bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining the Role of Social Support for Adolescents from Low Socioeconomic Backgrounds in a College Access Program
Authors: Gale Adrian
Published: September 2021

Prior research has shown that college access programs help to increase college-going for youth from lower-income backgrounds. In addition to increasing college access, these programs also provide social support to youth and impact their academic and non-academic outcomes. Guided by risk and resilience frameworks, the present study examined social support from the college access program as a promotive factor for adolescents from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. The results indicated that social support was positively associated with personal resources, future college-going, and confidence in academic abilities. Overall, the current findings affirm the importance of investigating social support for adolescents from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. These findings also have implications for future research related to social support from college access programs.
Foliar Application of Trehalose or 5-Aminolevulinic Acid Improves Photosynthesis and Biomass Production in Drought Stressed Alpinia zerumbet
Authors: Zulfiqar Faisal , Chen Jianjun , Finnegan Patrick M. , Nafees Muhammad , Younis Adnan , Shaukat Narmeen , Latif Nadeem , Abideen Zainul , Zaid Abbu , Raza Ali , Siddiqui Zamin Shaheed , Hamed Karim Ben
Published: September 2021

Alpinia zerumbet is an important medicinal and ornamental plant species. Drought stress is a major concern for sustainable horticulture crop production under changing climate scenarios. Trehalose (Tre) and 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) are osmoprotectants that play important roles in mitigating plant stresses. In this study, the effects of foliar application of 25 mM Tre or 10 mg L−1 ALA on biochemical and physiological parameters of A. zerumbet seedlings and their growth were evaluated under well-watered and drought-stressed (65% of field capacity) conditions. Drought caused reductions in physiological parameters and plant growth. These decreases were accompanied by increases in leaf free proline and glycine betaine concentrations and peroxidase activities. Foliar application of Tre or ALA remediated physiological and biochemical parameters and plant growth. Overall, foliar application of ALA or Tre proved to be beneficial for mitigating drought stress in A. zerumbet.
Cytological and Molecular Characterization for Ploidy Determination in Yams (Dioscorea spp.)
Authors: Gatarira Cobes , Sládeková Lucia , Němečková Alžběta , Šimoníková Denisa , Paliwal Rajneesh , Asfaw Asrat , Abberton Michael , Badara Gueye , Asiedu Robert , Čížková Jana , Hřibová Eva , Doležel Jaroslav , DeKoeyer David , Adetimirin Victor , Bhattacharjee Ranjana
Published: September 2021

Yam (Dioscorea spp.) is a monocotyledonous herbaceous vine plant grown in the tropics and subtropics. It is a multi-species plant with varied intra- and interspecific ploidy levels. Of the 600 species, 11 are cultivated supporting the livelihood of over 300 million people. The paucity of information on ploidy and the genomic constitution is a significant challenge to the crop’s genetic improvement through crossbreeding. The objective of this study was to investigate the ploidy levels of 236 accessions across six cultivated and two wild species using chromosome counting, flow cytometry and genotyping-based ploidy determination methods. Results obtained from chromosome counting and genotyping-based ploidy determination were in agreement. In majority of the accessions, chromosome counting and flow cytometry were congruent, allowing future rapid screening of ploidy levels using flow cytometry. Among cultivated accessions, 168 (71%) were diploid, 50 (21%) were triploid, and 12 (5%) were tetraploid. Two wild species included in the study were diploids. Resolution of ploidy level in yams offers opportunities for implementing successful breeding programmes through intra- and interspecific hybridization.
The Addition of Selenium to the Nutrient Solution Decreases Cadmium Toxicity in Pepper Plants Grown under Hydroponic Conditions
Authors: Perez-Millan Rafael , Alfosea-Simon Marina , Zavala-Gonzalez Ernesto Alejandro , Camara-Zapata Jose Maria , Martinez-Nicolas Juan Jose , Lidon Vicente , Simon Inma , Shahid Muhammad Adnan , Garcia-Sanchez Francisco , Simon-Grao Silvia
Published: September 2021

Cadmium is absorbed by plants rapidly and without control through the same channels as other essential metals, interfering with their transport and utilization. Many studies have shown that selenium could be utilized as a way to avoid this unwanted transport and other negative effects of Cd. For this reason, the present research study was conducted with four treatments (−Cd/−Se, +Cd/−Se, +Cd/+SeF, and +Cd/+SeR) to determine the type of application of Se that is best (foliarly and/or via the root) as regards the reduction of the toxic effects of Cd on plants. Our results showed that the Cd excess in the nutrient solution resulted in a decrease in the total dry biomass of the plants grown under these conditions, and this decrease was due to the reduction of the growth of the shoot (48% +Cd/−Se, 45% +Cd/+SeF, and 38% +Cd/+SeR, relative to −Cd/−Se). This reduction in growth was due to: (i) the toxicity of Cd itself and (ii) the nutritional disequilibrium suffered by the plants. It seems that under hydroponic conditions, the addition of Se to the nutrient solution, and therefore its absorption through the roots (lower antioxidant activity, superoxide dismutase, H2O2 concentration and higher catalase activity), greatly delayed and reduced the toxic effects of Cd on the pepper plants, as opposed to the foliar application of this element.
Economic Feasibility of Agrivoltaic Systems in Food-Energy Nexus Context: Modelling and a Case Study in Niger
Authors: Neupane Bhandari Srijana , Schlüter Sabine , Kuckshinrichs Wilhelm , Schlör Holger , Adamou Rabani , Bhandari Ramchandra
Published: September 2021

