bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Phenomenology and Neurobiology of Visual Distortions and Hallucinations in Schizophrenia: An Update
Authors: Silverstein Steven M. , Lai Adriann
Published: June 2021

Schizophrenia is characterized by visual distortions in ~60% of cases, and visual hallucinations (VH) in ~25–50% of cases, depending on the sample. These symptoms have received relatively little attention in the literature, perhaps due to the higher rate of auditory vs. visual hallucinations in psychotic disorders, which is the reverse of what is found in other neuropsychiatric conditions. Given the clinical significance of these perceptual disturbances, our aim is to help address this gap by updating and expanding upon prior reviews. Specifically, we: (1) present findings on the nature and frequency of VH and distortions in schizophrenia; (2) review proposed syndromes of VH in neuro-ophthalmology and neuropsychiatry, and discuss the extent to which these characterize VH in schizophrenia; (3) review potential cortical mechanisms of VH in schizophrenia; (4) review retinal changes that could contribute to VH in schizophrenia; (5) discuss relationships between findings from laboratory measures of visual processing and VH in schizophrenia; and (6) integrate findings across biological and psychological levels to propose an updated model of VH mechanisms, including how their content is determined, and how they may reflect vulnerabilities in the maintenance of a sense of self. In particular, we emphasize the potential role of alterations at multiple points in the visual pathway, including the retina, the roles of multiple neurotransmitters, and the role of a combination of disinhibited default mode network activity and enhanced state-related apical/contextual drive in determining the onset and content of VH. In short, our goal is to cast a fresh light on the under-studied symptoms of VH and visual distortions in schizophrenia for the purposes of informing future work on mechanisms and the development of targeted therapeutic interventions.
Scientific Cooperation and the Co-production of Scientific Outcomes for Physical Activity Promotion: Results From a Transdisciplinary Research Consortium
Authors: Ferschl Susanne , Till Maike , Abu-Omar Karim , Pfeifer Klaus , Gelius Peter
Published: June 2021

Background: To tackle complex societal challenges such as the high prevalence of physical inactivity, research funding is increasingly channeled toward cross-disciplinary research consortia. This study focused on exchange and cooperation (E&C) among the scientists of a 5-year transdisciplinary research initiative in Germany. Researchers' perceptions of E&C were combined with numbers of collaborative products during the project's life to make the developments of E&C and the quality of collaborative products visible.

Methods: We applied a mixed-methods design including a qualitative content analysis of pre-interviews, focus-group interviews, and documents as well as a quantitative analysis of research (scientific publications, books, conference participations) and training outcomes (supervised bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. theses). Inductive and deductive approaches were combined to analyze factors of collaborative readiness and to identify perceptions of E&C among project teams. Based on Hall et al.'s “Conceptual Model for Evaluation of Collaborative Initiatives,” the project period was separated into phases of “collaborative readiness,” “collaborative capacity,” and “collaborative products.”

Results: Our findings revealed a discrepancy between the objectively assessed concepts of collaborative readiness and researchers' reported perceptions of E&C during the early project stage. A set of E&C hindering factors identified during the initial project phase remained present until the final project stage. Further, E&C among scientists increased over time, as reflected by researchers' perceptions. Reports of scientists also showed that outcomes were co-produced at the final project stage for the first time, while knowledge integration had not yet been achieved. Generally, the number of collaborative products (particularly scientific publications) also substantially increased over time. E&C was supported and promoted by the efforts of the coordinating sub-project.

Conclusion: Scientific E&C is a learning process and needs time to develop. A participatory research approach taking into account the perspectives on and requirements for E&C during the project's design might lay the ground for suitable, supportive, and transparent conditions for effective and successful E&C. Despite their time- and resource-consuming nature, cross-disciplinary research initiatives provide a fertile context in which to generate new solutions for pressing societal issues given that long-term funding and the establishment of an overarching coordination organ is assured.
A Study of the Impact of Graphite on the Kinetics of SPS in Nano- and Submicron WC-10%Co Powder Compositions
Authors: Lantcev Eugeniy , Nokhrin Aleksey , Malekhonova Nataliya , Boldin Maksim , Chuvil’deev Vladimir , Blagoveshchenskiy Yuriy , Isaeva Nataliya , Andreev Pavel , Smetanina Kseniya , Murashov Artem
Published: June 2021

This study investigates the impact of carbon on the kinetics of the spark plasma sintering (SPS) of nano- and submicron powders WC-10 wt.%Co. Carbon, in the form of graphite, was introduced into powders by mixing. The activation energy of solid-phase sintering was determined for the conditions of isothermal and continuous heating. It has been demonstrated that increasing the carbon content leads to a decrease in the fraction of η-phase particles and a shift of the shrinkage curve towards lower heating temperatures. It has been established that increasing the graphite content in nano- and submicron powders has no significant effect on the SPS activation energy for “mid-range” heating temperatures, QS(I). The value of QS(I) is close to the activation energy of grain-boundary diffusion in cobalt. It has been demonstrated that increasing the content of graphite leads to a significant decrease in the SPS activation energy, QS(II), for “higher-range” heating temperatures due to lower concentration of tungsten atoms in cobalt-based γ-phase. It has been established that the sintering kinetics of fine-grained WC-Co hard alloys is limited by the intensity of diffusion creep of cobalt (Coble creep).
Modeling Sea Ice Effects for Wave Energy Resource Assessments
Authors: Branch Ruth , García-Medina Gabriel , Yang Zhaoqing , Wang Taiping , Ticona Rollano Fadia , Hosekova Lucia
Published: June 2021

