bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Differential Jump Training on Balance Performance in Female Volleyball Players
Authors: Fuchs Philip X. , Fusco Andrea , Cortis Cristina , Wagner Herbert
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this study was to determine whether coordinative jump training that induces neuromuscular stimuli can affect balance performance, associated with injury risk, in elite-level female volleyball players. During the competitive season, the balance performance of 12 elite female players (highest Austrian division) was obtained via a wobble board (WB; 200 Hz) placed on an AMTI force plate (1000 Hz). Three identically repeated measurements defined two intervals (control and intervention phases), both comparable in duration and regular training. The intervention included 6 weeks of differential training (8 sessions of 15–20 min) that delivered variations in dynamics around the ankle joints. Multilevel mixed models were used to assess the effect on postural control. WB performance decreased from 27.0 ± 13.2% to 19.6 ± 11.3% during the control phase and increased to 54.5 ± 16.2% during the intervention (β = 49.1 ± 3.5; p < 0.001). Decreased sway area [cm²] (β = −7.5 ± 1.6; p < 0.001), anterior–posterior (β = −4.1 ± 0.4; p < 0.001) and mediolateral sway [mm] (β = −2.7 ± 0.6; p = 0.12), and mean velocity [mm∙s−1] (β = −9.0 ± 3.6; p < 0.05) were observed during the intervention compared with the control phase. Inter-limb asymmetry was reduced (β = −41.8 ± 14.4; p < 0.05). The applied training concept enhanced balance performance and postural control in elite female volleyball players. Due to the low additional physiological loads of the program and increased injury risk during the competitive season, we recommend this intervention for supporting injury prevention during this period.
Test-Retest Intra-Session Reliability of Isokinetic Knee Strength Measurements in Obese Children
Authors: Collado-Mateo Daniel , Domínguez-Muñoz Francisco Javier , Adsuar Jose C. , Parraca Jose A. , Tomas-Carus Pablo , Garcia-Gordillo Miguel Ángel , Raimundo Armando M.
Published: August 2020

Background: Childhood obesity is one of the most critical global health challenges. Poor knee extensor strength is associated with disability and difficulties with physical function in obese patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the test-retest reliability of peak torque and total work in concentric flexion and concentric extension in obese children. Methods: 25 obese children aged between 6 and 11 years performed 3F maximal unilateral isokinetic repetitions with the knee extensors/flexors performing concentric actions at 60°/s. Peak torque (Nm), total work (J), and the ratio antagonist/agonist were recorded and normalized by total and lean mass. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and smallest real difference (SRD) were computed. Results: Reliability was excellent for almost all variables. The highest ICC values were observed when work or peak torque were not divided by any other variable. However, SEM (%) and SRD (%) were lower when peak torque and work were divided by the total mass or lean mass. The antagonist/agonist ratio showed an ICC value of 0.873. Conclusion: Peak torque, total work, and the antagonist/agonist ratio are reliable in obese children.
Temperature-Insensitive Imaging Properties of a Broadband Terahertz Nonlinear Quantum Cascade Laser
Authors: Nakanishi Atsushi , Hayashi Shohei , Satozono Hiroshi , Fujita Kazuue
Published: August 2020

Terahertz (THz) quantum cascade laser sources based on optical nonlinearity are the only electrically pumped monolithic semiconductor sources operable at room temperature in the 0.6–6 THz range. We investigated the temperature dependence of the imaging characteristics of a broadband THz nonlinear quantum cascade laser and evaluated several important properties: the spectrum, far-field pattern and THz imaging results. Consequently, we found that the far-field patterns were single-lobed Gaussian-like, and THz images were well-resolved despite the lower operating temperature of the device. The stable temperature-performance indicates that this broadband THz source is promising for THz imaging applications.
Real-Time and Robust Hydraulic System Fault Detection via Edge Computing
Authors: Fawwaz Dzaky Zakiyal , Chung Sang-Hwa
Published: August 2020

We consider fault detection in a hydraulic system that maintains multivariate time-series sensor data. Such a real-world industrial environment could suffer from noisy data resulting from inaccuracies in hardware sensing or external interference. Thus, we propose a real-time and robust fault detection method for hydraulic systems that leverages cooperation between cloud and edge servers. The cloud server employs a new approach that includes a genetic algorithm (GA)-based feature selection that identifies feature-to-label correlations and feature-to-feature redundancies. A GA can efficiently process large search spaces, such as solving a combinatorial optimization problem to identify the optimal feature subset. By using fewer important features that require transmission and processing, this approach reduces detection time and improves model performance. We propose a long short-term memory autoencoder for a robust fault detection model that leverages temporal information on time-series sensor data and effectively handles noisy data. This detection model is then deployed at edge servers that provide computing resources near the data source to reduce latency. Our experimental results suggest that this method outperforms prior approaches by demonstrating lower detection times, higher accuracy, and increased robustness to noisy data. While we have a 63% reduction of features, our model obtains a high accuracy of approximately 98% and is robust to noisy data with a signal-to-noise ratio near 0 dB. Our method also performs at an average detection time of only 9.42 ms with a reduced average packet size of 179.98 KB from the maximum of 343.78 KB.
Design of an Axial Turbine for Highly Downsized Internal Combustion Engines
Authors: Baietta Lorenzo , Alshammari Mamdouh , Pesyridis Apostolos , Gohil Dhrumil
Published: August 2020

