bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeting Glucose Metabolism of Cancer Cells with Dichloroacetate to Radiosensitize High-Grade Gliomas
Authors: Cook Kristina M. , Shen Han , McKelvey Kelly J. , Gee Harriet E. , Hau Eric
Published: July 2021

As the cornerstone of high-grade glioma (HGG) treatment, radiotherapy temporarily controls tumor cells via inducing oxidative stress and subsequent DNA breaks. However, almost all HGGs recur within months. Therefore, it is important to understand the underlying mechanisms of radioresistance, so that novel strategies can be developed to improve the effectiveness of radiotherapy. While currently poorly understood, radioresistance appears to be predominantly driven by altered metabolism and hypoxia. Glucose is a central macronutrient, and its metabolism is rewired in HGG cells, increasing glycolytic flux to produce energy and essential metabolic intermediates, known as the Warburg effect. This altered metabolism in HGG cells not only supports cell proliferation and invasiveness, but it also contributes significantly to radioresistance. Several metabolic drugs have been used as a novel approach to improve the radiosensitivity of HGGs, including dichloroacetate (DCA), a small molecule used to treat children with congenital mitochondrial disorders. DCA reverses the Warburg effect by inhibiting pyruvate dehydrogenase kinases, which subsequently activates mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation at the expense of glycolysis. This effect is thought to block the growth advantage of HGGs and improve the radiosensitivity of HGG cells. This review highlights the main features of altered glucose metabolism in HGG cells as a contributor to radioresistance and describes the mechanism of action of DCA. Furthermore, we will summarize recent advances in DCA’s pre-clinical and clinical studies as a radiosensitizer and address how these scientific findings can be translated into clinical practice to improve the management of HGG patients.
Assessing the Role of Lipids in the Molecular Mechanism of Membrane Proteins
Authors: Jodaitis Léni , van Oene Thomas , Martens Chloé
Published: July 2021

Membrane proteins have evolved to work optimally within the complex environment of the biological membrane. Consequently, interactions with surrounding lipids are part of their molecular mechanism. Yet, the identification of lipid–protein interactions and the assessment of their molecular role is an experimental challenge. Recently, biophysical approaches have emerged that are compatible with the study of membrane proteins in an environment closer to the biological membrane. These novel approaches revealed specific mechanisms of regulation of membrane protein function. Lipids have been shown to play a role in oligomerization, conformational transitions or allosteric coupling. In this review, we summarize the recent biophysical approaches, or combination thereof, that allow to decipher the role of lipid–protein interactions in the mechanism of membrane proteins.
Genome-Wide Identification, Structure Characterization, and Expression Pattern Profiling of the Aquaporin Gene Family in Betula pendula
Authors: Venisse Jean-Stéphane , Õunapuu-Pikas Eele , Dupont Maxime , Gousset-Dupont Aurélie , Saadaoui Mouadh , Faize Mohamed , Chen Song , Chen Su , Petel Gilles , Fumanal Boris , Roeckel-Drevet Patricia , Sellin Arne , Label Philippe
Published: July 2021

Aquaporin water channels (AQPs) constitute a large family of transmembrane proteins present throughout all kingdoms of life. They play key roles in the flux of water and many solutes across the membranes. The AQP diversity, protein features, and biological functions of silver birch are still unknown. A genome analysis of Betula pendula identified 33 putative genes encoding full-length AQP sequences (BpeAQPs). They are grouped into five subfamilies, representing ten plasma membrane intrinsic proteins (PIPs), eight tonoplast intrinsic proteins (TIPs), eight NOD26-like intrinsic proteins (NIPs), four X intrinsic proteins (XIPs), and three small basic intrinsic proteins (SIPs). The BpeAQP gene structure is conserved within each subfamily, with exon numbers ranging from one to five. The predictions of the aromatic/arginine selectivity filter (ar/R), Froger’s positions, specificity-determining positions, and 2D and 3D biochemical properties indicate noticeable transport specificities to various non-aqueous substrates between members and/or subfamilies. Nevertheless, overall, the BpePIPs display mostly hydrophilic ar/R selective filter and lining-pore residues, whereas the BpeTIP, BpeNIP, BpeSIP, and BpeXIP subfamilies mostly contain hydrophobic permeation signatures. Transcriptional expression analyses indicate that 23 BpeAQP genes are transcribed, including five organ-related expressions. Surprisingly, no significant transcriptional expression is monitored in leaves in response to cold stress (6 °C), although interesting trends can be distinguished and will be discussed, notably in relation to the plasticity of this pioneer species, B. pendula. The current study presents the first detailed genome-wide analysis of the AQP gene family in a Betulaceae species, and our results lay a foundation for a better understanding of the specific functions of the BpeAQP genes in the responses of the silver birch trees to cold stress.
Knock-Out of ACBD3 Leads to Dispersed Golgi Structure, but Unaffected Mitochondrial Functions in HEK293 and HeLa Cells
Authors: Daňhelovská Tereza , Zdražilová Lucie , Štufková Hana , Vanišová Marie , Volfová Nikol , Křížová Jana , Kuda Ondřej , Sládková Jana , Tesařová Markéta
Published: July 2021

