bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Matter of Non-Avian Reptile Sentience, and Why It “Matters” to Them: A Conceptual, Ethical and Scientific Review
Authors: Learmonth Mark James
Published: May 2020

The concept of sentience, how it is characterised and which non-human animals possess it have long been of contention in academic and intellectual debates. Many have argued that there is no way to empirically know that animals have conscious experiences. Yet others argue that consciousness, awareness and sentience in non-human animals can be quite obvious, and can indeed be measured empirically. Most modern declarations of animal sentience from official organisations and governments now include all vertebrate animals as sentient beings, including reptiles and fish. Some declarations also include some invertebrate species. This conceptual, ethical and scientific review first focuses on conceptual components and definitions of consciousness, awareness and sentience. It then specifically discusses how cognitive, neurobiological, ethological and comparative psychological research in non-avian reptiles over the last century has evidenced many capacities that historically were denied to this class of animals. Non-avian reptiles do indeed possess all of the necessary capacities to be declared as sentient beings, at least in the small proportion of reptile species that have actually been empirically investigated so far. It is suggested that much innovative future research will continue to uncover evidence of capabilities linked to sentience within a wide range of species, including non-avian reptiles, fish and invertebrates.
Two Optimization Algorithms for Name-Resolution Server Placement in Information-Centric Networking
Authors: Li Jiaqi , Sheng Yiqiang , Deng Haojiang
Published: May 2020

Information-centric networking (ICN) is an emerging network architecture that has the potential to address demands related to transmission latency and reliability in fifth-generation (5G) communication technology and the Internet of Things (IoT). As an essential component of ICN, name resolution provides the capability to translate identifiers into locators. Applications have different demands on name-resolution latency. To meet the demands, deploying name-resolution servers at the edge of the network by dividing it into multilayer overlay networks is effective. Moreover, optimization of the deployment of distributed name-resolution servers in such networks to minimize deployment costs is significant. In this paper, we first study the placement problem of the name-resolution server in ICN. Then, two algorithms called IIT-DOWN and IIT-UP are developed based on the heuristic ideas of inter-layer information transfer (IIT) and server reuse. They transfer server placement information and latency information between adjacent layers from different directions. Finally, experiments are conducted on both simulation networks and a real-world dataset. The experimental results reveal that the proposed algorithms outperform state-of-the-art algorithms such as the latency-aware hierarchical elastic area partitioning (LHP) algorithm in finding more cost-efficient solutions with a shorter execution time.
A New Flow Entry Replacement Scheme Considering Traffic Characteristics in Software-Defined Networks
Authors: Kim Namgi , Kim Dongyeol , Jang Yehoon , Lee Chansu , Lee Byoung-Dai
Published: May 2020

The Software Defined Network (SDN) decouples control and data planes of the existing network architecture and a controller carries out centralized management and control of the network. This provides flexibility for the networks and enables efficient operation, depending on their condition. However, when the performance of switches comprising the SDN varies, any switches with low performance can cause flow table overflow and subsequent bottleneck with overhead concentrating in the controller. Besides, packet processing can be delayed, declining user QoS. The paper proposes a flow entry replacement scheme that takes into account the flow features to address the issue. The proposed Short Flow First (SFF) scheme discriminates the flow features based on the matching period of flow entry and determines a subject of the flow entry replacement with the features. For evaluation, the paper built the SDN environment using the Mininet emulator and compared the performance of the proposed SFF scheme with the representative flow entry replacement schemes. According to the results, the proposed scheme showed a good performance in the flow entry miss rate and packet delay due to failure of matching the flow entry.
Exploiting Localized Surface Plasmon Resonances in Subwavelength Spiral Disks for THz Thin Film Sensing
Authors: Gerasimov Vasily V. , Hafizov Ruslan R. , Kuznetsov Sergei A. , Lazorskiy Pavel A.
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we studied the sensing performance of metasurfaces comprised by spiral-disk-shaped metallic elements patterned on polypropylene substrates, which exhibited localized surface plasmon resonances in the low-frequency region of the terahertz (THz) spectrum (0.2–0.5 THz). Optimal designs of spiral disks with C-shaped resonators placed near the disks were determined and fabricated. The experimentally measured transmittance spectra of the samples coated with very thin photoresistive layers (d ~ 10−4–10−3 λ) showed good agreement with the simulations. The resonance frequency shift Δf increases with increasing d, while saturating near d = 50 µm. The narrow-band magnetic dark modes excited on symmetrical spiral disks with a 90° C-resonator demonstrated very high figure of merit (FOM) values reaching 1670 (RIU·mm)−1 at 0.3 μm thick analyte. The hybrid high order resonances excited on asymmetrical densely packed spiral disks showed about two times larger FOM values (up to 2950 (RIU·mm)−1) compared to symmetrical distantly spaced spirals that resembled the best FOM results found in the literature for metasurfaces fabricated with a similar technique. The demonstrated high sensing performance of spiral disks is evaluated to be promising for bio-sensing applications in the THz range.
Amaryllidaceae Alkaloids of Belladine-Type from Narcissus pseudonarcissus cv. Carlton as New Selective Inhibitors of Butyrylcholinesterase
Authors: Al Mamun Abdullah , Maříková Jana , Hulcová Daniela , Janoušek Jiří , Šafratová Marcela , Nováková Lucie , Kučera Tomáš , Hrabinová Martina , Kuneš Jiří , Korábečný Jan , Cahlíková Lucie
Published: May 2020