Wave-generated power has potential as a valuable coastal resource, but the wave climate needs to be mapped for feasibility before wave energy converters are installed. Numerical models are used for wave resource assessments to quantify the amount of available power and its seasonality. Alaska is the U.S. state with the longest coastline and has extensive wave resources, but it is affected by seasonal sea ice that dampens the wave energy and the full extent of this dampening is unknown. To accurately characterize the wave resource in regions that experience seasonal sea ice, coastal wave models must account for these effects. The aim of this study is to determine how the dampening effects of sea ice change wave energy resource assessments in the nearshore. Here, we show that by combining high-resolution sea ice imagery with a sea ice/wave dampening parameterization in an unstructured grid, the Simulating Waves Nearshore (SWAN) model improves wave height predictions and demonstrates the extent to which wave power decreases when sea ice is present. The sea ice parametrization decreases the bias and root mean square errors of wave height comparisons with two wave buoys and predicts a decrease in the wave power of up to 100 kW/m in areas around Prince William Sound, Alaska. The magnitude of the improvement of the model/buoy comparison depends on the coefficients used to parameterize the wave–ice interaction.
Analysis of the Performance of a Passive Downdraught Evaporative Cooling System Driven by Solar Chimneys in a Residential Building by Using an Experimentally Validated TRNSYS Model
Authors: Soto Andrés , Martínez Pedro , Soto Victor M. , Martínez Pedro J.
Published: June 2021

Natural ventilation, combined with a passive cooling system, can provide significant energy savings in the refrigeration of indoor spaces. The performance of these systems is highly dependent on outdoor climatic conditions. The objective of this study was to analyse the feasibility of a passive, downdraught, evaporative cooling system driven by solar chimneys in different climatic zones by using an experimentally validated simulation tool. This tool combined a ventilation model and a thermal model of the dwelling in which an empirical model of a direct evaporative system made of plastic mesh was implemented. For experimental validation of the combined model, sensors were installed in the dwelling and calibrated in the laboratory. The combined model was applied to Spanish and European cities with different climates. In the simulation, values of cooling energy per volume of air ranging between 0.53 Wh/m3 and 0.79 Wh/m3 were obtained for Alicante (hot climate with moderate humidity) and Madrid (hot and dry climate), respectively. In these locations, medium and high applicability was obtained, respectively, in comparison with Burgos (cold climate with moderate humidity) and Bilbao (cold and humid climate), which were low. The evaluation of the reference building in each location allowed establishing a classification in terms of performance, comfort and applicability for each climate.
Investigations into Balancing Peak-to-Average Power Ratio and Mean Power Extraction for a Two-Body Point-Absorber Wave Energy Converter
Authors: Karayaka Hayrettin Bora , Yu Yi-Hsiang , Muljadi Eduard
Published: June 2021

The power harnessed by wave energy converters (WECs) in oceans is highly variable and, therefore, has a high peak-to-average power (PTAP) ratio. To minimize the cost of a WEC power take off (PTO) system, it is desirable to reduce the PTAP ratio while maximizing the mean power extracted by WECs. The important issue of how PTAP ratio reduction measures (such as adding an inertia element) can affect the mean power extracted in a reference model has not been thoroughly addressed in the literature. To investigate this correlation, this study focuses on the integration of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Reference Model 3, a two-body point absorber, with a slider-crank WEC for linear-to-rotational conversion. In the first phase of this study, a full-scale numerical model was developed that predicts how PTO system parameters, along with an advanced control algorithm, can potentially affect the proposed WEC’s PTAP ratio as well as the mean power extracted. In the second phase, an appropriate scaled-down model was developed, and extracted power results were successfully validated against the full-scale model. Finally, numerical and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulations based on the scaled-down model were designed and conducted to optimize or make trade-offs between the operational performance and PTAP ratio. The initial results with numerical and HIL simulations reveal that gear ratio, crank radius, and generator parameters substantially impact the PTAP ratio and mean power extracted.
Effects of Varying Inhalation Duration and Respiratory Rate on Human Airway Flow
Authors: Gaddam Manikantam G. , Santhanakrishnan Arvind
Published: June 2021

