bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomolecules from Different Angles
Authors: Uversky Vladimir N.
Published: December 2020

Special Issue “2019 Feature Papers by Biomolecules’ Editorial Board Members” represents a set of papers based on the results of the research in the laboratories of the Editorial Board Members (EBMs) of Biomolecules focused (a big surprise!) on different aspects of biomolecules [...]
Phosphorylation of the Regulators, a Complex Facet of NF-κB Signaling in Cancer
Authors: Motolani Aishat , Martin Matthew , Sun Mengyao , Lu Tao
Published: December 2020

The nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) is a ubiquitous transcription factor central to inflammation and various malignant diseases in humans. The regulation of NF-κB can be influenced by a myriad of post-translational modifications (PTMs), including phosphorylation, one of the most popular PTM formats in NF-κB signaling. The regulation by phosphorylation modification is not limited to NF-κB subunits, but it also encompasses the diverse regulators of NF-κB signaling. The differential site-specific phosphorylation of NF-κB itself or some NF-κB regulators can result in dysregulated NF-κB signaling, often culminating in events that induce cancer progression and other hyper NF-κB related diseases, such as inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, as well as neurodegenerative diseases, etc. In this review, we discuss the regulatory role of phosphorylation in NF-κB signaling and the mechanisms through which they aid cancer progression. Additionally, we highlight some of the known and novel NF-κB regulators that are frequently subjected to phosphorylation. Finally, we provide some future perspectives in terms of drug development to target kinases that regulate NF-κB signaling for cancer therapeutic purposes.
The Cytotoxicity of RNase-Derived Peptides
Authors: Ulyanova Vera , Dudkina Elena , Nadyrova Alsu , Kalashnikov Vladimir , Surchenko Yulia , Ilinskaya Olga
Published: December 2020

Bacterial ribonuclease binase exhibits a cytotoxic effect on tumor cells possessing certain oncogenes. The aim of this study was to identify the structural parts of the binase molecule that exert cytotoxicity. Out of five designed peptides, the peptides representing the binase regions 21–50 and 74–94 have the highest cytotoxic potential toward human cervical HeLa and breast BT-20 and MCF-7 cancer cells. The peptides B21–50 and B74–94 were not able to enter human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells, unlike BT-20 cells, explaining their failure to inhibit A549 cell proliferation. The peptide B74–94 shares similarities with epidermal growth factor (EGF), suggesting the peptide’s specificity for EGF receptor overexpressed in BT-20 cells. Thus, the binase-derived peptides have the potential of being further developed as tumor-targeting peptides.
A Computational Approach to Explore the Interaction of Semisynthetic Nitrogenous Heterocyclic Compounds with the SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease
Authors: Llanes Alejandro , Cruz Héctor , Nguyen Viet D. , Larionov Oleg V. , Fernández Patricia L.
Published: December 2020

In the context of the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, numerous attempts have been made to discover new potential antiviral molecules against its causative agent, SARS-CoV-2, many of which focus on its main protease (Mpro). We hereby used two approaches based on molecular docking simulation to explore the interaction of four libraries of semisynthetic nitrogenous heterocyclic compounds with Mpro. Libraries L1 and L2 contain 52 synthetic derivatives of the natural compound 2-propylquinoline, whereas libraries L3 and L4 contain 65 compounds synthesized using the natural compound physostigmine as a precursor. Validation through redocking suggested that the rigid receptor and flexible receptor approaches used for docking were suitable to model the interaction of this type of compounds with the target protein, although the flexible approach seemed to provide a more realistic representation of interactions within the active site. Using empirical energy score thresholds, we selected 58 compounds from the four libraries with the most favorable energy estimates. Globally, favorable estimates were obtained for molecules with two or more substituents, putatively accommodating in three or more subsites within the Mpro active site. Our results pave the way for further experimental evaluation of the selected compounds as potential antiviral agents against SARS-CoV-2.
Non-Homologous End Joining Factors XLF, PAXX and DNA-PKcs Maintain the Neural Stem and Progenitor Cell Population
Authors: Gago-Fuentes Raquel , Oksenych Valentyn
Published: December 2020

Non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) is a major DNA repair pathway in mammalian cells that recognizes, processes and fixes DNA damage throughout the cell cycle and is specifically important for homeostasis of post-mitotic neurons and developing lymphocytes. Neuronal apoptosis increases in the mice lacking NHEJ factors Ku70 and Ku80. Inactivation of other NHEJ genes, either Xrcc4 or Lig4, leads to massive neuronal apoptosis in the central nervous system (CNS) that correlates with embryonic lethality in mice. Inactivation of either Paxx, Mri or Dna-pkcs NHEJ gene results in normal CNS development due to compensatory effects of Xlf. Combined inactivation of Xlf/Paxx, Xlf/Mri and Xlf/Dna-pkcs, however, results in late embryonic lethality and high levels of apoptosis in CNS. To determine the impact of NHEJ factors on the early stages of neurodevelopment, we isolated neural stem and progenitor cells from mouse embryos and investigated proliferation, self-renewal and differentiation capacity of these cells lacking either Xlf, Paxx, Dna-pkcs, Xlf/Paxx or Xlf/Dna-pkcs. We found that XRCC4-like factor (XLF), DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) and paralogue of XRCC4 and XLF (PAXX) maintain the neural stem and progenitor cell populations and neurodevelopment in mammals, which is particularly evident in the double knockout models.
Recent Advances in Electrochemical Sensors for the Detection of Biomolecules and Whole Cells
Authors: Suhito Intan Rosalina , Koo Kyeong-Mo , Kim Tae-Hyung
Published: December 2020

