bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential vulnerability of outer and inner hair cells during and after oxygen-glucose deprivation in organotypic cultures of newborn rats
Authors: Amarjargal N , Andreeva N , Gross J , Haupt H , Fuchs J , Szczepek AJ , Mazurek B
Published: March 2021

Ischemia can contribute to the inner ear pathology and hearing
loss. To determine the susceptibility of inner and outer hair cells
(IHCs/OHCs) to ischemic and post-ischemic period, we used
organotypic cultures of the organ of Corti isolated from P3 rats as
an in vitro model of inner ear ischemia (oxygen-glucose
deprivation, OGD). We identified the hair cells (HCs) by phalloidin
staining. The cells with damaged cellular membrane integrity
were identified by propidium iodide (PI)-exclusion assay. The
cells with fragmented chromosomal DNA were detected by
TUNEL assay. Organotypic cultures were subjected to a mild (3 h
duration) or severe (4 h duration) OGD, followed by a recovery
period of 21 h and 20 h, respectively. Mild OGD induced a loss of
10-20 % HCs, whereas severe OGD induced loss of 35 % HCs.
We confirmed that OHCs are less vulnerable to OGD than IHCs.
Of all missing OHCs, 80-90 % was lost during the OGD period
and 10-20 % during the recovery period. In contrast, the loss of
IHCs was equal during both experimental periods. The OGD
period was mainly associated with PI-positive nuclei. TUNELpositive nuclei were a minor fraction during the OGD period and
increased during the recovery period, indicating the progression
of DNA fragmentation. Our results implicate a differential
susceptibility of IHCs and OHCs during and after ischemia-like
insult, which may be of therapeutic consequence.
Differential regulation of galectin expression/reactivity during wound healing in porcine skin and in cultures of epidermal cells with functional impact on migration
Authors: Klíma J , Lacina L , Dvořánková B , Herrmann D , Carnwath JW , Niemann H , Kaltner H , André S , Motlík J , Gabius H-J , Smetana K
Published: March 2021

The glycophenotyping of mammalian cells with plant lectins maps
aspects of the glycomic profile and disease-associated alterations.
A salient step toward delineating their functional dimension is the
detection of endogenous lectins. They can translate sugar-encoded
changes into cellular responses. Among them, the members of the
lectin family of galectins are emerging regulators of cell adhesion,
migration and proliferation. Focusing on galectins-1, -3 and -7, we
addressed the issue whether their expression is regulated during
wound healing in porcine skin as model. A conspicuous
upregulation is detected for galectin-1 in the dermis and a
neoexpression in the epidermis, where an increased level of
galectin-7 was also found. Applying biotinylated tissue lectins as
probes, the signal intensities for accessible binding sites decreased,
intimating an interaction of the cell lectin with reactive sites. In
contrast, galectin-3 parameters remained rather constant. Of note,
epidermal cells in culture also showed an increase in
expression/presence of galectin-1, measured on the levels of
mRNA and protein, in this case by Western blotting and
quantitative immunocytochemistry. Used as matrix, galectin-1
conferred resistance to trypsin treatment to attached human
keratinocytes and reduced migration into scratch-wound areas in
vitro. This report thus presents new information on endogenous
lectins in wound healing and differential regulation among the
three tested cases.
ISOTHERMAL SECTION STRUCTURE THE ZrO2-La2O3-Gd2O3 SYSTEM AT 1500 °С
Authors: Kornienko Oksana , Bykov Oleksandr , Sameliuk Аnatoliy , Andrievskaya Olena
Published: March 2021

Using the methods of physicochemical analysis (XRD, petrography, scanning electron microscopy analyses) phase equilibria were firstly investigated in the ternary system ZrO2–La2O3–Gd2O3 system at 1500 ºС. It was established that in the system there exist fields of solid solutions based on hexagonal (A) modification of La2O3 and cubic with fluorite-type structure (F) and tetragonal (Т) modification ZrО2 , cubic (С) and monoclinic (M) modification Gd2O3 and ordered intermediate phase with pyrochlore-type structure lanthanum zirconate La2Zr2O7 (Py). No new phases were found. The refined lattice parameters of the unit cells for solid solutions for the systems were determined.

In the zirconia-rich corner, the solid solutions based on tetragonal modification of ZrO2 are formed. The phase field T-ZrO2 is narrow and elongated (0–18 mol% CeO2) along the ZrO2–CeO2 side of the binary system. The solubility of La2O3 in the T-ZrO2 is low and amounts to ~ 0.5 mol%, as evidenced by XRD analysis results. It is worth noting that the solid solutions based on tetragonal modification of zirconia cannot be quenched from high temperatures due to low stability of T-ZrO2 under cooling with furnace conditions. The diffraction patterns recorded at room temperatures included the peaks of monoclinic phase M-ZrO2.

