bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is Skeletal Muscle Dysfunction a Limiting Factor of Exercise Functional Capacity in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease?
Authors: Gouraud Etienne , Connes Philippe , Gauthier-Vasserot Alexandra , Faes Camille , Merazga Salima , Poutrel Solène , Renoux Céline , Boisson Camille , Joly Philippe , Bertrand Yves , Hot Arnaud , Cannas Giovanna , Hautier Christophe
Published: May 2021

Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) have reduced functional capacity due to anemia and cardio–respiratory abnormalities. Recent studies also suggest the presence of muscle dysfunction. However, the interaction between exercise capacity and muscle function is currently unknown in SCD. The aim of this study was to explore how muscle dysfunction may explain the reduced functional capacity. Nineteen African healthy subjects (AA), and 24 sickle cell anemia (SS) and 18 sickle cell hemoglobin C (SC) patients were recruited. Maximal isometric torque (Tmax) was measured before and after a self-paced 6-min walk test (6-MWT). Electromyographic activity of the Vastus Lateralis was recorded. The 6-MWT distance was reduced in SS (p < 0.05) and SC (p < 0.01) patients compared to AA subjects. However, Tmax and root mean square value were not modified by the 6-MWT, showing no skeletal muscle fatigue in all groups. In a multiple linear regression model, genotype, step frequency and hematocrit were independent predictors of the 6-MWT distance in SCD patients. Our results suggest that the 6-MWT performance might be primarily explained by anemia and the self-paced step frequency in SCD patients attempting to limit metabolic cost and fatigue, which could explain the absence of muscle fatigue.
Malignant Tumours Presenting as Chronic Leg or Foot Ulcers
Authors: Toussaint Frédéric , Erdmann Michael , Berking Carola , Erfurt-Berge Cornelia
Published: May 2021

Our purpose was to collect data on the incidence of malignant skin tumours presenting as chronic leg or foot ulcers in a tertiary centre, and to analyse the frequency and type of initial clinical misdiagnoses in these cases. A retrospective chart review of cases with melanoma or other malignant neoplasms of the skin of the lower extremity treated in a tertiary centre during January 2010 until February 2020 was conducted to identify cases that presented as chronic ulcers. Out of 673 cases, 26 (3.9%) were identified with a total of 27 malignant tumours presenting as chronic ulcers of the lower leg or foot. Therefrom, seven were diagnosed as melanoma, eight as squamous cell carcinoma, and twelve as basal cell carcinoma. The mean interval until diagnosis for all tumour types was 44.4 months (median 24 months). A delay in correct treatment occurred in 12 out of 26 cases (46%) as a result of misdiagnosis with subsequent treatment as chronic leg or foot ulcers of a different etiology. Misdiagnoses were venous ulcer, traumatic wound, mixed arterial and venous ulcer, arterial ulcer, and ulcer of an unknown origin. Malignant ulcers presenting as chronic ulcers are rare, but often lead to misdiagnosis.
Evaluation of the Efficacy of Lacer HaliTM Treatment on the Management of Halitosis: A Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial
Authors: Xiang Laiqi , Rojo Rosa , Prados-Frutos Juan Carlos
Published: May 2021

Background: Halitosis of oral origin is very common in the general population. Due to their antimicrobial properties, chlorhexidine-based products are widely used in the management of this condition, but these are associated with reversible side effects. In this study we evaluated the efficacy of Lacer HaliTM mouthrinse and toothpaste in subjects with intraoral halitosis after several applications under normal conditions of use. Methods: In this randomized clinical trial with mouth rinse and toothpaste, single-center, double-blinded, parallel participants were assigned to an experimental group (Lacer HaliTM,, n = 20), a positive control group (HalitaTM, n = 20), and a placebo group (n = 20). The active duration of the study was 18 days. The clinical follow-up evaluations were performed at five time points (T0, T1, T2, T3, and T4). The intensity of halitosis was evaluated by organoleptic measurement and the portable gas chromatograph OralChromaTM. The data were analyzed using generalized mixed linear models. Results: Sixty patients completed the study. Lacer HaliTM, in comparison with HalitaTM, did not show statistically significant differences at any time during the study except for the levels of hydrogen sulfide and total volatile sulfur compounds at 15 days, where HalitaTM was better. Compared to the placebo treatment, Lacer HaliTM, was significantly more efficient, in terms of both the organoleptic evaluations at 8 days and the levels of hydrogen sulfide. Conclusions: Lacer HaliTM is an alternative to chlorhexidine-based toothpaste and mouthwashes in the management of halitosis.
Incidence of Immune-Mediated Pseudoprogression of Lymphoma Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lee Amy Junghyun , Kim Kyung Won , Cho Young Chul , Ko Yousun , Sung Yu Sub , Shin Youngbin , Lee Jiwoo , Kim Mi-hyun
Published: May 2021

