bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
News Classification for Identifying Traffic Incident Points in a Spanish-Speaking Country: A Real-World Case Study of Class Imbalance Learning
Authors: Rivera Gilberto , Florencia Rogelio , García Vicente , Ruiz Alejandro , Sánchez-Solís J. Patricia
Published: September 2020

‘El Diario de Juárez’ is a local newspaper in a city of 1.5 million Spanish-speaking inhabitants that publishes texts of which citizens read them on both a website and an RSS (Really Simple Syndication) service. This research applies natural-language-processing and machine-learning algorithms to the news provided by the RSS service in order to classify them based on whether they are about a traffic incident or not, with the final intention of notifying citizens where such accidents occur. The classification process explores the bag-of-words technique with five learners (Classification and Regression Tree (CART), Naïve Bayes, kNN, Random Forest, and Support Vector Machine (SVM)) on a class-imbalanced benchmark; this challenging issue is dealt with via five sampling algorithms: synthetic minority oversampling technique (SMOTE), borderline SMOTE, adaptive synthetic sampling, random oversampling, and random undersampling. Consequently, our final classifier reaches a sensitivity of 0.86 and an area under the precision-recall curve of 0.86, which is an acceptable performance when considering the complexity of analyzing unstructured texts in Spanish.
Highly Sensitive Complicated Spectrum Analysis in Micro-Bubble Resonators Using the Orthogonal Demodulation Pound–Drever–Hall Technique
Authors: Hu Jinliang , Liu Sheng , Li Biao , Guo Zhihe , Wu Xiang , Liu Liying , Xu Lei
Published: September 2020

Whispering gallery mode micro-bubble optical cavities are asymmetrical ellipsoids in experimental settings, which makes their modes nondegenerate. A complicated dense spectrum is thus generated. Overlapping and coupled resonances exist in this dense spectrum. In this study, we determined that the orthogonal demodulation Pound-Drever-Hall technique can be used to analyze complicated resonances. Using this method, overlapping weak and strong coupling resonances can be analyzed. Compared to spectrum simplification and the ab initio theory of Fano resonances, this method is repeatable, simple, sensitive, and accurate. The method can increase the measurement range of differential resonance sensing, thus allowing the differential sensing of overlapped resonances.
The Role of Hyaluronic Acid in Intervertebral Disc Regeneration
Authors: Kazezian Zepur , Joyce Kieran , Pandit Abhay
Published: September 2020

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a leading cause of low back pain worldwide, incurring a significant burden on the healthcare system and society. IVD degeneration is characterized by an abnormal cell-mediated response leading to the stimulation of different catabolic biomarkers and activation of signalling pathways. In the last few decades, hyaluronic acid (HA), which has been broadly used in tissue-engineering, has popularised due to its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and extracellular matrix enhancing properties. Hence, there is expressed interest in treating the IVD using different HA compositions. An ideal HA-based biomaterial needs to be compatible and supportive of the disc microenvironment in general and inhibit inflammation and downstream cascades leading to the innervation, vascularisation and pain sensation in particular. High molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HMW HA) and HA-based biomaterials used as therapeutic delivery platforms have been trialled in preclinical models and clinical trials. In this paper, we reviewed a series of studies focused on assessing the effect of different compositions of HA as a therapeutic, targeting IVD degeneration. Overall, tremendous advances have been made towards an optimal form of a HA biomaterial to target specific biomarkers associated with IVD degeneration, but further optimization is necessary to address regeneration.
Infrared Image Adaptive Enhancement Guided by Energy of Gradient Transformation and Multiscale Image Fusion
Authors: Chen Feiran , Zhang Jianlin , Cai Jingju , Xu Tao , Lu Gang , Peng Xianrong
Published: September 2020

The detail enhancement and dynamic range compression of infrared (IR) images is an important issue and a necessary practical application in the domain of IR image processing. This paper provides a novel approach to displaying high dynamic range infrared images on common display equipment with appropriate contrast and clear detail information. The steps are chiefly as follows. First, in order to protect the weak global details in different regions of the image, we adjust the original normalized image into multiple brightness levels by adaptive Gamma transformation. Second, each brightness image is decomposed into a base layer and several detail layers by the multiscale guided filter. Details in each image are enhanced separately. Third, to obtain the image with global details of the input image, enhanced images in each brightness are fused together. Last, we filter out the outliers and adjust the dynamic range before outputting the image. Compared with other conventional or cutting-edge methods, the experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach is effective and robust in dynamic range compression and detail information enhancement of IR image.
Equivalent Axial Stiffness of Horizontal Stays
Authors: Croce Pietro
Published: September 2020