The homogeneity field of solid solution based on A-La2O3 extends to 31 mol% Gd2O3 and 12 mol% ZrO2 in the corresponding binary systems and locates near the composition 6,7 mol % ZrO2–90 mol% La2O3–3.3 mol% Gd2O3 on the section La2O3–(67 mol % ZrO2–33 mol % Gd2O3). It should be noted that the samples with a higher lanthanum oxide content after annealing and cooling rapidly absorb water in humid air and become hydrated. Hence, according to XRD, the hexagonal A-La(OH)3 modification forms instead of the hexagonal A-La2O3 phase. The lattice parameters for A-La(OH)3 phase vary from а = 0.6513 nm, c = 0.3847 nm the sample containing 3.35 mol % ZrО2–95 mol % La2O3–1.65 mol % Gd2O3 to а = 0.6508 nm, c = 0.3847 nm in the two-phase sample (Py+А ) containing 6.7 mol % ZrО2–90 mol % La2O3–3.3 mol % Gd2O3 and to а = 0.6477 nm, c = 0.3725 nm in the three-phase sample (Py+F+А) containing 40.2 mol % ZrО2–40 mol % La2O3–19.8 mol % Gd2O3

The isothermal section of the ZrO2–La2O3–Gd2O3 system at 1500°C contains four three-phase regions (F+Py+A, F+B+A, F+C+B, T+F+Py) and ten two-phase regions (Py+A, A+F, A+B, F+B, B+C, C+F, F+Py, Py+T, T+F, Py+F).
PENDEKATAN JINSHIN NO HANA DALAM IMPLEMENTASI FESTIVAL ONLINE DI KECAMATAN DELANGGU
Authors: Purwandaru Pandu , H Kusumaningdiyah N. , Kartikasari Novia Nur , Handoyo Gani Cahyo
Published: March 2021

AbstrakKecamatan Delanggu adalah salah satu area di Kabupaten Klaten yang memiliki popularitas secara nasional dalam hal pertanian padi. Namun sangat disayangkan saat ini kekayaan yang terbangun dari kegiatan pertanian padi seperti budaya, alam dan elemen lainnya makin terkikis dengan arus perkembangan zaman. Oleh karena itu pendekatan edukasi perlu dilakukan kepada masyarakat lokal agar kembali memahami potensi yang mereka miliki dan menjadikannya elemen pembangun masyarakat yang berkelanjutan. Festival merupakan salah satu wadah yang bisa memberikan edutainment bagi masyarakat lokal. Melalui pendekatan Jinshin no Hana, festival dikembangkan dengan menekankan masyarakat lokal sebagai “pemeran utamanya”.  Dalam implementasinya pendekatan ini dilakukan dengan metode analisa “treasures   mapping”, stakeholders, brainstorming ide dan pemeringkatan melalui pairwise method, dan realisasi. Dalam implementasinya, kondisi pandemik membuat pendekatan diprioritaskan   melalui online   dan   penyelenggaraannya   secara   terbatas   di lapangan. Kegiatan yang dilakukan dalam festival ini ada 6 kategori, yaitu preservasi, perbaikan lingkungan, kesenian, publikasi UKM, permainan berbasis potensi lokal, dan workshop kerajinan jerami padi. Kata Kunci: desa, festival, komunitas, online AbstractDelanggu District is one area in Klaten Regency that has national popularity in the rice farming sector. Unfortunately, in modern days, the intangible wealth developed from traditional rice farming activities such as culture, nature, and other elements are gradually disappeared. Therefore through educational approaches, it is essential to re-introduce the local community to increase their awareness of the local potential and create it as an element of sustainable community development. Festival is one of the media that can provide an edutainment approach for the local community. Through the use of the Jinshin no Hana method, the festival was developed by emphasizing the local community as the “main actor”. In its implementation, this method is performed through treasure mapping analysis, stakeholders analysis, idea brainstorming, and ranking via the pairwise method and implementation. In this pandemic situation, the realization was prioritized by an online and limited person in field implementation. Activities performed in this festival divided into 6, (1) preservations, (2) environmental improvement, (3) art performances, (4) SME’s publication, (5) games based on natural materials development, and (6) rice straw crafts workshops. Keywords: community, festival, online, village
Glucose and Fatty Acid Metabolism of Dairy Cows in a Total Mixed Ration or Pasture-Based System During Lactation
Authors: García-Roche Mercedes , Cañibe Guillermo , Casal Alberto , Mattiauda Diego A. , Ceriani Mateo , Jasinsky Alejandra , Cassina Adriana , Quijano Celia , Carriquiry Mariana
Published: March 2021

