bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
P-REX1-Independent, Calcium-Dependent RAC1 Hyperactivation in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Baker Martin J. , Abba Martín C. , Garcia-Mata Rafael , Kazanietz Marcelo G.
Published: February 2020

The GTPase Rac1 is a well-established master regulator of cell motility and invasiveness contributing to cancer metastasis. Dysregulation of the Rac1 signaling pathway, resulting in elevated motile and invasive potential, has been reported in multiple cancers. However, there are limited studies on the regulation of Rac1 in prostate cancer. Here, we demonstrate that aggressive androgen-independent prostate cancer cells display marked hyperactivation of Rac1. This hyperactivation is independent of P-Rex1 activity or its direct activators, the PI3K product PIP3 and Gβγ subunits. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the motility and invasiveness of PC3 prostate cancer cells is independent of P-Rex1, supporting the analysis of publicly available datasets indicating no correlation between high P-Rex1 expression and cancer progression in patients. Rac1 hyperactivation was not related to the presence of activating Rac1 mutations and was insensitive to overexpression of a Rac-GAP or the silencing of specific Rac-GEFs expressed in prostate cancer cells. Interestingly, active Rac1 levels in these cells were markedly reduced by elevations in intracellular calcium or by serum stimulation, suggesting the presence of an alternative means of Rac1 regulation in prostate cancer that does not involve previously established paradigms.
Sugar Alcohols Have a Key Role in Pathogenesis of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Whole Blood and Liver Tissues
Authors: Ismail Israa T. , Fiehn Oliver , Elfert Ashraf , Helal Marwa , Salama Ibrahim , El-Said Hala
Published: February 2020

The major risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are hepatitis C and B viral infections that proceed to Chronic Liver Disease (CLD). Yet, the early diagnosis and treatment of HCC are challenging because the pathogenesis of HCC is not fully defined. To better understand the onset and development of HCC, untargeted GC-TOF MS metabolomics data were acquired from resected human HCC tissues and their paired non-tumor hepatic tissues (n = 46). Blood samples of the same HCC subjects (n = 23) were compared to CLD (n = 15) and healthy control (n = 15) blood samples. The participants were recruited from the National Liver Institute in Egypt. The GC-TOF MS data yielded 194 structurally annotated compounds. The most strikingly significant alteration was found for the class of sugar alcohols that were up-regulated in blood of HCC patients compared to CLD subjects (p < 2.4 × 10−12) and CLD compared to healthy controls (p = 4.1 × 10−7). In HCC tissues, sugar alcohols were the most significant (p < 1 × 10−6) class differentiating resected HCC tissues from non-malignant hepatic tissues for all HCC patients. Alteration of sugar alcohol levels in liver tissues also defined early-stage HCC from their paired non-malignant hepatic tissues (p = 2.7 × 10−6). In blood, sugar alcohols differentiated HCC from CLD subjects with an ROC-curve of 0.875 compared to 0.685 for the classic HCC biomarker alpha-fetoprotein. Blood sugar alcohol levels steadily increased from healthy controls to CLD to early stages of HCC and finally, to late-stage HCC patients. The increase in sugar alcohol levels indicates a role of aldo-keto reductases in the pathogenesis of HCC, possibly opening novel diagnostic and therapeutic options after in-depth validation.
Graphene Oxide Reinforcing Genipin Crosslinked Chitosan-Gelatin Blend Films
Authors: Vlasceanu George Mihail , Crica Livia Elena , Pandele Andreea Madalina , Ionita Mariana
Published: February 2020

This study was targeted towards the synthesis and characterization of new chitosan–gelatin biocomposite films reinforced with graphene oxide and crosslinked with genipin. The composites’ mode of structuration was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, while morphology and topography were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, nano-computer tomography and profilometry. Eventually, thermal stability was evaluated through thermogravimetrical analysis, mechanical properties assessment was carried out to detect potential improvements as a result of graphene oxide (GO) addition and in vitro enzyme degradation was performed to discern the most promising formulations for the maturation of the study towards in vivo assays. In accordance with similar works, results indicated the possibility of using GO as an agent for adjusting films’ roughness, chemical stability and polymer structuration. The enzymatic stability of chitosan–gelatin (CHT-GEL) films was also improved by genipin (GEN) crosslinking and GO supplementation, with the best results being obtained for CHT-GEL-GEN and CHT-GEL-GEN-GO3 (crosslinked formulation with 3 wt.% GO). Yet, contrary to previous reports, no great enhancement of CHT-GEN-GEL-GO thermal performances was obtained by the incorporation of GO.
Structural and Optical Properties of ZnO Thin Films Prepared by Molecular Precursor and Sol–Gel Methods
Authors: Amakali Theopolina , Daniel Likius. S. , Uahengo Veikko , Dzade Nelson Y. , de Leeuw Nora H.
Published: February 2020