The Acyl-CoA-binding domain-containing protein (ACBD3) plays multiple roles across the cell. Although generally associated with the Golgi apparatus, it operates also in mitochondria. In steroidogenic cells, ACBD3 is an important part of a multiprotein complex transporting cholesterol into mitochondria. Balance in mitochondrial cholesterol is essential for proper mitochondrial protein biosynthesis, among others. We generated ACBD3 knock-out (ACBD3-KO) HEK293 and HeLa cells and characterized the impact of protein absence on mitochondria, Golgi, and lipid profile. In ACBD3-KO cells, cholesterol level and mitochondrial structure and functions are not altered, demonstrating that an alternative pathway of cholesterol transport into mitochondria exists. However, ACBD3-KO cells exhibit enlarged Golgi area with absence of stacks and ribbon-like formation, confirming the importance of ACBD3 in Golgi stacking. The glycosylation of the LAMP2 glycoprotein was not affected by the altered Golgi structure. Moreover, decreased sphingomyelins together with normal ceramides and sphingomyelin synthase activity reveal the importance of ACBD3 in ceramide transport from ER to Golgi.
DMA Study of the Molecular Structure of Porcine Fat in-Water Emulsions Stabilised by Potato Starch
Authors: Rezler Ryszard
Published: July 2021

The aim of the study was to determine how the molecular structure of porcine fat-in-water type emulsions stabilised with potato starch affected their rheomechanical properties. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and instrumental analysis of the texture were the method used in experiments. Starch gels with concentrations corresponding to the water starch concentration of the examined emulsions were used as control systems. The analysis of the starch and starch–fat systems showed that the values characterising their rheomechanical and textural properties reflected the spatial reaction of the amylose matrix to dynamic mechanical interactions. Changes in their values resulted from conformational changes in the structure of segments and nodes of the lattice, conditioned by the concentration of starch and the presence of fat. As a result of these changes, starch–fat emulsions are distinguished by greater densities of network segments and nearly two times greater functionalities of nodes than starch gels. The instrumental analysis of the texture showed that the values of the texture parameters in the starch gels were greater than in the starch–fat emulsions. The high values of the correlation coefficients (R~0.9) between the texture determinants and the rheological parameters proved that there was a strong correlation between the textural properties of the tested systems and their rheomechanical properties.
Ion Channels as New Attractive Targets to Improve Re-Myelination Processes in the Brain
Authors: Cherchi Federica , Bulli Irene , Venturini Martina , Pugliese Anna Maria , Coppi Elisabetta
Published: July 2021

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by neuroinflammation. Oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) are cycling cells in the developing and adult CNS that, under demyelinating conditions, migrate to the site of lesions and differentiate into mature oligodendrocytes to remyelinate damaged axons. However, this process fails during disease chronicization due to impaired OPC differentiation. Moreover, OPCs are crucial players in neuro-glial communication as they receive synaptic inputs from neurons and express ion channels and neurotransmitter/neuromodulator receptors that control their maturation. Ion channels are recognized as attractive therapeutic targets, and indeed ligand-gated and voltage-gated channels can both be found among the top five pharmaceutical target groups of FDA-approved agents. Their modulation ameliorates some of the symptoms of MS and improves the outcome of related animal models. However, the exact mechanism of action of ion-channel targeting compounds is often still unclear due to the wide expression of these channels on neurons, glia, and infiltrating immune cells. The present review summarizes recent findings in the field to get further insights into physio-pathophysiological processes and possible therapeutic mechanisms of drug actions.
Echocardiographic Assessment of Right Ventricular–Arterial Coupling in Predicting Prognosis of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Patients
Authors: Kazimierczyk Remigiusz , Kazimierczyk Ewelina , Knapp Malgorzata , Sobkowicz Bozena , Malek Lukasz A. , Blaszczak Piotr , Ptaszynska-Kopczynska Katarzyna , Grzywna Ryszard , Kaminski Karol A.
Published: July 2021

In response to an increased afterload in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), the right ventricle (RV) adapts by remodeling and increasing contractility. The idea of coupling refers to maintaining a relatively constant relationship between ventricular contractility and afterload. Twenty-eight stable PAH patients (mean age 49.5 ± 15.5 years) were enrolled into the study. The follow-up time of this study was 58 months, and the combined endpoint (CEP) was defined as death or clinical deterioration. We used echo TAPSE as a surrogate of RV contractility and estimated systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) reflecting RV afterload. Ventricular–arterial coupling was evaluated by the ratio between these two parameters (TAPSE/sPAP). In the PAH group, the mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) was 47.29 ± 15.3 mmHg. The mean echo-estimated TAPSE/sPAP was 0.34 ± 0.19 mm/mmHg and was comparable in value and prognostic usefulness to the parameter derived from magnetic resonance and catheterization (ROC analysis). Patients who had CEP (n = 21) had a significantly higher mPAP (53.11 ± 17.11 mmHg vs. 34.86 ± 8.49 mmHg, p = 0.03) and lower TAPSE/sPAP (0.30 ± 0.21 vs. 0.43 ± 0.23, p = 0.04). Patients with a TAPSE/sPAP lower than 0.25 mm/mmHg had worse prognosis, with log-rank test p = 0.001. the echocardiographic estimation of TAPSE/sPAP offers an easy, reliable, non-invasive prognostic parameter for the comprehensive assessment of hemodynamic adaptation in PAH patients.
Diagnostic Value of the PeptestTM in Detecting Laryngopharyngeal Reflux
Authors: Zeleník Karol , Hránková Viktória , Vrtková Adéla , Staníková Lucia , Komínek Pavel , Formánek Martin
Published: July 2021

