bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Biologically Active Substances Secreted by the Adipose Tissue on Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Michalczyk Kaja , Niklas Natalia , Rychlicka Małgorzata , Cymbaluk-Płoska Aneta
Published: March 2021

Endometrial cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed gynecological neoplasms in developed countries and its incidence is rising. Usually, it is diagnosed in the early stages of the disease and has a good prognosis; however, in later stages, the rate of recurrence reaches up to 60%. The discrepancy in relapse rates is due to the heterogeneity of the group related to the presence of prognostic factors affecting survival parameters. Increased body weight, diabetes, metabolic disturbances and estrogen imbalance are important factors for the pathogenesis of endometrial cancer. Even though prognostic factors such as histopathological grade, clinical stage, histological type and the presence of estrogen and progesterone receptors are well known in endometrial cancer, the search for novel prognostic biomarkers continues. Adipose tissue is an endocrine organ involved in metabolism, immune response and the production of biologically active substances participating in cell growth and differentiation, angiogenesis, apoptosis and carcinogenesis. In this manuscript, we review the impact of factors secreted by the adipose tissue involved in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism (leptin, adiponectin, omentin, vaspin, galectins) and factors responsible for homeostasis maintenance, inflammatory processes, angiogenesis and oxidative stress (IL-1β, 6, 8, TNFα, Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs)) in the diagnosis and prognosis of endometrial cancer.
Real-Time Challenging of ERα Y537S Mutant Transcriptional Activity in Living Cells
Authors: Cipolletti Manuela , Pescatori Sara , Acconcia Filippo
Published: March 2021

Metastatic estrogen receptor α (ERα)-expressing breast cancer (BC) occurs after prolonged patient treatment with endocrine therapy (ET) (e.g., aromatase inhibitors—AI; 4OH-tamoxifen—4OH-Tam). Often these metastatic BCs express a mutated ERα variant (e.g., Y537S), which is transcriptionally hyperactive, sustains uncontrolled proliferation, and renders tumor cells insensitive to ET drugs. Therefore, new molecules blocking hyperactive Y537S ERα mutation transcriptional activity are requested. Here we generated an MCF-7 cell line expressing the Y537S ERα mutation stably expressing an estrogen-responsive element (ERE) promoter, which activity can be monitored in living cells. Characterization of this cell line shows both hyperactive basal transcriptional activity with respect to normal MCF-7 cells, which stably express the same ERE-based promoter and a decreased effect of selective ER downregulators (SERDs) in reducing Y537S ERα mutant transcriptional activity with respect to wild type ERα transcriptional activity. Kinetic profiles of Y537S ERα mutant-based transcription produced by both drugs inducing receptor degradation and siRNA-mediated depletion of specific proteins (e.g., FOXA1 and caveolin1) reveals biphasic dynamics of the inhibition of the receptor-regulated transcriptional effects. Overall, we report a new model where to study the behavior of the Y537S ERα mutant that can be used for the identification of new targets and pathways regulating the Y537S ERα transcriptional activity.
Loneliness and Its Associated Factors Nine Months after the COVID-19 Outbreak: A Cross-National Study
Authors: Bonsaksen Tore , Schoultz Mariyana , Thygesen Hilde , Ruffolo Mary , Price Daicia , Leung Janni , Geirdal Amy Østertun
Published: March 2021

COVID-19 has been a global healthcare concern impacting multiple aspects of individual and community wellness. As one moves forward with different methods to reduce the infection and mortality rates, it is critical to continue to study the impact that national and local “social distancing” policies have on the daily lives of individuals. The aim of this study was to examine loneliness in relation to risk assessment, measures taken against risks, concerns, and social media use, while adjusting for sociodemographic variables. The cross-sectional study collected data from 3474 individuals from the USA, the UK, Norway, and Australia. Loneliness was measured with the de Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale. Multiple linear regression was used in the analysis of associations between variables. The results showed that concerns about finances were more strongly associated with social loneliness, while concerns about the future was more strongly associated with emotional loneliness. Longer daily time spent on social media was associated with higher emotional loneliness. In conclusion, pandemic-related concerns seem to affect perceptions of loneliness. While social media can be used productively to maintain relationships, and thereby prevent loneliness, excessive use may be counterproductive.
Exploring the Mediating Effect of Psychological Engagement on the Relationship between Child-to-Parent Violence and Violent Video Games
Authors: Ruiz-Fernández Ana , Junco-Guerrero Miriam , Cantón-Cortés David
Published: March 2021

