bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recurrent Selection by Herbicide Sublethal Dose and Drought Stress Results in Rapid Reduction of Herbicide Sensitivity in Junglerice
Authors: Benedetti Lariza , Rangani Gulab , Ebeling Viana Vívian , Carvalho-Moore Pâmela , Rabaioli Camargo Edinalvo , Avila Luis Antonio de , Roma-Burgos Nilda
Published: October 2020

Echinochloa colona (junglerice) is a problematic global weed for many crops, primarily controlled with herbicides. Drought stress alters the overall plant physiology and reduces herbicide efficacy. This research aimed to study the joint effect of drought stress (DS) and recurrent selection with sublethal dose of herbicide on adaptive gene expression and herbicide efficacy on E. colona. Three factors were evaluated: (A) E. colona generation (G0, original population from susceptible standard; G1 and G2, progenies of recurrent selection); (B) herbicide treatment (florpyrauxifen-benzyl, 0.25×; glyphosate, 0.125×; quinclorac, 0.125× the recommended dose; and nontreated check); (C) DS (50% and 100% field capacity). Recurrent exposure to sublethal herbicide dose, combined with drought stress, favors the selection of plants less susceptible to the herbicide. Upregulation of defense (antioxidant) genes (APX: ascorbate peroxidase), herbicide detoxification genes (CYP450 family: cytochrome P450), stress acclimation genes (HSP: heat-shock protein, TPP: trehalose phosphate phosphatase, and TPS: trehalose phosphate synthase), and genes related to herbicide conjugation (UGT: UDP glucosyltransferase) in the G2 population was significant. Recurrent exposure to sublethal herbicide dose under drought stress reduces junglerice sensitivity to herbicide, seemingly due to “imprinted” upregulation of metabolic and protection genes in response to these stresses.
Induction of Plant Resistance against Tobacco Mosaic Virus Using the Biocontrol Agent Streptomyces cellulosae Isolate Actino 48
Authors: Abo-Zaid Gaber Attia , Matar Saleh Mohamed , Abdelkhalek Ahmed
Published: October 2020

Viral plant diseases represent a serious problem in agricultural production, causing large shortages in the production of food crops. Eco-friendly approaches are used in controlling viral plant infections, such as biocontrol agents. In the current study, Streptomyces cellulosae isolate Actino 48 is tested as a biocontrol agent for the management of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and inducing tomato plant systemic resistance under greenhouse conditions. Foliar application of a cell pellet suspension of Actino 48 (2 × 107 cfu. mL−1) is performed at 48 h before inoculation with TMV. Peroxidase activity, chitinase activity, protein content, and the total phenolic compounds are measured in tomato leaves at 21 dpi. On the other hand, the TMV accumulation level and the transcriptional changes of five tomato defense-related genes (PAL, PR-1, CHS, PR-3, and PR-2) are studied. Treatment with Actino 48 before TMV inoculation (48 h) induced tomato plants to increase their levels of peroxidase and chitinase enzymes. Furthermore, a significant increase in the concentration of total phenolic compounds was observed in Actino 48 and TMV-treated tomato plants compared to TMV-treated tomato plants alone. Treatment with Actino 48 reduced the TMV accumulation level (53.8%) compared to treatment with the virus alone. Actino 48 induced plant growth, where the fresh and dry weights of tomato plants increased. Additionally, significant increases of the PAL, PR-1, CHS, and PR-3 transcripts were observed. On the other hand, a higher induction of PR-2 was only observed in TMV-treated tomato plants. In conclusion, S. cellulosae isolate Actino 48 can be used as a biocontrol agent for the reduction of symptoms and severity of TMV.
Classification of Basal Stem Rot Disease in Oil Palm Plantations Using Terrestrial Laser Scanning Data and Machine Learning
Authors: Husin Nur A. , Khairunniza-Bejo Siti , Abdullah Ahmad F. , Kassim Muhamad S. M. , Ahmad Desa , Aziz Mohd H. A.
Published: October 2020

The oil palm industry is vital for the Malaysian economy. However, it is threatened by the Ganoderma boninense fungus, which causes basal stem rot (BSR) disease. Foliar symptoms of the disease include the appearance of several unopened spears, flat crowns, and small crown size. The effect of this disease depends on the severity of the infection. Currently, the disease can be detected manually by analyzing the oil palm tree’s physical structure. Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) is an active ranging method that uses laser light, which can directly represent the tree’s external structure. This study aimed to classify the healthiness levels of the BSR disease using a machine learning (ML) approach. A total of 80 oil palm trees with four different healthiness levels were pre-determined by the experts during data collection with 40 each for training and testing. The four healthiness levels are T0 (healthy), T1 (mildly infected), T2 (moderately infected), and T3 (severely infected), with 10 trees in each level. A terrestrial scanner was mounted at a height of 1 m, and each oil palm was scanned at four positions at a distance of 1.5 m around the tree. Five tree features were extracted from the TLS data: C200 (crown slice at 200 cm from the top), C850 (crown slice at 850 cm from the top), crown area (number of pixels inside the crown), frond angle, and frond number. C200 and C850 were obtained using the crown stratification method, while the other three features were obtained from the top-down image. The obtained features were then analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA) to reduce the dimensionality of the dataset and increase its interpretability while at the same time minimizing information loss. The results showed that the kernel naïve Bayes (KNB) model developed using the input parameters of the principal components (PCs) 1 and 2 had the best performance among 90 other models with a multiple level accuracy of 85% and a Kappa coefficient of 0.80. Furthermore, the combination of the two highest PC variance with the most weighted to frond number, frond angle, crown area, and C200 significantly contributed to the classification success. The model also could classify healthy and mildly infected trees with 100% accuracy. Therefore, it can be concluded that the ML approach using TLS data can be used to predict early BSR infection with high accuracy.
Helicobacter pylori Primary and Secondary Genotypic Resistance to Clarithromycin and Levofloxacin Detection in Stools: A 4-Year Scenario in Southern Italy
Authors: Losurdo Giuseppe , Giorgio Floriana , Pricci Maria , Girardi Bruna , Russo Francesco , Riezzo Giuseppe , Martulli Manuela , Piazzolla Mariano , Cocomazzi Francesco , Abbruzzi Francesco , Parente Elisabetta , Paolillo Rosa , Mileti Alessia , Iannone Andrea , Principi Mariabeatrice , Ierardi Enzo , Di Leo Alfredo
Published: October 2020