Studies of flow through the human airway have shown that inhalation time (IT) and secondary flow structures can play important roles in particle deposition. However, the effects of varying IT in conjunction with the respiratory rate (RR) on airway flow remain unknown. Using three-dimensional numerical simulations of oscillatory flow through an idealized airway model (consisting of a mouth, glottis, trachea, and symmetric double bifurcation) at a trachea Reynolds number (Re) of 4200, we investigated how varying the ratio of IT to breathing time (BT) from 25% to 50% and RR from 10 breaths per minute (bpm) corresponding to a Womersley number (Wo) of 2.41 to 1000 bpm (Wo = 24.1) impacts airway flow characteristics. Irrespective of IT/BT, axial flow during inhalation at tracheal cross-sections was non-uniform for Wo = 2.41, as compared to centrally concentrated distribution for Wo = 24.1. For a given Wo and IT/BT, both axial and secondary (lateral) flow components unevenly split between left and right branches of a bifurcation. Irrespective of Wo, IT/BT and airway generation, lateral dispersion was a stronger transport mechanism than axial flow streaming. Discrepancy in the oscillatory flow relation Re/Wo2 = 2 L/D (L = stroke length; D = trachea diameter) was observed for IT/BT ≠ 50%, as L changed with IT/BT. We developed a modified dimensionless stroke length term including IT/BT. While viscous forces and convective acceleration were dominant for lower Wo, unsteady acceleration was dominant for higher Wo.
Tannery Wastewater Recalcitrant Compounds Foster the Selection of Fungi in Non-Sterile Conditions: A Pilot Scale Long-Term Test
Authors: Spennati Francesco , La China Salvatore , Siracusa Giovanna , Di Gregorio Simona , Bardi Alessandra , Tigini Valeria , Mori Gualtiero , Gabriel David , Munz Giulio
Published: June 2021

This study demonstrated that a microbial community dominated by fungi can be selected and maintained in the long-term under non-sterile conditions, in a pilot-scale packed-bed reactor fed with tannery wastewater. During the start-up phase, the reactor, filled with 0.6 m3 of polyurethane foam cubes, was inoculated with a pure culture of Aspergillus tubingensis and Quebracho tannin, a recalcitrant compound widely used by tannery industry, was used as sole carbon source in the feeding. During the start-up, fungi grew attached as biofilm in carriers that filled the packed-bed reactor. Subsequently, the reactor was tested for the removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) from an exhaust tanning bath collected from tanneries. The entire experiment lasted 121 days and average removals of 29% and 23% of COD and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from the tannins bath were achieved, respectively. The evolution of the microbial consortium (bacteria and fungi) was described through biomolecular analyses along the experiment and also developed as a function of the size of the support media.
Anti-PD1/PD-L1 Immunotherapy for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer with Actionable Oncogenic Driver Mutations
Authors: Dantoing Edouard , Piton Nicolas , Salaün Mathieu , Thiberville Luc , Guisier Florian
Published: June 2021

Anti-PD1/PD-L1 immunotherapy has emerged as a standard of care for stage III-IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) over the past decade. Patient selection is usually based on PD-L1 expression by tumor cells and/or tumor mutational burden. However, mutations in oncogenic drivers such as EGFR, ALK, BRAF, or MET modify the immune tumor microenvironment and may promote anti-PD1/PD-L1 resistance. In this review, we discuss the molecular mechanisms associated with these mutations, which shape the immune tumor microenvironment and may impede anti-PD1/PD-L1 efficacy. We provide an overview of the current clinical data on anti-PD1/PD-L1 efficacy in NSCLC with oncogenic driver mutation.
Separating the Wheat from the Chaff: The Use of Upstream Regulator Analysis to Identify True Differential Expression of Single Genes within Transcriptomic Datasets
Authors: Hadwen Jeremiah , Schock Sarah , Farooq Faraz , MacKenzie Alex , Plaza-Diaz Julio
Published: June 2021

The development of DNA microarray and RNA-sequencing technology has led to an explosion in the generation of transcriptomic differential expression data under a wide range of biologic systems including those recapitulating the monogenic muscular dystrophies. Data generation has increased exponentially due in large part to new platforms, improved cost-effectiveness, and processing speed. However, reproducibility and thus reliability of data remain a central issue, particularly when resource constraints limit experiments to single replicates. This was observed firsthand in a recent rare disease drug repurposing project involving RNA-seq-based transcriptomic profiling of primary cerebrocortical cultures incubated with clinic-ready blood–brain penetrant drugs. Given the low validation rates obtained for single differential expression genes, alternative approaches to identify with greater confidence genes that were truly differentially expressed in our dataset were explored. Here we outline a method for differential expression data analysis in the context of drug repurposing for rare diseases that incorporates the statistical rigour of the multigene analysis to bring greater predictive power in assessing individual gene modulation. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis upstream regulator analysis was applied to the differentially expressed genes from the Care4Rare Neuron Drug Screen transcriptomic database to identify three distinct signaling networks each perturbed by a different drug and involving a central upstream modulating protein: levothyroxine (DIO3), hydroxyurea (FOXM1), dexamethasone (PPARD). Differential expression of upstream regulator network related genes was next assessed in in vitro and in vivo systems by qPCR, revealing 5× and 10× increases in validation rates, respectively, when compared with our previous experience with individual genes in the dataset not associated with a network. The Ingenuity Pathway Analysis based gene prioritization may increase the predictive value of drug–gene interactions, especially in the context of assessing single-gene modulation in single-replicate experiments.
Modulation of Glutamate Transporter EAAT1 and Inward-Rectifier Potassium Channel Kir4.1 Expression in Cultured Spinal Cord Astrocytes by Platinum-Based Chemotherapeutics
Authors: Leo Markus , Schmitt Linda-Isabell , Steffen Rebecca , Kutritz Andrea , Kleinschnitz Christoph , Hagenacker Tim
Published: June 2021

