bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary Vein Stenosis: Moving From Past Pessimism to Future Optimism
Authors: McLennan Daniel I. , Solano Elyan C. Ruiz , Handler Stephanie S. , Lincoln Joy , Mitchell Michael E. , Kirkpatrick Edward C.
Published: October 2021

Pulmonary Vein Stenosis (PVS) is a rare disease with a prevalence of around 1. 7 cases per 100,000 children under 2 years old. Treatment options for this disease have not provided great results and pathophysiology of this condition is still poorly understood. Here, we will review the history of PVS including diagnostic tools and treatments, the current management approach, and what the future holds for this devastating disease.
Regulation of Tocopherol Biosynthesis During Fruit Maturation of Different Citrus Species
Authors: Rey Florencia , Zacarias Lorenzo , Rodrigo María Jesús
Published: October 2021

Tocopherols are plant-derived isoprenoids with vitamin E activity, which are involved in diverse physiological processes in plants. Although their biosynthesis has been extensively investigated in model plants, their synthesis in important fruit crops as Citrus has scarcely been studied. Therefore, the aim of this work was to initiate a physiological and molecular characterization of tocopherol synthesis and accumulation in Citrus fruits during maturation. For that purpose, we selected fruit of the four main commercial species: grapefruit (Citrus paradisi), lemon (Citrus limon), sweet orange (Citrus sinensis), and mandarin (Citrus clementina), and analyzed tocopherol content and the expression profile of 14 genes involved in tocopherol synthesis during fruit maturation in both the flavedo and pulp. The selected genes covered the pathways supplying the tocopherol precursors homogentisate (HGA) (TAT1 and HPPD) and phytyl pyrophosphate (PPP) (VTE5, VTE6, DXS1 and 2, GGPPS1 and 6, and GGDR) and the tocopherol-core pathway (VTE2, VTE3a, VTE3b, VTE1, and VTE4). Tocopherols accumulated mainly as α- and γ-tocopherol, and α-tocopherol was the predominant form in both tissues. Moreover, differences were detected between tissues, among maturation stages and genotypes. Contents were higher in the flavedo than in the pulp during maturation, and while they increased in the flavedo they decreased or were maintained in the pulp. Among genotypes, mature fruit of lemon accumulated the highest tocopherol content in both the flavedo and the pulp, whereas mandarin fruit accumulated the lowest concentrations, and grapefruit and orange had intermediate levels. Higher concentrations in the flavedo were associated with a higher expression of all the genes evaluated, and different genes are suitable candidates to explain the temporal changes in each tissue: (1) in the flavedo, the increase in tocopherols was concomitant with the up-regulation of TAT1 and VTE4, involved in the supply of HGA and the shift of γ- into α-tocopherol, respectively; and (2) in the pulp, changes paralleled the expression of VTE6, DXS2, and GGDR, which regulate PPP availability. Also, certain genes (i.e., VTE6, DXS2, and GGDR) were co-regulated and shared a similar pattern during maturation in both tissues, suggesting they are developmentally modulated.
On the Role of EFL/ESL Teachers' Emotion Regulation in Students' Academic Engagement
Authors: Wang Fang , Ye Zhi
Published: October 2021

Considering the pivotal role of students' academic engagement in their success, discovering the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that inspire students to engage in class activities seems crucial. Notwithstanding, only a few empirical studies have been devoted to teachers' personal factors such as emotion regulation and their predictive function. Further, to our knowledge, no theoretical or systematic review study has been conducted on the association between teacher emotion regulation and student academic engagement. The current review study seeks to fill these lacunas by illustrating English as a foreign language (EFL) or English as a second language (ESL) teachers' emotion regulation and its' capability to enhance students' academic engagement. Using the existing evidence, the power of ESL/EFL teachers' emotion regulation in predicting their pupils' academic engagement was proved. The findings' educational implications are further discussed.
Application of Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics-6 Items (SAVE-6) to Public Workers for Measuring Their Anxiety Response During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Park C. Hyung Keun , Ju Gawon , Yi Kikyoung , Lee Sangha , Suh Sooyeon , Chung Seockhoon
Published: October 2021

Objective: This study aimed to compare the adaptability of the adapted version of Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics-9 (SAVE-9) for public workers and the SAVE-6 scale and to validate them among public workers who are on the frontline of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

Methods: A total of 300 public workers responded to the anonymous online survey during April 1–12, 2021. Principal component analysis was conducted with varimax rotation to explore the factor structure of this scale. Confirmatory factor analysis was also used to explore construct validity. Spearman correlation analysis of the scale with the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was performed to explore the convergent validity. The cut-off score in accordance with the mild degree of generalized anxiety symptoms (GAD-7 score of 5) was defined using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

Findings: The single-structure model of each scale (the adapted version of SAVE-9 and SAVE-6) was adopted based on the results of the parallel analysis. Because SAVE-6 showed good construct validity, but the adapted version of SAVE-9 did not, we adopted to apply the SAVE-6 scale to assess the anxiety response of public workers in response to the viral epidemic. SAVE-6 showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.817; McDonald's Omega = 0.818) and good convergent validity with GAD-7 (rho = 0.417, p < 0.001) and PHQ-9 (rho = 0.317, p < 0.001) scale scores. The appropriate cut-off score for SAVE-6 was determined to be ≥ 16.