In the literature, many studies outline the advantages of agrivoltaic (APV) systems from different viewpoints: optimized land use, productivity gain in both the energy and water sector, economic benefits, etc. A holistic analysis of an APV system is needed to understand its full advantages. For this purpose, a case study farm size of 0.15 ha has been chosen as a reference farm at a village in Niger, West Africa. Altogether four farming cases are considered. They are traditional rain-fed, irrigated with diesel-powered pumps, irrigated with solar pumps, and the APV system. The APV system is further analyzed under two scenarios: benefits to investors and combined benefits to investors and farmers. An economic feasibility analysis model is developed. Different economic indicators are used to present the results: gross margin, farm profit, benefit-cost ratio, and net present value (NPV). All the economic indicators obtained for the solar-powered irrigation system were positive, whereas all those for the diesel-powered system were negative. Additionally, the diesel system will emit annually about 4005 kg CO2 to irrigate the chosen reference farm. The land equivalent ratio (LER) was obtained at 1.33 and 1.13 for two cases of shading-induced yield loss excluded and included, respectively.
Significant Parent-of-Origin Effects for Seed, Cotyledon, and Early Plant Growth Traits in Cucumber
Authors: Oravec Madeline W. , Havey Michael J.
Published: September 2021

Parent-of-origin effects have long been recognized and exploited in plant breeding and genetic studies. These effects can be conferred by preferential expression of an allele from one parent, organellar effects, or altered organellar-nuclear interaction. The goal of this work was to evaluate parent-of-origin effects on seed, cotyledon, and early growth traits in cucumber using a full eight-by-eight diallel from crossing two doubled haploids (DHs) extracted from each of four cucumber populations. Significant general combining ability (GCA), specific combining ability (SCA), and reciprocal effects were observed for all traits, and direction and magnitude of effects were DH rather than population specific. Transcriptome analyses of reciprocal hybrids with and without significant reciprocal effects for early plant growth revealed that different pathways were associated with the significant reciprocal differences. These findings are consistent with the DH-specific nature of combining abilities and reciprocal effects across cucumber populations. Because reciprocal effects were DH and hybrid-combination specific, cucumber breeders should generate and evaluate both hybrids from reciprocal crossing for improved hybrid development.
Handlers’ Expectations and Perceived Compatibility regarding the Partnership with Their First Guide Dogs
Authors: Lloyd Janice , Budge Claire , Stafford Kevin
Published: September 2021

The main function of a guide dog is as a mobility aid, but they can also fulfill psychosocial roles as companions, social facilitators, and objects/providers of affection. This study examined the outcome of 50 peoples’ (handlers) partnerships with their first guide dog. Overall compatibility and the fulfilment of the handlers’ expectations regarding mobility and social factors related to guide dog usage were measured, and relationships between putative risk factors and the outcome of matching success were identified. The findings demonstrate that the dogs are generally exceeding expectations. The high average ratings of compatibility were notable, particularly with respect to the emotional compatibility between handler and dog. Comparing responses of those who felt the handler-dog pairing was a good match with those who felt it was a mismatch revealed it was the working aspects of the relationship that differentiated the two groups. However, the many aspects of life with a guide dog, beyond the complexities of the working relationship, suggest that a more nuanced compatibility measure accommodating both positive and negative aspects of the relationship could assist with matching, training and follow up of the handler-dog team to maximize success.
The New Status Quo: Enhancing Access to Human–Animal Interactions to Alleviate Social Isolation & Loneliness in the Time of COVID-19
Authors: Ng Zenithson , Griffin Taylor Chastain , Braun Lindsey
Published: September 2021

Access to human–animal interactions (HAI) have been influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Service animals that were trained and accustomed to daily access to public places had to adjust to staying at home. Therapy animals and their handlers who previously visited with many of the populations most vulnerable to the virus have had to halt their programming. Professionals who utilize animal-assisted interventions (AAI) have had to develop new strategies for providing goal-oriented care. Even the landscape for companion animals has been significantly altered, leading to behavioral changes and new practices for pet owners and veterinarians. While animals and their human companions face new challenges, our recognition of the power of the human–animal bond (HAB) has grown, as it provides a vital need for connection during this time of isolation. In this paper, we will not only focus on describing the new status quo related to various kinds of animals and the public’s access to HAI, but will also offer suggestions for sharing the human–animal bond during a time in which physical connections are limited. Organizational insights from the service and therapy animal fields will be explored, and findings related to the auspiciousness of new initiatives, such as animal-related engagement (ARE), will be presented. Recommendations for people who share their lives with any of these kinds of animals will be made to ensure both human and animal welfare. Finally, future research and best practices will be suggested, so we can empirically understand and develop these revised offerings to ultimately bring HAI to a wider audience than ever before.
Evaluation of the Safety and Feasibility of Apheresis in Dogs: For Application in Metastatic Cancer Research
Authors: Yamamoto Haru , Elbadawy Mohamed , Fujisaka Koudai , Sato Yomogi , Ohmori Takahiro , Shinohara Yuta , Hatano Yui , Kobayashi Daichi , Gomyo Ayana , Sudo Yuji , Azakami Daigo , Uchide Tsuyoshi , Fukushima Ryuji , Morita Shohei , Abugomaa Amira , Yamawaki Hideyuki , Kaneda Masahiro , Usui Tatsuya , Sasaki Kazuaki
Published: September 2021