We evaluated the incidence of pseudoprogression and indeterminate response (IR) in patients with lymphoma treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). A systematic search of PubMed and EMBASE was performed up to 6 February 2021, using the keywords “lymphoma,” “immunotherapy,” and “pseudoprogression.” Random-effects models were used to calculate both pooled incidence of pseudoprogression patients with lymphoma and an IR according to LYRIC criteria, while the Higgins inconsistency index (I2) test and Cochran’s Q test were used for heterogeneity. Eight original articles were included, in which the number of patients ranged from 7 to 243. Among the lymphoma patients with ICIs, the pooled incidence of pseudoprogression was 10% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.06–0.17). There was no publication bias in Begg’s test (p = 0.14). Three articles were analyzed to determine the pooled incidence of pseudoprogression in patients with IR according to LYRIC criteria in a subgroup analysis, which was shown to be 19% (95% CI: 0.08–0.40). A significant proportion (10%) of patients with lymphoma treated with ICIs showed pseudoprogression, and 19% of patients with an IR response showed pseudoprogression and a delayed response. Immune-related response criteria such as LYRIC may be used for patients with lymphoma treated with ICIs.
Acute and Preventive Management of Migraine during Menstruation and Menopause
Authors: Ornello Raffaele , De Matteis Eleonora , Di Felice Chiara , Caponnetto Valeria , Pistoia Francesca , Sacco Simona
Published: May 2021

Migraine course is influenced by female reproductive milestones, including menstruation and perimenopause; menstrual migraine (MM) represents a distinct clinical entity. Increased susceptibility to migraine during menstruation and in perimenopause is probably due to fluctuations in estrogen levels. The present review provides suggestions for the treatment of MM and perimenopausal migraine. MM is characterized by long, severe, and poorly treatable headaches, for which the use of long-acting triptans and/or combined treatment with triptans and common analgesics is advisable. Short-term prophylaxis with triptans and/or estrogen treatment is another viable option in women with regular menstrual cycles or treated with combined hormonal contraceptives; conventional prevention may also be considered depending on the attack-related disability and the presence of attacks unrelated to menstruation. In women with perimenopausal migraine, hormonal treatments should aim at avoiding estrogen fluctuations. Future research on migraine treatments will benefit from the ascertainment of the interplay between female sex hormones and the mechanisms of migraine pathogenesis, including the calcitonin gene-related peptide pathway.
Genotype-Phenotype Correlations in RP1-Associated Retinal Dystrophies: A Multi-Center Cohort Study in JAPAN
Authors: Mizobuchi Kei , Hayashi Takaaki , Oishi Noriko , Kubota Daiki , Kameya Shuhei , Higasa Koichiro , Futami Takuma , Kondo Hiroyuki , Hosono Katsuhiro , Kurata Kentaro , Hotta Yoshihiro , Yoshitake Kazutoshi , Iwata Takeshi , Matsuura Tomokazu , Nakano Tadashi
Published: May 2021

Background: Little is known about genotype–phenotype correlations of RP1-associated retinal dystrophies in the Japanese population. We aimed to investigate the genetic spectrum of RP1 variants and provide a detailed description of the clinical findings in Japanese patients. Methods: In total, 607 patients with inherited retinal diseases were examined using whole-exome/whole-genome sequencing (WES/WGS). PCR-based screening for an Alu element insertion (c.4052_4053ins328/p.Tyr1352AlafsTer9) was performed in 18 patients with autosomal-recessive (AR)-retinitis pigmentosa (RP) or AR-cone dystrophy (COD)/cone-rod dystrophy (CORD), including seven patients with heterozygous RP1 variants identified by WES/WGS analysis, and 11 early onset AR-RP patients, in whom no pathogenic variant was identified. We clinically examined 25 patients (23 families) with pathogenic RP1 variants, including five patients (five families) with autosomal-dominant (AD)-RP, 13 patients (11 families) with AR-RP, and seven patients (seven families) with AR-COD/CORD. Results: We identified 18 pathogenic RP1 variants, including seven novel variants. Interestingly, the Alu element insertion was the most frequent variant (32.0%, 16/50 alleles). The clinical findings revealed that the age at onset and disease progression occurred significantly earlier and faster in AR-RP patients compared to AD-RP or AR-COD/CORD patients. Conclusions: Our results suggest a genotype–phenotype correlation between variant types/locations and phenotypes (AD-RP, AR-RP, and AR-COD/CORD), and the Alu element insertion was the most major variant in Japanese patients with RP1-associated retinal dystrophies.
Prognostic Value of Echocardiographic Right Ventricular Function Parameters in the Presence of Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation
Authors: Schneider Matthias , Dannenberg Varius , König Andreas , Geller Welf , Binder Thomas , Hengstenberg Christian , Goliasch Georg
Published: May 2021

