bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
YY2 in Mouse Preimplantation Embryos and in Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Pérez-Palacios Raquel , Climent María , Santiago-Arcos Javier , Macías-Redondo Sofía , Klar Martin , Muniesa Pedro , Schoorlemmer Jon
Published: May 2021

Yin Yang 2 encodes a mammalian-specific transcription factor (YY2) that shares high homology in the zinc finger region with both YY1 and REX1/ZFP42, encoded by the Yin Yang 1 and Reduced Expression Protein 1/Zinc Finger Protein 42 gene, respectively. In contrast to the well-established roles of the latter two in gene regulation, X chromosome inactivation and binding to specific transposable elements (TEs), much less is known about YY2, and its presence during mouse preimplantation development has not been described. As it has been reported that mouse embryonic stem cells (mESC) cannot be propagated in the absence of Yy2, the mechanistic understanding of how Yy2 contributes to mESC maintenance remains only very partially characterized. We describe Yy2 expression studies using RT-PCR and staining with a high-affinity polyclonal serum in mouse embryos and mESC. Although YY2 is expressed during preimplantation development, its presence appears dispensable for developmental progress in vitro until formation of the blastocyst. Attenuation of Yy2 levels failed to alter either Zscan4 levels in two-cell embryos or IAP and MERVL levels at later preimplantation stages. In contrast to previous claims that constitutively expressed shRNA against Yy2 in mESC prohibited the propagation of mESC in culture, we obtained colonies generated from mESC with attenuated Yy2 levels. Concomitant with a decreased number of undifferentiated colonies, Yy2-depleted mESC expressed higher levels of Zscan4 but no differences in the expression of TEs or other pluripotency markers including Sox2, Oct4, Nanog and Esrrb were observed. These results confirm the contribution of Yy2 to the maintenance of mouse embryonic stem cells and show the preimplantation expression of YY2. These functions are discussed in relation to mammalian-specific functions of YY1 and REX1.
Microglial Adenosine Receptors: From Preconditioning to Modulating the M1/M2 Balance in Activated Cells
Authors: Franco Rafael , Lillo Alejandro , Rivas-Santisteban Rafael , Reyes-Resina Irene , Navarro Gemma
Published: May 2021

Neuronal survival depends on the glia, that is, on the astroglial and microglial support. Neurons die and microglia are activated not only in neurodegenerative diseases but also in physiological aging. Activated microglia, once considered harmful, express two main phenotypes: the pro-inflammatory or M1, and the neuroprotective or M2. When neuroinflammation, i.e., microglial activation occurs, it is important to achieve a good M1/M2 balance, i.e., at some point M1 microglia must be skewed into M2 cells to impede chronic inflammation and to afford neuronal survival. G protein-coupled receptors in general and adenosine receptors in particular are potential targets for increasing the number of M2 cells. This article describes the mechanisms underlying microglial activation and analyzes whether these cells exposed to a first damaging event may be ready to be preconditioned to better react to exposure to more damaging events. Adenosine receptors are relevant due to their participation in preconditioning. They can also be overexpressed in activated microglial cells. The potential of adenosine receptors and complexes formed by adenosine receptors and cannabinoids as therapeutic targets to provide microglia-mediated neuroprotection is here discussed.
Non-Random Genome Editing and Natural Cellular Engineering in Cognition-Based Evolution
Authors: Miller William B. , Enguita Francisco J. , Leitão Ana Lúcia
Published: May 2021

Neo-Darwinism presumes that biological variation is a product of random genetic replication errors and natural selection. Cognition-Based Evolution (CBE) asserts a comprehensive alternative approach to phenotypic variation and the generation of biological novelty. In CBE, evolutionary variation is the product of natural cellular engineering that permits purposive genetic adjustments as cellular problem-solving. CBE upholds that the cornerstone of biology is the intelligent measuring cell. Since all biological information that is available to cells is ambiguous, multicellularity arises from the cellular requirement to maximize the validity of available environmental information. This is best accomplished through collective measurement purposed towards maintaining and optimizing individual cellular states of homeorhesis as dynamic flux that sustains cellular equipoise. The collective action of the multicellular measurement and assessment of information and its collaborative communication is natural cellular engineering. Its yield is linked cellular ecologies and mutualized niche constructions that comprise biofilms and holobionts. In this context, biological variation is the product of collective differential assessment of ambiguous environmental cues by networking intelligent cells. Such concerted action is enabled by non-random natural genomic editing in response to epigenetic impacts and environmental stresses. Random genetic activity can be either constrained or deployed as a ‘harnessing of stochasticity’. Therefore, genes are cellular tools. Selection filters cellular solutions to environmental stresses to assure continuous cellular-organismal-environmental complementarity. Since all multicellular eukaryotes are holobionts as vast assemblages of participants of each of the three cellular domains (Prokaryota, Archaea, Eukaryota) and the virome, multicellular variation is necessarily a product of co-engineering among them.
SIRT5 Inhibition Induces Brown Fat-Like Phenotype in 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes
Authors: Molinari Francesca , Feraco Alessandra , Mirabilii Simone , Saladini Serena , Sansone Luigi , Vernucci Enza , Tomaselli Giada , Marzolla Vincenzo , Rotili Dante , Russo Matteo A. , Ricciardi Maria Rosaria , Tafuri Agostino , Mai Antonello , Caprio Massimiliano , Tafani Marco , Armani Andrea
Published: May 2021