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a versatile and inexpensive semiconductor with a wide direct band gap that has applicability in several scientific and technological fields. In this work, we report the synthesis of ZnO thin films via two simple and low-cost synthesis routes, i.e., the molecular precursor method (MPM) and the sol–gel method, which were deposited successfully on microscope glass substrates. The films were characterized for their structural and optical properties. X-ray diffraction (XRD) characterization showed that the ZnO films were highly c-axis (0 0 2) oriented, which is of interest for piezoelectric applications. The surface roughness derived from atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis indicates that films prepared via MPM were relatively rough with an average roughness (Ra) of 2.73 nm compared to those prepared via the sol–gel method (Ra = 1.55 nm). Thin films prepared via MPM were more transparent than those prepared via the sol–gel method. The optical band gap of ZnO thin films obtained via the sol–gel method was 3.25 eV, which falls within the range found by other authors. However, there was a broadening of the optical band gap (3.75 eV) in thin films derived from MPM.
Similarities and Differences between Clear Cell Tubulo-Papillary and Conventional Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Comparative Phenotypical and Mutational Analysis
Authors: Giunchi Francesca , Franceschini Tania , Gruppioni Elisa , Altimari Annalisa , Capizzi Elisa , Massari Francesco , Schiavina Riccardo , Brunelli Matteo , Martignoni Guido , Fiorentino Michelangelo
Published: February 2020

Background: Clear cell tubulo-papillary renal cell carcinoma (cctpRCC) is characterized by clear cell morphology, but differs from conventional clear cell carcinoma (ccRCC) for its indolent clinical behavior and genetic background. The differential diagnosis between the two is based on histology and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Methods: We performed a comparative case-control histological, IHC, and genetic analysis by next generation sequencing (NGS), to point out the differences in 10 cases of cctpRCC, and six controls of ccRCC with low stage and grade. Results: All 16 cases showed the IHC profile with cytokeratin 7, racemase, and carbonic anhydrase IX expected for the histological features of each tumor type. By contrast, the NGS mutation analysis that covered 207 amplicons of 50 oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes provided conflicting results. Among the 10 cctpRCC cases, eight (80%) were wild type for all of the genes in the panel, while two (20%) harbored VHL mutations typical of ccRCC. Three of the six (50%) ccRCC control cases showed expected VHL mutations; two (33%) harbored pathogenic mutations in the p53 or the CKIT genes; and one (16%) was wild type. Conclusion: We can assume that histology and ICH are not sufficient for a definitive diagnosis of cctpRCC or ccRCC. Although with a panel covering 50 genes, we found that 80% of cctpRCC were genetically silent; thus, suggesting an indolent biology of these tumors. The differential diagnosis between ccptRCC and ccRCC for the choice of the best therapeutic strategy likely requires the comprehensive evaluation of histology, IHC, and at least VHL mutations.
Pre-Outplacement Perceptions of Dental Students Regarding Rural Oral Health Practice and Associated Factors
Authors: Abuzar Menaka , Crombie Felicity , Bishara Karin , Bryan Annesley , Chan Kenneth , Chang Brendan , Chang Denise , Cheng Wei-I (Elizabeth) , Chu Ryan
Published: February 2020

Rural outplacement programs have been offered by Australian universities to encourage dental students to consider rural careers. The dental curricula should be designed to provide graduates with a good understanding of oral health issues that rural oral health care workers face. Pre-outplacement perceptions of dental students on rural practice are considered imperative to review and update the outplacement programs; however, they have not been investigated in detail. An online, anonymous, voluntary survey was conducted among the first-year dental students. The responses were solicited on the level of awareness and understanding of rural oral health, intention to practice in rural locations and factors informing the appeal of rural dental practice. The mean of a seven-point Likert scale revealed that most students had some level of perceived knowledge and awareness of rural communities and oral health. Students with rural affiliation were more likely to have the intent to practise rurally after graduation (p = 0.001). For short-term rural practice, students overall expressed positive intention. Greater job opportunities were the main motivating factor, while the distance from family and friends was the main deterring factor for practising rurally. Rural affiliation influences the intent to practise rurally on graduation. The pre-outplacement perceptions, in this study, are comparable with post-outplacement observations reported in the literature.
HEAP: A Holistic Error Assessment Framework for Multiple Approximations Using Probabilistic Graphical Models
Authors: Jiao Jiajia
Published: February 2020

Approximate computing has been a good paradigm of energy-efficient accelerator design. Accurate and fast error estimation is critical for appropriate approximate techniques selection so that power saving (or performance improvement) can be maximized with acceptable output quality in approximate accelerators. In the paper, we propose HEAP, a Holistic Error assessment framework to characterize multiple Approximate techniques with Probabilistic graphical models (PGM) in a joint way. HEAP maps the problem of evaluating errors induced by different approximate techniques into a PGM issue, including: (1) A heterogeneous Bayesian network is represented by converting an application’s data flow graph, where various approximate options are {precise, approximate} two-state X*-type nodes, while input or operating variables are {precise, approximate, unacceptable} three-state X-type nodes. These two different kinds of nodes are separately used to configure the available approximate techniques and track the corresponding error propagation for guaranteed configurability; (2) node learning is accomplished via an approximate library, which consists of probability mass functions of multiple approximate techniques to fast calculate each node’s Conditional Probability Table by mechanistic modeling or empirical modeling; (3) exact inference provides the probability distribution of output quality at three levels of precise, approximate, and unacceptable. We do a complete case study of 3 × 3 Gaussian kernels with different approximate configurations to verify HEAP. The comprehensive results demonstrate that HEAP is helpful to explore design space for power-efficient approximate accelerators, with just 4.18% accuracy loss and 3.34 × 105 speedup on average over Mentor Carlo simulation.
Rainfall Partitioning in Chinese Pine (Pinus tabuliformis Carr.) Stands at Three Different Ages
Authors: Dong Lingling , Han Hairong , Kang Fengfeng , Cheng Xiaoqin , Zhao Jinlong , Song Xiaoshuai
Published: February 2020