Cable-stayed structures are widely employed in several fields of civil, industrial, electrical and ocean engineering. Typical applications are cable-stayed building roofs, bridges, guyed masts, overhead electrical lines, and floating device anchorages. Since the cable behavior is often highly nonlinear, suitable equivalent mechanical cable models are often adopted in analyzing this kind of structures. Usually, like in the classical Dischinger’s approach, stays are treated as straight rods offering an equivalent axial tangent stiffness, so that each of them can be substituted with an appropriate equivalent nonlinear spring or truss element. Formulae expressing equivalent stiffness provided by classical methods are satisfactory only when the cable is highly stressed, and therefore its sag is small with respect to its chord; on the contrary, when the cable is slack, they give often contradictory or meaningless results. Aiming to remove that limitation, a more refined approach based on the application of the virtual work principle is discussed. Important products of that original rational criterion are accurate and closed form innovative expressions of the tangent stiffness of the cable, whose field of application is independent on the sag to chord ratio of the cable, as well as on the magnitude of the normal stresses. Referring to some relevant case studies, the results obtained applying these new formulae are critically discussed for cables made of different materials, also in comparison with the approximate expressions provided by simplified methods.
Impact of Structural Defects on the Surface Quality of Hardwood Species Sliced Veneers
Authors: Kamperidou Vasiliki , Aidinidis Efstratios , Barboutis Ioannis
Published: September 2020

The surface roughness constitutes one of the most critical properties of wood and wood veneers for their extended utilization, affecting the bonding ability of the veneers with one another in the manufacturing of wood composites, the finishing, coating and preservation processes, and the appearance and texture of the material surface. In this research work, logs of five significant European hardwood species (oak, chestnut, ash, poplar, cherry) of Balkan origin were sliced into decorative veneers. Their surface roughness was examined by applying a stylus tracing method, on typical wood structure areas of each wood species, as well as around the areas of wood defects (knots, decay, annual rings irregularities, etc.), to compare them and assess the impact of the defects on the surface quality of veneers. The chestnut veneers presented the smoothest surfaces, while ash veneers, despite the higher density, recorded the highest roughness. In most of the cases, the roughness was found to be significantly lower around the defects, compared to the typical structure surfaces, probably due to lower porosity, higher density and the presence of tensile wood. The results reveal that the presence of defects does not affect the roughness of the veneers and increases neither the processing requirements of the veneer sheets before finishing, nor the respective production cost of veneers and the veneer-based wood panels. The high utilization prospects of the examined wood species in veneer production, even those bearing various defects, is highlighted.
Mechanical Properties and Characteristics of the Anterolateral and Collateral Ligaments of the Knee
Authors: Cho Ho-Jung , Kwak Dai-Soon
Published: September 2020

Biomechanical studies assessing the major knee ligaments, such as the anterior cruciate ligament, posterior cruciate ligament, medial collateral ligament (MCL), and lateral collateral ligament (LCL), have been conducted using various methodologies. However, despite the anterolateral ligament (ALL) being regarded as the important ligament for the stability of the knee, a lack of biomechanical research focusing on the ALL exists to date. Moreover, studies assessing the relative mechanical properties of each ligament of the knee are insufficient. Therefore, this study examined the mechanical properties of the ALL, MCL, and LCL and considered the relative differences between these ligaments. Twenty-one fresh cadaver knees were chosen to investigate the mechanical properties. The width, thickness, and length were measured. The stiffness, ultimate load, and elastic modulus were also tested. The MCL showed the greatest ultimate load (498.5 N) and the highest stiffness (71.97 N/mm), and the ALL presented the smallest ultimate load (146.64 N) and lowest stiffness (42.62 N/mm). Meanwhile, the LCL was second concerning the ultimate load (263.22 N) and stiffness (69.70 N/mm). The elastic modulus of the LCL (493.86 MPa) was greater than those of both the MCL and ALL (326.75 MPa and 345.27 MPa, respectively). There was no difference between the sides according to the different properties of all the ligaments. A sex difference was apparent only concerning the ultimate load for all the ligaments. Each ligament showed similar stiffness irrespective of its size; for this reason, stiffness should be considered initially and while conducting biomechanical simulations of these ligaments.
Effect of Chloride on Electrical Resistivity in Carbonated and Non-Carbonated Concrete
Authors: Yoon In-Seok , Chang Chun-Ho
Published: September 2020

The resistivity of a concrete structure exposed to chloride ions indicates the risk of early corrosion damage, because a low resistivity is related to rapid chloride penetration and to a high corrosion rate. Concrete resistivity is a geometry-independent material property that describes the electrical resistance, which is the ratio between the applied voltage and resulting current in a unit cell. The current is carried by ions dissolved in the pore liquid. While some data exist on the relationship between the moisture content and electrical resistivity of concrete, very little research has been conducted to evaluate the effect of chloride on the conduction of electricity through carbonated and non-carbonated concrete. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of chloride concentration on the surface electrical resistivity measurement of carbonated and non-carbonated concrete. Chloride concentration had influenced the resistivity of concrete and the relationship showed a linear function. However, for concrete under the combined deterioration of carbonation and chlorides, a reduction in porosity due to the carbonation had a greater effect on the electrical resistivity than the increase in conductivity due to the chloride ions. Conclusively, this paper suggested the quantitative solution to depict the electrical resistivity of concrete with various chloride concentrations.
Selected Physical and Mechanical Properties of Microwave Heat Treated Rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis)
Authors: Chotikhun Aujchariya , Kittijaruwattana Jitralada , Salca Emilia-Adela , Hiziroglu Salim
Published: September 2020