In patients with solid tumors, circulating tumor cells (CTCs) spread in their blood and function as a seed for metastases. However, the study of CTCs has been limited by their rarity, low frequency, and heterogeneity. The efficient collection of CTCs will contribute to further research of metastatic cancers. Apheresis is a process in which the whole blood of an individual is passed through a machine that isolates a particular constituent and returns the remainder to the circulation. In the present study, we investigated the safety and feasibility of apheresis to separate peripheral blood monocytes (PBMCs), whose density is closely similar to that of CTCs, and to capture intravenously administered human breast cancer cells, MCF7s, from the dogs. No life-threatening events were observed in dogs during the apheresis process. The changes in the hemogram were transient and recovered gradually within a few days after apheresis. During apheresis, 50 mL of PBMCs could be collected from each dog. Notably, a thrombus was formed along the circuit wall during apheresis, which decreased the blood collection pressure. MCF7 cells were successfully captured by the apheresis machine. The captured cells were regrown in vitro and characterized compared with the original cells. In conclusion, apheresis could be safely performed in dogs to isolate CTCs with precautions to maintain hemodynamic stability.
Potential of Grape Extract in Comparison with Therapeutic Dosage of Antibiotics in Weaning Piglets: Effects on Performance, Digestibility and Microbial Metabolites of the Ileum and Colon
Authors: Rajković Emina , Schwarz Christiane , Tischler David , Schedle Karl , Reisinger Nicole , Emsenhuber Caroline , Ocelova Vladimira , Roth Nataliya , Frieten Dörte , Dusel Georg , Gierus Martin
Published: September 2021

Enteric diseases in piglets, such as post-weaning diarrhea (PWD), often require antibiotic treatment of the entire litter. Grape polyphenols may help overcome PWD and thereby reduce the need for antibiotics. The potential of a grape extract (GE; continuous in-feed supplementation) on performance of weaning piglets, compared with both negative (NC; corn-based diet) and positive control (PC; NC + in-feed antibiotic (amoxicillin) in a therapeutic dosage for day 1–day 5 post weaning) was assessed. Apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) and microbial metabolites were also evaluated on two sampling points (day 27/28 and day 55/56). We assigned 180 weaning piglets (6.9 ± 0.1 kg body weight (BW)) to 6 male and 6 female pens per treatment with 5 piglets each. Animals from PC showed higher BW on day 13 compared with NC and GE, and a tendency for higher BW on day 56 (p = 0.080) compared to NC. Furthermore, PC increased the average daily feed intake in the starter phase (day 1–day 13), and the average daily gain in the early grower phase (day 14–day 24). Overall, GE improved the ATTD at the same level as PC (ash, acid-hydrolyzed ether extract), or at a higher level than PC (dry matter, organic matter, gross energy, crude protein, P). There were no effects on microbial metabolites apart from minor trends for lactic acid and ammonia. Dietary inclusion of GE may have beneficial effects compared to therapeutic antibiotics, as frequently used at weaning.
Virulence and Antimicrobial Resistance Pattern of Aeromonas spp. Colonizing European Pond Turtles Emys orbicularis and Their Natural Environment. First Study from Poland
Authors: Guz Leszek , Nowakiewicz Aneta , Puk Krzysztof , Zięba Przemysław , Gnat Sebastian , Matuszewski Łukasz
Published: September 2021

The aim of the study was to isolate and identify species belonging to the Aeromonas genus and evaluate the antimicrobial resistance and virulence patterns of isolates colonizing European pond turtles (Emys orbicularis) from natural environment of Eastern Poland. In total, 74 turtles and 15 samples of water from their natural environment were examined. More than 40 strains were isolated and identified: A. bestiarum (n = 1), A. hydrophila (n = 13), A. allosaccharophila (n = 2), A. salmonicida (n = 3), and A. veronii (n = 23). The highest incidence of resistance was noted for ampicillin (100%) and sulfamethoxazole (62.0%), followed by erythromycin and colistin (both 40.5%). Moreover, eight strains were intermediately resistant to meropenem (19%). Most Aeromonas isolates were found to possess more than one virulence gene among fla, aer, hlyA, act, ela, alt, and ast. We showed that the population of free-living European pond turtles was highly colonized by Aeromonas spp. Such strains may be an infectious agent not only for the population of turtles but also for other species of animals inhabiting their natural environment. Moreover, the undesirable properties of water quality caused by the presence of drug-resistant aeromonads could have a negative impact on human health.
Designing Calcium Phosphate Nanoparticles with the Co-Precipitation Technique to Improve Phosphorous Availability in Broiler Chicks
Authors: Gutiérrez-Arenas Diana A. , Cuca-García Manuel , Méndez-Rojas Miguel A. , Pro-Martínez Arturo , Becerril-Pérez Carlos M. , Mendoza-Álvarez Maria Eugenia , Ávila-Ramos Fidel , Ramírez-Bribiesca Jacinto Efrén
Published: September 2021