Background: The PeptestTM is a non-invasive diagnostic test for measuring the pepsin concentration in saliva, which is thought to correlate with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic value of the Peptest in detecting LPR based on 24-h multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH (MII-pH) monitoring using several hypopharyngeal reflux episodes as criterion for LPR. Methods: Patients with suspected LPR were examined with the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI), Reflux Finding Score (RFS), fasting Peptest, and MII-pH monitoring. We calculated the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of the Peptest, RSI, and RFS based on the threshold of one and six hypopharyngeal reflux episodes. Results: Altogether, the data from 46 patients were analyzed. When one hypopharyngeal reflux episode was used as a diagnostic threshold for LPR, the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were, respectively, as follows: 35%, 33%, 100%, 100%, and 3%, for the Peptest; 39%, 40%, 0%, 95%, and 0%, for the RSI; and 57%, 58%, 0%, 96%, and 0%, for the RFS. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of the Peptest for diagnosing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were 46%, 27%, 63%, 40.0%, and 48%, respectively. Conclusions: A positive Peptest is highly supportive of a pathological LPR diagnosis. However, a negative test could not exclude LPR.
Fibrin Clot Properties in Atherosclerotic Vascular Disease: From Pathophysiology to Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Ząbczyk Michał , Natorska Joanna , Undas Anetta
Published: July 2021

Fibrin is a major component of thrombi formed on the surface of atherosclerotic plaques. Fibrin accumulation as a consequence of local blood coagulation activation takes place inside atherosclerotic lesions and contributes to their growth. The imbalance between thrombin-mediated fibrin formation and fibrin degradation might enhance atherosclerosis in relation to inflammatory states reflected by increased fibrinogen concentrations, the key determinant of fibrin characteristics. There are large interindividual differences in fibrin clot structure and function measured in plasma-based assays and in purified fibrinogen-based systems. Several observational studies have demonstrated that subjects who tend to generate denser fibrin networks displaying impaired clot lysis are at an increased risk of developing advanced atherosclerosis and arterial thromboembolic events. Moreover, the majority of cardiovascular risk factors are also associated with unfavorably altered fibrin clot properties, with their improvement following effective therapy, in particular with aspirin, statins, and anticoagulant agents. The prothrombotic fibrin clot phenotype has been reported to have a predictive value in terms of myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and acute limb ischemia. This review article summarizes available data on the association of fibrin clot characteristics with atherosclerotic vascular disease and its potential practical implications.
HLA Allele Prevalence in Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs-Responsive Enthesitis and/or Arthritis Not Fulfilling ASAS Criteria: Comparison with Psoriatic and Undifferentiated Spondyloarthritis
Authors: Favoino Elvira , Urso Livio , Serafino Alessandra , Misceo Francesca , Catacchio Giacomo , Prete Marcella , Perosa Federico
Published: July 2021

Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a group of inflammatory rheumatic diseases characterized by common clinical features, such as inflammatory enthesitis, arthritis and/or back pain. SpA is strongly associated with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I allotype B27. Ankylosing spondylitis has historically been the SpA subgroup with one of the strongest, best-proven associations with HLA-B27. The remaining SpA subgroups, namely psoriatic arthritis (PsA), inflammatory bowel diseases-associated arthritis/spondylitis, reactive arthritis, and undifferentiated SpA (uSpA), have also been associated with HLA allotypes other than HLA-B27. In this retrospective study, we analyzed the association between the HLA class I and II haplotypes and the susceptibility to enthesitis and/or arthritis (E/A). Special attention was paid to E/A responding to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) not fulfilling ASAS classification criteria (ASAS−), as compared to ASAS+ forms including PsA and uSpA. The whole E/A group showed significant independent associations with HLA-A28(68), B27, Cw3, Cw12, and DQ1; taken singly, PsA was associated with HLA-B27 and DQ1, uSpA with HLA-B16(38,39) and B27, and E/A ASAS− with HLA-A28(68), Cw8, and Cw12. This study identified novel risk HLA allotypes for different SpA subgroups in an Italian population. HLA typing could aid the diagnosis and treatment of E/A subgroups, including DMARDS-responsive forms not fulfilling ASAS classification criteria.
Oxidative Stress—A Key Player in the Course of Alcohol-Related Liver Disease
Authors: Michalak Agata , Lach Tomasz , Cichoż-Lach Halina
Published: July 2021

Oxidative stress is known to be an inseparable factor involved in the presentation of liver disorders. Free radicals interfere with DNA, proteins, and lipids, which are crucial in liver metabolism, changing their expression and biological functions. Additionally, oxidative stress modifies the function of micro-RNAs, impairing the metabolism of hepatocytes. Free radicals have also been proven to influence the function of certain transcriptional factors and to alter the cell cycle. The pathological appearance of alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) constitutes an ideal example of harmful effects due to the redox state. Finally, ethanol-induced toxicity and overproduction of free radicals provoke irreversible changes within liver parenchyma. Understanding the underlying mechanisms associated with the redox state in the course of ALD creates new possibilities of treatment for patients. The future of hepatology may become directly dependent on the effective action against reactive oxygen species. This review summarizes current data on the redox state in the natural history of ALD, highlighting the newest reports on this topic.
Forward Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction as a Predictor of Postoperative Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Patients with Degenerative Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: Kim Juyoun , Nam Jae-Sik , Kim Youngdo , Chin Ji-Hyun , Choi In-Cheol
Published: July 2021