Antibiotic resistance has become an emerging problem for treating Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. Clarithromycin and levofloxacin are two key antibiotics used for its eradication. Therefore, we reviewed our experience with genotypic resistance analysis in stools to both clarithromycin and levofloxacin in the last four years to evaluate time trends, both in naive and failure patients. Patients collected a fecal sample using the THD fecal test device. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect point mutations conferring resistance to clarithromycin (A2142C, A2142G, and A2143G in 23S rRNA) and levofloxacin (substitutions at amino acid position 87 and 91 of gyrA). One hundred and thirty-five naive patients were recruited between 2017–2020. Clarithromycin resistance was detected in 37 (27.4%). The time trend did not show any significant variation from 2017 to 2020 (p = 0.33). Primary levofloxacin resistance was found in 26 subjects (19.2%), and we observed a dramatic increase in rates from 2017 (10%) to 2018 (3.3%), 2019 (20%), and 2020 (37.8%). Ninety-one patients with at least one eradication failure were recruited. Secondary resistance to clarithromycin and levofloxacin was found in 59 (64.8%) and 45 patients (59.3%), respectively. In conclusion, our geographic area has a high risk of resistance to clarithromycin. There is also a progressive spreading of levofloxacin-resistant strains.
Efficacy of Double-Dose Dapsone Combination Therapy in the Treatment of Chronic Lyme Disease/Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS) and Associated Co-infections: A Report of Three Cases and Retrospective Chart Review
Authors: I. Horowitz Richard , R. Freeman Phyllis
Published: October 2020

Three patients with multi-year histories of relapsing and remitting Lyme disease and associated co-infections despite extended antibiotic therapy were each given double-dose dapsone combination therapy (DDD CT) for a total of 7–8 weeks. At the completion of therapy, all three patients’ major Lyme symptoms remained in remission for a period of 25–30 months. A retrospective chart review of 37 additional patients undergoing DDD CT therapy (40 patients in total) was also performed, which demonstrated tick-borne symptom improvements in 98% of patients, with 45% remaining in remission for 1 year or longer. In conclusion, double-dose dapsone therapy could represent a novel and effective anti-infective strategy in chronic Lyme disease/post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS), especially in those individuals who have failed regular dose dapsone combination therapy (DDS CT) or standard antibiotic protocols. A randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial is warranted to evaluate the efficacy of DDD CT in those individuals with chronic Lyme disease/PTLDS.
Cytotoxic and DNA-Damaging Effects of Aronia melanocarpa, Cornus mas, and Chaenomeles superba Leaf Extracts on the Human Colon Adenocarcinoma Cell Line Caco-2
Authors: Efenberger-Szmechtyk Magdalena , Nowak Adriana , Nowak Agnieszka
Published: October 2020

Aronia melanocarpa, Cornus mas, and Chaenomeles superba leaf extracts contain large amounts of bioactive compounds—mainly polyphenols, which possess many health benefits including anti-cancer properties. Here, we investigate the biological effects of A. melanocarpa, C. mas, and C. superba leaf extracts on the human colon adenocarcinoma cell line Caco-2. The antiproliferative activity of the extracts was measured using the MTT assay. The most cytotoxic extract was C. mas (IC50 = 0.60%). The extracts caused morphological changes in the Caco-2 cells, including partial detachment of cells, necrotic cells, chromatin condensation, cytoplasmic vacuolization, cell nuclei lysis, and nucleus fragmentation. The DNA damage in the Caco-2 cells after exposure to the leaf extracts was measured using the alkaline comet assay. The extracts increased DNA damage in a concentration dependent manner. However, at lower non-cyto- and non-genotoxic (IC0) concentrations the extracts induced DNA repair in Caco-2 cells after exposure to hydrogen peroxide. In conclusion, the results of these studies suggest that A. melanocarpa, C. mas and C. superba leaf extracts can show anticancer activity. However, further research is required on the mechanisms of anti-cancer activity by these extracts, with the application of more advanced and wide-ranging techniques including in vivo experiments.
Risk Factors Impacting the Project Value Created by Green Buildings in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alattyih Wael , Haider Husnain , Boussabaine Halim
Published: October 2020