Research into the effects of violent video games on levels of aggression has raised concerns that they may pose a significant social risk, especially among younger people. The objective of this study was to analyze, through structural equation models, the mediating role of psychological engagement in the relationship between the consumption of violent video games and child-to-parent violence (CPV) against the mother and the father. The sample consisted of 916 students from the third and fourth grades of compulsory secondary education, first and second grades of high school, and first cycle of vocational training (483 males and 433 females), of whom a total of 628 were video game players, aged between 13 and 19. The exposure to video games was assessed through an author-elaborated questionnaire, engagement was evaluated with the game engagement questionnaire, and CPV was assessed through the child-to-parent aggression questionnaire. The structural equation models indicated that exposure to violent video games was related to lower rates of CPV against both parents. Conversely, the flow (a sense of being in control, being one with activity, and experiencing distortions in the perception of time) dimension of engagement positively correlated with the level of CPV against the mother, whereas the flow and absorption (total engagement in the current experience) dimensions correlated with CPV against the father. In conclusion, the results confirm the role of violent video game consumption, reducing CPV rates against both parents, a role that is offset to the extent that these violent games provoke engagement in the user.
Keep Calm and Stay Safe: The Relationship between Anxiety and Other Psychological Factors, Media Exposure and Compliance with COVID-19 Regulations
Authors: Mevorach Tomer , Cohen Jonathan , Apter Alan
Published: March 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has led many countries to employ public health regulations to achieve behavioral change and stop the transmission of the virus. The factors influencing compliance with these regulations may differ from “classic” predictors for medical compliance. This study attempted to assess the effect of social communication and psychological factors on intention to comply. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted on healthy adults living in Israel (n = 697). The survey assessed the intention to comply with the state COVID-19 regulations and explored possible correlations with demographic and psychosocial factors. Data were collected during May 2020 using a Qualtrics online survey. Data were analyzed to find correlations between anxiety, uncertainty, media exposure and other variables and the level of intention to comply as self-reported. Moderation and mediation effects were studied by an integrative model of influencing factors. We found that media exposure change, trust in responsible agencies and anxiety were positively correlated with compliance, while uncertainty was correlated with noncompliance. The effect of media exposure on compliance had two components. First, media exposure was positively correlated with compliance. On the other hand, media exposure was positively correlated with uncertainty, and uncertainty was negatively correlated with compliance. Interestingly, anxiety, which was positively correlated with media exposure, also moderated the negative correlation between uncertainty and compliance. Our results highlight the important role of uncertainty and anxiety as moderators between media exposure and compliance. To increase public compliance with COVID-19 regulations, efforts should be directed at decreasing uncertainty and anxiety.
Erratum: Han, S., et al. Who Reports Low Interactive Psychology Status? An Investigation Based on Chinese Coal Miners. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 3446
Authors: Han Shuai , Chen Hong , Long Ruyin
Published: March 2021

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Materials and Manufacturing Techniques for Polymeric and Ceramic Scaffolds Used in Implant Dentistry
Authors: Özcan Mutlu , Hotza Dachamir , Fredel Márcio Celso , Cruz Ariadne , Volpato Claudia Angela Maziero
Published: March 2021

Preventive and regenerative techniques have been suggested to minimize the aesthetic and functional effects caused by intraoral bone defects, enabling the installation of dental implants. Among them, porous three-dimensional structures (scaffolds) composed mainly of bioabsorbable ceramics, such as hydroxyapatite (HAp) and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) stand out for reducing the use of autogenous, homogeneous, and xenogenous bone grafts and their unwanted effects. In order to stimulate bone formation, biodegradable polymers such as cellulose, collagen, glycosaminoglycans, polylactic acid (PLA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL), polyglycolic acid (PGA), polyhydroxylbutyrate (PHB), polypropylenofumarate (PPF), polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), and poly L-co-D, L lactic acid (PLDLA) have also been studied. More recently, hybrid scaffolds can combine the tunable macro/microporosity and osteoinductive properties of ceramic materials with the chemical/physical properties of biodegradable polymers. Various methods are suggested for the manufacture of scaffolds with adequate porosity, such as conventional and additive manufacturing techniques and, more recently, 3D and 4D printing. The purpose of this manuscript is to review features concerning biomaterials, scaffolds macro and microstructure, fabrication techniques, as well as the potential interaction of the scaffolds with the human body.
Assessment of Coating Quality Obtained on Flame-Retardant Fabrics by a Magnetron Sputtering Method
Authors: Miśkiewicz Pamela , Tokarska Magdalena , Frydrych Iwona , Makówka Marcin
Published: March 2021

Innovative textile materials can be obtained by depositing different coatings. To improve the thermal properties of textiles, aluminum and zirconium (IV) oxides were deposited on the Nomex® fabric, basalt fabric, and cotton fabric with flame-retardant finishing using the magnetron sputtering method. An assessment of coating quality was conducted. Evenly coated fabric ensures that there are no places on the sample surface where the values of thermal parameters such as resistance to contact heat and radiant heat deviate significantly from the specified ones. Energy-dispersive spectroscopy was used for the analysis of modified fabric surfaces. Non-contact digital color imaging system DigiEye was also used. The criterion allowing one to compare surfaces and find which surface is more evenly coated was proposed. The best fabrics from the point of view of coating quality were basalt and cotton fabrics coated with aluminum as well as basalt fabric coated with zirconia. The probability of occurrence of places on the indicated sample surfaces where the values of thermal parameters (i.e., resistance to contact heat and radiant heat) deviated significantly from the specified ones was smaller for Nomex® and cotton fabrics coated with zirconia and Nomex® fabric coated with aluminum.
Failure Mechanisms of an Al 6061 Alloy Foam under Dynamic Conditions
Authors: Campana Francesca , Mancini Edoardo , Pilone Daniela , Sasso Marco
Published: March 2021