Conclusion: The SAVE-6 scale, as compared to the public workers' version of SAVE-9, is a reliable and valid rating scale to assess the work-related stress and anxiety of public workers due to the viral epidemic.
Optimization of the Return Link Carrier Planning for a Constant Coding and Modulation Satellite Network
Authors: Lacoste C. , Maturo N. , Chatzinotas S. , Emiliani L.
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we propose an approach to optimize the frequency plan and associated bandwidth allocation in the return link of a broadband satellite network, by exploring several design techniques for carrier allocation plans. Since bandwidth is a limited resource in satellite telecommunications, the minimization of bandwidth usage is a core issue that satellite communication service providers must solve, in particular for networks using a constant coding and modulation plan, which lacks the flexibility found in newer satellite communication products and can be subject to hardware constraints. This problematic led us to raise the following question: how can the long term bandwidth requirement of the network be minimized, given a set of ground terminals, of Modulations and Codings, and of discrete bandwidths. In this document we formally define the long-term carrier allocation problem and analyze current practical solutions. We subsequently investigate two other potential solutions, found to be more bandwidth-efficient: one based on heuristics and another based on integer linear programming. Finally, we look at the impact of several parameters on the performance of those three methods. Overall we observed marginal reductions in bandwidth, however significant gains were reached for networks with small return links with low committed information rate, a case in which some constant coding and modulation networks could fall. We concluded that those networks could benefit from our methods and see a significant reduction in bandwidth, and subsequently operational costs, at low implementation costs.
Living Fossils: Sturgeon of the San Francisco Estuary
Authors: Vick Page E. , Kelly John T.
Published: October 2021

Sturgeon are fish that are considered living fossils. Their ancestors date back over 200 million years, to the same time as dinosaurs. These fish can grow taller than humans (over 2 m), weigh over 160 kg, and live as long as humans. Sturgeon species have special adaptations, such as a vacuum-like mouth and body armor called scutes. There are 27 species of sturgeon worldwide. Two species, green and white sturgeon, are native to California, USA, and are some of the largest animals in San Francisco Bay. Sturgeon populations have declined due to habitat loss, water management, overfishing, poaching, pollution, and climate change. Sturgeon cannot jump over barriers like salmon can, so structures like dams that block water also block sturgeon from reaching their natural spawning habitat farther upstream in the river. Scientists are using new technologies to monitor sturgeon populations and discover the unique behaviors of these dinosaur-era fish in California’s rivers and estuaries.
INSTRUMENTY PROMOCJI POLSZCZYZNY W ŚWIECIE:
„SPOTKANIA POLONISTYK TRZECH KRAJÓW
– CHINY, KOREA, JAPONIA”
Authors: Kajak Piotr
Published: October 2021

One of the most important initiatives serving the purpose of popularising the
Polish language worldwide is the Meetings of Polish Studies in Three Countries:
China, Korea, Japan (SPTK). The actions taken by specialists in Polish studies
coming from East Asian countries position the teaching of Polish as a foreign
language in a new sociopolitical context. Polish studies function at prestigious
higher education institutions of the region, the signifi cance of which increases
as a result of the changes occurring in the contemporary international relations.
Polish glottodidactics becomes one of the “tools” in the public diplomacy efforts
made by the Polish government at various levels using various means. The
cooperation and integration of Asian specialists in Polish studies raises the
global prestige of the Polish language and develops polonophony
Особенности системы источников конституционного права в Исламской Республике Иран
Authors: Goncharov Vitaly , Казахецян Гагик
Published: October 2021

The work is devoted to the consideration of some of the elements of the original system of Iranian legislation. The legal system of the Islamic Republic of Iran has a number of special elements that are not found in any other country in the modern world. These features are due to the fact that the state structure of Iran is a system of civil and religious authorities that play a primary role.
Peripheral capitalism of the Visegrad group states – selected issues
Authors: Pytlik Bogusław
Published: October 2021

The article presents different models of capitalism with special regard to those occurring in the countries of Central and East Europe after 1989. Next the reasons why in the Vysegrad Group countries, among others, the model of capitalism called peripheral, dependent, imitative or hybrid was shaped and got strengthened. A separate subject of reflections is the issue of further economic development.
An Impact Analysis of Farmer Field Schools on Hog Productivity: Evidence from China
Authors: Cai Jinyang , Ding Fengxiang , Hong Yu , Hu Ruifa
Published: October 2021