In this study, we explored mechanisms related to glucose and fatty acid metabolism in Holstein–Friesian multiparous dairy cows during lactation under two feeding strategies. From 0 to 180 days postpartum, cows were fed total mixed ration (TMR) ad libitum (non-grazing group, G0) or grazed Festuca arundinacea or Medicago sativa and were supplemented with 5.4 kg DM/d of an energy-protein concentrate (grazing group, G1). From 180 to 250 days postpartum, all cows grazed F. arundinacea and were supplemented with TMR. Plasma samples and liver biopsies were collected at −14, 35, 60, 110, 180, and 250 days in milk (DIM) for metabolite, hormone, gene expression, and western blot analysis. Our results showed increased levels of negative energy balance markers: plasma non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), liver triglyceride and plasma β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) (P < 0.01), triglyceride and β-hydroxybutyrate concentration were especially elevated for G1 cows. Also, hepatic mRNA expression of gluconeogenic enzymes was upregulated during early lactation (P < 0.05). In particular, methymalonyl-CoA mutase expression was increased for G0 cows (P < 0.05) while pyruvate carboxylase (PC) expression was increased for G1 cows (P < 0.05), suggesting differential gluconeogenic precursors for different feeding strategies. Phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase was increased in early lactation vs. late lactation (P < 0.01) and negatively correlated with PC mRNA levels. The positive association of gluconeogenic genes with proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PPARGC1A) hepatic expression supported the importance of this transcription factor in glucose metabolism. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARA) mRNA was increased during early lactation (P < 0.05), and was positively associated to PPARGC1A, carnitine palmitoyl-transferase 1, and hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA synthase 2 (HMGCS2) mRNA expression. Alongside, hepatic mRNA expression of FABP was decreased for G1 vs. G0 cows (P < 0.05), possibly linked to impaired fatty acid transport and related to accumulation of liver triglycerides, evidencing G1 cows fail to adapt to the demands of early lactation. In sum, our results showed that metabolic adaptations related to early lactation negative energy balance can be affected by feeding strategy and might be regulated by the metabolic sensors AMPK, SIRT1, and coordinated by transcription factors PPARGC1A and PPARA.
Planarians (Platyhelminthes)—An Emerging Model Organism for Investigating Innate Immune Mechanisms
Authors: Kangale Luis Johnson , Raoult Didier , Fournier Pierre-Edouard , Abnave Prasad , Ghigo Eric
Published: March 2021

An organism responds to the invading pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, protozoans, and fungi by engaging innate and adaptive immune system, which functions by activating various signal transduction pathways. As invertebrate organisms (such as sponges, worms, cnidarians, molluscs, crustaceans, insects, and echinoderms) are devoid of an adaptive immune system, and their defense mechanisms solely rely on innate immune system components. Investigating the immune response in such organisms helps to elucidate the immune mechanisms that vertebrates have inherited or evolved from invertebrates. Planarians are non-parasitic invertebrates from the phylum Platyhelminthes and are being investigated for several decades for understanding the whole-body regeneration process. However, recent findings have emerged planarians as a useful model for studying innate immunity as they are resistant to a broad spectrum of bacteria. This review intends to highlight the research findings on various antimicrobial resistance genes, signaling pathways involved in innate immune recognition, immune-related memory and immune cells in planarian flatworms.
Understanding Asthma and Allergies by the Lens of Biodiversity and Epigenetic Changes
Authors: Fiuza Bianca Sampaio Dotto , Fonseca Héllen Freitas , Meirelles Pedro Milet , Marques Cintia Rodrigues , da Silva Thiago Magalhães , Figueiredo Camila Alexandrina
Published: March 2021

Exposure to different organisms (bacteria, mold, virus, protozoan, helminths, among others) can induce epigenetic changes affecting the modulation of immune responses and consequently increasing the susceptibility to inflammatory diseases. Epigenomic regulatory features are highly affected during embryonic development and are responsible for the expression or repression of different genes associated with cell development and targeting/conducting immune responses. The well-known, “window of opportunity” that includes maternal and post-natal environmental exposures, which include maternal infections, microbiota, diet, drugs, and pollutant exposures are of fundamental importance to immune modulation and these events are almost always accompanied by epigenetic changes. Recently, it has been shown that these alterations could be involved in both risk and protection of allergic diseases through mechanisms, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, which can enhance Th2 responses and maintain memory Th2 cells or decrease Treg cells differentiation. In addition, epigenetic changes may differ according to the microbial agent involved and may even influence different asthma or allergy phenotypes. In this review, we discuss how exposure to different organisms, including bacteria, viruses, and helminths can lead to epigenetic modulations and how this correlates with allergic diseases considering different genetic backgrounds of several ancestral populations.
Doliolid (Tunicata, Thaliacea) Blooms in the Southeastern Gulf of Alaska as a Result of the Recent Marine Heat Wave of 2014–2016
Authors: Pinchuk Alexei I. , Batten Sonia D. , Strasburger Wesley W.
Published: March 2021

The eastern North Pacific experienced a prolonged heat wave in 2014–2016 manifested by high sea surface temperature anomalies in the south-central Gulf of Alaska (GOA). The event provided a natural experiment on the response of the southern GOA ecosystem to a dramatic change in sea temperature. Spatial and temporal variability in zooplankton communities following the culmination of the heat wave was investigated as a part of the NOAA Eastern GOA Ecosystem Assessment program in 2016–2017. Here, for the first time in the GOA, we report consistent observations of doliolid (Dolioletta tritonis) swarms observed in the upper mixed layer beyond the shelf break during both years, with the maximal density of 3,847 ind m–3recorded in August 2016 and coinciding with the location of an offshore cyclonic mesoscale eddy. Doliolid density was significantly lower on the shelf. The long-term Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR) data indicated that doliolid blooms in the south-central GOA may have occurred in the past two decades during El-Nino events. Coincidentally, doliolids prevailed in the diets of juvenile sablefish collected along the eastern coast of GOA both during the 2014–2016 heat wave and during 1997–1998 El Nino. Thus, we speculate that warming trends may increase the importance of doliolids in the GOA pelagic food web.
Method-Dependent Implications in Foodborne Pathogen Quantification: The Case of Campylobacter coli Survival on Meat as Comparatively Assessed by Colony Count and Viability PCR
Authors: Lazou Thomai P. , Gelasakis Athanasios I. , Chaintoutis Serafeim C. , Iossifidou Eleni G. , Dovas Chrysostomos I.
Published: March 2021