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) activity plays a key role in regulating systemic energy. The activation of BAT results in increased energy expenditure, making this tissue an attractive pharmacological target for therapies against obesity and type 2 diabetes. Sirtuin 5 (SIRT5) affects BAT function by regulating adipogenic transcription factor expression and mitochondrial respiration. We analyzed the expression of SIRT5 in the different adipose depots of mice. We treated 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and mouse primary preadipocyte cultures with the SIRT5 inhibitor MC3482 and investigated the effects of this compound on adipose differentiation and function. The administration of MC3482 during the early stages of differentiation promoted the expression of brown adipocyte and mitochondrial biogenesis markers. Upon treatment with MC3482, 3T3-L1 adipocytes showed an increased activation of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which is known to stimulate brown adipocyte differentiation. This effect was paralleled by an increase in autophagic/mitophagic flux and a reduction in lipid droplet size, mediated by a higher lipolytic rate. Of note, MC3482 increased the expression and the activity of adipose triglyceride lipase, without modulating hormone-sensitive lipase. Our findings reveal that SIRT5 inhibition stimulates brown adipogenesis in vitro, supporting this approach as a strategy to stimulate BAT and counteract obesity.
A Monolayer System for the Efficient Generation of Motor Neuron Progenitors and Functional Motor Neurons from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Cutarelli Alessandro , Martínez-Rojas Vladimir A. , Tata Alice , Battistella Ingrid , Rossi Daniela , Arosio Daniele , Musio Carlo , Conti Luciano
Published: May 2021

Methods for the conversion of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) into motor neurons (MNs) have opened to the generation of patient-derived in vitro systems that can be exploited for MN disease modelling. However, the lack of simplified and consistent protocols and the fact that hiPSC-derived MNs are often functionally immature yet limit the opportunity to fully take advantage of this technology, especially in research aimed at revealing the disease phenotypes that are manifested in functionally mature cells. In this study, we present a robust, optimized monolayer procedure to rapidly convert hiPSCs into enriched populations of motor neuron progenitor cells (MNPCs) that can be further amplified to produce a large number of cells to cover many experimental needs. These MNPCs can be efficiently differentiated towards mature MNs exhibiting functional electrical and pharmacological neuronal properties. Finally, we report that MN cultures can be long-term maintained, thus offering the opportunity to study degenerative phenomena associated with pathologies involving MNs and their functional, networked activity. These results indicate that our optimized procedure enables the efficient and robust generation of large quantities of MNPCs and functional MNs, providing a valid tool for MNs disease modelling and for drug discovery applications.
Xmrks the Spot: Fish Models for Investigating Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Signaling in Cancer Research
Authors: Monroe Jerry D. , Basheer Faiza , Gibert Yann
Published: May 2021

Studies conducted in several fish species, e.g., Xiphophorus hellerii (green swordtail) and Xiphophorus maculatus (southern platyfish) crosses, Oryzias latipes (medaka), and Danio rerio (zebrafish), have identified an oncogenic role for the receptor tyrosine kinase, Xmrk, a gene product closely related to the human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is associated with a wide variety of pathological conditions, including cancer. Comparative analyses of Xmrk and EGFR signal transduction in melanoma have shown that both utilize STAT5 signaling to regulate apoptosis and cell proliferation, PI3K to modulate apoptosis, FAK to control migration, and the Ras/Raf/MEK/MAPK pathway to regulate cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation. Further, Xmrk and EGFR may also modulate similar chemokine, extracellular matrix, oxidative stress, and microRNA signaling pathways in melanoma. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), Xmrk and EGFR signaling utilize STAT5 to regulate cell proliferation, and Xmrk may signal through PI3K and FasR to modulate apoptosis. At the same time, both activate the Ras/Raf/MEK/MAPK pathway to regulate cell proliferation and E-cadherin signaling. Xmrk models of melanoma have shown that inhibitors of PI3K and MEK have an anti-cancer effect, and in HCC, that the steroidal drug, adrenosterone, can prevent metastasis and recover E-cadherin expression, suggesting that fish Xmrk models can exploit similarities with EGFR signal transduction to identify and study new chemotherapeutic drugs.
A MEMS µ-Preconcentrator Employing a Carbon Molecular Sieve Membrane for Highly Volatile Organic Compound Sampling
Authors: Kuo Hung-Yen , Cheng Wei-Riu , Wu Tzu-Heng , Sheen Horn-Jiunn , Wang Chih-Chia , Lu Chia-Jung
Published: May 2021