Green buildings are playing a pivotal role in sustainable urban development around the world, including Saudi Arabia. Green buildings subject to various sources of risk that influence the potential outcomes of the investments or services added in their design. The present study developed a structured framework to examine various risks that may lead to green buildings’ value destruction in Saudi Arabia. The framework initiates with identification of 66 potential risk factors from reported literature. A questionnaire compiling a list of identified risk factors was hand-delivered to 300 practitioners (managers, engineers, and architects) having knowledge of value engineering in the construction industry, and an overall response rate of 29.7% was achieved. Subsequently, descriptive statistics ranked the risk factors based on scores given by the respondents. The principal component analysis extracted 16 components, based on the likelihood of risk factors impacting the value created by green building design. Finally, the factor analysis grouped the 35 most significant risk factors in 5 clusters—i.e., 8 in functional risk, 13 in financial risk, 3 in operational risk, 3 in environmental risk, and 8 in management risk cluster. The study enhances the understanding of the importance of the risk factors’ impact on value creation. Based on the results, the value management (or engineering) teams and the top-level management can identify, manage, and control the risk factors that have a significant impact on the project value created by green building design.
Affordable, Energy-Efficient Housing Design for Chile: Achieving Passivhaus Standard with the Chilean State Housing Subsidy
Authors: Martinez-Soto Aner , Saldias-Lagos Yarela , Marincioni Valentina , Nix Emily
Published: October 2020

In Chile, it is estimated that the energy demand will continue to increase if substantial energy efficiency measures in housing are not taken. These measures are generally associated with technical and mainly economic difficulties. This paper aims to show the technical and economic feasibility of achieving Passivhaus standard house in Chile, considering the budget of the maximum state subsidy currently available (Chilean Unidad de Fomento (CLF) 2000 ≈ 81,000 USD). The design was simulated in the Passive House Planning Package software to determine if the house could be certified with the selected standard. At the same time, the value of all the items was quantified in order not to exceed the stipulated maximum budget for a house considered as affordable. It was shown that in terms of design it is possible to implement the Passivhaus standard given the current housing subsidy. The designed housing ensures a reduction of 85% in heating demand and a 60% reduction in CO2 emissions during the operation, compared to an average typical Chilean house.
Glyphosate-Based Herbicide Toxicophenomics in Marine Diatoms: Impacts on Primary Production and Physiological Fitness
Authors: Cruz de Carvalho Ricardo , Feijão Eduardo , Matos Ana Rita , Cabrita Maria Teresa , Novais Sara C. , Lemos Marco F. L. , Caçador Isabel , Marques João Carlos , Reis-Santos Patrick , Fonseca Vanessa F. , Duarte Bernardo
Published: October 2020

Glyphosate is the main active component of the commercial formulation Roundup®, the most widely used chemical herbicide worldwide. However, its potential high toxicity to the environment and throughout trophic webs has come under increasing scrutiny. The present study aims to investigate the application of bio-optical techniques and their correlation to physiological and biochemical processes, including primary productivity, oxidative stress, energy balance, and alterations in pigment and lipid composition in Phaeodactylum tricornutum, a representative species of marine diatoms, using the case study of its response to the herbicide glyphosate-based Roundup® formulation, at environmentally relevant concentrations. Cultures were exposed to the herbicide formulation representing effective glyphosate concentrations of 0, 10, 50, 100, 250, and 500 μg L−1. Results showed that high concentrations decreased cell density; furthermore, the inhibition of photosynthetic activity was not only caused by the impairment of electron transport in the thylakoids, but also by a decrease of antioxidant capacity and increased lipid peroxidation. Nevertheless, concentrations of one of the plastidial marker fatty acids had a positive correlation with the highest concentration as well as an increase in total protein. Cell energy allocation also increased with concentration, relative to control and the lowest concentration, although culture growth was inhibited. Pigment composition and fatty acid profiles proved to be efficient biomarkers for the highest glyphosate-based herbicide concentrations, while bio-optical data separated controls from intermediate concentrations and high concentrations.
Cyber Resilience Progression Model
Authors: Carías Juan F. , Arrizabalaga Saioa , Labaka Leire , Hernantes Josune
Published: October 2020

Due to the hazardous current cyber environment, cyber resilience is more necessary than ever. Companies are exposed to an often-ignored risk of suffering a cyber incident. This places cyber incidents as one of the main risks for companies in the past few years. On the other hand, the literature meant to aid on the operationalization of cyber resilience is mostly focused on listing the policies required to operationalize it, but is often lacking on how to prioritize these actions and how to strategize their implementation. Therefore, the usage of the current literature in this state is not optimal for companies. Thus, this study proposes a progression model to help companies strategize and prioritize cyber resilience policies by proposing the natural evolution of the policies over time. To develop the model, this study used semi-structured interviews and an analysis of the data obtained from the interviews. Through this methodology, this study found the starting points for each cyber resilience policy and their natural progression over time. These results can help companies in their cyber resilience building process by giving them insights on how to strategize the implementation of the cyber resilience policies.
Editorial of the Special Issue “Anaerobic Co-Digestion of Lignocellulosic Wastes”
Authors: Romero-García Luis Isidoro , Álvarez-Gallego Carlos José , Fernández-Güelfo Luis Alberto
Published: October 2020

