bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Myeloid GRK2 Regulates Obesity-Induced Endothelial Dysfunction by Modulating Inflammatory Responses in Perivascular Adipose Tissue
Authors: González-Amor María , Vila-Bedmar Rocío , Rodrigues-Díez Raquel , Moreno-Carriles Rosa , Arcones Alba C. , Cruces-Sande Marta , Salaices Mercedes , Mayor Federico , Briones Ana M. , Murga Cristina
Published: October 2020

Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) is increasingly being regarded as an important endocrine organ that directly impacts vessel function, structure, and contractility in obesity-associated diseases. We uncover here a role for myeloid G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) in the modulation of PVAT-dependent vasodilation responses. GRK2 expression positively correlates with myeloid- (CD68) and lymphoid-specific (CD3, CD4, and CD8) markers and with leptin in PVAT from patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms. Using mice hemizygous for GRK2 in the myeloid lineage (LysM-GRK2+/−), we found that GRK2 deficiency in myeloid cells allows animals to preserve the endothelium-dependent acetylcholine or insulin-induced relaxation, which is otherwise impaired by PVAT, in arteries of animals fed a high fat diet (HFD). Downregulation of GRK2 in myeloid cells attenuates HFD-dependent infiltration of macrophages and T lymphocytes in PVAT, as well as the induction of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) and NADPH oxidase (Nox)1 expression, whereas blocking TNFα or Nox pathways by pharmacological means can rescue the impaired vasodilator responses to insulin in arteries with PVAT from HFD-fed animals. Our results suggest that myeloid GRK2 could be a potential therapeutic target in the development of endothelial dysfunction induced by PVAT in the context of obesity.
Learn and Tell: Learning Priors for Image Caption Generation
Authors: Liu Pei , Peng Dezhong , Zhang Ming
Published: October 2020

In this work, we propose a novel priors-based attention neural network (PANN) for image captioning, which aims at incorporating two kinds of priors, i.e., the probabilities being mentioned for local region proposals (PBM priors) and part-of-speech clues for caption words (POS priors), into a visual information extraction process at each word prediction. This work was inspired by the intuitions that region proposals have different inherent probabilities for image captioning, and that the POS clues bridge the word class (part-of-speech tag) with the categories of visual features. We propose new methods to extract these two priors, in which the PBM priors are obtained by computing the similarities between the caption feature vector and local feature vectors, while the POS priors are predicated at each step of word generation by taking the hidden state of the decoder as input. After that, these two kinds of priors are further incorporated into the PANN module of the decoder to help the decoder extract more accurate visual information for the current word generation. In our experiments, we qualitatively analyzed the proposed approach and quantitatively evaluated several captioning schemes with our PANN on the MS-COCO dataset. Experimental results demonstrate that our proposed method could achieve better performance as well as the effectiveness of the proposed network for image captioning.
Reliability-Based Preventive Maintenance Strategy of Truck Unloading Systems
Authors: Mohammed Awsan , Ghaithan Ahmed , Al-Saleh Mashel , Al-Ofi Khalaf
Published: October 2020

The unloading of petroleum products is a complex and potentially dangerous operation since the unloading system contains complex interdependency components. Any failures in one of its components lead to a cut in the petroleum supply chain. Therefore, it is important to assess and evaluate the reliability of the unloading system in order to improve its availability. In this context, this paper presents the operation philosophy of the truck unloading system, failure modes of the components within the system, and a bottom-up approach to analyze the reliability of the system. In addition, it provides reliability data, such as failure rates, and mean time between failures of the system components. Furthermore, the reliability of the whole system was calculated and is presented for different time periods. The critical components, which are major contributors towards the system reliability, were identified. To enhance the system reliability, a reliability-based preventive maintenance strategy for the critical components was implemented. In addition, the preventive maintenance scheduling was identified based on the reliability plots of the unloading system. The best schedule for preventive maintenance of the system was determined based on the reliability function to be every 45 days for maintaining the system reliability above 0.9. Findings reveal that the reliability of the unloading system was significantly improved. For instance, the system reliability at one year improved by 80%, and this ratio increased dramatically as the time period increased.
Alignment Method of an Axis Based on Camera Calibration in a Rotating Optical Measurement System
Authors: Hou Yanli , Su Xianyu , Chen Wenjing
Published: October 2020

The alignment problem of a rotating optical measurement system composed of a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera and a turntable is discussed. The motion trajectory model of the optical center (or projection center in the computer vision) of a camera rotating with the rotating device is established. A method based on camera calibration with a two-dimensional target is proposed to calculate the positions of the optical center when the camera is rotated by the turntable. An auxiliary coordinate system is introduced to adjust the external parameter matrix of the camera to map the optical centers on a special fictitious plane. The center of the turntable and the distance between the optical center and the rotation center can be accurately calculated by the least square planar circle fitting method. Lastly, the coordinates of the rotation center and the optical centers are used to provide guidance for the installation of a camera in a rotation measurement system. Simulations and experiments verify the feasibility of the proposed method.
Smart Learning
Authors: García-Peñalvo Francisco José , Casado-Lumbreras Cristina , Colomo-Palacios Ricardo , Yadav Aman
Published: October 2020