Dicalcium phosphate (DP) is a mineral involved in the metabolism and development and is used as a dietary source of phosphorus (PT) for poultry. Our study objective is to design nano-dicalcium phosphate (NDP) by co-precipitation. The methodological procedure was divided into two phases: (1) NDP synthesis, and (2) bird performance, digestibility, and Ca-P in chick’s tissues. The sizes of the NDP were 20–80 nm. NDP had the Ca: P ratio of 1:1.12. The birds were divided into control diet (available P (Pa) = 0.13%) and three supplementary P sources [Commercial (Calcium phosphate), analytical grade (DP) and nanoparticles (NDP)] with three Pa levels (0.24, 0.35, 0.46%). Supplementary P sources compared to the control treatment had the highest body weight gain (698.56 vs. 228; p < 0.05) and feed intake (FI) (965.18 vs. 345.82), respectively. The digestibility of PT (67%) improved with 0.35% NDP. The highest contents of PT -breast were with the levels of 0.35 and 0.46% NDP. The PT, ash, and diameters were higher (p < 0.05) with supplementary P compared to the control treatment. As conclusion, the use of 0.35% NDP was the ideal dose in the chicks for the digestibility, absorption values, and the amount of PT in the breast.
The Impact of COVID-19 on the Profile of Hospital-Acquired Infections in Adult Intensive Care Units
Authors: Despotovic Aleksa , Milosevic Branko , Cirkovic Andja , Vujovic Ankica , Cucanic Ksenija , Cucanic Teodora , Stevanovic Goran
Published: September 2021

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are a global public health concern. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, its contribution to mortality and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) grows, particularly in intensive care units (ICUs). A two-year retrospective study from April 2019–April 2021 was conducted in an adult ICU at the Hospital for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Belgrade, Serbia to assess causative agents of HAIs and AMR rates, with the COVID-19 pandemic ensuing halfway through the study. Resistance rates >80% were observed for the majority of tested antimicrobials. In COVID-19 patients, Acinetobacter spp. was the dominant cause of HAIs and more frequently isolated than in non-COVID-19 patients. (67 vs. 18, p = 0.001). Also, resistance was higher for imipenem (56.8% vs. 24.5%, p < 0.001), meropenem (61.1% vs. 24.3%, p < 0.001) and ciprofloxacin (59.5% vs. 36.9%, p = 0.04). AMR rates were aggregated with findings from our previous study to identify resistance trends and establish empiric treatment recommendations. The increased presence of Acinetobacter spp. and a positive trend in Klebsiella spp. resistance to fluoroquinolones (R2 = 0.980, p = 0.01) and carbapenems (R2 = 0.963, p = 0.02) could have contributed to alarming resistance rates across bloodstream infections (BSIs), pneumonia (PN), and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Exceptions were vancomycin (16.0%) and linezolid (2.6%) in BSIs; tigecycline (14.3%) and colistin (0%) in PNs; and colistin (12.0%) and linezolid (0%) in UTIs. COVID-19 has changed the landscape of HAIs in our ICUs. Approval of new drugs and rigorous surveillance is urgently needed.
Baicalin Enhances Chemosensitivity to Doxorubicin in Breast Cancer Cells via Upregulation of Oxidative Stress-Mediated Mitochondria-Dependent Apoptosis
Authors: Lin Mei-Yi , Cheng Wan-Ting , Cheng Hui-Ching , Chou Wan-Ching , Chen Hsiu-I , Ou Hsiu-Chung , Tsai Kun-Ling
Published: September 2021

Doxorubicin (Dox) is an effective anthracycline anticancer drug. However, recent studies have revealed that Dox resistance is a highly critical issue, and a significant reason for treatment failure. Baicalin is a flavonoid component in the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi; however, whether baicalin can increase chemosensitivity in breast cancers is still unclear. In this study, we found that cellular apoptosis occurs when excessive intracellular ROS is generated, triggered by the dual intervention of baicalin and doxorubicin, which increases intracellular calcium [Ca2+]i concentrations. Increased [Ca2+]i concentrations decrease the mitochondrial membrane potential (△Ψm), thereby causing cellular apoptosis. Pretreatment with NAC (ROS inhibitor) or BATBA (Ca2+ chelator) reduces baicalin-induced chemosensitivity. The findings of this study demonstrate that the effect of baicalin on Dox treatment could enhance cytotoxicity toward breast cancer cells via the ROS/[Ca2+]i-mediated intrinsic apoptosis pathway—thus potentially lessening the required dosage of doxorubicin, and further exploring associated mechanisms in combined treatments for breast cancer clinical interventions in the future.
Total Synthesis of Resvebassianol A, a Metabolite of Resveratrol by Beauveria bassiana
Authors: Darlami Om , Shin Dongyun
Published: September 2021