Background: Left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) can occur immediately after mitral valve repair (MVr) for degenerative mitral regurgitation (DMR) in some patients with normal preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). This study investigated whether forward LVEF, calculated as left ventricular outflow tract stroke volume divided by left ventricular end-diastolic volume, could predict LVD immediately after MVr in patients with DMR and normal LVEF. Methods: Echocardiographic and clinical data were retrospectively evaluated in 234 patients with DMR ≥ moderate and preoperative LVEF ≥ 60%. LVD and non-LVD were defined as LVEF < 50% and ≥50%, respectively, as measured by echocardiography after MVr and before discharge. Results: Of the 234 patients, 52 (22.2%) developed LVD at median three days (interquartile range: 3–4 days). Preoperative forward LVEF in the LVD and non-LVD groups were 24.0% (18.9–29.5%) and 33.2% (26.4–39.4%), respectively (p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses showed that forward LVEF was predictive of LVD, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.79 (95% confidence interval: 0.73–0.86), and an optimal cut-off was 31.8% (sensitivity: 88.5%, specificity: 58.2%, positive predictive value: 37.7%, and negative predictive value: 94.6%). Preoperative forward LVEF significantly correlated with preoperative mitral regurgitant volume (correlation coefficient [CC] = −0.86, p < 0.001) and regurgitant fraction (CC = −0.98, p < 0.001), but not with preoperative LVEF (CC = 0.112, p = 0.088). Conclusion: Preoperative forward LVEF could be useful in predicting postoperative LVD immediately after MVr in patients with DMR and normal LVEF, with an optimal cut-off of 31.8%.
Energy-Efficient Non-Von Neumann Computing Architecture Supporting Multiple Computing Paradigms for Logic and Binarized Neural Networks
Authors: Zanotti Tommaso , Puglisi Francesco Maria , Pavan Paolo
Published: July 2021

Different in-memory computing paradigms enabled by emerging non-volatile memory technologies are promising solutions for the development of ultra-low-power hardware for edge computing. Among these, SIMPLY, a smart logic-in-memory architecture, provides high reconfigurability and enables the in-memory computation of both logic operations and binarized neural networks (BNNs) inference. However, operation-specific hardware accelerators can result in better performance for a particular task, such as the analog computation of the multiply and accumulate operation for BNN inference, but lack reconfigurability. Nonetheless, a solution providing the flexibility of SIMPLY while also achieving the high performance of BNN-specific analog hardware accelerators is missing. In this work, we propose a novel in-memory architecture based on 1T1R crossbar arrays, which enables the coexistence on the same crossbar array of both SIMPLY computing paradigm and the analog acceleration of the multiply and accumulate operation for BNN inference. We also highlight the main design tradeoffs and opportunities enabled by different emerging non-volatile memory technologies. Finally, by using a physics-based Resistive Random Access Memory (RRAM) compact model calibrated on data from the literature, we show that the proposed architecture improves the energy delay product by >103 times when performing a BNN inference task with respect to a SIMPLY implementation.
Improving Significant Wave Height Forecasts Using a Joint Empirical Mode Decomposition–Long Short-Term Memory Network
Authors: Zhou Shuyi , Bethel Brandon J. , Sun Wenjin , Zhao Yang , Xie Wenhong , Dong Changming
Published: July 2021

Wave forecasts, though integral to ocean engineering activities, are often conducted using computationally expensive and time-consuming numerical models with accuracies that are blunted by numerical-model-inherent limitations. Additionally, artificial neural networks, though significantly computationally cheaper, faster, and effective, also experience difficulties with nonlinearities in the wave generation and evolution processes. To solve both problems, this study employs and couples empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and a long short-term memory (LSTM) network in a joint model for significant wave height forecasting, a method widely used in wind speed forecasting, but not yet for wave heights. Following a comparative analysis, the results demonstrate that EMD-LSTM significantly outperforms LSTM at every forecast horizon (3, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h), considerably improving forecasting accuracy, especially for forecasts exceeding 24 h. Additionally, EMD-LSTM responds faster than LSTM to large waves. An error analysis comparing LSTM and EMD-LSTM demonstrates that LSTM errors are more systematic. This study also identifies that LSTM is not able to adequately predict high-frequency significant wave height intrinsic mode functions, which leaves room for further improvements.
The Effects on Water Particle Velocity of Wave Peaks Induced by Nonlinearity under Different Time Scales
Authors: Tao Aifeng , Xie Shuya , Wu Di , Fan Jun , Yang Yini
Published: July 2021

