bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Veins Depth Estimation Using Diffused Reflectance Parameter
Authors: Nawaz Jadoon Rab , Shahzad Aamir , Shah Syed Ayaz Ali , Khan Muhammad Amir , Akram Tallha , Zhou WuYang
Published: November 2020

In order to perform the standard Intravenous (IV) catheterization, subcutaneous veins must be localized. It is a difficult task, especially in the cases when veins are hard to localize. The factors which affect the veins localization process are the physiological characteristics of patients, mainly darker skin tone, scars, hair, dehydration and low blood pressure. With the help of Near Infrared imaging, subcutaneous veins can be envisioned. This is due to the higher absorption of NIR light energy by Hemoglobin (Hb) found in the veins. Besides a superficial view, the veins depth information is also important in order to avoid their rupture by piercing through the walls during IV catheterization process. Diffused reflectance, measured with a camera sensor, can be used for the depth estimation of blood vessels. In this paper, a method to measure the depth of veins using diffused reflectance parameter, is presented. The well-known Monte Carlo model of light propagation in human tissues is used for the mathematical representation. A four-layered skin model is presented with varying vessel depths to describe the diffused reflectance of light while propagating inside skin tissues. The results are validated with Monte Carlo simulations for light propagation in layered medium. A sensitivity analysis of proposed method is also performed with a 5% alteration in the optical parameters of skin due to the change in operating conditions. The results showed a marginal error of maximum value 6.23% in vessel depth estimation using the standard optical parameters, 1.6% for −5% and 10.74% for +5% change in optical parameters.
Susceptibility to Head Injury during Backward Fall with Side Aligning of the Body
Authors: Mroczkowski Andrzej
Published: November 2020

(1) Background: The aim of this article is to investigate the susceptibility to head injuries in physical education students who do not train a specific sports discipline and those who use the fall performed backward with side aligning of the body technique. The other goal is the biomechanical analysis of the impact of the fall technique on the likelihood of head injury. (2) Methods: the study included 57 students, divided into two research groups. Group A consisted of 32 students who had not practiced any sport in a sports club before. Group B consisted of 25 students who, by practicing martial arts, had acquired the skill of the fall performed backward with side aligning of the body. A rotating training simulator (RTS) was used to force the fall backwards. (3) Results: students from group B made significantly fewer “head” errors when falling backwards than in group A. Increasing the speed of falling did not increase the number of “head” errors in group B, but only in group A. The type of the fall test performed affected the increase in the number of “head” errors only in group A. (4) Conclusions: practicing selected sports disciplines in which the fall backwards occurs can protect one against head injuries by acquiring appropriate motor habits. The use of the fall performed backward with side aligning of the body technique with the occurrence of horizontal inertia forces causing a fall reduces the risk of head injuries.
Application of Antiviral Polyoxometalates to Living Environments—Antiviral Moist Hand Towels and Stationery Items
Authors: Dan Katsuaki , Fujinami Katsuyuki , Sumitomo Hajime , Ogiwara Yasuaki , Suhara Shigehiko , Konno Yoshiharu , Sawada Mitsuhiro , Soga Yusuke , Takada Atsushi , Takanashi Keita , Watanabe Kenji , Shinozuka Tatsuo
Published: November 2020

Safe, secure, and environmentally friendly active substances should be developed. VB (virus block) refers to an antibacterial/antiviral mixture of two kinds of polyoxometalates (PMs), i.e., K11H[(VO)3(SbW9O33)2]·27H2O (VB2) and α-Na2[SbW9O33]9− (VB3), and polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB). VB was demonstrated to exert antiviral effects on cultured cells. The effects were maintained even in hygiene products or solids. The antiviral effects were analyzed by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR), and the results were correlated with TCID50, potentially eliminating the need for handling infectious viruses. VB was demonstrated to be extremely effective (up to 99.99% inhibition) in cultured cells, with antibacterial/antiviral effects maintained in VB-containing hygiene products. VB was applied to solids, demonstrating their high applicability and versatility. VB withstands high temperatures regardless of materials because its effects are enhanced by more frequent contact with viruses and bacteria due to the increased surface area of the compound.
Hybrid LLC Converter with Wide Range of Zero-Voltage Switching and Wide Input Voltage Operation
Authors: Lin Bor-Ren , Chen Kun-Yi
Published: November 2020

A new hybrid inductor-inductor-capacitor (LLC) converter is investigated to have wide voltage input operation capability and zero-voltage turn-on characteristics. The presented circuit topology can be applied for consumer power units without power factor correction or with long hold-up time requirement, photovoltaic energy conversion and renewable energy power transfer. To overcome the weakness of narrow voltage gain of resonant converter, the hybrid LLC converter with different turns ratio of transformer is presented and the experimental investigation is provided to achieve wide voltage input capability (400 V–50 V). On the input-side, the converter can operate as full bridge resonant circuit or half bridge resonant circuit with input split capacitors for high or low voltage input region. On the output-side, the less or more winding turns is selected to overcome wide voltage input operation. According to the circuit structures and transformer turns ratio, the single stage LLC converter with wide voltage input operation capability (400 V–50 V) is accomplished. The laboratory prototype has been developed and the experimental waveforms are measured and demonstrated to investigate the effectiveness of the presented hybrid LLC converter.
TFBN: A Cost Effective High Performance Hierarchical Interconnection Network
Authors: Rahman M. M. Hafizur , Al-Naeem Mohammed , Ali Mohammed N. M. , Sufian Abu
Published: November 2020