Resveratrol is a well-known dietary polyphenol because it has a variety of beneficial biological activities. The fungus Beauveria bassiana is one of the most frequently used microorganisms for the biotransformation of polyphenols. Recently, resvebassianol A (2), a glycosylated metabolite of resveratrol by B. bassiana, was isolated and structurally elucidated. It was demonstrated to exhibit antioxidant, regenerative, and anti-inflammatory activities with no cytotoxicity. Here, we report the first total synthesis of resvebassianol A, 4′-O-β-(4‴-O-methylglucopyranosyl)resveratrol (2), and its regiomer, 3-O-β-(4‴-O-methylglucopyranosyl)resveratrol (3). Key reactions include (i) the construction of a stilbene core via a novel Heck reaction of aryl halides and styrenes, and (ii) glycosylation with unnatural methylglucopyranosyl bromide. The glycosylation step was carefully optimized by varying the bases and solvents. Resveratrol metabolites 2 and 3 were obtained at 7.5% and 6.3% of the overall yield, respectively.
Effect of Liquid Grounding Electrode on the NOx Removal by Dielectric Barrier Discharge Non-Thermal Plasma
Authors: Xiao Xiu , Guo Yu , Wang Zongyu , Zhang Wei , Zhang Jifeng , Ji Yulong , Chang Chao
Published: September 2021

In this paper, an experimental setup was established to study the influence of potassium chloride (KCL) solution as the ground electrode on the nitrogen oxides (NOx) removal efficiency in non-thermal plasma (NTP) generated by dielectric barrier discharging (DBD) reactor. The experimental results show that the KCL solution as the ground electrode has better stability and higher discharge intensity and it is a promising approach to improve NOx removal efficiency. The specific NOx removal efficiency is related to the power frequency, the concentration and temperature of the KCL solution. As the power frequency increases, the NOx removal efficiency first increases and then decreases, and a maximum value is reached at the power frequency of 8 kHz. The NO removal effect is improved as the concentration of the KCL solution increases, especially when the concentration is lower than 0.1 mol/L. Under the same KCL solution concentration and input energy density, the NOx removal efficiency is increased with the solution temperature. In particular, when the power discharge frequency is 8 kHz, the KCL solution concentration is 0.1 mol/L and the solution temperature is 60 °C, the NOx and NO removal efficiency reach 85.82% and 100%, respectively.
Card3DFace—An Application to Enhance 3D Visual Validation in ID Cards and Travel Documents
Authors: Dihl Leandro , Cruz Leandro , Gonçalves Nuno
Published: September 2021

The identification of a person is a natural way to gain access to information or places. A face image is an essential element of visual validation. In this paper, we present the Card3DFace application, which captures a single-shot image of a person’s face. After reconstructing the 3D model of the head, the application generates several images from different perspectives, which, when printed on a card with a layer of lenticular lenses, produce a 3D visualization effect of the face. The image acquisition is achieved with a regular consumer 3D camera, either using plenoptic, stereo or time-of-flight technologies. This procedure aims to assist and improve the human visual recognition of ID cards and travel documents through an affordable and fast process while simultaneously increasing their security level. The whole system pipeline is analyzed and detailed in this paper. The results of the experiments performed with polycarbonate ID cards show that this end-to-end system is able to produce cards with realistic 3D visualization effects for humans.
Statistical Approach to the Analysis of the Corrosive Behaviour of NiTi Alloys under the Influence of Different Seawater Environments
Authors: Kovač Nataša , Ivošević Špiro , Vastag Gyöngyi , Vukelić Goran , Rudolf Rebeka
Published: September 2021

Probabilistic models of corrosion rate estimation in the case of two NiTi alloys obtained by different technological processes are analysed in this paper. The depth of corrosion was measured by focused ion beam analysis on a metal surface that was not protected by an anti-corrosion coating. The samples were exposed to the influence of three different seawater environments, and empirical data were obtained in a systematic measurement procedure after 6, 12 and 18 months. Assuming that corrosion processes begin immediately after exposure of the samples to the influence of the seawater environment, and observing the corrosion rate as a random variable affected by various stochastic processes, the formed standard linear corrosion model was analysed by a statistical approach. The three best-fitted three-parameter distributions which can describe the changes in the corrosion rate for NiTi alloys exposed to the influence of the seawater environment adequately were obtained by fitting the continuous theoretical distributions. Adequate statistical tests showed similarities and differences in the behaviour of the two observed NiTi alloys from the point of view of corrosion processes caused by air, tide and sea.
Effect of Shot Peening on the Evolution of Scale on T91 Steel Exposed to Steam
Authors: Xu Liming , He Yinsheng , Kang Yeonkwan , Shin Keesam
Published: September 2021

Shot peening can be an effective solution for the prevention or retardation of scale formation, and subsequent exfoliation, upon exposure of the inner tube to steam in coal-fired power plants. In this study, specimens of T91 tubes were shot peened and then exposed to 1-bar steam for 100–1000 h at 650 °C, and were then analyzed using Vickers hardness test and microscopic techniques OM, SEM, TEM, etc. The analysis indicates that the oxide scales are typically Fe2O3 on the topmost layer, Fe3O4 below, and a FeCr2O4 spinel on the bottom in both shot peening treated and untreated specimens. However, the oxide scale thicknesses of shot peened specimens are thinner, indicating that shot peened specimens have better oxidation resistance. In addition, numerous defects, such as voids and micro-cracks, were found in the untreated specimens, which are believed to cause exfoliation of the uppermost Fe2O3 layers of the specimens exposed to steam for 800 and 1000 h. By contrast, the shot peened specimens maintained a dense contact oxide scale with fewer defects.
A Secure Key Aggregate Searchable Encryption with Multi Delegation in Cloud Data Sharing Service
Authors: Lee JoonYoung , Kim MyeongHyun , Oh JiHyeon , Park YoungHo , Park KiSung , Noh Sungkee
Published: September 2021