Thirteen known (1–12 and 16) and three previously undescribed Amaryllidaceae alkaloids of belladine structural type, named carltonine A-C (13–15), were isolated from bulbs of Narcissus pseudonarcissus cv. Carlton (Amaryllidaceae) by standard chromatographic methods. Compounds isolated in sufficient amounts, and not tested previously, were evaluated for their in vitro acetylcholinesterase (AChE; E.C. 3.1.1.7), butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE; E.C. 3.1.1.8) and prolyl oligopeptidase (POP; E.C. 3.4.21.26) inhibition activities. Significant human BuChE (hBUChE) inhibitory activity was demonstrated by newly described alkaloids carltonine A (13) and carltonine B (14) with IC50 values of 913 ± 20 nM and 31 ± 1 nM, respectively. Both compounds displayed a selective inhibition pattern for hBuChE with an outstanding selectivity profile over AChE inhibition, higher than 100. The in vitro data were further supported by in silico studies of the active alkaloids 13 and 14 in the active site of hBuChE.
Hydrogenation and Hydrodeoxygenation of Oxygen-Substituted Aromatics over Rh/silica: Catechol, Resorcinol and Hydroquinone
Authors: Kirkwood Kathleen , Jackson S. David
Published: May 2020

The hydrogenation and hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of dihydroxybenzene isomers, catechol (1,2-dihydroxybenzene), resorcinol (1,3-dihydroxybenzene) and hydroquinone (1,4-dihydroxybenzene) was studied in the liquid phase over a Rh/silica catalyst at 303–343 K and 3 barg hydrogen pressure. The following order of reactivity, resorcinol > catechol > hydroquinone (meta > ortho > para) was obtained. Kinetic analysis revealed that catechol had a negative order of reaction whereas both hydroquinone and resorcinol gave positive half-order suggesting that catechol is more strongly adsorbed. Activation energies of ~30 kJ·mol−1 were determined for catechol and hydroquinone, while resorcinol gave a value of 41 kJ·mol−1. Resorcinol, and similarly hydroquinone, gave higher yields of the hydrogenolysis products (cyclohexanol, cyclohexanone and cyclohexane) with a cumulative yield of ~40%. In contrast catechol favoured hydrogenation, specifically to cis-1,2-dihydroxycyclohexane. It is proposed that cis-isomers are formed from hydrogenation of dihydroxycyclohexenes and high selectivity to cis-1,2-dihydroxycyclohexane can be explained by the enhanced stability of 1,2-dihydroxycyclohex-1-ene relative to other cyclohexene intermediates of catechol, resorcinol or hydroquinone. Trans-isomers are not formed by isomerisation of the equivalent cis-dihydroxycyclohexane but by direct hydrogenation of 2/3/4-hydroxycyclohexanone. The higher selectivity to HDO for resorcinol and hydroquinone may relate to the reactive surface cyclohexenes that have a C=C double bond β-γ to a hydroxyl group aiding hydrogenolysis. Using deuterium instead of hydrogen revealed that each isomer had a unique kinetic isotope effect and that HDO to cyclohexane was dramatically affected. The delay in the production of cyclohexane suggest that deuterium acted as an inhibitor and may have blocked the specific HDO site that results in cyclohexane formation. Carbon deposition was detected by temperature programmed oxidation (TPO) and revealed three surface species.
Application of Oxidative Stress to a Tissue-Engineered Vascular Aging Model Induces Endothelial Cell Senescence and Activation
Authors: Salmon Ellen E. , Breithaupt Jason J. , Truskey George A.
Published: May 2020

Clinical studies have established a connection between oxidative stress, aging, and atherogenesis. These factors contribute to senescence and inflammation in the endothelium and significant reductions in endothelium-dependent vasoreactivity in aged patients. Tissue-engineered blood vessels (TEBVs) recapitulate the structure and function of arteries and arterioles in vitro. We developed a TEBV model for vascular senescence and examined the relative influence of endothelial cell and smooth muscle cell senescence on vasoreactivity. Senescence was induced in 2D endothelial cell cultures and TEBVs by exposure to 100 µM H2O2 for one week to model chronic oxidative stress. H2O2 treatment significantly increased senescence in endothelial cells and mural cells, human neonatal dermal fibroblasts (hNDFs), as measured by increased p21 levels and reduced NOS3 expression. Although H2O2 treatment induced senescence in both the endothelial cells (ECs) and hNDFs, the functional effects on the vasculature were endothelium specific. Expression of the leukocyte adhesion molecule vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) was increased in the ECs, and endothelium-dependent vasodilation decreased. Vasoconstriction and endothelium-independent vasodilation were preserved despite mural cell senescence. The results suggest that the functional effects of vascular cell senescence are dominated by the endothelium.
Dual Independent Roles of the p24 Complex in Selectivity of Secretory Cargo Export from the Endoplasmic Reticulum
Authors: Lopez Sergio , Perez-Linero Ana Maria , Manzano-Lopez Javier , Sabido-Bozo Susana , Cortes-Gomez Alejandro , Rodriguez-Gallardo Sofia , Aguilera-Romero Auxiliadora , Goder Veit , Muñiz Manuel
Published: May 2020