Electrochemical sensors are considered an auspicious tool to detect biomolecules (e.g., DNA, proteins, and lipids), which are valuable sources for the early diagnosis of diseases and disorders. Advances in electrochemical sensing platforms have enabled the development of a new type of biosensor, enabling label-free, non-destructive detection of viability, function, and the genetic signature of whole cells. Numerous studies have attempted to enhance both the sensitivity and selectivity of electrochemical sensors, which are the most critical parameters for assessing sensor performance. Various nanomaterials, including metal nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, graphene and its derivatives, and metal oxide nanoparticles, have been used to improve the electrical conductivity and electrocatalytic properties of working electrodes, increasing sensor sensitivity. Further modifications have been implemented to advance sensor platform selectivity and biocompatibility using biomaterials such as antibodies, aptamers, extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, and peptide composites. This paper summarizes recent electrochemical sensors designed to detect target biomolecules and animal cells (cancer cells and stem cells). We hope that this review will inspire researchers to increase their efforts to accelerate biosensor progress—enabling a prosperous future in regenerative medicine and the biomedical industry.
Evidence of fNIRS-Based Prefrontal Cortex Hypoactivity in Obesity and Binge-Eating Disorder
Authors: Rösch Sarah A. , Schmidt Ricarda , Lührs Michael , Ehlis Ann-Christine , Hesse Swen , Hilbert Anja
Published: December 2020

Obesity (OB) and associated binge-eating disorder (BED) show increased impulsivity and emotional dysregulation. Albeit well-established in neuropsychiatric research, functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) has rarely been used to study OB and BED. Here, we investigated fNIRS-based food-specific brain signalling, its association with impulsivity and emotional dysregulation, and the temporal variability in individuals with OB with and without BED compared to an age- and sex-stratified normal weight (NW) group. Prefrontal cortex (PFC) responses were recorded in individuals with OB (n = 15), OB + BED (n = 13), and NW (n = 12) in a passive viewing and a response inhibition task. Impulsivity and emotional dysregulation were self-reported; anthropometrics were objectively measured. The OB and NW groups were measured twice 7 days apart. Relative to the NW group, the OB and OB + BED groups showed PFC hyporesponsivity across tasks, whereas there were few significant differences between the OB and OB + BED groups. Greater levels of impulsivity were significantly associated with stronger PFC responses, while more emotional dysregulation was significantly associated with lower PFC responses. Temporal differences were found in the left orbitofrontal cortex responses, yet in opposite directions in the OB and NW groups. This study demonstrated diminished fNIRS-based PFC responses across OB phenotypes relative to a NW group. The association between impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, and PFC hypoactivity supports the assumption that BED constitutes a specific OB phenotype.
Depressive Symptoms among Middle-Aged Women—Understanding the Cause
Authors: Cybulska Anna M. , Szkup Małgorzata , Schneider-Matyka Daria , Skonieczna-Żydecka Karolina , Kaczmarczyk Mariusz , Jurczak Anna , Wieder-Huszla Sylwia , Karakiewicz Beata , Grochans Elżbieta
Published: December 2020

Menopause is an important event in a woman’s life associated with hormonal changes that play a substantial role in the functioning of her body. A decline in the level of estrogens contributes to depressive symptoms and mood disorders during this period. The severity of depressive symptoms experienced by middle-aged women depends on many factors, including sociodemographic data (e.g., menopause, employment status, and marital status) and genetic variables (MAO-A and 5-HTT gene polymorphisms). In order to assess their influence on the development of depression in females, we analyzed 1453 healthy Polish women in different stages of menopause. Based on the results, we found that the l/l + l/s inheritance model for the 5-HTT gene polymorphism was more common in women without and with moderate depressive symptoms according to the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), while the l/s model was more often observed in women with mild depression. Moreover, the overdominant 3/3 + 4/4 genotype of the MAO-A gene polymorphism was more often found in respondents without depressive symptoms, while women with depressive symptoms had more often the overdominant 3/4 genotype.
A Systematic Review of the Abdominal Surgeon’s Personality: Exploring Common Traits in Western Populations
Authors: Bisset Carly Nichola , McKee Tracey , Cawley Mary , Tilling Elliot , Moug Susan Joan
Published: December 2020

