bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circulating MAdCAM-1 and ITGB7 in Patients with Plaque Psoriasis and Eruptive Lichen Planus—Preliminary Data
Authors: Baran Anna , Nowowiejska Julia , Kamiński Tomasz W. , Krahel Julita A. , Flisiak Iwona
Published: November 2021

Plaque psoriasis (PSO) and lichen planus (LP) are skin diseases with some similarities in pathogenesis, comorbidities, and clinical presentation. Mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule-1 (MAdCAM-1) and its ligand, α4β7 integrin, are involved in inflammatory bowel diseases and liver dysfunctions, which occur more frequently in PSO and LP. Serum MAdCAM-1 and ITGB7 levels in patients with plaque PSO and eruptive LP have never been studied before. The study included 42 patients with PSO, 13 with LP, and 23 controls. Serum molecules levels were evaluated using the immune–enzymatic method. ITGB7 concentration was not statistically different, both in patients with PSO and LP, compared to controls (both p > 0.05). MAdCAM-1 level was significantly lower in PSO subjects than in controls (p = 0.041), whereas in the LP group, a downward trend was observed (p = 0.088) with p = 0.0455 in ANOVA. Multiple linear regression revealed independent associations between ITGB7 and HDL and BMI and RBC in the LP group. In psoriatic patients with elevated CRP, there was an upward trend for MAdCAM-1, and also a positive correlation between MAdCAM-1 and WBC. ITGB7 and MAdCAM-1 cannot serve as markers of disease activity or liver pathology neither in patients with PSO nor LP. MAdCAM-1 might play a role as an inflammation indicator in PSO and a beneficial influence on the lipid profile in LP.
Discovering the Ultimate Limits of Protein Secondary Structure Prediction
Authors: Ho Chia-Tzu , Huang Yu-Wei , Chen Teng-Ruei , Lo Chia-Hua , Lo Wei-Cheng
Published: November 2021

Secondary structure prediction (SSP) of proteins is an important structural biology technique with many applications. There have been ~300 algorithms published in the past seven decades with fierce competition in accuracy. In the first 60 years, the accuracy of three-state SSP rose from ~56% to 81%; after that, it has long stayed at 81–86%. In the 1990s, the theoretical limit of three-state SSP accuracy had been estimated to be 88%. Thus, SSP is now generally considered not challenging or too challenging to improve. However, we found that the limit of three-state SSP might be underestimated. Besides, there is still much room for improving segment-based and eight-state SSPs, but the limits of these emerging topics have not been determined. This work performs large-scale sequence and structural analyses to estimate SSP accuracy limits and assess state-of-the-art SSP methods. The limit of three-state SSP is re-estimated to be ~92%, 4–5% higher than previously expected, indicating that SSP is still challenging. The estimated limit of eight-state SSP is 84–87%. Several proposals for improving future SSP algorithms are made based on our results. We hope that these findings will help move forward the development of SSP and all its applications.
A Two-Step Cultivation Strategy for High Biomass Production and Lipid Accumulation of Raphidocelis subcapitata Immobilized in Alginate Gel
Authors: Benasla Amel , Hausler Robert
Published: November 2021

This work focuses on a culture strategy that combines high biomass production and lipid accumulation in the green microalgae Raphidocelis subcapitata immobilized in alginate gel in order to obtain high lipid productivity for biodiesel production. The study of the effects of nitrogen and phosphorus deficiency on lipid accumulation and biomass production in immobilized microalgae showed that both conditions (N− and P−) promoted lipid accumulation in the microalgae. The lipid contents achieved under nitrogen (31.7% ± 3.2% (dcw)) and phosphorus (19.4% ± 1.9% (dcw)) deficiency conditions were higher than those obtained in the complete medium (control) (14.9% ± 1.5% (dcw)). The highest lipid productivity was recorded under nitrogen deficiency conditions (PL = 11.1 ± 1.1 mg/L/day). This indicated that nitrogen deficiency was more effective than phosphorus deficiency in terms of triggering lipid accumulation in the microalgae. However, the conditions for inducing lipid accumulation (N− or P−) resulted in slower growth. In order to address this issue and achieve high lipid productivity, a two-step culture strategy was used. Immobilized R. subcapitata was cultivated under optimal concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus to achieve a high biomass concentration. Thereafter, the beads containing the microalgae were transferred to a culture medium under nitrogen deficiency conditions in order to induce lipid accumulation. The concentrations 1.5 g/L of NaNO3 and 20 mg/L of K2HPO4 were determined as being the optimal concentrations for growth, and they produced the highest biomass production rates (µm max = 0.233 ± 0.023 day−1 and µm max = 0.225 ± 0.022 day−1 for NaNO3 and K2HPO4, respectively) from all of the concentrations studied. With the two-step culture strategy, immobilized R. subcapitata accumulated 37.9 ± 3.8% of their dry weight in lipid and reached a lipid productivity value of PL = 40.3 ± 4.0 mg/L/day under nitrogen deficiency conditions. This value was approximately 3.6 times higher than that obtained in the direct culture of cells under nitrogen deficiency conditions (PL = 11.1 ± 1.1 mg/L/day).
Analysis of KRAS Mutation Subtype in Tissue DNA and Cell-Free DNA Using Droplet Digital PCR and the Function of Cell-Free DNA as a Recurrence Predictive Marker in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Jun Eunsung , Koo Bonhan , Kim Eo Jin , Hwang Dae Wook , Lee Jae Hoon , Song Ki Byung , Lee Woohyung , Park Yejong , Hong Sarang , Shin Yong , Kim Song Cheol
Published: November 2021