In order to fulfill the increasing demand for computation power to process a boundless data concurrently within a very short time or real-time in many areas such as IoT, AI, machine learning, smart grid, and big data analytics, we need exa-scale or zetta-scale computation in the near future. Thus, to have this level of computation, we need a massively parallel computer (MPC) system that shall consist of millions of nodes; and, for the interconnection of these massive numbers of nodes, conventional topologies are infeasible. Thus, a hierarchical interconnection network (HIN) is a rational way to connect huge nodes. Through this article, we are proposing a new HIN, which is a tori-connected flattened butterfly network (TFBN) for the next generation MPC system. Numerous basic modules are hierarchically interconnected as a toroidal connection, whereby the basic modules are flattened butterfly networks. We have studied the network architecture, static network performance, and static cost-effectiveness of the proposed TFBN in detail; and compared static network and cost-effectiveness performance of the TFBN to those of TTN, torus, TESH, and mesh networks. It is depicted that TFBN possesses low diameter and average distance, high arc connectivity, and temperate bisection width. It also has better cost-effectiveness and cost-performance trade-off factor compared to those of TTN, torus, TESH, and mesh networks. The only shortcoming is that the complexity of wiring of the TFBN is higher than that of those networks; this is because the basic module necessitates some extra short length link to form the flattened butterfly network. Therefore, TFBN is a high performance and cost-effective HIN, and it will be a good option for the next generation MPC system.
Regional Climate Modelling with COSMO-CLM: History and Perspectives
Authors: Steger Christian , Bucchignani Edoardo
Published: November 2020

The history of the COSMO (COnsortium for Small-scale Modelling) model goes back to the early 1990s, when the Deutscher Wetterdienst (German Meteorological Service, DWD) decided to develop a non-hydrostatic model, the Lokalmodell (LM) [...]
Inter-Comparison of Gauge-Based Gridded Data, Reanalysis and Satellite Precipitation Product with an Emphasis on Hydrological Modeling
Authors: Setti Sridhara , Maheswaran Rathinasamy , Sridhar Venkataramana , Barik Kamal Kumar , Merz Bruno , Agarwal Ankit
Published: November 2020

Precipitation is essential for modeling the hydrologic behavior of watersheds. There exist multiple precipitation products of different sources and precision. We evaluate the influence of different precipitation product on model parameters and streamflow predictive uncertainty using a soil water assessment tool (SWAT) model for a forest dominated catchment in India. We used IMD (gridded rainfall dataset), TRMM (satellite product), bias-corrected TRMM (corrected satellite product) and NCEP-CFSR (reanalysis dataset) over a period from 1998–2012 for simulating streamflow. The precipitation analysis using statistical measures revealed that the TRMM and CFSR data slightly overestimate rainfall compared to the ground-based IMD data. However, the TRMM estimates improved, applying a bias correction. The Nash–Sutcliffe (and R2) values for TRMM, TRMMbias and CFSR, are 0.58 (0.62), 0.62 (0.63) and 0.52 (0.54), respectively at model calibrated with IMD data (Scenario A). The models of each precipitation product (Scenario B) yielded Nash–Sutcliffe (and R2) values 0.71 (0.76), 0.74 (0.78) and 0.76 (0.77) for TRMM, TRMMbias and CFSR datasets, respectively. Thus, the hydrological model-based evaluation revealed that the model calibration with individual rainfall data as input showed increased accuracy in the streamflow simulation. IMD and TRMM forced models to perform better in capturing the streamflow simulations than the CFSR reanalysis-driven model. Overall, our results showed that TRMM data after proper correction could be a good alternative for ground observations for driving hydrological models.
Acrolein: A Potential Mediator of Oxidative Damage in Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Alfarhan Moaddey , Jafari Eissa , Narayanan S. Priya
Published: November 2020

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of vision loss among working-age adults. Extensive evidences have documented that oxidative stress mediates a critical role in the pathogenesis of DR. Acrolein, a product of polyamines oxidation and lipid peroxidation, has been demonstrated to be involved in the pathogenesis of various human diseases. Acrolein’s harmful effects are mediated through multiple mechanisms, including DNA damage, inflammation, ROS formation, protein adduction, membrane disruption, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Recent investigations have reported the involvement of acrolein in the pathogenesis of DR. These studies have shown a detrimental effect of acrolein on the retinal neurovascular unit under diabetic conditions. The current review summarizes the existing literature on the sources of acrolein, the impact of acrolein in the generation of oxidative damage in the diabetic retina, and the mechanisms of acrolein action in the pathogenesis of DR. The possible therapeutic interventions such as the use of polyamine oxidase inhibitors, agents with antioxidant properties, and acrolein scavengers to reduce acrolein toxicity are also discussed.
Modulation of NLRP3 Inflammasome Attenuated Inflammatory Response Associated to Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Scuderi Sarah Adriana , Casili Giovanna , Lanza Marika , Filippone Alessia , Paterniti Irene , Esposito Emanuela , Campolo Michela
Published: November 2020

Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) is a multifactorial chronic gastrointestinal disorder characterized by inflammation and immune response. In this context, NLRP3 over-activation is associated with a breakdown of enteric-immune balance related to IBS-D. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the inflammasome inhibitor, BAY 11-7082, in a rat model of IBS-D. Syndrome was induced by intracolonic instillation of 1 mL 4% acetic acid at 8 cm proximal to the anus for 30 s and sacrificed 2 weeks after IBS-D induction. BAY 11-7082 (10 and 30 mg/kg) was administered daily by oral gavage. The results obtained showed that the treatment with BAY 11-7082 (30 mg/kg) significantly reduced tissue injury characterized by edema, neutrophil infiltration, and loss of colon structure. We demonstrated that BAY 11-7082 treatment inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation and NF-kB translocation, reducing inflammatory mediators. Moreover, treatment with BAY 11-7082 restored tight junction alteration following IBS-D induction and reduced the restraint stress. Taken together, our data demonstrate that IBS-D induced NLRP3 inflammasome pathway activation, accompanied by the production of proinflammatory response. The modulation of the inflammosome pathway with BAY 11-7082 inhibitor significantly reduced pathological signs of IBS-D, therefore, can be considered a valuable strategy to reduce the development of IBS-D.
Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Kefir Grain Lactobacillus Ameliorate Intestinal Inflammation via Regulation of Proinflammatory Pathway and Tight Junction Integrity
Authors: Kang Eun Ae , Choi Hye-In , Hong Seung Wook , Kang Seokwoo , Jegal Hyeon-Young , Choi Eun Wook , Park Byung-Soon , Kim Joo Sung
Published: November 2020

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the anti-inflammatory effect of Lactobacillus kefirgranum PRCC-1301-derived extracellular vesicles (PRCC-1301 EVs) on intestinal inflammation and intestinal barrier function. Human intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) Caco-2 were treated with PRCC-1301 EVs and then stimulated with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Real-time RT-PCR revealed that PRCC-1301 EVs inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in Caco-2 cells. PRCC-1301 EVs enhanced intestinal barrier function by maintaining intestinal cell integrity and the tight junction. Loss of Zo-1, claudin-1, and occludin in Caco-2 cells and the colitis tissues was recovered after PRCC-1301 EVs treatment, as evidenced by immunofluorescence analysis. Acute murine colitis was induced using 4% DSS and chronic colitis was generated in piroxicam-treated IL-10-/- mice. PRCC-1301 EVs attenuated body weight loss, colon shortening, and histological damage in acute and chronic colitis models in mice. Immunohistochemistry revealed that phosphorylated NF-κB p65 and IκBα were reduced in the colon tissue sections treated with PRCC-1301 EVs. Our results suggest that PRCC-1301 EVs may have an anti-inflammatory effect on colitis by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway and improving intestinal barrier function.
Drug-Based Gold Nanoparticles Overgrowth for Enhanced SPR Biosensing of Doxycycline
Authors: Kazmi Syed Akif Raza , Qureshi Muhammad Zahid , Masson Jean-Francois
Published: November 2020

In clinical chemistry, frequent monitoring of drug levels in patients has gained considerable importance because of the benefits of drug monitoring on human health, such as the avoidance of high risk of over dosage or increased therapeutic efficacy. In this work, we demonstrate that the drug doxycycline can act as an Au nanoparticle (doxy-AuNP) growth and capping agent to enhance the response of a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor for this drug. SPR analysis revealed the high sensitivity of doxy-AuNPs towards the detection of free doxycycline. More specifically, doxy-AuNPs bound with protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR-1) immobilized on the SPR sensing surface yield the response in SPR, which was enhanced following the addition of free doxy (analyte) to the solution of doxy-AuNPs. This biosensor allowed for doxycycline detection at concentrations as low as 7 pM. The study also examined the role of colloidal stability and growth of doxy-AuNPs in relation to the response-enhancement strategy based on doxy-AuNPs. Thus, the doxy-AuNPs-based SPR biosensor is an excellent platform for the detection of doxycycline and demonstrates a new biosensing scheme where the analyte can provide enhancement.
Effortful Control and Prefrontal Cortex Functioning in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An fNIRS Study
Authors: Krishnamurthy Karthikeyan , Yeung Michael K. , Chan Agnes S. , Han Yvonne M. Y.
Published: November 2020

Effortful control (EC) is an important dimension of temperament, but is impaired in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While EC is associated with the prefrontal cortex (PFC) functioning in typically developing (TD) children, it is unclear whether EC deficits are associated with PFC dysfunction in ASD. This study examines the relationship between EC and PFC activation and connectivity in children with high-functioning ASD. Thirty-nine right-handed children (ASD: n = 20; TD: n = 19) aged 8–12 years were recruited. The EC level was assessed with the Early Adolescent Temperament Questionnaire—Revised (EATQ-R), and PFC functioning, in terms of activation and connectivity during a frontal-sensitive (n-back) task, was assessed using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Children with ASD showed a significant deficit in EC and its related constructs (i.e., executive, and socioemotional functions) compared to TD controls. They also showed significantly increased overall PFC activation and reduced right frontal connectivity during the n-back task. Among children with ASD, the EC level correlated significantly with neither PFC activation nor connectivity; it significantly correlated with social functioning only. This study demonstrated EC deficits and altered PFC functioning in children with ASD, but the exact neural basis of EC deficits remains to be determined.
Classification of Primary Cerebral Lymphoma and Glioblastoma Featuring Dynamic Susceptibility Contrast and Apparent Diffusion Coefficient
Authors: Eisenhut Felix , Schmidt Manuel A. , Putz Florian , Lettmaier Sebastian , Fröhlich Kilian , Arinrad Soheil , Coras Roland , Luecking Hannes , Lang Stefan , Fietkau Rainer , Doerfler Arnd
Published: November 2020