Artificial intelligence applied to the educational field has a vast potential, especially after the effects worldwide of the COVID-19 pandemic. Online or blended educational modes are needed to respond to the health situation we are living in. The tutorial effort is higher than in the traditional face-to-face approach. Thus, educational systems are claiming smarter learning technologies that do not pretend to substitute the faculty but make their teaching activities easy. This Special Issue is oriented to present a collection of papers of original advances in educational applications and services propelled by artificial intelligence, big data, machine learning, and deep learning.
Improvement in Accuracy of a Multi-Joint Robotic Ultrasonic Inspection System for the Integrity of Composite Structures
Authors: Lim Jea Seang , Park Tae Sung , Choi Yu Min , Park Ik Keun
Published: October 2020

Composite materials have attracted significant attention with regard to the manufacturing of structures that require weight reduction, such as automobiles and aircraft, because they are more resistant to corrosion and fatigue than conventional metal materials. However, such materials exhibit a reliability degradation problem, i.e., their mechanical and physical properties deteriorate due to the occurrence of delamination and voids. Ultrasonic inspection methods have been widely applied for nondestructive detection of such defects in structures; however, the application of these approaches has been impeded due to high anisotropy and acoustic attenuation. In addition, the existing ultrasonic inspection methods require considerable time and cost for the inspection of large materials or structures. These problems were addressed in this study by developing an automatic ultrasonic inspection system; this was achieved by adopting a squirter-type water injection device, which uses a multi-joint robot and the through-transmission ultrasonic method. In addition, a software program to correct axis misalignment was developed and verified to solve the deterioration in defect detectability and accuracy that was caused by axis misalignment, which may occur during the use of the developed system. This development was accomplished after measuring the coordinates of the deformed mechanical part using a three-dimensional laser measuring instrument.
Shake Table Test of Long Span Cable-Stayed Bridge Subjected to Near-Fault Ground Motions Considering Velocity Pulse Effect and Non-Uniform Excitation
Authors: Zhang Chao , Fu Guanghui , Lai Zhichao , Du Xiuli , Wang Piguang , Dong Huihui , Jia Hongyu
Published: October 2020

This paper presents the results of shake table tests of a scaled long span cable-stayed bridge (CSB). The design principles of the scaled CSB are first introduced. The first six in-plane modes are then identified by the stochastic subspace identification (SSI) method. Furthermore, shake table tests of the CSB subjected to the non-pulse near-field (NNF) and velocity-pulse near-fault (PNF) ground motions are carried out. The tests indicated that: (1) the responses under longitudinal uniform excitation are mainly contributed by antisymmetric modes; (2) the maximum displacement of the tower occurs on the tower top node, the maximum acceleration response of the tower occurs on the middle cross beam, and the maximum bending moment of the tower occurs on the bottom section; (3) the deformation of the tower and girder subjected to uniform excitation is not always larger than that subjected to non-uniform excitation, and therefore the non-uniform case should be considered in the seismic design of CSBs.
Study of Mechanical and Thermal Properties in Nano-Hydroxyapatite/Chitosan/Carboxymethyl Cellulose Nanocomposite-Based Scaffold for Bone Tissue Engineering: The Roles of Carboxymethyl Cellulose
Authors: Aminatun  , Hikmawati Dyah , Widiyanti Prihartini , Amrillah Tahta , Nia W. Astri , Firdania Ilena Tio , Abdullah Che Azurahanim Che
Published: October 2020

Synthetic scaffolding for bone tissue engineering (BTE) has been widely utilized. The scaffold for BTE requires sufficient porosity as a template for bone cell development and growth so that it can be used in the treatment of bone defects and fractures. Nevertheless, the porosity significantly influences the compressive strength of the scaffold. Hence, controlling the porosity is a pivotal role to obtain a proper scaffold for practical BTE application. Herein, we fabricated the nanocomposite-based scaffold utilizing nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA). The scaffold was prepared in combination with chitosan (Ch) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). The ratios of n-HA, Ch, and CMC used were 40:60:0, 40:55:5, 40:50:10, 40:45:15, and 40:40:20, respectively. By controlling the Ch and CMC composition, we can tune the porosity of the nanocomposite. We found that the interpolation of the CMC prevails, as a crosslinker reinforces the nanocomposite. In addition, the binding to Ch enhanced the compressive strength of the scaffold. Thermal characteristics revealed the coefficient of thermal expansion decreases with increasing CMC content. The nanocomposite does not expand at 25–75 °C, which is suitable for human body temperature. Therefore, this nanocomposite-based scaffold is feasible for BTE application.
Characterisation and Mutagenesis Study of An Alternative Sigma Factor Gene (hrpL) from Erwinia mallotivora Reveal Its Central Role in Papaya Dieback Disease
Authors: Tamizi Amin-Asyraf , Abu-Bakar Norliza , Samsuddin Aimera-Farhana , Rozano Lina , Ahmad-Redzuan Rohaiza , Abdul-Murad Abdul-Munir
Published: October 2020

