bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remote Monitoring Empowerment of Patients with IBDs during the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic
Authors: Mastronardi Mauro , Curlo Margherita , Polignano Maurizio , Vena Natalino , Rossi Daniela , Giannelli Gianluigi
Published: October 2020

Once the WHO declared the Sars-CoV-2 pandemic, the world had to reprogram numerous clinical activities, particularly those related to highly disabling diseases such as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). In this study, 1083 IBD patients were assessed, affected by Crohn’s Disease (CD) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC), and subdivided into two groups. The first group included patients who needed treatment in person at the outpatients clinic, while the second group could be tele-monitored because they were able to self-administer therapy. The tele-monitoring was based on telecommunication applications via smartphone, driven by a dedicated clinical control room in the IBD Clinic. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life (using IBDQ32) of UC patients and tele-monitored CD patients (tele-monitoring group) as compared to those patients who underwent assessment in person in the outpatients clinic (control group). Despite observing a lower number of relapses in the control group than the tele-monitoring group, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of the IBD32Q scores. Tele-monitoring of patients who are able to self-administer the IBD therapy can be an effective vicarious system as compared to the clinical evaluation in person, that could lead to important changes to avoid the overcrowding of the IBD outpatients clinic, especially during public health crises like the present pandemic.
Physicochemical and Bioactive Characterisation of Edible and Waste Parts of “Piel de Sapo” Melon
Authors: Miller Fátima Alves , Fundo Joana Freitas , Garcia Ester , Santos João Rodrigo , Silva Cristina Luisa Miranda , Brandão Teresa Ribeiro Silva
Published: October 2020

Several scientific studies point fruits as rich sources of antioxidants but mainly focus on their edible part. However, fruits wastes are abundant sources of bioactive compounds and nutrients, which are considered to be health beneficial. The main purpose was to characterise juice, pulp, peel and seeds of Piel de Sapo melon, in terms of several physicochemical characteristics (soluble solids content, titratable acidity, pH, potassium, colour and water activity), some bioactive compounds (total phenolics, vitamin C, chlorophylls and total carotenoids) and total antioxidant activity. Juice, pulp, peel and seeds represent 47, 19, 27 and 5% of melon total weight, respectively. Peel and seeds stood out by their higher concentration of total phenolics compounds and antioxidant activity when compared to edible parts. The highest potassium concentration was found in seeds. Chlorophylls were only detected in peel, while carotenoids were not detected in any part of the melon analysed. Juice and pulp contributed to 69% of vitamin C amount of the whole fruit. However, its concentration in peel was equivalent to the ones observed in juice and pulp. These results pointed out the importance of fruit wastes valorisation and the development of strategies for their re-utilisation.
The Effects of Service Employee Resilience on Emotional Labor: Double-Mediation of Person–Job Fit and Work Engagement
Authors: Lee Myoung-Soung , Kim Han-Seong
Published: October 2020

This study examined the effect of service employees’ resilience on deep acting in the job demands–resources model (JD-R model). It set and verified person–job fit and work engagement as double-mediation factors between service employees’ resilience and deep acting. To accomplish this, surveys targeting service employees working in the retail finance industry in Korea were administered. The analysis showed that resilience significantly increased person–job fit, and person–job fit improved work engagement. Additionally, it showed that work engagement improved deep acting. With regard to the double-mediation effect, the direct effect of resilience on deep acting was not statistically significant, but the double-mediation effect through person–job fit and work engagement was significant. In other words, person–job fit and work engagement fully mediated the relationship between resilience and deep acting. Additionally, person–job fit alone did not mediate the relationship between resilience and deep acting, but the independent mediation effect of work engagement was significant.
Monitoring Forest Change in the Amazon Using Multi-Temporal Remote Sensing Data and Machine Learning Classification on Google Earth Engine
Authors: Brovelli Maria Antonia , Sun Yaru , Yordanov Vasil
Published: October 2020

Deforestation causes diverse and profound consequences for the environment and species. Direct or indirect effects can be related to climate change, biodiversity loss, soil erosion, floods, landslides, etc. As such a significant process, timely and continuous monitoring of forest dynamics is important, to constantly follow existing policies and develop new mitigation measures. The present work had the aim of mapping and monitoring the forest change from 2000 to 2019 and of simulating the future forest development of a rainforest region located in the Pará state, Brazil. The land cover dynamics were mapped at five-year intervals based on a supervised classification model deployed on the cloud processing platform Google Earth Engine. Besides the benefits of reduced computational time, the service is coupled with a vast data catalogue providing useful access to global products, such as multispectral images of the missions Landsat five, seven, eight and Sentinel-2. The validation procedures were done through photointerpretation of high-resolution panchromatic images obtained from CBERS (China–Brazil Earth Resources Satellite). The more than satisfactory results allowed an estimation of peak deforestation rates for the period 2000–2006; for the period 2006–2015, a significant decrease and stabilization, followed by a slight increase till 2019. Based on the derived trends a forest dynamics was simulated for the period 2019–2028, estimating a decrease in the deforestation rate. These results demonstrate that such a fusion of satellite observations, machine learning, and cloud processing, benefits the analysis of the forest dynamics and can provide useful information for the development of forest policies.
Oral Submucous Fibrosis: A Review on Biomarkers, Pathogenic Mechanisms, and Treatments
Authors: Shen Yen-Wen , Shih Yin-Hwa , Fuh Lih-Jyh , Shieh Tzong-Ming
Published: October 2020