KRAS mutation is a major regulator in the tumor progression of pancreatic cancer. Here, we compared the frequency and mutation burden of KRAS mutation subtypes with paired tumor tissue and blood in patients and examined their clinical significance. DNA from tumor tissues and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from preoperative blood were obtained from 70 patients with pancreatic cancer. Subtypes and mutation burdens of KRAS G12D and G12V mutations were evaluated using droplet digital PCR. Comparing the presence of mutations in tissue, accumulative and simultaneous mutations of G12D or G12V were identified of 67 (95.7%), and 48 patients (68.6%). Conversely, in blood, they were only identified in 18 (25.7%) and four (5.7%) patients; respectively. Next, comparing the mutation burden in tissue, the mutation burden varied from less than 0.1 to more than five, whereas that of cfDNA in blood was mostly between one and five, as cases with a mutation burden lower than 0.1 and higher than five were rare. Finally, the presence of the G12V mutation alone in cfDNA and the combination of the G12V mutation with elevated CA 19-9 levels were associated with poor recurrence-free survival. These fundamental data on the KRAS mutation subtypes and their clinical significance could support their potential as predictive markers for postoperative recurrence.
Sex-Specific Metabolic Pathways Were Associated with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) Endophenotypes in the European Medical Information Framework for AD Multimodal Biomarker Discovery Cohort
Authors: Xu Jin , Green Rebecca , Kim Min , Lord Jodie , Ebshiana Amera , Westwood Sarah , Baird Alison L. , Nevado-Holgado Alejo J. , Shi Liu , Hye Abdul , Snowden Stuart G. , Bos Isabelle , Vos Stephanie J. B. , Vandenberghe Rik , Teunissen Charlotte E. , Kate Mara Ten , Scheltens Philip , Gabel Silvy , Meersmans Karen , Blin Olivier , Richardson Jill , De Roeck Ellen Elisa , Engelborghs Sebastiaan , Sleegers Kristel , Bordet Régis , Rami Lorena , Kettunen Petronella , Tsolaki Magda , Verhey Frans R. J. , Alcolea Daniel , Lleó Alberto , Peyratout Gwendoline , Tainta Mikel , Johannsen Peter , Freund-Levi Yvonne , Frölich Lutz , Dobricic Valerija , Frisoni Giovanni B. , Molinuevo José Luis , Wallin Anders , Popp Julius , Martinez-Lage Pablo , Bertram Lars , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik , Streffer Johannes , Visser Pieter Jelle , Lovestone Simon , Proitsi Petroula , Legido-Quigley Cristina ,   on behalf of the European Medical Information Framework Consortium
Published: November 2021

Background: physiological differences between males and females could contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Here, we examined metabolic pathways that may lead to precision medicine initiatives. Methods: We explored whether sex modifies the association of 540 plasma metabolites with AD endophenotypes including diagnosis, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers, brain imaging, and cognition using regression analyses for 695 participants (377 females), followed by sex-specific pathway overrepresentation analyses, APOE ε4 stratification and assessment of metabolites’ discriminatory performance in AD. Results: In females with AD, vanillylmandelate (tyrosine pathway) was increased and tryptophan betaine (tryptophan pathway) was decreased. The inclusion of these two metabolites (area under curve (AUC) = 0.83, standard error (SE) = 0.029) to a baseline model (covariates + CSF biomarkers, AUC = 0.92, SE = 0.019) resulted in a significantly higher AUC of 0.96 (SE = 0.012). Kynurenate was decreased in males with AD (AUC = 0.679, SE = 0.046). Conclusions: metabolic sex-specific differences were reported, covering neurotransmission and inflammation pathways with AD endophenotypes. Two metabolites, in pathways related to dopamine and serotonin, were associated to females, paving the way to personalised treatment.
Working on Cognitive Functions in a Fully Digitalized Multisensory Interactive Room: A New Approach for Intervention in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Basadonne Ilaria , Cristofolini Melanie , Mucchi Iris , Recla Francesco , Bentenuto Arianna , Zanella Nadia
Published: November 2021

The feasibility of working on cognitive functions with children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) inside Multisensory Interactive Rooms (MIRs) has been poorly investigated, even if sensory atypicalities are common in ASD and usual intervention rooms could represent a challenging sensory setting for patients with ASD. We hypothesized that the possibility to calibrate the sensory stimulation offered by this type of environment, able to promote a positive emotional state in patients with ASD, can consequently favor the interaction with the therapist and the motivation towards activities targeting cognitive functions. High- and low-functioning children and low-functioning adolescents/adults underwent five sessions in a fully digitalized MIR, working on sustained attention, selective attention, association, single inhibition, receptive communication, verbalization, and turn. We developed specific protocols calibrated for sensory stimulation and difficulty level based on the characteristics of the participants. We found statistically significant improvements in all functions, except association, in the children’s group. Therefore, a fully digitalized MIR seems suitable for intervention on cognitive functions in ASDs, but further investigations are needed to better address possible differences related to age and functioning level.
Crystallization Kinetics of Poly(lactic acid)–Graphene Nanoscroll Nanocomposites: Role of Tubular, Planar, and Scrolled Carbon Nanoparticles
Authors: Ajala Oluwakemi , Werther Caroline , Mahmudzade Rauf , Nikaeen Peyman , Depan Dilip
Published: November 2021