Background: Presence of severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) has a significant impact on assessment of right ventricular function (RVF) in transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). High trans-valvular pendulous volume leads to backward-unloading of the right ventricle. Consequently, established cut-offs for normal systolic performance may overestimate true systolic RVF. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed entailing all patients who underwent TTE at our institution between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2016. Only patients with normal left ventricular systolic function and with no other valvular lesion were included. All recorded loops were re-read by one experienced examiner. Patients without severe TR (defined as vena contracta width ≥7 mm) were excluded. All-cause 2-year mortality was chosen as the end-point. The prognostic value of several RVF parameters was tested. Results: The final cohort consisted of 220 patients, 88/220 (40%) were male. Median age was 69 years (IQR 52–79), all-cause two-year mortality was 29%, median TAPSE was 19 mm (15–22) and median FAC was 42% (30–52). In multivariate analysis, TAPSE with the cutoff 17 mm and FAC with the cutoff 35% revealed non-significant hazard ratios (HR) of 0.75 (95%CI 0.396–1.421, p = 0.38) and 0.845 (95%CI 0.383–1.867, p = 0.68), respectively. TAPSE with the cutoff 19 mm and visual eyeballing significantly predicted survival with HRs of 0.512 (95%CI 0.296–0.886, p = 0.017) and 1.631 (95%CI 1.101–2.416, p = 0.015), respectively. Conclusions: This large-scale all-comer study confirms that RVF is one of the main drivers of mortality in patients with severe isolated TR. However, the current cut-offs for established echocardiographic parameters did not predict survival. Further studies should investigate the prognostic value of higher thresholds for RVF parameters in these patients.
Mums Alone: Exploring the Role of Isolation and Loneliness in the Narratives of Women Diagnosed with Perinatal Depression
Authors: Taylor Billie Lever , Howard Louise M. , Jackson Katherine , Johnson Sonia , Mantovani Nadia , Nath Selina , Sokolova Antoaneta Y. , Sweeney Angela
Published: May 2021

In this study, we explore the role that isolation and loneliness play in the narratives of women diagnosed with perinatal depression. Isolation and loneliness are increasingly seen as risk factors for depression, including in the perinatal period, but little is known about whether, and in what ways, women themselves associate isolation or loneliness with perinatal distress. Based on the thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with fourteen mothers in England, we found that women often connected feelings of depression during and after pregnancy to feeling dislocated from their previous identities and relationships. Women felt lost, confined to their homes, and often unsupported by their partners and families. However, fears of being judged to be inadequate mothers made it difficult for women to make authentic connections with others or to express negative feelings, increasing isolation and depression. We drew on the intersectionality theory to illustrate how the intersect between motherhood and other aspects of women’s identities (being young, single, deprived and/or from an ethnic minority) could leave some women particularly isolated and marginalised. Our conclusions emphasise the need to challenge social constructions of the good/bad mother, advocate for social change to lessen pressures on mothers, and develop support that addresses women’s interpersonal contexts and social networks.
Decreased Muscle-to-Fat Mass Ratio Is Associated with Low Muscular Fitness and High Alanine Aminotransferase in Children and Adolescent Boys in Organized Sports Clubs
Authors: Ushio Kai , Mikami Yukio , Obayashi Hiromune , Fujishita Hironori , Fukuhara Kouki , Sakamitsu Tetsuhiko , Hirata Kazuhiko , Ikuta Yasunari , Kimura Hiroaki , Adachi Nobuo
Published: May 2021

Decreased muscle-to-fat mass ratio (MFR) is associated with pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and may reduce muscular fitness. Regular exercise in sports clubs has not led to reductions in obesity in children and adolescents; they may have decreased MFR. Decreased MFR could cause reduced muscular fitness, which may put them at risk for NAFLD development. We investigated whether MFR is related to muscular fitness and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), to determine whether MFR could be used to screen for NAFLD in children and adolescent boys belonging to sports clubs. Altogether, 113 participants (aged 7–17 years) who underwent body composition, laboratory, and muscular fitness measurements during a medical checkup were divided into tertiles according to their MFR. Lower extremity muscular fitness values were significantly decreased in the lowest MFR tertile (p < 0.001); conversely, serum ALT levels were significantly increased (p < 0.01). Decreased MFR significantly increased the risk of elevated ALT, which requires screening for NAFLD, after adjusting for age, obesity, muscular fitness parameters, and metabolic risk factors (odds ratio = 8.53, 95% confidence interval = 1.60–45.6, p = 0.012). Physical fitness and body composition assessments, focusing on MFR, can be useful in improving performance and screening for NAFLD in children and adolescents exercising in sports clubs.
Preterm Delivery; Who Is at Risk?
Authors: Kluwgant Dvora , Wainstock Tamar , Sheiner Eyal , Pariente Gali
Published: May 2021

Preterm birth (PTB) is the leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Adverse effects of preterm birth have a direct correlation with the degree of prematurity, in which infants who are born extremely preterm (24–28 weeks gestation) have the worst outcomes. We sought to determine prominent risk factors for extreme PTB and whether these factors varied between various sub-populations with known risk factors such as previous PTB and multiple gestations. A population-based retrospective cohort study was conducted. Risk factors were examined in cases of extreme PTB in the general population, as well as various sub-groups: singleton and multiple gestations, women with a previous PTB, and women with indicated or induced PTB. A total of 334,415 deliveries were included, of which 1155 (0.35%) were in the extreme PTB group. Placenta previa (OR = 5.8, 95%CI 4.14–8.34, p < 0.001), multiple gestations (OR = 7.7, 95% CI 6.58–9.04, p < 0.001), and placental abruption (OR = 20.6, 95%CI 17.00–24.96, p < 0.001) were the strongest risk factors for extreme PTB. In sub-populations (multiple gestations, women with previous PTB and indicated PTBs), risk factors included placental abruption and previa, lack of prenatal care, and recurrent pregnancy loss. Singleton extreme PTB risk factors included nulliparity, lack of prenatal care, and placental abruption. Placental abruption was the strongest risk factor for extreme preterm birth in all groups, and risk factors did not differ significantly between sub-populations.
How Is Intelligence Test Performance Associated with Creative Achievement? A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Karwowski Maciej , Czerwonka Marta , Wiśniewska Ewa , Forthmann Boris
Published: May 2021