The alternative sigma (σ) factor E, RpoE or HrpL, has been reported to be involved in stress- and pathogenicity-related transcription initiation in Escherichia coli and many other Gram-negative bacteria, including Erwinia spp. and Pseudomonas spp. A previous study identified the hrpL/rpoE transcript as one of the significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) during early E. mallotivora infection in papaya and those data serve as the basis of the current project. Here, the full coding DNA sequence (CDS) of hrpL from E. mallotivora (EmhrpL) was determined to be 549 bp long, and it encoded a 21.3 kDa HrpL protein that possessed two highly conserved sigma-70 (σ70) motifs—σR2 and σR4. Nucleotide sequence alignment revealed the hrpL from E. mallotivora shared high sequence similarity to rpoE/hrpL from E. tracheiphila (83%), E. pyrifoliae (81%), and E. tasmaniensis (80%). Phylogenetics analysis indicated hrpL from E. mallotivora to be monophyletic with rpoEs/hrpLs from Pantoea vagans, E. herbicola, and E. tracheiphila. Structural analysis postulated that the E. mallotivora’s alternative σ factor was non-transmembranic and was an extracytoplasmic function (ECF) protein—characteristics shared by other σ factors in different bacterial species. Notably, the protein–protein interaction (PPI) study through molecular docking suggested the σ factor could be possibly inhibited by an anti-σ. Finally, a knockout of hrpL in E. mallotivora (ΔEmhrpL) resulted in avirulence in four-month-old papaya plants. These findings have revealed that the hrpL is a necessary element in E. mallotivora pathogenicity and also predicted that the gene can be inhibited by an anti-σ.
Optimal Sizing of Solar-Assisted Heat Pump Systems for Residential Buildings
Authors: Franco Alessandro , Fantozzi Fabio
Published: October 2020

This paper analyzes the optimal sizing of a particular solution for renewable energy residential building integration. The solution combines a photovoltaic (PV) plant with a heat pump (HP). The idea is to develop a system that permits the maximum level of self-consumption of renewable energy generated by using a small-scale solar array installed on the same building. The problem is analyzed using data obtained from an experimental system installed in a building in Pisa, Italy. The residential house was equipped with a PV plant (about 3.7 kW of peak power), assisting a HP of similar electrical power (3.8 kW). The system was monitored for eight years of continuous operation. With reference to the data acquired from the long-term experimental analysis and considering a more general perspective, we discuss criteria and guidelines for the design of such a system. We focus on the possibility of exporting energy to the electrical grid, from the perspective of obtaining self-consumption schemes. Considering that one of the problems with small-scale PV plants is represented by the bidirectional energy flows from and to the grid, possible alternative solutions for the design are outlined, with both a size reduction in the plant and utilization of a storage system considered. Different design objectives are considered in the analysis.
Entomopathogenic Filamentous Fungi as Biocatalysts in Glycosylation of Methylflavonoids
Authors: Krawczyk-Łebek Agnieszka , Dymarska Monika , Janeczko Tomasz , Kostrzewa-Susłow Edyta
Published: October 2020

Flavonoids are known for their numerous biological activities; however, their pharmacological application is limited by poor bioavailability. Glycosides are usually more stable and more soluble in water and in this form, flavonoids are present in nature. Likewise, the presence of the methyl group in the flavonoid skeleton results in facilitated absorption and greater bioavailability. Entomopathogenic filamentous fungi are effective in the biotransformation of flavonoids; they are known especially for efficient glycosylation. In the current study we used strains of Beauveria bassiana KCH J1.5 and Isaria fumosorosea KCH J2 to biotransform flavonoids with a single methyl group. 2′-Hydroxy-5′-methylchalcone was biotransformed by both strains into 2′-hydroxy-5′-methylchalcone 3-O-β-D-(4″-O-methyl)-glucopyranoside. In the culture of B. bassiana KCH J1.5 four products were obtained from 6-methylflavanone: 4′-hydroxy-6-methylflavanone 3′-O-β-D-(4″-O-methyl)-glucopyranoside; 4′-hydroxyflavanone 6-methylene-O-β-D-(4″-O-methyl)-glucopyranoside; 6-hydroxymethylflavanone 3′-O-β-D-(4″-O-methyl)-glucopyranoside and 4′-hydroxy-6-hydroxymethylflavanone 3′-O-β-D-(4″-O-methyl)-glucopyranoside. Biotransformation with I. fumosorosea KCH J2 as a biocatalyst resulted in the formation of 6-methylflavanone 4′-O-β-D-(4″-O-methyl)-glucopyranoside and 2-phenyl-6-methylchromane 4-O-β-D-(4″-O-methyl)-glucopyranoside. All of these flavonoids can be used in biological activity tests and can be useful in studies concerning structure—bioactivity relationships.
Something Else Going On? Diagnostic Uncertainty in Children with Chronic Pain and Their Parents
Authors: Tanna Vivek , Heathcote Lauren C. , Heirich Marissa S. , Rush Gillian , Neville Alexandra , Noel Melanie , Pate Joshua W. , Simons Laura E.
Published: October 2020