The cellular mechanisms that ensure the selectivity and fidelity of secretory cargo protein transport from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the Golgi are still not well understood. The p24 protein complex acts as a specific cargo receptor for GPI-anchored proteins by facilitating their ER exit through a specialized export pathway in yeast. In parallel, the p24 complex can also exit the ER using the general pathway that exports the rest of secretory proteins with their respective cargo receptors. Here, we show biochemically that the p24 complex associates at the ER with other cargo receptors in a COPII-dependent manner, forming high-molecular weight multireceptor complexes. Furthermore, live cell imaging analysis reveals that the p24 complex is required to retain in the ER secretory cargos when their specific receptors are absent. This requirement does not involve neither the unfolded protein response nor the retrograde transport from the Golgi. Our results suggest that, in addition to its role as a cargo receptor in the specialized GPI-anchored protein pathway, the p24 complex also plays an independent role in secretory cargo selectivity during its exit through the general ER export pathway, preventing the non-selective bulk flow of native secretory cargos. This mechanism would ensure receptor-regulated cargo transport, providing an additional layer of regulation of secretory cargo selectivity during ER export.
Deficiency of GABARAP but Not Its Paralogs Causes Enhanced EGF-Induced EGFR Degradation
Authors: Dobner Jochen , Simons Indra M. , Rufinatscha Kerstin , Hänsch Sebastian , Schwarten Melanie , Weiergräber Oliver H. , Abdollahzadeh Iman , Gensch Thomas , Bode Johannes G. , Hoffmann Silke , Willbold Dieter
Published: May 2020

The γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor-associated protein (GABARAP) and its close paralogs GABARAPL1 and GABARAPL2 constitute a subfamily of the autophagy-related 8 (Atg8) protein family. Being associated with a variety of dynamic membranous structures of autophagic and non-autophagic origin, Atg8 proteins functionalize membranes by either serving as docking sites for other proteins or by acting as membrane tethers or adhesion factors. In this study, we describe that deficiency for GABARAP alone, but not for its close paralogs, is sufficient for accelerated EGF receptor (EGFR) degradation in response to EGF, which is accompanied by the downregulation of EGFR-mediated MAPK signaling, altered target gene expression, EGF uptake, and EGF vesicle composition over time. We further show that GABARAP and EGFR converge in the same distinct compartments at endogenous GABARAP expression levels in response to EGF stimulation. Furthermore, GABARAP associates with EGFR in living cells and binds to synthetic peptides that are derived from the EGFR cytoplasmic tail in vitro. Thus, our data strongly indicate a unique and novel role for GABARAP during EGFR trafficking.
BACE and BMA Variable Selection and Forecasting for UK Money Demand and Inflation with Gretl
Authors: Błażejowski Marcin , Kwiatkowski Jacek , Kufel Paweł
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we apply Bayesian averaging of classical estimates (BACE) and Bayesian model averaging (BMA) as an automatic modeling procedures for two well-known macroeconometric models: UK demand for narrow money and long-term inflation. Empirical results verify the correctness of BACE and BMA selection and exhibit similar or better forecasting performance compared with a non-pooling approach. As a benchmark, we use Autometrics—an algorithm for automatic model selection. Our study is implemented in the easy-to-use gretl packages, which support parallel processing, automates numerical calculations, and allows for efficient computations.
Ghost Stories for Grown-Ups: Pictorial Matters in Times of War and Conflict
Authors: Aulich Jim , Ikoniadou Mary
Published: May 2020

This introduction takes as its central armature Karen Barad’s agential realism to provide a framework for understanding the essays brought together in this Special Issue under the rubric of pictures of conflict. The intention is to move the discussion with regard to picture making forward to more fully embrace the pictorial and the physical, the historical and institutional processes within apparatuses of picture-making. The attempt in ‘Ghost stories’ through the concept of a visual apparatus, is to shed new light and thinking on pictures as material objects; how they act and feed into our subjectivities, experiences and realities and to account for their currency, duration, affectivity and authority beyond transparent representation or symbolic meaning. In order to achieve this, Barad’s agential realism is inflected by insights from Malafouris’s (2013) material engagement theory; W.J.T. Mitchell’s (2005) image theory; Jens Eder and Charlotte Klonk’s (2017) image operations; Mondzian’s (2005) understanding of the economy of the image, as well as the ontological concerns of new German art history and image science exemplified in the work of Hans Belting (1996, 2011) and Horst Bredekamp (2017), for example. In this framework, the worlds pictures create, and the subjectivities they produce, are not understood to precede the phenomena they depict. The picture, as the outcome of the apparatus which produces it, makes an ‘observational cut’ that simultaneously excludes and includes certain elements from its frame. As such, it has to be comprehended as party to processes which are both ethical and political. A fact which is particularly important during times of conflict and war.
COVID-19 Disease in Children: What Dentists Should Know and Do to Prevent Viral Spread. The Italian Point of View
Authors: Ferrazzano Gianmaria F. , Ingenito Aniello , Cantile Tiziana
Published: May 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread rapidly across the globe, becoming a major public health challenge not for China only, but also for countries around the world. Despite worldwide efforts to contain viral spread, the outbreak has not been stopped yet. Among healthcare personnel, dentists seem to be at elevated risk of exposure to COVID-19. This risk is even more serious in pediatric dentistry, since affected children, frequently, present an asymptomatic, mild or moderate clinical viral infection and, therefore, they may play a major role in community-based COVID-19 transmission. To date, despite no universal guidelines are available for dental procedures in pediatric dentistry during COVID-19 outbreak, routine dental practice should be postponed and only severe dental emergencies must be treated. In the case of a dental emergency, involving a pediatric patient, dentists should be aware of which recommended management protocol can be adopted during the practice to protect patient health, to safeguard their-self and to prevent viral transmission. The aim of this paper is to provide clinical recommendations, presenting a needed tool for dentists to allow a valid and safe how-to-do protocol. Pediatric dentists should keep a high level of awareness to help patients, minimize risk and prevent viral spread.
Assessing the Mental Health of Brazilian Students Involved in Risky Behaviors
Authors: Escobar Daise Fernanda Santos Souza , Noll Priscilla Rayanne e Silva , Jesus Thaís Ferreira de , Noll Matias
Published: May 2020