This paper describes and discusses the development of an axial turbocharger turbine concept as a potential substitute to commercial radial turbines for high-volume production. As turbo-lag is one of the main issues related to the inertia of the rotating parts in a turbocharger, leading to less responsive and drive-cycle efficient power units, the use of axial turbines, with their inherently lower inertia than radial types for the same application, enables the efficient reduction of the spool-up time of the system, to the benefit of the driving experience and emissions. However, axial turbines for this application usually show complicated blades and level of twist, leading to efficient but expensive designs compared to their radial counterparts. Based on this challenge, the idea of comparing prismatic (generally less efficient, but cheaper) and twisted 3D-bladed axial turbines showed that for lower blade aspect ratios, the efficiency is of the same order. For these reasons, many turbines with a range of different sizes were designed with both layouts (3D and prismatic blades) and compared. Further, the use of 3D optical scanning, as well as dyno-calibrated 1D engine models enabled the gathering of invaluable data to design the proposed solution and compare it to the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) version. Thanks to these processes, the comparison between the proposed design and the OEM one was not limited to the performance, and also included the manufacturing costs, which were calculated via Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) programs, with the limitation of using only Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining for production. To conclude, the work showed a notable performance superiority of the proposed turbine in respect to the OEM one, despite a slightly higher estimated production cost.
Simulation-Based Analysis on Operational Control of Batch Processors in Wafer Fabrication
Authors: Koo Pyung-Hoi , Ruiz Rubén
Published: August 2020

In semiconductor wafer fabrication (wafer fab), wafers go through hundreds of process steps on a variety of processing machines for electrical circuit building operations. One of the special features in the wafer fabs is that there exist batch processors (BPs) where several wafer lots are processed at the same time as a batch. The batch processors have a significant influence on system performance because the repetitive batching and de-batching activities in a reentrant product flow system lead to non-smooth product flows with high variability. Existing research on the BP control problems has mostly focused on the local performance, such as waiting time at the BP stations. This paper attempts to examine how much BP control policies affect the system-wide behavior of the wafer fabs. A simulation model is constructed with which experiments are performed to analyze the performance of BP control rules under various production environments. Some meaningful insights on BP control decisions are identified through simulation results.
4-Methoxy Sulfonyl Paeonol Inhibits Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Liver Fibrosis by Blocking the TGF-β1/Smad, PDGF-BB/MAPK and Akt Signaling Pathways
Authors: Liao Yi-Jen , Wang Yuan-Hsi , Liu Chao-Lien , Fang Cheng-Chieh , Hsu Ming-Hua , Suk Fat-Moon
Published: August 2020

Liver fibrosis initiates the progression of cirrhosis, and, finally, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The increased proliferation and activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are crucial for hepatic fibrogenesis. Paeonol is the major vigorous component of Cortex Moutan, a traditional herbal medicine widely used for treating various diseases. Here, we identified a novel paeonol derivative (4-methoxy sulfonyl paeonol, 4-MSP) that inhibits TGF-β1-induced Smad2/3 phosphorylation and collagen expression in HSCs. 4-MSP pretreatment suppressed the PDGF-BB–induced phosphorylation of MAPK pathway members (MEK/ERK, p38, JNK), Akt/p70S6K, and HSC proliferation. However, 4-MSP treatment had no effect on the induction of apoptosis in HSCs. The microarray experiments showed that 4-MSP treatment affects the TGF-β signaling, MAPK cascade, and other pathways related to HSCs activation and proliferation. The administration of 4-MSP to a liver fibrosis mouse model induced by CCl4 significantly decreased the expression of hepatic fibrosis markers (α-SMA, col1A2, TGF-β, and MMP2), and attenuated hepatic collagen deposition and liver damage. In addition, no adverse effects were observed in 4-MSP exposed mice. In conclusion, this novel paeonol-phenylsulfonyl derivative prevents the progression of liver fibrosis through blocking TGF-β1/Smad, PDGF-BB/MAPK, and Akt signaling, which suggests its use as a novel therapeutic against liver fibrosis.
Applying Machine Learning for Healthcare: A Case Study on Cervical Pain Assessment with Motion Capture
Authors: de la Torre Juan , Marin Javier , Ilarri Sergio , Marin Jose J.
Published: August 2020