Graphene nanoscrolls (GNS) are 1D carbon-based nanoparticles. In this study, they were investigated as a heterogeneous nucleating agent in the poly(lactic acid) (PLA) matrix. The isothermal and non-isothermal melting behavior and crystallization kinetics of PLA-GNS nanocomposites were investigated using a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). Low GNS content not only accelerated the crystallization rate, but also the degree of crystallinity of PLA. The Avrami model was used to fit raw experimental data, and to evaluate the crystallization kinetics for both isothermal and non-isothermal runs through the nucleation and growth rate. Additionally, the effect of the dimensionality and structure of the nanoparticle on the crystallization behavior and kinetics of PLA is discussed. GNS, having a similar fundamental unit as CNT and GNP, were observed to possess superior mechanical properties when analyzed by the nanoindentation technique. The scrolled architecture of GNS facilitated a better interface and increased energy absorption with PLA compared to CNTs and GNPs, resulting in superior mechanical properties.
Neoantigen Dendritic Cell Vaccination Combined with Anti-CD38 and CpG Elicits Anti-Tumor Immunity against the Immune Checkpoint Therapy-Resistant Murine Lung Cancer Cell Line LLC1
Authors: Sun Changbo , Nagaoka Koji , Kobayashi Yukari , Nakagawa Hidewaki , Kakimi Kazuhiro , Nakajima Jun
Published: November 2021

An important factor associated with primary resistance to immune-checkpoint therapies (ICT) is a “cold” tumor microenvironment (TME), characterized by the absence of T cell infiltration and a non-inflammatory milieu. Whole-exome and RNA sequencing to predict neoantigen expression was performed on the LLC1 cell line which forms “cold” tumors in mice. Dendritic cell (DC)-based vaccination strategies were developed using candidate neoantigen long peptides (LPs). A total of 2536 missense mutations were identified in LLC1 and of 132 candidate neoantigen short peptides, 25 were found to induce CD8+ T cell responses. However, they failed to inhibit LLC1 growth when incorporated into a cancer vaccine. In contrast, DCs pulsed with LPs induced CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses and one of them, designated L82, delayed LLC1 growth in vivo. By RNA-Seq, CD38 was highly expressed by LLC1 tumor cells and, therefore, anti-CD38 antibody treatment was combined with L82-pulsed DC vaccination. This combination effectively suppressed tumor growth via a mechanism relying on decreased regulatory T cells in the tumor. This study demonstrated that an appropriate vaccination strategy combining neoantigen peptide-pulsed DC with anti-CD38 antibody can render an ICT-resistant “cold” tumor susceptible to immune rejection via a mechanism involving neutralization of regulatory T cells.
New Scenarios in Pharmacological Treatments of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas
Authors: Porcheri Cristina , Mitsiadis Thimios A.
Published: November 2021

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most frequent types of cancer with a lethal outcome in half of the diagnosed cases. Mostly, HNSCC develops in the oral cavity, and its development is associated with tobacco and areca nut/betel quid usage, alcohol consumption, and HPV infection. Oral squamous cell carcinoma, as other head and neck cancers, presents a high degree of intratumor heterogeneity, which makes their treatment difficult, and directly correlates with drug resistance. Since the classical treatments for HNSCC oftentimes do not resolve the clinical picture, there is great need for novel therapeutic approaches, models for drug testing, and new drug delivery systems.
Dissecting the Biological Relevance and Clinical Impact of lncRNA MIAT in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Todoerti Katia , Ronchetti Domenica , Puccio Noemi , Silvestris Ilaria , Favasuli Vanessa , Amodio Nicola , Gentile Massimo , Morabito Fortunato , Neri Antonino , Taiana Elisa
Published: November 2021

The biological impact of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in multiple myeloma (MM) is becoming an essential aspect of the investigation, which may contribute to understanding the disease’s complex pathobiology, providing novel potential therapeutic targets. Herein, we investigated the expression pattern and the clinical relevance of the lncRNA MIAT in MM, taking advantage of the publicly available CoMMpass database. MIAT expression in MM is highly heterogeneous and significantly associated with specific molecular lesions frequently occurring in MM. Transcriptome analyses of MM PCs from patients included in the CoMMpass database indicated a potential involvement of MIAT in different signaling pathways and ribosome biogenesis and assembly. These findings suggest that MIAT deregulation may play a pathogenetic role in MM by affecting both proliferation pathways and, indirectly, the translational process. Although MIAT expression levels seem not to be significantly associated with clinical outcome in multivariate analyses, high MIAT expression levels are associated with bortezomib resistance, this suggesting that MIAT targeting could overcome drug resistance in MM. These findings strongly prompt for further studies investigating the significance of MIAT in MM.
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, Neutrophils and Cysteinyl Leukotriene Receptor 1 as Potential Prognostic Biomarkers for Patients with Colon Cancer
Authors: Mehrabi Syrina F. , Ghatak Souvik , Mehdawi Lubna M. , Topi Geriolda , Satapathy Shakti Ranjan , Sjölander Anita
Published: November 2021