In recent decades, pigs and pork have been the central elements of Chinese agricultural systems, food security, and diet. China’s rapid income growth has induced a significant change in food consumption patterns, and hog production has received utmost attention from both, the Chinese government and the public. While the impact of Farmer Field Schools (FFS) on crop cultivation has been widely studied, few studies have examined the impact of FFS on hog production. This study uses data collected from 222 hog farmers in Beijing to examine the impact of FFS on the productivity of hog production, focusing on its three main indicators: feed conversion ratio and the mortality of sows and piglets. We found that farms that participated in FFS programs significantly improved the feed conversion ratio of hog production, particularly in small scale hog farms. On average, FFS reduced the feed conversion ratio for herd sizes of 1000, 500, and 200 by 6.8%, 10.7%, and 14.0%, respectively. We did not find evidence that farms that participated in FFS programs had a significant impact on minimizing the mortality of sows and piglets. This study suggests that the knowledge training model of the FFS program could also work in fields other than crop cultivation. Furthermore, we suggest that more attention could be paid to extension services diffusing knowledge of vaccination and disinfection in hog FFS programs.
Ovicidal and Physiological Effects of Essential Oils Extracted from Six Medicinal Plants on the Elm Leaf Beetle, Xanthogaleruca luteola (Mull.)
Authors: Valizadeh Bita , Jalali Sendi Jalal , Oftadeh Marziyeh , Ebadollahi Asgar , Krutmuang Patcharin
Published: October 2021

Plant essential oils may serve as safe alternatives to detrimental synthetic pesticides due to relatively lower side effects on the environment and non-targeted organisms. The current study was conducted to investigate the ovicidal toxicity and physiological disruptions of six medicinal plant essential oils, including Artemisia annua L., Lavandula angustifolia Mill., Origanum vulgare L., Rosmarinus officinalis Spenn., Satureja hortensis L., and Thymus vulgaris L., on elm leaf beetle Xanthogaleruca luteola (Mull.). The LC50 (Lethal Concentration to kill 50% of tested insects) values of 122.8, 287.5, 152.8, 180.6, 315.9, and 1366.2 ppm were recorded for T. vulgaris, L. angustifolia, A. annua, S. hortensis, R. officinalis, and O. vulgare, respectively, 72 h after treatment of 3-day-old eggs of the pest. Significant decreases in the amounts of glucose, protein, and triglyceride macromolecules were also observed after treatment. The application of essential oils derived from T. vulgaris, A. annua, and S. hortensis at 400 ppm revealed 100% ovicidal activity. Accordingly, tested essential oils, particularly the essential oil of T. vulgaris, have been promising potential as biorational insecticides in the management of X. luteola.
Do Walking Distance and Time Away from the Paddock Influence Daily Behaviour Patterns and Milk Yield of Grazing Dairy Cows?
Authors: Neave Heather W. , Edwards J. Paul , Thoday Helen , Saunders Katie , Zobel Gosia , Webster James R.
Published: October 2021

In pasture-based systems, cows may spend several hours away from the paddock and may also walk several kilometres to meet daily milking requirements; this could lead cows to experience time constraints for grazing, ruminating and lying time in the paddock. This study investigated how walking distance and time spent away from the paddock affected daily behavioural patterns (i.e., grazing, ruminating and lying time) and milk yield. Dairy cows were managed in three rotationally grazed groups (n = 29 cows each) on the same farm and milked twice daily. A triaxial ear tag accelerometer on each cow recorded daily duration of grazing and ruminating, and a leg-based accelerometer recorded the daily lying time, for 13 days. GPS collars on four cows per group recorded the daily walking distance and total time away from the paddock for the group. A mixed repeated measures model tested how time off-paddock and walking distance affected the daily behavioural patterns; age, breed, milk yield and maximum ambient temperature were used as covariates with group as the observational unit. A second similar model tested how these factors affected milk yield. Walking distance and time spent away from the paddock were not correlated. When daily walking distance increased (to a maximum of 4 km/d), cows spent more time grazing and less time ruminating, but lying time was not affected. This result may, in part, be related to the greater energy expenditure demands for walking longer distances and milk production. When time away from the paddock increased (to a maximum of 4 h/d), cows spent less time lying, but grazing and ruminating times were not affected. Milk yield was not affected by walking distance, but one of the groups experienced a lower milk yield when time away from the paddock was increased. This result suggests that, for some cows, lying times may be shorter when experiencing a longer time away from the paddock, which may also affect milk yield. Overall, this study indicates that paddock behaviours are associated with walking distance to the milking parlour and time spent away from the paddock. Efforts to reduce walking distance and time spent away from the paddock are likely to provide cows with greater opportunity to engage in daily behaviours in the paddock that meet their needs and maintain their milk yield.
Assessing Movement Quality in Youth Footballers: The Relationship between Hip and Lower Limb Movement Screen and Functional Movement Screen
Authors: Linek Pawel , Muckelt Paul E. , Sikora Damian , Booysen Nadine , Stokes Maria
Published: October 2021