This paper presents the synthesis and evaluation of a carbon molecular sieve membrane (CMSM) grown inside a MEMS-fabricated μ-preconcentrator for sampling highly volatile organic compounds. An array of µ-pillars measuring 100 µm in diameter and 250 µm in height were fabricated inside a microfluidic channel to increase the attaching surface for the CMSM. The surface area of the CMSM was measured as high as 899 m2/g. A GC peak amplification factor >2 × 104 was demonstrated with gaseous ethyl acetate. Up to 1.4 L of gaseous ethanol at the 100 ppb level could be concentrated without exceeding the capacity of this microchip device. Sharp desorption chromatographic peaks (<3.5 s) were obtained while using this device directly as a GC injector. Less volatile compounds such as gaseous toluene, m-xylene, and mesitylene appeared to be adsorbed strongly on CMSM, showing a memory effect. Sampling parameters such as sample volatilities, sampling capacities, and compound residual issues were empirically determined and discussed.
Impact of Oral Lichen Planus on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yuwanati Monal , Gondivkar Shailesh , Sarode Sachin C. , Gadbail Amol , Sarode Gargi S. , Patil Shankargouda , Mhaske Shubhangi
Published: May 2021

Oral health-related quality of life (OR-QoL) measurement in patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) can provide valuable information for the optimal management of their clinical conditions. The main objective of the present study was to assess the OR-QoL of patients with OLP as measured by the short-form Oral Health Impact profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire. PubMed/MEDLINE, ISI/Web of Science, clinical trial registry, Embase, Scopus, and grey literature (via Google Scholar and Scilit) were searched. Reviewers independently screened titles/abstracts, assessed full-text articles, extracted data, and appraised their quality. Random effect analysis along with subgroup analysis for age, gender, and clinical type was performed. Seventeen studies were included. Mean overall OH-QoL was 15.20, [95% CI 12.176, 18.231]; a higher OHIP-14 score was seen in OLP patients, resulting in poor OH-QoL. The impact of OLP on OH-QoL life was moderate as compared to healthy subjects. However, medical treatment of the disease improved the OH-QoL and thus reduced the impact of OLP on it. OH-QoL among patients with OLP is generally poor. Clinicians and physicians should consider the OH-QoL of these patients as part of patients’ evaluation and modulate the administered treatment based on the OH-QoL response.
Doing Critical Language Teaching through Tasks: Insights from the Brazilian Context
Authors: Farias Priscila Fabiane , da Silva Leonardo
Published: May 2021

Although Brazilian governmental documents have conceived language teaching from a critical perspective, the recent scenario points to a backlash towards critical perspectives on teaching, which have been socially perceived as indoctrination. Since we understand critical pedagogy in additional language classrooms as a necessary emancipatory perspective, this article aims at discussing possibilities for promoting critical language development. More specifically, it draws on two doctoral studies in which teacher-researchers implemented critical task cycles that aimed at promoting critical language development by fostering elementary and high school students’ reflections on gender issues. In both studies, tasks were developed to promote learners’ communicative and critical development following task-based principles. The comparison of the results, derived from the analysis of learners’ interactions during implementation, responses to questionnaires and interviews, and of the teacher-researchers’ self-report diaries, revealed not only the feasibility of teaching critically through tasks, but also the positive role of: (1) A critical needs-analysis in designing and implementing critical tasks; (2) the use of critical dialogue for fostering knowledge co-construction; (3) the development of final projects to challenge common-sense discourses. These findings indicate, thus, relevant principles for teaching critically through tasks, emphasizing possibilities and challenges for promoting social transformation.
A Low Dark Current 160 dB Logarithmic Pixel with Low Voltage Photodiode Biasing
Authors: Brunetti Alessandro Michel , Choubey Bhaskar
Published: May 2021

Extending CMOS Image Sensors’ dynamic range is of fundamental importance in applications, such as automotive, scientific, or X-ray, where a broad variation of incoming light should be measured. The typical logarithmic pixels suffer from poor performance under low light conditions due to a leakage current, usually referred to as the dark current. In this paper, we propose a logarithmic pixel design capable of reducing the dark current through low-voltage photodiode biasing, without introducing any process modifications. The proposed pixel combines a high dynamic range with a significant improvement in the dark response compared to a standard logarithmic pixel. The reported experimental results show this architecture to achieve an almost 35 dB improvement at the expense of three additional transistors, thereby achieving an unprecedented dynamic range higher than 160 dB.
Effect of Light Intensity and Wavelength on Biomass Growth and Protein and Amino Acid Composition of Dunaliella salina
Authors: Sui Yixing , Harvey Patricia J.
Published: May 2021

Dunaliella salina is a halotolerant, photoautotrophic marine microalga and one of the richest sources of natural carotenoids but also shows potential as a novel food source with high protein quality. This study sought to optimise the production of biomass, protein and amino acids from D. salina, alongside carotenoids using a two-stage cultivation approach based on the use of light of different intensities and quality, i.e., white, red and blue LED light. In stage 1, four white LED light intensities were tested. In stage 2, the same four light intensities from either blue or red LEDs were applied once exponential growth ceased and cells reached the stationary phase under white LED light in stage 1. Remarkably, both biomass concentration and biomass productivity showed a 1.3–1.7-fold increase in stage 2, without medium replenishment, while protein concentration and protein productivity showed an ~1.1-fold increase. The amino acid content and amino acid index remained unchanged from stage 1 to stage 2, and minimum difference was found across different light intensities. Overall, D. salina delivered so-called high protein quality, with an essential amino acid index (EAAI) of 0.99, and red light, which has previously been shown to increase carotenoid production, boosted further biomass production over and above white light, at all light intensities tested.
Design and Nutrient Analysis of a Carotenoid-Rich Food Product to Address Vitamin A and Protein Deficiency
Authors: Lewandowski Kristina , Zhang Xiaoyu , Hayes Micala , Ferruzzi Mario G. , Paton Chad M.
Published: May 2021