Adolescence, which is the transition from childhood to adulthood, is marked by emotional sensitivity and inconsistency and may be affected by mental health problems. In order to fill the gap related to the risky behaviors in students in Brazil, our cross-sectional study aimed to analyze the relationship between risky behaviors and indicators of mental health of Brazilian students. We used the data from the National School Health Survey to analyze the relationship between risk behaviors and three symptoms of mental health issues: feeling of being alone, number of close friends, and trouble sleeping due to worries. The sample consisted of 102,072 students in Brazil (48.3% boys and 51.7% girls), aged between 11 to 19 years. The risk behaviors evaluated were substance use, sedentary lifestyle, sexual behavior, and suffering violence and bullying. We have performed a multivariate analysis based on the Poisson regression model, and the measure of effect used was the prevalence ratio (PR) with confidence intervals (CI) of 95%. Our results showed that students with symptoms of mental health issues were involved in risky behaviors, including drug use and unsafe sex. Thus, mental illness outcomes may be associated with risky behaviors, or mental health may be impaired by them. Given these findings, in-school programs focused on improving mental health outcomes should be developed.
3-Hydroxytyrosol Promotes Angiogenesis In Vitro by Stimulating Endothelial Cell Migration
Authors: Abate Mario , Pisanti Simona , Caputo Mariella , Citro Marianna , Vecchione Carmine , Martinelli Rosanna
Published: May 2020

Cardiovascular diseases, followed by strokes, represent the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Despite its success in preventing cardiovascular diseases, the therapeutic potential of 3-Hydroxytyrosol (HT) for treating ischemic diseases is yet to be investigated in detail, especially with regard to ischemic heart disease, which is a major challenge for humans. We assessed that low concentrations (1–5 µM) of HT, generally achieved after the ingestion of olive oil, stimulate endothelial cells migration and angiogenesis in an in vitro model. At early time points (1–6 h), HT induces the expression of different proteins such as proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase Src (Src), rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) protein influencing cell adhesion, cytoskeletal dynamics and cell migration. We observed that at the same time, HT induces prominent vascular formation in the tube formation assay, accompanied by an increase in the expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGF-R2) and PI3K-Akt-eNOS protein pathways, which are recognized for their central role in angiogenesis. Therefore, in addition to the proven capability of HT to regulate reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, through both direct scavenging properties and indirect antioxidant efficacy, our results revealed that HT promotes angiogenesis, arguing in favor of great pharma-nutritional potential in ischemic injuries.
Targeted Delivery of Iron Oxide Nanoparticle-Loaded Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Spherical Neural Masses for Treating Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Kang Min Kyoung , Kim Tae Jung , Kim Young-Ju , Kang Lamie , Kim Jonghoon , Lee Nohyun , Hyeon Taeghwan , Lim Mi-sun , Mo Hee Jung , Shin Jung Hwan , Ko Sang-Bae , Yoon Byung-Woo
Published: May 2020

This study evaluated the potential of iron oxide nanoparticle-loaded human embryonic stem cell (ESC)-derived spherical neural masses (SNMs) to improve the transportation of stem cells to the brain, ameliorate brain damage from intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and recover the functional status after ICH under an external magnetic field of a magnet attached to a helmet. At 24 h after induction of ICH, rats were randomly separated into three experimental groups: ICH with injection of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS group), ICH with intravenous injection of magnetosome-like ferrimagnetic iron oxide nanocubes (FION)-labeled SNMs (SNMs* group), and ICH with intravenous injection of FION-labeled SNMs followed by three days of external magnetic field exposure for targeted delivery by a magnet-embedded helmet (SNMs*+Helmet group). On day 3 after ICH induction, an increased Prussian blue-stained area and decreased swelling volume were observed in the SNMs*+Helmet group compared with that of the other groups. A significantly decreased recruitment of macrophages and neutrophils and a downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines followed by improved neurological function three days after ICH were observed in the SNMs*+Helmet group. Hemispheric atrophy at six weeks after ICH was significantly decreased in the SNMs*+Helmet group compared with that of the PBS group. In conclusion, we have developed a targeted delivery system using FION tagged to stem cells and a magnet-embedded helmet. The targeted delivery of SNMs might have the potential for developing novel therapeutic strategies for ICH.
Characteristics and Injury Patterns in Electric-Scooter Related Accidents—A Prospective Two-Center Report from Germany
Authors: Störmann Philipp , Klug Alexander , Nau Christoph , Verboket René D. , Leiblein Max , Müller Daniel , Schweigkofler Uwe , Hoffmann Reinhard , Marzi Ingo , Lustenberger Thomas
Published: May 2020