The personality traits commonly seen in abdominal surgeons remains undefined, and its potential influence on decision-making and patient outcomes underexplored. This systematic review identified studies on abdominal surgeons who had undergone validated personality testing, with assessment of decision-making and post-operative patient outcomes. The study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (University of York, UK (CRD42019151375)). MEDLINE, Embase, PsycInfo and Cochrane Library databases were searched using the keywords: surgeon; surgeon personality; outcomes. All study designs were accepted including adult visceral surgeons published in English. Five articles from 3056 abstracts met our inclusion criteria and one article was identified from hand searches with two reviewers screening studies. Bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Six studies included 386 surgeons. Studies assessing personality using the Five Factor Model (four studies, 329 surgeons) demonstrated higher levels of conscientiousness (self-discipline, thoughtfulness), extraversion (sociability, emotional expression) and openness (creative, conventional) in surgeons versus population norms. Surgeon characterisation of agreeableness and emotional stability was less clear, with studies reporting mixed results. Post-operative outcomes were reported by only one study. Further exploration of the influence of surgeon personality and its influence on decision-making is necessary to deliver patient-centred care and targeted non-technical skills training for surgeons.
Critical Review of the Evolution of Project Delivery Methods in the Construction Industry
Authors: Ahmed Salma , El-Sayegh Sameh
Published: December 2020

Selecting the appropriate project delivery method (PDM) is a very significant managerial decision that impacts the success of construction projects. This paper provides a critical review of related literature on the evolution of project delivery methods, selection methods and selection criteria over the years and their suitability in the construction industry of today’s world. The literature review analysis has concluded that project delivery methods evolve at a slower rate compared to the evolution of the construction industry. The paper also suggests features of an evolved project delivery method that is digitally integrated, people-centered, and sustainability-focused. Moreover, the paper highlights the latest selection criteria such as risk, health and wellbeing, sustainability goals and technological innovations. Furthermore, the paper concluded that advanced artificial intelligence techniques are yet to be exploited to develop a smart decision support model that will assist clients in selecting the most appropriate delivery method for successful project completion. Additionally, the paper presents a framework that illustrates the relationship between the different PDM variables needed to harmonize with the construction industry. Last, but not least, the paper fills a gap in the literature as it covers a different perspective in the field of project delivery methods. The paper also provides recommendations and future research ideas.
An Evaluation of the Environmental Payback Times and Economic Convenience in an Energy Requalification of a School
Authors: Asdrubali Francesco , Venanzi Daniela , Evangelisti Luca , Guattari Claudia , Grazieschi Gianluca , Matteucci Paolo , Roncone Marta
Published: December 2020

The majority of Italian schools (70%) were built in the absence of any legislation related to energy efficiency, and therefore have very low energy performance due to aging or poor quality of construction. An energy retrofit of this building stock is needed to meet the current European goals on greenhouse gas emission reduction. The retrofit is also needed in order to guarantee adequate comfort levels in indoor spaces and good conditions for learning and educational activities, that are often not reached in poor quality constructions. This work presents the results of an interdisciplinary study related to the energy requalification of a school located in Ostia, near Rome in Italy, built in the 1960s with a steel structure and Eternit infill. The scope of the analysis is to verify the economic and environmental effectiveness of four proposed retrofit interventions concerning the replacement of fixtures and the installation of an insulating coat. The current thermal transmittance of the walls was evaluated through thermofluximetric measurements conducted in situ; dynamic simulations were performed to determine the current energy performance and the energy performances following the four proposed retrofit scenarios. Energy and carbon payback times were evaluated (by means of the life cycle analysis (LCA) approach) and the economic value was determined for each of the four proposed retrofits, using a probabilistic approach. The results show that the replacement of windows is the most convenient intervention from all points of view. The study provides evidence that an assessment of schools’ energy retrofits should include both economic and life cycle aspects.
The Application of Catalytic Processes on the Production of Algae-Based Biofuels: A Review
Authors: Zuorro Antonio , García-Martínez Janet B. , Barajas-Solano Andrés F.
Published: December 2020

Over the last decades, microalgal biomass has gained a significant role in the development of different high-end (nutraceuticals, colorants, food supplements, and pharmaceuticals) and low-end products (biodiesel, bioethanol, and biogas) due to its rapid growth and high carbon-fixing efficiency. Therefore, microalgae are considered a useful and sustainable resource to attain energy security while reducing our current reliance on fossil fuels. From the technologies available for obtaining biofuels using microalgae biomass, thermochemical processes (pyrolysis, Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL), gasification) have proven to be processed with higher viability, because they use all biomass. However, due to the complex structure of the biomass (lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins), the obtained biofuels from direct thermochemical conversion have large amounts of heteroatoms (oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur). As a solution, catalyst-based processes have emerged as a sustainable solution for the increase in biocrude production. This paper’s objective is to present a comprehensive review of recent developments on the catalyst-mediated conversion of algal biomass. Special attention will be given to operating conditions, strains evaluated, and challenges for the optimal yield of algal-based biofuels through pyrolysis and HTL.
Pt-Sn Supported on Beta Zeolite with Enhanced Activity and Stability for Propane Dehydrogenation
Authors: Lee Su-Un , Lee You-Jin , Kwon Soo-Jin , Kim Jeong-Rang , Jeong Soon-Yong
Published: December 2020