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a collagen deposition disorder that affects a patient’s oral function and quality of life. It may also potentially transform into malignancy. This review summarizes the risk factors, pathogenic mechanisms, and treatments of OSF based on clinical and bio-molecular evidence. Betel nut chewing is a major risk factor that causes OSF in Asia. However, no direct evidence of arecoline-induced carcinogenesis has been found in animal models. Despite identification of numerous biomarkers of OSF lesions and conducting trials with different drug combinations, clinicians still adopt conservative treatments that primarily focus on relieving the symptoms of OSF. Treatments focus on reducing inflammation and improving mouth opening to improve a patient’s quality of life. In conclusion, high-quality clinical studies are needed to aid clinicians in developing and applying molecular biomarkers as well as standard treatment guidelines.
Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor (PEDF) Fragments Prevent Mouse Cone Photoreceptor Cell Loss Induced by Focal Phototoxicity In Vivo
Authors: Valiente-Soriano Francisco J. , Di Pierdomenico Johnny , García-Ayuso Diego , Ortín-Martínez Arturo , Miralles de Imperial-Ollero Juan A. , Gallego-Ortega Alejandro , Jiménez-López Manuel , Villegas-Pérez M. Paz , Becerra S. Patricia , Vidal-Sanz Manuel
Published: October 2020

Here, we evaluated the effects of PEDF (pigment epithelium-derived factor) and PEDF peptides on cone-photoreceptor cell damage in a mouse model of focal LED-induced phototoxicity (LIP) in vivo. Swiss mice were dark-adapted overnight, anesthetized, and their left eyes were exposed to a blue LED placed over the cornea. Immediately after, intravitreal injection of PEDF, PEDF-peptide fragments 17-mer, 17-mer[H105A] or 17-mer[R99A] (all at 10 pmol) were administered into the left eye of each animal. BDNF (92 pmol) and bFGF (27 pmol) injections were positive controls, and vehicle negative control. After 7 days, LIP resulted in a consistent circular lesion located in the supratemporal quadrant and the number of S-cones were counted within an area centered on the lesion. Retinas treated with effectors had significantly greater S-cone numbers (PEDF (60%), 17-mer (56%), 17-mer [H105A] (57%), BDNF (64%) or bFGF (60%)) relative to their corresponding vehicle groups (≈42%). The 17-mer[R99A] with no PEDF receptor binding and no neurotrophic activity, PEDF combined with a molar excess of the PEDF receptor blocker P1 peptide, or with a PEDF-R enzymatic inhibitor had undetectable effects in S-cone survival. The findings demonstrated that the cone survival effects were mediated via interactions between the 17-mer region of the PEDF molecule and its PEDF-R receptor.
RAGE Mediates Cholesterol Efflux Impairment in Macrophages Caused by Human Advanced Glycated Albumin
Authors: Machado-Lima Adriana , López-Díez Raquel , Iborra Rodrigo , Pinto Raphael , Daffu Gurdip , Shen Xiaoping , Nakandakare Edna , Machado Ubiratan , Corrêa-Giannella Maria , Schmidt Ann , Passarelli Marisa
Published: October 2020

We addressed the involvement of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) in the impairment of the cellular cholesterol efflux elicited by glycated albumin. Albumin was isolated from type 1 (DM1) and type 2 (DM2) diabetes mellitus (HbA1c > 9%) and non-DM subjects (C). Moreover, albumin was glycated in vitro (AGE-albumin). Macrophages from Ager null and wild-type (WT) mice, or THP-1 transfected with siRNA-AGER, were treated with C, DM1, DM2, non-glycated or AGE-albumin. The cholesterol efflux was reduced in WT cells exposed to DM1 or DM2 albumin as compared to C, and the intracellular lipid content was increased. These events were not observed in Ager null cells, in which the cholesterol efflux and lipid staining were, respectively, higher and lower when compared to WT cells. In WT, Ager, Nox4 and Nfkb1, mRNA increased and Scd1 and Abcg1 diminished after treatment with DM1 and DM2 albumin. In Ager null cells treated with DM-albumin, Nox4, Scd1 and Nfkb1 were reduced and Jak2 and Abcg1 increased. In AGER-silenced THP-1, NOX4 and SCD1 mRNA were reduced and JAK2 and ABCG1 were increased even after treatment with AGE or DM-albumin. RAGE mediates the deleterious effects of AGE-albumin in macrophage cholesterol efflux.
The Arabidopsis RLCK VI_A2 Kinase Controls Seedling and Plant Growth in Parallel with Gibberellin
Authors: Valkai Ildikó , Kénesi Erzsébet , Domonkos Ildikó , Ayaydin Ferhan , Tarkowská Danuše , Strnad Miroslav , Faragó Anikó , Bodai László , Fehér Attila
Published: October 2020