As the amount of data generated in various distributed environments is rapidly increasing, cloud servers and computing technologies are attracting considerable attention. However, the cloud server has privacy issues, including personal information and requires the help of a Trusted Third Party (TTP) for data sharing. However, because the amount of data generated and value increases, the data owner who produces data must become the subject of data sharing. In this study, we use key aggregate searchable encryption (KASE) technology, which enables keyword search, to efficiently share data without using TTP. The traditional KASE scheme approach only discusses delegation of authority from the data owner to another user. However, if the delegated entity cannot perform time-critical tasks because the shared data are unavailable, the delegate must further delegate the rights given to other users. Consequently, this paper proposes a new KASE scheme that enables multi-delegation without TTP and includes an authentication technique between the user and the server. After that, we perform informal and formal analysis using BAN logic and AVISPA for security evaluation, and compare the security and performance aspects with existing schemes.
Exploring How Phonotactic Knowledge Can Be Represented in Cognitive Networks
Authors: Vitevitch Michael S. , Niehorster-Cook Leo , Niehorster-Cook Sasha
Published: September 2021

In Linguistics and Psycholinguistics, phonotactics refers to the constraints on individual sounds in a given language that restrict how those sounds can be ordered to form words in that language. Previous empirical work in Psycholinguistics demonstrated that phonotactic knowledge influenced how quickly and accurately listeners retrieved words from that part of memory known as the mental lexicon. In the present study, we used three computer simulations to explore how three different cognitive network architectures could account for the previously observed effects of phonotactics on processing. The results of Simulation 1 showed that some—but not all—effects of phonotactics could be accounted for in a network where nodes represent words and edges connect words that are phonologically related to each other. In Simulation 2, a different network architecture was used to again account for some—but not all—effects of phonotactics and phonological neighborhood density. A bipartite network was used in Simulation 3 to account for many of the previously observed effects of phonotactic knowledge on spoken word recognition. The value of using computer simulations to explore different network architectures is discussed.
Immunosuppressive Roles of Galectin-1 in the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Huang Yanyu , Wang Hsiao-Chi , Zhao Junwei , Wu Ming-Heng , Shih Tsung-Chieh
Published: September 2021

Evasion of immune surveillance is an accepted hallmark of tumor progression. The production of immune suppressive mediators by tumor cells is one of the major mechanisms of tumor immune escape. Galectin-1 (Gal-1), a pivotal immunosuppressive molecule, is expressed by many types of cancer. Tumor-secreted Gal-1 can bind to glycosylated receptors on immune cells and trigger the suppression of immune cell function in the tumor microenvironment, contributing to the immune evasion of tumors. The aim of this review is to summarize the current literature on the expression and function of Gal-1 in the human tumor microenvironment, as well as therapeutics targeting Gal-1.
Mitigation of Data Packet Loss in Bluetooth Low Energy-Based Wearable Healthcare Ecosystem
Authors: Tipparaju Vishal Varun , Mallires Kyle R. , Wang Di , Tsow Francis , Xian Xiaojun
Published: September 2021

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) plays a critical role in wireless data transmission in wearable technologies. The previous work in this field has mostly focused on optimizing the transmission throughput and power consumption. However, not much work has been reported on a systematic evaluation of the data packet loss of BLE in the wearable healthcare ecosystem, which is essential for reliable and secure data transmission. Considering that diverse wearable devices are used as peripherals and off-the-shelf smartphones (Android, iPhone) or Raspberry Pi with various chipsets and operating systems (OS) as hubs in the wearable ecosystem, there is an urgent need to understand the factors that influence data loss in BLE and develop a mitigation solution to address the data loss issue. In this work, we have systematically evaluated packet losses in Android and iOS based wearable ecosystems and proposed a reduced transmission frequency and data bundling strategy along with queue-based packet transmission protocol to mitigate data packet loss in BLE. The proposed protocol provides flexibility to the peripheral device to work with the host either in real-time mode for timely data transmission or offline mode for accumulated data transmission when there is a request from the host. The test results show that lowered transmission frequency and data bundling reduce the packet losses to less than 1%. The queue-based packet transmission protocol eliminates any remaining packet loss by using re-request routines. The data loss mitigation protocol developed in this research can be widely applied to the BLE-based wearable ecosystem for various applications, such as body sensor networks (BSN), the Internet of Things (IoT), and smart homes.
The Impact of Repeated Attachment Priming on Paranoia, Mood and Help-Seeking Intentions in an Analogue Sample
Authors: Newman-Taylor Katherine , Sood Monica , Rowe Angela C. , Carnelley Katherine B.
Published: September 2021