This paper presents a meta-analysis of the links between intelligence test scores and creative achievement. A three-level meta-analysis of 117 correlation coefficients from 30 studies found a correlation of r = .16 (95% CI: .12, .19), closely mirroring previous meta-analytic findings. The estimated effects were stronger for overall creative achievement and achievement in scientific domains than for correlations between intelligence scores and creative achievement in the arts and everyday creativity. No signs of publication bias were found. We discuss theoretical implications and provide recommendations for future studies.
Towards Realizing Intelligent Coordinated Controllers for Multi-USV Systems Using Abstract Training Environments
Authors: Nantogma Sulemana , Pan Keyu , Song Weilong , Luo Renwei , Xu Yang
Published: May 2021

Unmanned autonomous vehicles for various civilian and military applications have become a particularly interesting research area. Despite their many potential applications, a related technological challenge is realizing realistic coordinated autonomous control and decision making in complex and multi-agent environments. Machine learning approaches have been largely employed in simplified simulations to acquire intelligent control systems in multi-agent settings. However, the complexity of the physical environment, unrealistic assumptions, and lack of abstract physical environments derail the process of transition from simulation to real systems. This work presents a modular framework for automated data acquisition, training, and the evaluation of multiple unmanned surface vehicles controllers that facilitate prior knowledge integration and human-guided learning in a closed-loop. To realize this, we first present a digital maritime environment of multiple unmanned surface vehicles that abstracts the real-world dynamics in our application domain. Then, a behavior-driven artificial immune-inspired fuzzy classifier systems approach that is capable of optimizing agents’ behaviors and action selection in a multi-agent environment is presented. Evaluation scenarios of different combat missions are presented to demonstrate the performance of the system. Simulation results show that the resulting controllers can achieved an average wining rate between 52% and 98% in all test cases, indicating the effectiveness of the proposed approach and its feasibility in realizing adaptive controllers for efficient multiple unmanned systems’ cooperative decision making. We believe that this system can facilitate the simulation, data acquisition, training, and evaluation of practical cooperative unmanned vehicles’ controllers in a closed-loop.
New Insights on the Sporulation, Germination, and Nutritional Profile of Gracilaria gracilis (Rhodophyta) Grown under Controlled Conditions
Authors: Freitas Marta V. , Mouga Teresa , Correia Ana Patrícia , Afonso Clélia , Baptista Teresa
Published: May 2021

The red seaweed Gracilaria gracilis is a widely cultivated species known for its high agar content. It is also an important source of proteins, minerals, and vitamins. The chemical profile of seaweed depends on the cultivation methods used and the growing conditions to which they are exposed. Thus, two independent methods of sporulation and germination were tested upon Gracilaria gracilis grown in controlled conditions. During the tests, different substrates, culture media and incubation times were tested to induce cystocarp maturation. The results showed that cystocarp maturation and spore release were successful, with a visible volume increase and format change in the protruding cystocarps. Furthermore, the process of maturation to germination was accomplished, fulfilling the complete life cycle. In parallel, the nutritional profile of the biomass obtained was evaluated and compared with the nutritional values of biomass collected from the environment. Results showed no significant differences between wild specimens and cultivated ones in organic matter, ash content, lipid content, carbohydrates, or phycocolloid content. The present work, therefore, presents two simple alternative methods with potential applications in start-ups aimed at the cultivation of seaweed. Through these methods, it is possible to obtain biomass with nutritional characteristics similar to those obtained in the wild.
Qualitative Risk Assessment of Cybersecurity and Development of Vulnerability Enhancement Plans in Consideration of Digitalized Ship
Authors: Yoo Yunja , Park Han-Seon
Published: May 2021

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) published the Guidelines on Maritime Cyber Risk Management in 2017 to strengthen cybersecurity in consideration of digitalized ships. As part of these guidelines, the IMO recommends that each flag state should integrate and manage matters regarding cyber risk in the ship safety management system (SMS) according to the International Safety Management Code (ISM Code) before the first annual verification that takes place on or after 1 January 2021. The purpose of this paper is to identify cybersecurity risk components in the maritime sector that should be managed by the SMS in 2021 and to derive priorities for vulnerability improvement plans through itemized risk assessment. To this end, qualitative risk assessment (RA) was carried out for administrative, technical, and physical security risk components based on industry and international standards, which were additionally presented in the IMO guidelines. Based on the risk matrix from the RA analysis results, a survey on improving cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the maritime sector was conducted, and the analytic hierarchy process was used to analyze the results and derive improvement plan priority measures.
An Interactive WebGIS Framework for Coastal Erosion Risk Management
Authors: Capolupo Alessandra , Monterisi Cristina , Saponieri Alessandra , Addona Fabio , Damiani Leonardo , Archetti Renata , Tarantino Eufemia
Published: May 2021