Given the exponential availability of data in health centers and the massive sensorization that is expected, there is an increasing need to manage and analyze these data in an effective way. For this purpose, data mining (DM) and machine learning (ML) techniques would be helpful. However, due to the specific characteristics of the field of healthcare, a suitable DM and ML methodology adapted to these particularities is required. The applied methodology must structure the different stages needed for data-driven healthcare, from the acquisition of raw data to decision-making by clinicians, considering the specific requirements of this field. In this paper, we focus on a case study of cervical assessment, where the goal is to predict the potential presence of cervical pain in patients affected with whiplash diseases, which is important for example in insurance-related investigations. By analyzing in detail this case study in a real scenario, we show how taking care of those particularities enables the generation of reliable predictive models in the field of healthcare. Using a database of 302 samples, we have generated several predictive models, including logistic regression, support vector machines, k-nearest neighbors, gradient boosting, decision trees, random forest, and neural network algorithms. The results show that it is possible to reliably predict the presence of cervical pain (accuracy, precision, and recall above 90%). We expect that the procedure proposed to apply ML techniques in the field of healthcare will help technologists, researchers, and clinicians to create more objective systems that provide support to objectify the diagnosis, improve test treatment efficacy, and save resources.
Intra-Articular Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate Injection in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Kim Gi Beom , Kim Jae-Do , Choi Young , Choi Chang Hyun , Lee Gun Woo
Published: August 2020

We aimed to evaluate the 5-year follow-up outcomes of an intra-articular bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) injection in patients with knee osteoarthritis. This is the first study to report the outcomes following BMAC injections over a 5-year follow-up period. Seventy knees of 37 patients, including 33 bilateral knees, were investigated. The primary outcome was the visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain in the knee joint, and the secondary outcomes were the International Knee Documentation Committee score, the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey score, the Knee injury Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Lysholm Knee Questionnaire/Tegner activity scale, BMAC injection-induced complications, and 5-year treatment success rate. The 5-year post-injection VAS scores (4.7 ± 0.5) were significantly lower than the preoperative scores (8.3 ± 1.2) (p = 0.01). Improvement in VAS scores was significantly greater in patients with Kellgren–Lawrence (K-L) Grade I or II than those in those with K-L Grade III or IV. Improvement in other clinical parameters and success rates were significantly low and the rates of secondary operation and failure were significantly higher in patients with K-L Grades III or IV. Intra-articular BMAC injections could be useful for managing patients with K-L Grades I or II osteoarthritis.
Dust Emission Thresholds in Loess Soil Under Different Saltation Fluxes
Authors: Rubinstein Aviv , Ben-Hur Meni , Katra Itzhak
Published: August 2020

Soil-derived dust particles produced by aeolian (wind) processes have significant impacts on humans and the Earth’s systems. The soil particle size distribution is a major soil characteristic in dust emission models. Yet empirical information on the dependence of dust emission thresholds on soil particle size distribution is still lacking. The main goal of this study was to explore the dust emission threshold from semi-arid loess soil samples by a targeted wind-tunnel experiment. The results clearly show that the dust emission threshold is associated with the saltation threshold with no distinct direct aerodynamic lifting of the loose dust particle. The dust flux depends on the amount of the clay-silt fraction in the soil, the shear velocity, and the saltation flux under certain shear velocity. The study aimed to advance our understating of the dust emission processes, and to provide empirical information for parametrization in dust emission models and for management strategy of soils in preventing dust emission.
A Real-Time Data Delivery for Mobile Sinks Group on Mobile Cyber-Physical Systems
Authors: Oh Seungmin , Choi Yoonsoo , Kim Sangdae , Kim Cheonyong , Jung Kwansoo , Kim Seok-Hun
Published: August 2020

Mobile Cyber-Physical Systems (MCPS) have extended the application domains by exploiting the advantages of Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) through the mobile devices. The cooperation of various mobile equipment and workers based on the MCPS further improved efficiency and productivity in the industry. To support this cooperation of groups of workers (hereafter referred to as the Mobile Sink Groups), data should be delivered to appropriate groups of workers in a timely manner. Traditionally, the data dissemination for MSG relies on flooding-based geocasting into the movable area of the group due to frequent movements of each group member. However, the flooding-based data dissemination could not be directly applied to real-time data delivery that demands the required time deadline and the end-to-end delivery distance, because the flooding could not define the end-to-end distance and progress to each member in a group. This paper proposes a real-time data delivery mechanism for supporting MSG in time-critical applications. In our mechanism, a ring-based modeling and data transfer scheme on a virtual grid in the ring for group mobility provides the end-to-end distance and the progress to forward real-time data to each member. Simulation results show our mechanism is superior to the existing ones in terms of real-time communication for MSG.
Analysis and Comparison of Macro Fiber Composites and Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) Discs for an Energy Harvesting Floor
Authors: Gómez Muñoz Carlos Quiterio , Zamacola Alcalde Gabriel , García Márquez Fausto Pedro
Published: August 2020