The Hip and Lower Limb Movement Screen (HLLMS) was developed to detect altered movement patterns and asymmetry specifically related to hip, pelvic, and lower limb movement control, as the other tools, such as the Functional Movement Screen (FMS), lacked focus on the hip and pelvic area. Both screening tools contain symmetrical and asymmetrical motor tasks which are based on observation of different aspects of each task performance. One motor task is in both screening tools. Therefore, they have some common features. The present study aimed to assess the relationship between the HLLMS and FMS performance in youth football players. The study included 41 elite male football (soccer) players (age: 15.6 ± 0.50 years), and the HLLMS and FMS scores were analyzed by assessing Spearman’s rank correlation. The FMS total score and the FMSMOVE were moderately correlated with the HLLMS total score (R = −0.54; −0.53, respectively). The FMS rotatory stability task was moderately correlated with the HLLMS small knee bend with the trunk rotation task (R = −0.50). The FMS deep squat task was moderately correlated with the HLLMS deep squat task (R = −0.46). The FMS hurdle step was weakly correlated with two of the HLLMS tasks: standing hip flexion (R = −0.37) and hip abduction with external rotation (R = −0.34). There were no other relationships found (p > 0.05). Out of the seven FMS tasks, only one asymmetrical (trunk rotary stability) and one symmetrical (deep squat) task were moderately related to the newly developed HLLMS tool contributing moderate relationship between the FMS total score and the HLLMS total score. Other FMS tasks were weakly or unrelated with the HLLMS. These findings indicate that these two screening tools mainly assess different aspects of movement quality in healthy youth football players.
Risk Factors Associated with Cusp Fractures in Posterior Permanent Teeth—A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Morimoto Susana , Lia Wilma K. C. , Gonçalves Flavia , Nagase Denis Yudi , Gimenez Thais , Raggio Daniela Procida , Özcan Mutlu
Published: October 2021

Objectives: This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the frequency and risk factors associated with cusp fractures in posterior permanent teeth. Methods: Patients presented cusp fractures on posterior permanent teeth, clinically assessed in up to 7 days after the event, and requesting dental treatment at two public services were included in this cross-sectional study. Fractured teeth already treated, with antagonist absence, or with prosthesis (total or removable) were excluded. Demographic and clinical data were collected to draw the patient profiles and establish how teeth were affected individually. Statistical analysis was performed by the Fisher exact test, and uni- and multivariate logistic regression (α = 0.05). Results: One hundred and seventy-seven (177) patients from 16 to 66 years old (±41.56), from 1998 to 2016, were included in this study. Non-functional and lingual cusps presented a higher fracture than functional and buccal cusps, respectively. Fractures were more common in teeth with isthmus wider than 1/3 of the intercuspid distance and/or more than three restored surfaces. Teeth with endodontic treatment presented a higher subgingival fracture. On lingual cusps, fracture type and location were significantly associated, being that total fractures were 3.2 times more likely to occur than partial fractures, and subgingival were 3.62 times more likely to occur than supragingival fractures. Conclusion: Indications of classic protection on functional cusps (LUBL) was refuted since, generally, nonfunctional cusps fractured more than the functional cusps. However, upper pre-molars showed more fractures in functional cusps and lower molars presented more fractures on the nonfunctional cusps. In general, lingual cusps were the most fractured and were associated with a higher prevalence of severe fractures (total fractures at the subgingival level). Fractures were more common in teeth where the restoration had an isthmus wider than 1/3 of the intercuspid distance and/or involved more than three restored surfaces. Most of the patients did not show previous symptoms and signs. Overall, teeth with endodontic treatment presented a higher subgingival fracture.
Application of PCSWMM for the 1-D and 1-D–2-D Modeling of Urban Flooding in Damansara Catchment, Malaysia
Authors: Sidek Lariyah Mohd , Chua Lloyd Hock Chye , Azizi Aqilah Syasya Mohd , Basri Hidayah , Jaafar Aminah Shakirah , Moon Wei Chek
Published: October 2021

Coupled with climate change, the urbanization-driven increase in the frequency and intensity of floods can be seen in both developing and developed countries, and Malaysia is no exemption. As part of flood hazard mitigation, this study aimed to simulate the urban flood scenarios in Malaysia’s urbanized catchments. The flood simulation was performed using the Personal Computer Storm Water Management Model (PCSWMM) modeling of the Damansara catchment as a case study. An integrated hydrologic-hydraulic model was developed for the 1-D river flow modeling and 1-D–2-D drainage overflow modeling. The reliability of the 1-D river flow model was confirmed through the calibration and validation, in which the water level in TTDI Jaya was satisfactorily predicted, supported by the coefficient of determination (R2), Nash–Sutcliffe model efficiency coefficient (NSE), and relative error (RE). The performance of the 1-D–2-D model was further demonstrated based on the flood depth, extent, and risk caused by the drainage overflow. Two scenarios were tested, and the comparison results showed that the current drainage effectively reduced the drainage overflow due to the increased size of drains compared to the historic drainage in 2015. The procedure and findings of this study could serve as references for the application in flood mitigation planning worldwide, especially for developing countries.
Dermoscopy Images Enhancement via Multi-Scale Morphological Operations
Authors: Mello-Román Julio César , Vázquez Noguera José Luis , Legal-Ayala Horacio , García-Torres Miguel , Facon Jacques , Pinto-Roa Diego P. , Grillo Sebastian A. , Salgueiro Romero Luis , Salgueiro Toledo Lizza A. , Bareiro Paniagua Laura Raquel , Leguizamon Correa Deysi Natalia , Mello-Román Jorge Daniel
Published: October 2021