Diagnostic uncertainty, the perceived lack of an accurate explanation of the patient’s health problem, remains relatively unstudied in children. This study examined the prevalence, familial concordance, and correlates of diagnostic uncertainty in children and their parents presenting to a multidisciplinary pain clinic in the United States. One hundred and twenty-six parents and 91 of their children (Mage = 13.93 years, range = 8–18 years) completed a brief three-item measure of diagnostic uncertainty, as well as measures of pain-related distress and functioning. Forty-eight percent of children and 37% of parents believed something else was going on with the child’s pain that doctors had not found out about yet. Across the three items, 66%–77% of children and their parents agreed in their endorsement of diagnostic uncertainty. Parents who believed that something else was going on with their child’s pain had children with higher avoidance of pain-related activities (F = 5.601, p = 0.020) and lower pain willingness (F = 4.782, p = 0.032). Neither parent nor child diagnostic uncertainty was significantly related to the child’s pain-related functioning. Diagnostic uncertainty, particularly in parents, is relevant in the experience of pediatric chronic pain and warrants further investigation as both a risk factor and therapeutic target.
Randomized Longitudinal Study Comparing Three Nasal Respiratory Support Modes to Prevent Intermittent Hypoxia in Very Preterm Infants
Authors: Gross Maximilian , Poets Anette , Steinfeldt Renate , Urschitz Michael S. , Böckmann Katrin , Haase Bianca , Poets Christian F.
Published: October 2020

Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) devices using variable (vf-) and continuous (cf-) flow or synchronized nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (s-NIPPV) are used to prevent or treat intermittent hypoxia (IH) in preterm infants. Results concerning which is most effective vary. We aimed to investigate the effect of s-NIPPV and vf-NCPAP compared to cf-NCPAP on the rate of IH episodes. Preterm infants with a gestational age of 24.9–29.7 weeks presenting with IH while being treated with cf-NCPAP were monitored for eight hours, then randomized to eight hours of treatment with vf-NCPAP or s-NIPPV. Data from 16 infants were analyzed. Due to an unexpectedly low sample size, the results were only reported descriptively. No relevant changes in the rate of IH events were detected between cf- vs. vf-NCPAP or between cf-NCPAP vs. s-NIPPV. Although limited by its small sample size, s-NIPPV, vf- and cf-NCPAP seemed to be similarly effective in the treatment of IH in these infants.
A New Ex Vivo Model to Evaluate the Hair Protective Effect of a Biomimetic Exopolysaccharide against Water Pollution
Authors: Tubia Claire , Fernández-Botello Alfonso , Dupont Jan , Gómez Eni , Desroches Jérôme , Attia Joan , Loing Estelle
Published: October 2020

As an external appendage, hair is exposed to multiple stresses of different origins such as particles and gases in air, or heavy metals and chemicals in water. So far, little research has addressed the impact of water pollution on hair. The present study describes a new ex vivo model that allowed us to document the adverse effects of water pollutants on the structure of hair proteins, as well as the protective potential of active cosmetic ingredients derived from a biomimetic exopolysaccharide (EPS). The impact of water pollution was evaluated on hair from a Caucasian donor repeatedly immersed in heavy metal-containing water. Heavy metal retention in and on hair was then quantified using Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrometry (ICP/MS). The adverse effects of heavy metals on the internal structure of hair and its prevention by the EPS were assessed through measurement of keratin birefringence. Notably, the method allows the monitoring of the organization of keratin fibers and therefore the initial change on it in order to modulate the global damage in the hair. Results revealed an increasing amount of lead, cadmium and copper, following multiple exposures to polluted water. In parallel, the structure of keratin was also altered with exposures. However, heavy metal-induced keratin fiber damage could be prevented in the presence of the tested EPS, avoiding more drastic hair problems, such as lack of shine, or decrease in strength, due to damage accumulation.
Digital Psychological Platform for Mass Web-Surveys
Authors: Nikulchev Evgeny , Ilin Dmitry , Silaeva Anastasiya , Kolyasnikov Pavel , Belov Vladimir , Runtov Andrey , Pushkin Pavel , Laptev Nikolay , Alexeenko Anna , Magomedov Shamil , Kosenkov Alexander , Zakharov Ilya , Ismatullina Victoria , Malykh Sergey
Published: October 2020

Web-surveys are one of the most popular forms of primary data collection used for various researches. However, mass surveys involve some challenges. It is required to consider different platforms and browsers, as well as different data transfer rates using connections in different regions of the country. Ensuring guaranteed data delivery in these conditions should determine the right choice of technologies for implementing web-surveys. The paper describes the solution to transfer a questionnaire to the client side in the form of an archive. This technological solution ensures independence from the data transfer rate and the stability of the communication connection with significant survey filling time. The conducted survey benefited the service of education psychologists under the federal Ministry of Education. School psychologists consciously took part in the survey, realizing the importance of their opinion for organizing and improving their professional activities. The desire to answer open-ended questions in detail created a part of the answers in the dataset, where there were several sentences about different aspects of professional activity. An important challenge of the problem is the Russian language, for which there are not as many tools as for the languages more widespread in the world. The survey involved 20,443 school psychologists from all regions of the Russian Federation, both from urban and rural areas. The answers did not contain spam, runaround answers, and so on as evidenced by the average response time. For the surveys, an authoring development tool DigitalPsyTools.ru was used.
Bearing Fault Analysis of BLDC Motor for Electric Scooter Application
Authors: Kudelina Karolina , Asad Bilal , Vaimann Toomas , Belahcen Anouar , Rassõlkin Anton , Kallaste Ants , Lukichev Dmitry V.
Published: October 2020