The aim of the present study was to address method-dependent implications during the quantification of viable Campylobacter coli cells on meat over time. Traditional colony counting on selective and non-selective culture media along with an optimized viability real-time PCR utilizing propidium monoazide-quantitative PCR (PMA-qPCR), spheroplast formation and an internal sample process control (ISPC), were comparatively evaluated for monitoring the survival of C. coli on fresh lamb meat during refrigeration storage under normal atmospheric conditions. On day zero of three independent experiments, lamb meat pieces were artificially inoculated with C. coli and then stored under refrigeration for up to 8 days. Three meat samples were tested on different days and the mean counts were determined per quantification method. An overall reduction of the viable C. coli on lamb meat was observed regardless of the applied quantification scheme, but the rate of reduction followed a method-dependent pattern, the highest being observed for colony counting on modified charcoal cefoperazone deoxycholate agar (mCCDA). Univariate ANOVA indicated that the mean counts of viable C. coli using PMA-qPCR were significantly higher compared to Columbia blood agar (CBA) plating (0.32 log10 cell equivalents, p = 0.015) and significantly lower when mCCDA was compared to CBA plating (0.88 log10 CFU, p < 0.001), indicating that selective culture on mCCDA largely underestimated the number of culturable cells during the course of meat storage. PMA-qPCR outperformed the classical colony counting in terms of quantifying both the culturable and viable but non-culturable (VBNC) C. coli cells, which were generated over time on meat and are potentially infectious and equally important from a public health perspective as their culturable counterparts.
The Diagnostic Value of Exosome-Derived Biomarkers in Alzheimer's Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Xing Wenmin , Gao Wenyan , Lv Xiaoling , Xu Xiaogang , Zhang Zhongshan , Yan Jing , Mao Genxiang , Bu Zhibin
Published: March 2021

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) diagnoses once depended on neuropathologic examination. Now, many widely used, validated biomarkers benefits for monitoring of AD neuropathologic changes. Exosome-derived biomarker studies have reported them to be significantly related to AD's early occurrence and development, although the findings are inconclusive. The aim of this meta-analysis was to identify exosome-derived biomarkers for the diagnosis of AD and mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Methods: PubMed, PubMed Central, Web of Science, Embase, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM) were searched for studies assessing the diagnostic value of biomarkers, including data describing the pooled sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE), positive diagnostic likelihood ratio (DLR+), negative diagnostic likelihood ratio (DLR–), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and area under the curve (AUC). The quality of the included studies was assessed using RevMan 5.3 software. Publication bias was analyzed.

Results: In total, 19 eligible studies, including 3,742 patients, were selected for this meta-analysis. The SEN, SPE, DLR+, DLR–, DOR, and AUC (95% confidence intervals) of exosome-derived biomarkers in the diagnosis of AD or MCI were 0.83 (0.76–0.87), 0.82 (0.77–0.86), 4.53 (3.46–5.93), 0.21 (0.15–0.29), 17.27 (11.41–26.14), and 0.89 (0.86–0.92), respectively. Sub-group analyses revealed that studies based on serum or microRNA (miRNA) analysis, and those of Caucasian populations, AD patients, patient sample size >50, neuron-derived exosomes (NDE) from plasma and p-tau had higher sensitivity, specificity, and AUC values.

Conclusion: Exosome-derived biomarkers have shown potential diagnostic value in AD and MCI, although further research is required for confirmation.
Proprioceptive Augmentation With Illusory Kinaesthetic Sensation in Stroke Patients Improves Movement Quality in an Active Upper Limb Reach-and-Point Task
Authors: Ferrari Francesca , Shell Courtney E. , Thumser Zachary C. , Clemente Francesco , Plow Ela B. , Cipriani Christian , Marasco Paul D.
Published: March 2021

Stroke patients often have difficulty completing motor tasks even after substantive rehabilitation. Poor recovery of motor function can often be linked to stroke-induced damage to motor pathways. However, stroke damage in pathways that impact effective integration of sensory feedback with motor control may represent an unappreciated obstacle to smooth motor coordination. In this study we investigated the effects of augmenting movement proprioception during a reaching task in six stroke patients as a proof of concept. We used a wearable neurorobotic proprioceptive feedback system to induce illusory kinaesthetic sensation by vibrating participants' upper arm muscles over active limb movements. Participants were instructed to extend their elbow to reach-and-point to targets of differing sizes at various distances, while illusion-inducing vibration (90 Hz), sham vibration (25 Hz), or no vibration was applied to the distal tendons of either their biceps brachii or their triceps brachii. To assess the impact of augmented kinaesthetic feedback on motor function we compared the results of vibrating the biceps or triceps during arm extension in the affected arm of stroke patients and able-bodied participants. We quantified performance across conditions and participants by tracking limb/hand kinematics with motion capture, and through Fitts' law analysis of reaching target acquisition. Kinematic analyses revealed that injecting 90 Hz illusory kinaesthetic sensation into the actively contracting (agonist) triceps muscle during reaching increased movement smoothness, movement directness, and elbow extension. Conversely, injecting 90 Hz illusory kinaesthetic sensation into the antagonistic biceps during reaching negatively impacted those same parameters. The Fitts' law analyses reflected similar effects with a trend toward increased throughput with triceps vibration during reaching. Across all analyses, able-bodied participants were largely unresponsive to illusory vibrational augmentation. These findings provide evidence that vibration-induced movement illusions delivered to the primary agonist muscle involved in active movement may be integrated into rehabilitative approaches to help promote functional motor recovery in stroke patients.
Spontaneous Ca2+ Fluctuations Arise in Thin Astrocytic Processes With Real 3D Geometry
Authors: Héja László , Szabó Zsolt , Péter Márton , Kardos Julianna
Published: March 2021