The main drawback in many electronic devices is the duration of their batteries. Energy harvesting provides a solution for these low-consumption devices. Piezoelectric energy harvesting use is growing because it collects small amounts of clean energy and transforms it to electricity. Synthetic piezoelectric materials are a feasible alternative to generate energy for low consumption systems. In addition to the energy generation, each pressure cycle in the piezoelectric material can provide information for the device, for example, counting the passage of people. The main contribution of this work is to study, build, and test a low-cost energy harvesting floor using piezoelectric transducers to estimate the amount of energy that could be produced for a connected device. Several piezoelectric transducers have been employed and analyzed, providing accurate results.
Future Holiday Climate Index (HCI) Performance of Urban and Beach Destinations in the Mediterranean
Authors: Demiroglu O. Cenk , Saygili-Araci F. Sibel , Pacal Aytac , Hall C. Michael , Kurnaz M. Levent
Published: August 2020

Tourism is a major socioeconomic contributor to established and emerging destinations in the Mediterranean region. Recent studies introducing the Holiday Climate Index (HCI) highlight the significance of climate as a factor in sustaining the competitiveness of coastal and urban destinations. The aim of this study is to assess the future HCI performance of urban and beach destinations in the greater Mediterranean region. For this purpose, HCI scores for the reference (1971–2000) and future (2021–2050, 2070–2099) periods were computed with the use of two latest greenhouse gas concentration trajectories, RCP 4.5 and 8.5, based on the Middle East North Africa (MENA) Coordinated Regional Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX) domain and data. The outputs were adjusted to a 500 m resolution via the use of lapse rate corrections that extrapolate the climate model topography against a resampled digital elevation model. All periodic results were seasonally aggregated and visualized on a (web) geographical information system (GIS). The web version of the GIS also allowed for a basic climate service where any user can search her/his place of interest overlaid with index ratings. Exposure levels are revealed at the macro scale while sensitivity is discussed through a validation of the climatic outputs against visitation data for one of Mediterranean’s leading destinations, Antalya.
Chronic Cannabidiol Administration Attenuates Skeletal Muscle De Novo Ceramide Synthesis Pathway and Related Metabolic Effects in a Rat Model of High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity
Authors: Bielawiec Patrycja , Harasim-Symbor Ewa , Konstantynowicz-Nowicka Karolina , Sztolsztener Klaudia , Chabowski Adrian
Published: August 2020

Numerous studies showed that sustained obesity results in accumulation of bioactive lipid derivatives in several tissues, including skeletal muscle, which further contributes to the development of metabolic disturbances and insulin resistance (IR). The latest data indicate that a potential factor regulating lipid and glucose metabolism is a phytocannabinoid—cannabidiol (CBD), a component of medical marijuana (Cannabis). Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether chronic CBD administration influences bioactive lipid content (e.g., ceramide (CER)), as well as glucose metabolism, in the red skeletal muscle (musculus gastrocnemius) with predominant oxidative metabolism. All experiments were conducted on an animal model of obesity, i.e., Wistar rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD) or standard rodent chow, and subsequently injected with CBD in a dose of 10 mg/kg or its solvent for two weeks. The sphingolipid content was assessed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), while, in order to determine insulin and glucose concentrations, immunoenzymatic and colorimetric methods were used. The protein expression from sphingolipid and insulin signaling pathways, as well as endocannabinoidome components, was evaluated by immunoblotting. Unexpectedly, our experimental model revealed that the significantly intensified intramuscular de novo CER synthesis pathway in the HFD group was attenuated by chronic CBD treatment. Additionally, due to CBD administration, the content of other sphingolipid derivatives, i.e., sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) was restored in the high-fat feeding state, which coincided with an improvement in skeletal muscle insulin signal transduction and glycogen recovery.
Hormone-Independent Mouse Mammary Adenocarcinomas with Different Metastatic Potential Exhibit Different Metabolic Signatures
Authors: Bispo Daniela , Fabris Victoria , Lamb Caroline A. , Lanari Claudia , Helguero Luisa A. , Gil Ana M.
Published: August 2020