The Italian coastline stretches over about 8350 km, with 3600 km of beaches, representing a significant resource for the country. Natural processes and anthropic interventions keep threatening its morphology, moulding its shape and triggering soil erosion phenomena. Thus, many scholars have been focusing their work on investigating and monitoring shoreline instability. Outcomes of such activities can be largely widespread and shared with expert and non-expert users through Web mapping. This paper describes the performances of a WebGIS prototype designed to disseminate the results of the Italian project Innovative Strategies for the Monitoring and Analysis of Erosion Risk, known as the STIMARE project. While aiming to include the entire national coastline, three study areas along the regional coasts of Puglia and Emilia Romagna have already been implemented as pilot cases. This WebGIS was generated using Free and Open-Source Software for Geographic information systems (FOSS4G). The platform was designed by combining Apache http server, Geoserver, as open-source server and PostgreSQL (with PostGIS extension) as database. Pure javascript libraries OpenLayers and Cesium were implemented to obtain a hybrid 2D and 3D visualization. A user-friendly interactive interface was programmed to help users visualize and download geospatial data in several formats (pdf, kml and shp), in accordance with the European INSPIRE directives, satisfying both multi-temporal and multi-scale perspectives.
Long-Term Variations in Species Composition of Bloom-Forming Toxic Pseudo-nitzschia Diatoms in the North-Western Sea of Japan during 1992–2015
Authors: Stonik Inna V.
Published: May 2021

This review aimed to summarize original and published data on the bloom events caused by toxic diatoms of the genus Pseudo-nitzschia and to assess long-term variations in the composition of bloom-forming species in the northwestern Sea of Japan during 1992−2015. This information is crucial to understanding the potential threat of toxic blooms and their effects. A change in species composition was observed within the genus Pseudo-nitzschia: it was dominated by Pseudo-nitzschiamultiseries during 1992–1993, 2002, and a shift towards the dominance of Pseudo-nitzschiamultistriata and Pseudo-nitzschiacalliantha occurred in 2005–2015. We assume that the increased sea surface temperature recorded from Amursky Bay in the period of 1998–2009 compared to the data of 1980–1989 might be one of the causative factors for the shift observed. The absence of highly toxic Pseudo-nitzschiamultiseries among the bloom-forming species is considered as one of the possible explanations for the lack of damage from the blooms of Pseudo-nitzschia over the past 15 years in the study area.
Cytotoxicity and Nitric Oxide Production Inhibitory Activities of Compounds Isolated from the Plant Pathogenic Fungus Curvularia sp.
Authors: Suthiphasilp Virayu , Raksat Achara , Maneerat Tharakorn , Hadsadee Sarinya , Jungsuttiwong Siriporn , Pyne Stephen G. , Chomnunti Putarak , Jaidee Wuttichai , Charoensup Rawiwan , Laphookhieo Surat
Published: May 2021

Chemical investigation of the mycelia of the pathogenic fungus Curvularia sp. which was isolated from a leaf of Dactyloctenium aegyptium (crowfoot grass), resulted in the isolation of a new compound, curvulariahawadride (5), along with five known compounds (1–4, and 6). Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic data, including 1D and 2D NMR and HRESIMS. The absolute configuration of 5 was established from experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD). Compounds 1, 3, and 5 showed nitric oxide (NO) production inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 53.7, 32.8, and 12.8 µM, respectively. Compounds 2 and 4 showed significant cytotoxicity against lung cancer A549, colorectal cancer SW480, and leukemic K562 cells with an IC50 ranging value of 11.73 to 17.59 µM.
Global Transcriptional Response of Aspergillus niger to Blocked Active Citrate Export through Deletion of the Exporter Gene
Authors: Laothanachareon Thanaporn , Bruinsma Lyon , Nijsse Bart , Schonewille Tom , Suarez-Diez Maria , Tamayo-Ramos Juan Antonio , Martins dos Santos Vitor A. P. , Schaap Peter J.
Published: May 2021

Aspergillus niger is the major industrial citrate producer worldwide. Export as well as uptake of citric acid are believed to occur by active, proton-dependent, symport systems. Both are major bottlenecks for industrial citrate production. Therefore, we assessed the consequences of deleting the citT gene encoding the A. niger citrate exporter, effectively blocking active citrate export. We followed the consumption of glucose and citrate as carbon sources, monitored the secretion of organic acids and carried out a thorough transcriptome pathway enrichment analysis. Under controlled cultivation conditions that normally promote citrate secretion, the knock-out strain secreted negligible amounts of citrate. Blocking active citrate export in this way led to a reduced glucose uptake and a reduced expression of high-affinity glucose transporter genes, mstG and mstH. The glyoxylate shunt was strongly activated and an increased expression of the OAH gene was observed, resulting in a more than two-fold higher concentration of oxalate in the medium. Deletion of citT did not affect citrate uptake suggesting that citrate export and citrate uptake are uncoupled from the system.
Action and Reaction of Pre-Primary and Primary School-Age Children to Restrictions during COVID-19 Pandemic in Greece
Authors: Siachpazidou Dimitra I. , Kotsiou Ourania S. , Chatziparasidis Grigorios , Papagiannis Dimitrios , Vavougios George D. , Gogou Eudoxia , Stavrou Vasileios T. , Gourgoulianis Konstantinos I.
Published: May 2021