The plant-specific receptor-like cytoplasmic kinases (RLCKs) form a large, poorly characterized family. Members of the RLCK VI_A class of dicots have a unique characteristic: their activity is regulated by Rho-of-plants (ROP) GTPases. The biological function of one of these kinases was investigated using a T-DNA insertion mutant and RNA interference. Loss of RLCK VI_A2 function resulted in restricted cell expansion and seedling growth. Although these phenotypes could be rescued by exogenous gibberellin, the mutant did not exhibit lower levels of active gibberellins nor decreased gibberellin sensitivity. Transcriptome analysis confirmed that gibberellin is not the direct target of the kinase; its absence rather affected the metabolism and signalling of other hormones such as auxin. It is hypothesized that gibberellins and the RLCK VI_A2 kinase act in parallel to regulate cell expansion and plant growth. Gene expression studies also indicated that the kinase might have an overlapping role with the transcription factor circuit (PIF4-BZR1-ARF6) controlling skotomorphogenesis-related hypocotyl/cotyledon elongation. Furthermore, the transcriptomic changes revealed that the loss of RLCK VI_A2 function alters cellular processes that are associated with cell membranes, take place at the cell periphery or in the apoplast, and are related to cellular transport and/or cell wall reorganisation.
Some Aspects of the Liquid Water Thermodynamic Behavior: From The Stable to the Deep Supercooled Regime
Authors: Mallamace Francesco , Mensitieri Giuseppe , Mallamace Domenico , Salzano de Luna Martina , Chen Sow-Hsin
Published: October 2020

Liquid water is considered to be a peculiar example of glass forming materials because of the possibility of giving rise to amorphous phases with different densities and of the thermodynamic anomalies that characterize its supercooled liquid phase. In the present work, literature data on the density of bulk liquid water are analyzed in a wide temperature-pressure range, also including the glass phases. A careful data analysis, which was performed on different density isobars, made in terms of thermodynamic response functions, like the thermal expansion αP and the specific heat differences CP−CV, proves, exclusively from the experimental data, the thermodynamic consistence of the liquid-liquid transition hypothesis. The study confirms that supercooled bulk water is a mixture of two liquid “phases”, namely the high density (HDL) and the low density (LDL) liquids that characterize different regions of the water phase diagram. Furthermore, the CP−CV isobars behaviors clearly support the existence of both a liquid–liquid transition and of a liquid–liquid critical point.
Excess Protein O-GlcNAcylation Links Metabolic Derangements to Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Prisco Sasha Z. , Rose Lauren , Potus Francois , Tian Lian , Wu Danchen , Hartweck Lynn , Al-Qazazi Ruaa , Neuber-Hess Monica , Eklund Megan , Hsu Steven , Thenappan Thenappan , Archer Stephen L. , Prins Kurt W.
Published: October 2020

The hexosamine biosynthetic pathway (HBP) converts glucose to uridine-diphosphate-N-acetylglucosamine, which, when added to serines or threonines, modulates protein function through protein O-GlcNAcylation. Glutamine-fructose-6-phosphate amidotransferase (GFAT) regulates HBP flux, and AMP-kinase phosphorylation of GFAT blunts GFAT activity and O-GlcNAcylation. While numerous studies demonstrate increased right ventricle (RV) glucose uptake in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), the relationship between O-GlcNAcylation and RV function in PAH is unexplored. Therefore, we examined how colchicine-mediated AMP-kinase activation altered HBP intermediates, O-GlcNAcylation, mitochondrial function, and RV function in pulmonary artery-banded (PAB) and monocrotaline (MCT) rats. AMPK activation induced GFAT phosphorylation and reduced HBP intermediates and O-GlcNAcylation in MCT but not PAB rats. Reduced O-GlcNAcylation partially restored the RV metabolic signature and improved RV function in MCT rats. Proteomics revealed elevated expression of O-GlcNAcylated mitochondrial proteins in MCT RVs, which fractionation studies corroborated. Seahorse micropolarimetry analysis of H9c2 cardiomyocytes demonstrated colchicine improved mitochondrial function and reduced O-GlcNAcylation. Presence of diabetes in PAH, a condition of excess O-GlcNAcylation, reduced RV contractility when compared to nondiabetics. Furthermore, there was an inverse relationship between RV contractility and HgbA1C. Finally, RV biopsy specimens from PAH patients displayed increased O-GlcNAcylation. Thus, excess O-GlcNAcylation may contribute to metabolic derangements and RV dysfunction in PAH.
Sleep of Children with High Potentialities: A Polysomnographic Study
Authors: Guignard-Perret Anne , Thieux Marine , Guyon Aurore , Mazza Stephanie , Zhang Min , Revol Olivier , Plancoulaine Sabine , Franco Patricia
Published: October 2020