Fluctuations of cytosolic Ca2+ concentration in astrocytes are regarded as a critical non-neuronal signal to regulate neuronal functions. Although such fluctuations can be evoked by neuronal activity, rhythmic astrocytic Ca2+ oscillations may also spontaneously arise. Experimental studies hint that these spontaneous astrocytic Ca2+ oscillations may lie behind different kinds of emerging neuronal synchronized activities, like epileptogenic bursts or slow-wave rhythms. Despite the potential importance of spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations in astrocytes, the mechanism by which they develop is poorly understood. Using simple 3D synapse models and kinetic data of astrocytic Glu transporters (EAATs) and the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX), we have previously shown that NCX activity alone can generate markedly stable, spontaneous Ca2+ oscillation in the astrocytic leaflet microdomain. Here, we extend that model by incorporating experimentally determined real 3D geometries of 208 excitatory synapses reconstructed from publicly available ultra-resolution electron microscopy datasets. Our simulations predict that the surface/volume ratio (SVR) of peri-synaptic astrocytic processes prominently dictates whether NCX-mediated spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations emerge. We also show that increased levels of intracellular astrocytic Na+ concentration facilitate the appearance of Ca2+ fluctuations. These results further support the principal role of the dynamical reshaping of astrocyte processes in the generation of intrinsic Ca2+ oscillations and their spreading over larger astrocytic compartments.
Behavioral Time Scale Plasticity of Place Fields: Mathematical Analysis
Authors: Cone Ian , Shouval Harel Z.
Published: March 2021

Traditional synaptic plasticity experiments and models depend on tight temporal correlations between pre- and postsynaptic activity. These tight temporal correlations, on the order of tens of milliseconds, are incompatible with significantly longer behavioral time scales, and as such might not be able to account for plasticity induced by behavior. Indeed, recent findings in hippocampus suggest that rapid, bidirectional synaptic plasticity which modifies place fields in CA1 operates at behavioral time scales. These experimental results suggest that presynaptic activity generates synaptic eligibility traces both for potentiation and depression, which last on the order of seconds. These traces can be converted to changes in synaptic efficacies by the activation of an instructive signal that depends on naturally occurring or experimentally induced plateau potentials. We have developed a simple mathematical model that is consistent with these observations. This model can be fully analyzed to find the fixed points of induced place fields and how these fixed points depend on system parameters such as the size and shape of presynaptic place fields, the animal's velocity during induction, and the parameters of the plasticity rule. We also make predictions about the convergence time to these fixed points, both for induced and pre-existing place fields.
Clinical Application of Shear Wave Elastography for Assisting Brain Tumor Resection
Authors: Chan Huan Wee , Uff Christopher , Chakraborty Aabir , Dorward Neil , Bamber Jeffrey Colin
Published: March 2021

Background

The clinical outcomes for brain tumor resection have been shown to be significantly improved with increased extent of resection. To achieve this, neurosurgeons employ different intra-operative tools to improve the extent of resection of brain tumors, including ultrasound, CT, and MRI. Young’s modulus (YM) of brain tumors have been shown to be different from normal brain but the accuracy of SWE in assisting brain tumor resection has not been reported.

Aims

To determine the accuracy of SWE in detecting brain tumor residual using post-operative MRI scan as “gold standard”.

Methods

Thirty-four patients (aged 1–62 years, M:F = 15:20) with brain tumors were recruited into the study. The intraoperative SWE scans were performed using Aixplorer®(SuperSonic Imagine, France) using a sector transducer (SE12-3) and a linear transducer (SL15-4) with a bandwidth of 3 to 12 MHz and 4 to 15 MHz, respectively, using the SWE mode. The scans were performed prior, during and after brain tumor resection. The presence of residual tumor was determined by the surgeon, ultrasound (US) B-mode and SWE. This was compared with the presence of residual tumor on post-operative MRI scan.

Results

The YM of the brain tumors correlated significantly with surgeons’ findings (ρ= 0.845, p < 0.001). The sensitivities of residual tumor detection by the surgeon, US B-mode and SWE were 36%, 73%, and 94%, respectively, while their specificities were 100%, 63%, and 77%, respectively. There was no significant difference between detection of residual tumor by SWE, US B-mode, and MRI. SWE and MRI were significantly better than the surgeon’s detection of residual tumor (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

SWE had a higher sensitivity in detecting residual tumor than the surgeons (94% vs. 36%). However, the surgeons had a higher specificity than SWE (100% vs. 77%). Therefore, using SWE in combination with surgeon’s opinion may optimize the detection of residual tumor, and hence improve the extent of brain tumor resection.
Identifying Plant Pentatricopeptide Repeat Proteins Using a Variable Selection Method
Authors: Zhao Xudong , Wang Hanxu , Li Hangyu , Wu Yiming , Wang Guohua
Published: March 2021

Motivation: Pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR), which is a triangular pentapeptide repeat domain, plays an important role in plant growth. Features extracted from sequences are applicable to PPR protein identification using certain classification methods. However, which components of a multidimensional feature (namely variables) are more effective for protein discrimination has never been discussed. Therefore, we seek to select variables from a multidimensional feature for identifying PPR proteins.