Attachment security priming effects therapeutic change in people with depression and anxiety. Preliminary studies indicate that visualising secure attachment memories also reduces paranoia in non-clinical and clinical groups, probably due to a decrease in cognitive fusion. Benefits to clinical populations depend on the sustainability of these effects and the impact on help-seeking behaviours. The combination of paranoia and an insecure-avoidant attachment style is likely to be a particular barrier to help seeking. We used a longitudinal experimental design to test the impact of repeated attachment priming on paranoia, mood and help-seeking intentions and whether cognitive fusion mediates these effects. Seventy-nine people with high levels of non-clinical paranoia, aged 18–50 years (M = 20.53, SD = 4.57), were randomly assigned to a secure or insecure-avoidant priming condition. Participants rehearsed the visualisation prime on four consecutive days and were assessed on standardised measures of paranoia, positive and negative affect, help-seeking intentions and cognitive fusion. A series of mixed-model analyses of variance showed that security priming decreases paranoia, negative affect and cognitive fusion and increases positive affect and help seeking, compared to insecure-avoidant priming. Examining the impact of primed attachment (rather than measured attachment style) allows us to draw conclusions about the causal processes involved; mediation analyses showed indirect effects of the primes on paranoia and negative affect through cognitive fusion. With a growing understanding of (1) the impact of security priming on paranoia, affect and help-seeking behaviours, (2) causal mechanisms and (3) sustainability of effects, security priming may be developed into a viable intervention for clinical populations.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers for Alzheimer’s Disease in the Era of Disease-Modifying Treatments
Authors: Paraskevas George P. , Kapaki Elisabeth
Published: September 2021

Correct in vivo diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) helps to avoid administration of disease-modifying treatments in non-AD patients, and allows the possible use of such treatments in clinically atypical AD patients. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers offer a tool for AD diagnosis. A reduction in CSF β-amyloid (marker of amyloid plaque burden), although compatible with Alzheimer’s pathological change, may also be observed in other dementing disorders, including vascular cognitive disorders due to subcortical small-vessel disease, dementia with Lewy bodies and normal-pressure hydrocephalus. Thus, for the diagnosis of AD, an abnormal result of CSF β-amyloid may not be sufficient, and an increase in phospho-tau (marker of tangle pathology) is also required in order to confirm AD diagnosis in patients with a typical amnestic presentation and reveal underlying AD in patients with atypical or mixed and diagnostically confusing clinical presentations.
Knowledge Map of Urban Morphology and Thermal Comfort: A Bibliometric Analysis Based on CiteSpace
Authors: Chen Yuan , Wang Yupeng , Zhou Dian
Published: September 2021

In the context of global climate change, urban morphology is closely related to thermal comfort and contributes to sustainable urban development. Academics started to pay attention to related topics and carried out many studies during the last decades. This paper aims to summarize the research achievements and the development track for future studies. The Web of Science database and CiteSpace were used in this paper to conduct a bibliometric analysis of 556 studies in related fields from 1993 to 2020. Using a three-level co-occurrence analysis of 446 keywords, 1187 cocited literature clusters, and 15 landmark studies, the research topics and mainstream research frameworks were identified. The results show that with the increasing participation of disciplines such as computer science, ecology, and chemistry, the purpose of future research will shift to a focus on anthropogenic heat emissions, energy consumption, air pollution, and other aspects, and new research tools will be needed. In addition to building-scale and block-scale morphology, urban-scale morphology and green infrastructure will become the focus in the future. This study provides a systematic review of research about urban morphology and thermal comfort, which can inspire other researchers and policy makers.
Titratable Pharmacological Regulation of CAR T Cells Using Zinc Finger-Based Transcription Factors
Authors: Kotter Bettina , Engert Fabian , Krueger Winfried , Roy Andre , Rawashdeh Wael Al , Cordes Nicole , Drees Britta , Webster Brian , Werchau Niels , Lock Dominik , Dapa Sandra , Schneider Dina , Ludwig Stephan , Rossig Claudia , Assenmacher Mario , Mittelstaet Joerg , Kaiser Andrew D.
Published: September 2021

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has emerged as an attractive strategy for cancer immunotherapy. Despite remarkable success for hematological malignancies, excessive activity and poor control of CAR T cells can result in severe adverse events requiring control strategies to improve safety. This work illustrates the feasibility of a zinc finger-based inducible switch system for transcriptional regulation of an anti-CD20 CAR in primary T cells providing small molecule-inducible control over therapeutic functions. We demonstrate time- and dose-dependent induction of anti-CD20 CAR expression and function with metabolites of the clinically-approved drug tamoxifen, and the absence of background CAR activity in the non-induced state. Inducible CAR T cells executed fine-tuned cytolytic activity against target cells both in vitro and in vivo, whereas CAR-related functions were lost upon drug discontinuation. This zinc finger-based transcriptional control system can be extended to other therapeutically important CARs, thus paving the way for safer cellular therapies.
Increased Plasma Levels of lncRNAs LINC01268, GAS5 and MALAT1 Correlate with Negative Prognostic Factors in Myelofibrosis
Authors: Fantini Sebastian , Rontauroli Sebastiano , Sartini Stefano , Mirabile Margherita , Bianchi Elisa , Badii Filippo , Maccaferri Monica , Guglielmelli Paola , Ottone Tiziana , Palmieri Raffaele , Genovese Elena , Carretta Chiara , Parenti Sandra , Mallia Selene , Tavernari Lara , Salvadori Costanza , Gesullo Francesca , Maccari Chiara , Zizza Michela , Grande Alexis , Salmoiraghi Silvia , Mora Barbara , Potenza Leonardo , Rosti Vittorio , Passamonti Francesco , Rambaldi Alessandro , Voso Maria Teresa , Mecucci Cristina , Tagliafico Enrico , Luppi Mario , Vannucchi Alessandro Maria , Manfredini Rossella
Published: September 2021