This study aimed to differentiate primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) and glioblastoma (GBM) via multimodal MRI featuring radiomic analysis. MRI data sets of patients with histological proven PCNSL and GBM were analyzed retrospectively. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) perfusion imaging were evaluated to differentiate contrast enhancing intracerebral lesions. Selective (contrast enhanced tumor area with the highest mean cerebral blood volume (CBV) value) and unselective (contouring whole contrast enhanced lesion) Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurement was performed. By multivariate logistic regression, a multiparametric model was compiled and tested for its diagnostic strength. A total of 74 patients were included in our study. Selective and unselective mean and maximum ADC values, mean and maximum CBV and ratioCBV as quotient of tumor CBV and CBV in contralateral healthy white matter were significantly larger in patients with GBM than PCNSL; minimum CBV was significantly lower in GBM than in PCNSL. The highest AUC for discrimination of PCNSL and GBM was obtained for selective mean and maximum ADC, mean and maximum CBV and ratioCBV. By integrating these five in a multiparametric model 100% of the patients were classified correctly. The combination of perfusion imaging (CBV) and tumor hot-spot selective ADC measurement yields reliable radiological discrimination of PCNSL from GBM with highest accuracy and is readily available in clinical routine.
Nonlinear Seismic Analysis of Existing RC School Buildings: The “P3” School Typology
Authors: Estêvão João M.C. , Esteves Carlos
Published: November 2020

The seismic assessment of existing school buildings is an important issue in earthquake prone regions; such is the case of the Algarve, which is the southern region of Portugal mainland. Having this problem in mind, the PERSISTAH project (Projetos de Escolas Resilientes aos SISmos no Território do Algarve e de Huelva, in Portuguese) aimed to develop a computational approach enabling the damage evaluation of a large number of individual school buildings. One of the school typologies assessed was the so-called “P3” schools. This typology is composed of several different modules that are combined in different manners depending on the number of students. Each module was built in accordance with architectural standardised designs. For this reason, there are many replicas of these modules all over the Algarve region. The structural system of each module is composed of a frame of reinforced concrete (RC) elements. Nonlinear static seismic analysis procedures were adopted to evaluate the structural seismic behaviour, namely by using the new concept of performance curve. Based on the obtained results, it was possible to conclude that the seismic safety of this type of school building is mainly ruled by the shear capacity of the columns. This study also shows the difficulties of carrying out accurate seismic assessments of existing buildings using the methods of analysis that are established in the Eurocode 8.
Effect of High-Dose vs Standard-Dose Vitamin D3 Supplementation on Body Composition among Patients with Advanced or Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Brown Justin C. , Rosenthal Michael H. , Ma Chao , Zhang Sui , Nimeiri Halla S. , McCleary Nadine J. , Abrams Thomas A. , Yurgelun Matthew B. , Cleary James M. , Rubinson Douglas A. , Schrag Deborah , Bullock Andrea J. , Allen Jill , Zuckerman Dan , Chan Emily , Chan Jennifer A. , Wolpin Brian , Constantine Michael , Weckstein Douglas J. , Faggen Meredith A. , Thomas Christian A. , Kournioti Chryssanthi , Yuan Chen , Zheng Hui , Hollis Bruce W. , Fuchs Charles S. , Ng Kimmie , Meyerhardt Jeffrey A.
Published: November 2020

Skeletal muscle and adipose tissue express the vitamin D receptor and may be a mechanism through which vitamin D supplementation slows cancer progression and reduces cancer death. In this exploratory analysis of a double-blind, multicenter, randomized phase II clinical trial, 105 patients with advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer who were receiving chemotherapy were randomized to either high-dose vitamin D3 (4000 IU) or standard-dose (400 IU) vitamin D3. Body composition was measured with abdominal computed tomography at enrollment (baseline) and after cycle 8 of chemotherapy (16 weeks). As compared with standard-dose vitamin D3, high-dose vitamin D3 did not significantly change body weight [−0.7 kg; (95% CI: −3.5, 2.0)], body mass index [−0.2 kg/m2; (95% CI: −1.2, 0.7)], muscle area [−1.7 cm2; (95% CI: −9.6, 6.3)], muscle attenuation [−0.4 HU; (95% CI: −4.2, 3.2)], visceral adipose tissue area [−7.5 cm2; (95% CI: −24.5, 9.6)], or subcutaneous adipose tissue area [−8.3 cm2; (95% CI: −35.5, 18.9)] over the first 8 cycles of chemotherapy. Among patients with advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer, the addition of high-dose vitamin D3, vs standard-dose vitamin D3, to standard chemotherapy did not result in any changes in body composition.
Deterioration of Sexual Health in Cancer Survivors Five Years after Diagnosis: Data from the French National Prospective VICAN Survey
Authors: Seguin Lorène , Touzani Rajae , Bouhnik Anne-Déborah , Charif Ali Ben , Marino Patricia , Bendiane Marc-Karim , Gonçalves Anthony , Gravis Gwenaelle , Mancini Julien
Published: November 2020