The tumor microenvironment has been recognized as a complex network in which immune cells play an important role in cancer progression. We found significantly higher CD66b neutrophil expression in tumor tissue than in matched normal mucosa in the Malmö colon cancer (CC) cohort and poorer survival of stage I-III patients with high CD66b expression. Additionally, mice lacking CysLT1R expression (cysltr1−/−) produce less brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) compared to WT mice and Montelukast (a CysLT1R antagonist)-treated mice also reduced BDNF expression in a mouse xenograft model with human SW480 CC cells. CD66b and BDNF expression was significantly higher in patient tumor tissues than in the matched normal mucosa. The univariate Cox PH analysis yielded CD66b and BDNF as an independent predictor of overall survival, which was also found in the public TCGA-COAD dataset. We also discovered a strong positive correlation between CD66b, BDNF and CysLT1R expression in the Malmö CC cohort and in the TCGA-COAD dataset. Our data suggest that CD66b/BDNF/CysLT1R expression as a prognostic combined biomarker signature for CC patients.
A Focus on Regulatory Networks Linking MicroRNAs, Transcription Factors and Target Genes in Neuroblastoma
Authors: Perri Patrizia , Ponzoni Mirco , Corrias Maria Valeria , Ceccherini Isabella , Candiani Simona , Bachetti Tiziana
Published: November 2021

Neuroblastoma (NB) is a tumor of the peripheral sympathetic nervous system that substantially contributes to childhood cancer mortality. NB originates from neural crest cells (NCCs) undergoing a defective sympathetic neuronal differentiation and although the starting events leading to the development of NB remain to be fully elucidated, the master role of genetic alterations in key oncogenes has been ascertained: (1) amplification and/or over-expression of MYCN, which is strongly associated with tumor progression and invasion; (2) activating mutations, amplification and/or over-expression of ALK, which is involved in tumor initiation, angiogenesis and invasion; (3) amplification and/or over-expression of LIN28B, promoting proliferation and suppression of neuroblast differentiation; (4) mutations and/or over-expression of PHOX2B, which is involved in the regulation of NB differentiation, stemness maintenance, migration and metastasis. Moreover, altered microRNA (miRNA) expression takes part in generating pathogenetic networks, in which the regulatory loops among transcription factors, miRNAs and target genes lead to complex and aberrant oncogene expression that underlies the development of a tumor. In this review, we have focused on the circuitry linking the oncogenic transcription factors MYCN and PHOX2B with their transcriptional targets ALK and LIN28B and the tumor suppressor microRNAs let-7, miR-34 and miR-204, which should act as down-regulators of their expression. We have also looked at the physiologic role of these genetic and epigenetic determinants in NC development, as well as in terminal differentiation, with their pathogenic dysregulation leading to NB oncogenesis.
A Tool for Rapid Assessment of Functional Outcomes in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Dejaco Daniel , Riedl David , Gasser Sebastian , Schartinger Volker Hans , Innerhofer Veronika , Gottfried Timo , Steinbichler Teresa Bernadette , Riechelmann Felix , Moschen Roland , Galvan Oliver , Stigler Robert , Gassner Robert , Rumpold Gerhard , Lettenbichler-Haug Anna , Riechelmann Herbert
Published: November 2021

Head and neck cancer (HNC) and its treatment can lead to various functional impairments. We developed and validated an instrument for rapid physician-rated assessment of basic functional outcomes in HNC patients. HNC-relevant functional domains were identified through a literature review and assigned to verbal ratings based on observable criteria. The instrument draft was subjected to systematic expert review to assess its face and content validity. Finally, the empirical validity, reliability, and responsiveness of the expert-adapted Functional Integrity in Head and Neck Cancer (HNC-FIT) scales were assessed in healthy controls and in HNC patients. A matrix of the 6 functional domains of oral food intake, respiration, speech, pain, mood, and neck and shoulder mobility was created, each with 5 verbal rating levels. Face and content validity levels of the HNC-FIT scales were judged to be adequate by 17 experts. In 37 control subjects, 24 patients with HNC before treatment, and in 60 HNC patients after treatment, the HNC-FIT ratings in the 3 groups behaved as expected and functional domains correlated closely with the outcome of corresponding scales of the EORTC-HN35-QoL questionnaire, indicating good construct and criterion validity. Interrater reliability (rICC) was ≥0.9 for all functional domains and retest reliability (rICC) was ≥0.93 for all domains except mood (rICC = 0.71). The treatment effect size (eta-square) as a measure of responsiveness was ≥0.15 (p < 0.01) for fall domains except for breathing and neck and shoulder mobility. The median HNC-FIT scale completion time was 1 min 17 s. The HNC-FIT scale is a rapid tool for physician-rated assessment of functional outcomes in HNC patients with good validity, reliability, and responsiveness.
NAD Modulates DNA Methylation and Cell Differentiation
Authors: Ummarino Simone , Hausman Clinton , Gaggi Giulia , Rinaldi Lucrezia , Bassal Mahmoud A. , Zhang Yanzhou , Seelam Andy Joe , Kobayashi Ikei S. , Borchiellini Marta , Ebralidze Alexander K. , Ghinassi Barbara , Trinh Bon Q. , Kobayashi Susumu S. , Di Ruscio Annalisa
Published: November 2021