Chinese pine (Pinus tabuliformis Carr.) is the main forest species in northern China, with the potential to dramatically affect biotic and abiotic aspects of ecosystems in this region. To discover the rainfall partitioning patterns of different growth periods of Chinese pine forest, we studied the throughfall (Tf), stemflow (Sf) and canopy interception (I) in three stand ages (40-, 50-, 60-year-old) in Liaoheyuan Natural Reserve of Hebei Province during the growing seasons of 2013 and 2014, and analyzed effect of rainfall amount, rainfall intensity, and canopy structure on rainfall partitioning in Chinese pine forest. The results showed that throughfall decreased with the stand age, accounting for 78.8%, 74.1% and 66.7% of gross rainfall in 40-, 50- and 60-year-old Chinese pine forests, respectively. Canopy interception, on the other hand, increased with the stand age (20.4%, 24.8%, and 32.8%, respectively), while the pattern in stemflow was less clear (0.8%, 1.1%, and 0.6%, respectively). As rainfall intensity increased, the Tf and Sf increased and I declined. Additionally, our results showed that leaf area index (LAI) and the diameter at breast height (DBH) increased with age in Chinese pine stands, probably explaining the similar increase in canopy interception (I). On the other hand, the mean leaf angle, openness, gap fraction all decreased with the stand age. Stepwise regression analysis showed that the rainfall amount and LAI were the major determinants influencing the rainfall partition. Our study highlights the importance of stand age in shaping different forest canopy structures, and shows how age-related factors influence canopy rainfall partitioning. This study also significantly adds to our understanding the mechanisms of the hydrological cycle in coniferous forest ecosystems in northern China.
Development of Nutrient Uptake by Understory Plant Arrhenatherum elatius and Microbial Biomass during Primary Succession of Forest Soils in Post-Mining Land
Authors: Kaneda Satoshi , Angst Šárka , Frouz Jan
Published: February 2020

The development of plant and soil microbial communities is one of the basic preconditions for the restoration of functional ecosystems. However, nutrients are concurrently used by plants and microbes, and the dynamics of this interaction during ecosystem development have seldom been studied. The aim of our study, thus, was to describe the dynamics of nutrient availability in soil and, at the same time, the nutrient accumulation in plant and microbial biomass along an unassisted primary succession heading toward broadleaf forest. The growth of the understory plant Arrhenatherum elatius on soils originating from three (16, 22, and 45 years’ old) successional stages of a post-mining area and the development of the microbial community in the presence or absence of this plant were studied in a pot experiment. Both, the plant biomass and carbon (C) in microbial biomass in intermediate and late middle successional stages were higher than those in the early stage. In soil, extractable organic C, extractable organic nitrogen (N), and inorganic N increased with proceeding succession, but Olsen phosphorus (P) peaked in the intermediate successional stage. The amounts of N and P in plant and microbial biomass increased during succession. In the late middle successional stage, the amount of P in microbial biomass exceeded that of plant bound P approximately twice, and this increase was higher in pots with plants than without. The results imply that the competition between plants and microbes for available P may increase microbial P uptake and, thus, hinder plant growth in later successional stages.
Moroccan Groundwater Resources and Evolution with Global Climate Changes
Authors: Hssaisoune Mohammed , Bouchaou Lhoussaine , Sifeddine Abdelfattah , Bouimetarhan Ilham , Chehbouni Abdelghani
Published: February 2020

In semi-arid areas, many ecosystems and activities depend essentially on water availability. In Morocco, the increase of water demands combined to climate change induced decrease of precipitation put a lot of pressure on groundwater. This paper reports the results of updating and evaluation of groundwater datasets with regards to climate scenarios and institutional choices. The continuous imbalance between groundwater extraction and recharge caused a dramatic decline in groundwater levels (20 to 65 m in the past 30 years). Additionally, Morocco suffers from the degradation in groundwater quality due to seawater intrusion, nitrate pollution and natural salinity changes. Climate data analysis and scenarios predict that temperatures will increase by 2 to 4 °C and precipitation will decrease by 53% in all catchments over this century. Consequently, surface water availability will drastically decrease, which will lead to more extensive use of groundwater. Without appropriate measures, this situation will jeopardize water security in Morocco. In this paper, we zoom on the case the Souss-Massa basin, where management plans (artificial recharge, seawater desalination, and wastewater reuse) have been adopted to restore groundwater imbalance or, at least, mitigate the recorded deficits. These plans may save water for future generations and sustain crop production.
“Sing the Bones Home”: Material Memory and the Project of Freedom in M. NourbeSe Philip’s Zong!
Authors: Fink Lisa
Published: February 2020