In this paper, the bearing faults analysis of the brushless DC motor is presented. The research method is based on the analysis of the vibration signal of healthy as well as faulty bearings by the identification of specific frequencies on the vibration spectrum. For the experiment, the most common faults were inflicted on the bearings. As the used motor is intended for electric scooter applications, seven different damages were chosen, which are highly likely to occur during the scooter operation. The main bearing faults and the possibility of fault monitoring are addressed. The vibration data are gathered by the acceleration sensors placed on the motor at different locations and the spectrum analysis is performed using the fast Fourier transform. The variation in the amplitude of the frequency harmonics particularly the fundamental component is presented as a fault indicator.
Diagnostics of Mutations in MMR/EPCAM Genes and Their Role in the Treatment and Care of Patients with Lynch Syndrome
Authors: Sobocińska Joanna , Kolenda Tomasz , Teresiak Anna , Badziąg-Leśniak Natalia , Kopczyńska Magda , Guglas Kacper , Przybyła Anna , Filas Violetta , Bogajewska-Ryłko Elżbieta , Lamperska Katarzyna , Mackiewicz Andrzej
Published: October 2020

Lynch syndrome (LS), also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), is a disorder caused by an autosomal dominant heterozygous germline mutation in one of the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes. Individuals with LS are at an increased risk of developing colorectal and extracolonic cancers, such as endometrial, small bowel, or ovarian. In this review, the mutations involved with LS and their diagnostic methods are described and compared, as are their current uses in clinical decision making. Nowadays, LS diagnosis is based on a review of family medical history, and when necessary, microsatellite instability (MSI) or/and immunohistochemistry (IHC) analyses should be performed. In the case of a lack of MMR protein expression (dMMR) or MSI-H (MSI-High) detection in tumor tissue, molecular genetic testing can be undertaken. More and more genetic testing for LS is based mainly on next-generation sequencing (NGS) and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA), which provide better and quicker information about the molecular profile of patients as well as individuals at risk. Testing based on these two methods should be the standard and commonly used. The identification of individuals with mutations provides opportunities for the detection of cancer at an early stage as well as the introduction of proper, more effective treatment, which will result in increased patient survival and reduced costs of medical care.
Evaluation of Impact of Factors Affecting CT Radiation Dose for Optimizing Patient Dose Levels
Authors: Yang Ching-Ching
Published: October 2020

The dose metrics and factors influencing radiation exposure for patients undergoing head, chest, and abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans were investigated for optimization of patient dose levels. The local diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) of adult CT scans performed in our hospital were established based on 28,147 consecutive examinations, including 5510 head scans, 9091 chest scans, and 13,526 abdominal scans. Among the six CT scanners used in our hospital, four of them are 64-slice multi-detector CT units (MDCT64), and the other two have detector slices higher than 64 (MDCTH). Multivariate analysis was conducted to evaluate the effects of body size, kVp, mAs, and pitch on volume CT dose index (CTDIvol). The local DRLs expressed in terms of the 75th percentile of CTDIvol for the head, chest, and abdominal scans performed on MDCT64 were 59.32, 9.24, and 10.64 mGy, respectively. The corresponding results for MDCTH were 57.90, 7.67, and 9.86 mGy. In regard to multivariate analysis, CTDIvol showed various dependence on the predictors investigated in this study. All regression relationships have coefficient of determination (R2) larger than 0.75, indicating a good fit to the data. Overall, the research results obtained through our workflow could facilitate the modification of CT imaging procedures once the local DRLs are unusually high compared to the national DRLs.
Witnessing Cyberbullying and Internalizing Symptoms among Middle School Students
Authors: Doumas Diana M. , Midgett Aida
Published: October 2020

Cyberbullying is a significant problem among school-aged youth. Cyberbullying peaks in middle school with 33% of middle school students reporting cyberbullying victimization and more than 50% reporting witnessing cyberbullying as bystanders. Although the association between cyberbullying victimization and internalizing symptoms is well documented, there is limited research examining the impact of witnessing cyberbullying on bystanders. To assess differences in internalizing symptoms between cyberbullying bystanders and non-bystanders, a school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among middle school students (6th–8th grade) in the United States (N = 130; 57.4% female; 42.6% male). Questionnaire data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of co-variance (MANCOVA) with three outcome variables (depression, anxiety, somatic symptoms) and the between-subject factor bystander status (bystander, non-bystander). We controlled for witnessing school bullying to examine the unique effect of witnessing cyberbullying on internalizing symptoms. Results of the MANCOVA indicated a significant effect for cyberbullying bystander status (p < 0.04). Post hoc analyses demonstrated that bystanders reported significantly higher levels of depression (p < 0.05), anxiety (p < 0.02), and somatic symptoms (p < 0.01) than non-bystanders. Findings suggest that programs to support students who witness cyberbullying are needed to reduce the mental health risks associated with being a cyberbullying bystander.
A Statistical Approach for the Assessment of Muscle Activation Patterns during Gait in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Pacini Panebianco Giulia , Ferrazzoli Davide , Frazzitta Giuseppe , Fonsato Margherita , Bisi Maria Cristina , Fantozzi Silvia , Stagni Rita
Published: October 2020