The involvement of sleep in cognitive functioning is well known, but only a few studies have examined objective sleep parameters in children with high intellectual potential (HP). The main objective of this study was to compare sleep characteristics of 33 children with high intellectual potentialities (HP) (median 10 years old, 64% of boys) compared to 25 controls (median 11 years old, 64% of boys) and assess the difference between children with a homogeneous vs. a heterogeneous intelligence quotient (IQ) (i.e., a difference ≥15 points between verbal and non-verbal IQ). All children underwent a one-night polysomnography, an evaluation of intellectual quotient (IQ) and filled standardized questionnaires. Using non-parametric tests to compare groups’ characteristics, we found that children with HP had more heterogeneous IQ, more rapid eyes movement (REM) sleep and tended to have less stage 1 sleep than controls. They also had more insomnia and sleep complaints. The high amount of REM sleep in children with HP could be advantageous for learning and could partially explain their gift. This study highlights the necessity of investigating sleep disorders in children with HP during clinical routine and reinforces the hypothesis of the involvement of nocturnal sleep, and especially REM sleep, in daytime cognition and behavior.
Hydrodynamic Modelling of An Oscillating Wave Surge Converter Including Power Take-Off
Authors: Benites-Munoz Daniela , Huang Luofeng , Anderlini Enrico , Marín-Lopez José R. , Thomas Giles
Published: October 2020

To estimate the response of wave energy converters to different sea environments accurately is an ongoing challenge for researchers and industry, considering that there has to be a balance between guaranteeing their integrity whilst extracting the wave energy efficiently. For oscillating wave surge converters, the incident wave field is changed due to the pitching motion of the flap structure. A key component influencing this motion response is the Power Take-Off system used. Based on OpenFOAM, this paper includes the Power Take-off to establish a realistic model to simulate the operation of a three-dimensional oscillating wave surge converter by solving Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes equations. It examines the relationship between incident waves and the perturbed fluid field near the flap, which is of great importance when performing in arrays as neighbouring devices may influence each other. Furthermore, it investigates the influence of different control strategy systems (active and passive) in the energy extracted from regular waves related to the performance of the device. This system is estimated for each wave frequency considered and the results show the efficiency of the energy extracted from the waves is related to high amplitude pitching motions of the device in short periods of time.
Evaluation of the Objectives and Concerns of Farmers to Apply Different Agricultural Managements in Olive Groves: The Case of Estepa Region (Southern, Spain)
Authors: Rodríguez Sousa Antonio Alberto , Parra-López Carlos , Sayadi-Gmada Samir , Barandica Jesús M. , Rescia Alejandro J.
Published: October 2020

Olive groves are representative of the landscape and culture of Spain. They occupy 2.5 M ha (1.5 M ha in Andalusia) and are characterised by their multifunctionality. In recent years, socio-economic and environmental factors (i.e., erosion) have compromised their sustainability, leading farmers to abandon their farms or intensify their management. The main objective/purpose of this research was to study the drivers and concerns that condition farmers’ choice of a given olive grove management model. Taking the Estepa region as a case study (Andalusia, Spain), surveys were conducted among farmers with integrated and organic managed olive groves. The socio-economic aspects were the main objectives and concerns of the farmers with integrated olive groves. In the case of farmers with organic management, conservation objectives prevailed, and their concerns were oriented to environmental threats. The education level was a key factor in the adoption of given farm management, as it increased the level of environmental awareness. In the context of multifunctional agriculture, it would be desirable to increase this awareness of the environmental threats against olive groves, in order to provide incentives for the implementation of agri-environmental practices that would enhance the sustainability of these systems.
Topological Phase and Strong Correlation in Rare-Earth Hexaborides XB6 (X = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu)
Authors: Hung Sheng-Hsiung , Jeng Horng-Tay
Published: October 2020

The rare-earth hexaboride SmB6, known as the topological Kondo insulator, has attracted tremendous attention in recent years. It was revealed that the topological phase of SmB6 is insensitive to the value of on-site Coulomb interactions (Hubbard U), indicating that the topological phase in SmB6 is robust against strong correlations. On the contrary, the isostructural YbB6 displays a sensitivity to the Hubbard U value. As U increases, YbB6 transforms from topological Kondo insulator to trivial insulator, showing the weak robustness of the topological phase of YbB6 against U. Consequently, the dependence of the topological phase on Hubbard U is a crucial issue in the rare-earth hexaboride family. In this work, we investigate the structural and electronic properties of rare-earth hexaboride compounds through first-principles calculations based on density functional theory. By taking the strong correlations into consideration using a wide range of on-site U values, we study the evolution of the topological phases in rare-earth hexaboride (XB6, X = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu). Unlike YbB6, the topological trends in all the examples of XB6 studied in this work are insensitive to the U values. We conclude that in addition to the well-known SmB6, PmB6, NdB6 and EuB6 are also topologically nontrivial compounds, whereas LaB6, CeB6 and PrB6 are topologically trivial metal.
Development of a Novel Integrated CCSD-ITARA-MARCOS Decision-Making Approach for Stackers Selection in a Logistics System
Authors: Ulutaş Alptekin , Karabasevic Darjan , Popovic Gabrijela , Stanujkic Dragisa , Nguyen Phong Thanh , Karaköy Çağatay
Published: October 2020