With the growing global propylene demand, propane dehydrogenation (PDH) has attracted great attention for on-purpose propylene production. However, its industrial application is limited because catalysts suffer from rapid deactivation due to coke deposition and metal catalyst sintering. To enhance metal catalyst dispersion and coke resistance, Pt-based catalysts have been widely investigated with various porous supports. In particular, zeolite can benefit from large surface area and acid sites, which favors high metal dispersion and promoting catalytic activity. In this work, we investigated the PDH catalytic properties of Beta zeolites as a support for Pt-Sn based catalysts. In comparison with Pt-Sn supported over θ-Al2O3 and amorphous silica (Q6), Beta zeolite-supported Pt-Sn catalysts exhibited a different reaction trend, achieving the best propylene selectivity after a proper period of reaction time. The different PDH catalytic behavior over Beta zeolite-supported Pt-Sn catalysts has been attributed to their physicochemical properties and reaction mechanism. Although Pt-Sn catalyst supported over Beta zeolite with low acidity showed low Pt dispersion, it formed a relatively lower amount of coke on PDH reaction and maintained a high surface area and active Pt surfaces, resulting in enhanced stability for PDH reaction. This work can provide a better understanding of zeolite-supported Pt-Sn catalysts to improve PDH catalytic activity with high selectivity and low coke formation.
Biocatalysis with Laccases: An Updated Overview
Authors: Bassanini Ivan , Ferrandi Erica Elisa , Riva Sergio , Monti Daniela
Published: December 2020

Laccases are multicopper oxidases, which have been widely investigated in recent decades thanks to their ability to oxidize organic substrates to the corresponding radicals while producing water at the expense of molecular oxygen. Besides their successful (bio)technological applications, for example, in textile, petrochemical, and detoxifications/bioremediations industrial processes, their synthetic potentialities for the mild and green preparation or selective modification of fine chemicals are of outstanding value in biocatalyzed organic synthesis. Accordingly, this review is focused on reporting and rationalizing some of the most recent and interesting synthetic exploitations of laccases. Applications of the so-called laccase-mediator system (LMS) for alcohol oxidation are discussed with a focus on carbohydrate chemistry and natural products modification as well as on bio- and chemo-integrated processes. The laccase-catalyzed Csp2-H bonds activation via monoelectronic oxidation is also discussed by reporting examples of enzymatic C-C and C-O radical homo- and hetero-couplings, as well as of aromatic nucleophilic substitutions of hydroquinones or quinoids. Finally, the laccase-initiated domino/cascade synthesis of valuable aromatic (hetero)cycles, elegant strategies widely documented in the literature across more than three decades, is also presented.
The PIKfyve Inhibitor Apilimod: A Double-Edged Sword against COVID-19
Authors: Baranov Maksim V. , Bianchi Frans , van den Bogaart Geert
Published: December 2020

The PIKfyve inhibitor apilimod is currently undergoing clinical trials for treatment of COVID-19. However, although apilimod might prevent viral invasion by inhibiting host cell proteases, the same proteases are critical for antigen presentation leading to T cell activation and there is good evidence from both in vitro studies and the clinic that apilimod blocks antiviral immune responses. We therefore warn that the immunosuppression observed in many COVID-19 patients might be aggravated by apilimod.
Experimental Study on the Thickness-Dependent Hardness of SiO2 Thin Films Using Nanoindentation
Authors: Zhang Weiguang , Li Jijun , Xing Yongming , Nie Xiaomeng , Lang Fengchao , Yang Shiting , Hou Xiaohu , Zhao Chunwang
Published: December 2020

SiO2 thin films are widely used in micro-electro-mechanical systems, integrated circuits and optical thin film devices. Tremendous efforts have been devoted to studying the preparation technology and optical properties of SiO2 thin films, but little attention has been paid to their mechanical properties. Herein, the surface morphology of the 500-nm-thick, 1000-nm-thick and 2000-nm-thick SiO2 thin films on the Si substrates was observed by atomic force microscopy. The hardnesses of the three SiO2 thin films with different thicknesses were investigated by nanoindentation technique, and the dependence of the hardness of the SiO2 thin film with its thickness was analyzed. The results showed that the average grain size of SiO2 thin film increased with increasing film thickness. For the three SiO2 thin films with different thicknesses, the same relative penetration depth range of ~0.4–0.5 existed, above which the intrinsic hardness without substrate influence can be determined. The average intrinsic hardness of the SiO2 thin film decreased with the increasing film thickness and average grain size, which showed the similar trend with the Hall-Petch type relationship.
Surface Active Ionic Liquids Based Coatings as Subaerial Anti-Biofilms for Stone Built Cultural Heritage
Authors: De Leo Filomena , Marchetta Alessia , Capillo Gioele , Germanà Antonino , Primerano Patrizia , Schiavo Sandra Lo , Urzì Clara
Published: December 2020