The objectives of this study were to evaluate some of physical and mechanical properties of rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis) as function of microwave heat treatment process. The specimens were heat treated at three temperature levels of 150 °C, 180 °C, and 220 °C for 20 min in a small microwave oven connected to a computer. Bending characteristics, namely modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR) as well as hardness of the samples were tested. Dimensional stability in the form of swelling and water absorption of the specimens were also determined. Based on the findings in this work it appears that microwave can be used successfully for heat treatment of rubberwood. Overall mechanical properties of the samples were adversely influenced by the treatment. MOE, MOR and hardness values of the samples treated at a temperature of 220 °C had 2.37, 3.69, and 2.12 times reduced than those of control samples, respectively. Dimensional stability of the heat treated samples as a result of 2-h and 24-h water soaking improved. Micrographs take from scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) revealed that certain amount of damage took place in the cellwall of the treated specimens. Overall discoloration on the samples due to microwave heat treatment was found insignificant.
A Web Shell Detection Method Based on Multiview Feature Fusion
Authors: Zhu Tiantian , Weng Zhengqiu , Fu Lei , Ruan Linqi
Published: September 2020

Web shell is a malicious script file that can harm web servers. Web shell is often used by intruders to perform a series of malicious operations on website servers, such as privilege escalation and sensitive information leakage. Existing web shell detection methods have some shortcomings, such as viewing a single network traffic behavior, using simple signature comparisons, and adopting easily bypassed regex matches. In view of the above deficiencies, a web shell detection method based on multiview feature fusion is proposed based on the PHP language web shell. Firstly, lexical features, syntactic features, and abstract features that can effectively represent the internal meaning of web shells from multiple levels are integrated and extracted. Secondly, the Fisher score is utilized to rank and filter the most representative features, according to the importance of each feature. Finally, an optimized support vector machine (SVM) is used to establish a model that can effectively distinguish between web shell and normal script. In large-scale experiments, the final classification accuracy of the model on 1056 web shells and 1056 benign web scripts reached 92.18%. The results also surpassed well-known web shell detection tools such as VirusTotal, ClamAV, LOKI, and CloudWalker, as well as the state-of-the-art web shell detectionmethods.
Surface Characteristics and Cell Adhesion Behaviors of the Anodized Biomedical Stainless Steel
Authors: Hsu Heng-Jui , Wu Chia-Yu , Huang Bai-Hung , Tsai Chi-Hsun , Saito Takashi , Ou Keng-Liang , Chuo Yen-Chun , Lin Kuan-Ling , Peng Pei-Wen
Published: September 2020

In this study, an electrochemical anodizing method was applied as surface modification of the 316L biomedical stainless steel (BSS). The surface properties, microstructural characteristics, and biocompatibility responses of the anodized 316L BSS specimens were elucidated through scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, transmission electron microscopy, and in vitro cell culture assay. Analytical results revealed that the oxide layer of dichromium trioxide (Cr2O3) was formed on the modified 316L BSS specimens after the different anodization modifications. Moreover, a dual porous (micro/nanoporous) topography can also be discovered on the surface of the modified 316L BSS specimens. The microstructure of the anodized oxide layer was composed of amorphous austenite phase and nano-Cr2O3. Furthermore, in vitro cell culture assay also demonstrated that the osteoblast-like cells (MG-63) on the anodized 316L BSS specimens were completely adhered and covered as compared with the unmodified 316L BSS specimen. As a result, the anodized 316L BSS with a dual porous (micro/nanoporous) oxide layer has great potential to induce cell adhesion and promote bone formation.
Development of a Musculoskeletal Model of Hyolaryngeal Elements for Understanding Pharyngeal Swallowing Mechanics
Authors: Hashimoto Takuya , Urabe Mariko , Chee-Sheng Foo , Murakoshi Atsuko , Kikuchi Takahiro , Michiwaki Yukihiro , Koike Takuji
Published: September 2020

A detailed understanding of muscle activity in human swallowing would provide insights into the complex neuromuscular coordination underlying swallowing. The purpose of this study was to introduce musculoskeletal analysis to investigate muscle activities involved in swallowing as there are limitations on studying comprehensive muscle activation patterns by conventional methods such as electromyography (EMG) measurement. A musculoskeletal model of swallowing was newly developed based on the skeletal model made from CT data of a healthy volunteer. Individual muscle forces were predicted in pharyngeal swallowing by inverse dynamics’ computations with static optimization, in which the typical trajectories of the hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage analyzed from videofluoroscopic (VF) data of the volunteer were used. The results identified the contribution of individual muscles in pharyngeal swallowing in relation to the movements of the hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage. The predicted sequence of muscle activity showed a qualitative agreement with salient features in previous studies with fine wire EMG measurements. This method, if validated further by imaging and EMG studies, enables studying a broader range of neuromuscular coordination in swallowing. The proposed method offers an avenue to understanding the physiological mechanisms of swallowing and could become useful to evaluate rehabilitation effects on dysphagia.
Effect of Passive Support of the Spinal Muscles on the Biomechanics of a Lumbar Finite Element Model
Authors: Kang Inhan , Choi Minwook , Lee Deukhee , Noh Gunwoo
Published: September 2020