The main goal of this paper is to propose a Multiple-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) approach that will facilitate decision-making in the field of logistics—i.e., in the selection of the optimal equipment for performing a logistics activity. For defining the objective weights of the criteria, the correlation coefficient and the standard deviation (CCSD method) are applied. Furthermore, for determining the semi-objective weights of the considered criteria, the indifference threshold-based attribute ratio analysis method (ITARA) is used. In this way, by combining these two methods, the weights of the criteria are determined with a higher degree of reliability. For the final ranking of the alternatives, the measurement of alternatives and ranking according to the compromise solution method (MARCOS) is utilized. For demonstrating the applicability of the proposed approach, an illustrative case study pointing to the selection of the best manual stacker for a small warehouse is performed. The final results are compared with the ones obtained using the other proved MCDM methods that confirmed the reliability and stability of the proposed approach. The proposed integrated approach shows itself as a suitable technique for applying in the process of logistics equipment selection, because it defines the most influential criteria and the optimal choice with regard to all of them in a relatively easy and comprehensive way. Additionally, conceiving the determination of the criteria with the combination of objective and semi-objective methods enables defining the objective weights concerning the attitudes of the involved decision-makers, which finally leads to more reliable results.
Rapid Consensus Structure: Continuous Common Knowledge in Asynchronous Distributed Systems
Authors: Choi Sang-Min , Park Jiho , Jang Kiyoung , Park Chihyun
Published: October 2020

A distributed system guarantees the acceptance of Byzantine fault tolerance (BFT) for information transmission. Practical BFT (pBFT) and asynchronous BFT (aBFT) are among the various available forms of BFT. Distributed systems generally share information with all participating nodes. After information is shared, the systems reshare it. Thus, ensuring BFT consumes a considerable amount of time. Herein, we propose Decision search protocols that apply the gossip protocol, denoted by DecisionBFT, for distributed networks with guaranteed BFT. Each protocol in DecisionBFT is completely asynchronous and leaderless; it has an eventual consensus but no round-robin or proof-of-work. The core concept of the proposed technology is the consensus structure, which is based on the directed acyclic graph (DAG) and gossip protocol. In the most general form, each node in the algorithm has a set of k neighbors of most preference. When receiving transactions, a node creates and connects an event block with all its neighbors. Each event block is signed by the hashes of the creating node and its k peers. The consensus structure of the event blocks utilizes a DAG, which guarantees aBFT. The proposed framework uses Lamport timestamps and concurrent common knowledge. Further, an example of a Decision search algorithm, based on the gossip protocol DecisionBFT, is presented. The proposed DecisionBFT protocol can reach a consensus when 2/3 of all participants agree to an event block without any additional communication overhead. The DecisionBFT protocol relies on a cost function to identify the k peers and generate the DAG-based consensus structure. By creating a dynamic flag table that stores connection information between blocks, the gossip protocol achieves a consensus in fewer steps than that in the case of the existing aBFT protocol.
Numerical Solutions of Fractional Differential Equations by Using Fractional Explicit Adams Method
Authors: Zabidi Nur Amirah , Abdul Majid Zanariah , Kilicman Adem , Rabiei Faranak
Published: October 2020

Differential equations of fractional order are believed to be more challenging to compute compared to the integer-order differential equations due to its arbitrary properties. This study proposes a multistep method to solve fractional differential equations. The method is derived based on the concept of a third-order Adam–Bashforth numerical scheme by implementing Lagrange interpolation for fractional case, where the fractional derivatives are defined in the Caputo sense. Furthermore, the study includes a discussion on stability and convergence analysis of the method. Several numerical examples are also provided in order to validate the reliability and efficiency of the proposed method. The examples in this study cover solving linear and nonlinear fractional differential equations for the case of both single order as α∈(0,1) and higher order, α∈1,2, where α denotes the order of fractional derivatives of Dαy(t). The comparison in terms of accuracy between the proposed method and other existing methods demonstrate that the proposed method gives competitive performance as the existing methods.
Q-Extension of Starlike Functions Subordinated with a Trigonometric Sine Function
Authors: Islam Saeed , Khan Muhammad Ghaffar , Ahmad Bakhtiar , Arif Muhammad , Chinram Ronnason
Published: October 2020

The main purpose of this article is to examine the q-analog of starlike functions connected with a trigonometric sine function. Further, we discuss some interesting geometric properties, such as the well-known problems of Fekete-Szegö, the necessary and sufficient condition, the growth and distortion bound, closure theorem, convolution results, radii of starlikeness, extreme point theorem and the problem with partial sums for this class.
A Spatial-Temporal Model for the Evolution of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Spain Including Mobility
Authors: Aràndiga Francesc , Baeza Antonio , Cordero-Carrión Isabel , Donat Rosa , Martí M. Carmen , Mulet Pep , Yáñez Dionisio F.
Published: October 2020

In this work, a model for the simulation of infectious disease outbreaks including mobility data is presented. The model is based on the SAIR compartmental model and includes mobility data terms that model the flow of people between different regions. The aim of the model is to analyze the influence of mobility on the evolution of a disease after a lockdown period and to study the appearance of small epidemic outbreaks due to the so-called imported cases. We apply the model to the simulation of the COVID-19 in the various areas of Spain, for which the authorities made available mobility data based on the position of cell phones. We also introduce a method for the estimation of incomplete mobility data. Some numerical experiments show the importance of data completion and indicate that the model is able to qualitatively simulate the spread tendencies of small outbreaks. This work was motivated by an open call made to the mathematical community in Spain to help predict the spread of the epidemic.
Estimation and Prediction of Record Values Using Pivotal Quantities and Copulas
Authors: Lee Jeongwook , Song Joon Jin , Kim Yongku , Seo Jung In
Published: October 2020