Platinum-based chemotherapeutics still play an essential role in cancer treatment. Despite their high effectiveness, severe side effects such as chemotherapy-induced neuropathy (CIPN) occur frequently. The pathophysiology of CIPN by platinum-based chemotherapeutics is not fully understood yet, but primarily the disturbance of dorsal root ganglion cells is discussed. However, there is increasing evidence of central nervous system involvement with activation of spinal cord astrocytes after treatment with chemotherapeutics. We investigated the influence of cis- or oxaliplatin on the functionality of cultured rat spinal cord astrocytes by using immunocytochemistry and patch-clamp electrophysiology. Cis- or oxaliplatin activated spinal astrocytes and led to downregulation of the excitatory amino acid transporter 1 (EAAT1) expression. Furthermore, the expression and function of potassium channel Kir4.1 were modulated. Pre-exposure to a specific Kir4.1 blocker in control astrocytes led to a reduced immune reactivity (IR) of EAAT1 and a nearly complete block of the current density. When spinal astrocytes were pre-exposed to antibiotic minocycline, all effects of cis- or oxaliplatin were abolished. Taken together, the modulation of Kir4.1 and EAAT1 proteins in astrocytes could be linked to the direct impact of cis- or oxaliplatin, identifying spinal astrocytes as a potential target in the prevention and treatment of chemotherapy-induced neuropathy.
Effects of a Unique Combination of the Whole-Body Low Dose Radiotherapy with Inactivation of Two Immune Checkpoints and/or a Heat Shock Protein on the Transplantable Lung Cancer in Mice
Authors: Nowosielska Ewa M. , Cheda Aneta , Pociegiel Mateusz , Cheda Lukasz , Szymański Paweł , Wiedlocha Antoni
Published: June 2021

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) continues to be the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Recently, targeting molecules whose functions are associated with tumorigenesis has become a game changing adjunct to standard anti-cancer therapy. As evidenced by the results of preclinical and clinical investigations, whole-body irradiations (WBI) with X-rays at less than 0.1–0.2 Gy per fraction can induce remissions of various neoplasms without inciting adverse side effects of conventional chemo- and radiotherapy. In the present study, a murine model of human NSCLC was employed to evaluate for the first time the anti-neoplastic efficacy of WBI combined with inactivation of CTLA-4, PD-1, and/or HSP90. The results indicate that WBI alone and in conjunction with the inhibition of the function of the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) and the programmed death-1 (PD-1) receptor immune checkpoints (ICs) and/or heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) markedly reduced tumorigenesis in mice implanted by three different routes with the syngeneic Lewis lung cancer cells and suppressed clonogenic potential of Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC1) cells in vitro. These results were associated with the relevant changes in the profile of pro- and anti-neoplastic immune cells recruited to the growing tumors and the circulating anti- and pro-inflammatory cytokines. In contrast, inhibition of the tested molecular targets used either separately or in combination with each other did not exert notable anti-neoplastic effects. Moreover, no significant synergistic effects were detected when the inhibitors were applied concurrently with WBI. The obtained results supplemented with further mechanistic explanations provided by future investigations will help design the effective strategies of treatment of lung and other cancers based on inactivation of the immune checkpoint and/or heat shock molecules combined with low-dose radiotherapy.
The Challenges of Children with Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Post Robert M. , Grunze Heinz
Published: June 2021

Childhood onset bipolar disorder (CO-BD) presents a panoply of difficulties associated with early recognition and treatment. CO-BD is associated with a variety of precursors and comorbidities that have been inadequately studied, so treatment remains obscure. The earlier the onset, the longer is the delay to first treatment, and both early onset and treatment delay are associated with more depressive episodes and a poor prognosis in adulthood. Ultra-rapid and ultradian cycling, consistent with a diagnosis of BP-NOS, are highly prevalent in the youngest children and take long periods of time and complex treatment regimens to achieve euthymia. Lithium and atypical antipsychotics are effective in mania, but treatment of depression remains obscure, with the exception of lurasidone, for children ages 10-17. Treatment of the common comorbid anxiety disorders, oppositional defiant disorders, pathological habits, and substance abuse are all poorly studied and are off-label. Cognitive dysfunction after a first manic hospitalization improves over the next year only on the condition that no further episodes occur. Yet comprehensive expert treatment after an initial manic hospitalization results in many fewer relapses than traditional treatment as usual, emphasizing the need for combined pharmacological, psychosocial, and psycho-educational approaches to this difficult and highly recurrent illness.
Characterization of Cytokines and Proliferation Marker Ki67 in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps: A Pilot Study
Authors: Viksne Rudolfs Janis , Sumeraga Gunta , Pilmane Mara
Published: June 2021