The water particle velocity of the wave peaks is closely related to the wave load borne by offshore structures. It is of great value for marine disaster prevention to study the water particle velocity of nonlinear extreme waves represented by Freak waves. This study applies the High-order Spectral Method (HOS) numerical model to analyze the characteristics and influencing factors of the water particle velocity of Freak wave peak with two different generation mechanisms under the initial condition of a weakly modulated Stokes wave train. Our results show that the water particle velocity of the wave peak increases linearly with wave height and initial wave steepness in the evolution stage of modulation instability. While in the later stage, the relationship becomes exponential. Under the condition of similar wave heights, the deformation degrees of Freak waves with different generation mechanisms are distinct, the deformation degree of modulation instability stage is smaller than that of the later stage. The water particle velocity of the wave peaks increases with the deformation degrees. Furthermore, the correlation between wave peak height and water particle velocity is a quadratic function. This provides a theoretical basis for further understanding of nonlinear waves and the prediction of marine disasters.
Variation in Micro-Pores during Dynamic Consolidation and Compression of Soft Marine Soil
Authors: Dai Chen-Xiang , Zhang Qiong-Fang , He Shao-Heng , Zhang An , Shan Hua-Feng , Xia Tang-Dai
Published: July 2021

In this study, to explore the microstructure deformation mechanism of marine soft marine soil under cyclic loading, we analyzed the dynamic properties of soft marine soil under cyclic loading via dynamic consolidation compression testing. Then, using Image-Pro Plus (IPP) 6.0 image analysis software, and according to the dynamic consolidation compression test results and the images from a scanning electron microscope (SEM), we determined the weakening effect of soft soils under different consolidation confining pressures, different cyclic stress ratios, and different over-consolidation ratios. After dynamic consolidation and compression, the pore structure of undisturbed soft marine soil tends to compact, the degree of soil particle fragmentation intensifies, small pores increase, large pores decrease, the pores become more regular, and the distribution of pores is directional. Subsequently, for undisturbed soft marine soil, the higher the consolidated confining pressure, cyclic dynamic stress ratio, and over-consolidation ratio, the greater the damage to the pore structure, and the more obvious the structural weakening effect exhibited under cyclic loading.
Contributions of Organic and Mineral Matter to Vertical Accretion in Tidal Wetlands across a Chesapeake Bay Subestuary
Authors: Allen Jenny R. , Cornwell Jeffrey C. , Baldwin Andrew H.
Published: July 2021

Persistence of tidal wetlands under conditions of sea level rise depends on vertical accretion of organic and inorganic matter, which vary in their relative abundance across estuarine gradients. We examined the relative contribution of organic and inorganic matter to vertical soil accretion using lead-210 (210Pb) dating of soil cores collected in tidal wetlands spanning a tidal freshwater to brackish gradient across a Chesapeake Bay subestuary. Only 8 out of the 15 subsites had accretion rates higher than relative sea level rise for the area, with the lowest rates of accretion found in oligohaline marshes in the middle of the subestuary. The mass accumulation of organic and inorganic matter was similar and related (R2 = 0.37). However, owing to its lower density, organic matter contributed 1.5–3 times more toward vertical accretion than inorganic matter. Furthermore, water/porespace associated with organic matter accounted for 82%–94% of the total vertical accretion. These findings demonstrate the key role of organic matter in the persistence of coastal wetlands with low mineral sediment supply, particularly mid-estuary oligohaline marshes.
Common Bottlenose Dolphin, Tursiops truncatus, Behavioral Response to a Record-Breaking Flood Event in Pensacola Bay, Florida
Authors: McBride-Kebert Shauna , Toms Christina N.
Published: July 2021

Common bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, can suffer health complications from prolonged freshwater exposure; however, little is known about how dolphins behaviorally respond to flood events. We investigated whether dolphins mitigated their freshwater exposure by moving south towards the estuary mouth and/or towards deeper areas with higher salinities in response to a record-breaking flood in Pensacola Bay, Florida. In total, 144 dolphin groups observed during 45 population dynamic surveys were analyzed across two flood-impacted sampling sessions and their respective seasonal control sessions. Kernel density estimates demonstrated southern movement towards the estuary mouth during flood-impacted sessions, but this distribution change was limited. Species distribution models showed that dolphins did not move to deeper areas after the flood and dolphin distribution was not substantially altered by flood-induced salinity changes. The estuary system exhibits strongly stratified waters with broad salinity ranges even during the flood. Dolphins may have mitigated the severity of freshwater exposure by capitalizing on these stratified areas as they continued to use habitat affected by the flood. A lack of avoidance of low salinity could result in this dolphin population being at greater risk for health problems, which should be considered in future population management and conservation.
Spatial Expansion of Human Settlement during the Longshan Period (~4.5–~3.9 ka BP) and Its Hydroclimatic Contexts in the Lower Yellow River Floodplain, Eastern China
Authors: Li Kaifeng , Gao Wenhua , Wu Li , Hu Hainan , Gong Panpan , Li Suyuan , Jin Rui , Si Yi
Published: July 2021