The interesting properties of Al 6061 aluminum foams have boosted the research on the correlation between foam composition and morphology and its mechanical response under dynamic conditions. In this study, ingots of an Al 6061-T4 foam were sectioned and analyzed in order to determine their microstructural and morphological characteristics, and then quasi-static and dynamic tests (10−3 to 3 × 102 s−1) were carried out to determine the material mechanical behavior. Dynamic tests, carried out by using the split Hopkinson bar, highlighted that the studied foam is characterized by a very good energy absorption capability, due to its ductile behavior. Nevertheless, the conducted research showed that cell morphology and distribution affect its mechanical behavior in dynamic conditions in which localized cell collapse may result in a decreased energy absorption and efficiency of the foam.
The Application of Ni–Ti SMA Wires in the External Prestressing of Concrete Hollow Cylinders
Authors: Dębska Aleksandra , Gwoździewicz Piotr , Seruga Andrzej , Balandraud Xavier , Destrebecq Jean-François
Published: March 2021

An innovative method for prestressing structural elements through the use of shape memory alloys (SMAs) is gaining increasing attention in research as this method does not require the use of mechanical anchorages for tendons. The activation of the memory effect by means of temperature variations (Joule effect) in effect produces high stresses in SMA components attached to concrete components as reported in the literature. This paper presents the work performed for the purpose of prestressing concrete hollow cylinders with the use of nickel–titanium (Ni–Ti) SMA wires. In the tests, a variety of hollow cylinders were made using the same concrete mix and with the same wall thickness (20 mm), but with different external diameters (200 mm, 250 mm, and 300 mm). Their prestressing was achieved by the means of Ni-Ti SMA wires of different diameters (1 mm, 2 mm, and 3 mm) wrapped around the cylinders. Longitudinal and circumferential strain during the thermal activation of the SMA wires by Joule heating was measured using gauges located on the internal surface of the hollow cylinders. The experimental protocol, recorded observations, and discussion of the effectiveness of the prestressing of concrete elements as a function of the test parameters are included in the text in detail. Comments on the conditions for effective prestressing of concrete cylinders with SMA wires are proposed in the conclusions of the paper.
Surface Modification Using Assisting Electrodes in Wire Electrical Discharge Machining for Silicon Wafer Preparation
Authors: Kuo Chunliang , Nien Yupang , Chiang Anchun , Hirata Atsushi
Published: March 2021

This paper outlines notable advances in the wire electrical discharge machining of polycrystalline silicon workpieces for wafer preparation. Our use of assisting electrodes permits the transfer of aluminum particles to the machined surface of the polycrystalline silicon workpieces, to enhance conductivity and alter surface topography regardless of the silicon’s crystallographic structure and diamond-type lattice. This in-process surface modification technique was shown to promote material removal and simultaneously preserve the integrity of the machined surfaces with preferable surface textures. In the validation experiment, the 25 mm-thick assisting electrodes deposited a notable concentration of aluminium on the machined surface (~3.87 wt %), which greatly accelerated the rate of material removal (~9.42 mg/s) with minimal surface roughness (Sa ~5.49 μm) and moderate skewness (−0.23). The parameter combination used to obtain the optimal surface roughness (Sa 2.54 μm) was as follows: open voltage (80 V), electrical resistance (1.7 Ω), pulse-on time (30 μs), and electrode thickness (15 mm). In multiple objective optimization, the preferred parameter combination (open voltage = 80 V, resistance = 1.4 Ω, pulse-on time = 60 μs, and assisting electrode thickness = 25 mm) achieved the following appreciable results: surface modification of 3.26 ± 0.61 wt %, material removal rate of 7.08 ± 2.2 mg/min, and surface roughness of Sa = 4.3 ± 1.67 μm.
Robust Estimation and Tests for Parameters of Some Nonlinear Regression Models
Authors: Liu Pengfei , Zhang Mengchen , Zhang Ru , Zhou Qin
Published: March 2021

This paper uses the median-of-means (MOM) method to estimate the parameters of the nonlinear regression models and proves the consistency and asymptotic normality of the MOM estimator. Especially when there are outliers, the MOM estimator is more robust than nonlinear least squares (NLS) estimator and empirical likelihood (EL) estimator. On this basis, we propose hypothesis testing Statistics for the parameters of the nonlinear regression models using empirical likelihood method, and the simulation performance shows the superiority of MOM estimator. We apply the MOM method to analyze the top 50 data of GDP of China in 2019. The result shows that MOM method is more feasible than NLS estimator and EL estimator.
A Microfluidic Device for Automated High Throughput Detection of Ice Nucleation of Snomax®
Authors: Roy Priyatanu , House Margaret , Dutcher Cari
Published: March 2021