Carbohydrates from vegetal biomass (wood and agricultural biomass) are the focus of biorefinery strategies [...]
The Development of the Temporal Measurements for Ultrashort Laser Pulses
Authors: Cai Yi , Chen Zhenkuan , Zeng Xuanke , Shangguan Huangcheng , Lu Xiaowei , Song Qiying , Ai Yuexia , Xu Shixiang , Li Jingzhen
Published: October 2020

In the past three decades, ultrafast pulse laser technology has greatly progressed and applied widely in many subjects, such as physics, chemistry, biology, materials, and so on. Accordingly, as well as for future developments, to measure or characterize the pulses temporally in femtosecond domain is indispensable but still challenging. Based on the operation principles, the measurement techniques can be classified into three categories: correlation, spectrogram, and spectral interferometry, which operate in time-domain, time-frequency combination, and frequency-domain, respectively. Here, we present a mini-review for these techniques, including their operating principles, development status, characteristics, and challenges.
Double Filtration Plasmapheresis Treatment of Refractory Multiple Sclerosis Relapsed on Fingolimod: A Case Report
Authors: De Masi Roberto , Orlando Stefania , Accoto Salvatore
Published: October 2020

Double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) is an emerging semi-selective apheretic method for treating immuno-mediated neurological diseases. Here we report the first case of steroid-refractory relapsed multiple sclerosis (MS) on Fingolimod (FTY), treated effectively by this technique, in a 37-year-old woman. This condition is thought to be caused by soluble inflammatory species, but its demyelinating pattern is unknown; moreover, despite megadoses of intravenous 6-methyl prednisolone, it induces severe neurological deterioration, but dramatically responded to DFPP in our patient. The clinical improvement was driven by a strong DFPP-induced anti-inflammatory effect, with significant reduction of C3/C4 components, total gamma globulin concentrations (IgG), and gamma-fibrinogen (FGG), resulting in a brain pseudoatrophy phenomenon. Our findings are: first, the steroid-refractory relapsed MS on FTY, however serious, can be treated with DFPP; second, given the good clinical improvement due to the DFPP-induced neuroinflammatory components removal, this clinical condition can be associated with a Lucchinetti pattern II of demyelination.
Lower Back Complaints in Adolescent Competitive Alpine Skiers: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Carraro Attilio , Gnech Martina , Sarto Fabio , Sarto Diego , Spörri Jörg , Masiero Stefano
Published: October 2020

Background: Little is known about lower back complaints in adolescent competitive alpine skiers. This study assessed their prevalence and severity (i.e., intensity and disability) with respect to sex, category, discipline preference, and training attributes. Methods: 188 competitive skiers aged 15 to 18 years volunteered in this study. Data collection included (i) questions on participants’ demographics, sports exposure, discipline preferences, and other sports-related practices; (ii) the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire on lower back complaints; and (iii) the Graded Chronic Pain Scale. Results: As many as 80.3% and 50.0% of all skiers suffered from lower back complaints during the last 12 months and 7 days, respectively. A total of 50.7% reported their complaints to be attributable to slalom skiing, and 26% to giant slalom. The majority of complaints were classified as low intensity/low disability (Grade I, 57.4%) and high intensity/low disability complaints (Grade II, 21.8%). The Characteristic Pain Intensity was found to be significantly related to the skiers’ years of sports participation, number of competitions/season, and number of skiing days/season. Conclusion: This study further supports the relatively high magnitudes of lower back-related pain in adolescent competitive alpine skiers, with a considerable amount of high intensity (but low disability) complaints, and training attributes being a key driver.
Assessing the Horizontal Homogeneity of the Atmospheric Boundary Layer (HHABL) Profile Using Different CFD Software
Authors: Abohela Islam , Aristodemou Elsa , Hadawey Abas , Sundararajan Raveendran
Published: October 2020

One of the main factors affecting the reliability of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations for the urban environment is the Horizontal Homogeneity of the Atmospheric Boundary Layer (HHABL) profile—meaning the vertical profiles of the mean streamwise velocity, the turbulent kinetic energy, and dissipation rate are maintained throughout the streamwise direction of the computational domain. This paper investigates the preservation of the HHABL profile using three different commercial CFD codes—the ANSYS Fluent, the ANSYS CFD, and the Siemens STAR-CCM+ software. Three different cases were considered, identified by their different inlet conditions for the inlet velocity, turbulent kinetic energy, and dissipation rate profiles. Simulations were carried out using the RANS k-ε turbulence model. Slight variations in the eddy viscosity models, as well as in the wall boundary conditions, were identified in the different software, with the standard wall function with roughness being implemented in the Fluent applications, the scalable wall function with roughness in the CFX applications, and the blended wall function option in the STAR-CCM+ simulations. There was a slight difference in the meshing approach in the three different software, with a prism-layer option in the STAR-CCM+ software, which allowed a finer mesh near the wall/ground boundary. The results show all three software are able to preserve the horizontal homogeneity of the ABL—less than 0.5% difference between the software—indicating very similar degrees of accuracy.
Indicators Framework for Sustainable Urban Design
Authors: López Chao Andrea , Casares Gallego Amparo , Lopez-Chao Vicente , Alvarellos Alberto
Published: October 2020