Skin dermoscopy images frequently lack contrast caused by varying light conditions. Indeed, often low contrast is seen in dermoscopy images of melanoma, causing the lesion to blend in with the surrounding skin. In addition, the low contrast prevents certain details from being seen in the image. Therefore, it is necessary to design an approach that can enhance the contrast and details of dermoscopic images. In this work, we propose a multi-scale morphological approach to reduce the impacts of lack of contrast and to enhance the quality of the images. By top-hat reconstruction, the local bright and dark features are extracted from the image. The local bright features are added and the dark features are subtracted from the image. In this way, images with higher contrast and detail are obtained. The proposed approach was applied to a database of 236 color images of benign and malignant melanocytic lesions. The results show that the multi-scale morphological approach by reconstruction is a competitive algorithm since it achieved a very satisfactory level of contrast enhancement and detail enhancement in dermoscopy images.
Morphology-Dependent Resonances in Two Concentric Spheres with Variable Refractive Index in the Outer Layer: Analytic Solutions
Authors: Nuntaplook Umaporn , Adam John A.
Published: October 2021

In many applications constant or piecewise constant refractive index profiles are used to study the scattering of plane electromagnetic waves by a spherical object. When the structured media has variable refractive indices, this is more of a challenge. In this paper, we investigate the morphology dependent resonances for the scattering of electromagnetic waves from two concentric spheres when the outer shell has a variable refractive index. The resonance analysis is applied to the general solutions of the radial Debye potential for both transverse magnetic and transverse electric modes. Finally, the analytic conditions to determine the resonance locations for this system are derived in the closed form of both modes. Our numerical results are provided with discussion.
GYY4137 Regulates Extracellular Matrix Turnover in the Diabetic Kidney by Modulating Retinoid X Receptor Signaling
Authors: Juin Subir Kumar , Pushpakumar Sathnur , Sen Utpal
Published: October 2021

Diabetic kidney is associated with an accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) leading to renal fibrosis. Dysregulation of retinoic acid metabolism involving retinoic acid receptors (RARs) and retinoid X receptors (RXRs) has been shown to play a crucial role in diabetic nephropathy (DN). Furthermore, RARs and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) are known to control the RXR-mediated transcriptional regulation of several target genes involved in DN. Recently, RAR and RXR have been shown to upregulate plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), a major player involved in ECM accumulation and renal fibrosis during DN. Interestingly, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been shown to ameliorate adverse renal remodeling in DN. We investigated the role of RXR signaling in the ECM turnover in diabetic kidney, and whether H2S can mitigate ECM accumulation by modulating PPAR/RAR-mediated RXR signaling. We used wild-type (C57BL/6J), diabetic (C57BL/6-Ins2Akita/J) mice and mouse mesangial cells (MCs) as experimental models. GYY4137 was used as a H2S donor. Results showed that in diabetic kidney, the expression of PPARγ was decreased, whereas upregulations of RXRα, RXRβ, and RARγ1 expression were observed. The changes were associated with elevated PAI-1, MMP-9 and MMP-13. In addition, the expressions of collagen IV, fibronectin and laminin were increased, whereas elastin expression was decreased in the diabetic kidney. Excessive collagen deposition was observed predominantly in the peri-glomerular and glomerular regions of the diabetic kidney. Immunohistochemical localization revealed elevated expression of fibronectin and laminin in the glomeruli of the diabetic kidney. GYY4137 reversed the pathological changes. Similar results were observed in in vitro experiments. In conclusion, our data suggest that RXR signaling plays a significant role in ECM turnover, and GYY4137 modulates PPAR/RAR-mediated RXR signaling to ameliorate PAI-1-dependent adverse ECM turnover in DN.
Alcohol Metabolism Enriches Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cancer Stem Cells That Survive Oxidative Stress via Autophagy
Authors: Shimonosono Masataka , Tanaka Koji , Flashner Samuel , Takada Satoshi , Matsuura Norihiro , Tomita Yasuto , Sachdeva Uma M. , Noguchi Eishi , Sangwan Veena , Ferri Lorenzo , Momen-Heravi Fatemeh , Yoon Angela J. , Klein-Szanto Andres J. , Diehl J. Alan , Nakagawa Hiroshi
Published: October 2021

Background: Alcohol (ethanol) consumption is a major risk factor for head and neck and esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). However, how ethanol (EtOH) affects SCC homeostasis is incompletely understood. Methods: We utilized three-dimensional (3D) organoids and xenograft tumor transplantation models to investigate how EtOH exposure influences intratumoral SCC cell populations including putative cancer stem cells defined by high CD44 expression (CD44H cells). Results: Using 3D organoids generated from SCC cell lines, patient-derived xenograft tumors, and patient biopsies, we found that EtOH is metabolized via alcohol dehydrogenases to induce oxidative stress associated with mitochondrial superoxide generation and mitochondrial depolarization, resulting in apoptosis of the majority of SCC cells within organoids. However, CD44H cells underwent autophagy to negate EtOH-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis and were subsequently enriched in organoids and xenograft tumors when exposed to EtOH. Importantly, inhibition of autophagy increased EtOH-mediated apoptosis and reduced CD44H cell enrichment, xenograft tumor growth, and organoid formation rate. Conclusions: This study provides mechanistic insights into how EtOH may influence SCC cells and establishes autophagy as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of EtOH-associated SCC.
Sleep and White Matter in Adults with Down Syndrome
Authors: Fleming Victoria , Piro-Gambetti Brianna , Bazydlo Austin , Zammit Matthew , Alexander Andrew L. , Christian Bradley T. , Handen Benjamin , Plante David T. , Hartley Sigan L.
Published: October 2021