Method: A framework of variable selection for identifying PPR proteins is proposed. Samples representing PPR positive proteins and negative ones are equally split into a training and a testing set. Variable importance is regarded as scores derived from an iteration of resampling, training, and scoring step on the training set. A model selection method based on Gaussian mixture model is applied to automatic choice of variables which are effective to identify PPR proteins. Measurements are used on the testing set to show the effectiveness of the selected variables.

Results: Certain variables other than the multidimensional feature they belong to do work for discrimination between PPR positive proteins and those negative ones. In addition, the content of methionine may play an important role in predicting PPR proteins.
A Primer on the Role of Boredom in Self-Controlled Sports and Exercise Behavior
Authors: Wolff Wanja , Bieleke Maik , Martarelli Corinna S. , Danckert James
Published: March 2021

Self-control is critical for successful participation and performance in sports and therefore has attracted considerable research interest. Yet, knowledge about self-control remains surprisingly incomplete and inconsistent. Here, we draw attention to boredom as an experience that likely plays an important role in sports and exercise (e.g., exercise can be perceived as boring but can also be used to alleviate boredom). Specifically, we argue that studying boredom in the context of sports and exercise will also advance our understanding of self-control as a reward-based choice. We demonstrate this by discussing evidence for links between self-control and boredom and by highlighting the role boredom plays for guiding goal-directed behavior. As such, boredom is likely to interact with self-control in affecting sports performance and exercise participation. We close by highlighting several promising routes for integrating self-control and boredom research in the context of sports performance and exercise behavior.
Effect of Feed Intake on Water Consumption in Horses: Relevance to Maintenance Fluid Therapy
Authors: Freeman David E.
Published: March 2021

Maintenance fluid therapy is challenging in horses that cannot drink or are denied feed and water because of concerns about gastrointestinal tract function and patency. Intravenous fluid delivery to meet water needs based on current recommendations for maintenance requirements were obtained in fed horses and therefore might not apply to horses that are not being fed. This is a critical flaw because of the interdependence between intestinal tract water and extracellular water to support digestion while preserving water balance, a concept explained by the enterosystemic cycle. Because horses drink less when they are not eating and hence have lower water needs than fed horses, maintenance water requirements need to be adjusted accordingly. This article reviews this topic and identifies benefits of adjusting maintenance fluid therapy to meet lower demands from gastrointestinal function, such as reduced volumes, lower cost, avoidance of overhydration.
Quantitative Dynamic 18F-FDG PET/CT in Survival Prediction of Metastatic Melanoma under PD-1 Inhibitors
Authors: Sachpekidis Christos , Hassel Jessica C. , Kopp-Schneider Annette , Haberkorn Uwe , Dimitrakopoulou-Strauss Antonia
Published: March 2021

The advent of novel immune checkpoint inhibitors has led to unprecedented survival rates in advanced melanoma. At the same time, it has raised relevant challenges in the interpretation of treatment response by conventional imaging approaches. In the present prospective study, we explored the predictive role of quantitative, dynamic 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) performed early during immunotherapy in metastatic melanoma patients receiving treatment with programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) inhibitors. Twenty-five patients under PD-1 blockade underwent dynamic and static 18F-FDG PET/CT before the start of treatment (baseline PET/CT) and after the initial two cycles of therapy (interim PET/CT). The impact of semiquantitatively (standardized uptake value, SUV) and quantitatively (based on compartment modeling and fractal analysis) derived PET/CT parameters, both from melanoma lesions and different reference tissues, on progression-free survival (PFS) was analyzed. At a median follow-up of 24.2 months, survival analysis revealed that the interim PET/CT parameters SUVmean, SUVmax and fractal dimension (FD) of the hottest melanoma lesions adversely affected PFS, while the parameters FD of the thyroid, as well as SUVmax and k3 of the bone marrow positively affected PFS. The herein presented findings highlight the potential predictive role of quantitative, dynamic, interim PET/CT in metastatic melanoma under PD-1 blockade. Therefore, dynamic PET/CT could be performed in selected oncological cases in combination with static, whole-body PET/CT in order to enhance the diagnostic certainty offered by conventional imaging and yield additional information regarding specific molecular and pathophysiological mechanisms involved in tumor biology and response to treatment.
Quantitative Assessment of CD200 and CD200R Expression in Lung Cancer
Authors: Vathiotis Ioannis A. , MacNeil Tyler , Zugazagoitia Jon , Syrigos Konstantinos N. , Aung Thazin Nwe , Gruver Aaron M. , Vaillancourt Peter , Hughes Ina , Hinton Steve , Driscoll Kyla , Rimm David L.
Published: March 2021