New surface active ionic liquids (SAILs), based on cholinium cations and dodecylbenzenesulfonate as anion, have been synthesized and their potential application as antimicrobial colonization agents on cultural heritage (CH)stone materials investigated. The biocidal activity and antifouling capabilities were, preliminarily, evaluated by a screening on pure Gram (+) and Gram (−) bacteria strain cultures, yeasts, hyphomycetes and single-celled algae. Tests on stone materials (marble and tufa) vs. a stabilized community, constituted by a mixture of microbial strains, revealed that some SAILs display both antimicrobial and preventive antibiofilm action against new colonization. Analogous tests have been performed on the cholinium@halide precursors.
Elderly Care Based on Hand Gestures Using Kinect Sensor
Authors: Oudah Munir , Al-Naji Ali , Chahl Javaan
Published: December 2020

Technological advances have allowed hand gestures to become an important research field especially in applications such as health care and assisting applications for elderly people, providing a natural interaction with the assisting system through a camera by making specific gestures. In this study, we proposed three different scenarios using a Microsoft Kinect V2 depth sensor then evaluated the effectiveness of the outcomes. The first scenario used joint tracking combined with a depth threshold to enhance hand segmentation and efficiently recognise the number of fingers extended. The second scenario utilised the metadata parameters provided by the Kinect V2 depth sensor, which provided 11 parameters related to the tracked body and gave information about three gestures for each hand. The third scenario used a simple convolutional neural network with joint tracking by depth metadata to recognise and classify five hand gesture categories. In this study, deaf-mute elderly people performed five different hand gestures, each related to a specific request, such as needing water, meal, toilet, help and medicine. Next, the request was sent via the global system for mobile communication (GSM) as a text message to the care provider’s smartphone because the elderly subjects could not execute any activity independently.
Online Learning of Finite and Infinite Gamma Mixture Models for COVID-19 Detection in Medical Images
Authors: Sallay Hassen , Bourouis Sami , Bouguila Nizar
Published: December 2020

The accurate detection of abnormalities in medical images (like X-ray and CT scans) is a challenging problem due to images’ blurred boundary contours, different sizes, variable shapes, and uneven density. In this paper, we tackle this problem via a new effective online variational learning model for both mixtures of finite and infinite Gamma distributions. The proposed approach takes advantage of the Gamma distribution flexibility, the online learning scalability, and the variational inference efficiency. Three different batch and online learning methods based on robust texture-based feature extraction are proposed. Our work is evaluated and validated on several real challenging data sets for different kinds of pneumonia infection detection. The obtained results are very promising given that we approach the classification problem in an unsupervised manner. They also confirm the superiority of the Gamma mixture model compared to the Gaussian mixture model for medical images’ classification.
Crystal Structure and Some Thermodynamic Properties of Ca7MgSi4O16-Bredigite
Authors: Bao Xinjian , He Mingyue , Zhang Zhigang , Liu Xi
Published: December 2020

Bredigite with the composition Ca7MgSi4O16 (Ca7MgSi4O16-Bre) has been synthesized by a solid-state reaction method at 1.2 GPa and 1373 K for 7 days, and its structure has been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. Following a relevant genealogy analysis in the literature, we have refined the structure into two space groups, Pnnm and Pnn2, and found that Ca7MgSi4O16-Bre belongs to the space group Pnnm, which can be essentially derived from the space group Pnn2 via an atomic coordinate transformation (with an average deviation of 0.039 Å only). Furthermore, some thermodynamic properties of the Ca7MgSi4O16-Bre have been obtained in this study. Using first-principles simulations based on density functional theory, the isothermal bulk modulus has been determined as 90.6(4) GPa with a pressure derivative of 5.7(1). Using density functional perturbation technique, the phonon dispersions and vibrational density of the states (VDoS) have been calculated. The VDoS has been combined with a quasi-harmonic approximation to compute the isobaric heat capacity (Cp) and standard vibrational entropy (S2980), yielding Cp = 8.22(2) × 102 − 3.76(6) × 103T−0.5 − 1.384(4) × 107T−2 + 1.61(8) × 109T−3 J mol−1 K−1 for the T range of 298-1000 K and S2980 = 534.1 (22) J mol−1 K−1.
Exploration of Bis(nickelation) of 1,1′-Bis(o-carborane)
Authors: Mandal Dipendu , Rosair Georgina M.
Published: December 2020