Worldwide undernutrition affects over 820 million individuals and is the underlying cause of over 50% of all childhood deaths. Sweet potatoes have been promoted to address vitamin A (vitA) deficiency, with a single, orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) providing enough vitA, as β-carotene, to meet daily needs. However, the bioavailability of β-carotene is dependent on the presence of dietary fat, which is not provided by OFSP, and it lacks some essential amino acids. Therefore, in an attempt to create a food product that meets daily vitA requirements with adequate bioavailability and complete protein, we designed and assessed a sweet potato, peanut paste, and legume product. The final food product formulation, developed through computer modeling, resulted in a 65/5/35 (w/w/w) formulation in a 250 g serving and ~330 kcal. We then confirmed the nutrient content of macronutrients, and essential amino acids, zinc, and iron contents. Total β-carotene was assessed by HPLC and was lower than predicted through computer modeling, likely due to losses through thermal processing and/or degradation from storage. The results of this project indicate that the three ingredients can be combined into a single 250 g food product to provide >300 kcal energy, complete protein, and micronutrients in a more bioavailable form.
Ixekizumab May Improve Renal Function in Psoriasis
Authors: Amoruso Giuseppe Fabrizio , Nisticò Steven Paul , Iannone Luigi , Russo Emilio , Rago Giuseppe , Patruno Cataldo , Bennardo Luigi
Published: May 2021

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic dermatological condition characterized by lesions on extensor surfaces, hands, feet, and genital areas. Chronic renal failure is often associated with metabolic syndrome and inflammatory conditions, such as psoriasis. Case report: In this paper, we report a patient with stage-three chronic renal failure that improved his renal condition after treatment with ixekizumab, an anti-IL17A drug used in the treatment of various cutaneous and rheumatological conditions. Conclusions: IL17A blockage may help to treat various autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, such as psoriasis, that may lead to renal impairment. Further investigation is necessary in order to prove the effectiveness of this drug in renal conditions.
G-STC-M Spatio-Temporal Analysis Method for Archaeological Sites
Authors: Cui Jing , Liu Yanrong , Sun Junling , Hu Di , He Handong
Published: May 2021

Based on the significant hotspots analysis method (Getis-Ord Gi* significance statistics), space-time cube model (STC) and the Mann–Kendall trend test method, this paper proposes a G-STC-M spatio-temporal analysis method based on Archaeological Sites. This method can integrate spatio-temporal data variable analysis and the space-time cube model to explore the spatio-temporal distribution of Archaeological Sites. The G-STC-M method was used to conduct time slice analysis on the data of Archaeological Sites in the study area, and the spatio-temporal variation characteristics of Archaeological Sites in East China from the Tang Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty were discussed. The distribution of Archaeological Sites has temporal hotspots and spatial hotspots. Temporally, the distribution of Archaeological Sites showed a gradual increasing trend, and the number of Archaeological Sites reached the maximum in the Qing Dynasty. Spatially, the hotspots of Archaeological Sites are mainly distributed in Jiangsu (30°~33° N, 118°~121° E) and Anhui (29°~31° N, 117°~119° E) and the central region of Zhejiang (28°~31° N, 118°~121° E). Temporally and spatially, the distribution of Archaeological Sites is mainly centered in Shanghai (30°~32° N, 121°~122° E), spreading to the southern region.
TraceAll: A Real-Time Processing for Contact Tracing Using Indoor Trajectories
Authors: Alarabi Louai , Basalamah Saleh , Hendawi Abdeltawab , Abdalla Mohammed
Published: May 2021

The rapid spread of infectious diseases is a major public health problem. Recent developments in fighting these diseases have heightened the need for a contact tracing process. Contact tracing can be considered an ideal method for controlling the transmission of infectious diseases. The result of the contact tracing process is performing diagnostic tests, treating for suspected cases or self-isolation, and then treating for infected persons; this eventually results in limiting the spread of diseases. This paper proposes a technique named TraceAll that traces all contacts exposed to the infected patient and produces a list of these contacts to be considered potentially infected patients. Initially, it considers the infected patient as the querying user and starts to fetch the contacts exposed to him. Secondly, it obtains all the trajectories that belong to the objects moved nearby the querying user. Next, it investigates these trajectories by considering the social distance and exposure period to identify if these objects have become infected or not. The experimental evaluation of the proposed technique with real data sets illustrates the effectiveness of this solution. Comparative analysis experiments confirm that TraceAll outperforms baseline methods by 40% regarding the efficiency of answering contact tracing queries.
Accurate Bracket Placement with an Indirect Bonding Method Using Digitally Designed Transfer Models Printed in Different Orientations—An In Vitro Study
Authors: Süpple Julia , von Glasenapp Julius , Hofmann Eva , Jost-Brinkmann Paul-Georg , Koch Petra Julia
Published: May 2021