Little is known about cancer survivors’ sexual health (SH)—particularly, from well after diagnosis and in cancers unrelated to sexuality. This study aimed to assess SH deterioration five years after diagnosis. We analyzed data from the French national VIe après le CANcer (VICAN) survey. Six items from the Relationship and Sexuality Scale were used to assess SH. Respondents were grouped according to an ascending hierarchical classification in four clusters: strong, moderate, and weak deterioration or stable (WD, SD, MD, or St). Out of 2195 eligible participants, 57.3% reported substantial SH deterioration as either SD (30.8%) or MD (26.5%), while WD and St accounted for 31.2% and 11.5% of respondents, respectively. Substantial deterioration was reported in all cancer sites (from 27.7% in melanoma to 83.1% in prostate). Treatment type, cancer sequelae, and pain, as well as psychological consequences (depression and anxiety, especially for younger patients) were associated with substantial SH deterioration. The same factors were identified after restricting the analysis to survivors of cancers unrelated to sexuality. Five years after diagnosis, the majority of cancer survivors reported SH deterioration. Interventions should be developed to improve SH regardless of cancer site. Particular attention should be paid to depression and anxiety, especially in younger survivors.
Immunotherapy Moves to the Early-Stage Setting in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Emerging Evidence and the Role of Biomarkers
Authors: Mielgo-Rubio Xabier , Calvo Virginia , Luna Javier , Remon Jordi , Martín Margarita , Berraondo Pedro , Jarabo José Ramón , Higuera Oliver , Conde Esther , De Castro Javier , Provencio Mariano , Hernando Trancho Florentino , López-Ríos Fernando , Couñago Felipe
Published: November 2020

Despite numerous advances in targeted therapy and immunotherapy in the last decade, lung cancer continues to present the highest mortality rate of all cancers. Targeted therapy based on specific genomic alterations, together with PD-1 and CTLA-4 axis blocking-based immunotherapy, have significantly improved survival in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and both therapies are now well-established in this clinical setting. However, it is time for immunotherapy to be applied in patients with early-stage disease, which would be an important qualitative leap in the treatment of lung cancer patients with curative intent. Preliminary data from a multitude of studies are highly promising, but therapeutic decision-making should be guided by an understanding of the molecular features of the tumour and host. In the present review, we discuss the most recently published studies and ongoing clinical trials, controversies, future challenges and the role of biomarkers in the selection of best therapeutic options.
Importance of Cullin4 Ubiquitin Ligase in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Authors: Meerang Mayura , Kreienbühl Jessica , Orlowski Vanessa , Müller Seraina L. C. , Kirschner Michaela B. , Opitz Isabelle
Published: November 2020

Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), the tumor suppressor frequently lost in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), suppresses tumorigenesis in part by inhibiting the Cullin4 ubiquitin ligase (CUL4) complex in the nucleus. Here, we evaluated the importance of CUL4 in MPM progression and tested the efficacy of cullin inhibition by pevonedistat, a small molecule inhibiting cullin neddylation. CUL4 paralogs (CUL4A and CUL4B) were upregulated in MPM tumor specimens compared to nonmalignant pleural tissues. High gene and protein expressions of CUL4B was associated with a worse progression-free survival of MPM patients. Among 13 MPM cell lines tested, five (38%) were highly sensitive to pevonedistat (half maximal inhibitory concentration of cell survival IC50 < 0.5 µM). This remained true in a 3D spheroid culture. Pevonedistat treatment caused the accumulation of CDT1 and p21 in both sensitive and resistant cell lines. However, the treatment induced S/G2 cell cycle arrest and DNA rereplication predominantly in the sensitive cell lines. In an in vivo mouse model, the pevonedistat treatment significantly prolonged the survival of mice bearing both sensitive and resistant MPM tumors. Pevonedistat treatment reduced growth in sensitive tumors but increased apoptosis in resistant tumors. The mechanism in the resistant tumor model may be mediated by reduced macrophage infiltration, resulting from the suppression of macrophage chemotactic cytokines, C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), expression in tumor cells.
Histone Monoubiquitination in Chromatin Remodelling: Focus on the Histone H2B Interactome and Cancer
Authors: Marsh Deborah J. , Ma Yue , Dickson Kristie-Ann
Published: November 2020

Chromatin remodelling is a major mechanism by which cells control fundamental processes including gene expression, the DNA damage response (DDR) and ensuring the genomic plasticity required by stem cells to enable differentiation. The post-translational modification of histone H2B resulting in addition of a single ubiquitin, in humans at lysine 120 (K120; H2Bub1) and in yeast at K123, has key roles in transcriptional elongation associated with the RNA polymerase II-associated factor 1 complex (PAF1C) and in the DDR. H2Bub1 itself has been described as having tumour suppressive roles and a number of cancer-related proteins and/or complexes are recognised as part of the H2Bub1 interactome. These include the RING finger E3 ubiquitin ligases RNF20, RNF40 and BRCA1, the guardian of the genome p53, the PAF1C member CDC73, subunits of the switch/sucrose non-fermenting (SWI/SNF) chromatin remodelling complex and histone methyltransferase complexes DOT1L and COMPASS, as well as multiple deubiquitinases including USP22 and USP44. While globally depleted in many primary human malignancies, including breast, lung and colorectal cancer, H2Bub1 is selectively enriched at the coding region of certain highly expressed genes, including at p53 target genes in response to DNA damage, functioning to exercise transcriptional control of these loci. This review draws together extensive literature to cement a significant role for H2Bub1 in a range of human malignancies and discusses the interplay between key cancer-related proteins and H2Bub1-associated chromatin remodelling.
Physical and Chemical Synthesis of Au/CeO2 Nanoparticle Catalysts for Room Temperature CO Oxidation: A Comparative Study
Authors: Saoud Khaled Mohammad , El-Shall Mohamed Samy
Published: November 2020