Measurement of ice nucleation (IN) temperature of liquid solutions at sub-ambient temperatures has applications in atmospheric, water quality, food storage, protein crystallography and pharmaceutical sciences. Here we present details on the construction of a temperature-controlled microfluidic platform with multiple individually addressable temperature zones and on-chip temperature sensors for high-throughput IN studies in droplets. We developed, for the first time, automated droplet freezing detection methods in a microfluidic device, using a deep neural network (DNN) and a polarized optical method based on intensity thresholding to classify droplets without manual counting. This platform has potential applications in continuous monitoring of liquid samples consisting of aerosols to quantify their IN behavior, or in checking for contaminants in pure water. A case study of the two detection methods was performed using Snomax® (Snomax International, Englewood, CO, USA), an ideal ice nucleating particle (INP). Effects of aging and heat treatment of Snomax® were studied with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and a microfluidic platform to correlate secondary structure change of the IN protein in Snomax® to IN temperature. It was found that aging at room temperature had a mild impact on the ice nucleation ability but heat treatment at 95 °C had a more pronounced effect by reducing the ice nucleation onset temperature by more than 7 °C and flattening the overall frozen fraction curve. Results also demonstrated that our setup can generate droplets at a rate of about 1500/min and requires minimal human intervention for DNN classification.
LncRNAs in Cardiomyocyte Maturation: New Window for Cardiac Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Kay Maryam , Soltani Bahram M.
Published: March 2021

Cardiomyocyte (CM) maturation, which is characterized by structural, functional, and metabolic specializations, is the last phase of CM development that prepares the cells for efficient and forceful contraction throughout life. Over the past decades, CM maturation has gained increased attention due to the fact that pluripotent stem cell-derived CMs are structurally, transcriptionally, and functionally immature and embryonic-like, which causes a defect in cell replacement therapy. The current challenge is to discover and understand the molecular mechanisms, which control the CM maturation process. Currently, emerging shreds of evidence emphasize the role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in regulating different aspects of CM maturation, including myofibril maturation, electrophysiology, and Ca2+ handling maturation, metabolic maturation and proliferation to hypertrophy transition. Here, we describe the structural and functional characteristics of mature CMs. Furthermore, this review highlights the lncRNAs as crucial regulators of different aspects in CM maturation, which have the potential to be used for mature CM production. With the current advances in oligonucleotide delivery; lncRNAs may serve as putative therapeutic targets to produce highly mature CMs for research and regenerative medicine.
Relation between Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Macronutrient Intakes in Normal and Excessive Body Weight Adolescent Girls with Clinical Features of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Mizgier Małgorzata , Jarząbek-Bielecka Grażyna , Wendland Natalia , Jodłowska-Siewert Elżbieta , Nowicki Marcin , Brożek Alicja , Kędzia Witold , Formanowicz Dorota , Opydo-Szymaczek Justyna
Published: March 2021

The impact of diet on inflammation and oxidative stress (OS) in girls with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is unknown. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate, in PCOS girls, whether certain macronutrient intakes can be associated with these disturbances. For this purpose, 59 PCOS participants (aged 14–18 years) were recruited to this study and divided into two subgroups: overweight/obese—Ov/Ob group (n = 22) and normal weight—N group (n = 37). Nutrition was assessed using a 3-day food record. The studied markers were total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and interleukins 1 and 6 (IL-1 and IL-6). We found plant protein intake inversely correlated with IL-6 (p = 0.007; r = −0.557), TNF-α (p = 0.006; r = −0.564), MDA (p = 0.01; r = −0.539) in the Ov/Ob group and with TAC (p = 0.021; r = −0.38) in the N group. Inverse correlations in the Ov/Ob group were observed between protein intake and IL-6 (p = 0.031; r = −0.461), TNF- α (p = 0.043; r = −0.435); carbohydrates and IL-6 (p = 0.037; r = −0.448), MDA (p = 0.045; r = −0.431); fiber and IL-6 (p = 0.025; r = −0.475). A positive relationship between cholesterol intake and CRP concentration (p = 0.038; r = 0.342) was also found in the N group. These findings revealed that inflammation and OS are increased in Ov/Ob girls with decreased plant protein intake and low carbohydrates in the diet. Moreover, inflammation may be increased by cholesterol intake in slim PCOS girls. On the other hand, decreased intake of fiber and total protein intake increased inflammation. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04738409.
Urinary Titin N-Fragment Evaluation in a Randomized Controlled Trial of Beta-Hydroxy-Beta-Methylbutyrate for Acute Mild Trauma in Older Adults
Authors: Nakano Hidehiko , Hashimoto Hideki , Mochizuki Masaki , Naraba Hiromu , Takahashi Yuji , Sonoo Tomohiro , Matsuishi Yujiro , Ogawa Yasuhiro , Shimojo Nobutake , Inoue Yoshiaki , Nakamura Kensuke
Published: March 2021