CD200/CD200R is an immune checkpoint with broad expression patterns and a potential target for immune therapy. In this study, we assess both CD200 and CD200R expression in solid tumors, with a focus on lung cancer, and evaluate their association with clinicopathologic characteristics, mutation status, outcome, and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression. We used multiplexed quantitative immunofluorescence (QIF) to measure the expression of CD200 and CD200R in a total of 455 patients from three lung cancer cohorts. Using carefully validated antibodies, we performed target measurement with tyramide-based QIF panels and analyzed the data using the PM2000 microscope and AQUA software. CD200 tumor positivity was found in 29.7% of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and 33.3% of lung large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) patients. CD200 demonstrated notable intratumoral heterogeneity. CD200R was expressed in immune cells in 25% of NSCLC and 41.3% of LCNEC patients. While CD200R is predominantly expressed in immune cells, rare tumor cell staining was seen in a highly heterogeneous pattern. CD200R expression in the stromal compartment was significantly higher in patients with squamous differentiation (p < 0.0001). Neither CD200 nor CD200R were associated with other clinicopathologic characteristics or mutation status. Both biomarkers were not prognostic for disease-free or overall survival in NSCLC. CD200 showed moderate correlation with PD-L1. CD200/CD200R pathway is frequently expressed in lung cancer patients. Differential expression patterns of CD200 and CD200R with PD-L1 suggest a potential role for targeting this pathway alone in patients with NSCLC.
FAM72, Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) and Beyond
Authors: Ho Nguyen Thi Thanh , Rahane Chinmay Satish , Pramanik Subrata , Kim Pok-Son , Kutzner Arne , Heese Klaus
Published: March 2021

Neural stem cells (NSCs) offer great potential for regenerative medicine due to their excellent ability to differentiate into various specialized cell types of the brain. In the central nervous system (CNS), NSC renewal and differentiation are under strict control by the regulation of the pivotal SLIT-ROBO Rho GTPase activating protein 2 (SRGAP2)—Family with sequence similarity 72 (FAM72) master gene (i.e., |-SRGAP2–FAM72-|) via a divergent gene transcription activation mechanism. If the gene transcription control unit (i.e., the intergenic region of the two sub-gene units, SRGAP2 and FAM72) gets out of control, NSCs may transform into cancer stem cells and generate brain tumor cells responsible for brain cancer such as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Here, we discuss the surveillance of this |-SRGAP2–FAM72-| master gene and its role in GBM, and also in light of FAM72 for diagnosing various types of cancers outside of the CNS.
Multiple Mechanisms Regulate Eukaryotic Cytochrome C Oxidase
Authors: Ramzan Rabia , Kadenbach Bernhard , Vogt Sebastian
Published: March 2021

Cytochrome c oxidase (COX), the rate-limiting enzyme of mitochondrial respiration, is regulated by various mechanisms. Its regulation by ATP (adenosine triphosphate) appears of particular importance, since it evolved early during evolution and is still found in cyanobacteria, but not in other bacteria. Therefore the “allosteric ATP inhibition of COX” is described here in more detail. Most regulatory properties of COX are related to “supernumerary” subunits, which are largely absent in bacterial COX. The “allosteric ATP inhibition of COX” was also recently described in intact isolated rat heart mitochondria.
Why Do Big Data and Machine Learning Entail the Fractional Dynamics?
Authors: Niu Haoyu , Chen YangQuan , West Bruce J.
Published: March 2021

Fractional-order calculus is about the differentiation and integration of non-integer orders. Fractional calculus (FC) is based on fractional-order thinking (FOT) and has been shown to help us to understand complex systems better, improve the processing of complex signals, enhance the control of complex systems, increase the performance of optimization, and even extend the enabling of the potential for creativity. In this article, the authors discuss the fractional dynamics, FOT and rich fractional stochastic models. First, the use of fractional dynamics in big data analytics for quantifying big data variability stemming from the generation of complex systems is justified. Second, we show why fractional dynamics is needed in machine learning and optimal randomness when asking: “is there a more optimal way to optimize?”. Third, an optimal randomness case study for a stochastic configuration network (SCN) machine-learning method with heavy-tailed distributions is discussed. Finally, views on big data and (physics-informed) machine learning with fractional dynamics for future research are presented with concluding remarks.
The Equilibrium Phase Formation and Thermodynamic Properties of Functional Tellurides in the Ag–Fe–Ge–Te System
Authors: Moroz Mykola , Tesfaye Fiseha , Demchenko Pavlo , Prokhorenko Myroslava , Yarema Nataliya , Lindberg Daniel , Reshetnyak Oleksandr , Hupa Leena
Published: March 2021