The metabolic characteristics of metastatic and non-metastatic breast carcinomas remain poorly studied. In this work, untargeted Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) metabolomics was used to compare two medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA)-induced mammary carcinomas lines with different metastatic abilities. Different metabolic signatures distinguished the non-metastatic (59-2-HI) and the metastatic (C7-2-HI) lines, with glucose, amino acid metabolism, nucleotide metabolism and lipid metabolism as the major affected pathways. Non-metastatic tumours appeared to be characterised by: (a) reduced glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) activities, possibly resulting in slower NADH biosynthesis and reduced mitochondrial transport chain activity and ATP synthesis; (b) glutamate accumulation possibly related to reduced glutathione activity and reduced mTORC1 activity; and (c) a clear shift to lower phosphoscholine/glycerophosphocholine ratios and sphingomyelin levels. Within each tumour line, metabolic profiles also differed significantly between tumours (i.e., mice). Metastatic tumours exhibited marked inter-tumour changes in polar compounds, some suggesting different glycolytic capacities. Such tumours also showed larger intra-tumour variations in metabolites involved in nucleotide and cholesterol/fatty acid metabolism, in tandem with less changes in TCA and phospholipid metabolism, compared to non-metastatic tumours. This study shows the valuable contribution of untargeted NMR metabolomics to characterise tumour metabolism, thus opening enticing opportunities to find metabolic markers related to metastatic ability in endocrine breast cancer.
Enzymatic Regulation and Biological Functions of Reactive Cysteine Persulfides and Polysulfides
Authors: Sawa Tomohiro , Motohashi Hozumi , Ihara Hideshi , Akaike Takaaki
Published: August 2020

Cysteine persulfide (CysSSH) and cysteine polysulfides (CysSSnH, n > 1) are cysteine derivatives that have sulfane sulfur atoms bound to cysteine thiol. Advances in analytical methods that detect and quantify persulfides and polysulfides have shown that CysSSH and related species such as glutathione persulfide occur physiologically and are prevalent in prokaryotes, eukaryotes, and mammals in vivo. The chemical properties and abundance of these compounds suggest a central role for reactive persulfides in cell-regulatory processes. CysSSH and related species have been suggested to act as powerful antioxidants and cellular protectants and may serve as redox signaling intermediates. It was recently shown that cysteinyl-tRNA synthetase (CARS) is a new cysteine persulfide synthase. In addition, we discovered that CARS is involved in protein polysulfidation that is coupled with translation. Mitochondrial activity in biogenesis and bioenergetics is supported and upregulated by CysSSH derived from mitochondrial CARS. In this review article, we discuss the mechanisms of the biosynthesis of CysSSH and related persulfide species, with a particular focus on the roles of CARS. We also review the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory actions of persulfides.
Investigating Glioblastoma Response to Hypoxia
Authors: Chédeville Agathe L. , Lourdusamy Anbarasu , Monteiro Ana Rita , Hill Richard , Madureira Patricia A.
Published: August 2020

Glioblastoma (GB) is the most common and deadly type of primary malignant brain tumor with an average patient survival of only 15–17 months. GBs typically have hypoxic regions associated with aggressiveness and chemoresistance. Using patient derived GB cells, we characterized how GB responds to hypoxia. We noted a hypoxia-dependent glycolytic switch characterized by the up-regulation of HK2, PFKFB3, PFKFB4, LDHA, PDK1, SLC2A1/GLUT-1, CA9/CAIX, and SLC16A3/MCT-4. Moreover, many proangiogenic genes and proteins, including VEGFA, VEGFC, VEGFD, PGF/PlGF, ADM, ANGPTL4, and SERPINE1/PAI-1 were up-regulated during hypoxia. We detected the hypoxic induction of invasion proteins, including the plasminogen receptor, S100A10, and the urokinase plasminogen activator receptor, uPAR. Furthermore, we observed a hypoxia-dependent up-regulation of the autophagy genes, BNIP-3 and DDIT4 and of the multi-functional protein, NDRG1 associated with GB chemoresistance; and down-regulation of EGR1 and TFRC (Graphical abstract). Analysis of GB patient cohorts’ revealed differential expression of these genes in patient samples (except SLC16A3) compared to non-neoplastic brain tissue. High expression of SLC2A1, LDHA, PDK1, PFKFB4, HK2, VEGFA, SERPINE1, TFRC, and ADM was associated with significantly lower overall survival. Together these data provide important information regarding GB response to hypoxia which could support the development of more effective treatments for GB patients.
BIM Management Measure for an Effective Green Building Project
Authors: Maskil-Leitan Reuven , Gurevich Ury , Reychav Iris
Published: August 2020

In light of the gap in research and practice, with regard to achieving the sustainability goals of green building, while maximizing combination with building-information-modeling (BIM) as a social system—a gap that is expressed in the absence of integration of all stakeholders—a managerial measure is proposed to integrate them and promote sustainable green building. By using a framework for implementing BIM as a social system, and through network analysis, an index is developed to assess its integration into the green building—the Green BIM Index. This measure consists of comparing a social benchmark for optimal implementation with the actual implementation, in a given project. The index is intended to help score the BIM integration level in a green building. Comparing the BIM management measure results with social benefit assessments, and the effectiveness of BIM in nine case-studies enables to understand project outcomes in terms of schedules, budgets, and quality. The paper demonstrates the index applicability, pointing to possible significant economic improvements through the implementation of BIM social capabilities. BIM management benchmarking is helpful for the comparative evaluation of similar projects incorporating green building with BIM, indicating the level of integration to improve benefits.
Digital Mapping of Techno-Economic Performance of a Water-Based Solar Photovoltaic/Thermal (PVT) System for Buildings over Large Geographical Cities
Authors: Reddy Penaka Santhan , Kumar Saini Puneet , Zhang Xingxing , Amo Alejandro del
Published: August 2020