Recently, the statistical analysis of muscle activation patterns highlighted that not only one, but several activation patterns can be identified in the gait of healthy adults, with different occurrence. Although its potential, the application of this approach in pathological populations is still limited and specific implementation issues need to be addressed. This study aims at applying a statistical approach to analyze muscle activation patterns of gait in Parkinson’s Disease, integrating gait symmetry and co-activation. Surface electromyographic signal of tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius medialis were recorded during a 6-min walking test in 20 patients. Symmetry between right and left stride time series was verified, different activation patterns identified, and their occurrence (number and timing) quantified, as well as the co-activation of antagonist muscles. Gastrocnemius medialis presented five activation patterns (mean occurrence ranging from 2% to 43%) showing, with respect to healthy adults, the presence of a first shorted and delayed activation (between flat foot contact and push off, and in the final swing) and highlighting a new second region of anticipated activation (during early/mid swing). Tibialis anterior presented five activation patterns (mean occurrence ranging from 3% to 40%) highlighting absent or delayed activity at the beginning of the gait cycle, and generally shorter and anticipated activations during the swing phase with respect to healthy adults. Three regions of co-contraction were identified: from heel strike to mid-stance, from the pre- to initial swing, and during late swing. This study provided a novel insight in the analysis of muscle activation patterns in Parkinson’s Disease patients with respect to the literature, where unique, at times conflicting, average patterns were reported. The proposed integrated methodology is meant to be generalized for the analysis of muscle activation patterns in pathologic subjects.
Optimization Ultrasound-Assisted Deep Eutectic Solvent Extraction of Anthocyanins from Raspberry Using Response Surface Methodology Coupled with Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Xue Hongkun , Tan Jiaqi , Li Qian , Tang Jintian , Cai Xu
Published: October 2020

Raspberries have been reported to contain abundant anthocyanins and other active compounds. To extract anthocyanins from raspberries more efficiently, a novel procedure of ultrasound-assisted deep eutectic solvent extraction (UADESE) was proposed in this paper. The extraction process was optimized by response surface methodology coupled with a genetic algorithm. The optimum extraction parameters to achieve the highest yield of anthocyanins 1.378 ± 0.009 mg/g from raspberry powder via UADESE were obtained at a water content of 29%, ultrasonic power of 210 W, extraction temperature of 51 °C and extraction time of 32 min. The AB-8 macroporous resin combined with the high-speed counter current chromatography (HSCCC) method were further used to isolate and purify the anthocyanins extracts obtained under optimum extraction conditions, and the structure of purified anthocyanins components were identified by UV-Visible spectrophotometer (UV-Vis), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS), 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and 13C-NMR spectra. The two anthocyanins (cyanidin-3-glucoside with a purity of 92.25% and cyanidin-3-rutinoside with a purity of 93.07%) identified were consistent with those present in raspberries. These findings provided an effective and feasible method for extraction, isolation and purification of anthocyanins from natural plant resources.
Formulation and Preparation of Water-In-Oil-In-Water Emulsions Loaded with a Phenolic-Rich Inner Aqueous Phase by Application of High Energy Emulsification Methods
Authors: Niknam Seyed Mehdi , Escudero Isabel , Benito José M.
Published: October 2020

Currently, industry is requesting proven techniques that allow the use of encapsulated polyphenols, rather than free molecules, to improve their stability and bioavailability. Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied in this work to determine the optimal composition and operating conditions for preparation of water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) emulsions loaded with phenolic rich inner aqueous phase from olive mill wastewater. A rotor-stator mixer, an ultrasonic homogenizer and a microfluidizer processor were tested in this study as high-energy emulsification methods. Optimum results were obtained by means of microfluidizer with 148 MPa and seven cycles input levels yielding droplets of 105.3 ± 3.2 nm in average size and 0.233 ± 0.020 of polydispersity index. ζ-potential, chemical and physical stability of the optimal W/O/W emulsion were also evaluated after storage. No droplet size growth or changes in stability and ζ-potential were observed. Furthermore, a satisfactory level of phenolics retention (68.6%) and antioxidant activity (89.5%) after 35 days of storage at room temperature makes it suitable for application in the food industry.
Bayesian Information-Theoretic Calibration of Radiotherapy Sensitivity Parameters for Informing Effective Scanning Protocols in Cancer
Authors: Cho Heyrim , Lewis Allison L. , Storey Kathleen M.
Published: October 2020

With new advancements in technology, it is now possible to collect data for a variety of different metrics describing tumor growth, including tumor volume, composition, and vascularity, among others. For any proposed model of tumor growth and treatment, we observe large variability among individual patients’ parameter values, particularly those relating to treatment response; thus, exploiting the use of these various metrics for model calibration can be helpful to infer such patient-specific parameters both accurately and early, so that treatment protocols can be adjusted mid-course for maximum efficacy. However, taking measurements can be costly and invasive, limiting clinicians to a sparse collection schedule. As such, the determination of optimal times and metrics for which to collect data in order to best inform proper treatment protocols could be of great assistance to clinicians. In this investigation, we employ a Bayesian information-theoretic calibration protocol for experimental design in order to identify the optimal times at which to collect data for informing treatment parameters. Within this procedure, data collection times are chosen sequentially to maximize the reduction in parameter uncertainty with each added measurement, ensuring that a budget of n high-fidelity experimental measurements results in maximum information gain about the low-fidelity model parameter values. In addition to investigating the optimal temporal pattern for data collection, we also develop a framework for deciding which metrics should be utilized at each data collection point. We illustrate this framework with a variety of toy examples, each utilizing a radiotherapy treatment regimen. For each scenario, we analyze the dependence of the predictive power of the low-fidelity model upon the measurement budget.
Exploring the Expression of Cardiac Regulators in a Vertebrate Extremophile: The Cichlid Fish Oreochromis (Alcolapia) alcalica
Authors: Sutton Gemma , White Lewis J. , Ford Antonia G.P. , Shechonge Asilatu , Day Julia J. , Dasmahapatra Kanchon K. , Pownall Mary E.
Published: October 2020