Obvious spatial expansion of human settlement occurred in the lower Yellow River floodplain during the Longshan period, but the external factors driving this expansion remain unclear. In this study, we first delineated the hydroclimatic changes at both regional and local scales within and around the lower Yellow River floodplain and then examined the relationships of human settlements with hydroclimatic settings between the pre-Longshan and Longshan periods. The results indicate that the site distribution, site density and hydroclimatic conditions exhibited significant shifts during the pre-Longshan and Longshan periods. In the pre-Longshan period, the intense East Asian summer monsoon and abundant monsoon-related precipitation caused widespread development of lakes and marshes in the lower Yellow River floodplain. As a result, the circumjacent highlands of the lower Yellow River floodplain contained concentrated human settlements. However, the persistent weakening of the East Asian summer monsoon and consequent precipitation decline, in conjunction with accelerated soil erosion due to decreasing forest vegetation and strengthening of human activities on the upstream Loess Plateau in the Longshan period, are likely to have jointly caused both shrinking and faster filling of preexisting lakes and marshes. Subsequently, a large area of arable land had been created in the lower Yellow River floodplain and thus was occupied by locally rapid increasing population, resulting in the notable spatial expansion of human settlements during the Longshan period.
Net Carbon Sequestration Performance of Cropland Use in China’s Principal Grain-Producing Area: An Evaluation and Spatiotemporal Divergence
Authors: Wu Haoyue , Tang Jin , Huang Hanjiao , Chen Wenkuan , Meng Yue
Published: July 2021

As cropland possess dual carbon effects of emitting and sequestering, giving full attention to its net carbon sequestration is an effective option for mitigating global warming. By analyzing the carbon cycle of a cropland use system, we develop an inventory for measuring the net carbon sequestration, covering four carbon sources, i.e., agricultural materials, rice fields, soils, straw burning, with the crop carbon sequestration considered. Different from conventional studies that have focused on quantity, in this study, we define net carbon sequestration performance of cropland use (NCSPC) as the ratio of actual net carbon sequestration to an optimal value per unit of cropland. We estimate the net carbon sequestration of cropland use, from 2000 to 2019, for the study area consisting of the 13 principal grain-producing provinces in China. Then, global-SBM is applied to measure the provincial NCSPC; furthermore, the Theil index and convergence test are employed to portray the spatiotemporal characteristics and regional divergence. The results show the following: (1) The net carbon sequestration was 3.837 t per hectare of cropland in the principal grain-producing area, of which the sequestration and the emission were 6.343 t and 2.506 t, respectively. The share of emissions, from largest to smallest, was methane from rice paddies, agricultural materials, straw burning, and soil nitrous oxide. Specifically, cropland use in Henan exhibited the strongest net carbon sequestration, whereas in Hunan it was the lowest. (2) The average NCSPC was 0.774 in the principal grain-producing area, indicating that 22.6% of the net carbon sequestration per unit of cropland remained to be explored under the corresponding production technology and input combinations. Temporally, the NCSPC had an annual change rate of −0.30%, displaying a slowly declining trend. Spatially, the NCSPC evolved from a scattered distribution to blocky agglomeration, eventually presenting a decreasing pattern from north to south. (3) First, the total Theil index increased, and then decreased, indicating that the regional disparity of the NCSPC expanded early but shrank later. From 2011 to 2019, inter-regional disparity took up more in the total. Over time, both the whole region and the subregions obeyed the σ convergence. Unlike the benign trends observed in Zones I and II, the NCSPC values of Zone III converged to a low level. This study aims to provide a theoretical base for emission mitigation and sequestration promotion for cropland use.
tert-Butyl Bis(4′-(Hexyloxy)-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl)carbamate
Authors: Chmovzh Timofey N. , Rakitin Oleg A.
Published: July 2021

New donor building blocks, i.e., triarylamino derivatives, are of great interest for the production of organic photovoltaic materials. In this communication, bis(4′-(hexyloxy)-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl)amine was synthesized in a two-step process via hydrolysis of its tert-butyl carbamate derivative. tert-Butyl bis(4′-(hexyloxy)-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl)carbamate was obtained by Suzuki cross-coupling reaction of tert-butyl bis(4-bromophenyl)carbamate and (4-(hexyloxy)phenyl)boronic acid in the presence of tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0). The structure of newly synthesized compounds was established by means of elemental analysis, high resolution mass-spectrometry, 1H, 13C-NMR, IR and UV spectroscopy and mass-spectrometry.
A Modified Recursive Regularization Factor Calculation for Sparse RLS Algorithm with l1-Norm
Authors: Lim Junseok , Lee Keunhwa , Lee Seokjin
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we propose a new calculation method for the regularization factor in sparse recursive least squares (SRLS) with l1-norm penalty. The proposed regularization factor requires no prior knowledge of the actual system impulse response, and it also reduces computational complexity by about half. In the simulation, we use Mean Square Deviation (MSD) to evaluate the performance of SRLS, using the proposed regularization factor. The simulation results demonstrate that SRLS using the proposed regularization factor calculation shows a difference of less than 2 dB in MSD from SRLS, using the conventional regularization factor with a true system impulse response. Therefore, it is confirmed that the performance of the proposed method is very similar to that of the existing method, even with half the computational complexity.
Numerical Modeling of Face Shield Protection against a Sneeze
Authors: Ugarte-Anero Ainara , Fernandez-Gamiz Unai , Aramendia Iñigo , Zulueta Ekaitz , Lopez-Guede Jose Manuel
Published: July 2021