In many heterogeneous catalytic reactions, such as low-temperature CO oxidation, the preparation conditions, and the role of the CeO2 support (oxygen vacancies and redox properties) in the dispersion and the chemical state of Au, are considered critical factors for obtaining gold nanoparticle catalysts with high catalytic performance. In this work, the physical and chemical preparation methods were compared, aiming at understanding how the preparation method influences the catalytic activity. The Au/CeO2 nanoparticle catalysts with 5% Au loading were prepared via the Physical Laser Vaporization Controlled Condensation method (LVCC), and the chemical Deposition-Precipitation method (DP) was used to investigate the effect of synthesis methods on the structure and the catalytic activity toward the CO oxidation. In this manuscript, we compare the activity of nanostructured Au/CeO2 catalysts. The structure and the redox properties of the catalysts were investigated by the XRD, SEM, TEM, TPR, and XPS. The catalytic activity for low-temperature CO oxidation was studied using a custom-built quartz tube flow reactor coupled with an infrared detector system at atmospheric pressure. The study reveals that the prepared CeO2-supported Au nanoparticles’ catalytic activity was highly dependent on the preparation methods. It showed that the sample prepared by the DP method exhibits higher catalytic efficiency toward CO oxidation when compared with the sample prepared by the LVCC method. The high catalytic activity could be attributed to the small particle size and shape, slightly higher Au concentration at the surface, surface-active Au species such as Au1+, along with the large interface between Au and CeO2. This study suggests that the stability, dispersion of Au nanoparticles on CeO2, and strong interaction between Au and CeO2 lead to strong oxidation ability even below room temperature. Considering the universal character of different physical and chemical methods for Au/CeO2 preparation, this study may also provide a base for supported Au-based catalysts for many oxidation reactions in energy and environmental applications.
Optimization of the Catalytic Layer for Alkaline Fuel Cells Based on Fumatech Membranes and Ionomer
Authors: Sebastián David , Lemes Giovanni , Luque-Centeno José M. , Martínez-Huerta María V. , Pardo Juan I. , Lázaro María J.
Published: November 2020

Polymer electrolyte fuel cells with alkaline anion exchange membranes (AAEMs) have gained increasing attention because of the faster reaction kinetics associated with the alkaline environment compared to acidic media. While the development of anion exchange polymer membranes is increasing, the catalytic layer structure and composition of electrodes is of paramount importance to maximize fuel cell performance. In this work, we examine the preparation procedures for electrodes by catalyst-coated substrate to be used with a well-known commercial AAEM, Fumasep® FAA-3, and a commercial ionomer of the same nature (Fumion), both from Fumatech GmbH. The anion exchange procedure, the ionomer concentration in the catalytic layer and also the effect of membrane thickness, are investigated as they are very relevant parameters conditioning the cell behavior. The best power density was achieved upon ion exchange of the ionomer by submerging the electrodes in KCl (isopropyl alcohol/water solution) for at least one hour, two exchange steps, followed by treatment in KOH for 30 min. The optimum ionomer (Fumion) concentration was found to be close to 50 wt%, with a relatively narrow interval of functioning ionomer percentages. These results provide a practical guide for electrode preparation in AAEM-based fuel cell research.
Nuclear Morphological Remodeling in Human Granulocytes Is Linked to Prenylation Independently from Cytoskeleton
Authors: Martewicz Sebastian , Luni Camilla , Zhu Xi , Cui Meihua , Hu Manli , Qu Siqi , Buratto Damiano , Yang Guang , Grespan Eleonora , Elvassore Nicola
Published: November 2020

Nuclear shape modulates cell behavior and function, while aberrant nuclear morphologies correlate with pathological phenotype severity. Nevertheless, functions of specific nuclear morphological features and underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we investigate a nucleus-intrinsic mechanism driving nuclear lobulation and segmentation concurrent with granulocyte specification, independently from extracellular forces and cytosolic cytoskeleton contributions. Transcriptomic regulation of cholesterol biosynthesis is equally concurrent with nuclear remodeling. Its putative role as a regulatory element is supported by morphological aberrations observed upon pharmacological impairment of several enzymatic steps of the pathway, most prominently the sterol ∆14-reductase activity of laminB-receptor and protein prenylation. Thus, we support the hypothesis of a nuclear-intrinsic mechanism for nuclear shape control with the putative involvement of the recently discovered GGTase III complex. Such process could be independent from or complementary to the better studied cytoskeleton-based nuclear remodeling essential for cell migration in both physiological and pathological contexts such as immune system function and cancer metastasis.
Detection of KRAS G12/G13 Mutations in Cell Free-DNA by Droplet Digital PCR, Offers Prognostic Information for Patients with Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Michaelidou Kleita , Koutoulaki Chara , Mavridis Konstantinos , Vorrias Eleftherios , Papadaki Maria A. , Koutsopoulos Anastasios V. , Mavroudis Dimitrios , Agelaki Sofia
Published: November 2020