The metalation of [Tl]2[1-(1′-3′,1′,2′-closo-TlC2B9H10)-3,1,2-closo-TlC2B9H10], with the smaller {Ni(dmpe)} fragment sourced from [Ni(dmpe)Cl2], is explored. The bis(metalated) products are obtained as a diastereoisomeric mixture. These isomers were separated, fully characterised spectroscopically and crystallographically and identified as rac-[1-(1′-3′-(dmpe)-3′,1′,2′-closo-NiC2B9H10)-3-(dmpe)-3,1,2-closo-NiC2B9H10] (1) and meso-[1-(1′-3′-(dmpe)-3′,1′,2′-closo-NiC2B9H10)-3-(dmpe)-3,1,2-closo-NiC2B9H10] (2). Previously, these 3,1,2-NiC2B9-3′,1′,2′-NiC2B9 architectures (where both cages are not isomerised), were inaccessible, and thus new structures can be achieved during bis(nickelation) with {Ni(dmpe)}. Further, the metalation of the tetra-thallium salt with the bulky {Ni(dppe)} fragment sourced from [Ni(dppe)Cl2] was also studied. These bis(nickelated) products were also fully characterised and are afforded as the stereospecific species rac-[1-(1′-3′-(dppe)-3′,1′,2′-closo-NiC2B9H10)-3-(dppe)-3,1,2-closo-NiC2B9H10] (3) and [1-(2′-4′-(dppe)-4′,1′,2′-closo-NiC2B9H10)-3-(dppe)-3,1,2-closo-NiC2B9H10] (4α). In the latter metalation, compound 3 shows intramolecular dihydrogen bonding, contributing to the stereospecificity, whereas isomerisation from 3,1,2 to 4,1,2- in the 4α is related to steric relief.
Novel RB1 and MET Gene Mutations in a Case with Bilateral Retinoblastoma Followed by Multiple Metastatic Osteosarcoma
Authors: Mokánszki Attila , Chang Chien Yi-Che , Mótyán János András , Juhász Péter , Bádon Emese Sarolta , Madar László , Szegedi István , Kiss Csongor , Méhes Gábor
Published: December 2020

Retinoblastoma (Rb) is a malignant tumor of the developing retina that affects children before the age of five years in association with inherited or early germline mutations of the RB1 gene. The genetic predisposition is also a driver for other primary malignancies, which have become the leading cause of death in retinoblastoma survivors. Other malignancies can occur as a consequence of radiotherapy. We describe a patient with retinoblastoma in which we detected a novel RB1 c.2548C > T, p.(Gln850Ter) and a synchronous MET c.3029C > T, p.(Thr1010Ile) mutation as well. After presenting with bilateral retinoblastoma, the patient developed at least four different manifestations of two independent osteosarcomas. Our goal was to identify all germline and somatic genetic alterations in available tissue samples from different time periods and to reconstruct their clonal relations using next generation sequencing (NGS). We also used structural and functional prediction of the mutant RB and MET proteins to find interactions between the defected proteins with potential causative role in the development of this unique form of retinoblastoma. Both histopathology and NGS findings supported the independent nature of a chondroblastic osteosarcoma of the irradiated facial bone followed by an osteoblastic sarcoma of the leg (tibia).
Design and Reliability Analysis of a Tunnel-Detection AUV Based on a Heterogeneous Dual CPU Hot Redundancy System
Authors: Wang Xiangbin , Sun Yushan , Wan Lei , Bian Hongyu , Ran Xiangrui
Published: December 2020

A water conveyance tunnel is narrow and enclosed with a complex distribution of flow field. The performance of sensors such as Doppler log, magnetic compass, sonar, and depth gauge used by conventional underwater vehicles in the tunnel is greatly affected and can even fail. Aiming at the special operating environment and operational requirements of water conveyance tunnels, this paper designed an architecture suitable for pressurized water conveyance tunnel-detection autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). The tunnel-detection AUV (called AUV-T in this paper) with the architecture proposed in this paper could easily and smoothly complete inspection tasks in water conveyance tunnels, and field tests have verified the effectiveness of the architecture. Since an AUV in a water conveyance tunnel cannot go to the surface to rescue itself, in order to ensure its safety we designed the heterogeneous dual-CPU (Central Processing Unit) hot redundancy system based on dual communication lines. The reliability analysis showed that the system can significantly reduce the probability of AUV failure and ensure that the AUV can still be recovered even if it fails in the tunnel.
LTPS TFTs with an Amorphous Silicon Buffer Layer and Source/Drain Extension
Authors: Kim Hye In , Sung Jung Min , Cho Hyung Uk , Kim Yong Jo , Park Young Gwan , Choi Woo Young
Published: December 2020

A low leakage poly-Si thin film transistor (TFT) is proposed featuring hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) buffer layer and source/drain extension (SDE) by using technology computer aided design (TCAD) simulation. This architecture reduces off-current effectively by suppressing two leakage current generation mechanisms with little on-current loss. The amorphous silicon buffer layer having large bandgap energy (Eg) suppresses both thermal generation and minimum leakage current, which leads to higher on/off current ratio. In addition, the formation of lightly doped region near the drain alleviates the field-enhanced generation in the off-state by reducing electric field. TCAD simulation results show that the proposed TFT shows more than three orders of magnitude lower off-current than low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) TFTs, while maintaining on-current.
How Human Mobility Models Can Help to Deal with COVID-19
Authors: Hernández-Orallo Enrique , Armero-Martínez Antonio
Published: December 2020