M. NourbeSe Philip’s 2008 book-length poem Zong! represents maritime materialities below the sea’s surface in relation to aesthetic geographies of the sea in the aftermath of slavery as an abyss of loss, thereby extending modernist aesthetics while offering a strategic and revisionary response to male-centered modernist writing. Keen attention into the sea as an innovating and renewing source reveals that the poem imagines the sea as a literal, formal, and thematic agent for the “decontamination” of language—which, Philip maintains, is contaminated by imperialism—and of the received history about slavery. The poem focuses its investigation on the case of the 1781 Zong massacre and the Gregson v. Gilbert maritime insurance case that arose in its wake. Zong! mourns the massacre of 150 Africans who were thrown overboard so that owners of the slave ship could collect insurance money on lost “cargo”. In conversation with Caribbean poets and thinkers, such as Grace Nichols, and African oral traditions, the poem explores forms of memory that go beyond the non-history officially afforded to the enslaved and their descendants. Throughout the poem, the sea is a site of decontamination through which Zong! stages its attempt to recover the unrecoverable. While many scholars have understandably focused on the events aboard the ship, a small number of ecocritical readings have highlighted the poem’s engagement with the materiality of the sea. Drawing on postcolonial ecocriticism and black feminist theories of the human, this article will discuss the sea as a material geography, going deeper to investigate the poem’s rarely discussed focus on biological and chemical materiality as juxtaposed to representations of black women’s flesh, arguing that it functions as a feminist provocation to both human exceptionalism and the racial boundaries of the human.
Emotional Intelligence Components as Predictors of Engagement in Nursing Professionals by Sex
Authors: Molero Jurado María del Mar , Pérez-Fuentes María del Carmen , Barragán Martín Ana Belén , Gázquez Linares José Jesús , Oropesa Ruiz Nieves Fátima , Simón Márquez María del Mar
Published: February 2020

Engagement of nursing professionals is related to their psychological wellbeing, and therefore, emotional intelligence acts as a predictor. The purpose of this study was to analyze the explanatory value of the dimensions of emotional intelligence in engagement in both sexes, as well as the conditional effect of interaction of sex as a moderating variable. The sample was comprised of 2126 nurses with a mean age of 31.66 years. The Utrecht Work Engagement Scale and the Brief Inventory of Emotional Intelligence for Senior Citizens (EQ-i-20M) were used for their evaluation. The results revealed the existence of significant differences in engagement depending on the sex of the nursing professionals. Furthermore, this study showed that the interpersonal component of emotional intelligence is the predictor of engagement of female professionals, while mood and the interpersonal dimensions have a higher predictive value of engagement in males. Finally, this study was able to emphasize the sex differences found along with the importance of the role emotional intelligence dimensions have in engagement levels, which must be taken into account when designing intervention programs to improve engagement and promote participation of nursing professionals in their workplace.
Heart Rate Assessment during Neonatal Resuscitation
Authors: Johnson Peter A. , Schmölzer Georg M.
Published: February 2020

Approximately 10% of newborn infants require some form of respiratory support to successfully complete the fetal-to-neonatal transition. Heart rate (HR) determination is essential at birth to assess a newborn’s wellbeing. Not only is it the most sensitive indicator to guide interventions during neonatal resuscitation, it is also valuable for assessing the infant’s clinical status. As such, HR assessment is a key step at birth and throughout resuscitation, according to recommendations by the Neonatal Resuscitation Program algorithm. It is essential that HR is accurate, reliable, and fast to ensure interventions are delivered without delay and not prolonged. Ineffective HR assessment significantly increases the risk of hypoxic injury and infant mortality. The aims of this review are to summarize current practice, recommended techniques, novel technologies, and considerations for HR assessment during neonatal resuscitation at birth.
Perfectionism Profiles and Anger Responses: The Relevant Role of Self-Esteem in Athletes of Professional Quarries
Authors: Muñoz-Villena Antonio Jesús , Gómez-López Manuel , González-Hernández Juan
Published: February 2020