The effects of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) complex administration and the significance of titin, a biomarker of muscle injury, in elderly minor trauma patients in acute phase has not been established. In this single-center, randomized controlled study, trauma patients aged ≥ 70 years with an injury severity score < 16 were included. Titin values on days 1 and 3 were measured and the intervention group received HMB complex (2.4 g of HMB + 14 g of glutamine + 14 g of arginine) and the control group received glutamine complex (7.2 g of protein including 6 g of glutamine). The cross-sectional area of the rectus femoris (RFCSA) on ultrasound, grip strength, and the Barthel Index were assessed on the first day of rehabilitation and after 2 weeks. We analyzed 24 HMB and 25 control participants. Titin values on day 3 correlated with grip strength (r = −0.34, p = 0.03) and the Barthel Index (r = −0.39, p = 0.01) at follow-up. HMB complex supplementation had no effect on the RFCSA (2.41 vs. 2.45 cm2, p = 0.887), grip strength (13.3 vs. 13.1 kg, p = 0.946), or the Barthel Index (20.0 vs. 50.0, p = 0.404) at follow-up. Titin values might associate with subsequent physical function. Short-term HMB complex supplementation from acute phase did not ameliorate muscle injury.
Hunger for Home Delivery: Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Nutritional Quality of Complete Menus on an Online Food Delivery Platform in Australia
Authors: Wang Celina , Korai Andriana , Jia Si Si , Allman-Farinelli Margaret , Chan Virginia , Roy Rajshri , Raeside Rebecca , Phongsavan Philayrath , Redfern Julie , Gibson Alice A. , Partridge Stephanie R.
Published: March 2021

Online food delivery (OFD) platforms have changed how consumers purchase food prepared outside of home by capitalising on convenience and smartphone technology. Independent food outlets encompass a substantial proportion of partnering outlets, but their offerings’ nutritional quality is understudied. Little is also known as to how OFD platforms influence consumer choice. This study evaluated the nutritional quality and marketing attributes of offerings from independent takeaway outlets available on Sydney’s market-leading OFD platform (UberEats®). Complete menus and marketing attributes from 202 popular outlets were collected using web scraping. All 13841 menu items were classified into 38 food and beverage categories based on the Australian Dietary Guidelines. Of complete menus, 80.5% (11,139/13,841) were discretionary and 42.3% (5849/13,841) were discretionary cereal-based mixed meals, the largest of the 38 categories. Discretionary menu items were more likely to be categorised as most popular (OR: 2.5, 95% CI 1.9–3.2), accompanied by an image (OR: 1.3, 95% CI 1.2–1.5) and offered as a value bundle (OR: 6.5, 95% CI 4.8–8.9). Two of the three discretionary food categories were more expensive than their healthier Five Food Group counterparts (p < 0.02). The ubiquity of discretionary choices offered by independent takeaways and the marketing attributes employed by OFD platforms has implications for public health policy. Further research on the contribution of discretionary choices and marketing attributes to nutritional intakes is warranted.
Assessment of Finite and Infinite Dose In Vitro Experiments in Transdermal Drug Delivery
Authors: Coderch Luisa , Collini Ilaria , Carrer Victor , Barba Clara , Alonso Cristina
Published: March 2021

Penetration, usually with finite dosing, provides data about the total active amount in the skin and permeation, being the most used methodology, usually with infinite dosing, leads to data about pharmacokinetic parameters. The main objective of this work is to assess if results from permeation, most of them at finite dose, may be equivalent to those from penetration usually at infinite dose. The transdermal behavior of four drugs with different physicochemical properties (diclofenac sodium, ibuprofen, lidocaine, and caffeine) was studied using penetration/finite and kinetic permeation/infinite dose systems using vertical Franz diffusion cells to determine the relationships between permeation and penetration profiles. Good correlation of these two in vitro assays is difficult to find; the influence of their dosage and the proportion of different ionized/unionized compounds due to the pH of the skin layers was demonstrated. Finite and infinite dose regimens have different applications in transdermal delivery. Each approach presents its own advantages and challenges. Pharmaceutical industries are not always clear about the method and the dose to use to determine transdermal drug delivery. Being aware that this study presents results for four actives with different physicochemical properties, it can be concluded that the permeation/infinite results could not be always extrapolated to those of penetration/finite. Differences in hydrophilicity and ionization of drugs can significantly influence the lack of equivalence between the two methodologies. Further investigations in this field are still needed to study the correlation of the two methodologies and the main properties of the drugs that should be taken into account.
Highly Flexible and Photo-Activating Acryl-Polyurethane for 3D Steric Architectures
Authors: Bae Ji-Hong , Won Jong Chan , Lim Won Bin , Lee Ju Hong , Min Jin Gyu , Kim Si Woo , Kim Ji-Hyo , Huh PilHo
Published: March 2021

An acryl-functionalized polyurethane (PU) series was successfully synthesized using poly(tetramethylene ether) glycol-methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (PTMG-MDI) oligomer based on urethane methacrylates to control the flexibility of photo-cured 3D printing architectures. The mass ratio of acryl-urethane prepolymer: 1,4-butanediol (BD) chain-extender: diphenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl) phosphine oxide (TPO) photoinitiator was 10:0.25:1. To produce suitably hard and precisely curved 3D architectures, the optimal UV absorbance and exposure energy of the acryl-PTMG-MDI resin were controlled precisely. Owing to the optimized viscosity of the acryl-PTMG-MDI resins, they could be printed readily by digital light processing (DLP) to form precisely curved 3D architectures after mixing with 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate (HDDA). The acryl-PTMG-MDI formulations showed much better flexural resolution than the neat resins. The printed 3D structure exhibited high surface hardness, good mechanical strength, and high elasticity for flexible applications in consumer/industrial and biomedical fields.
Fouling and Chemical Cleaning of Microfiltration Membranes: A Mini-Review
Authors: Gul Aysegul , Hruza Jakub , Yalcinkaya Fatma
Published: March 2021

