency of the chips is shown to be significantly enhanced by printing onto commercial PMMA substrates. The use of such commercial PMMA substrates also enables the integration of PMMA microstructures into the printed chips, by first generating a microstructure on the PMMA substrates, and subsequently printing the PMMA chip around the microstructure. We further demonstrate that protein patterns can be generated within previously printed microfluidic chips by employing a method of photobleaching. The FDM printing of microfluidic chips in PMMA allows the use of one of microfluidics’ most used industrial materials on the laboratory scale and thus significantly simplifies the transfer from results gained in the lab to an industrial product.
Cu(In,Ga)Se2 Solar Cells Integrated with Subwavelength Structured Cover Glass Fabricated by One-Step Self-Masked Etching
Authors: Jeong Ho-Jung , Kim Ye-Chan , Kim Sung-Tae , Choi Min-Ho , Song Young-Hyun , Yun Ju-Hyung , Park Min-Su , Jang Jae-Hyung
Published: September 2020

We report an anti-reflective cover glass for Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) thin film solar cells. Subwavelength structures (SWSs) were fabricated on top of a cover glass using one-step self-masked etching. The etching method resulted in dense whiskers with high aspect ratio. The produced structure exhibited excellent anti-reflective properties over a broad wavelength range, from the ultraviolet to the near infrared. Compared to a flat-surface glass, the average transmittance of the glass integrated with the SWSs improved from 92.4% to 95.2%. When the cover glass integrated with the SWSs was mounted onto the top of a CIGS device, the short-circuit current and the efficiency of the solar cell were enhanced by 4.38 and 6%, respectively, compared with a CIGS solar cell without cover glass.