Although it is widely accepted that the cellular and molecular mechanisms of vertebrate cardiac development are evolutionarily conserved, this is on the basis of data from only a few model organisms suited to laboratory studies. Here, we investigate gene expression during cardiac development in the extremophile, non-model fish species, Oreochromis (Alcolapia) alcalica. We first characterise the early development of O. alcalica and observe extensive vascularisation across the yolk prior to hatching. We further investigate heart development by identifying and cloning O. alcalica orthologues of conserved cardiac transcription factors gata4, tbx5, and mef2c for analysis by in situ hybridisation. Expression of these three key cardiac developmental regulators also reveals other aspects of O. alcalica development, as these genes are expressed in developing blood, limb, eyes, and muscle, as well as the heart. Our data support the notion that O. alcalica is a direct-developing vertebrate that shares the highly conserved molecular regulation of the vertebrate body plan. However, the expression of gata4 in O. alcalica reveals interesting differences in the development of the circulatory system distinct from that of the well-studied zebrafish. Understanding the development of O. alcalica embryos is an important step towards providing a model for future research into the adaptation to extreme conditions; this is particularly relevant given that anthropogenic-driven climate change will likely result in more freshwater organisms being exposed to less favourable conditions.
The Impact of a New Interleukin-2-Based Immunotherapy Candidate on Urothelial Cells to Support Use for Intravesical Drug Delivery
Authors: Schmitz Lisa , Berdien Belinda , Huland Edith , Dase Petra , Beutel Karin , Fisch Margit , Engel Oliver
Published: October 2020

(1) Background: The intravesical instillation of interleukin-2 (IL-2) has been shown to be very well tolerated and promising in patients with bladder malignancies. This study aims to confirm the use of a new IL-2 containing immunotherapy candidate as safe for intravesical application. IL-2, produced in mammalian cells, is glycosylated, because of its unique solubility and stability optimized for intravesical use. (2) Materials and Methods: Urothelial cells and fibroblasts were generated out of porcine bladder and cultured until they reached second passage. Afterwards, they were cultivated in renal epithelial medium (REM) and Dulbecco’s modified Eagles medium (DMEM) with the IL-2 candidate (IMS-Research) and three more types of human interleukin-2 immunotherapy products (IMS-Pure, Natural IL-2, Aldesleukin) in four different concentrations (100, 250, 500, 1000 IU/mL). Cell proliferation was analyzed by water soluble tetrazolium (WST) proliferation assay after 0, 3, and 6 days for single cell culture and co-culture. (3) Results: Proliferation assays showed that all IL-2 products induced very similar cultivation results and none of the IL-2 variants had a negative impact on the proliferation of urothelial cells and fibroblast in either concentration. (4) Conclusion: Human recombinant glycosylated IL-2 as well as human non-glycosylated IL-2 have no negative influence on the tissue cell proliferation of porcine urothelial cells and fibroblasts in vitro and represent a promising and innovative potential intravesical therapy candidate for patients in high need.
A Study on Initial Setting and Modulus of Elasticity of AAM Mortar Mixed with CSA Expansive Additive Using Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity
Authors: Ryu Gum-Sung , Choi Sung , Koh Kyung-Taek , Ahn Gi-Hong , Kim Hyeong-Yeol , You Young-Jun
Published: October 2020

This study investigated the hardening process of alkali-activated material (AAM) mortar using calcium sulfoalumiante (CSA) expansive additive (CSA EA), which accelerates the initial reactivity of AAMs, and subsequent changes in ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV). After the AAM mortar was mixed with three different contents of CSA EA, the setting and modulus of elasticity of the mortar at one day of age, which represent curing steps, were measured. In addition, UPV was used to analyze each curing step. The initial and final setting times of the AAM mortar could be predicted by analyzing the UPV results measured for 14 h. In addition, the dynamic modulus of elasticity calculated using the UPV results for 24 h showed a tendency similar to that of the static modulus of elasticity. The test results showed that the use of CSA EA accelerated the setting of the AAM mortar and increased the modulus of elasticity, and these results could be inferred using UPV. The proposed measurement method can be effective in evaluating the properties of a material that accelerates the initial reactivity.
What Is Considered a Variation of Biomechanical Parameters in Tensile Tests of Collagen-Rich Human Soft Tissues?—Critical Considerations Using the Human Cranial Dura Mater as a Representative Morpho-Mechanic Model
Authors: Zwirner Johann , Scholze Mario , Ondruschka Benjamin , Hammer Niels
Published: October 2020