Membrane fouling is one of the main drawbacks encountered during the practical application of membrane separation processes. Cleaning of a membrane is important to reduce fouling and improve membrane performance. Accordingly, an effective cleaning method is currently of crucial importance for membrane separation processes in water treatment. To clean the fouling and improve the overall efficiency of membranes, deep research on the cleaning procedures is needed. So far, physical, chemical, or combination techniques have been used for membrane cleaning. In the current work, we critically reviewed the fouling mechanisms affecting factors of fouling such as the size of particle or solute; membrane microstructure; the interactions between membrane, solute, and solvent; and porosity of the membrane and also examined cleaning methods of microfiltration (MF) membranes such as physical cleaning and chemical cleaning. Herein, we mainly focused on the chemical cleaning process. Factors affecting the chemical cleaning performance, including cleaning time, the concentration of chemical cleaning, and temperature of the cleaning process, were discussed in detail. This review is carried out to enable a better understanding of the membrane cleaning process for an effective membrane separation process.
Effects of Molecular Weight of Functionalized Liquid Butadiene Rubber as a Processing Aid on the Properties of SSBR/Silica Compounds
Authors: Kim Donghyuk , Ahn Byungkyu , Kim Kihyun , Lee JongYeop , Kim Il Jin , Kim Wonho
Published: March 2021

Liquid butadiene rubber (LqBR) which used as a processing aid play a vital role in the manufacturing of high-performance tire tread compounds. However, the studies on the effect of molecular weight, microstructure, and functionalization of LqBR on the properties of compounds are still insufficient. In this study, non-functionalized and center-functionalized liquid butadiene rubbers (N-LqBR and C-LqBR modified with ethoxysilyl group, respectively) were synthesized with low vinyl content and different molecular weights using anionic polymerization. In addition, LqBR was added to the silica-filled SSBR compounds as an alternative to treated distillate aromatic extract (TDAE) oil, and the effect of molecular weight and functionalization on the properties of the silica-filled SSBR compound was examined. C-LqBR showed a low Payne effect and Mooney viscosity because of improved silica dispersion due to the ethoxysilyl functional group. Furthermore, C-LqBR showed an increased crosslink density, improved mechanical properties, and reduced organic matter extraction compared to the N-LqBR compound. LqBR reduced the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the compound significantly, thereby improving snow traction and abrasion resistance compared to TDAE oil. Furthermore, the energy loss characteristics revealed that the hysteresis loss attributable to the free chain ends of LqBR was dominant.
Dual-Functional Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Coated with Polyvinyl Alcohol/5-Fluorouracil/Zinc-Aluminium-Layered Double Hydroxide for a Simultaneous Drug and Target Delivery System
Authors: Ebadi Mona , Bullo Saifullah , Buskaran Kalaivani , Hussein Mohd Zobir , Fakurazi Sharida , Pastorin Giorgia
Published: March 2021

Iron oxide nanoparticles are suitable for biomedical applications owing to their ability to anchor to various active agents and drugs, unique magnetic properties, nontoxicity, and biocompatibility. In this work, the physico-chemical and magnetic properties, as well as the cytotoxicity, of Fe3O4 nanoparticles coated with a polymeric carrier and loaded with a 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) anti-cancer drug are discussed. The synthesized Fe3O4 nanoparticles were coated with polyvinyl alcohol and Zn/Al-layered double hydroxide as the drug host. The XRD, DTA/TG, and FTIR analyzes confirmed the presence of the coating layer on the surface of nanoparticles. The results showed a decrease in saturation magnetization of bare Fe3O4 nanoparticles after coating with the PVA/5FU/Zn/Al-LDH layer. In addition, the presence of the coating prevented the agglomeration of nanoparticles. Furthermore, the pseudo-second-order equation governed the kinetics of drug release. Finally, the coated nanoparticles showed stronger activity against liver cancer cells (HepG2) compared to that of the naked 5-FU drug, and displayed no cytotoxicity towards 3T3 fibroblast cell lines. The results of the present study demonstrate the potential of a nano delivery system for cancer treatment.
Multifunctional Hydrogel Nanocomposites for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Barrett-Catton Emma , Ross Murial L. , Asuri Prashanth
Published: March 2021

Hydrogels are used for various biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility, capacity to mimic the extracellular matrix, and ability to encapsulate and deliver cells and therapeutics. However, traditional hydrogels have a few shortcomings, especially regarding their physical properties, thereby limiting their broad applicability. Recently, researchers have investigated the incorporation of nanoparticles (NPs) into hydrogels to improve and add to the physical and biochemical properties of hydrogels. This brief review focuses on papers that describe the use of nanoparticles to improve more than one property of hydrogels. Such multifunctional hydrogel nanocomposites have enhanced potential for various applications including tissue engineering, drug delivery, wound healing, bioprinting, and biowearable devices.
Nanosized Particles Assembled by a Recombinant Virus Protein Are Able to Encapsulate Negatively Charged Molecules and Structured RNA
Authors: Mani Hemalatha , Chen Yi-Cheng , Chen Yen-Kai , Liu Wei-Lin , Lo Shih-Yen , Lin Shu-Hsuan , Liou Je-Wen
Published: March 2021