Climate change and sustainability have recently been object of study due to the impact on the planet and on human activity of the first and the benefits that could derive from the efficiency of the second. Particularly, urban environments are locations that represent a high percentage of emissions of gases, waste, resources use and so forth. However, they are places where great changes can be made, in an attempt to accomplish the urgent challenge to adapt to current and projected rates of climate change. Research has shown that a fruitful approach to urban sustainability is to describe indicators that measure the effectiveness of current processes of urban infrastructures, analyze areas in need of improvement and measure the effect of any actions taken. The significant feature of this research relies on its global approach, considering both major worldwide used and less widely-spread frameworks and the analysis of the 32 selected tools and guidelines, including over 2000 indicators. The result is a proposed structure of 14 categories and 48 indicators, easily applicable in urban areas, that tries to fulfill basic aspects to obtain a general diagnosis of the sustainable nature of the urban environment, which can serve as support to detect the strongest and weakest areas in terms of their sustainability.
Therapeutic Potential of Porcine Liver Decomposition Product: New Insights and Perspectives for Microglia-Mediated Neuroinflammation in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Tsukahara Tamotsu , Haniu Hisao , Uemura Takeshi , Matsuda Yoshikazu
Published: October 2020

It is widely accepted that microglia-mediated inflammation contributes to the progression of neurodegenerative diseases; however, the precise mechanisms through which these cells contribute remain to be elucidated. Microglia, as the primary immune effector cells of the brain, play key roles in maintaining central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis. Microglia are located throughout the brain and spinal cord and may account for up to 15% of all cells in the brain. Activated microglia express pro-inflammatory cytokines that act on the surrounding brain and spinal cord. Microglia may also play a detrimental effect on nerve cells when they gain a chronic inflammatory function and promote neuropathologies. A key feature of microglia is its rapid morphological change upon activation, characterized by the retraction of numerous fine processes and the gradual acquisition of amoeba-like shapes. These morphological changes are also accompanied by the expression and secretion of inflammatory molecules, including cytokines, chemokines, and lipid mediators that promote systemic inflammation during neurodegeneration. This may be considered a protective response intended to limit further injury and initiate repair processes. We previously reported that porcine liver decomposition product (PLDP) induces a significant increase in the Hasegawa’s Dementia Scale-Revised (HDS-R) score and the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS) in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in healthy humans. In addition, the oral administration of porcine liver decomposition product enhanced visual memory and delayed recall in healthy adults. We believe that PLDP is a functional food that aids cognitive function. In this review, we provide a critical assessment of recent reports of lysophospholipids derived from PLDP, a rich source of phospholipids. We also highlight some recent findings regarding bidirectional interactions between lysophospholipids and microglia and age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Identification of miR-29c-3p as a Robust Normalizer for Urine microRNA Studies in Bladder Cancer
Authors: Oto Julia , Plana Emma , Fernández-Pardo Álvaro , Cana Fernando , Martínez-Sarmiento Manuel , Vera-Donoso César D. , España Francisco , Medina Pilar
Published: October 2020

Bladder cancer (BC) is among the most frequent malignancies worldwide, being the most expensive cancer to treat and monitor and the most lethal urological cancer. Urine microRNAs (miRNAs) have been proposed as novel non-invasive biomarkers to early diagnose and monitor BC patients in order to avoid the performance of current aggressive diagnostic techniques. However, huge discrepancies arise among studies mainly due to the lack of standardization in the normalization, a crucial step in all miRNA studies. Our aim was to identify the best miRNA normalizer for miRNA studies in urine of BC patients. We evaluated the performance of 110 candidate miRNAs in urine of 35 BC patients and 15 healthy controls by Real Time quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) followed by a stability analysis with RefFinder. In this screening stage, miR-29c-3p arose as the most stably expressed miRNA in BC and controls, with a good expression level. Stability of miR-29c-3p expression was validated in an independent cohort of 153 BC patients and 57 controls. Finally, we evaluated the robustness of miR-29c-3p as normalizer in the expression study of miR-200c-3p, a potential diagnostic marker for BC. We propose miR-29c-3p as a normalizer for miRNA studies in BC urine. This is the first study that characterizes a reliable normalizer that may allow the comparison of future urine miRNA studies as non-invasive biomarkers for BC diagnosis and monitoring.
Individualized Ophthalmic Exoplants by Means of Reverse Engineering and 3D Printing Technologies for Treating High Myopia Complications with Macular Buckles
Authors: Pappas George , Vidakis Nectarios , Petousis Markos , Maniadi Athena
Published: October 2020

Myopic macular foveoschisis maculopathy is an eye disease that is treated, in most cases, with surgical intervention, in which a macular buckle is applied to restore eye anatomy and functionality. A macular buckle is a type of exoplant that comes in various designs and sizes. Often, they are difficult to apply or they do not fit properly in the eye geometry since they have a generic form. In this work, the effort to develop the most suitable tailor-made macular buckle for each individual patient for treating myopic traction maculopathy is studied. Pattern recognition techniques are applied to the patient’s Computed Tomography (CT) data to develop the exact 3D geometry of the eye. Using this 3D geometry, the trajectory of the buckle is fitted and the buckle is formed, which is then 3D-printed with biocompatible polymer materials. It is expected that the power of technology will be used to activate the most precise approach for each individual patient. Considering the possible complications and technical difficulties of other surgical methods, the customized macular buckle is an appropriate, easy-to-use, and most precise piece of medical equipment for the treatment of myopic traction maculopathy.
Development of a Novel SPR Assay to Study CXCR4–Ligand Interactions
Authors: Boonen Arnaud , Singh Abhimanyu , Hout Anneleen , Das Kalyan , Loy Tom , Noppen Sam , Schols Dominique
Published: October 2020