Objective: A digital workflow opens up new possibilities for the indirect bonding (IDB) of brackets. We tested if the printing orientation for bracket transfer models on the build platform of a 3D printer influences the accuracy of the following IDB method. We also evaluated the clinical acceptability of the IDB method combining digitally planned and printed transfer models with the conventional fabrication of pressure-molded transfer trays. Materials and Methods: In total, 27 digitally planned bracket transfer models were printed with both 15° and 75° angulation from horizontal plane on the build platform of a digital light processing (DLP) printer. Brackets were temporarily bonded to the transfer models and pressure-molded trays were produced on them. IDB was then performed using the trays on the respective plaster models. The plaster models were scanned with an optical scanner. Digitally planned pre-bonding and scanned post-bonding bracket positions were superimposed with a software and resulted in three linear and three angular deviations per bracket. Results: No statistically significant differences of the transfer accuracy of printed transfer models angulated 15° or 75° on the 3D printer build platform were found. About 97% of the linear and 82% of the angular deviations were within the clinically acceptable range of ±0.2 mm and ±1°, respectively. The highest inaccuracies in the linear dimension occurred in the vertical towards the gingival direction and in the angular dimension in palatal crown torque. Conclusion: For the IDB method used, the printing orientation on the build platform did not have a significant impact on the transfer accuracy.
Model for Quantifying the Quality of Secure Service
Authors: Simon Paul , Graham Scott , Talbot Christopher , Hayden Micah
Published: May 2021

Although not common today, communications networks could adjust security postures based on changing mission security requirements, environmental conditions, or adversarial capability, through the coordinated use of multiple channels. This will require the ability to measure the security of communications networks in a meaningful way. To address this need, in this paper, we introduce the Quality of Secure Service (QoSS) model, a methodology to evaluate how well a system meets its security requirements. This construct enables a repeatable and quantifiable measure of security in a single- or multi-channel network under static configurations. In this approach, the quantification of security is based upon the probabilities that adversarial listeners and disruptors may gain access to or manipulate transmitted data. The initial model development, albeit a snap-shot of the network security, provides insights into what may affect end-to-end security and to what degree. The model was compared against the performance and expected security of several point-to-point networks, and three simplified architectures are presented as examples. Message fragmentation and duplication across the available channels provides a security performance trade-space, with an accompanying comprehensive measurement of the QoSS. The results indicate that security may be improved with message fragmentation across multiple channels when compared to the number of adversarial listeners or disruptors. This, in turn, points to the need, in future work, to build a full simulation environment with specific protocols and networks to validate the initial modeled results.
Self-Healing Potential and Post-Cracking Tensile Behavior of Polypropylene Fiber-Reinforced Cementitious Composites
Authors: Garg Mohit , Azarsa Pejman , Gupta Rishi
Published: May 2021

The use of synthetic fibers as reinforcement in fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (FRCC) demonstrates a combination of better ductile response vis-à-vis metallic ones, enhanced durability in a high pH environment, and resistance to corrosion as well as self-healing capabilities. This study explores the effect of macro- and micro-scale polypropylene (PP) fibers on post-crack energy, ductility, and the self-healing potential of FRCC. Laboratory results indicate a significant change in fracture response, i.e., loss in ductility as curing time increases. PP fiber samples cured for 2 days demonstrated ductile fracture behavior, controllable crack growth during tensile testing, post-cracking behavior, and a regain in strength owing to FRCC’s self-healing mechanism. Different mixes of FRCC suggest an economical mixing methodology, where the strong bond between the PP fibers and cementitious matrix plays a key role in improving the tensile strength of the mortar. Additionally, the micro PP fiber samples demonstrate resistance to micro-crack propagation, observed as an increase in peak load value and shape deformation during compression and tensile tests. Notably, low volume fraction of macro-scale PP fibers in FRCC revealed higher post-crack energy than the higher dosage of micro-scale PP fibers. Lastly, few samples with a crack of < 0.5 mm exhibited a self-healing mechanism, and upon testing, the healed specimens illustrated higher strain values.
Meteorological Navigation by Integrating Metocean Forecast Data and Ship Performance Models into an ECDIS-like e-Navigation Prototype Interface
Authors: Orlandi Andrea , Cappugi Andrea , Mari Riccardo , Pasi Francesco , Ortolani Alberto
Published: May 2021

In the complex processes of route planning, voyage monitoring, and post-voyage analysis, a key element is the capability of merging metocean forecast data with the available knowledge of ship responses in the encountered environmental conditions. In this context, a prototype system has been implemented capable of integrating metocean models forecasts with ship specific performance data and models. The work is based on the exploitation of an open source ECDIS-like system originally developed in the e-Navigation framework. The resulting prototype system allows the uploading and visualization of metocean data, the consequent computation of fuel consumption along each analyzed route, and the evaluation of the encountered meteo-marine conditions on each route way point. This allows us to “effectively and deeply dig inside” the various layers of available metocean forecast data regarding atmospheric and marine conditions and evaluating their effects on ship performance indicators. The system could also be used to trigger route optimization algorithms and subsequently evaluate the results. All these functionalities are tailored in order to facilitate the “what-if” analysis in the route selection process performed by deck officers. Many of the added functionalities can be utilized also in a shore-based fleet monitoring and management center. A description is given of the modeling and visualization approaches that have been implemented. Their potentialities are illustrated through the discussion of some examples in Mediterranean navigation.
Genetic Determinants in HLA and Cytochrome P450 Genes in the Risk of Aromatic Antiepileptic-Induced Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions
Authors: Ahmed Ali Fadhel , Sukasem Chonlaphat , Sabbah Majeed Arsheed , Musa Nur Fadhlina , Mohamed Noor Dzul Azri , Daud Nur Aizati Athirah
Published: May 2021