Adults with Down syndrome are at a high risk for disordered sleep. These sleep problems could have marked effects on aging and Alzheimer’s disease, potentially altering white matter integrity. This study examined the associations between disordered sleep assessed via an actigraph accelerometer worn on 7 consecutive nights, presence of diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea, and diffusion tensor imaging indices of white matter integrity in 29 non-demented adults with Down Syndrome (48% female, aged 33–54 years). Average total sleep time was associated with lower mean diffusivity in the left superior longitudinal fasciculus (r = −0.398, p = 0.040). Average sleep efficiency, length of awakenings, and movement index were related to fractional anisotropy in the right inferior longitudinal fasciculus (r = −0.614 to 0.387, p ≤ 0.050). Diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea was associated with fractional anisotropy in the right inferior longitudinal fasciculus (r = −0.373, p = 0.050). Findings suggest that more disrupted sleep is associated with lower white matter integrity in the major association tracts in middle-aged adults with Down syndrome. Longitudinal work is needed to confirm the directionally of associations. Sleep interventions could be an important component for promoting optimal brain aging in the Down syndrome population.
Predicting Indoor Temperature Distribution Based on Contribution Ratio of Indoor Climate (CRI) and Mobile Sensors
Authors: Zhao Yanan , Zang Zihan , Zhang Weirong , Wei Shen , Xuan Yingli
Published: October 2021

In practical building control, quickly obtaining detailed indoor temperature distribution is necessary for providing satisfying personal comfort and improving building energy efficiency. The aim of this study is to propose a fast prediction method for indoor temperature distribution without knowing the thermal boundary conditions in practical applications. In this method, the index of contribution ratio of indoor climate (CRI), which represents the independent contribution of each heat source to the temperature distribution, has been combined with the air temperature collected by one mobile sensor at the height of the working area. Based on a typical office model, the effectiveness of using mobile sensors was discussed, and the influence of its acquisition height and acquisition distance on the prediction accuracy was analyzed as well. The results showed that the proposed prediction method was effective. When the sensors fixed on the wall were used to predict the indoor temperature distribution, the maximum average relative error was 27.7%, whereas when the mobile sensor was used to replace the fixed sensors, the maximum average relative error was 4.8%. This indicates that using mobile sensors with flexible acquisition location can help promote both reliability and accuracy of temperature prediction. In the human activity area, data from a set of mobile sensors were used to predict the temperature distribution at four heights. The prediction accuracy was 2.1%, 2.1%, 2.3%, and 2.7%, respectively. However, the influence of acquisition distance of mobile sensors on prediction accuracy cannot be ignored. The distance should be large enough to disperse the distribution of the acquisition points. Due to the influence of airflow, some distance between the acquisition points and the room boundaries should be given.
Neuron-Specific IMP2 Overexpression by Synapsin Promoter-Driven AAV9: A Tool to Study Its Role in Axon Regeneration
Authors: Blizard Sarah , Park Danielle , O’Toole Natalie , Norooz Sheeva , Dela Torre Martin , Son Young , Holstein Adam , Austin Scarlett , Harman Joshua , Haraszti Samantha , Fared Daved , Xu Mei
Published: October 2021

Insulin-like growth factor II mRNA-binding protein (IMP) 2 is one of the three homologues (IMP1-3) that belong to a conserved family of mRNA-binding proteins. Its alternative splice product is aberrantly expressed in human hepatocellular carcinoma, and it is therefore identified as HCC. Previous works have indicated that IMP1/ZBP1 (zipcode binding protein) is critical in axon guidance and regeneration by regulating localization and translation of specific mRNAs. However, the role of IMP2 in the nervous system is largely unknown. We used the synapsin promoter-driven adeno-associated viral (AAV) 9 constructs for transgene expression both in vitro and in vivo. These viral vectors have proven to be effective to transduce the neuron-specific overexpression of IMP2 and HCC. Applying this viral vector in the injury-conditioned dorsal root ganglion (DRG) culture demonstrates that overexpression of IMP2 significantly inhibits axons regenerating from the neurons, whereas overexpression of HCC barely interrupts the process. Quantitative analysis of binding affinities of IMPs to β-actin mRNA reveals that it is closely associated with their roles in axon regeneration. Although IMPs share significant structural homology, the distinctive functions imply their different ability to localize specific mRNAs and to regulate the axonal translation.
The Many Potential Fates of Non-Canonical Protein Substrates Subject to NEDDylation
Authors: Vijayasimha Kartikeya , Dolan Brian P.
Published: October 2021