KRAS mutations are found in approximately one third of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. In this study, we aim to investigate whether KRAS G12/G13 mutant allele fraction (MAF) in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) can provide meaningful prognostic information in NSCLC. Multiplex droplet-digital PCR was used to quantitatively assess KRAS G12/G13 MAF in cfDNA from 114 pre-treated advanced disease NSCLC patients. In 14 patients, changes in KRAS G12/G13 MAF were longitudinally monitored during treatment. Plasma KRAS G12/G13 status was associated with poor patients’ outcome in terms of progression-free survival (PFS) (p < 0.001) and overall survival (OS) (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, the detection of plasma KRAS mutations was an independent predictor of adverse PFS (HR = 3.12; p < 0.001) and OS (HR = 2.53; p = 0.002). KRAS G12/G13 MAF at first treatment evaluation (T1) was higher (p = 0.013) among patients experiencing progressive disease compared to those with disease control, and increased KRAS MAF at T1 was associated (p = 0.005) with shorter PFS. On the contrary, no association was observed between tissue KRAS mutation status and patients’ prognosis. Our results show that ddPCR-based detection of KRAS G12/G13 mutations in plasma could serve as an independent biomarker of unfavorable prognosis in NSCLC patients. Changes in KRAS MAF can provide valuable information for monitoring patient outcome during treatment.
Anthocyanin Bioactivity in Obesity and Diabetes: The Essential Role of Glucose Transporters in the Gut and Periphery
Authors: Solverson Patrick
Published: November 2020

Obesity and type-2 diabetes trends continue to worsen in the United States. Dietary anthocyanins (typically provided by berries and other fruits) are reported to have protective effects against both conditions using a variety of experimental research models including animal and human feeding studies. This review highlights studies that explore the biochemical pathways in both tissue and rodent models which could explain clinical improvements noted with anthocyanin consumption. First, the primary mode of intestinal absorption of anthocyanins is through both sGLT1 and GLUT2 glucose transporters. Stronger binding affinities may allow anthocyanins to be more inhibitive to glucose absorption compared to the reverse, where GLUT2 expression may also be affected. Genetic or chemical inhibition of sGLT1 or GLUT2 demonstrate their essential function in anthocyanin absorption across the enterocyte, where the former interacts with a greater variety of anthocyanins but the latter is the major transporter for specific anthocyanin-glycosides. Once absorbed, anthocyanins positively modulate GLUT4 density and function in both skeletal muscle and adipose tissues via the upregulation of AMPK and restoration of insulin sensitivity. Antioxidant properties and phosphodiesterase inhibition by anthocyanins promote both mitochondrial function and density which could be novel targets for dietary management of obesity and its complications.
Nanomaterials for Diagnosis and Treatment of Brain Cancer: Recent Updates
Authors: Mukhtar Mahwash , Bilal Muhammad , Rahdar Abbas , Barani Mahmood , Arshad Rabia , Behl Tapan , Brisc Ciprian , Banica Florin , Bungau Simona
Published: November 2020

Brain tumors, especially glioblastoma, remain the most aggressive form of all the cancers because of inefficient diagnosis and profiling. Nanostructures, such as metallic nanostructures, silica nano-vehicles, quantum dots, lipid nanoparticles (NPs) and polymeric NPs, with high specificity have made it possible to permeate the blood–brain barrier (BBB). NPs possess optical, magnetic and photodynamic properties that can be exploited by surface modification, bio composition, contrast agents’ encapsulation and coating by tumor-derived cells. Hence, nanotechnology has brought on a revolution in the field of diagnosis and imaging of brain tumors and cancers. Recently, nanomaterials with biomimetic functions have been introduced to efficiently cross the BBB to be engulfed by deep skin tumors and cancer malignancies for imaging. The review focuses on nanotechnology-based diagnostic and imaging approaches for exploration in brain tumors and cancers. Moreover, the review also summarizes a few strategies to image glioblastoma and cancers by multimodal functional nanocomposites for more precise and accurate clinical diagnosis. Their unique physicochemical attributes, including nanoscale sizes, larger surface area, explicit structural features and ability to encapsulate diverse molecules on their surface, render nanostructured materials as excellent nano-vehicles to cross the blood–brain barrier and convey drug molecules to their target region. This review sheds light on the current progress of various kinds of nanomaterials, such as liposomes, nano-micelles, dendrimers, carbon nanotubes, carbon dots and NPs (gold, silver and zinc oxide NPs), for efficient drug delivery in the treatment and diagnosis of brain cancer.
Chromogenic Technologies for Energy Saving
Authors: Cannavale Alessandro
Published: November 2020