Perfectionism is a multidimensional personality trait characterized by effort and rigidity in setting high personal standards, accompanied by an excessive tendency toward critical assessments, which plays an important role in cognitive, behavioral, and emotional functioning. During adolescence, personality is built on a fundamental pillar—self-esteem—which plays an important role in sports practice when it comes to achieving the best possible performance. Anger has an emotional component that, interpreted in an unadaptive way, interferes with sports performance. The aim of this study is to assess differences according to self-esteem and perfectionism indicators and anger expression and management in young athletes. The sample included 229 male athletes to the quarries of professional sports with ages between 13 and 17 years. They were administered the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory for Children and Adolescents, the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, and a socio-demographic questionnaire. Predictive analysis showed that low personal standards and high levels of organization (indicators of adaptive perfectionism) acted as predictors of state anger, while those showing high personal standards predicted high anger management in athletes with high self-esteem. High personal standards predicted lower indicators of trait anger in athletes with low self-esteem. The results revealed the influence of high self-esteem as a protective factor in the predictive relationship among anger traits and personal standards. The study describes the relationship of these variables in the belongings of young male footballers (under high sport pressure), showing the need to take care of the athletes’ self-esteem in sport environments through prevention programs that include psychological and social resources training systems.
Oral Health and Molecular Aspects of Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma Patients: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Zhurakivska Khrystyna , Troiano Giuseppe , Montella Marco , Lo Muzio Lorenzo , Fiorillo Luca , Cervino Gabriele , Cicciù Marco , D’Amico Cesare , Rullo Rosario , Laino Gregorio , Di Stasio Dario , Laino Luigi
Published: February 2020

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma is one of the most common soft tissue sarcomas in adults. It occurs only occasionally in oral soft tissues, and knowledge about its characteristics is based on a limited number of cases reported in the literature. Malignant fibrous histiocytoma belongs to the group of soft tissue sarcomas and makes up less than 10% of soft tissue sarcomas. For therapeutic purposes, complete exeresis of the lesion (macroscopic and microscopic) is performed because they have frequent recurrences. As for complementary therapy in addition to surgery, neither radiotherapy nor chemotherapy have been shown to reduce the risk of death related to the disease. Often patients complain of a swelling that grows in a short period of time. It is quite common for patients to report trauma in the area, which is not the cause, but rather the event that allows diagnosis. The mass usually does not cause pain unless it compresses an adjacent nerve structure. The aim of this study is to systematically review the scientific literature in order to identify the most recent studies concerning malignant fibrous histiocytomas localized in oral soft tissues and report their main data. The main outcomes of this study concern the immunohistochemical, molecular, and clinical aspects of this pathology. A systematic review of articles in the electronic databases pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science was performed. After the selection process, 11 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The mean age of the patients was 50.8 years old. The lesions affected various parts of the oral cavity, showing predominantly storiform–pleomorphic patterns. All cases except one were treated with surgical resection and radiation therapy. Although some data emerged from this review, they remain limited to a few case reports. Further studies are necessary in order to standardize the approach to patients affected by oral malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH).
On Time: A Qualitative Study of Swedish Students’, Parents’ and Teachers’ Views on School Attendance, with a Focus on Tardiness
Authors: Warne Maria , Svensson Åsa , Tirén Lina , Wall Erika
Published: February 2020

Tardiness is a common problem in many schools. It can be understood as an individual risk for future problematic behavior leading to absenteeism, school dropout, exclusion and later health problems. Tardiness can also be examined in relation to a broader social-ecological perspective on health. The aim of this study was to analyze students’, school staff’s and parents’ views on students’ tardiness in two Swedish schools. A focus group interview design was used with 21 school personnel, 21 students in grade nine and two parents. The data were analyzed by using thematic content analysis. The results illustrated the main theme—It depends on…—regarding what will happen if a student arrives late to school lessons. This finding is further explained by the subthemes about teachers’ signals and reactions and the responses from teachers and students. The conclusion showed the importance of organizing the school day more predictably for the students. Late arrival is a sign of shortcomings in a school organization. It is necessary to develop guidelines related to how to handle students’ late arrival based on predictable viewpoints but even more so on how to promote students’ sense of belonging and their interest in and motivation for going to school.
The Impact of Population Aging and Public Health Support on EU Labor Markets
Authors: Cristea Mirela , Noja Gratiela Georgiana , Stefea Petru , Sala Adrian Lucian
Published: February 2020

Population aging and public health expenditure mainly dedicated to older dependent persons present major challenges for the European Union (EU) Member States, with profound implications for their economies and labor markets. Sustainable economic development relies on a well-balanced workforce of young and older people. As this balance shifts in favor of older people, productivity tends to suffer, on the one hand, and the older group demands more from health services, on the other hand. These requisites tend to manifest differently within developed and developing EU countries. This research aimed to assess population aging impacts on labor market coordinates (employment rate, labor productivity), in the framework of several health dimensions (namely, health government expenditure, hospital services, healthy life years, perceived health) and other economic and social factors. The analytical approach consisted of applying structural equation models, Gaussian graphical models, and macroeconometric models (robust regression and panel corrected standard errors) to EU panel data for the years 1995–2017. The results show significant dissimilarities between developed and developing EU countries, suggesting the need for specific policies and strategies for the labor market integration of older people, jointly with public health expenditure, with implications for EU labor market performance.
Slope Hazard Monitoring Using High-Resolution Satellite Remote Sensing: Lessons Learned from a Case Study
Authors: Qin Yuxiao , Hoppe Edward , Perissin Daniele
Published: February 2020