Solar photovoltaic thermal (PVT) is an emerging technology capable of producing electrical and thermal energy using a single collector. However, to achieve larger market penetration of this technology, it is imperative to have an understanding of the energetic performance for different climatic conditions and the economic performance under various financial scenarios. This paper thus presents a techno-economic evaluation of a typical water-based PVT system for a single-family house to generate electricity and domestic hot water applications in 85 locations worldwide. The simulations are performed using a validated tool with one-hour time step for output. The thermal performance of the collector is evaluated using energy utilization ratio and exergy efficiency as key performance indicators, which are further visualized by the digital mapping approach. The economic performance is assessed using net present value and payback period under two financial scenarios: (1) total system cost as a capital investment in the first year; (2) only 25% of total system cost is a capital investment and the remaining 75% investment is considered for a financing period with a certain interest rate. The results show that such a PVT system has better energy and exergy performance for the locations with a low annual ambient temperature and vice versa. Furthermore, it is seen that the system boundaries, such as load profile, hot water storage volume, etc., can have a significant effect on the annual energy production of the system. Economic analysis indicates that the average net present values per unit collector area are 1800 and 2200 EUR, respectively, among the 85 cities for financial model 1 and financial model 2. Nevertheless, from the payback period point of view, financial model 1 is recommended for locations with high interest rate. The study is helpful to set an understanding of general factors influencing the techno-economic performance dynamics of PVT systems for various locations.
Targeting Dopamine Receptor D2 by Imipridone Suppresses Uterine Serous Cancer Malignant Phenotype
Authors: Hu Wen , Zhang Li , Ferri-Borgogno Sammy , Kwan Suet-Ying , Lewis Kelsey E. , Cun Han T. , Yeung Tsz-Lun , Soliman Pamela T. , Tarapore Rohinton S. , Allen Joshua E. , Guan Xinyuan , Lu Karen H. , Mok Samuel C. , Au-Yeung Chi-Lam
Published: August 2020

Uterine serous cancer (USC) is an aggressive subtype of endometrial cancer, with poor survival and high recurrence rates. The development of novel and effective therapies specific to USC would aid in its management. However, few studies have focused solely on this rare subtype. The current study demonstrated that the orally bioavailable, investigational new drug and novel imipridone ONC206 suppressed USC cell proliferation and induced apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. Disruption of the DRD2-mediated p38MAPK/ERK/PGC-1α network by ONC206 led to metabolic reprogramming and suppression of both glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation. ONC206 also synergized with paclitaxel in reducing USC cell viability. In addition, DRD2 overexpression correlated with poor overall survival in patients. This study provides the first evidence that ONC206 induced metabolic reprogramming in USC cells and is a promising therapeutic agent for USC treatment. These findings support further development of ONC206 as a promising therapeutic agent and improves survival rates in patients with USC.
SARS-CoV-2 Spike 1 Protein Controls Natural Killer Cell Activation via the HLA-E/NKG2A Pathway
Authors: Bortolotti Daria , Gentili Valentina , Rizzo Sabrina , Rotola Antonella , Rizzo Roberta
Published: August 2020

Natural killer cells are important in the control of viral infections. However, the role of NK cells during severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has previously not been identified. Peripheral blood NK cells from SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 naïve subjects were evaluated for their activation, degranulation, and interferon-gamma expression in the presence of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins. K562 and lung epithelial cells were transfected with spike proteins and co-cultured with NK cells. The analysis was performed by flow cytometry and immune fluorescence. SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins did not alter NK cell activation in a K562 in vitro model. On the contrary, SARS-CoV-2 spike 1 protein (SP1) intracellular expression by lung epithelial cells resulted in NK cell-reduced degranulation. Further experiments revealed a concomitant induction of HLA-E expression on the surface of lung epithelial cells and the recognition of an SP1-derived HLA-E-binding peptide. Simultaneously, there was increased modulation of the inhibitory receptor NKG2A/CD94 on NK cells when SP1 was expressed in lung epithelial cells. We ruled out the GATA3 transcription factor as being responsible for HLA-E increased levels and HLA-E/NKG2A interaction as implicated in NK cell exhaustion. We show for the first time that NK cells are affected by SP1 expression in lung epithelial cells via HLA-E/NKG2A interaction. The resulting NK cells’ exhaustion might contribute to immunopathogenesis in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Physico-Chemical Properties and In Vitro Antifungal Evaluation of Samarium Doped Hydroxyapatite Coatings
Authors: Ciobanu Steluta Carmen , Iconaru Simona Liliana , Predoi Daniela , Prodan Alina Mihaela , Predoi Mihai Valentin
Published: August 2020