Background and Objectives: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a condition that affects as much as 10.9% of the population and, along with presence of nasal polyps, is associated with significant morbidity and decreased quality of life. Studies on molecular pathways that have been activated in nasal polyp tissue are mainly based on cytokine concentration detection. Therefore, our aim is to investigate the complex appearance, relative distribution and interlinks of IL-1, IL-4, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12 and Ki 67 in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) affected human nasal mucosa. Materials and Methods: Samples of nasal polyps were obtained from 12 patients with previously diagnosed CRSwNP and no prior surgery. Control group consisted of samples from 17 otherwise healthy individuals with isolated nasal septum deviation. Tissues were stained for IL-1, IL-4, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12 and Ki67 immunohistochemically. Non-parametric statistic, Mann–Whitney U test and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient were used. Results: All factors, except connective tissue cytokine IL-10 and proliferation marker Ki-67, had increased presence in connective tissue and decreased presence in epithelium of nasal polyps when compared to controls. Very strong and strong positive correlations between factors were observed. Conclusions: Decreased appearance of IL-1α, IL-4, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12 positive structures in the nasal epithelium with selective increase of IL-1α and IL-12 in nasal subepithelial connective tissue characterize the cytokine endotype with dysfunctional epithelial barrier and local stimulation of immune response in the connective tissue in case of chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps. Decrease of IL-6 in both—epithelium and connective tissue with strong correlation between it and IL-7 and IL-10 in connective tissue suggests significant stimulation of this regulatory cytokine and, possibly, the important role in pathogenesis of the development in nasal polyps. Correlations between Ki67 and cytokines indicate possible involvement of IL-4, IL-7 and IL-12 in regulation of cellular proliferation.
Hypertension in Prenatally Undernourished Young-Adult Rats Is Maintained by Tonic Reciprocal Paraventricular–Coerulear Excitatory Interactions
Authors: Cayupe Bernardita , Morgan Carlos , Puentes Gustavo , Valladares Luis , Burgos Héctor , Castillo Amparo , Hernández Alejandro , Constandil Luis , Ríos Miguel , Sáez-Briones Patricio , Barra Rafael
Published: June 2021

Prenatally malnourished rats develop hypertension in adulthood, in part through increased α1-adrenoceptor-mediated outflow from the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) to the sympathetic system. We studied whether both α1-adrenoceptor-mediated noradrenergic excitatory pathways from the locus coeruleus (LC) to the PVN and their reciprocal excitatory CRFergic connections contribute to prenatal undernutrition-induced hypertension. For that purpose, we microinjected either α1-adrenoceptor or CRH receptor agonists and/or antagonists in the PVN or the LC, respectively. We also determined the α1-adrenoceptor density in whole hypothalamus and the expression levels of α1A-adrenoceptor mRNA in the PVN. The results showed that: (i) agonists microinjection increased systolic blood pressure and heart rate in normotensive eutrophic rats, but not in prenatally malnourished subjects; (ii) antagonists microinjection reduced hypertension and tachycardia in undernourished rats, but not in eutrophic controls; (iii) in undernourished animals, antagonist administration to one nuclei allowed the agonists recover full efficacy in the complementary nucleus, inducing hypertension and tachycardia; (iv) early undernutrition did not modify the number of α1-adrenoceptor binding sites in hypothalamus, but reduced the number of cells expressing α1A-adrenoceptor mRNA in the PVN. These results support the hypothesis that systolic pressure and heart rate are increased by tonic reciprocal paraventricular–coerulear excitatory interactions in prenatally undernourished young-adult rats.
Flavonoids: A Myth or a Reality for Cancer Therapy?
Authors: Forni Cinzia , Rossi Massimiliano , Borromeo Ilaria , Feriotto Giordana , Platamone Giovambattista , Tabolacci Claudio , Mischiati Carlo , Beninati Simone
Published: June 2021

Nutraceuticals are biologically active molecules present in foods; they can have beneficial effects on health, but they are not available in large enough quantities to perform this function. Plant metabolites, such as polyphenols, are widely diffused in the plant kingdom, where they play fundamental roles in plant development and interactions with the environment. Among these, flavonoids are of particular interest as they have significant effects on human health. In vitro and/or in vivo studies described flavonoids as essential nutrients for preventing several diseases. They display broad and promising bioactivities to fight cancer, inflammation, bacterial infections, as well as to reduce the severity of neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases or diabetes. Therefore, it is not surprising that interest in flavonoids has sharply increased in recent years. More than 23,000 scientific publications on flavonoids have described the potential anticancer activity of these natural molecules in the last decade. Studies, in vitro and in vivo, show that flavonoids exhibit anticancer properties, and many epidemiological studies confirm that dietary intake of flavonoids leads to a reduced risk of cancer. This review provides a glimpse of the mechanisms of action of flavonoids on cancer cells.
Synthesis of Novel Arginine-Based Flame Retardant and Its Application in Lyocell Fabric
Authors: Chen Jiayi , Liu Yansong , Zhang Jiayue , Ren Yuanlin , Liu Xiaohui
Published: June 2021