Nutritional intake impacts the human epigenome by directing epigenetic pathways in normal cell development via as yet unknown molecular mechanisms. Consequently, imbalance in the nutritional intake is able to dysregulate the epigenetic profile and drive cells towards malignant transformation. Here we present a novel epigenetic effect of the essential nutrient, NAD. We demonstrate that impairment of DNMT1 enzymatic activity by NAD-promoted ADP-ribosylation leads to demethylation and transcriptional activation of the CEBPA gene, suggesting the existence of an unknown NAD-controlled region within the locus. In addition to the molecular events, NAD- treated cells exhibit significant morphological and phenotypical changes that correspond to myeloid differentiation. Collectively, these results delineate a novel role for NAD in cell differentiation, and indicate novel nutri-epigenetic strategies to regulate and control gene expression in human cells.
Cleavage via Selective Catalytic Oxidation of Lignin or Lignin Model Compounds into Functional Chemicals
Authors: Wei Xiu-Zhi , Liu Jianguo , Ma Longlong
Published: November 2021

Lignin, a complex aromatic polymer with different types of methoxylated phenylpropanoid connections, enables the sustainable supply of value-added chemicals and biofuels through its use as a feedstock. Despite the development of numerous methodologies that upgrade lignin to high-value chemicals such as drugs and organic synthesis intermediates, the variety of valuable products obtained from lignin is still very limited, mainly delivering hydrocarbons and oxygenates. Using selective oxidation and activation cleavage of lignin, we can obtain value-added aromatics, including phenols, aldehydes, ketones, and carboxylic acid. However, biorefineries will demand a broad spectrum of fine chemicals in the future, not just simple chemicals like aldehydes and ketones containing simple C = O groups. In particular, most n-containing aromatics, which have found important applications in materials science, agro-chemistry, and medicinal chemistry, such as amide, aniline, and nitrogen heterocyclic compounds, are obtained through n-containing reagents mediating the oxidation cleavage in lignin. This tutorial review provides updates on recent advances in different classes of chemicals from the catalytic oxidation system in lignin depolymerization, which also introduces those functionalized products through a conventional synthesis method. A comparison with traditional synthetic strategies reveals the feasibility of the lignin model and real lignin utilization. Promising applications of functionalized compounds in synthetic transformation, drugs, dyes, and textiles are also discussed.
Effects of Constant Electric Field on Biodegradation of Phenol by Free and Immobilized Cells of Bradyrhizobium japonicum 273
Authors: Vasileva Evgenia , Parvanova-Mancheva Tsvetomila , Beschkov Venko , Alexieva Zlatka , Gerginova Maria , Peneva Nadejda
Published: November 2021

It is shown that bacteria Bradyrhizobium japonicum 273 were capable of degrading phenol at moderate concentrations either in a free cell culture or by immobilized cells on granulated activated carbon particles. The amount of degraded phenol was greater in an immobilized cell preparation than in a free culture. The application of a constant electric field during cultivation led to enhanced phenol biodegradation in a free culture and in immobilized cells on granulated activated carbon. The highest phenol removal efficiency was observed for an anode potential of 1.0 V/S.H.E. The effect was better pronounced in a free culture. The enzyme activities of free cells for phenol oxidation and benzene ring cleavage were very sensitive to the anode potential in the first two steps of the metabolic pathway of phenol biodegradation catalyzed by phenol hydroxylase—catechol-1,2-dioxygenase and catechol-2,3-dioxygenase. It was observed that at an anode potential of 0.8 V/S.H.E., the meta-pathway of cleavage of the benzene ring catalyzed by catechol-2,3-dioxygenase became competitive with the ortho-pathway, catalyzed by catechol-1,2-dioxygenase. The obtained results showed that the positive effect of constant electric field on phenol biodegradation was rather due to electric stimulation of enzyme activity than electrochemical anode oxidation.
“Green” Three-Electrode Sensors Fabricated by Injection-Moulding for On-Site Stripping Voltammetric Determination of Trace In(III) and Tl(I)
Authors: Pitsou Maria , Kokkinos Christos , Economou Anastasios , Fielden Peter R. , Baldock Sara J. , Goddard Nickolas J.
Published: November 2021

This work reports the fabrication of a new environmentally friendly three-electrode electrochemical sensor suitable for on-site voltammetric determination of two toxic emerging ‘technology-critical elements’ (TCEs), namely indium and thallium. The sensor is fully fabricated by injection-moulding and features three conductive polymer electrodes encased in a plastic holder; the reference electrode is further coated with AgCl or AgBr. The sensor is applied to the determination of trace In(III) and Tl(I) by anodic stripping voltammetry using a portable electrochemical set-up featuring a miniature smartphone-based potentiostat and a vibrating device for agitation. For the analysis, the sample containing the target metal ions is spiked with Bi(III) and a bismuth film is electroplated in situ forming an alloy with the accumulated target metals on the working electrode of the sensor; the metals are stripped off by applying a square-wave anodic voltametric scan. Potential interferences in the determination of In(III) and Tl(I) were alleviated by judicious selection of the solution chemistry. Limits of quantification for the target ions were in the low μg L−1 range and the sensors were applied to the analysis of lake water samples spiked with In(III) and Tl(I) with recoveries in the range of 95–103%.
Clinical Implications of MiR128, Angiotensin I Converting Enzyme and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Gene Abnormalities and Their Association with T2D
Authors: Elfaki Imadeldin , Mir Rashid , Duhier Faisel M. Abu , Alotaibi Maeidh A. , Alalawy Adel Ibrahim , Barnawi Jameel , Babakr Abdullatif Taha , Mir Mohammad Muzaffar , Altayeb Faris , Mirghani Hyder , Frah Ehab A. M.
Published: November 2021