Finite element (FE) modeling of the passive ligamentous spine is widely used to assess various biomechanical behaviors. Currently, FE models that incorporate the vertebrae, ligaments, and the personalized geometry of the bony spine may be used in conjunction with external loads from the muscles. However, while the muscles place a load (moment) on the spine and support it simultaneously, the effect of the passive support from the adjacent spinal muscles has not been considered. This study thus aims to investigate the effect of passive support from the psoas major, quadratus lumborum, and erector muscles on the range of motion (RoM) and intradiscal pressure (IDP) of the lumbar spine. Various L2-sacrum spinal models that differed only in their muscle properties were constructed and loaded with a pure moment (2.5–15.0 Nm) alone or combined with a compressive (440 or 1000 N) follower load. The RoM and IDP of the model that excluded the effect of muscles closely matched previous FE results under the corresponding load conditions. When the muscles (40–160 kPa) were included in the FE model, the RoM at L2 was reduced by up to 6.57% under a pure moment (10 Nm). The IDP was reduced by up to 6.45% under flexion and 6.84% under extension. It was also found that the erector muscles had a greater effect than the psoas major and quadratus muscles.
Formulation and Characterization of Alginate Dialdehyde, Gelatin, and Platelet-Rich Plasma-Based Bioink for Bioprinting Applications
Authors: T. Somasekharan Lakshmi , Kasoju Naresh , Raju Riya , Bhatt Anugya
Published: September 2020

Layer-by-layer additive manufacturing process has evolved into three-dimensional (3D) “bio-printing” as a means of constructing cell-laden functional tissue equivalents. The process typically involves the mixing of cells of interest with an appropriate hydrogel, termed as “bioink”, followed by printing and tissue maturation. An ideal bioink should have adequate mechanical, rheological, and biological features of the target tissues. However, native extracellular matrix (ECM) is made of an intricate milieu of soluble and non-soluble extracellular factors, and mimicking such a composition is challenging. To this end, here we report the formulation of a multi-component bioink composed of gelatin and alginate -based scaffolding material, as well as a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) suspension, which mimics the insoluble and soluble factors of native ECM respectively. Briefly, sodium alginate was subjected to controlled oxidation to yield alginate dialdehyde (ADA), and was mixed with gelatin and PRP in various volume ratios in the presence of borax. The formulation was systematically characterized for its gelation time, swelling, and water uptake, as well as its morphological, chemical, and rheological properties; furthermore, blood- and cytocompatibility were assessed as per ISO 10993 (International Organization for Standardization). Printability, shape fidelity, and cell-laden printing was evaluated using the RegenHU 3D Discovery bioprinter. The results indicated the successful development of ADA–gelatin–PRP based bioink for 3D bioprinting and biofabrication applications.
Cardioprotective Effects of Dietary Flaxseed Post-Infarction Are Associated with Changes in MicroRNA Expression
Authors: Parikh Mihir , Kura Branislav , O’Hara Kimberley A. , Dibrov Elena , Netticadan Thomas , Slezak Jan , Pierce Grant N.
Published: September 2020

MicroRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) such as miR-1, miR-133a, miR-133b, miR-135a, and miR-29b play a key role in many cardiac pathological remodeling processes, including apoptosis, fibrosis, and arrhythmias, after a myocardial infarction (MI). Dietary flaxseed has demonstrated a protective effect against an MI. The present study was carried out to test the hypothesis that dietary flaxseed supplementation before and after an MI regulates the expression of above-mentioned miRNAs to produce its cardioprotective effect. Animals were randomized after inducing MI by coronary artery ligation into: (a) sham MI with normal chow, (b) MI with normal chow, and (c–e) MI supplemented with either 10% milled flaxseed, or 4.4% flax oil enriched in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), or 0.44% flax lignan secoisolariciresinol diglucoside. The feeding protocol consisted of 2 weeks before and 8 weeks after the surgery. Dietary flax oil supplementation selectively upregulated the cardiac expression of miR-133a, miR-135a, and miR-29b. The levels of collagen I expression were reduced in the flax oil group. We conclude that miR-133a, miR-135a, and miR-29b are sensitive to dietary flax oil, likely due to its rich ALA content. The cardioprotective effect of flaxseed in an MI could be due to modulation of these miRNAs.
Pharmacological Effects of Agastache rugosa against Gastritis Using a Network Pharmacology Approach
Authors: Nam Hyeon-Hwa , Kim Joong Sun , Lee Jun , Seo Young Hye , Kim Hyo Seon , Ryu Seung Mok , Choi Goya , Moon Byeong Cheol , Lee A Yeong
Published: September 2020

Agastache rugosa is used as a Korean traditional medicine to treat gastric diseases. However, the active ingredients and pharmacological targets of A. rugosa are unknown. In this study, we aimed to reveal the pharmacological effects of A. rugosa on gastritis by combining a mice model and a network pharmacology method. The macrophage and gastritis-induced models were used to evaluate the pharmacological effects of A. rugosa. The results show that A. rugosa relieved mucosal damage induced by HCl/EtOH in vivo. Network analysis identified 99 components in A. rugosa; six components were selected through systematic screening, and five components were linked to 45 gastritis-related genes. The main components were acacetin and luteolin, and the identified core genes were AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1), nuclear factor kappa B inhibitor alpha (NFKBIA), and mitogen-activated protein kinase-3 (MAPK3) etc. in this network. The network of components, target genes, protein–protein interactions, and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway was closely connected with chemokines and with phosphoinositide 3-kinase-Akt (PI3K/AKT), tumor-necrosis-factor alpha (TNFα), mitogen-activated protein kinase, nuclear factor kappa B, and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. In conclusion, A. rugosa exerts gastro-protective effects through a multi-compound and multi-pathway regulatory network and holds potential for treating inflammatory gastric diseases.
Association Between Dietary Flavonoids Intake and Cognitive Function in an Italian Cohort
Authors: Godos Justyna , Caraci Filippo , Castellano Sabrina , Currenti Walter , Galvano Fabio , Ferri Raffaele , Grosso Giuseppe
Published: September 2020