One of the key factors for the spreading of human infections, such as the COVID-19, is human mobility. There is a huge background of human mobility models developed with the aim of evaluating the performance of mobile computer networks, such as cellular networks, opportunistic networks, etc. In this paper, we propose the use of these models for evaluating the temporal and spatial risk of transmission of the COVID-19 disease. First, we study both pure synthetic model and simulated models based on pedestrian simulators, generated for real urban scenarios such as a square and a subway station. In order to evaluate the risk, two different risks of exposure are defined. The results show that we can obtain not only the temporal risk but also a heat map with the exposure risk in the evaluated scenario. This is particularly interesting for public spaces, where health authorities could make effective risk management plans to reduce the risk of transmission.
A Method for Diagnosing Soft Short and Open Faults in Distributed Parameter Multiconductor Transmission Lines
Authors: Tadeusiewicz Michał , Hałgas Stanisław
Published: December 2020

This paper aims to develop a method for diagnosing soft short and open faults occurring in a distributed parameter multiconductor transmission line (DPMTL) terminated at both ends by linear circuits of very high frequency, including lumped elements, which can be passive and active. The diagnostic method proposed in this paper is based on a measurement test performed in the AC state. To write the diagnostic equations, the DPMTL is described by the chain equations in the frequency domain. For each considered fault, the line is divided into a cascade-connection of two lines, and a set of the diagnostic equations is written, taking into account basic circuit laws and the DPMTL description. This set includes nonlinear complex equations in two unknown real variables consisting of the distance from the beginning of the line to the point where it occurs and the fault value. To solve these equations, a numerical method has been developed. The procedure is applied to the possible soft shorts that can occur between all pairs of the line conductors, and the actual fault is selected. The method has also been adapted to the detection and location of open faults in DPMTL. Numerical examples, including three-conductor and five-conductor transmission lines, show that the diagnostic method is effective and very fast, and the CPU time does not exceed one second.
Considerations on Current and Voltage Unbalance of Nonlinear Loads in Residential and Educational Sectors
Authors: Popa Gabriel Nicolae , Iagăr Angela , Diniș Corina Maria
Published: December 2020

Most often, electrical consumers in the residential and educational sectors are different from industrial electrical consumers. Whereas the vast majority of industrial electrical consumers are low-voltage, three-phase (with three or four wires), electrical consumers in the residential and educational sectors are low-voltage, single-phase. However, in practice, electrical consumers in the residential and educational sectors are in large numbers. Usually, current and voltage unbalances are lower in the industrial sector compared to the residential and educational sectors, where there are a large number of low-voltage, single-phase consumers that are connected/disconnected in an uncontrollable way and that need to be wired and balanced on each phase of power transformers from power substations. The purpose of this paper is to present the results of electrical balance and improve the power factor in the power substation from residential and educational sectors. The paper investigates the current and voltage unbalance of nonlinear con sumers in the residential and educational sectors. For this purpose, we performed measurements in the laboratory and the power substation to investigate the unbalance in the three-phase system. Laboratory measurements were made in the unbalanced operation of the single-phase electrical consumers connected at three-phase system. The measurements from power substation were carried out after the electrical consumers were uniformly spread among the three phases from the low-voltage power network, on two different days: a workday and a weekend day. The current and apparent power unbalance were reduced and the power factor was improved using the capacitive single-phase electric consumers (e.g., personal computers, which are in large numbers in such sectors) evenly across the phases.
Erosion Mechanism of a Cavitating Jet on Groove Roughness
Authors: Fujisawa Nobuyuki , Yamagata Takayuki , Seki Ryotaro , Ohki Motofumi
Published: December 2020

The erosion behavior of a cavitating jet on groove roughness was investigated experimentally using mass-loss characteristics, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation, time-resolved shadowgraph, and schlieren flow visualizations. The wall morphology of the cavitating-jet erosion on the groove roughness indicated an increased mass loss, which was highly increased along the groove rather than across the groove. Furthermore, increased erosion pits were observed on the groove bottom along the grooves. The shadowgraph imaging of the cavitating jet on the rough wall showed noncircular cavitation bubble distributions along and across the grooves, which corresponds to the increased number of cavitation bubbles along the grooves and the decreased number of bubbles across the grooves. This result is consistent with the erosion morphology of the groove roughness. Schlieren imaging indicated that the frequency and intensity fluctuation of the shockwave formation did not change significantly on the groove roughness along and across the grooves. The findings in the study show that the increased erosion mechanism on groove roughness is caused by the increased number of impulsive forces and the shockwave focusing effect on the groove bottom.
Mathematical Model for Axisymmetric Taylor Flows Inside a Drop
Authors: Makeev Ilya V. , Abiev Rufat Sh. , Popov Igor Yu.
Published: December 2020

Analytical solutions of the Stokes equations written as a differential equation for the Stokes stream function were obtained. These solutions describe three-dimensional axisymmetric flows of a viscous liquid inside a drop that has the shape of a spheroid of rotation and have a similar set of characteristics with Taylor flows inside bubbles that occur during the transfer of a two-component mixture through tubes.
Pork Loin Chop Quality and Muscle Fiber Characteristics as Affected by the Direction of Cut
Authors: Song Sumin , Ahn Chi-Hoon , Song Mingeun , Kim Gap-Don
Published: December 2020