The protection provided by wearing masks has been a guideline worldwide to prevent the risk of COVID-19 infection. The current work presents an investigation that analyzes the effectiveness of face shields as personal protective equipment. To that end, a multiphase computational fluid dynamic study based on Eulerian–Lagrangian techniques was defined to simulate the spread of the droplets produced by a sneeze. Different scenarios were evaluated where the relative humidity, ambient temperature, evaporation, mass transfer, break up, and turbulent dispersion were taken into account. The saliva that the human body generates was modeled as a saline solution of 8.8 g per 100 mL. In addition, the influence of the wind speed was studied with a soft breeze of 7 km/h and a moderate wind of 14 km/h. The results indicate that the face shield does not provide accurate protection, because only the person who is sneezed on is protected. Moreover, with a wind of 14 km/h, none of the droplets exhaled into the environment hit the face shield, instead, they were deposited onto the neck and face of the wearer. In the presence of an airflow, the droplets exhaled into the environment exceeded the safe distance marked by the WHO. Relative humidity and ambient temperature play an important role in the lifetime of the droplets.
Solving a System of Nonlinear Integral Equations via Common Fixed Point Theorems on Bicomplex Partial Metric Space
Authors: Gu Zhaohui , Mani Gunaseelan , Gnanaprakasam Arul Joseph , Li Yongjin
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we introduce the notion of bicomplex partial metric space and prove some common fixed point theorems. The presented results generalize and expand some of the literature’s well-known results. An example and application on bicomplex partial metric space is given.
BW-MaxEnt: A Novel MCDM Method for Limited Knowledge
Authors: Wang Xiao-Kang , Hou Wen-Hui , Song Chao , Deng Min-Hui , Li Yong-Yi , Wang Jian-Qiang
Published: July 2021

With the development of the social economy and an enlarged volume of information, the application of multiple-criteria decision making (MCDM) has become increasingly wide and deep. As a brilliant MCDM technique, the best–worst method (BWM) has attracted many scholars’ attention because it can determine the weights of criteria with less comparison time and higher consistency between judgments than analytic hierarchy process. However, the effectiveness of the BWM is based on complete comparison information among criteria. Considering the fact that the decision makers may have limited time and energy to study all criteria, they cannot construct a complete comparison system. In this paper, we propose a novel MCDM method named BW-MaxEnt that combines BWM and the maximum entropy method (MaxEnt) to identify the weights of unfamiliar criteria with incomplete decision information. The model can be translated into a convex optimization problem that can be solved effectively and has an overall optimal solution. Finally, a practical application concerning the procurement of GPU workstations illustrates the feasibility of the proposed BW-MaxEnt method.
On the Approximation by Balázs–Szabados Operators
Authors: Holhoş Adrian
Published: July 2021

We present three new approximation properties of the Balázs–Szabados operators. Firstly, we prove that, in certain cases, these operators approximate some super-exponential functions on compact intervals. Next, we provide a new estimate of the error of approximation using a suitable modulus of continuity. Finally, we characterize the functions which can be uniformly approximated in the weighted norm of polynomial weight spaces.
Evaluation of Mortality and Morbidity According to Initial Symptoms in COVID-19 Patients Using Clinical Epidemiologic Data from the Korea Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
Authors: Kim So Young , Yoo Dae Myoung , Min Chanyang , Kim Joo-Hee , Choi Hyo Geun
Published: July 2021

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to investigate whether initial symptoms of COVID-19 are associated with mortality and morbidity. Materials and Methods: The data of 5628 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients were collected by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The maximum level of morbidity during hospital admission was classified as mild or severe, and patient mortality was recorded. Clinical symptoms were categorized as respiratory, gastrointestinal, general, and neurologic symptoms. The hazard ratios (HRs) for clinical symptoms associated with mortality were analyzed using the Cox proportional hazards model. The odds ratios (ORs) for clinical symptoms associated with morbidity were analyzed using the logistic regression model. Results: Of the included COVID-19 patients, 15.4% (808/5253) were classified as having severe morbidity. Morbidity was related to the clinical symptoms of cough, sputum, shortness of breath, vomiting/nausea, diarrhea, fever, and altered mental status or confusion. According to the symptom categories, respiratory and general symptoms were related to high morbidity (OR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.30–1.53, p < 0.001 for respiratory symptom and OR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.18–1.59, p < 0.001 for general symptom). Mortality was associated with the clinical symptoms of shortness of breath, fever, and altered mental status or confusion. Among the symptom categories, respiratory symptoms were associated with a 1.17-fold increased HR for mortality (95% CI = 1.04–1.32, p = 0.008). Conclusions: Initial respiratory symptoms were related to high morbidity and mortality in COVID-19 patients.
Glutathione Reductase Is Associated with the Clinical Outcome of Septic Shock in the Patients Treated Using Continuous Veno-Venous Haemofiltration
Authors: Moisejevs Georgijs , Bormane Eva , Trumpika Dace , Baufale Regina , Busmane Inara , Voicehovska Julija , Grigane Anda , Suba Olegs , Silova Alise , Skesters Andrejs , Lejnieks Aivars , Gailite Linda , Brigis Girts
Published: July 2021