Neuronal precursor cell-expressed developmentally down-regulated protein 8 (NEDD8) is a ubiquitin-like protein (UBL) whose canonical function involves binding to, and thus, activating Cullin–Ring finger Ligases (CRLs), one of the largest family of ubiquitin ligases in the eukaryotic cell. However, in recent years, several non-canonical protein substrates of NEDD8 have been identified. Here we attempt to review the recent literature regarding non-canonical NEDDylation of substrates with a particular focus on how the covalent modification of NEDD8 alters the protein substrate. Like much in the study of ubiquitin and UBLs, there are no clear and all-encompassing explanations to satisfy the textbooks. In some instances, NEDD8 modification appears to alter the substrates localization, particularly during times of stress. NEDDylation may also have conflicting impacts upon a protein’s stability: some reports indicate NEDDylation may protect against degradation whereas others show NEDDylation can promote degradation. We also examine how many of the in vitro studies measuring non-canonical NEDDylation were conducted and compare those conditions to those which may occur in vivo, such as cancer progression. It is likely that the conditions used to study non-canonical NEDDylation are similar to some types of cancers, such as glioblastoma, colon and rectal cancers, and lung adenocarcinomas. Although the full outcomes of non-canonical NEDDylation remain unknown, our review of the literature suggests that researchers keep an open mind to the situations where this modification occurs and determine the functional impacts of NEDD8-modification to the specific substrates which they study.
Influence of Age and Breed on Bovine Ovarian Capillary Blood Supply, Ovarian Mitochondria and Telomere Length
Authors: Kordowitzki Paweł , Merle Roswitha , Hass Pascal-Kolja , Plendl Johanna , Rieger Juliane , Kaessmeyer Sabine
Published: October 2021

Worldwide, dairy cows of the type of high-producing cattle (HPC) suffer from health and fertility problems at a young age and therefore lose productivity after an average of only three lactations. It is still contentious whether these problems are primarily due to genetics, management, feeding or other factors. Vascularization plays a fundamental role in the cyclic processes of reproductive organs, as well as in the regeneration of tissues. In a previous study, HPC were shown to have a greater ovarian corpus luteum vascularization compared to dual-purpose breeds. We hypothesize that this activated angiogenesis could likely lead to an early exhaustion of HPC′s regenerative capacity and thus to premature reproductive senescence. The objective of this study was to investigate if a HPC breed (Holstein-Friesian, HF) exhibits higher ovarian angiogenesis than a dual-purpose breed (Polish Red cow, PR) and if this is related to early ovarian aging and finally reproductive failure. For this purpose, we assessed the degree of vascularization by means of ovarian blood vessel characterization using light microscopy. As indicators for aging, we measured ovarian mitochondrial size and telomere length in peripheral leukocytes. We report in this study that in both breeds the distance between capillaries became smaller with increasing age and that the mean telomere length decreased with increasing age. The only difference between the two breeds was that PR developed larger capillaries than HF. Neither a relationship between telomere length, nor the morphology of the mitochondrial apparatus and nor angiogenesis in HF was proven. Although the data trends indicated that the proportion of shortened telomeres in HF was higher than in the PR, no significant difference between the two breeds was detected.
Neutrophil Extracellular Traps-DNase Balance and Autoimmunity
Authors: Angeletti Andrea , Volpi Stefano , Bruschi Maurizio , Lugani Francesca , Vaglio Augusto , Prunotto Marco , Gattorno Marco , Schena Francesca , Verrina Enrico , Ravelli Angelo , Ghiggeri Gian Marco
Published: October 2021

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are macromolecular structures programmed to trap circulating bacteria and viruses. The accumulation of NETs in the circulation correlates with the formation of anti-double-stranded (ds) DNA antibodies and is considered a causative factor for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The digestion of DNA by DNase1 and DNases1L3 is the rate- limiting factor for NET accumulation. Mutations occurring in one of these two DNase genes determine anti-DNA formation and are associated with severe Lupus-like syndromes and lupus nephritis (LN). A second mechanism that may lead to DNase functional impairment is the presence of circulating DNase inhibitors in patients with low DNase activity, or the generation of anti-DNase antibodies. This phenomenon has been described in a relevant number of patients with SLE and may represent an important mechanism determining autoimmunity flares. On the basis of the reviewed studies, it is tempting to suppose that the blockade or selective depletion of anti-DNase autoantibodies could represent a potential novel therapeutic approach to prevent or halt SLE and LN. In general, strategies aimed at reducing NET formation might have a similar impact on the progression of SLE and LN.
NPG–TRIS Thermal Storage System. Quantification of the Limiting Processes: Sublimation and Water’s Adsorption
Authors: De La Pinta Noelia , Santos-Moreno Sergio , Doppiu Stephania , Igartua Josu M. , Palomo del Barrio Elena , López Gabriel A.
Published: October 2021

The NPG–TRIS binary system (NPG = (CH3)2C(CH2OH)2 = 2,2-dimetyl-1,3-propanodiol; TRIS = NH2C(CH2OH)3 = 2-Amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propanediol) was intensively investigated as a thermal energy storage system, due to the reversibility of its phase transitions and their associated energy. An adapted methodology was applied to precisely quantify its sublimation tendency. Relevant thermochemical data were revisited and evaluated using some specific experimental procedures. We also determined that the widely accepted requirement of working in an inert atmosphere to avoid deviations due to hygroscopicity is not necessary. Nevertheless, to take advantage of the energetic properties of the NPG–TRIS system, closed containers will be required to avoid NPG losses, due to its quantitatively determined high sublimation tendency.
Diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolism in Unenhanced Dual Energy CT Using an Electron Density Image
Authors: Bae Kyungsoo , Jeon Kyung-Nyeo
Published: October 2021