Lyocell fabrics are widely applied in textiles, however, its high flammability increases the risk of fire. Therefore, to resolve the issue, a novel biomass-based flame retardant with phosphorus and nitrogen elements was designed and synthesized by the reaction of arginine with phosphoric acid and urea. It was then grafted onto the lyocell fabric by a dip-dry-cure technique to prepare durable flame-retardant lyocell fabric (FR-lyocell). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis demonstrated that the flame retardant was successfully introduced into the lyocell sample. Thermogravimetric (TG) and Raman analyses confirmed that the modified lyocell fabric featured excellent thermal stability and significantly increased char residue. Vertical combustion results indicated that FR-lyocell before and after washing formed a complete and dense char layer. Thermogravimetric Fourier-transform infrared (TG-FTIR) analysis suggested that incombustible substances (such as H2O and CO2) were produced and played a significant fire retarding role in the gas phase. The cone calorimeter test corroborated that the peak of heat release rate (PHRR) and total heat release (THR) declined by 89.4% and 56.4%, respectively. These results indicated that the flame retardancy of the lyocell fabric was observably ameliorated.
Synthesis and Reactivity of 3H-1,2-dithiole-3-thiones
Authors: Rakitin Oleg
Published: June 2021

3H-1,2-Dithiole-3-thiones are among the best studied classes of polysulfur-containing heterocycles due to the almost explosive recent interest in these compounds as sources of hydrogen sulfide as an endogenously produced gaseous signaling molecule. This review covers the recent developments in the synthesis of these heterocycles, including both well-known procedures and important novel transformations for building the 1,2-dithiole-3-thione ring. Diverse ring transformations of 3H-1,2-dithiole-3-thiones into various heterocyclic systems through 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition, replacement of one or two sulfur atoms to form carbon- and carbon-nitrogen containing moieties, and other unexpected reactions are considered.
Dietary Patterns and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Risk among US Adults
Authors: Moussa Iman , Day Rena S. , Li Ruosha , Du Xianglin L. , Kaseb Ahmed O. , Jalal Prasun K. , Daniel-MacDougall Carrie , Hatia Rikita I. , Abdelhakeem Ahmed , Rashid Asif , Chun Yun Shin , Li Donghui , Hassan Manal M.
Published: June 2021

The objective of this study was to assess the association between dietary patterns and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) among US adults in a hospital-based case-control study. We analyzed data from 641 cases and 1002 controls recruited at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center during 2001–2018. Cases were patients with a pathologically or radiologically confirmed new diagnosis of HCC; controls were cancer-free spouses of patients with cancers other than gastrointestinal, lung, liver, or head and neck cancer. Cases and controls were frequency-matched by age and sex. Dietary patterns were identified by principal component analysis. Odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding confidence intervals (CIs) were computed using unconditional logistic regression with adjustment for major HCC risk factors, including hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infection. A vegetable-based dietary pattern was inversely associated with HCC risk (highest compared with lowest tertile: OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.46–0.94). A Western diet pattern was directly associated with HCC risk (highest compared with lowest tertile: OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.19–2.69). These findings emphasize the potential role of dietary intake in HCC prevention and clinical management.
Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists in Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Vodošek Hojs Nina , Bevc Sebastjan , Ekart Robert , Piko Nejc , Petreski Tadej , Hojs Radovan
Published: June 2021

Diabetes mellitus is a global health issue and main cause of chronic kidney disease. Both diseases are also linked through high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is present in up to 40% of diabetic patients; therefore, prevention and treatment of DKD are of utmost importance. Much research has been dedicated to the optimization of DKD treatment. In the last few years, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA) have experienced a renaissance in this field with the development of non-steroidal MRA. Steroidal MRA have known cardiorenal benefits, but their use is limited by side effects, especially hyperkalemia. Non-steroidal MRA still block the damaging effects of mineralocorticoid receptor overactivation (extracellular fluid volume expansion, inflammation, fibrosis), but with fewer side effects (hormonal, hyperkalemia) than steroidal MRA. This review article summarizes the current knowledge and newer research conducted on MRA in DKD.
Supercritical Carbon Dioxide as a Green Alternative to Achieve Drug Complexation with Cyclodextrins
Authors: Banchero Mauro
Published: June 2021

Cyclodextrins are widely used in pharmaceutics to enhance the bioavailability of many drugs. Conventional drug/cyclodextrin complexation techniques suffer from many drawbacks, such as a high residual content of toxic solvents in the formulations, the degradation of heat labile drugs and the difficulty in controlling the size and morphology of the product particles. These can be overcome by supercritical fluid technology thanks to the outstanding properties of supercritical CO2 (scCO2) such as its mild critical point, its tunable solvent power, and the absence of solvent residue after depressurization. In this work the use of scCO2 as an unconventional medium to achieve the complexation with native and substituted cyclodextrins of over 50 drugs, which belong to different classes, are reviewed. This can be achieved with different approaches such as the “supercritical solvent impregnation” and “particle-formation” techniques. The different techniques are discussed to point out how they affect the complexation mechanism and efficiency, the physical state of the drug as well as the particle size distribution and morphology, which finally condition the release kinetics and drug bioavailability. When applicable, the results obtained for the same drug with various cyclodextrins, or different complexation techniques are compared with those obtained with conventional approaches.
Soil Organic Matter Prediction Model with Satellite Hyperspectral Image Based on Optimized Denoising Method
Authors: Meng Xiangtian , Bao Yilin , Ye Qiang , Liu Huanjun , Zhang Xinle , Tang Haitao , Zhang Xiaohan
Published: June 2021