Recently, the area of sea ice is rapidly decreasing due to global warming, and since the Arctic sea ice has a great impact on climate change, interest in this is increasing very much all over the world. In fact, the area of sea ice reached a record low in September 2012 after satellite observations began in late 1979. In addition, in early 2018, the glacier on the northern coast of Greenland began to collapse. If we are interested in record values of sea ice area, modeling relationships of these values and predicting future record values can be a very important issue because the record values that consist of larger or smaller values than the preceding observations are very closely related to each other. The relationship between the record values can be modeled based on the pivotal quantity and canonical and drawable vine copulas, and the relationship is called a dependence structure. In addition, predictions for future record values can be solved in a very concise way based on the pivotal quantity. To accomplish that, this article proposes an approach to model the dependence structure between record values based on the canonical and drawable vine. To do this, unknown parameters of a probability distribution need to be estimated first, and the pivotal-based method is provided. In the pivotal-based estimation, a new algorithm to deal with a nuisance parameter is proposed. This method allows one to reduce computational complexity when constructing exact confidence intervals of functions with unknown parameters. This method not only reduces computational complexity when constructing exact confidence intervals of functions with unknown parameters, but is also very useful for obtaining the replicated data needed to model the dependence structure based on canonical and drawable vine. In addition, prediction methods for future record values are proposed with the pivotal quantity, and we compared them with a time series forecasting method in real data analysis. The validity of the proposed methods was examined through Monte Carlo simulations and analysis for Arctic sea ice data.
Progressive Type-II Censoring Schemes of Extended Odd Weibull Exponential Distribution with Applications in Medicine and Engineering
Authors: Alshenawy R. , Al-Alwan Ali , Almetwally Ehab M. , Afify Ahmed Z. , Almongy Hisham M.
Published: October 2020

In this paper, the parameters of the extended odd Weibull exponential distribution are estimated under progressive type-II censoring scheme with random removal. The model parameters are estimated using the maximum product spacing and maximum likelihood estimation methods. Further, we explore the asymptotic confidence intervals and bootstrap confidence intervals for the model parameters. Monte Carlo simulations are performed to compare between the proposed estimation methods under progressive type-II censoring scheme. An empirical study using two real datasets form engineering and medicine fields to validate the introduced methods of inference. Based on our study, we can conclude that the maximum product of spacing method outperforms the maximum likelihood method for estimating the extended odd Weibull exponential (EOWE) parameters under a progressive type-II censoring scheme in both numerical and empirical cases.
Quaternionic Product of Equilateral Hyperbolas and Some Extensions
Authors: Crasmareanu Mircea , Popescu Marcela
Published: October 2020

This note concerns a product of equilateral hyperbolas induced by the quaternionic product considered in a projective manner. Several properties of this composition law are derived and, in this way, we arrive at some special numbers as roots or powers of unit. Using the algebra of octonions, we extend this product to oriented equilateral hyperbolas and to pairs of equilateral hyperbolas. Using an inversion we extend this product to Bernoulli lemniscates and q-lemniscates. Finally, we extend this product to a set of conics. Three applications of the given products are proposed.
The Protective Effect of 5-Aminosalicylic Acid against Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug-Induced Injury through Free Radical Scavenging in Small Intestinal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Jung Eun Suk , Jang Hyun Joo , Hong Eun Mi , Lim Hye Li , Lee Sang Pyo , Kae Sea Hyub , Lee Jin
Published: October 2020

Background and objectives: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been among the major causes of small intestinal injury in clinical practice. As such, the current study investigated the protective effect of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) against an NSAID-induced small intestinal injury. Materials and Methods: IEC-6 cells were treated with various concentrations of indomethacin with or without 5-ASA in a serum-free medium, after which an 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Dromide (MTT) assay, a cell apoptosis assay, a caspase-3 activity assay, a reactive oxygen species (ROS) content and Superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) activity measurement, a Western blotting for occludin and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and a wound healing assay were conducted. Results: 5-ASA ameliorated indomethacin-induced cell apoptosis and an increase in the intracellular ROS content while augmenting the indomethacin-induced suppression of SOD2 activity in IEC-6 cells. Moreover, 5-ASA reversed the indomethacin-induced attenuation of occludin and ZO-1 expression and promoted faster wound healing effects in IEC-6 cells following an indomethacin-induced injury. Conclusions: Our results suggested that 5-ASA protects small intestinal cells against an NSAID-induced small intestinal injury by scavenging free radicals. Therefore, 5-ASA could be a potential treatment for an NSAID-induced small intestinal injury.
Effects of Capping Layers with Different Metals on Electrical Performance and Stability of p-Channel SnO Thin-Film Transistors
Authors: Shin Min-Gyu , Bae Kang-Hwan , Jeong Hwan-Seok , Kim Dae-Hwan , Cha Hyun-Seok , Kwon Hyuck-In
Published: October 2020