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are involved in a plethora of different diseases. Consequently, these proteins are considered as an important class of drug targets. Measuring detailed kinetic information on these types of proteins has been challenging. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) can provide this information, however, the use of SPR on GPCRs remains a complex issue. Here, we report an SPR assay to investigate the interactions between the full-length chemokine receptor CXCR4 and nanobody-Fc (Nb-Fc) ligands. Nb-Fcs consist of two monovalent VHH domains fused with an Fc domain of a human IgG molecule. The CXCR4 protein used in this assay was produced with a C-terminal 10x-histidine tag and was immobilized on a nitrilotriacetic acid chip. In order to verify the sensitivity and effectiveness of this assay, the results were compared to data obtained from cellular assays as well as from another SPR assay using CXCR4 virus-like particles (VLPs). CXCR4 remained intact and stable for at least 12 h, and the kinetic results correlated well with both the cellular assays and the VLP SPR assay results. Apart from determining the binding kinetics of Nb-Fc with CXCR4, our results contributed to understanding CXCR4 interaction dynamics. In conclusion, this assay provides a viable experimental platform that has high potential to be expanded for studying other molecules as well as other histidine-tagged GPCRs.
Glycyrrhizin Blocks the Detrimental Effects of HMGB1 on Cortical Neurogenesis after Traumatic Neuronal Injury
Authors: Manivannan Susruta , Harari Balkis , Muzaffar Maryam , Elalfy Omar , Hettipathirannahelage Sameera , James Zoe , Sharouf Feras , Ormonde Chloe , Alsaqati Mouhamed , Gray William , Zaben Malik
Published: October 2020

Despite medical advances, neurological recovery after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains poor. Elevated levels of high mobility group box protein-1 (HMGB1) are associated with poor outcomes; likely via interaction with receptors for advanced-glycation-end-products (RAGE). We examined the hypothesis that HMGB1 post-TBI is anti-neurogenic and whether this is pharmacologically reversible. Post-natal rat cortical mixed neuro-glial cell cultures were subjected to needle-scratch injury and examined for HMGB1-activation/neuroinflammation. HMGB1-related genes/networks were examined using genome-wide RNA-seq studies in cortical perilesional tissue samples from adult mice. Post-natal rat cortical neural stem/progenitor cell cultures were generated to quantify effects of injury-condition medium (ICM) on neurogenesis with/without RAGE antagonist glycyrrhizin. Needle-injury upregulated TNF-α/NOS-2 mRNA-expressions at 6 h, increased proportions of activated microglia, and caused neuronal loss at 24 h. Transcriptome analysis revealed activation of HMGB1 pathway genes/canonical pathways in vivo at 24 h. A 50% increase in HMGB1 protein expression, and nuclear-to-cytoplasmic translocation of HMGB1 in neurons and microglia at 24 h post-injury was demonstrated in vitro. ICM reduced total numbers/proportions of neuronal cells, but reversed by 0.5 μM glycyrrhizin. HMGB1 is activated following in vivo post mechanical injury, and glycyrrhizin alleviates detrimental effects of ICM on cortical neurogenesis. Our findings highlight glycyrrhizin as a potential therapeutic agent post-TBI.
Fabrication of Conjugated Porous Polymer Catalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reactions: A Bottom-Up Approach
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Sujoy , Ha Su Ryong , Khan M. Alam , Lee Cheongbeom , Jeong Hong In , Lokhandwala Snehal , S. Tamboli Mohaseen , Lee Bo Ram , W. Boukhvalov Danil , Choi Hyosung
Published: October 2020

The present study demonstrates the fabrication of a conjugated porous polymer (CPP-P2) through a Pd-catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura poly-condensation reaction. 13C cross-polarization solid-state NMR and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were used to characterize CPP-P2. Pristine nitrogen-containing CPP was explored as a catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction in 0.1 M KOH aqueous alkaline media. In the case of CPP-P2,the polymer oxygen reduction reaction occurs via a four-electron transfer mechanism. An understanding of the oxygen reduction at the molecular level and the role of molecular packing in the three-dimensional structure was proposed based on density functional theory (DFT) modeling.
Molecular Orbital Calculation of Lead-Free Perovskite Compounds for Efficient Use of Alkaline and Alkaline Earth Metals
Authors: Takesue Naohisa , Saito Jun-ichi
Published: October 2020