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) and samarium doped hydroxyapatite, Ca10−xSmx(PO4)6(OH)2, xSm = 0.05, (5SmHAp), coatings were prepared by sol-gel process using the dip coating method. The stability of 5SmHAp suspension was evaluated by ultrasound measurements. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to examine the optical characteristics of HAp and 5SmHAp nanoparticles in suspension and coatings. The FTIR analysis revealed the presence of the functional groups specific to the structure of hydroxyapatite in the 5SmHAp suspensions and coatings. The morphology of 5SmHAp nanoparticles in suspension was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Moreover, scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to evaluate the morphology of nanoparticle in suspension and the morphology of the surface on the coating. The SEM and TEM studies on 5SmHAp nanoparticles in suspension showed that our samples consist of nanometric particles with elongated morphology. The SEM micrographs of HAp and 5SmHAp coatings pointed out that the coatings are continuous and homogeneous. The surface morphology of the 5SmHAp coatings was also assessed by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) studies. The AFM results emphasized that the coatings presented the morphology of a uniformly deposited layer with no cracks and fissures. The crystal structure of 5SmHAp coating was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The surface composition of 5SmHAp coating was analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The XRD and XPS analysis shown that the Sm3+ ions have been incorporated into the 5SmHAp synthesized material. The antifungal properties of the 5SmHAp suspensions and coatings were studied using Candida albicans ATCC 10231 (C. albicans) fungal strains. The quantitative results of the antifungal assay showed that colony forming unity development was inhibited from the early phase of adherence in the case of both suspensions and coatings. Furthermore, the adhesion, cell proliferation and biofilm formation of the C. albicans were also investigated by AFM, SEM and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM) techniques. The results highlighted that the C. albicans adhesion and cell development was inhibited by the 5SmHAp coatings. Moreover, the data also revealed that the 5SmHAp coatings were effective in stopping the biofilm formation on their surface. The toxicity of the 5SmHap was also investigated in vitro using HeLa cell line.
Advances in Antibacterial Functionalized Coatings on Mg and Its Alloys for Medical Use—A Review
Authors: Zhang Dan , Liu Ying , Liu Zhaogang , Wang Qiang
Published: August 2020

As a revolutionary implant material, magnesium and its alloys have many exciting performances, such as biodegradability, mechanical compatibility, and excellent biosecurity. However, the rapid and uncontrollable degradation rate of magnesium greatly hampers its clinical use. Many efforts have been taken to enhance the corrosion resistance of magnesium. However, it must be noted that improving the corrosion resistance of magnesium will lead to the compromise of its antibacterial abilities, which are attribute and proportional to the alkaline pH during its degradation. Providing antibacterial functionalized coating is one of the best methods for balancing the degradation rate and the antibacterial ability of magnesium. Antibacterial functionalized magnesium is especially well-suited for patients with diabetes and infected wounds. Considering the extremely complex biological environment in the human body and the demands of enhancing corrosion resistance, biocompatibility, osteogenesis, and antibacterial ability, composite coatings with combined properties of different materials may be promising. The aim of this review isto collect and compare recent studies on antibacterial functionalized coatings on magnesium and its alloys. The clinical applications of antibacterial functionalized coatings and their material characteristics, antibacterial abilities, in vitro cytocompatibility, and corrosion resistance are also discussed in detail.
Research on Low-Brightness and High-Reflective Coatings Suitable for Buildings in Tropical Areas
Authors: Rong Xian , Jiao Lichao , Kong Xiangfei , Yuan Guangpu
Published: August 2020

In this article, we mixed hollow glass beads with nano-TiO2 and iron oxide red in a certain proportion to prepare a low-brightness, high-reflective, safe, and durable cooling coating throughout the experiments. The coating is suitable for energy-saving in tropical areas. To discuss the energy saving effects of the coating on an exterior envelope in tropical areas, a comparative analysis for two scenario models of a two-story residential building in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia was conducted. The results indicated that the heat reflective insulation coating could reduce the exterior envelope surface temperature effectively, and the maximum temperature change was about 6–8 °C. Through calculations, it was found that the annual energy saving rate was 12.9%, which showed that the energy saving effect of the heat insulation coating was obvious in Kuala Lumpur. The brightness of the coating was less than 50%, and its comfort and safety met the requirements.
Experimental Study for Determining the Parameters Required for Detecting ECG and EEG Related Diseases during the Timed-Up and Go Test
Authors: Ponciano Vasco , Pires Ivan Miguel , Ribeiro Fernando Reinaldo , Villasana María Vanessa , Canavarro Teixeira Maria , Zdravevski Eftim
Published: August 2020