In this study, the relationship between muscle fiber characteristics and meat quality of pork loin chops prepared using different directions of cut (vertical to the muscle length, M-Vertical; vertical or parallel to the muscle fiber orientation, F-Vertical or F-Parallel) was evaluated under different storage conditions (fresh, cold storage/aged, and freeze–thawed). Among the three groups, F-parallel displayed considerably larger size of muscle fibers, regardless of their type. This group also displayed an increase in discoloration in aged chops and a decrease in purge loss and tenderness than in other cut groups (p < 0.05). Freeze–thawing accelerated deterioration of meat quality, especially water-holding capacity and tenderness in all groups (p < 0.05), but was most prominent in F-Parallel. Therefore, to avoid excessive deterioration of fresh, aged, or frozen/thawed pork loin chops, it is important to consider the direction in which the chop is cut with respect to the muscle fiber orientation.
Secondary Aroma: Influence of Wine Microorganisms in Their Aroma Profile
Authors: Carpena Maria , Fraga-Corral Maria , Otero Paz , Nogueira Raquel A. , Garcia-Oliveira Paula , Prieto Miguel A. , Simal-Gandara Jesus
Published: December 2020

Aroma profile is one of the main features for the acceptance of wine. Yeasts and bacteria are the responsible organisms to carry out both, alcoholic and malolactic fermentation. Alcoholic fermentation is in turn, responsible for transforming grape juice into wine and providing secondary aromas. Secondary aroma can be influenced by different factors; however, the influence of the microorganisms is one of the main agents affecting final wine aroma profile. Saccharomyces cerevisiae has historically been the most used yeast for winemaking process for its specific characteristics: high fermentative metabolism and kinetics, low acetic acid production, resistance to high levels of sugar, ethanol, sulfur dioxide and also, the production of pleasant aromatic compounds. Nevertheless, in the last years, the use of non-saccharomyces yeasts has been progressively growing according to their capacity to enhance aroma complexity and interact with S. cerevisiae, especially in mixed cultures. Hence, this review article is aimed at associating the main secondary aroma compounds present in wine with the microorganisms involved in the spontaneous and guided fermentations, as well as an approach to the strain variability of species, the genetic modifications that can occur and their relevance to wine aroma construction.
Influence of Roasting Temperatures on the Antioxidant Properties, β-Glucan Content, and Volatile Flavor Profiles of Shiitake Mushroom
Authors: Hwang In-Seo , Chon Seo-Yeong , Bang Woo-Suk , Kim Mina K.
Published: December 2020

The objective of this study was to determine the influence of roasting conditions on the volatile flavor profiles and functional properties of shiitake mushrooms. Six different roasting temperatures between 80 °C and 180 °C with 20 °C increments were selected, and mushrooms were roasted for 60 min in a conventional oven. Roasting shiitake mushroom at 140 °C showed the highest levels of antioxidant activities including 2,2’-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhidrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities, total phenols and polyphenol contents. The β-glucan ranged from 34.85% to 41.49%, and it was highest when the mushrooms were roasted at 120 °C, followed by 140 °C. Instrumental flavor analysis was conducted by Gas Chromatography using Purge and Trap, and identification of compounds were produced by NIST library. Twenty-six volatile flavor compounds were identified. The concentrations of pyrazines and furans increased with increased roasting temperatures. Shiitake mushrooms roasted at 160 °C for 60 min had the most diverse volatile flavor compound profiles. This study revealed how roasting temperatures can modulate antioxidant, functional (β-glucan) and flavor benefits.
An Individualised Nutritional Intervention Concept for Nursing Home Residents with or at Risk of Malnutrition: An enable Study
Authors: Seemer Johanna , Kiesswetter Eva , Blawert Anne , Fleckenstein Daniela , Gloning Marina , Bader-Mittermaier Stephanie , Sieber Cornel C. , Wurm Susanne , Volkert Dorothee
Published: December 2020

Dietary intake and requirements in nursing home (NH) residents vary individually, but concepts for individualised interventions are currently lacking. Therefore, we present an individualised modular nutritional intervention concept for NH residents with (risk of) malnutrition and describe its application and acceptability. Three enrichment modules—a sweet and a savoury protein cream (40 g, 125 kcal, 10 g protein) and a protein-energy drink (250 mL, 220 kcal, 22 g protein)—were offered to residents of two German NHs single or in combination in five levels of enrichment from level 0 (no enrichment) to 4 (all enrichment modules) to compensate for individual energy and protein deficiencies. Residents with chewing and/or swallowing difficulties received reshaped instead of usual texture-modified meals. The intervention concept was applied to 55 residents (Mean age of 84 ± 8 years, 76.0% female, 25.5% malnutrition). Despite (risk of) malnutrition, 18.2% received no enrichment (level 0). Level 1 was allocated to 10.9%, level 2 to 27.3%, level 3 to 20.0% and level 4 to 23.6% of the residents. 32.7% received reshaped texture-modified meals (RTMM). Participants consuming RTMM were more often assigned to level 4 than residents receiving usual meals (38.8% vs 16.2%). We proposed and successfully applied an individualised modular nutritional intervention concept to NH residents with (risk of) malnutrition. In the next step, the effects of the concept and its transferability to other NHs need to be demonstrated.