Background and Objectives: Profound knowledge on the load-dependent behavior of human soft tissues is required for the development of suitable replacements as well as for realistic computer simulations. Regarding the former, e.g., the anisotropy of a particular biological tissue has to be represented with site- and direction-dependent particular mechanical values. Contrary to this concept of consistent mechanical properties of a defined soft tissue, mechanical parameters of soft tissues scatter considerably when being determined in tensile tests. In spite of numerous measures taken to standardize the mechanical testing of soft tissues, several setup- and tissue-related factors remain to influence the mechanical parameters of human soft tissues to a yet unknown extent. It is to date unclear if measurement extremes should be considered a variation or whether these data have to be deemed incorrect measurement outliers. This given study aimed to determine mechanical parameters of the human cranial dura mater as a model for human soft tissues using a highly standardized protocol and based on this, critically evaluate the definition for the term mechanical “variation” of human soft tissue. Materials and Methods: A total of 124 human dura mater samples with an age range of 3 weeks to 94 years were uniformly retrieved, osmotically adapted and mechanically tested using customized 3D-printed equipment in a quasi-static tensile testing setup. Scanning electron microscopy of 14 samples was conducted to relate the mechanical parameters to morphological features of the dura mater. Results: The here obtained mechanical parameters were scattered (elastic modulus = 46.06 MPa, interquartile range = 33.78 MPa; ultimate tensile strength = 5.56 MPa, interquartile range = 4.09 MPa; strain at maximum force = 16.58%, interquartile range = 4.81%). Scanning electron microscopy revealed a multi-layered nature of the dura mater with varying fiber directions between its outer and inner surface. Conclusions: It is concluded that mechanical parameters of soft tissues such as human dura mater are highly variable even if a highly standardized testing setup is involved. The tissue structure and composition appeared to be the main contributor to the scatter of the mechanical parameters. In consequence, mechanical variation of soft tissues can be defined as the extremes of a biomechanical parameter due to an uncontrollable change in tissue structure and/or the respective testing setup.
Recovery of Scratch Grooves in Ti-6Al-4V Alloy Caused by Reversible Phase Transformations
Authors: Shugurov Artur R. , Panin Alexey V. , Dmitriev Andrey I. , Nikonov Anton Yu.
Published: October 2020

The deformation behaviors of Ti-6Al-4V alloy samples with lamellar and bimodal microstructures under scratch testing were studied experimentally and using molecular dynamics simulation. It was found that the scratch depth in the sample with a bimodal microstructure was twice as shallow as that measured in the sample with a lamellar microstructure. This effect is attributed to the higher hardness of the sample with a bimodal microstructure and the larger amount of elastic recovery of scratch grooves in this sample. On the basis of the results of molecular dynamics simulation, a mechanism was proposed, which associates the recovery of the scratch grooves with the inhomogeneous vanadium distribution in the β-areas. The calculations showed that at a vanadium content typical for Ti-6Al-4V alloy, both the body-centered cubic (BCC) and hexagonal close-packed (HCP) structures can be more energetically favorable depending on the atomic volume. Therefore, compressive or tensile stresses induced by the indenter could facilitate β→α and α→β phase transformations, respectively, in the vanadium-depleted domains of the β-areas, which contribute to the recovery of the Ti-6Al-4V alloy subjected to scratching.
Genome Analysis of a Marine Bacterium Halomonas sp. and Its Role in Nitrate Reduction under the Influence of Photoelectrons
Authors: Liu Ying , Ding Hongrui , Sun Yuan , Li Yan , Lu Anhuai
Published: October 2020

The solar light response and photoelectrons produced by widespread semiconducting mineral play important roles in biogeochemical cycles on Earth’s surface. To explore the potential influence of photoelectrons generated by semiconducting mineral particles on nitrate-reducing microorganisms in the photic zone, a marine heterotrophic denitrifier Halomonas sp. strain 3727 was isolated from seawater in the photic zone of the Yellow Sea, China. This strain was classified as a Halomonadaceae. Whole-genome analysis indicated that this strain possessed genes encoding the nitrogen metabolism, i.e., narG, nasA, nirBD, norZ, nosB, and nxr, which sustained dissimilatory nitrate reduction, assimilatory nitrate reduction, and nitrite oxidation. This strain also possessed genes related to carbon, sulfur, and other metabolisms, hinting at its substantial metabolic flexibility. A series of microcosm experiments in a simulative photoelectron system was conducted, and the results suggested that this bacterial strain could use simulated photoelectrons with different energy for nitrate reduction. Nitrite, as an intermediate product, was accumulated during the nitrate reduction with limited ammonia residue. The nitrite and ammonia productions differed with or without different energy electron supplies. Nitrite was the main product accounting for 30.03% to 68.40% of the total nitrogen in photoelectron supplement systems, and ammonia accounted for 3.77% to 8.52%. However, in open-circuit systems, nitrite and ammonia proportions were 26.77% and 11.17%, respectively, and nitrogen loss in the liquid was not observed. This study reveals that photoelectrons can serve as electron donors for nitrogen transformation mediated by Halomonas sp. strain 3727, which reveals an underlying impact on the nitrogen biogeochemical cycle in the marine photic zone.