The effective ionic charges of lead-free perovskite dielectric complex compounds were investigated with molecular orbital calculation. The base model was a double perovskite cluster that consisted of octahedral oxygen cages with a transition metal ion of titanium, niobium, or zirconium located at each of their centers, and alkali and/or alkaline earth metal ions located at the body center, corners, edge centers, or face centers of the cluster. The results showed significant covalent bonds between the transition metals and the oxygens, and the alkali metals, especially sodium and oxygen. On the other hand, the alkaline earth metals have weak covalency. Calculation was also performed with the replacement of some of the oxygens with chlorine or fluorine; such replacement enhances the covalency of the transition metals. These trends provide good guidelines for the design properties of lead-free perovskite piezoelectrics based on ubiquitous sodium use.
Modeling Study of EMBr Effects on the Detrimental Dynamic Distortion Phenomenon in a Funnel Thin Slab Mold
Authors: Garcia-Hernandez Saul , Gonzalez-Guzman Carlos Humberto , Morales Davila Rodolfo , Barreto Jose de Jesus , Gutierrez Enif , Calderon-Ramos Ismael
Published: October 2020

The turbulent phenomena occurring in the thin slab mold affect the final product quality. Therefore, it is essential to carry out studies to understand and control their occurrence. Current research aims to study the electromagnetic brake (EMBr) effects on the flow patterns in a funnel thin slab mold. The objective is to prevent the detrimental phenomenon known as dynamic distortions (DD) of the flow, applying the EMBr in the typical horizontal position (H-EMBr) and a new vertical position close to the narrow faces (V-EMBr). The fluid dynamics are simulated using the Reynolds stress model (RSM), the Volume of Fluid (VOF) model and the Maxwell equations in their magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) simplification. The results show that the H-EMBr effectively counteracts the DD phenomenon by reducing the submerged entry nozzle (SEN) ports' mass flow rate differences. The EMBr reduces the highest meniscus fluctuations from −10 to ±3 mm with a field intensity of 0.1T and almost 0 mm for higher field intensities. In contrast, the V-EMBr configuration does not reduce or control at all the DD phenomenon, even though eliminating the upper roll flows does not diminish the meniscus fluctuation amplitudes and induces new small roll flows close to the SEN's wall.
On the Optical Response of Tellurium Activated Zinc Selenide ZnSe:Te Single Crystal
Authors: Linardatos Dionysios , Konstantinidis Anastasios , Valais Ioannis , Ninos Konstantinos , Kalyvas Nektarios , Bakas Athanasios , Kandarakis Ioannis , Fountos George , Michail Christos
Published: October 2020

In this study, the light output of a zinc selenide activated with tellurium (ZnSe: Te) single crystal was measured for X-ray radiography applications. A cubic crystal (10 × 10 × 10 mm) was irradiated using X-rays with tube voltages from 50 to 130 kV. The resulting energy absorption efficiency, detective quantum efficiency, and absolute luminescence efficiency were compared to published data for equally sized GSO: Ce (gadolinium orthosilicate) and BGO (bismuth germanium oxide) crystals. The emitted light was examined to estimate the spectral compatibility with widely used optical sensors. Energy absorption efficiency and detective quantum efficiency of ZnSe: Te and BGO were found to be similar, within the X-ray energies in question. Light output of all three crystals showed a tendency to increase with increasing X-ray tube voltage, but ZnSe: Te stood at least 2 EU higher than the others. ZnSe: Te can be coupled effectively with certain complementary metal–oxide–semiconductors (CMOS), photocathodes, and charge-coupled-devices (CCD), as the effective luminescence efficiency results assert. These properties render the material suitable for various imaging applications, dual-energy arrays included.
Clinical Impact of Combined Modified Glasgow Prognostic Score and C-Reactive Protein/Albumin Ratio in Patients with Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Son Woosung , Shin Su-Jin , Park Su Hyeong , Lee Soo Kyung , Park Eun Jung , Baik Seung Hyuk , Lee Kang Young , Kang Jeonghyun
Published: October 2020

The prognostic impact of the combination of the modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS) and C-reactive protein/albumin ratio (CAR) in colorectal cancer (CRC) is unclear. We aimed to investigate the clinical usefulness of this combination as a predictor of survival in CRC patients. We retrospectively evaluated 769 CRC patients who had undergone surgery between January 2006 and March 2014. The CAR and mGPS within 1 month postoperation were examined. The integrated area under the curve (iAUC) was compared among mGPS, CAR, and the combined classification (CC). The optimal CAR cut-off for discriminating overall survival was 0.14. Based on this cut-off, the mGPS 0 group was divided into the mGPS 0 with low CAR and the mGPS 0 with high CAR groups, whereas all mGPS 1 and 2 patients were classified into the high CAR group. CC was an independent prognostic factor, and its iAUC value (0.587, 95% CI 0.553–0.624) was superior to those of the mGPS (0.544, 95% CI 0.516–0.576) (bootstrap iAUC mean difference = 0.043; 95% CI = 0.015–0.072) and CAR (0.578, 95% CI 0.545–0.613) (bootstrap iAUC mean difference = 0.009; 95% CI = 0.002–0.017), respectively. In conclusion, the combination of mGPS and CAR has a synergistic effect and has a higher prognostic accuracy than mGPS or CAR alone in patients with CRC.
Thermally Driven Flow of Water in Partially Heated Tall Vertical Concentric Annulus
Authors: Mustafa Jawed , Alqaed Saeed , Siddiqui Mohammad Altamush
Published: October 2020