RNA-based molecules have recently become hot candidates to be developed into therapeutic agents. However, successful applications of RNA-based therapeutics might require suitable carriers to protect the RNA from enzymatic degradation by ubiquitous RNases in vivo. Because of their better biocompatibility and biodegradability, protein-based nanoparticles are considered to be alternatives to their synthetic polymer-based counterparts for drug delivery. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein has been suggested to be able to self-assemble into nucleocapsid-like particles in vitro. In this study, the genomic RNA-binding domain of HCV core protein consisting of 116 amino acids (p116) was overexpressed with E. coli for investigation. The recombinant p116 was able to assemble into particles with an average diameter of approximately 27 nm, as visualized by electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Measurements with fluorescence spectroscopy, flow cytometry, and fluorescence quenching indicated that the p116-assembled nanoparticles were able to encapsulate small anionic molecules and structured RNA. This study demonstrates methods that exploit the self-assembly nature of a virus-derived protein for nanoparticle production. This study also suggests that the virus-derived protein-assembled particles could possibly be developed into potential carriers for anionic molecular drugs and structured RNA-based therapeutics.
Spatially Controlled Highly Branched Vinylsilicones
Authors: Liao Mengchen , Chen Yang , Brook Michael A.
Published: March 2021

Branched silicones possess interesting properties as oils, including their viscoelastic behavior, or as precursors to controlled networks. However, highly branched silicone polymers are difficult to form reliably using a “grafting to” strategy because functional groups may be bunched together preventing complete conversion for steric reasons. We report the synthesis of vinyl-functional highly branched silicone polymers based, at their core, on the ability to spatially locate functional vinyl groups along a silicone backbone at the desired frequency. Macromonomers were created and then polymerized using the Piers–Rubinsztajn reaction with dialkoxyvinylsilanes and telechelic HSi-silicones; molecular weights of the polymerized macromonomers were controlled by the ratio of the two reagents. The vinyl groups were subjected to iterative (two steps, one pot) hydrosilylation with alkoxysilane and Piers–Rubinsztajn reactions, leading to high molecular weight, highly branched silicones after one or two iterations. The vinyl-functional products can optionally be converted to phenyl/methyl-modified branched oils or elastomers.
Sacred Trees, Mystic Caves, Holy Wells: Devotional Titles in Spanish Rural Sanctuaries
Authors: Tatay Jaime
Published: March 2021

This paper explores how local, lived religion has creatively linked spiritual insights and popular devotions in ecologically valuable settings helping generate and preserve the rich Spanish biocultural heritage. Focusing on a selection of Sacred Natural Sites (SNS), mostly Marian sanctuaries, it shows that local “geopiety” and religious creativity have generated “devotional titles” related to vegetation types, geomorphological features, water, and celestial bodies. It also argues that, despite mass migration to urban centers, the questioning of “popular religion” after the Second Vatican Council, and the rapid secularization of Spanish society over the past fifty years, a set of distinctive rituals and public expressions of faith—some of them dating back to the Middle Ages—have remained alive or even thrived in certain rural sanctuaries. These vernacular devotions, however, do not necessarily announce the advent of the postsecular. Finally, it suggests that Protected Area (PA) managers, regional governments, custodians, anthropologists, tourism scholars, and theologians should work together in order to analyze, interpret, and help solve the management challenges highly popular SNS face.
Irreligious Educators? An Empirical Study of the Academic Qualifications, (A)theistic Positionality, and Religious Belief of Religious Education Teachers in England and Scotland
Authors: Nixon Graeme , Smith David , Fraser-Pearce Jo
Published: March 2021

This paper, based on 355 survey responses from secondary Religious Education (RE) teachers in England (n = 238) and Scotland (n = 117), explores the background of these educators in terms of qualifications, personal (a)theistic belief, and religion. This research seeks to establish the degree backgrounds of RE teachers, what religion they belong to (if any), and the range of theistic, agnostic, and atheistic teachers currently within the RE profession. This paper, acknowledging the similar and contrasting natures of England and Scotland in terms of the history, status and purpose(s) of the subject, demonstrates that RE teachers in these countries come from diverse academic backgrounds, and that most RE teachers in England and Scotland do not believe in God(s). Nearly half of RE teachers in England and more than half in Scotland have no religion. The granulation to England and Scotland allows us to make tentative links with national census and social attitudes research, and with literature, which posits nuanced secularisation trajectories. Furthermore, the data allow us to cross-tabulate (for example, between degree background and religious beliefs), as well as with the data in extant research about the risks of sanitised and essentialised approaches to teaching religion in schools.
The Myth of King Kong and the Religious Background That Nests in the Human Soul
Authors: Roche Cárcel Juan Antonio
Published: March 2021