Background: Diet is one of the leading factors contributing to the prevalence of non-communicable diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders. Dietary polyphenols, antioxidant components and anti-inflammatory agents of plant-based foods rich diets have been shown to modulate neuro-inflammation, adult neurogenesis and brain signaling, all of which are linked to cognitive function. As epidemiological evidence is limited and the results are contradictory, the aim of this study is to explore the association between dietary flavonoid intake and cognitive health among the adult population living in the Mediterranean area. Methods: The demographic and dietary habits of 808 adults living in southern Italy were analyzed. Food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) were used to assess dietary intake. Data on the polyphenol content in foods were estimated using the Phenol-Explorer database. The Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire was used as a screening tool for cognitive status. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess the associations. Results: A significant inverse association between higher dietary intake of total flavonoids (Q4 vs. Q1: OR = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.15, 1.00) and impaired cognitive status was found. Among individual subclasses of flavonoids, flavan-3-ols (Q3 vs. Q1: OR = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.11, 0.76), catechins (Q4 vs. Q1: OR = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.08, 0.72), anthocyanins (Q4 vs. Q1: OR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.14, 1.00) and flavonols (Q3 vs. Q1: OR = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.11, 0.76) were associated with cognitive health. Among individual polyphenols, only quercetin was associated with cognitive health (Q4 vs. Q1: OR = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.10, 0.91). Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that higher dietary intake of flavonoids may be associated with better cognitive health among adult individuals.
Anthocyanins, Vibrant Color Pigments, and Their Role in Skin Cancer Prevention
Authors: Diaconeasa Zorița , Știrbu Ioana , Xiao Jianbo , Leopold Nicolae , Ayvaz Zayde , Danciu Corina , Ayvaz Huseyin , Stǎnilǎ Andreea , Nistor Mǎdǎlina , Socaciu Carmen
Published: September 2020

Until today, numerous studies evaluated the topic of anthocyanins and various types of cancer, regarding the anthocyanins’ preventative and inhibitory effects, underlying molecular mechanisms, and such. However, there is no targeted review available regarding the anticarcinogenic effects of dietary anthocyanins on skin cancers. If diagnosed at the early stages, the survival rate of skin cancer is quite high. Nevertheless, the metastatic form has a short prognosis. In fact, the incidence of melanoma skin cancer, the type with high mortality, has increased exponentially over the last 30 years, causing the majority of skin cancer deaths. Malignant melanoma is considered a highly destructive type of skin cancer due to its particular capacity to grow and spread faster than any other type of cancers. Plants, in general, have been used in disease treatment for a long time, and medicinal plants are commonly a part of anticancer drugs on the market. Accordingly, this work primarily aims to emphasize the most recent improvements on the anticarcinogenic effects of anthocyanins from different plant sources, with an in-depth emphasis on melanoma skin cancer. We also briefly summarized the anthocyanin chemistry, their rich dietary sources in flowers, fruits, and vegetables, as well as their associated potential health benefits. Additionally, the importance of anthocyanins in topical applications such as their use in cosmetics is also given.
Association between Serum Zinc and Calcification Propensity (T50) in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and In Vitro Effect of Exogenous Zinc on T50
Authors: Nakatani Shinya , Mori Katsuhito , Sonoda Mika , Nishide Kozo , Uedono Hideki , Tsuda Akihiro , Emoto Masanori , Shoji Tetsuo
Published: September 2020

Zinc inhibits vascular calcification in vivo and in vitro. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus show hypozincemia and are at an elevated risk of cardiovascular events. Recently, an in vitro test (T50-test) was developed for determination of serum calcification propensity and a shorter T50 means a higher calcification propensity. This cross-sectional study investigated the association between serum zinc and T50 in 132 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with various kidney functions. Furthermore, the effect of exogenous zinc on T50 was also investigated in vitro using separately pooled serum samples obtained from healthy volunteers and patients with hemodialysis. We measured T50 levels using the established nephelometric method. The median (interquartile range) levels of T50 and serum zinc were 306 (269 to 332) min, and 80.0 (70.1 to 89.8) µg/dL, respectively. Serum zinc level showed a weak, but positive correlation with T50 (rs = 0.219, p = 0.012). This association remained significant in multivariable-adjusted analysis, and was independent of known factors including phosphate, calcium, and magnesium. Kidney function and glycemic control were not significantly associated with T50. Finally, in vitro experiments showed that addition of a physiological concentration of exogenous zinc chloride significantly increased serum T50. Our results indicate that serum zinc is an independent factor with a potential role in suppressing calcification propensity in serum.
Electrochemiluminescence Biosensors Using Screen-Printed Electrodes
Authors: Martínez-Periñán Emiliano , Gutiérrez-Sánchez Cristina , García-Mendiola Tania , Lorenzo Encarnación
Published: September 2020