Since the introduction of rental E-scooters in Germany in mid-June 2019, the safety of this new means of transport has been the subject of extensive public debate. However, valid data on injuries and usage habits are not yet available. This retrospective two-center study included a total of 76 patients who presented to the emergency department following E-scooter-related accidents. The mean age was 34.3 ± 12.4 years and 69.7% of the patients were male. About half of the patients were admitted by ambulance (42.1%). Fractures were found in 48.6% of patients, and 27.6% required surgical treatment due to a fracture. The upper extremities were the most commonly affected body region, followed by injuries to the lower extremity and to the head and face. Only one patient had worn a helmet. In-hospital treatment was necessary for 26.3% of the cases. Patients presented to the emergency department mainly during the weekend and on-call times. This is the first report on E-scooter-related injuries in Germany. Accidents with E-scooters can cause serious injuries and, therefore, represent a further burden to emergency departments. The use of E-scooters appears to be mostly recreational, and the rate of use of protective gear is low.
Eye-Catching Microbes—Polyphasic Analysis of the Microbiota on Microscope Oculars Verifies Their Role as Fomites
Authors: Fritz Birgit , Schäfer Karin , März Melanie , Wahl Siegfried , Ziemssen Focke , Egert Markus
Published: May 2020

Microscopes are used in virtually every biological and medical laboratory. Previous cultivation-based studies have suggested that direct contact with microscope eyepieces increases the risk of eye infections. To obtain a deeper insight into the microbiota on oculars, we analysed 10 recently used university microscopes. Their left oculars were used for a cultivation-based approach, while the right oculars served for massive gene sequencing. After cleaning with isopropyl alcohol, the oculars were re-sampled and analysed again. All oculars were found to be contaminated with bacteria, with a maximum load of 1.7 × 103 CFU cm−2. MALDI Biotyping revealed mainly Cutibacterium (68%), Staphylococcus (14%) and Brevibacterium (10%), with the most abundant species being Cutibacterium acnes (13%) and Staphylococcus capitis (6%). Cleaning reduced the microbial load by up to 2 log scales. Within 10 uncleaned and 5 cleaned samples, 1480 ASVs were assigned to 10 phyla and 262 genera. The dominant genera before cleaning were Cutibacterium (78%), Paracoccus (13%), Pseudomonas (2%) and Acinetobacter (1%). The bacteriota composition on the cleaned oculars was similar; however, it probably largely represented dead bacteria. In summary, used oculars were significantly contaminated with skin and environmental bacteria, including potential pathogens. Regular cleaning is highly recommended to prevent eye and skin infections.
Novel Insights into the Role of UBE3A in Regulating Apoptosis and Proliferation
Authors: Simchi Lilach , Panov Julia , Morsy Olla , Feuermann Yonatan , Kaphzan Hanoch
Published: May 2020

The UBE3A gene codes for a protein with two known functions, a ubiquitin E3-ligase which catalyzes ubiquitin binding to substrate proteins and a steroid hormone receptor coactivator. UBE3A is most famous for its critical role in neuronal functioning. Lack of UBE3A protein expression leads to Angelman syndrome (AS), while its overexpression is associated with autism. In spite of extensive research, our understanding of UBE3A roles is still limited. We investigated the cellular and molecular effects of Ube3a deletion in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and Angelman syndrome (AS) mouse model hippocampi. Cell cultures of MEFs exhibited enhanced proliferation together with reduced apoptosis when Ube3a was deleted. These findings were supported by transcriptome and proteome analyses. Furthermore, transcriptome analyses revealed alterations in mitochondria-related genes. Moreover, an analysis of adult AS model mice hippocampi also found alterations in the expression of apoptosis- and proliferation-associated genes. Our findings emphasize the role UBE3A plays in regulating proliferation and apoptosis and sheds light into the possible effects UBE3A has on mitochondrial involvement in governing this balance.
Science, Innovation and Education as Pillars of High-Quality Implant Dentistry: Overcoming Challenges through Innovation Dictates Trends
Authors: de Araújo Nobre Miguel
Published: May 2020

The evolution of implant dentistry since the discovery of the osseointegration concept has been remarkable [...]
Predicting the Risk of Recurrent Venous Thromboembolism: Current Challenges and Future Opportunities
Authors: Stevens Hannah , Peter Karlheinz , Tran Huyen , McFadyen James
Published: May 2020

Acute venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a commonly diagnosed condition and requires treatment with anticoagulation to reduce the risk of embolisation as well as recurrent venous thrombotic events. In many cases, cessation of anticoagulation is associated with an unacceptably high risk of recurrent VTE, precipitating the use of indefinite anticoagulation. In contrast, however, continuing anticoagulation is associated with increased major bleeding events. As a consequence, it is essential to accurately predict the subgroup of patients who have the highest probability of experiencing recurrent VTE, so that treatment can be appropriately tailored to each individual. To this end, the development of clinical prediction models has aided in calculating the risk of recurrent thrombotic events; however, there are several limitations with regards to routine use for all patients with acute VTE. More recently, focus has shifted towards the utility of novel biomarkers in the understanding of disease pathogenesis as well as their application in predicting recurrent VTE. Below, we review the current strategies used to predict the development of recurrent VTE, with emphasis on the application of several promising novel biomarkers in this field.
A Fast Algorithm for Onboard Progressive Flooding Simulation
Authors: Braidotti Luca , Mauro Francesco
Published: May 2020