Dual-energy computed tomography (CT) is a promising tool, providing both anatomical information and material properties. Using spectral information such as iodine mapping and virtual monoenergetic reconstruction, dual-energy CT showed added value over pulmonary CT angiography in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. However, the role of non-contrast-enhanced dual energy CT in pulmonary embolism has never been reported. Here, we report a case of acute pulmonary embolism detected on an electron density image from an unenhanced dual-energy CT using a dual-layer detector system.
Reinforcement Learning-Based Multihop Relaying: A Decentralized Q-Learning Approach
Authors: Wang Xiaowei , Wang Xin
Published: October 2021

Conventional optimization-based relay selection for multihop networks cannot resolve the conflict between performance and cost. The optimal selection policy is centralized and requires local channel state information (CSI) of all hops, leading to high computational complexity and signaling overhead. Other optimization-based decentralized policies cause non-negligible performance loss. In this paper, we exploit the benefits of reinforcement learning in relay selection for multihop clustered networks and aim to achieve high performance with limited costs. Multihop relay selection problem is modeled as Markov decision process (MDP) and solved by a decentralized Q-learning scheme with rectified update function. Simulation results show that this scheme achieves near-optimal average end-to-end (E2E) rate. Cost analysis reveals that it also reduces computation complexity and signaling overhead compared with the optimal scheme.
On the Use of Base Temperature by Heat Cost Allocation in Buildings
Authors: Michnikowski Paweł , Cholewa Tomasz
Published: October 2021

Heat cost allocators (HCAs) have a high market share in existing buildings, which may cause problems, especially with variable heat cost allocation due to wrong readings from HCAs and/or the method used in the heat cost allocation process. That is why we proposed two easily applicable and clear methods, which may be used with two types of HCAs commonly used in the billing practice. The proposed methods were presented on the example of the actual allocation of variable heating costs for a multi-family building located in Poland, and the results of billing were compared with three other methods of variable heating costs allocation. Owing to the proposed methods, higher (K = 0.5260 for schema A, K = 0.4468 for schema B) values of the correlation coefficient between heating costs and the average indoor temperature were obtained than for the methods commonly used in accounting practice. Additionally, the use of the proposed method allows for the elimination of defective indications of heat cost allocators in the billing process and discrepancies in the indications of HCAs in individual flats, which do not have technical justification and violate the norms of social coexistence.
Treatment of Light-Induced Degradation for Solar Cells in a p-PERC Solar Module via Induction Heating
Authors: Seok Min-gwang , Kim Junhee , Lee Yonghwan , Kim Yoonkap , Kim Yangdo , Kim Soo Min
Published: October 2021

In the photovoltaic industry, there is great interest in increasing the power output of solar cells to achieve grid parity and to promote the widespread use of solar cells. However, despite many developments, a phenomenon called light-induced degradation causes the efficiency of solar cells to deteriorate over time. This study proposes a treatment that can be applied to cells within solar modules. It uses a half-bridge resonance circuit to induce a magnetic field and selectively heat Al electrodes in the solar cells. The electrical state of a solar module was measured in real time as it was being heated, and the results were combined with a kinetics simulation using a cyclic reaction. As the temperature of the solar module increased, the time taken to reach the saturation point and the recovery time decreased. Moreover, the value of the saturation point increased. The light-induced degradation activation energy was similar to results in the existing literature, suggesting that the kinetic model was valid and applicable even when 72 cells were connected in series. This demonstrates that an entire solar module can be treated when the cells are connected in series, and in future multiple modules, could be connected in series during treatment.
Analysis on the Use of Briquettes as an Alternative to Improve the Generation of Thermal Energy in the Locality of Aripuana-Brazil
Authors: Cardenas-Rodriguez Haylemar de Nazaret , Martins Rosa , Oliveira Levy Ely Lacerda , Bonaldi Erik Leandro , Assuncao Frederico de Oliveira , Lambert-Torres Germano , Villa-Nova Helcio Francisco , Sant’Ana Wilson Cesar , Borges-da-Silva Luiz Eduardo , Bomfin Clodoaldo Barboza , Haddad Jamil
Published: October 2021

The city of Aripuana is one of the largest wood producer in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. Wood residues are used in the electricity generation at three thermoelectric plants in this region. However, the plants have high costs in transporting the wood residues (due to poor road conditions). Hence, this paper compares the energy performance of wood residues in natura and compacted as briquettes by calculating the heating value and determining the influence of moisture content on the energy characteristics of wood residues. The goal is to demonstrate the viability of using briquettes in order to improve thermoelectric generation. The wood residues from this region are affected by the high humidity of the biome. An alternative to improve the use of energy contained in the wood residues is to produce briquettes with lower humidity. This allows one to maintain high levels of heat energy in a lower volume, facilitating handling and storage. The results show that the use of briquettes improved the performance of thermoelectric plants, generating 1 MW of electricity power with less than 1 ton of briquettes. This contributes to the preservation of the environment, reducing operating costs, transportation and storage of the raw materials.