The fast-spreading coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic forced countries to apply restrictive measures to counteract it. School closure was quickly adopted by health authorities. We aimed to investigate the compliance of children aged 4 to 12 years with the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions and evaluate the impact of school closure on the children’s educational, social, economic, and psychological outcomes. An online survey was distributed through a social networking platform to parents of pre-primary and primary school-age children. The study period was defined as from 27 November 2020 to 3 December 2020, two weeks after the school closure due to the general lockdown in Greece. This study showed that the school units were well-informed and complied with the protection measures against COVID-19. The pupils quickly adopted the protection measures, even those whose parents suggested masks were less effective. The quarantine-forced school closure highly impacted primary school children’s physical activity, quality of sleep, psychological status, eating habits, academic performance, and household income. Web use showed an increase, with the children over-spending extracurricular time in web activities. Our study highlights the need for long term monitoring of these aforementioned indices, and the development of COVID-19 mitigation measures that carefully incorporate effectiveness and societal impact.
CFTR Modulators: Does One Dose Fit All?
Authors: van der Meer Renske , Wilms Erik B. , Heijerman Harry G.M.
Published: May 2021

For many people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF), CFTR modulators will be the cornerstone of their treatment. These modulators show robust treatment effects at group level in pwCF with specific mutations. The individual effect however, is variable. In this review we will explain reasons for reconsideration of dosing regimens of CFTR modulating therapy in order to improve treatment response and prevent side effects. Since the effect of a drug depends on pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetic properties of CFTR modulators will be discussed. Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic relationships will be used to gain insight in dosage response and exposure response relationships. To understand the cause of variation in drug exposure, pharmacokinetic properties that may change due to CF disease will be explained. We show that with current insight, there are conceivable situations that give reason for reconsideration of dosing regimens, however many questions need to be unravelled.
Collaborative Curriculum Design in the Context of Financial Literacy Education
Authors: Compen Boukje , Schelfhout Wouter
Published: May 2021

Financial literacy education is being integrated into school curricula at an increasing frequency. However, the majority of teachers lack the required competencies and teacher self-efficacy to effectively teach financial topics. In this study, we evaluated whether participation in teacher design teams (TDTs) results in high-quality educational materials, encouragement of professional learning, and ultimately, enhanced teacher self-efficacy in the face of pending curriculum reform. We conducted an exploratory multiple-case study in Flanders, Belgium. Data were collected from two TDTs that developed materials aligning with the financial literacy learning standards. We observed the team meetings and conducted interviews with the participating teachers and the team coach. Our results suggest that participation in TDTs supports the three outcome variables that we examined. However, they also revealed that each outcome shows room for improvement. Furthermore, the data provided additional evidence for the importance of meeting several input and process factors that had been previously shown to be essential for effective TDT function.
Coolification and Language Vitality: The Case of Esperanto
Authors: Gobbo Federico
Published: May 2021

Despite experiencing a relatively positive revival in the digital age, Esperanto and the assessment of its language vitality is often problematic and prone to gross errors; therefore, a theoretical reflection is required. Unlike other lesser-used languages, Esperanto is intergenerationally transmitted mainly outside the family, and so Fishman’s GIDS and subsequent scales such as the EGIDS cannot be applied straightforwardly for language vitality diagnosis and estimation. In particular, it is the social movement of language activists who have guaranteed Esperanto’s vitality and development for more than a century. A key aspect is the digital domain, where, paradoxically, the relatively good positioning of Esperanto in terms of new users does not imply a parallel increase in the number of activists. This paper critically assesses the digital language vitality of Esperanto on the basis of its language ideology and other sociolinguistic data as a starting point for a discussion to overcome the limits of Blanke’s (2006) scale of language vitality of Esperanto and its rivals (in the sense of Garvía 2015). This assessment eventually leads to a more general reflection on the role of ‘coolification’, i.e., positive effects on language attitudes and development due to digital visibility, its limits and the issue of placing it in the context of language vitality in general.
The Enhancing Effect of Fungal Immunomodulatory Protein-Volvariella Volvacea (FIP-vvo) on Maturation and Function of Mouse Dendritic Cells
Authors: Li Ju-Pi , Lee Yi-Pang , Ma Jung-Chein , Liu Betty-Revon , Hsieh Nien-Tsu , Chen Dz-Chi , Chu Ching-Liang , You Ren-In
Published: May 2021

Volvariella volvacea, also known as straw mushroom, is a common edible mushroom in Chinese cuisine. It contains many nutrients for human health. A fungal immunomodulatory protein (FIP) has been isolated from V. volvacea and named FIP-vvo. Although the regulatory effects of many FIPs on immunity have been identified, the impact of FIP-vvo in modulating dendritic cells (DCs), which play a key role to connect the innate and the adaptive immunity, is not known. In this study, we aim to study the effect of FIP-vvo on the DC maturation and function. We found that FIP-vvo slightly increased the generation of CD11c+ bone marrow-derived DC (BMDC). In addition, the surface expression of MHCII was promoted in BMDCs after the treatment of FIP-vvo, suggesting that FIP-vvo induces DC maturation. Furthermore, FIP-vvo enhanced the ability of BMDCs to activate antigen-specific T cell responses in vitro. In the in vivo study, the FIP-vvo treatment facilitated T cell response in lymph nodes. Therefore, for the first time, our data demonstrated that FIP-vvo promoted DC maturation and function and suggested that FIP-vvo could have benefits for human health by enhancing immunity.
Effect of Temperature and Surface Roughness on the Tribological Behavior of Electric Motor Greases for Hybrid Bearing Materials
Authors: Sanchez Garrido Daniel , Leventini Samuel , Martini Ashlie
Published: May 2021