The need for decision support after a flooding casualty requires the development of fast and accurate progressive flooding simulation procedures. Here, a new quasi-static technique is presented, proposing a differential algebraic formulation capable to consider independently the flooding process in the internal rooms. The proposed method is efficient while simulating long flooding chains along rooms connected by similar size openings, a condition that likely occurs on large passenger ships. Moreover, the computational performances of the simulation procedure have been enhanced by adapting the time step to the progressive flooding pace. The adoption of an adaptive time step algorithm reduces significantly the calculation time. The novel procedure has been tested on the recommended benchmark cases for flooding simulations, highlighting the accuracy and flexibility of the proposed method.
Numerical Modeling of Wear in a Thrust Roller Bearing under Mixed Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication
Authors: Winkler Andreas , Marian Max , Tremmel Stephan , Wartzack Sandro
Published: May 2020

Increasing efforts to reduce frictional losses and the associated use of low-viscosity lubricants lead to machine elements being operated under mixed lubrication. Consequently, wear effects are also gaining relevance. Appropriate numerical modeling and predicting wear in a reliable manner offers new possibilities for identifying harmful operating conditions or for designing running-in procedures. However, most previous investigations focused on simplified model contacts and the wear behavior of application-oriented contacts is relatively underexplored. Therefore, the contribution of this paper was to provide a numerical procedure for studying the wear evolution in the mixed elastohydrodynamically lubricated (EHL) roller/raceway contact by coupling a finite element method (FEM)-based 3D EHL model with surface topography changes following a local Archard-type wear model, a Greenwood–Williamson-based load-sharing approach and the Sugimura surface adaption model. This study applied the operating conditions of an 81212 thrust roller bearing, considering realistic geometry and locally varying velocities. The calculated wear profiles in the raceway featured asymmetries, which were in good agreement with the experimental results reported in the literature and could be correlated with the velocity and slip distribution. In addition, the effects of speed, load and oil viscosity were investigated by means of four load cases and two lubricants, demonstrating the broad range of applying the numerical approach.
Visual Cryptography Scheme with Essential Participants
Authors: Li Peng , Yin Liping , Ma Jianfeng
Published: May 2020

Visual cryptography scheme (VCS) shares a binary secret image into multiple shadows printed on transparencies. Stacking shadows can visually decode the secret image without computational resources. Specifically, a (k, n) threshold VCS ((k, n)-VCS) shares a secret image into n shadows, stacking any k shadows can reveal the secret image by human visual system, while any less than k shadows cannot decode any information regarding the secret image. In practice, some participants (essentials) play more important roles than others (non-essentials). In this paper, we propose a (t, s, k, n) VCS with essential participants (so called (t, s, k, n)-EVCS). The secret image is shared into n shadows with s essentials and n-s non-essentials. Any k shadows, including at least t essentials, can reveal the secret image. The proposed scheme is constructed from a monotonic (K, N)-VCS. The condition and optimal choice of (K, N)-VCS to construct (t, s, k, n)-EVCS are given by solving integer programming model. The experimental results are conducted to verify the feasibility of our scheme.
Northern Sea Cucumber (Cucumaria frondosa): A Potential Candidate for Functional Food, Nutraceutical, and Pharmaceutical Sector
Authors: Hossain Abul , Dave Deepika , Shahidi Fereidoon
Published: May 2020

Sea cucumber (Cucumaria frondosa) is the most abundant and widely distributed species in the cold waters of North Atlantic Ocean. C. frondosa contains a wide range of bioactive compounds, mainly collagen, cerebrosides, glycosaminoglycan, chondroitin sulfate, saponins, phenols, and mucopolysaccharides, which demonstrate unique biological and pharmacological properties. In particular, the body wall of this marine invertebrate is the major edible part and contains most of the active constituents, mainly polysaccharides and collagen, which exhibit numerous biological activities, including anticancer, anti-hypertensive, anti-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anti-coagulation, antimicrobial, antioxidation, and anti- osteoclastogenic properties. In particular, triterpene glycosides (frondoside A and other) are the most researched group of compounds due to their potential anticancer activity. This review summarizes the latest information on C. frondosa, mainly geographical distribution, landings specific to Canadian coastlines, processing, commercial products, trade market, bioactive compounds, and potential health benefits in the context of functional foods and nutraceuticals.
Phacoemulsification Induced Changes of Choroidal Thickness in Eyes with Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Gudauskienė Gailė , Povilaitytė Ieva , Šepetauskienė Eglė , Žaliūnienė Dalia
Published: May 2020