In this study, a highway slope monitoring project for a section of US highway I-77 in Virginia was carried out with the InSAR technique. This paper attempts to provide insights into the complete and practical solution for the monitoring project, including two parts: what to consider for selecting the optimal satellites and configurations for the given area of interest (AoI) and budget; and how to best process the selected data for the monitoring purposes. To answer the first question, the simulated geometric distortion map, cumulative change detection map, intensity map, interferograms and coherence maps from all available historical datasets were generated. The satellite configuration that gives the best coherence and least geometric distortion with the given budget was selected for the monitoring project. For this project, it was the X-band COSMO stripmap with 3 m resolution and eight-days revisit time. To answer the second question, a multi-temporal InSAR (MTInSAR) was applied to retrieve the settlement time series of the slopes along the highway. Several special techniques were applied to increase the level of confidence, i.e., dividing AoI into smaller and independent areas, using a non-linear approach, etc. Finally, fieldwork was carried out for the interpretation and validation of the results. The AoI was overall stable, though some local changes were detected by the SAR signal which were validated by the fieldwork.
Small Molecule Anion Carriers Correct Abnormal Airway Surface Liquid Properties in Cystic Fibrosis Airway Epithelia
Authors: Gianotti Ambra , Capurro Valeria , Delpiano Livia , Mielczarek Marcin , García-Valverde María , Carreira-Barral Israel , Ludovico Alessandra , Fiore Michele , Baroni Debora , Moran Oscar , Quesada Roberto , Caci Emanuela
Published: February 2020

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease characterized by the lack of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein expressed in epithelial cells. The resulting defective chloride and bicarbonate secretion and imbalance of the transepithelial homeostasis lead to abnormal airway surface liquid (ASL) composition and properties. The reduced ASL volume impairs ciliary beating with the consequent accumulation of sticky mucus. This situation prevents the normal mucociliary clearance, favouring the survival and proliferation of bacteria and contributing to the genesis of CF lung disease. Here, we have explored the potential of small molecules capable of facilitating the transmembrane transport of chloride and bicarbonate in order to replace the defective transport activity elicited by CFTR in CF airway epithelia. Primary human bronchial epithelial cells obtained from CF and non-CF patients were differentiated into a mucociliated epithelia in order to assess the effects of our compounds on some key properties of ASL. The treatment of these functional models with non-toxic doses of the synthetic anionophores improved the periciliary fluid composition, reducing the fluid re-absorption, correcting the ASL pH and reducing the viscosity of the mucus, thus representing promising drug candidates for CF therapy.
M(VI) Oxidation State Stabilization in Iron, Cobalt and Nickel Heteroligand Metal Chelates Containing 3,7,11,15-Tetraazaporphine and Two Axial Oxo Ligands: Quantum-Chemical Simulation
Authors: Mikhailov Oleg V. , Chachkov Denis V.
Published: February 2020

The quantum-chemical calculation of iron, cobalt and nickel heteroligand complexes with the double deprotonated form of (NNNN)-donor atomic ligand—3,7,11,15-tetraazaporphine—and two oxo ligands has been carried out. Data on the structural and standard thermodynamic parameters, NBO analysis and multiplicity of the ground states of these complexes have been presented. The given calculation has been made by using the density functional theory (DFT) method with the OPBE/TZVP basis set. Based on the results of this calculation, the possibility of the existence of oxidation state VI for the chemical elements indicated above—unusual for iron and cobalt, and for nickel, unknown at all—has been shown.
Manipulating the In Vivo Behaviour of 68Ga with Tris(Hydroxypyridinone) Chelators: Pretargeting and Blood Clearance
Authors: Imberti Cinzia , Adumeau Pierre , Blower Julia E. , Al Salemee Fahad , Baguña Torres Julia , Lewis Jason S. , Zeglis Brian M. , Terry Samantha Y. A. , Blower Philip J.
Published: February 2020

Pretargeting is widely explored in immunoPET as a strategy to reduce radiation exposure of non-target organs and allow the use of short-lived radionuclides that would not otherwise be compatible with the slow pharmacokinetic profiles of antibodies. Here we investigate a pretargeting strategy based on gallium-68 and the chelator THPMe as a high-affinity pair capable of combining in vivo. After confirming the ability of THPMe to bind 68Ga in vivo at low concentrations, the bifunctional THPMe-NCS was conjugated to a humanised huA33 antibody targeting the A33 glycoprotein. Imaging experiments performed in nude mice bearing A33-positive SW1222 colorectal cancer xenografts compared pretargeting (100 μg of THPMe-NCS-huA33, followed after 24 h by 8–10 MBq of 68Ga3+) with both a directly labelled radioimmunoconjugate (89Zr-DFO-NCS-huA33, 88 μg, 7 MBq) and a 68Ga-only negative control (8–10 MBq of 68Ga3+). Imaging was performed 25 h after antibody administration (1 h after 68Ga3+ administration for negative control). No difference between pretargeting and the negative control was observed, suggesting that pretargeting via metal chelation is not feasible using this model. However, significant accumulation of “unchelated” 68Ga3+ in the tumour was found (12.9 %ID/g) even without prior administration of THPMe-NCS-huA33, though tumour-to-background contrast was impaired by residual activity in the blood. Therefore, the 68Ga-only experiment was repeated using THPMe (20 μg, 1 h after 68Ga3+ administration) to clear circulating 68Ga3+, producing a three-fold improvement of the tumour-to-blood activity concentration ratio. Although preliminary, these results highlight the potential of THPMe as a 68Ga clearing agent in imaging applications with gallium citrate.
The Central Role of Non-Structural Protein 1 (NS1) in Influenza Biology and Infection
Authors: Rosário-Ferreira Nícia , Preto António J. , Melo Rita , Moreira Irina S. , Brito Rui M. M.
Published: February 2020