In order to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the hyperspectral sensors and exploit the potential of satellite hyperspectral data for predicting soil properties, we took MingShui County as the study area, which the study area is approximately 1481 km2, and we selected Gaofen-5 (GF-5) satellite hyperspectral image of the study area to explore an applicable and accurate denoising method that can effectively improve the prediction accuracy of soil organic matter (SOM) content. First, fractional-order derivative (FOD) processing is performed on the original reflectance (OR) to evaluate the optimal FOD. Second, singular value decomposition (SVD), Fourier transform (FT) and discrete wavelet transform (DWT) are used to denoise the OR and optimal FOD reflectance. Third, the spectral indexes of the reflectance under different denoising methods are extracted by optimal band combination algorithm, and the input variables of different denoising methods are selected by the recursive feature elimination (RFE) algorithm. Finally, the SOM content is predicted by a random forest prediction model. The results reveal that 0.6-order reflectance describes more useful details in satellite hyperspectral data. Five spectral indexes extracted from the reflectance under different denoising methods have a strong correlation with the SOM content, which is helpful for realizing high-accuracy SOM predictions. All three denoising methods can reduce the noise in hyperspectral data, and the accuracies of the different denoising methods are ranked DWT > FT > SVD, where 0.6-order-DWT has the highest accuracy (R2 = 0.84, RMSE = 3.36 g kg−1, and RPIQ = 1.71). This paper is relatively novel, in that GF-5 satellite hyperspectral data based on different denoising methods are used to predict SOM, and the results provide a highly robust and novel method for mapping the spatial distribution of SOM content at the regional scale.
Global Random Graph Convolution Network for Hyperspectral Image Classification
Authors: Zhang Chaozi , Wang Jianli , Yao Kainan
Published: June 2021

Machine learning and deep learning methods have been employed in the hyperspectral image (HSI) classification field. Of deep learning methods, convolution neural network (CNN) has been widely used and achieved promising results. However, CNN has its limitations in modeling sample relations. Graph convolution network (GCN) has been introduced to HSI classification due to its demonstrated ability in processing sample relations. Introducing GCN into HSI classification, the key issue is how to transform HSI, a typical euclidean data, into non-euclidean data. To address this problem, we propose a supervised framework called the Global Random Graph Convolution Network (GR-GCN). A novel method of constructing the graph is adopted for the network, where the graph is built by randomly sampling from the labeled data of each class. Using this technique, the size of the constructed graph is small, which can save computing resources, and we can obtain an enormous quantity of graphs, which also solves the problem of insufficient samples. Besides, the random combination of samples can make the generated graph more diverse and make the network more robust. We also use a neural network with trainable parameters, instead of artificial rules, to determine the adjacency matrix. An adjacency matrix obtained by a neural network is more flexible and stable, and it can better represent the relationship between nodes in a graph. We perform experiments on three benchmark datasets, and the results demonstrate that the GR-GCN performance is competitive with that of current state-of-the-art methods.
Review on the Role of GNSS Meteorology in Monitoring Water Vapor for Atmospheric Physics
Authors: Vaquero-Martínez Javier , Antón Manuel
Published: June 2021

After 30 years since the beginning of the Global Positioning System (GPS), or, more generally, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) meteorology, this technique has proven to be a reliable method for retrieving atmospheric water vapor; it is low-cost, weather independent, with high temporal resolution and is highly accurate and precise. GNSS ground-based networks are becoming denser, and the first stations installed have now quite long time-series that allow the study of the temporal features of water vapor and its relevant role inside the climate system. In this review, the different GNSS methodologies to retrieve atmospheric water vapor content re-examined, such as tomography, conversion of GNSS tropospheric delay to water vapor estimates, analyses of errors, and combinations of GNSS with other sources to enhance water vapor information. Moreover, the use of these data in different kinds of studies is discussed. For instance, the GNSS technique is commonly used as a reference tool for validating other water vapor products (e.g., radiosounding, radiometers onboard satellite platforms or ground-based instruments). Additionally, GNSS retrievals are largely used in order to determine the high spatio-temporal variability and long-term trends of atmospheric water vapor or in models with the goal of determining its notable influence on the climate system (e.g., assimilation in numerical prediction, as input to radiative transfer models, study of circulation patterns, etc.).
PPGTempStitch: A MATLAB Toolbox for Augmenting Annotated Photoplethsmogram Signals
Authors: Tang Qunfeng , Chen Zhencheng , Menon Carlo , Ward Rabab , Elgendi Mohamed
Published: June 2021

An annotated photoplethysmogram (PPG) is required when evaluating PPG algorithms that have been developed to detect the onset and systolic peaks of PPG waveforms. However, few publicly accessible PPG datasets exist in which the onset and systolic peaks of the waveforms are annotated. Therefore, this study developed a MATLAB toolbox that stitches predetermined annotated PPGs in a random manner to generate a long, annotated PPG signal. With this toolbox, any combination of four annotated PPG templates that represent regular, irregular, fast rhythm, and noisy PPG waveforms can be stitched together to generate a long, annotated PPG. Furthermore, this toolbox can simulate real-life PPG signals by introducing different noise levels and PPG waveforms. The toolbox can implement two stitching methods: one based on the systolic peak and the other on the onset. Additionally, cubic spline interpolation is used to smooth the waveform around the stitching point, and a skewness index is used as a signal quality index to select the final signal output based on the stitching method used. The developed toolbox is free and open-source software, and a graphical user interface is provided. The method of synthesizing by stitching introduced in this paper is a data augmentation strategy that can help researchers significantly increase the size and diversity of annotated PPG signals available for training and testing different feature extraction algorithms.
Pose Estimation of Omnidirectional Camera with Improved EPnP Algorithm
Authors: Gong Xuanrui , Lv Yaowen , Xu Xiping , Wang Yuxuan , Li Mengdi
Published: June 2021