Background and Objectives: Patients with cataract and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) may safely undergo cataract phacoemulsification to enhance visual acuity. Although it has not been proven that cataract surgery can cause AMD progression, different phacoemulsification effects are observed not only on retinal but also on choroidal tissues. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of phacoemulsification on the choroidal thickness (CT) in eyes with and without AMD. Materials and Methods: In 32 eyes of 32 patients with senile cataract (No-AMD group) and in 32 eyes of 32 patients with cataract and dry AMD (AMD group), who had phacoemulsification without intraoperative complications and intraocular lens implantation, foveal retinal thickness (FRT) and CT were evaluated three times: at 1–2 post meridiem preoperatively, then 1 month and 3 months postoperatively, using 1050 nm swept source-optical coherence tomography (Topcon, Tokyo, Japan). Results: In both groups, a significant increase in FRT was observed after one month and a decrease after three months without reaching the baseline. One month after surgery, a sectorial CT increase was apparent in all sectors in both groups. A negative association between CT and age was disclosed in the No-AMD group almost for all regions at all time points. Furthermore, CT was significantly negatively associated with axial length (AL) in all sectors at all time points in the AMD group. Conclusion: Uneventful phacoemulsification may induce changes in the posterior eye segment. An increase in CT and FRT was observed in both groups one month after the surgery. However, three months after surgery, CT changes were different in both groups, while FRT decreased in both groups. CT changes negatively associated with age in the No-AMD group and with AL in the AMD eyes. These postoperative changes in the choroid and retina may not only lead to the late-onset pseudophakic cystoid macular edema but also to progression of AMD.
Using High-Pressure Torsion to Achieve Superplasticity in an AZ91 Magnesium Alloy
Authors: Figueiredo Roberto B. , Langdon Terence G.
Published: May 2020

An AZ91 magnesium alloy (Mg-9%, Al-1% Zn) was processed by high-pressure torsion (HPT) after solution-heat treatment. Tensile tests were carried out at 423, 523, and 623 K in the strain rate range of 10−5−10−1 s−1 to evaluate the occurrence of superplasticity. Results showed that HPT processing refined the grain structure in the alloy, and grain sizes smaller than 10 µm were retained up to 623 K. Superplastic elongations were observed at low strain rates at 423 K and at all strain rates at 523 K. An examination of the experiment data showed good agreement with the theoretical prediction for grain-boundary sliding, the rate-controlling mechanism for superplasticity. Elongations in the range of 300–400% were observed at 623 K, attributed to a combination of grain-boundary-sliding and dislocation-climb mechanisms.
Beta Titanium Alloys Produced from Titanium Hydride: Effect of Alloying Elements on Titanium Hydride Decomposition
Authors: Chirico Caterina , Tsipas Sophia Alexandra , Wilczynski Pablo , Gordo Elena
Published: May 2020

The use of titanium hydride as a raw material has been an attractive alternative for the production of titanium components produced by powder metallurgy, due to increased densification of Ti compacts, greater control of contamination and cost reduction of the raw materials. However, a significant amount of hydrogen that often remains on the samples could generate degradation of the mechanical properties. Therefore, understanding decomposition mechanisms is essential to promote the components’ long life. Several studies on titanium hydride (TiH2) decomposition have been developed; nevertheless, few studies focus on the effect of the alloying elements on the dehydrogenation process. In this work, the effects of the addition of different amounts of Fe (5 and 7 wt. %) and Nb (12, 25, and 40 wt. %) as alloying elements were evaluated in detail. Results suggest that α→β transformation of Ti occurs below 800 °C; β phase can be observed at lower temperature than the expected according to the phase diagram. It was found that β phase transformation could take place during the intermediate stage of dehydrogenation. A mechanism was proposed for the effect of allying elements on the dehydrogenation process.
Evolution and Adaptation of the Avian H7N9 Virus into the Human Host
Authors: Bisset Andrew T. , Hoyne Gerard F.
Published: May 2020

Influenza viruses arise from animal reservoirs, and have the potential to cause pandemics. In 2013, low pathogenic novel avian influenza A(H7N9) viruses emerged in China, resulting from the reassortment of avian-origin viruses. Following evolutionary changes, highly pathogenic strains of avian influenza A(H7N9) viruses emerged in late 2016. Changes in pathogenicity and virulence of H7N9 viruses have been linked to potential mutations in the viral glycoproteins hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA), as well as the viral polymerase basic protein 2 (PB2). Recognizing that effective viral transmission of the influenza A virus (IAV) between humans requires efficient attachment to the upper respiratory tract and replication through the viral polymerase complex, experimental evidence demonstrates the potential H7N9 has for increased binding affinity and replication, following specific amino acid substitutions in HA and PB2. Additionally, the deletion of extended amino acid sequences in the NA stalk length was shown to produce a significant increase in pathogenicity in mice. Research shows that significant changes in transmissibility, pathogenicity and virulence are possible after one or a few amino acid substitutions. This review aims to summarise key findings from that research. To date, all strains of H7N9 viruses remain restricted to avian reservoirs, with no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission, although mutations in specific viral proteins reveal the efficacy with which these viruses could evolve into a highly virulent and infectious, human-to-human transmitted virus.
Is Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli O45 No Longer a Food Safety Threat? The Danger is Still Out There
Authors: Zhang Yujie , Liao Yen-Te , Sun Xiaohong , Wu Vivian C.H.
Published: May 2020