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has become effective and crucial to several applications in science and engineering. The dynamic behavior of buoyancy induced flow of water in partially heated tall open-ended vertical annulus is analyzed based on a CFD technique. For a vertical annulus, the natural convective heat transfer has a broad application in engineering. The annulus is the most common structure used in various heat transmission systems, from the basic heat transfer device to the most sophisticated atomic reactors. The annular test sections of such a large aspect ratio are of practical importance in the design of equipment’s associated with the reactor systems. However, depending on the geometrical structure and heating conditions, it exhibits different flow behavior. The annulus may either be closed or open-ended. In this study, we carry out CFD analysis to examine the thermodynamics properties and the detailed thermal induced flow behavior of the water in Tall open-ended vertical concentric annuli. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of a partially heating on mechanical properties and design parameters like Nusselt number, mass flow rate and pressure defect. For Rayleigh number ranging from 4.4 × 103 to 6.6 × 104, while the Prandtl number is 6.43, the numerical solution was obtained. The modelling result showing the measurement and transient behavior of different parameters is presented. The numerical results would be both qualitatively and quantitatively validated. The presentation of unstable state profiles and heat variables along the annulus are also discussed.
An Appraisal of Incremental Learning Methods
Authors: Luo Yong , Yin Liancheng , Bai Wenchao , Mao Keming
Published: October 2020

As a special case of machine learning, incremental learning can acquire useful knowledge from incoming data continuously while it does not need to access the original data. It is expected to have the ability of memorization and it is regarded as one of the ultimate goals of artificial intelligence technology. However, incremental learning remains a long term challenge. Modern deep neural network models achieve outstanding performance on stationary data distributions with batch training. This restriction leads to catastrophic forgetting for incremental learning scenarios since the distribution of incoming data is unknown and has a highly different probability from the old data. Therefore, a model must be both plastic to acquire new knowledge and stable to consolidate existing knowledge. This review aims to draw a systematic review of the state of the art of incremental learning methods. Published reports are selected from Web of Science, IEEEXplore, and DBLP databases up to May 2020. Each paper is reviewed according to the types: architectural strategy, regularization strategy and rehearsal and pseudo-rehearsal strategy. We compare and discuss different methods. Moreover, the development trend and research focus are given. It is concluded that incremental learning is still a hot research area and will be for a long period. More attention should be paid to the exploration of both biological systems and computational models.
Presence of New Forms of Intercultural Communication in Higher Education: Emojis and Social Interactions through WhatsApp among Graduate Students
Authors: Veytia-Bucheli María Guadalupe , Gómez-Galán José , Vergara Diego
Published: October 2020

Communication processes are part of human life. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) and, especially, the use of smartphones have generated new forms of interaction and communication, both synchronous and asynchronous, in formal and informal spaces. One of the most used applications is WhatsApp, which allows the sending of text, documents, images, and emojis. It is important to study these new forms and languages of communication in higher education because any educational or training process is essentially communicative. This research was carried out using a mixed approach, with a nonexperimental, descriptive, and transversal design, using a technique of a survey made up of 30 items. It was applied to postgraduate university students to determine their use and value among people with a consolidated university academic career, which would allow us to determine the presence of these new languages in this context. The basic objectives were to identify the frequency of use of emojis through WhatsApp amongst Mexican graduate students and to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of their use. The results confirmed the increase of emojis in conversations conducted by WhatsApp among fellow students. As positive elements, it was determined that they favor the development of a pleasant environment, confidence, and empathy, in addition to expressing emotions, feelings, and reactions. However, emojis also have drawbacks and disadvantages. Among them is the risk that they are misunderstood since their meaning is not shared, that they divert attention from a central idea, and, in general, that they sometimes have an addictive character that implies a waste of time in a study context, such as at the university. In conclusion, it can be argued that ICTs are profoundly transforming the processes of written communication in today’s society, including the university world. New languages that present intercultural, dynamic, dialectic, and ecosystemic alternatives to speech or writing have appeared. Emojis, in the context of higher education, would be an example of this trend.
Multi-Sensor Validation Approach of an End-Effector-Based Robot for the Rehabilitation of the Upper and Lower Limb
Authors: Amici Cinzia , Ragni Federica , Ghidoni Manuela , Fausti Davide , Bissolotti Luciano , Tiboni Monica
Published: October 2020

End-effector-based robots are widely adopted by physiotherapists and caregivers as support in the delivery of the rehabilitation training to the patient. The validation of these devices presents critical aspects, since the system performance must be assessed analyzing the movement performed by the subject limb, i.e., elements outside the device. This paper presents a multi-sensor approach for the validation of an innovative end-effector-based device, comparing different measurement strategies for evaluating the system effectiveness in imposing an expected training. The study was performed monitoring the movement induced by the device on the upper limb of a young male healthy subject during a set of fictitious rehabilitation sessions. The kinematic structure of the device is characterized by a compact differential mechanism with two degrees of freedom. A sequence of repetitions of a planar reaching pattern was analyzed as illustrative training task. A kinematic model of subject and system was developed, and the kinematics of a set of specific landmark points on the subject limb was evaluated. Data obtained from two measurement systems were compared: (1) an optoelectronic system with two cameras and eight skin passive markers, and (2) two triaxial accelerometers. Results were analyzed in MATLAB and R environment, revealing a high repeatability of the limb movement. Although both the measurement systems allow evaluating the acceleration of subject’s arm and forearm, accelerometers should be preferred for punctual analysis, like components optimizations, whereas optical markers provide a general overview of the system, particularly suitable for the functional design process.