Adverse drug reaction (ADR) is a pressing health problem, and one of the main reasons for treatment failure with antiepileptic drugs. This has become apparent in the event of severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs), which can be life-threatening. In this review, four hypotheses were identified to describe how the immune system is triggered in the development of SCARs, which predominantly involve the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) proteins. Several genetic variations in HLA genes have been shown to be strongly associated with the susceptibility to developing SCARs when prescribed carbamazepine or phenytoin. These genetic variations were also shown to be prevalent in certain populations. Apart from the HLA genes, other genes proposed to affect the risk of SCARs are genes encoding for CYP450 drug-metabolising enzymes, which are involved in the pharmacokinetics of offending drugs. Genetic variants in CYP2C9 and CYPC19 enzymes were also suggested to modulate the risk of SCARs in some populations. This review summarizes the literature on the manifestation and aetiology of antiepileptic-induced SCARs, updates on pharmacogenetic markers associated with this reaction and the implementation of pre-emptive testing as a preventive strategy for SCARs.
Structure, Microstructure, and Magnetic Properties of Melt Spun Ni50Mn50−xInx Ribbons
Authors: Dadda Karima , Alleg Safia , Saurina Joan , Escoda Lluïsa , Suñol Joan-Josep
Published: May 2021

Structural, microstructural, and magnetic properties of Heusler Ni50Mn50−xInx (x = 5 and 10) ribbons have been investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The as quenched Ni50Mn45In5 ribbons exhibit a mixture of monoclinic 14M (a = 4.329(3) Å, b = 5.530(3) Å, and c = 28.916(3) Å), and tetragonal L10 (a = b = 3.533(3) Å, and c = 7.522(3) Å) martensite structures, while Ni50Mn40In10 ribbons display a single monoclinic 14M phase (a = 4.262(3) Å, b = 5.692(3) Å, and c = 29.276(3) Å). After three heating/cooling cycles, in the temperature range of 303–873 K, the Rietveld refinement of the XRD patterns revealed the presence of a single 14M martensite for Ni50Mn45In5 ribbons, and a mixture of cubic L21 (31%) and 14M (69%) phases for Ni50Mn40In10 ribbons. The characteristic temperatures of the martensitic transition (Astart, Afinish, Mstart, and Mfinish), the thermal hysteresis temperature width, and the equilibrium temperature decreased with increasing indium content and heating cycles. The samples show a paramagnetic like behavior in the as quenched state, and a ferromagnetic like behavior after the third heating/cooling cycle.
Design of a Computer-Aided Location Expert System Based on a Mathematical Approach
Authors: Straka Martin
Published: May 2021

This article discusses how to calculate the location of a point on a surface using a mathematical approach on two levels. The first level uses the traditional calculation procedure via Cooper’s iterative method through a spreadsheet editor and a classic result display map. The second level uses the author-created computer-aided location expert system on the principle of calculation using Cooper’s iterative method with the direct graphical display of results. The problem is related to designing a practical computer location expert system, which is based on a new idea of using the resolution of a computer map as an image to calculate location. The calculated results are validated by comparing them with each other, and the defined accuracy for a particular example was achieved at the 32nd iteration with the position optima DC[x(32);y(32)] = [288.8;82.7], with identical results. The location solution in the case study to the defined accuracy was achieved at the 6th iteration with the position optima DC[x(6);y(6)] = [274;220]. The calculations show that the expert system created achieves the required parameters and is a handy tool for determining the location of a point on a surface.
Image Region Prediction from Thermal Videos Based on Image Prediction Generative Adversarial Network
Authors: Batchuluun Ganbayar , Koo Ja Hyung , Kim Yu Hwan , Park Kang Ryoung
Published: May 2021

Various studies have been conducted on object detection, tracking, and action recognition based on thermal images. However, errors occur during object detection, tracking, and action recognition when a moving object leaves the field of view (FOV) of a camera and part of the object becomes invisible. However, no studies have examined this issue so far. Therefore, this article proposes a method for widening the FOV of the current image by predicting images outside the FOV of the camera using the current image and previous sequential images. In the proposed method, the original one-channel thermal image is converted into a three-channel thermal image to perform image prediction using an image prediction generative adversarial network. When image prediction and object detection experiments were conducted using the marathon sub-dataset of the Boston University-thermal infrared video (BU-TIV) benchmark open dataset, we confirmed that the proposed method showed the higher accuracies of image prediction (structural similarity index measure (SSIM) of 0.9839) and object detection (F1 score (F1) of 0.882, accuracy (ACC) of 0.983, and intersection over union (IoU) of 0.791) than the state-of-the-art methods.
Complex Uncertainty of Surface Data Modeling via the Type-2 Fuzzy B-Spline Model
Authors: Zakaria Rozaimi , Wahab Abd. Fatah , Ismail Isfarita , Zulkifly Mohammad Izat Emir
Published: May 2021