Type 2 DM (T2D) results from the interaction of the genetic and environmental risk factors. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE), and MicroRNAs (MiRNAs) are involved in important physiological processes. Gene variations in VEGF, ACE and MiRNA genes are associated with diseases. In this study we investigated the associations of the VEGF-2578 C/A (rs699947), VEGF-2549 insertion/deletion (I/D), and ACE I/D rs4646994 and Mir128a (rs11888095) gene variations with T2D using the amplification refractory mutation system PCR (ARMS-PCR) and mutation specific PCR (MSP). We screened 122 T2D cases and 126 healthy controls (HCs) for the rs699947, and 133 T2D cases and 133 HCs for the VEGF I/D polymorphism. For the ACE I/D we screened 152 cases and 150 HCs, and we screened 129 cases and 112 HCs for the Mir128a (rs11888095). The results showed that the CA genotype of the VEGF rs699947 and D allele of the VEGF I/D polymorphisms were associated with T2D with OR =2.01, p-value = 0.011, and OR = 2.42, p-value = 0.010, respectively. The result indicated the D allele of the ACE ID was protective against T2D with OR = 0.10, p-value = 0.0001, whereas the TC genotype and the T allele of the Mir128a (rs11888095) were associated with increased risk to T2D with OR = 3.16, p-value = 0.0001, and OR = 1.68, p-value = 0.01, respectively. We conclude that the VEGF (rs699947), VEGF I/D and Mir128a (rs11888095) are potential risk loci for T2D, and that the D allele of the ACE ID polymorphism may be protective against T2D. These results help in identification and stratification for the individuals that at risk for T2D. However, future well-designed studies in different populations and with larger sample sizes are required. Moreover, studies to examine the effects of these polymorphisms on VEGF and ACE proteins are recommended.
Use of Cardiac Contractility Modulation in an Older Patient with Non-Ischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy: A Case Report
Authors: Manganelli Gianvito , Fiorentino Antonio , Ceravolo Gianluca , Minichiello Stefana , Bianchino Giuseppe , Bellizzi Gennaro , Pacileo Giuseppe , Masarone Daniele
Published: November 2021

Cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) is a novel device-based therapy used in patients with HFrEF. CCM therapy is associated with an improvement in exercise tolerance, increased quality of life, reduced HF hospitalizations, and reverse remodelling of the left ventricle in patients with HFrEF. In this case, we report the clinical benefit of CCM in an older patient with advanced HFrEF due to ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy with frequent heart failure-related hospitalizations and poor quality of life despite optimal medical therapy.
Study on the Drag Reduction Characteristics of the Surface Morphology of Paramisgurnus dabryanus Loach
Authors: Wu Liyan , Wang Jiaqi , Luo Guihang , Wang Siqi , Qu Jianwei , Fan Xiaoguang , Liu Cuihong
Published: November 2021

The drag reduction design of underwater vehicles is of great significance to saving energy and enhancing speed. In this paper, the drag reduction characteristics of Paramisgurnusdabryanus loach was explored using 3D ultra-depth field microscopy to observe the arrangement of the scales. Then, a geometric model was established and parameterized. A simulated sample was processed by computer numerical control (CNC) machining and tested through using a flow channel bench. The pressure drop data were collected by sensors, and the drag reduction rate was consequently calculated. The test results showed that the drag reduction rate of a single sample could reach 23% at a speed of 1.683 m/s. Finally, the experimental results were verified by numerical simulation and the drag reduction mechanism was explored. The boundary layer theory and RNG k-ε turbulence model were adopted to analyze the velocity contour, pressure contour and shear force contour diagrams. The numerical simulation results showed that a drag reduction effect could be achieved by simulating the microstructure of scales of the Paramisgurnusdabryanus loach, showing that the results are consistent with the flow channel experiment and can reveal the drag reduction mechanism. The bionic surface can increase the thickness of boundary layer, reduce the Reynolds number and wall resistance. The scales disposition of Paramisgurnusdabryanus loach can effectively reduce the surface friction, providing a reference for future research on drag reduction of underwater vehicles such as ships and submarines.
Surface Porosity of Natural Diamond Crystals after the Catalytic Hydrogenation
Authors: Chepurov Aleksei , Sonin Valeri , Shcheglov Dmitry , Zhimulev Egor , Sitnikov Sergey , Yelisseyev Alexander , Chepurov Anatoly
Published: November 2021

The study of diamond surfaces is traditionally undertaken in geology and materials science. As a sample material, two natural diamond crystals of type Ia were selected, and their luminescence and nitrogen state was characterized. In order to etch the surface catalytic hydrogenation was performed using Fe particles as an etchant. Micromorphology of the surface was investigated by scanning electron and laser confocal microscopy. It was demonstrated that etching occurred perpendicular to the crystal surface, with no signs of tangential etching. The average depth of caverns did not exceed 20–25 μm with a maximal depth of 40 μm. It is concluded that catalytic hydrogenation of natural type Ia diamonds is effective to produce a porous surface that can be used in composites or as a substrate material. Additionally, the comparison of results with porous microsculptures observed on natural impact diamond crystals from the Popigai astrobleme revealed a strong resemblance.
Salpivory by Colonial Reef Corals at Curaçao, Southern Caribbean
Authors: ter Horst Lars J. V. , Hoeksema Bert W.
Published: November 2021