Greased bearings in electric motors (EMs) are subject to a wide range of operational requirements and corresponding micro-environments. Consequently, greases must function effectively in these conditions. Here, the tribological performance of four market-available EM greases was characterized by measuring friction and wear of silicon nitride sliding on hardened 52100 steel. The EM greases evaluated had similar viscosity grades but different combinations of polyurea or lithium thickener with mineral or synthetic base oil. Measurements were performed at a range of temperature and surface roughness conditions to capture behavior in multiple lubrication regimes. Results enabled direct comparison of market-available products across different application-relevant metrics, and the analysis methods developed can be used as a baseline for future studies of EM grease performance.
Multi-Objective Lightweight Optimization of Parameterized Suspension Components Based on NSGA-II Algorithm Coupling with Surrogate Model
Authors: Jiang Rongchao , Jin Zhenchao , Liu Dawei , Wang Dengfeng
Published: May 2021

In order to reduce the negative effect of lightweighting of suspension components on vehicle dynamic performance, the control arm and torsion beam widely used in front and rear suspensions were taken as research objects for studying the lightweight design method of suspension components. Mesh morphing technology was employed to define design variables. Meanwhile, the rigid–flexible coupling vehicle model with flexible control arm and torsion beam was built for vehicle dynamic simulations. The total weight of control arm and torsion beam was taken as optimization objective, as well as ride comfort and handling stability performance indexes. In addition, the fatigue life, stiffness, and modal frequency of control arm and torsion beam were taken as the constraints. Then, Kriging model and NSGA-II were adopted to perform the multi-objective optimization of control arm and torsion beam for determining the lightweight scheme. By comparing the optimized and original design, it indicates that the weight of the optimized control arm and torsion beam are reduced 0.505 kg and 1.189 kg, respectively, while structural performance and vehicle performance satisfy the design requirement. The proposed multi-objective optimization method achieves a remarkable mass reduction, and proves to be feasible and effective for lightweight design of suspension components.
Dual Resource Constrained Flexible Job Shop Scheduling Based on Improved Quantum Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Shoujing , Du Haotian , Borucki Sebastian , Jin Shoufeng , Hou Tiantian , Li Zhixiong
Published: May 2021

Aiming at solving the problem of dual resource constrained flexible job shop scheduling problem (DRCFJSP) with differences in operating time between operators, an artificial intelligence (AI)-based DRCFJSP optimization model is developed in this paper. This model introduces the differences between the loading and unloading operation time of workers before and after the process. Subsequently, the quantum genetic algorithm (QGA) is used as the carrier; the process is coded through quantum coding; and the niche technology is used to initialize the population, adaptive rotation angle, and quantum mutation strategy to improve the efficiency of the QGA and avoid premature convergence. Lastly, through the Kacem standard calculation example and the reliability analysis of the factory workshop processing process example, performance evaluation is conducted to show that the improved QGA has good convergence and does not fall into premature ability, the improved QGA can solve the problem of reasonable deployment of machines and personnel in the workshop, and the proposed method is more effective for the DRCFJSP than some existing methods. The findings can provide a good theoretical basis for actual production and application.
Solvent-Induced Hysteresis Loop in Anionic Spin Crossover (SCO) Isomorph Complexes
Authors: Cuza Emmelyne , Benmansour Samia , Cosquer Nathalie , Conan Françoise , Gómez-García Carlos J. , Triki Smail
Published: May 2021

Reaction of Fe(II) with the tris-(pyridin-2-yl)ethoxymethane (py3C-OEt) tripodal ligand in the presence of the pseudohalide ancillary NCSe− (E = S, Se, BH3) ligand leads to the mononuclear complex [Fe(py3C-OEt)2][Fe(py3C-OEt)(NCSe)3]2·2CH3CN (3), which has been characterised as an isomorph of the two previously reported complexes, Fe(py3C-OEt)2][Fe(py3C-OEt)(NCE)3]2·2CH3CN, with E = S (1), BH3 (2). X-ray powder diffraction of the three complexes (1–3), associated with the previously reported single crystal structures of 1–2, revealed a monomeric isomorph structure for 3, formed by the spin crossover (SCO) anionic [Fe(py3C-OEt)(NCSe)3]− complex, associated with the low spin (LS) [Fe(py3C-OEt)2]2+ cationic complex and two solvent acetonitrile molecules. In the [Fe(py3C-OEt)2]2+ complex, the metal ion environment involves two py3C-OEt tridentate ligands, while the [Fe(py3C-OEt)(NCSe)3]− anion displays a hexacoordinated environment involving three N-donor atoms of one py3C-OEt ligand and three nitrogen atoms arising from the three (NCSe)− coligands. The magnetic studies for 3 performed in the temperature range 300-5-400 K, indicated the presence of a two-step SCO transition centred around 170 and 298 K, while when the sample was heated at 400 K until its complete desolvation, the magnetic behaviour of the high temperature transition (T1/2 = 298 K) shifted to a lower temperature until the two-step behaviour merged with a gradual one-step transition at ca. 216 K.
Cliques Are Bricks for k-CT Graphs
Authors: Snášel Václav , Dráždilová Pavla , Platoš Jan
Published: May 2021