This paper discusses the construction of a type-2 fuzzy B-spline model to model complex uncertainty of surface data. To construct this model, the type-2 fuzzy set theory, which includes type-2 fuzzy number concepts and type-2 fuzzy relation, is used to define the complex uncertainty of surface data in type-2 fuzzy data/control points. These type-2 fuzzy data/control points are blended with the B-spline surface function to produce the proposed model, which can be visualized and analyzed further. Various processes, namely fuzzification, type-reduction and defuzzification are defined to achieve a crisp, type-2 fuzzy B-spline surface, representing uncertainty complex surface data. This paper ends with a numerical example of terrain modeling, which shows the effectiveness of handling the uncertainty complex data.
Cardiac Imaging in Athlete’s Heart: The Role of the Radiologist
Authors: Fogante Marco , Agliata Giacomo , Basile Maria Chiara , Compagnucci Paolo , Volpato Giovanni , Falanga Umberto , Stronati Giulia , Guerra Federico , Vignale Davide , Esposito Antonio , Dello Russo Antonio , Casella Michela , Giovagnoni Andrea
Published: May 2021

Athlete’s heart (AH) is the result of morphological and functional cardiac modifications due to long-lasting athletic training. Athletes can develop very marked structural myocardial changes, which may simulate or cover unknown cardiomyopathies. The differential diagnosis between AH and cardiomyopathy is necessary to prevent the risk of catastrophic events, such as sudden cardiac death, but it can be a challenging task. The improvement of the imaging modalities and the introduction of the new technologies in cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and cardiac computed tomography (CCT) can allow overcoming this challenge. Therefore, the radiologist, specialized in cardiac imaging, could have a pivotal role in the differential diagnosis between structural adaptative changes observed in the AH and pathological anomalies of cardiomyopathies. In this review, we summarize the main CMR and CCT techniques to evaluate the cardiac morphology, function, and tissue characterization, and we analyze the imaging features of the AH and the key differences with the main cardiomyopathies.
Micro-Mechanisms and Modeling of Ductile Fracture Initiation in Structural Steel after Exposure to Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Zhu Yazhi , Huang Shiping , Sajid Hizb Ullah
Published: May 2021

This paper aims to (1) study ductile fracture behavior, and (2) provide a computational tool for predicting fracture initiation in ASTM A572 Gr. 50 structural steels under axisymmetric tension loading are heated to elevated temperatures and cooled down in air and in water. Employing the post-fire test results reported in the literature for A572 Gr. 50 steels, this paper carries out coupon-level finite element (FE) simulations to capture the stress and strain fields and explore the micro-mechanism of post-fire fracture in ASTM A572 Gr. 50 steels, respectively. Numerical results show that the effects of the experienced temperature and cooling method on fracture parameters are more significant for the steels cooled after being heated to temperatures from 800 °C to 1000 °C than those from 500 °C to 700 °C, due to microstructural changes during the cooling process. Air-cooled and water-cooled specimens show an improvement and a significant reduction in ductility, respectively. A modified void growth model (VGM) is proposed by introducing two additional temperature-dependent functions, through which the effects of elevated temperature and cooling method on fracture behavior are quantitatively analyzed. Limitations of this study are also discussed.
Modelling of Strengthening Mechanisms in Wrought Nickel-Based 825 Alloy Subjected to Solution Annealing
Authors: Al-Saadi Munir , Sandberg Fredrik , Jönsson Pär G. , Hulme-Smith Christopher N.
Published: May 2021

Wrought nickel-based Alloy 825 is widely used in the oil and gas industries, attributed to its high strength at temperatures up to 540 °C. However, differences in mechanical properties arise in finished components due to variations in both grain size and dislocation density. Numerous experimental studies of the strengthening mechanisms have been reported and many models have been developed to predict strengthening under thermomechanical processing. However, there are debates surrounding some fundamental issues in modeling and the interpretation of experimental observations. Therefore, it is important to understand the evolution of strain within the material during the hot-forging process. In addition, there is a lack of research around the behavior during hot deformation and subsequent stabilization of Alloy 825. This article investigates the origin of this strength and considers a variety of strengthening mechanisms, resulting in a quantitative prediction of the contribution of each mechanism. The alloy is processed with a total forging strain of 0.45, 0.65, or 0.9, and subsequent annealing at a temperature of 950 °C, reflecting commercial practice. The microstructure after annealing is similar to that before annealing, suggesting that static recovery is dominant at this temperature. The maximum yield strength and ultimate tensile strength were 348 MPa and 618 MPa, respectively, obtained after forging to a true strain of 0.9, with a ductility of 40%. The majority of strengthening was attributed to grain refinement, the dislocation densities that arise due to the large forging strain deformation, and solid solution strengthening. Precipitate strengthening was also quantified using the Brown and Ham modification of the Orowan bowing model. The results of yield strength calculations are in excellent agreement with experimental data, with less than 1% difference. The interfacial energy of Ti(C,N) in the face-centered cubic matrix of the current alloy has been assessed for the first time, with a value of 0.8 mJm−2. These results can be used by future researchers and industry to predict the strength of Alloy 825 and similar alloys, especially after hot-forging.
Future Risk of Bovine Tuberculosis (Mycobacterium bovis) Breakdown in Cattle Herds 2013–2018: A Dominance Analysis Approach
Authors: Byrne Andrew W. , Barrett Damien , Breslin Philip , Madden Jamie M. , O’Keeffe James , Ryan Eoin
Published: May 2021