A salp swarm was observed in Director’s Bay, Curaçao in July 2021, where salps were caught and consumed by three scleractinian colonial reef corals: Madracis auretenra, Locke, Weil & Coates, 2017; Meandrina meandrites (Linnaeus, 1758), and Montastraea cavernosa (Linnaeus, 1767). The first two scleractinians are newly recorded salpivores. Since the coral polyps were collaborating, predation was not restricted by polyp size. This is the first detailed report on salpivorous corals in the Caribbean.
Nowcasting India Economic Growth Using a Mixed-Data Sampling (MIDAS) Model (Empirical Study with Economic Policy Uncertainty–Consumer Prices Index)
Authors: Mishra Pradeep , Alakkari Khder , Abotaleb Mostafa , Singh Pankaj Kumar , Singh Shilpi , Ray Monika , Das Soumitra Sankar , Rahman Umme Habibah , Othman Ali J. , Ibragimova Nazirya Alexandrovna , Ahmed Gulfishan Firdose , Homa Fozia , Tiwari Pushpika , Balloo Ritisha
Published: November 2021

Economics suffers from a blurred view of the economy due to the delay in the official publication of macroeconomic variables and, essentially, of the most important variable of real GDP. Therefore, this paper aimed at nowcasting GDP in India based on high-frequency data released early. Instead of using a large set of data thus increasing statistical complexity, two main indicators of the Indian economy (economic policy uncertainty and consumer price index) were relied on. The paper followed the MIDAS–Almon (PDL) weighting approach, which allowed us to successfully capture structural breaks and predict Indian GDP for the second quarter of 2021, after evaluating the accuracy of the nowcasting and out-of-sample prediction. Our results indicated low values of the RMSE in the sample and when predicting the out-of-sample1- and 4-quarter horizon, but RMSE increased when predicting the 10-quarter horizon. Due to the effect of the short-term structural break, we found that RMSE values decreased for the last prediction point.
Machine Learning-Assisted Adaptive Modulation for Optimized Drone-User Communication in B5G
Authors: Gopi Sudheesh , Magarini Maurizio , Alsamhi Saeed , Shvetsov Alexey
Published: November 2021

The fundamental issue for Beyond fifth Generation (B5G) is providing a pervasive connection to heterogeneous and various devices in smart environments. Therefore, Drones play a vital role in the B5G, allowing for wireless broadcast and high-speed communications. In addition, the drone offers several advantages compared to fixed terrestrial communications, including flexible deployment, robust Line of Sight (LoS) connections, and more design degrees of freedom due to controlled mobility. Drones can provide reliable and high data rate connectivity to users irrespective of their location. However, atmospheric disturbances impact the signal quality between drones and users and degrade the system performance. Considering practical implementation, the location of drones makes the drone–user communication susceptible to several environmental disturbances. In this paper, we evaluate the performance of drone-user connectivity during atmospheric disturbances. Further, a Machine Learning (ML)-assisted algorithm is proposed to adapt to a modulation technique that offers optimal performance during atmospheric disturbances. The results show that, with the algorithm, the system switches to a lower order modulation scheme during higher rain rate and provides reliable communication with optimized data rate and error performance.
Cooperative Approaches and Academic Motivation towards Enhancing Pre-Service Teachers’ Achievement
Authors: Cañabate Dolors , Gras Maria Eugènia , Serra Teresa , Colomer Jordi
Published: November 2021

This paper describes a quantitative study that explores both the degree of preservice teachers’ (PSTs) motivation and achievement, and the dimensions of need-supportive teaching, when PSTs were involved in designing and implementing contextualized physical cooperative challenges (CPCCs) in primary schools. The analysis was based on the PSTs’ perceptions of the dimensions of need-supportive teaching (namely autonomy support, structure, and involvement), and the dimensions of motivation. Need-supportive teaching was evaluated through a version of the Teacher as a Social Context Questionnaire (TASC-Q), and motivation through a SMOTIV motivation questionnaire. Results showed that the dimensions of the teaching process were all positively correlated, thus, implying the importance of a teacher’s role in supporting autonomy, providing structure, and being involved. While motivation during the in-class definition of the CPCCs was correlated with the teachers’ involvement, the out-of-class implementation of the CPCCs was found to correlate with the three dimensions of teaching, thus, implying that the PST students’ perceptions of developing instructional approaches in schools is mediated by the role their university teachers play in defining and structuring all aspects of the teaching process. Students’ achievement, on the other hand, was a process that relied on the synergies between the teachers’ involvement and the PST student motivation during the stage when the CPCCs in the classroom environment were defined. This interlink responds to the constructivist position adopted to implement a cooperative approach in the university that, in turn, responds to assessing a student-centered cooperative-based learning approach.
Factors Affecting Aggressiveness among Young Teenage Girls: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach
Authors: Heizomi Haleh , Jafarabadi Mohammad Asghari , Kouzekanani Kamiar , Matlabi Hossein , Bayrami Mansour , Chattu Vijay Kumar , Allahverdipour Hamid
Published: November 2021