Chromogenic materials and devices include a wide range of technologies that are capable of changing their spectral properties according to specific external stimuli. Several studies have shown that chromogenics can be conveniently used in building façades in order to reduce energy consumption, with other significant effects. First of all, chromogenics influence the annual energy balance of a building, achieving significant reductions in consumption for HVAC and artificial lighting. In addition, these technologies potentially improve the indoor level of visual comfort, reducing the risks of glare and excessive lighting. This brief review points to a systematic discussion—although not exhaustive and mainly limited to recent results and investigations—of the main studies that deal with building-integrated chromogenics that have appeared, so far, in the scientific literature.
Climatic Trends in Different Bioclimatic Zones in the Chitwan Annapurna Landscape, Nepal
Authors: Luitel Dol Raj , Jha Pramod K. , Siwakoti Mohan , Shrestha Madan Lall , Munniappan Rangaswamy
Published: November 2020

The Chitwan Annapurna Landscape (CHAL) is the central part of the Himalayas and covers all bioclimatic zones with major endemism of flora, unique agro-biodiversity, environmental, cultural and socio-economic importance. Not much is known about temperature and precipitation trends along the different bioclimatic zones nor how changes in these parameters might impact the whole natural process, including biodiversity and ecosystems, in the CHAL. Analysis of daily temperature and precipitation time series data (1970–2019) was carried out in seven bioclimatic zones extending from lowland Terai to the higher Himalayas. The non-parametric Mann-Kendall test was applied to determine the trends, which were quantified by Sen’s slope. Annual and decade interval average temperature, precipitation trends, and lapse rate were analyzed in each bioclimatic zone. In the seven bioclimatic zones, precipitation showed a mixed pattern of decreasing and increasing trends (four bioclimatic zones showed a decreasing and three bioclimatic zones an increasing trend). Precipitation did not show any particular trend at decade intervals but the pattern of rainfall decreases after 2000AD. The average annual temperature at different bioclimatic zones clearly indicates that temperature at higher elevations is increasing significantly more than at lower elevations. In lower tropical bioclimatic zone (LTBZ), upper tropical bioclimatic zone (UTBZ), lower subtropical bioclimatic zone (LSBZ), upper subtropical bioclimatic zone (USBZ), and temperate bioclimatic zone (TBZ), the average temperature increased by 0.022, 0.030, 0.036, 0.042 and 0.051 °C/year, respectively. The decade level temperature scenario revealed that the hottest decade was from 1999–2009 and average decade level increases of temperature at different bioclimatic zones ranges from 0.2 to 0.27 °C /decade. The average temperature and precipitation was found clearly different from one bioclimatic zone to other. This is the first time that bioclimatic zone level precipitation and temperature trends have been analyzed for the CHAL. The rate of additional temperature rise at higher altitudes compared to lower elevations meets the requirements to mitigate climate change in different bioclimatic zones in a different ways. This information would be fundamental to safeguarding vulnerable communities, ecosystem and relevant climate-sensitive sectors from the impact of climate change through formulation of sector-wise climate change adaptation strategies and improving the livelihood of rural communities.
Temperature Sensing Utilizing Stimulate Brillouin Scattering Fast Light in Liquid-Filled Photonic Crystal Fibers
Authors: Lei Jingli , Niu Shuaibin , Hou Shanglin , Wang Daobin , Li Xiaoxiao
Published: November 2020

A novel temperature sensor designed on stimulate Brillouin scattering fast light in liquid-filled photonic crystal fibers is proposed. The time advancement and the Brillouin frequency shift of fast light are simulated according to the three-wave coupling equations of stimulate Brillouin scattering, and the temperature sensing characteristics of the fast light in liquid-filled hexagonal photonic crystal fibers with three different air filling factors are simulated from 20 °C to 70 °C by using the full-vector finite element method. The alcohol-filled photonic crystal fibers exhibit rather sensitive responses to temperature. With temperature varying from 20 °C to 70 °C, the variation of the effective mode area is 2.75 µm at the air filling factor of 0.6, the Brillouin frequency shift is about 11 GHz and its average modification is 1.15 MHz. The time advancement increases with the rise of temperature, its increment can reach up to 4.53 ns at the air filling factor of 0.6 and the pump power of 60 mW, the temperature sensitivity of the time advancement is 0.272 ns/°C.
Probing Lithium-Ion Battery Electrolytes with Laboratory Near-Ambient Pressure XPS
Authors: Dietrich Paul , Gehrlein Lydia , Maibach Julia , Thissen Andreas
Published: November 2020

In this article, we present Near Ambient Pressure (NAP)-X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) results from model and commercial liquid electrolytes for lithium-ion battery production using an automated laboratory NAP-XPS system. The electrolyte solutions were (i) LiPF6 in EC/DMC (LP30) as a typical commercial battery electrolyte and (ii) LiTFSI in PC as a model electrolyte. We analyzed the LP30 electrolyte solution, first in its vapor and liquid phase to compare individual core-level spectra. In a second step, we immersed a V2O5 crystal as a model cathode material in this LiPF6 solution. Additionally, the LiTFSI electrolyte model system was studied to compare and verify our findings with previous NAP-XPS data. Photoelectron spectra recorded at pressures of 2–10 mbar show significant chemical differences for the different lithium-based electrolytes. We show the enormous potential of laboratory NAP-XPS instruments for investigations of solid-liquid interfaces in electrochemical energy storage systems at elevated pressures and illustrate the simplicity and ease of the used experimental setup (EnviroESCA).