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) remains a significant endemic pathogen of cattle herds, despite multi-decadal control programmes being in place in several countries. Understanding the risks of future bTB breakdown (BD) and the associated characteristics of herds and index breakdowns could help inform risk categorisation. Such risk categories could then contribute to tailored management and policies. Here, we estimated the future risk of herd BD for the cohort of herds that were derestricted during 2013 in Ireland using multivariable logit regression models, with a dominance analysis approach. One third of herds that were derestricted in 2013 experienced a breakdown during the follow-up five year period (1469/4459; 33%). BD length was a significant predictor of future risk, primarily driven by long BDs > 230 days relative to short BDs < 130 days (OR 95%CI: 1.157–1.851), as was having had a previous BD (OR 95%CI: 1.012–1.366). Herd-size was the dominant predictor of future risk (accounted for 46% of predicted variance), suggesting significant increase in risk of future breakdown with increasing (log) herd-size (OR 95%CI: 1.378–1.609). There was significant spatial variation in future risk across counties, and it was the second most dominant predictor of future risk (25% of predicted variance). The size of index breakdowns was not a strong predictor of future risk over a 5-year period. These findings can inform a risk-based policy development.
Engineering of Recombinant Sheep Pox Viruses Expressing Foreign Antigens
Authors: Chervyakova Olga , Tailakova Elmira , Kozhabergenov Nurlan , Sadikaliyeva Sandugash , Sultankulova Kulyaisan , Zakarya Kunsulu , Maksyutov Rinat A. , Strochkov Vitaliy , Sandybayev Nurlan
Published: May 2021

Capripoxviruses with a host range limited to ruminants have the great potential to be used as vaccine vectors. The aim of this work was to evaluate attenuated sheep pox virus (SPPV) vaccine strain NISKHI as a vector expressing several genes. Open reading frames SPPV020 (ribonucleotide kinase) and SPPV066 (thymidine kinase) were selected as sites for the insertion of foreign genes. Two integration plasmids with expression cassette were designed and constructed. Recombinant SPPVs expressing an enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) (rSPPV(RRΔ)EGFP and rSPPV(TKΔ)EGFP), Foot-and-mouth disease virus capsid protein (VP1), and Brucella spp. outer membrane protein 25 (OMP25) (rSPPV(RRΔ)VP1A-(TKΔ)OMP25) were generated under the transient dominant selection method. The insertion of foreign genes into the SPPV020 and SPPV066 open reading frames did not influence the replication of the recombinant viruses in the cells. Successful foreign gene expression in vitro was assessed by luminescent microscopy (EGFP) and Western blot (VP1 and OMP25). Our results have shown that foreign genes were expressed by rSPPV both in permissive (lamb testicles) and non-permissive (bovine kidney, saiga kidney, porcine kidney) cells. Mice immunized with rSPPV(RRΔ)VP1A-(TKΔ)OMP25 elicited specific antibodies to both SPPV and foreign genes VP1 and OMP25. Thus, SPPV NISKHI may be used as a potential safe immunogenic viral vector for the development of polyvalent vaccines.
Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale: MALDI-TOF MS and Whole Genome Sequencing Confirm That Serotypes K, L and M Deviate from Well-Known Reference Strains and Numerous Field Isolates
Authors: Alispahic Merima , Endler Lukas , Hess Michael , Hess Claudia
Published: May 2021

Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale is one of the most important bacterial agents of respiratory diseases in poultry. For correct identification and characterization of this fastidious bacterium, reliable diagnostic tools are essential. Still, phenotypic tests are used to identify O. rhinotracheale and serotyping is the most common method for characterization, despite known drawbacks and disadvantages such as divergent results, cross-reactivity between strains, or the non-typeability of strains. The intention of the present study was to evaluate MALDI-TOF MS and whole genome sequencing for the identification and characterization of O. rhinotracheale. For this purpose, a selection of 59 well-defined reference strains and 47 field strains derived from outbreaks on Austrian turkey farms were investigated by MALDI-TOF MS. The field strains originated from different geographical areas in Austria with some of the isolates derived from multiple outbreaks on farms within a year, or recurrent outbreaks over several years. MALDI-TOF MS proved a suitable method for identification of O. rhinotracheale to genus or species level except for 3 strains representing serotypes M, K and F. Phylogenetic analysis showed that most strains grouped within one cluster even though they were comprised of different serotypes, while serotypes F, K, and M clearly formed a different cluster. All field isolates from turkey farms clustered together, independent of the origin of the isolates, e.g., geographical area, multiple outbreaks within a year or recurrent outbreaks over several years. Whole genome sequencing of serotype M, K and F strains confirmed the extraordinary status and deviation from known fully-sequenced strains due to a lack of sequence similarity. This was further confirmed by alignments of single genes (16S-RNA and rpoB) and multilocus sequence typing although the demarcation was less obvious. Altogether, the results indicate that these three serotypes belong to a different species than O. rhinotracheale, and might even be members of multiple new species.