Adolescence is a period of transition for developmental and social domains that may also be accompanied by behavioral problems. Aggressive behavior may be a mental health concern for young teens and is defined as a behavioral and emotional trait that may be distressing for others. This study aimed to understand the factors associated with aggressiveness among young teenage girls. A cross-sectional study was conducted among a sample of 707 female middle school-aged students using multistage random sampling in Tabriz, Iran. The variables of interest were aggressiveness, general health status, happiness, social acceptance, and feelings of loneliness. Structural equation modeling was employed to analyze the data. Low parental support, low satisfaction with body image, high sense of loneliness, and lower perceived social acceptance were found to be the factors influencing aggressiveness. The current study found that the school environment, home environment, individual and interpersonal factors all play a part in aggressiveness. As a result, the contributing elements must be considered when creating and executing successful interventions to improve this population’s psychological well-being.
Effective On-Chip Communication for Message Passing Programs on Multi-Core Processors
Authors: Huh Joonmoo , Lee Deokwoo
Published: November 2021

Shared memory is the most popular parallel programming model for multi-core processors, while message passing is generally used for large distributed machines. However, as the number of cores on a chip increases, the relative merits of shared memory versus message passing change, and we argue that message passing becomes a viable, high performing, and parallel programming model. To demonstrate this hypothesis, we compare a shared memory architecture with a new message passing architecture on a suite of applications tuned for each system independently. Perhaps surprisingly, the fundamental behaviors of the applications studied in this work, when optimized for both models, are very similar to each other, and both could execute efficiently on multicore architectures despite many implementations being different from each other. Furthermore, if hardware is tuned to support message passing by supporting bulk message transfer and the elimination of unnecessary coherence overheads, and if effective support is available for global operations, then some applications would perform much better on a message passing architecture. Leveraging our insights, we design a message passing architecture that supports both memory-to-memory and cache-to-cache messaging in hardware. With the new architecture, message passing is able to outperform its shared memory counterparts on many of the applications due to the unique advantages of the message passing hardware as compared to cache coherence. In the best case, message passing achieves up to a 34% increase in speed over its shared memory counterpart, and it achieves an average 10% increase in speed. In the worst case, message passing is slowed down in two applications—CG (conjugate gradient) and FT (Fourier transform)—because it could not perform well on the unique data sharing patterns as its counterpart of shared memory. Overall, our analysis demonstrates the importance of considering message passing as a high performing and hardware-supported programming model on future multicore architectures.
Ciphertext-Policy Attribute-Based Encryption with Outsourced Set Intersection in Multimedia Cloud Computing
Authors: Shi Yanfeng , Qiu Shuo
Published: November 2021

In a multimedia cloud computing system, suppose all cloud users outsource their own data sets to the cloud in the encrypted form. Each outsourced set is associated with an access structure such that a valid data user, Bob, with the credentials satisfying the access structure is able to conduct computing over outsourced encrypted set (e.g., decryption or other kinds of computing function). Suppose Bob needs to compute the set intersection over a data owner Alice’s and his own outsourced encrypted sets. Bob’s simple solution is to download Alice’s and Bob’s outsourced encrypted sets, perform set intersection operation, and decrypt the set intersection ciphertexts. A better solution is for Bob to delegate the cloud to calculate the set intersection, without giving the cloud any ability in breaching the secrecy of the sets. To solve this problem, this work introduces a novel primitive called ciphertext-policy attribute-based encryption with outsourced set intersection for multimedia cloud computing. It is the first cryptographic algorithm supporting a fully outsourced encrypted storage, computation delegation, fine-grained authorization security for ciphertext-policy model, without relying on an online trusted authority or data owners, and multi-elements set, simultaneously. We construct a scheme that provably satisfies the desirable security properties, and analyze its efficiency.
Artificial Neural Networks Based Optimization Techniques: A Review
Authors: Abdolrasol Maher G. M. , Hussain S. M. Suhail , Ustun Taha Selim , Sarker Mahidur R. , Hannan Mahammad A. , Mohamed Ramizi , Ali Jamal Abd , Mekhilef Saad , Milad Abdalrhman
Published: November 2021

In the last few years, intensive research has been done to enhance artificial intelligence (AI) using optimization techniques. In this paper, we present an extensive review of artificial neural networks (ANNs) based optimization algorithm techniques with some of the famous optimization techniques, e.g., genetic algorithm (GA), particle swarm optimization (PSO), artificial bee colony (ABC), and backtracking search algorithm (BSA) and some modern developed techniques, e.g., the lightning search algorithm (LSA) and whale optimization algorithm (WOA), and many more. The entire set of such techniques is classified as algorithms based on a population where the initial population is randomly created. Input parameters are initialized within the specified range, and they can provide optimal solutions. This paper emphasizes enhancing the neural network via optimization algorithms by manipulating its tuned parameters or training parameters to obtain the best structure network pattern to dissolve the problems in the best way. This paper includes some results for improving the ANN performance by PSO, GA, ABC, and BSA optimization techniques, respectively, to search for optimal parameters, e.g., the number of neurons in the hidden layers and learning rate. The obtained neural net is used for solving energy management problems in the virtual power plant system.
Vacuum Balloon–A 350-Year-Old Dream
Authors: Akhmeteli Andrey , Gavrilin Andrew V.
Published: November 2021

The centuries-old idea of a lighter-than-air vacuum balloon has not materialized yet as such structure needs to be both light enough to float in the air and strong enough to withstand atmospheric pressure. We propose a design of a rigid spherical sandwich shell and demonstrate that it can satisfy these stringent conditions with commercially available materials, such as boron carbide ceramic and aluminum alloy honeycomb. A finite element analysis was employed to demonstrate that buckling can be prevented in the proposed structure. Also discussed are other modes of failure and approaches to manufacturing.