Background and objectives: At present, there is insufficient evidence to support the use of continuous veno-venous haemofiltration (CVVH) in the early treatment of septic shock. This study focuses on the association between survival and different parameters of oxidative stress (RedOx). Thereby, we evaluated whether RedOx markers are associated with the outcome of septic shock in patients under early-initiated CVVH treatment. Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study of 65 patients with septic shock who started CVVH within 12 h after hospital admission. Blood samples were taken from each patient prior to the start of CVVH. The following RedOx markers were measured: glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase (GR), total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, nitric oxide, malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxynonenal. The odds ratio (OR) was calculated using binary logistic regression and stepwise multivariable regression. Results: The 65 patients had a median age of 66 years and 39 were male. Based on the outcome, the patients were divided into two groups—non-survivors (n = 29) and survivors (n = 36)—and the levels of RedOx markers were compared between them. Of all the markers, only higher GR activity was found to be significantly associated with the fatal outcome; 100.3 U/L versus 60.5 U/L, OR = 1.027 (95% CI, 1.010–1.044). Following adjustment for the sequential organ failure assessment score and other parameters, GR activity still presented a significant association with the fatal outcome, OR = 1.020 (95% CI, 1.002–1.038). Conclusions: GR activity is associated with in-hospital fatal outcomes among septic shock patients under early-initiated CVVH treatment. Septic shock patients who have a lower GR activity at hospital admission may have a favourable outcome of the early initiation of CVVH.
OSA Upper Airways Surgery: A Targeted Approach
Authors: De Vito Andrea , Woodson B. Tucker , Koka Venkata , Cammaroto Giovanni , Iannella Giannicola , Bosi Marcello , Pelucchi Stefano , Filograna-Pignatelli Giulio Romano , El Chater Pierre , Vicini Claudio
Published: July 2021

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) is a multi-factorial disorder, with quite complex endotypes, consisting of anatomical and non-anatomical pathophysiological factors. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is recognized as the first-line standard treatment for OSA, whereas upper airway (UA) surgery is often recommended for treating OSA patients who have refused or cannot tolerate CPAP. The main results achievable by the surgery are UA expansion, and/or stabilization, and/or removal of the obstructive tissue to different UA levels. The site and pattern of UA collapse identification is of upmost importance in selecting the customized surgical procedure to perform, as well as the identification of the relation between anatomical and non-anatomical factors in each patient. Medical history, sleep studies, clinical examination, UA endoscopy in awake and drug-induced sedation, and imaging help the otorhinolaryngologist in selecting the surgical candidate, identifying OSA patients with mild UA collapsibility or tissue UA obstruction, which allow achievement of the best surgical outcomes. Literature data reported that the latest palatal surgical procedures, such as expansion sphincter palatoplasty or barbed reposition palatoplasty, which achieve soft palatal and lateral pharyngeal wall remodeling and stiffening, improved the Apnea Hypopnea Index, but the outcome analyses are still limited by methodological bias and the limited number of patients’ in each study. Otherwise, the latest literature data have also demonstrated the role of UA surgery in the improvement of non-anatomical factors, confirming that a multidisciplinary and multimodality diagnostic and therapeutical approach to OSA patients could allow the best selection of customized treatment options and outcomes.
High-Resolution CT Findings of Myositis-Related Interstitial Lung Disease
Authors: Egashira Ryoko
Published: July 2021

Myositis-related interstitial lung disease presents with a wide variety of lesions, ranging from chronic to acute. It can be divided into two main forms by the types of onsets, namely, chronic to subacute type showing nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) or NSIP with an organizing pneumonia (OP)/fibrosing OP (FOP) pattern and acute type showing acute lung injury (ALI) to diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) pattern. Anti-aminoacyl tRNA Synthetase antibody-positive cases mainly show an NSIP or FOP pattern, whereas anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 antibody-positive cases show ALI to DAD pattern. Bilateral consolidation with or without ground-glass opacification with lower lobe predominance is common as a major pattern in all types, but the distribution or extent is sometimes different. The early detection of findings that indicate a rapid progressive course is vital. Diffuse cranio-caudal distribution and multiple ground-glass opacifications with random distribution might indicate a poorer prognosis.
HrpL Regulon of Bacterial Pathogen of Woody Host Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. savastanoi NCPPB 3335
Authors: Moreno-Pérez Alba , Ramos Cayo , Rodríguez-Moreno Luis
Published: July 2021

The Pseudomonas savastanoi species comprises a group of phytopathogenic bacteria that cause symptoms of disease in woody hosts. This is mediated by the rapid activation of a pool of virulence factors that suppress host defences and hijack the host’s metabolism to the pathogen’s benefit. The hrpL gene encodes an essential transcriptional regulator of virulence functions, including the type III secretion system (T3SS), in pathogenic bacteria. Here, we analyzed the contribution of HrpL to the virulence of four pathovars (pv.) of P. savastanoi isolated from different woody hosts (oleander, ash, broom, and dipladenia) and characterized the HrpL regulon of P. savastanoi pv. savastanoi NCPPB 3335 using two approaches: whole transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) and the bioinformatic prediction of candidate genes containing an hrp-box. Pathogenicity tests carried out for the P. savastanoi pvs. showed that HrpL was essential for symptom development in both non-host and host plants. The RNA-seq analysis of the HrpL regulon in P. savastanoi revealed a total of 53 deregulated genes, 49 of which were downregulated in the ΔhrpL mutant. Bioinformatic prediction resulted in the identification of 50 putative genes containing an hrp-box, 16 of which were shared with genes previously identified by RNA-seq. Although most of the genes regulated by HrpL belonged to the T3SS, we also identified some genes regulated by HrpL that could encode potential virulence factors in P. savastanoi.