Influenza (flu) is a contagious viral disease, which targets the human respiratory tract and spreads throughout the world each year. Every year, influenza infects around 10% of the world population and between 290,000 and 650,000 people die from it according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Influenza viruses belong to the Orthomyxoviridae family and have a negative sense eight-segment single-stranded RNA genome that encodes 11 different proteins. The only control over influenza seasonal epidemic outbreaks around the world are vaccines, annually updated according to viral strains in circulation, but, because of high rates of mutation and recurrent genetic assortment, new viral strains of influenza are constantly emerging, increasing the likelihood of pandemics. Vaccination effectiveness is limited, calling for new preventive and therapeutic approaches and a better understanding of the virus–host interactions. In particular, grasping the role of influenza non-structural protein 1 (NS1) and related known interactions in the host cell is pivotal to better understand the mechanisms of virus infection and replication, and thus propose more effective antiviral approaches. In this review, we assess the structure of NS1, its dynamics, and multiple functions and interactions, to highlight the central role of this protein in viral biology and its potential use as an effective therapeutic target to tackle seasonal and pandemic influenza.
A Curcumin Derivative Activates TFEB and Protects Against Parkinsonian Neurotoxicity in Vitro
Authors: Wang Ziying , Yang Chuanbin , Liu Jia , Chun-Kit Tong Benjamin , Zhu Zhou , Malampati Sandeep , Gopalkrishnashetty Sreenivasmurthy Sravan , Cheung King-Ho , Iyaswamy Ashok , Su Chengfu , Lu Jiahong , Song Juxian , Li Min
Published: February 2020

TFEB (transcription factor EB), which is a master regulator of autophagy and lysosome biogenesis, is considered to be a new therapeutic target for Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, only several small-molecule TFEB activators have been discovered and their neuroprotective effects in PD are unclear. In this study, a curcumin derivative, named E4, was identified as a potent TFEB activator. Compound E4 promoted the translocation of TFEB from cytoplasm into nucleus, accompanied by enhanced autophagy and lysosomal biogenesis. Moreover, TFEB knockdown effectively attenuated E4-induced autophagy and lysosomal biogenesis. Mechanistically, E4-induced TFEB activation is mainly through AKT-MTORC1 inhibition. In the PD cell models, E4 promoted the degradation of α-synuclein and protected against the cytotoxicity of MPP+ (1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion) in neuronal cells. Overall, the TFEB activator E4 deserves further study in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases, including PD.
Printing 3D Hydrogel Structures Employing Low-Cost Stereolithography Technology
Authors: Magalhães Leila Samara S. M. , Santos Francisco Eroni Paz , Elias Conceição de Maria Vaz , Afewerki Samson , Sousa Gustavo F. , Furtado Andre S. A. , Marciano Fernanda Roberta , Lobo Anderson Oliveira
Published: February 2020

Stereolithography technology associated with the employment of photocrosslinkable, biocompatible, and bioactive hydrogels have been widely used. This method enables 3D microfabrication from images created by computer programs and allows researchers to design various complex models for tissue engineering applications. This study presents a simple and fast home-made stereolithography system developed to print layer-by-layer structures. Polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) and gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogels were employed as the photocrosslinkable polymers in various concentrations. Three-dimensional (3D) constructions were obtained by using the stereolithography technique assembled from a commercial projector, which emphasizes the low cost and efficiency of the technique. Lithium phenyl-2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl phosphonate (LAP) was used as a photoinitiator, and a 404 nm laser source was used to promote the crosslinking. Three-dimensional and vascularized structures with more than 5 layers and resolutions between 42 and 83 µm were printed. The 3D printed complex structures highlight the potential of this low-cost stereolithography technique as a great tool in tissue engineering studies, as an alternative to bioprint miniaturized models, simulate vital and pathological functions, and even for analyzing the actions of drugs in the human body.
The Indirect Bonding Technique in Orthodontics—A Narrative Literature Review
Authors: Nawrocka Agnieszka , Lukomska-Szymanska Monika
Published: February 2020