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been recently described as key mediators in the development of hematological malignancies. In the last years, circulating lncRNAs have been proposed as a new class of non-invasive biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis and to predict treatment response. The present study is aimed to investigate the potential of circulating lncRNAs as non-invasive prognostic biomarkers in myelofibrosis (MF), the most severe among Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms. We detected increased levels of seven circulating lncRNAs in plasma samples of MF patients (n = 143), compared to healthy controls (n = 65). Among these, high levels of LINC01268, MALAT1 or GAS5 correlate with detrimental clinical variables, such as high count of leukocytes and CD34+ cells, severe grade of bone marrow fibrosis and presence of splenomegaly. Strikingly, high plasma levels of LINC01268 (p = 0.0018), GAS5 (p = 0.0008) or MALAT1 (p = 0.0348) are also associated with a poor overall-survival while high levels of LINC01268 correlate with a shorter leukemia-free-survival. Finally, multivariate analysis demonstrated that the plasma level of LINC01268 is an independent prognostic variable, suggesting that, if confirmed in future in an independent patients’ cohort, it could be used for further studies to design an updated classification model for MF patients.
Defining the Role of GLI/Hedgehog Signaling in Chemoresistance: Implications in Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: Chai Jian Yi , Sugumar Vaisnevee , Alshanon Ahmed F. , Wong Won Fen , Fung Shin Yee , Looi Chung Yeng
Published: September 2021

Insight into cancer signaling pathways is vital in the development of new cancer treatments to improve treatment efficacy. A relatively new but essential developmental signaling pathway, namely Hedgehog (Hh), has recently emerged as a major mediator of cancer progression and chemoresistance. The evolutionary conserved Hh signaling pathway requires an in-depth understanding of the paradigm of Hh signaling transduction, which is fundamental to provide the necessary means for the design of novel tools for treating cancer related to aberrant Hh signaling. This review will focus substantially on the canonical Hh signaling and the treatment strategies employed in different studies, with special emphasis on the molecular mechanisms and combination treatment in regard to Hh inhibitors and chemotherapeutics. We discuss our views based on Hh signaling’s role in regulating DNA repair machinery, autophagy, tumor microenvironment, drug inactivation, transporters, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and cancer stem cells to promote chemoresistance. The understanding of this Achilles’ Heel in cancer may improve the therapeutic outcome for cancer therapy.
Advances in Functional Imaging of Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Klain Michele , Zampella Emilia , Nappi Carmela , Nicolai Emanuele , Ambrosio Raffaele , Califaretti Elena , Lamartina Livia , Schlumberger Martin , Deandreis Désirée , Salvatore Domenico , Cuocolo Alberto
Published: September 2021

The present review provides a description of recent advances in the field of functional imaging that takes advantage of the functional characteristics of thyroid neoplastic cells (such as radioiodine uptake and FDG uptake) and theragnostic approach of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). Physical and biological characteristics of available radiopharmaceuticals and their use with state-of-the-art technologies for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of DTC patients are depicted. Radioactive iodine is used mostly with a therapeutic intent, while PET/CT with 18F-FDG emerges as a useful tool in the diagnostic management and complements the use of radioactive iodine. Beyond 18F-FDG PET/CT, other tracers including 124I, 18F-TFB and 68Ga-PSMA, and new methods such as PET/MR, might offer new opportunities in selecting patients with DTC for specific imaging modalities or treatments.
Philadelphia-Negative Chronic Myeloproliferative Neoplasms during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Challenges and Future Scenarios
Authors: Palandri Francesca , Breccia Massimo , De Stefano Valerio , Passamonti Francesco
Published: September 2021

An outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) started in December 2019 in China and then become pandemic in February 2020. Several publications investigated the possible increased rate of COVID-19 infection in hematological malignancies. Based on the published data, strategies for the management of chronic Philadelphia-negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are provided. The risk of severe COVID-19 seems high in MPN, particularly in patients with essential thrombocythemia, but not negligible in myelofibrosis. MPN patients are at high risk of both thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications and this must be accounted in the case of COVID-19 deciding on a case-by-case basis. There are currently no data to suggest that hydroxyurea or interferon may influence the risk or severity of COVID-19 infection. Conversely, while the immunosuppressive activity of ruxolitinib might pose increased risk of infection, its abrupt discontinuation during COVID-19 syndrome is associated with worse outcome. All MPN patients should receive vaccine against COVID-19; reassuring data are available on efficacy of mRNA vaccines in MPNs.
The ‘Yin and Yang’ of Cancer Cell Growth and Mechanosensing
Authors: Amer Malak , Shi Lidan , Wolfenson Haguy
Published: September 2021

In cancer, two unique and seemingly contradictory behaviors are evident: on the one hand, tumors are typically stiffer than the tissues in which they grow, and this high stiffness promotes their malignant progression; on the other hand, cancer cells are anchorage-independent—namely, they can survive and grow in soft environments that do not support cell attachment. How can these two features be consolidated? Recent findings on the mechanisms by which cells test the mechanical properties of their environment provide insight into the role of aberrant mechanosensing in cancer progression. In this review article, we focus on the role of high stiffness on cancer progression, with particular emphasis on tumor growth; we discuss the mechanisms of mechanosensing and mechanotransduction, and their dysregulation in cancerous cells; and we propose that a ‘yin and yang’ type phenomenon exists in the mechanobiology of cancer, whereby a switch in the type of interaction with the extracellular matrix dictates the outcome of the cancer cells.