The four most important King Kong films (1933, 1976, 2005, and 2017) contain religious sentiments that are related to the numinous and mysterious fear of Nature and death that gives meaning to life, and to the institutionalization of society. In this way, as observed in the films, the Society originated by religion is a construction against Nature and Death. Based on these hypotheses, the objective of this work is to (a) show that the social structure of the tribal society that lives on Skull Island is reinforced by the religious feelings that they profess towards the Kong divinity, and (b) reveal the impact that the observation of the generalized alterity that characterizes the isolated tribal society of the island produces on Western visitors—and therefore, on film viewers. The article concludes that the return to New York, after the trip, brings an unexpected guest: the barbarism that is installed in the heart of civilization; that the existing order is reinforced and the society in crisis is renovated; and that the rationality subject to commercial purposes that characterizes modernity has not been able to escape from the religiosity that nests in the depths of the human soul.
Modeling Best Practice Life Expectancy Using Gumbel Autoregressive Models
Authors: Medford Anthony
Published: March 2021

Best practice life expectancy has recently been modeled using extreme value theory. In this paper we present the Gumbel autoregressive model of order one—Gumbel AR(1)—as an option for modeling best practice life expectancy. This class of model represents a neat and coherent framework for modeling time series extremes. The Gumbel distribution accounts for the extreme nature of best practice life expectancy, while the AR structure accounts for the temporal dependence in the time series. Model diagnostics and simulation results indicate that these models present a viable alternative to Gaussian AR(1) models when dealing with time series of extremes and merit further exploration.
Toward a Yearly Country-Scale CORINE Land-Cover Map without Using Images: A Map Translation Approach
Authors: Baudoux Luc , Inglada Jordi , Mallet Clément
Published: March 2021

CORINE Land-Cover (CLC) and its by-products are considered as a reference baseline for land-cover mapping over Europe and subsequent applications. CLC is currently tediously produced each six years from both the visual interpretation and the automatic analysis of a large amount of remote sensing images. Observing that various European countries regularly produce in parallel their own land-cover country-scaled maps with their own specifications, we propose to directly infer CORINE Land-Cover from an existing map, therefore steadily decreasing the updating time-frame. No additional remote sensing image is required. In this paper, we focus more specifically on translating a country-scale remote sensed map, OSO (France), into CORINE Land Cover, in a supervised way. OSO and CLC not only differ in nomenclature but also in spatial resolution. We jointly harmonize both dimensions using a contextual and asymmetrical Convolution Neural Network with positional encoding. We show for various use cases that our method achieves a superior performance than the traditional semantic-based translation approach, achieving an 81% accuracy over all of France, close to the targeted 85% accuracy of CLC.
Research of Target Detection and Classification Techniques Using Millimeter-Wave Radar and Vision Sensors
Authors: Wang Zhangjing , Miao Xianhan , Huang Zhen , Luo Haoran
Published: March 2021

The development of autonomous vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles has led to a current research focus on improving the environmental perception of automation equipment. The unmanned platform detects its surroundings and then makes a decision based on environmental information. The major challenge of environmental perception is to detect and classify objects precisely; thus, it is necessary to perform fusion of different heterogeneous data to achieve complementary advantages. In this paper, a robust object detection and classification algorithm based on millimeter-wave (MMW) radar and camera fusion is proposed. The corresponding regions of interest (ROIs) are accurately calculated from the approximate position of the target detected by radar and cameras. A joint classification network is used to extract micro-Doppler features from the time-frequency spectrum and texture features from images in the ROIs. A fusion dataset between radar and camera is established using a fusion data acquisition platform and includes intersections, highways, roads, and playgrounds in schools during the day and at night. The traditional radar signal algorithm, the Faster R-CNN model and our proposed fusion network model, called RCF-Faster R-CNN, are evaluated in this dataset. The experimental results indicate that the mAP(mean Average Precision) of our network is up to 89.42% more accurate than the traditional radar signal algorithm and up to 32.76% higher than Faster R-CNN, especially in the environment of low light and strong electromagnetic clutter.
Laboratory Investigation of Compaction Characteristics of Plant Recycled Hot-Mix Asphalt Mixture
Authors: Yang Jiangang , Sun Chen , Tao Wenjie , Gao Jie , Huang Bocheng , Zhang Jian
Published: March 2021

In this study, the compaction characteristics of recycled hot-mix asphalt (RHMA) were evaluated using the void content (VV), compaction energy index (CEI), slope of accumulated compaction energy (K), and lock point (LP). Then, the effects of the compaction parameters, including the gradation of the RHMA, reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) content, temperature of gyrations, and number of gyrations, on the compaction characteristics of RHMA were investigated. An orthogonal experiment was designed and the data collected were analyzed via range analysis; then, a regression model was generated relying on a quadratic polynomial. Furthermore, the regression model was used for the comparison and prediction of the mixture’s compactability during the material design. Finally, the compaction mechanism of RHMA was discussed from the perspective of the void content of RAP particles. The results showed that a finer aggregate gradation, a higher gyration temperature, a greater number of gyrations, and a higher RAP content were effective for increasing the compactability of RHMA. The range analysis results suggest that the gradation of RHMA has the greatest influence on compactability, followed by the RAP content. The RAP aggregate cannot diffuse to a new mixture completely, so the remained RAP particle reduces the void content of RHMA. Therefore, a higher RAP content up to 50% can help RHMA to achieve the designed void content with higher efficiency.