The technique described as indirect bonding is an alternative to the conventional intraoral method of bracket placement. The appliance position is planned and fixed on a plaster model and then transferred into the oral cavity. Indirect bonding is a precise and time-saving technique of bracket placement, growing in popularity in recent years. It provides a combination of great precision with time efficiency. The fundaments of the indirect bonding technique are presented here. From the first clinical trial conducted almost fifty years ago, the method has evolved; the progress that has been made is described. Modern technologies involving computer scanning and manufacturing have led to great precision in bracket placement. Digital innovations such as rapid prototyping and stereolithography open up a new avenue of research and represent the next steps in indirect technique development. Individual 3D transfers are convenient in difficult clinical cases and can improve the effectiveness of the procedure, reduce the number of technical stages and reduce total chairside time. This paper also summarizes the advancement in adhesive materials, including an overview of advantages and disadvantages of different types of bonding resins and of the mean shear bond strength (SBS) achieved in the indirect procedure.
Recycled Expanded Polystyrene as Lightweight Aggregate for Environmentally Sustainable Cement Conglomerates
Authors: Petrella Andrea , Di Mundo Rosa , Notarnicola Michele
Published: February 2020

In the present work the rheological, thermo-mechanical, microstructural, and wetting characteristics of cement mortars with recycled expanded polystyrene (EPS) were analyzed. The samples were prepared after partial/total replacement of the conventional sand aggregate with EPS having different grain size and size distribution. Lightness and thermal insulation were relevant features for all the bare EPS composites, despite the mechanical strengths. Specifically, EPS based mortars were characterized by higher thermal insulation with respect to the sand reference due to the lower specific mass of the specimens mainly associated with the low density of the aggregates and also to the spaces at the EPS/cement paste interfaces. Interesting results in terms of low thermal conductivity and high mechanical resistances were obtained in the case of sand-EPS mixtures although characterized by only 50% in volume of the organic aggregate. Moreover, sand-based mortars showed hydrophilicity (low WCA) and high water penetration, whereas the presence of EPS in the cement composites led to a reduction of the absorption of water especially on the bulk of the composites. Specifically, mortars with EPS in the 2–4 mm and 4–6 mm bead size range showed the best results in term of hydrophobicity (high WCA) and no water penetration in the inner surface, due to low surface energy of the organic aggregate together with a good particle distribution. This was indicative of cohesion between the ligand and the polystyrene as observed in the microstructural detections. Such a property is likely to be correlated to the observed good workability of this type of mortar and to its low tendency to segregation compared to the other EPS containing specimens. These lightweight thermo-insulating composites can be considered environmentally sustainable materials because they are prepared with no pre-treated secondary raw materials and can be used for indoor applications.
Enhanced Stability of Li-RHC Embedded in an Adaptive TPX™ Polymer Scaffold
Authors: Le Thi Thu , Pistidda Claudio , Abetz Clarissa , Georgopanos Prokopios , Garroni Sebastiano , Capurso Giovanni , Milanese Chiara , Puszkiel Julián , Dornheim Martin , Abetz Volker , Klassen Thomas
Published: February 2020

In this work, the possibility of creating a polymer-based adaptive scaffold for improving the hydrogen storage properties of the system 2LiH+MgB2+7.5(3TiCl3·AlCl3) was studied. Because of its chemical stability toward the hydrogen storage material, poly(4-methyl-1-pentene) or in-short TPXTM was chosen as the candidate for the scaffolding structure. The composite system was obtained after ball milling of 2LiH+MgB2+7.5(3TiCl3·AlCl3) and a solution of TPXTM in cyclohexane. The investigations carried out over the span of ten hydrogenation/de-hydrogenation cycles indicate that the material containing TPXTM possesses a higher degree of hydrogen storage stability.
On Prediction of a Novel Chiral Material Y2H3O(OH): A Hydroxyhydride Holding Hydridic and Protonic Hydrogens
Authors: Pishtshev Aleksandr , Strugovshchikov Evgenii , Karazhanov Smagul
Published: February 2020

Examination of possible pathways of how oxygen atoms can be added to a yttrium oxyhydride system allowed us to predict new derivatives such as hydroxyhydrides possessing the composition M2H3O(OH) (M = Y, Sc, La, and Gd) in which three different anions (H-, O2−, and OH-) share the common chemical space. The crystal data of the solid hydroxyhydrides obtained on the base of DFT modeling correspond to the tetragonal structure that is characterized by the chiral space group P 4 1 . The analysis of bonding situation in M2H3O(OH) showed that the microscopic mechanism governing chemical transformations is caused by the displacements of protons which are induced by interaction with oxygen atoms incorporated into the crystal lattice of the bulk oxyhydride. The oxygen-mediated transformation causes a change in the charge state of some adjacent hydridic sites, thus forming protonic sites associated with hydroxyl groups. The predicted materials demonstrate a specific charge ordering that is associated with the chiral structural organization of the metal cations and the anions because their lattice positions form helical curves spreading along the tetragonal axis. Moreover, the effect of spatial twisting of the H- and H+ sites provides additional linking via strong dihydrogen bonds. The structure–property relationships have been investigated in terms of structural, mechanical, electron, and optical features. It was shown that good polar properties of the materials make them possible prototypes for the design of nonlinear optical systems.