Electrogenerated chemiluminescence (also called electrochemiluminescence (ECL)) has become a great focus of attention in different fields of analysis, mainly as a consequence of the potential remarkably high sensitivity and wide dynamic range. In the particular case of sensing applications, ECL biosensor unites the benefits of the high selectivity of biological recognition elements and the high sensitivity of ECL analysis methods. Hence, it is a powerful analytical device for sensitive detection of different analytes of interest in medical prognosis and diagnosis, food control and environment. These wide range of applications are increased by the introduction of screen-printed electrodes (SPEs). Disposable SPE-based biosensors cover the need to perform in-situ measurements with portable devices quickly and accurately. In this review, we sum up the latest biosensing applications and current progress on ECL bioanalysis combined with disposable SPEs in the field of bio affinity ECL sensors including immunosensors, DNA analysis and catalytic ECL sensors. Furthermore, the integration of nanomaterials with particular physical and chemical properties in the ECL biosensing systems has improved tremendously their sensitivity and overall performance, being one of the most appropriates research fields for the development of highly sensitive ECL biosensor devices.
The Anatomical and Functional Heterogeneity of the Mediodorsal Thalamus
Authors: Georgescu Ioana Antoaneta , Popa Daniela , Zagrean Leon
Published: September 2020

The mediodorsal nucleus (MD) represents just one piece of a complex relay structure situated within the brain, called the thalamus. MD is characterized by its robust interconnections with other brain areas, especially with limbic-related structures. Given the close anatomo-functional relationship between the MD and the limbic system, this particular thalamic nucleus can directly influence various affective behaviors and participate in cognition. In this work, we review data collected from multiple anatomical studies conducted in rodent, human, and non-human primates, highlighting the complexity of this structure and of the neural networks in which it takes part. We provide proof that the MD is involved in the unification of several anatomical structures, being able to process the information and influence the activity in numerous cortical and subcortical neural circuits. Moreover, we uncover intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms that offer MD the possibility to execute and control specific high functions of the nervous system. The collected data indicate the great importance of the MD in the limbic system and offer relevant insight into the organization of thalamic circuits that support MD functions.
Corpus Callosum Agenesis: An Insight into the Etiology and Spectrum of Symptoms
Authors: Hofman Jagoda , Hutny Michał , Sztuba Karolina , Paprocka Justyna
Published: September 2020

Brain hemispheres are connected by commissural structures, which consist of white matter fiber tracts that spread excitatory stimuli to various regions of the cortex. This allows an interaction between the two cerebral halves. The largest commissure is the corpus callosum (CC) which is located inferior to the longitudinal fissure, serving as its lower border. Sometimes this structure is not completely developed, which results in the condition known as agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC). The aim of this paper was to review the latest discoveries related to the genetic and metabolic background of ACC, including the genotype/phenotype correlations as well as the clinical and imaging symptomatology. Due to various factors, including genetic defects and metabolic diseases, the development of CC may be impaired in many ways, which results in complete or partial ACC. This creates several clinical implications, depending on the specificity of the malformation and other defects in patients. Epilepsy, motor impairment and intellectual disability are the most prevalent. However, an asymptomatic course of the disease is even more common. ACC presents with characteristic images on ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
A Review on the Role of the Neuroscience of Flow States in the Modern World
Authors: Gold Joshua , Ciorciari Joseph
Published: September 2020

Flow states have been shown to help people reach peak performance, yet this elusive state is not easily attained. The review describes the current state of literature on flow by addressing the environmental influences as well as the cognitive and neurocognitive elements that underlie the experience. In particular, the research focusses on the transition of cognitive control from an explicit to an implicit process. This is further expanded upon to look at the current, yet related neurocognitive research of high performance associated with the implicit process of automaticity. Finally, the review focusses on transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) as a novel method to facilitates an induction of flow states. Implications are aimed at a general technique to improve on skill acquisition and overall performance.
Insulin Resistance and Endometrial Cancer: Emerging Role for microRNA
Authors: Sidorkiewicz Iwona , Jóźwik Maciej , Niemira Magdalena , Krętowski Adam
Published: September 2020

Endometrial cancer (EC) remains one of the most common cancers of the female reproductive system. Epidemiological and clinical data implicate insulin resistance (IR) and its accompanying hyperinsulinemia as key factors in the development of EC. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short molecules of non-coding endogenous RNA that function as post-transcriptional regulators. Accumulating evidence has shown that the miRNA expression pattern is also likely to be associated with EC risk factors. The aim of this work was the verification of the relationships between IR, EC, and miRNA, and, as based on the literature data, elucidation of miRNA’s potential utility for EC prevention in IR patients. The pathways affected in IR relate to the insulin receptors, insulin-like growth factors and their receptors, insulin-like growth factor binding proteins, sex hormone-binding globulin, and estrogens. Herein, we present and discuss arguments for miRNAs as a plausible molecular link between IR and EC development. Specifically, our careful literature search indicated that dysregulation of at least 13 miRNAs has been ascribed to both conditions. We conclude that there is a reasonable possibility for miRNAs to become a predictive factor of future EC in IR patients.
The Effect of Resection Margin on Local Recurrence and Survival in High Grade Soft Tissue Sarcoma of the Extremities: How Far Is Far Enough?
Authors: Bilgeri Annika , Klein Alexander , Lindner Lars H. , Nachbichler Silke , Knösel Thomas , Birkenmaier Christof , Jansson Volkmar , Baur-Melnyk Andrea , Dürr Hans Roland
Published: September 2020