The omnidirectional camera, having the advantage of broadening the field of view, realizes 360° imaging in the horizontal direction. Due to light reflection from the mirror surface, the collinearity relation is altered and the imaged scene has severe nonlinear distortions. This makes it more difficult to estimate the pose of the omnidirectional camera. To solve this problem, we derive the mapping from omnidirectional camera to traditional camera and propose an omnidirectional camera linear imaging model. Based on the linear imaging model, we improve the EPnP algorithm to calculate the omnidirectional camera pose. To validate the proposed solution, we conducted simulations and physical experiments. Results show that the algorithm has a good performance in resisting noise.
Frailty Level Classification of the Community Elderly Using Microsoft Kinect-Based Skeleton Pose: A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Akbari Ghasem , Nikkhoo Mohammad , Wang Lizhen , Chen Carl P. C. , Han Der-Sheng , Lin Yang-Hua , Chen Hung-Bin , Cheng Chih-Hsiu
Published: June 2021

Frailty is one of the most important geriatric syndromes, which can be associated with increased risk for incident disability and hospitalization. Developing a real-time classification model of elderly frailty level could be beneficial for designing a clinical predictive assessment tool. Hence, the objective of this study was to predict the elderly frailty level utilizing the machine learning approach on skeleton data acquired from a Kinect sensor. Seven hundred and eighty-seven community elderly were recruited in this study. The Kinect data were acquired from the elderly performing different functional assessment exercises including: (1) 30-s arm curl; (2) 30-s chair sit-to-stand; (3) 2-min step; and (4) gait analysis tests. The proposed methodology was successfully validated by gender classification with accuracies up to 84 percent. Regarding frailty level evaluation and prediction, the results indicated that support vector classifier (SVC) and multi-layer perceptron (MLP) are the most successful estimators in prediction of the Fried’s frailty level with median accuracies up to 97.5 percent. The high level of accuracy achieved with the proposed methodology indicates that ML modeling can identify the risk of frailty in elderly individuals based on evaluating the real-time skeletal movements using the Kinect sensor.
Sustainable Product-Service Systems Customization: A Case Study Research in the Medical Equipment Sector
Authors: Haber Nicolas , Fargnoli Mario
Published: June 2021

The paper proposes a Product-Service System (PSS) methodology for customizing solutions to different patterns of use while achieving a better environmental performance than a stand-alone product. The approach is based on combining the Quality Function Deployment for Product-Service Systems (QFDforPSS) and the Screening Life Cycle Modeling (SLCM) tools. QFDforPSS is augmented by the Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) to reduce service-related ambiguities and uncertainties on the one hand and better define the product and service characteristics of the solution on the other. The SLCM evaluates the possible outcomes by determining the environmental impact and comparing it with the manufacturer’s current solution. A case study at a manufacturer of medical diagnostic equipment illustrates the use of the approach depicting the possible benefits that can arise: the PSS solution can be customized to fit customers who intensively use the product and consumers with a more moderate use. This offers flexibility and an optimized life cycle through easier maintenance, upgrades, and end-of-life schemes. Concretely, it shows how the PSS approach can enhance the development of sustainable solutions that can be adapted to varying and future customer needs, such as adjusting current solutions to new requirements, i.e., adapting existing products to COVID-19 detection and different levels of use.
Comparing Face-to-Face, Emergency Remote Teaching and Smart Classroom: A Qualitative Exploratory Research Based on Students’ Experience during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Petchamé Josep , Iriondo Ignasi , Villegas Eva , Riu David , Fonseca David
Published: June 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted traditional face-to-face teaching worldwide and forced education institutions to adopt new, online teaching formats to enable students to continue with their studies. This research focuses on students’ perceptions of three teaching different modalities: face-to-face (F2F), Emergency Remote Teaching (ERT) and Smart Classroom (SC), which were implemented in response to the restrictions enforced to combat the spread of COVID-19. A qualitative study based on two user experience techniques, Pocket Bipolar Laddering and Emotional Appraisal, was carried out on a group of second-year ICT engineering university students at La Salle Campus Barcelona. The former technique consists in identifying a maximum of three positive and three negative salient items, while the latter is intended to rate pairs of opposite feelings. In the SC format, saving time on travel to university was considered an advantage of online learning, while disadvantages included less effective instructor–student interaction, distractions when off-campus and teamwork issues. These shortcomings can be addressed by specific online teaching training to develop a more active form of learning and foment student participation. However, both ERT and SC modalities were considered effective solutions to cope with the social and mobility restrictions imposed during the pandemic.