In this study, the effects of capping layers with different metals on the electrical performance and stability of p-channel SnO thin-film transistors (TFTs) were examined. Ni- or Pt-capped SnO TFTs exhibit a higher field-effect mobility (μFE), a lower subthreshold swing (SS), a positively shifted threshold voltage (VTH), and an improved negative-gate-bias-stress (NGBS) stability, as compared to pristine TFTs. In contrast, Al-capped SnO TFTs exhibit a lower μFE, higher SS, negatively shifted VTH, and degraded NGBS stability, as compared to pristine TFTs. No significant difference was observed between the electrical performance of the Cr-capped SnO TFT and that of the pristine SnO TFT. The obtained results were primarily explained based on the change in the back-channel potential of the SnO TFT that was caused by the difference in work functions between the SnO and various metals. This study shows that capping layers with different metals can be practically employed to modulate the electrical characteristics of p-channel SnO TFTs.
Caffeine Stabilises Fission Yeast Wee1 in a Rad24-Dependent Manner but Attenuates Its Expression in Response to DNA Damage
Authors: Alao John P. , Johansson-Sjölander Johanna , Rallis Charalampos , Sunnerhagen Per
Published: October 2020

The widely consumed neuroactive compound caffeine has generated much interest due to its ability to override the DNA damage and replication checkpoints. Previously Rad3 and its homologues was thought to be the target of caffeine’s inhibitory activity. Later findings indicate that the Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 (TORC1) is the preferred target of caffeine. Effective Cdc2 inhibition requires both the activation of the Wee1 kinase and inhibition of the Cdc25 phosphatase. The TORC1, DNA damage, and environmental stress response pathways all converge on Cdc25 and Wee1. We previously demonstrated that caffeine overrides DNA damage checkpoints by modulating Cdc25 stability. The effect of caffeine on cell cycle progression resembles that of TORC1 inhibition. Furthermore, caffeine activates the Sty1 regulated environmental stress response. Caffeine may thus modulate multiple signalling pathways that regulate Cdc25 and Wee1 levels, localisation and activity. Here we show that the activity of caffeine stabilises both Cdc25 and Wee1. The stabilising effect of caffeine and genotoxic agents on Wee1 was dependent on the Rad24 chaperone. Interestingly, caffeine inhibited the accumulation of Wee1 in response to DNA damage. Caffeine may modulate cell cycle progression through increased Cdc25 activity and Wee1 repression following DNA damage via TORC1 inhibition, as TORC1 inhibition increased DNA damage sensitivity.
Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis–Immune Hyperresponse–Inflammation Triad in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Impact of Pharmacological and Nutraceutical Approaches
Authors: Ferreira Carolina , Viana Sofia D. , Reis Flávio
Published: October 2020

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a pandemic infection caused by a novel coronavirus named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Patients present a complex clinical picture that, in severe cases, evolves to respiratory, hepatic, gastrointestinal, and neurological complications, and eventually death. The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are complex and multifactorial and have been summarized as a hyperresponse of the immune system that originates an inflammatory/cytokine storm. In elderly patients, particularly in those with pre-existing cardiovascular, metabolic, renal, and pulmonary disorders, the disease is particularly severe, causing prolonged hospitalization at intensive care units (ICU) and an increased mortality rate. Curiously, the same populations have been described as more prone to a gut microbiota (GM) dysbiosis profile. Intestinal microflora plays a major role in many metabolic and immune functions of the host, including to educate and strengthen the immune system to fight infections, namely of viral origin. Notably, recent studies suggest the existence of GM dysbiosis in COVID-19 patients. This review article highlights the interplay between the triad GM dysbiosis–immune hyperresponse–inflammation in the individual resilience/fragility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and presents the putative impact of pharmacological and nutraceutical approaches on the triumvirate, with focus on GM.
Differences in Blood-Derived Francisella tularensis Type B Strains from Clinical Cases of Tularemia
Authors: Larson Marilynn A. , Abdalhamid Baha , Puniya Bhanwar Lal , Helikar Tomáš , Kelley David W. , Iwen Peter C.
Published: October 2020

Francisella tularensis can cause the zoonotic disease tularemia and is partitioned into subspecies due to differences in chromosomal organization and virulence. The subspecies holarctica (type B) is generally considered more clonal than the other subpopulations with moderate virulence compared to the hypervirulent A.I clade. We performed whole genome sequencing (WGS) on six type B strains isolated from the blood of patients with tularemia within a one-year period from the same United States region, to better understand the associated pathogenicity. The WGS data were compared to the prototype strain for this subspecies, specifically FSC200, which was isolated from a patient with tularemia in Europe. These findings revealed 520–528 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) between the six United States type B strains compared to FSC200, with slightly higher A+T content in the latter strain. In contrast, comparisons between the six type B isolates showed that five of the six type B isolates had only 4–22 SNPs, while one of the strains had 47–53 SNPs. Analysis of SNPs in the core genome for the six United States type B isolates and the FSC200 strain gave similar results, suggesting that some of these mutations may have been nonsynonymous, resulting in altered protein function and pathogenicity.
Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection: Update on Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Chiopris Giulia , Veronese Piero , Cusenza Francesca , Procaccianti Michela , Perrone Serafina , Daccò Valeria , Colombo Carla , Esposito Susanna
Published: October 2020

Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection is the most common congenital viral infection and is the leading non-genetic cause of sensorineural hearing loss (SNLH) and an important cause of neurodevelopmental disabilities. The risk of intrauterine transmission is highest when primary infection occurs during pregnancy, with a higher rate of vertical transmission in mothers with older gestational age at infection, while the risk of adverse fetal effects significantly increases if fetal infection occurs during the first half of pregnancy. Despite its prevalence and morbidity among the neonatal population, there is not yet a standardized diagnostic test and therapeutic approach for cCMV infection. This narrative review aims to explore the latest developments in the diagnosis and treatment of cCMV infection. Literature analysis shows that preventive interventions other than behavioral measures during pregnancy are still lacking, although many clinical trials are currently ongoing to formulate a vaccination for women before pregnancy. Currently, we recommend using a PCR assay in blood, urine, and saliva in neonates with suspected cCMV infection. At present, there is no evidence of the benefit of antiviral therapy in asymptomatic infants. In the case of symptomatic cCMV, we actually recommend treatment with oral valganciclovir for a duration of 12 months. The effectiveness and tolerability of this therapy option have proven effective for hearing and neurodevelopmental long-term outcomes. Valganciclovir is reserved for congenitally-infected neonates with the symptomatic disease at birth, such as microcephaly, intracranial calcifications, abnormal cerebrospinal fluid index, chorioretinitis, or sensorineural hearing loss. Treatment with antiviral drugs is not routinely recommended for neonates with the mildly symptomatic disease at birth, for neonates under 32 weeks of gestational age, or for infants more than 30 days old because of insufficient evidence from studies. However, since these populations represent the vast majority of neonates and infants with cCMV infection and they are at risk of developing late-onset sequelae, a biomarker able to predict long-term sequelae should also be found to justify starting treatment and reducing the burden of CMV-related complications.
Exploring the Potential of β-Catenin O-GlcNAcylation by Using Fluorescence-Based Engineering and Imaging
Authors: Kasprowicz Angelina , Spriet Corentin , Terryn Christine , Rigolot Vincent , Hardiville Stephan , Alteen Matthew G. , Lefebvre Tony , Biot Christophe
Published: October 2020

Monitoring glycosylation changes within cells upon response to stimuli remains challenging because of the complexity of this large family of post-translational modifications (PTMs). We developed an original tool, enabling labeling and visualization of the cell cycle key-regulator β-catenin in its O-GlcNAcylated form, based on intramolecular Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) technology in cells. We opted for a bioorthogonal chemical reporter strategy based on the dual-labeling of β-catenin with a green fluorescent protein (GFP) for protein sequence combined with a chemically-clicked imaging probe for PTM, resulting in a fast and easy to monitor qualitative FRET assay. We validated this technology by imaging the O-GlcNAcylation status of β-catenin in HeLa cells. The changes in O-GlcNAcylation of β-catenin were varied by perturbing global cellular O-GlcNAc levels with the inhibitors of O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) and O-GlcNAcase (OGA). Finally, we provided a flowchart demonstrating how this technology is transposable to any kind of glycosylation.
Triciribine Engages ZFP36L1 and HuR to Stabilize LDLR mRNA
Authors: Sundvold Hilde
Published: October 2020

An increased understanding of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and its regulation may facilitate drug development for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Triciribine (TCN), which is a highly selective AKT inhibitor, increases the stability of LDLR mRNA downstream of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in human hepatoma cells (HepG2). Here, a candidate approach was used in order to determine whether the RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) ZFP36 ring finger protein like 1 (ZFP36L1) and Hu antigen R (HuR) play a role in TCN-mediated stabilization of LDLR mRNA. The depletion of HuR led to a reduction of LDLR mRNA stability, an event that was more pronounced in TCN-treated cells. TCN was found to induce the translocation of nuclear HuR to cytoplasm in an ERK-dependent manner. ZFP36L1 depletion increased the stability of LDLR mRNA consistent with its destabilizing role. However, in contrast to HuR, TCN had no effect on LDLR mRNA turnover in ZFP36L1-depleted cells. TCN induced the phosphorylation of ZFP36L1 in an ERK/RSK-dependent manner and promoted its dissociation from the CCR4-NOT complex. In sum, these data suggest that TCN utilizes ERK signaling to increase the activity of HuR and inhibit ZFP36L1 to stabilize LDLR mRNA in HepG2 cells.
Systemic Manifestations of the Periodontal Disease: A Bibliometric Review
Authors: Ahmad Paras , Arshad Anas Imran , Della Bella Elena , Khurshid Zohaib , Stoddart Martin
Published: October 2020

This bibliometric review aimed to identify and analyze the top 100 most-cited publications on the systemic manifestations of periodontal disease (PD). A literature search was performed using the Web of Science (WoS) ‘All Databases’, without any restriction of language, publication year, or study design. Of 4418 articles, the top 100 were included based on their citation count. After downloading the full texts, their bibliometric information was extracted and analyzed. The citation counts for the top 100 articles ranged from 156 to 4191 (median 217). The most productive years were 2003 and 2005, with 20 articles on the list. Majority of the articles were published in the Journal of Periodontology (n = 25). The top 100 articles were generated primarily from the USA (n = 61). Most of the publications were clinical trials (n = 27) and focused on the cardiovascular manifestations of PD (n = 31). Most of the articles were within the evidence level V (n = 41). A total of 58 studies received funding and the most frequently used keyword in the top articles was “periodontal disease” (n = 39). The current citation analysis presents insights into the current trends in the systemic manifestations of periodontal disease.