Background: The significance of surgical margins after resection of soft tissue sarcomas in respect to local-recurrence-free survival and overall survival is evaluated. Methods: A total of 305 patients with deep-seated, G2/3 soft tissue sarcomas (STS) of the extremity, the trunk wall, or the pelvis were reviewed. The margin was defined according to the Fédération Nationale des Centres de Lutte Contre le Cancer (FNCLCC) classification system (R0-2), the Union Internationale Contre le Cancer (UICC) classification (R + 1 mm) for which a margin <1 mm is included into the R1 group, and in groups of <1 mm, 1–5 mm, >5 mm, or >10 mm. Results: Of these patients, 31 (10.2%) had a contaminated margin, 64 (21%) a margin of <1 mm, 123 (40.3%) a margin of 1–5 mm, 47 (15.4%) a margin of >5 mm, and 40 (13.1%) a margin of >10 mm. The 5-year local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) was 81.6%. Overall survival (OS) at 5 years was 65.9%. Positive margins worsened LRFS and OS. A margin of >10 mm did not improve LRFS and OS as compared to one of >5 mm. Conclusions: A resection margin of <1 mm showed a trend but not significantly better LRFS or OS compared to a contaminated margin. This finding supports use of the UICC classification. A margin of more than 10 mm did not improve LRFS or OS.
The Treatment of Heterotopic Human Colon Xenograft Tumors in Mice with 5-Fluorouracil Attached to Magnetic Nanoparticles in Combination with Magnetic Hyperthermia Is More Efficient than Either Therapy Alone
Authors: Dabaghi Mohammad , Quaas Rainer , Hilger Ingrid
Published: September 2020

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have shown promising features to be utilized in combinatorial magnetic hyperthermia and chemotherapy. Here, we assessed if a thermo-chemotherapeutic approach consisting of the intratumoral application of functionalized chitosan-coated MNPs (CS-MNPs) with 5-fluorouracil (5FU) and magnetic hyperthermia prospectively improves the treatment of colorectal cancer. With utilization of a human colorectal cancer (HT29) heterotopic tumor model in mice, we showed that the thermo-chemotherapeutic treatment is more efficient in inactivating colon cancer than either tumor treatments alone (i.e., magnetic hyperthermia vs. the presence of 5FU attached to MNPs). In particular, the thermo-chemotherapeutic treatment significantly (p < 0.01) impacts tumor volume and tumor cell proliferation (Ki67 expression, p < 0.001) compared to the single therapy modalities. The thermo-chemotherapeutic treatment: (a) affects DNA replication and repair as measured by H2AX and phosphorylated H2AX expression (p < 0.05 to 0.001), (b) it does not distinctly induce apoptosis nor necroptosis in target cells, since expression of p53, PARP cleaved-PARP, caspases and phosphorylated-RIP3 was non-conspicuous, (c) it renders tumor cells surviving therapy more sensitive to further therapy sessions as indicated by an increased expression of p53, reduced expression of NF-κB and HSPs, albeit by tendency with p > 0.05), and (d) that it impacts tumor vascularity (reduced expression of CD31 and αvβ3 integrin (p < 0.01 to 0.001) and consequently nutrient supply to tumors. We further hypothesize that tumor cells die, at least in parts, via a ROS dependent mechanism called oxeiptosis. Taken together, a very effective elimination of colon cancers seems to be feasible by utilization of repeated thermo-chemotherapeutic therapy sessions in the long-term.
Are Bethesda III Thyroid Nodules More Aggressive than Bethesda IV Thyroid Nodules When Found to Be Malignant?
Authors: Turkdogan Sena , Pusztaszeri Marc , Forest Veronique-Isabelle , Hier Michael P. , Payne Richard J.
Published: September 2020

The Bethesda classification system for thyroid fine needle aspirate (FNA) is used to predict the risk of malignancy and to guide the management of thyroid nodules. We postulated that thyroid malignancies characterized as Bethesda III on FNA have more aggressive features than those classified as Bethesda IV. A retrospective chart review was performed to identify those who underwent thyroid surgery at a single tertiary hospital setting between 2015 and 2020. Associations between Bethesda category, molecular genetic test results, and histopathologic findings were examined. Out of 628 surgeries that were performed, 199 (54.2%) Bethesda III nodules and 216 (82.8%) Bethesda IV nodules were malignant. Of those that were malignant, 37 (18.6%) and 22 (10.2%) Bethesda III and Bethesda IV nodules showed aggressive features, respectively (p value = 0.014). There was a proportionally increased number of aggressive features in extra-thyroidal extension, lymph nodes metastasis, and all aggressive subtypes of papillary thyroid cancer in the Bethesda III category. Although Bethesda IV nodules are much more likely to be malignant (p value = 0.002), our study suggests that Bethesda III nodules that are resected are more likely to have aggressive features than Bethesda IV nodules, with a statistically significant increase in the solid variant of papillary thyroid cancer and lymph node metastasis.
Solvent-Free Synthesis of Jasminaldehyde in a Fixed-Bed Flow Reactor over Mg-Al Mixed Oxide
Authors: Gholami Zahra , Tišler Zdeněk , Vondrová Pavla , Velvarská Romana , Štěpánek Kamil
Published: September 2020