Equilibrium phase formations below 600 K in the parts Ag2Te–FeTe2–F1.12Te–Ag2Te and Ag8GeTe6–GeTe–FeTe2–AgFeTe2–Ag8GeTe6 of the Fe–Ag–Ge–Te system were established by the electromotive force (EMF) method. The positions of 3- and 4-phase regions relative to the composition of silver were applied to express the potential reactions involving the AgFeTe2, Ag2FeTe2, and Ag2FeGeTe4 compounds. The equilibrium synthesis of the set of phases was performed inside positive electrodes (PE) of the electrochemical cells: (−)Graphite ‖LE‖ Fast Ag+ conducting solid-electrolyte ‖R[Ag+]‖PE‖ Graphite(+), where LE is the left (negative) electrode, and R[Ag+] is the buffer region for the diffusion of Ag+ ions into the PE. From the observed results, thermodynamic quantities of AgFeTe2, Ag2FeTe2, and Ag2FeGeTe4 were experimentally determined for the first time. The reliability of the division of the Ag2Te–FeTe2–F1.12Te–Ag2Te and Ag8GeTe6–GeTe–FeTe2–AgFeTe2–Ag8GeTe6 phase regions was confirmed by the calculated thermodynamic quantities of AgFeTe2, Ag2FeTe2, and Ag2FeGeTe4 in equilibrium with phases in the adjacent phase regions. Particularly, the calculated Gibbs energies of Ag2FeGeTe4 in two different adjacent 4-phase regions are consistent, which also indicates that it has stoichiometric composition.
Experimental Comparison of Preferential vs. Common Delta Connections for the Star-Delta Starting of Induction Motors
Authors: Itajiba José Augusto , Varnier Cézar Armando Cunha , Cabral Sergio Henrique Lopes , Stefenon Stéfano Frizzo , Leithardt Valderi Reis Quietinho , Ovejero Raúl García , Nied Ademir , Yow Kin-Choong
Published: March 2021

Although this is a fact that is not very explored in the literature, there are two possible forms to connect the stator winding of an induction motor in the delta. The choice for one of these forms defines the amplitude of the stator transient current during the switching from star to delta connection when the motor is driven by a star-delta starting system, which is the most widely used and diffused method for starting an induction motor. One of the possible forms of the delta connection gives rise to a switching current with a relatively small amplitude, which gives it the denomination of preferential. The other form has a relatively higher amplitude of switching current, but it is the most recommended and indicated in diagrams of catalogues and motor plates. Therefore, it is here called “common”. With the aim of evidencing how the differences between these two forms of delta connection are manifested, this paper approaches the issue experimentally, through a methodology with statistical support, for a better characterization of the performance of each of these forms of delta connection, in the case of the widely popular star-delta starting method.
Sodium Tungsten Oxide Bronze Nanowires Bundles in Adsorption of Methylene Blue Dye under UV and Visible Light Exposure
Authors: Thummavichai Kunyapat , Thi Le Anh , Pung Swee-Yong , Ola Oluwafunmilola , Hussain Mian Zahid , Chen Yu , Xu Fang , Chen Wenting , Wang Nannan , Zhu Yanqiu
Published: March 2021

This paper describes the analysis and characterization of NayWOx bronze nanowires bundles and evaluation of their effective adsorption of methylene blue dye (MB). The Na-doped WOx bronze nanowires bundles were first synthesized via a simple solvothermal method, which were then fully characterized by using different techniques including TEM, XRD, XPS and UV-Vis, to validate the successful Na+ insertion into the WOx framework. The adsorption activities of the resulting NayWOx bronze nanowires bundles, compared with the undoped WOx form, were investigated by evaluating the adsorption effect on methylene blue under both UV and visible light irradiations. An enhanced adsorption performance of the Na-doped WOx bronze samples was recorded, which demonstrated a 90% of removal efficiency of the MB under different conditions (dark, visible and UV light). Moreover, the NayWOx bronze samples also offered a 4 times better kinetic rate of MB removal than the plain WOx nanowires.
Mechanical Processing of Hard Coal as a Source of Noise Pollution. Case Study in Poland
Authors: Biały Witold , Bołoz Łukasz , Sitko Jacek
Published: March 2021

This article presents the results of noise tests, measurements and proposals of solutions that have an impact for reducing noise at one of the Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa S.A. mines. All units and workstations at the mechanical coal processing plant were tested. Coal enrichment, aimed at adjusting its quality parameters to the requirements of various customers, is considered as a stage of mineral resources management. The adaptation of the quality of commercial coal products to the needs of specific customers consists in removing useless components from the excavated material. The processes of coal processing are carried out on various machines, the power of which reaches several dozen kilowatts. The energy of these machines, in addition to the useful power, is converted into heat, friction and noise. From the energy point of view, noise is not important, but it is very harmful to employees. The issue of noise pollution, although very dangerous to employees’ health, is often underestimated. Due to the subjective perception of noise, it is not possible to determine the risk without proper research. The aim of this study was to determine where the noise standards are exceeded. The next step was to propose specific solutions to reduce the impacts of noise on health and work comfort.
Progress in Catalytic Hydrogen Production from Formic Acid over Supported Metal Complexes
Authors: Bulushev Dmitri A.
Published: March 2021

Formic acid is a liquid organic hydrogen carrier giving hydrogen on demand using catalysts. Metal complexes are known to be used as efficient catalysts for the hydrogen production from formic acid decomposition. Their performance could be better than those of supported catalysts with metal nanoparticles. However, difficulties to separate metal complexes from the reaction mixture limit their industrial applications. This problem can be resolved by supporting metal complexes on the surface of different supports, which may additionally provide some surface sites for the formic acid activation. The review analyzes the literature on the application of supported metal complexes in the hydrogen production from formic acid. It shows that the catalytic activity of some stable Ru and Ir supported metal complexes may exceed the activity of homogeneous metal complexes used for deposition. Non-noble metal-based complexes containing Fe demonstrated sufficiently high performance in the reaction; however, they can be poisoned by water present in formic acid. The proposed review could be useful for development of novel catalysts for the hydrogen production.