Many Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains, including the serogroups of O157 and most of the top six non-O157 serotypes, are frequently associated with foodborne outbreaks. Therefore, they have been extensively studied using next-generation sequencing technology. However, related information regarding STEC O45 strains is scarce. In this study, three environmental E. coli O45:H16 strains (RM11911, RM13745, and RM13752) and one clinical E. coli O45:H2 strain (SJ7) were sequenced and used to characterize virulence factors using two reference E. coli O45:H2 strains of clinical origin. Subsequently, whole-genome-based phylogenetic analysis was conducted for the six STEC O45 strains and nine other reference STEC genomes, in order to evaluate their evolutionary relationship. The results show that one locus of enterocyte effacement pathogenicity island was found in all three STEC O45:H2 strains, but not in the STEC O45:H16 strains. Additionally, E. coli O45:H2 strains were evolutionarily close to E. coli O103:H2 strains, sharing high homology in terms of virulence factors, such as Stx prophages, but were distinct from E. coli O45:H16 strains. The findings show that E. coli O45:H2 may be as virulent as E. coli O103:H2, which is frequently associated with severe illness and can provide genomic evidence to facilitate STEC surveillance.
Antiviral Activities of Quercetin and Isoquercitrin Against Human Herpesviruses
Authors: Kim Chae Hyun , Kim Jung-Eun , Song Yoon-Jae
Published: May 2020

We previously reported that the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction of a 70% ethanol extract of Elaeocarpus sylvestris (ESE) inhibits varicella-zoster virus (VZV) and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) replication in vitro. PGG (1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-ß-D-glucose) is a major chemical constituent of the EtOAc fraction of ESE that inhibits VZV but not HCMV replication. In this study, we comprehensively screened the chemical compounds identified in the EtOAc fraction of ESE for potential antiviral properties. Among the examined compounds, quercetin and isoquercitrin displayed potent antiviral activities against both VZV and HCMV with no significant cytotoxic effects. Both compounds strongly suppressed the expression of VZV and HCMV immediate–early (IE) genes. Our collective results indicated that, in addition to PGG, quercetin and isoquercitrin are bioactive compounds in the EtOAc fraction of ESE that effectively inhibit human herpesvirus replication.
Discovery of a Natural Product That Binds to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis Protein Rv1466 Using Native Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Elnaas Ali R. , Grice Darren , Han Jianying , Feng Yunjiang , Capua Angela Di , Mak Tin , Laureanti Joseph A. , Buchko Garry W. , Myler Peter J. , Cook Gregory , Quinn Ronald J. , Liu Miaomiao
Published: May 2020

Elucidation of the mechanism of action of compounds with cellular bioactivity is important for progressing compounds into future drug development. In recent years, phenotype-based drug discovery has become the dominant approach to drug discovery over target-based drug discovery, which relies on the knowledge of a specific drug target of a disease. Still, when targeting an infectious disease via a high throughput phenotypic assay it is highly advantageous to identifying the compound’s cellular activity. A fraction derived from the plant Polyalthia sp. showed activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis at 62.5 μge/μL. A known compound, altholactone, was identified from this fraction that showed activity towards M. tuberculosis at an minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 64 μM. Retrospective analysis of a target-based screen against a TB proteome panel using native mass spectrometry established that the active fraction was bound to the mycobacterial protein Rv1466 with an estimated pseudo-Kd of 42.0 ± 6.1 µM. Our findings established Rv1466 as the potential molecular target of altholactone, which is responsible for the observed in vivo toxicity towards M. tuberculosis.
Comparing the Thermal and Electrochemical Stabilities of Two Structurally Similar Ionic Liquids
Authors: Shah Faiz Ullah , Khan Inayat Ali , Johansson Patrik
Published: May 2020

Here we focus on the thermal and variable temperature electrochemical stabilities of two ionic liquids (ILs) having a common tributyloctyl phosphonium cation [P4,4,4,8]+ and two different orthoborate anions: bis(mandelato)borate [BMB]− and bis(salicylato)borate [BScB]−. The thermo-gravimetric analysis data suggest that [P4,4,4,8][BScB] is thermally more stable than [P4,4,4,8][BMB] in both nitrogen atmosphere and air, while the impedance spectroscopy reveals that [P4,4,4,8][BScB] has higher ionic conductivity than [P4,4,4,8][BMB] over the whole studied temperature range. In contrast, the electrochemical studies confirm that [P4,4,4,8][BMB] is more stable and exhibits a wider electrochemical stability window (ESW) on a glassy carbon electrode surface as compared to [P4,4,4,8][BScB]. A continuous decrease in the ESWs of both ILs is observed as a function of operation temperature.
A Highly Efficient Heterogeneous Catalyst of Bimetal-Organic Frameworks for the Epoxidation of Olefin with H2O2
Authors: Wang Fei , Meng Xiang-Guang , Wu Yan-Yan , Huang Hong , Lv Jing , Yu Wen-Wang
Published: May 2020

A series of bimetel organic framework MnxCu1−x-MOF were prepared. The MOFs was characterized and analyzed by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The catalytic activity of the developed catalyst was tested on various olefins by H2O2 as oxidant. The MOFs catalyst exhibits excellent catalytic activity for the epoxidations of various aromatic and cyclic olefins. Particularly, Mn0.1Cu0.9-MOF can achieve 90.2% conversion of styrene with 94.3% selectivity of styrene oxide at 0 °C after reaction 6 h. The MOF exhibited the catalytic activity of inverse temperature effect on epoxidation of styrene. The introduction of copper component can stabilize H2O2 and inhibit its decomposition to a certain extent. The catalyst can be reused at least five cycles without significant loss in activity towards epoxidation.