In spite of the rapid developments in synthesis methodologies in different fields, the traditional methods are still used for the synthesis of organic compounds, and regardless of the type of chemistry, these reactions are typically performed in standardized glassware. The high-throughput chemical synthesis of organic compounds such as fragrant molecules, with more economic benefits, is of interest to investigate and develop a process that is more economical and industrially favorable. In this research, the catalytic activity of Mg-Al catalyst derived from hydrotalcite-like precursors with the Mg/Al molar ratio of 3 was investigated for the solvent-free synthesis of jasminaldehyde via aldol condensation of benzaldehyde and heptanal. The reaction was carried out in a fixed-bed flow reactor, at 1 MPa, and at different temperatures. Both Brønsted and Lewis (O2− anions) base sites, and Lewis acid sites exist on the surface of the Mg-Al catalyst, which can improve the catalytic performance. Increasing the reaction temperature from 100 °C to 140 °C enhanced both heptanal conversion and selectivity to jasminaldehyde. After 78 h of reaction at 140 °C, the selectivity to jasminaldehyde reached 41% at the heptanal conversion 36%. Self-condensation of heptanal also resulted in the formation of 2-n-pentyl-2-n-nonenal. The presence of weak Lewis acid sites creates a positive charge on the carbonyl group of benzaldehyde, and makes it more prone to attack by the carbanion of heptanal. Heptanal, is an aliphatic aldehyde, with higher activity than benzaldehyde. Therefore, the possibility of activated heptanal reacting with other heptanal molecules is higher than its reaction with the positively charged benzaldehyde molecule, especially at a low molar ratio of benzaldehyde to heptanal.
The Latest Research Progress of NH3-SCR in the SO2 Resistance of the Catalyst in Low Temperatures for Selective Catalytic Reduction of NOx
Authors: Liu Caixia , Wang Huijun , Zhang Ziyin , Liu Qingling
Published: September 2020

The selective catalytic reduction (SCR) has been widely used in industrial denitrification owing to its high denitrification efficiency, low operating costs, and simple operating procedures. However, coal containing a large amount of sulfur will produce SO2 during combustion, which makes the catalyst easy to be deactivated, thus limiting the application of this technology. This review summarizes the latest NH3-SCR reaction mechanisms and the deactivation mechanism of catalyst in SO2-containing flue gas. Some strategies are summarized for enhancing the poison-resistance through modification, improvement of support, the preparation of complex oxide catalyst, optimizing the preparation methods, and acidification. The mechanism of improving sulfur resistance of catalysts at low temperatures is summarized, and the further development of the catalyst is also prospected. This paper could provide a reference and guidance for the development of SO2 resistance of the catalyst at low temperatures.
Investigation of Sulfated Iron-Based Catalysts with Different Sulfate Position for Selective Catalytic Reduction of NOx with NH3
Authors: Fan Baiyu , Zhang Ziyin , Liu Caixia , Liu Qingling
Published: September 2020

The Fe/(SZr) and S(Fe/Zr) sulfated iron-based catalysts, prepared by impregnation methods through changing the loading order of Fe2O3 and SO42− on ZrO2, were investigated on selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NOx by ammonia. It was studied that the existent forms of Fe2O3 and SO42− on the surface of catalysts were affected by the loading order. The Fe/(SZr) catalyst surface had isolated Fe2O3 and SO42− species and followed both the L-H mechanism and the E-R mechanism, whereas the S(Fe/Zr) catalyst contained SO42− specie and sulfate only and mainly followed the E-R pathway. These factors affected the redox ability and NH3 adsorption, which might be key to the SCR reaction.
E-Beam Deposition of Scandia-Stabilized Zirconia (ScSZ) Thin Films Co-Doped with Al
Authors: Kainbayev Nursultan , Sriubas Mantas , Bockute Kristina , Virbukas Darius , Laukaitis Giedrius
Published: September 2020

Scandia alumina stabilized zirconia (ScAlSZ) thin films were deposited using e-beam evaporation, and the effects of deposition parameters on the structure and chemical composition were investigated. The analysis of thin films was carried out using Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-Ray Diffraction Analysis (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy methods. It was found that the chemical composition of ScAlSZ thin films was different from the chemical composition of the initial powder. Moreover, the Al concentration in thin films depends on the deposition rate, resulting in a lower concentration using a higher deposition rate. XPS analysis revealed that ZrOx, oxygen vacancies, high concentrations of Al2O3 and metallic Al exist in thin films and influence their structural properties. The crystallinity is higher when the concentration of Al is lower (higher deposition rate) and at higher substrate temperatures. Further, the amount of cubic phase is higher and the amount of tetragonal phase lower when using a higher deposition rate.