Many real networks in biology, chemistry, industry, ecological systems, or social networks have an inherent structure of simplicial complexes reflecting many-body interactions. Over the past few decades, a variety of complex systems have been successfully described as networks whose links connect interacting pairs of nodes. Simplicial complexes capture the many-body interactions between two or more nodes and generalized network structures to allow us to go beyond the framework of pairwise interactions. Therefore, to analyze the topological and dynamic properties of simplicial complex networks, the closed trail metric is proposed here. In this article, we focus on the evolution of simplicial complex networks from clicks and k-CT graphs. This approach is used to describe the evolution of real simplicial complex networks. We conclude with a summary of composition k-CT graphs (glued graphs); their closed trail distances are in a specified range.
A General Family of q-Hypergeometric Polynomials and Associated Generating Functions
Authors: Srivastava Hari Mohan , Arjika Sama
Published: May 2021

Basic (or q-) series and basic (or q-) polynomials, especially the basic (or q-) hypergeometric functions and the basic (or q-) hypergeometric polynomials are studied extensively and widely due mainly to their potential for applications in many areas of mathematical and physical sciences. Here, in this paper, we introduce a general family of q-hypergeometric polynomials and investigate several q-series identities such as an extended generating function and a Srivastava-Agarwal type bilinear generating function for this family of q-hypergeometric polynomials. We give a transformational identity involving generating functions for the generalized q-hypergeometric polynomials which we have introduced here. We also point out relevant connections of the various q-results, which we investigate here, with those in several related earlier works on this subject. We conclude this paper by remarking that it will be a rather trivial and inconsequential exercise to give the so-called (p,q)-variations of the q-results, which we have investigated here, because the additional parameter p is obviously redundant.
Optimization of Financial Asset Neutrosophic Portfolios
Authors: Boloș Marcel-Ioan , Bradea Ioana-Alexandra , Delcea Camelia
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this paper was to model, with the help of neutrosophic fuzzy numbers, the optimal financial asset portfolios, offering additional information to those investing in the capital market. The optimal neutrosophic portfolios are those categories of portfolios consisting of two or more financial assets, modeled using neutrosophic triangular numbers, that allow for the determination of financial performance indicators, respectively the neutrosophic average, the neutrosophic risk, for each financial asset, and the neutrosophic covariance as well as the determination of the portfolio return, respectively of the portfolio risk. There are two essential conditions established by rational investors on the capital market to obtain an optimal financial assets portfolio, respectively by fixing the financial return at the estimated level as well as minimizing the risk of the financial assets neutrosophic portfolio. These conditions allowed us to compute the financial assets’ share in the total value of the neutrosophic portfolios, for which the financial return reaches the level set by investors and the financial risk has the minimum value. In financial terms, the financial assets’ share answers the legitimate question of rational investors in the capital market regarding the amount of money they must invest in compliance with the optimal conditions regarding the neutrosophic return and risk.
Synchronization in Finite-Time Analysis of Clifford-Valued Neural Networks with Finite-Time Distributed Delays
Authors: Rajchakit Grienggrai , Sriraman Ramalingam , Lim Chee Peng , Sam-ang Panu , Hammachukiattikul Porpattama
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we explore the finite-time synchronization of Clifford-valued neural networks with finite-time distributed delays. To address the problem associated with non-commutativity pertaining to the multiplication of Clifford numbers, the original n-dimensional Clifford-valued drive and response systems are firstly decomposed into the corresponding 2m-dimensional real-valued counterparts. On the basis of a new Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional, suitable controller and new computational techniques, finite-time synchronization criteria are formulated for the corresponding real-valued drive and response systems. The feasibility of the main results is verified by a numerical example.
Some Existence and Dependence Criteria of Solutions to a Fractional Integro-Differential Boundary Value Problem via the Generalized Gronwall Inequality
Authors: Rezapour Shahram , Ntouyas Sotiris K. , Amara Abdelkader , Etemad Sina , Tariboon Jessada
Published: May 2021

The main intention of the present research study is focused on the analysis of a Caputo fractional integro-differential boundary problem (CFBVP) in which the right-hand side of supposed differential equation is represented as a sum of two nonlinear terms. Under the integro-derivative boundary conditions, we extract an equivalent integral equation and then define new operators based on it. With the help of three distinct fixed-point theorems attributed to Krasnosel’skiĭ, Leray–Schauder, and Banach, we investigate desired uniqueness and existence results. Additionally, the dependence criterion of solutions for this CFBVP is checked via the generalized version of the Gronwall inequality. Next, three simulative examples are designed to examine our findings based on the procedures applied in the theorems.