The use of smartphones, coupled with different sensors, makes it an attractive solution for measuring different physical and physiological features, allowing for the monitoring of various parameters and even identifying some diseases. The BITalino device allows the use of different sensors, including Electroencephalography (EEG) and Electrocardiography (ECG) sensors, to study different health parameters. With these devices, the acquisition of signals is straightforward, and it is possible to connect them using a Bluetooth connection. With the acquired data, it is possible to measure parameters such as calculating the QRS complex and its variation with ECG data to control the individual’s heartbeat. Similarly, by using the EEG sensor, one could analyze the individual’s brain activity and frequency. The purpose of this paper is to present a method for recognition of the diseases related to ECG and EEG data, with sensors available in off-the-shelf mobile devices and sensors connected to a BITalino device. The data were collected during the elderly’s experiences, performing the Timed-Up and Go test, and the different diseases found in the sample in the study. The data were analyzed, and the following features were extracted from the ECG, including heart rate, linear heart rate variability, the average QRS interval, the average R-R interval, and the average R-S interval, and the EEG, including frequency and variability. Finally, the diseases are correlated with different parameters, proving that there are relations between the individuals and the different health conditions.
Structural Biology of Calcium Phosphate Nanoclusters Sequestered by Phosphoproteins
Authors: Lenton Samuel , Wang Qian , Nylander Tommy , Teixeira Susana , Holt Carl
Published: August 2020

Biofluids that contain stable calcium phosphate nanoclusters sequestered by phosphopeptides make it possible for soft and hard tissues to co-exist in the same organism with relative ease. The stability diagram of a solution of nanocluster complexes shows how the minimum concentration of phosphopeptide needed for stability increases with pH. In the stable region, amorphous calcium phosphate cannot precipitate. Nevertheless, if the solution is brought into contact with hydroxyapatite, the crystalline phase will grow at the expense of the nanocluster complexes. The physico-chemical principles governing the formation, composition, size, structure, and stability of the complexes are described. Examples are given of complexes formed by casein, osteopontin, and recombinant phosphopeptides. Application of these principles and properties to blood serum, milk, urine, and resting saliva is described to show that under physiological conditions they are in the stable region of their stability diagram and so cannot cause soft tissue calcification. Stimulated saliva, however, is in the metastable region, consistent with its role in tooth remineralization. Destabilization of biofluids, with consequential ill-effects, can occur when there is a failure of homeostasis, such as an increase in pH without a balancing increase in the concentration of sequestering phosphopeptides.
Haemogram-Derived Indices for Screening and Prognostication in Critically Ill Septic Shock Patients: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Liberski Piotr S. , Szewczyk Michał , Krzych Łukasz J.
Published: August 2020

This study aimed (1) to assess the diagnostic accuracy of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte (PLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte (MLR) and platelet count-to-mean platelet volume (PLT/MPV) ratios in predicting septic shock in patients on admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) and (2) to compare it with the role of C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT) and lactate level. We also sought (3) to verify whether the indices could be useful in ICU mortality prediction and (4) to compare them with Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II), Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS II) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores. This retrospective study covered 138 patients, including 61 subjects with multi-organ failure due to septic shock (study group) and 77 sex- and age-matched controls. Septic patients had significantly higher NLR (p < 0.01) and NLR predicted septic shock occurrence (area under the ROC curve, AUROC = 0.66; 95% CI 0.58–0.74). PLR, MLR and PLT/MPV were impractical in sepsis prediction. Combination of CRP with NLR improved septic shock prediction (AUROC = 0.88; 95% CI 0.81–0.93). All indices failed to predict ICU mortality. APACHE II and SAPS II predicted mortality with AUROC = 0.68; 95% CI 0.54–0.78 and AUROC = 0.7; 95% CI 0.57–0.81, respectively. High NLR may be useful to identify patients with multi-organ failure due to septic shock but should be interpreted along with CRP or PCT. The investigated indices are not related with mortality in this specific clinical setting.
Relationship between Corneal Morphogeometrical Properties and Biomechanical Parameters Derived from Dynamic Bidirectional Air Applanation Measurement Procedure in Keratoconus
Authors: Cavas Francisco , Piñero David , Velázquez José S. , Mira Jorge , Alió Jorge L.
Published: August 2020

The morphogeometric analysis of the corneal structure has become a clinically relevant diagnostic procedure in keratoconus (KC) as well as the in vivo evaluation of the corneal biomechanical properties. However, the relationship between these two types of metrics is still not well understood. The current study investigated the relationship of corneal morphogeometry and volume with two biomechanical parameters: corneal hysteresis (CH) and corneal resistance factor (CRF), both provided by an Ocular Response Analyzer (Reichert). It included 109 eyes from 109 patients (aged between 18 and 69 years) with a diagnosis of keratoconus (KC) who underwent a complete eye examination including a comprehensive corneal topographic analysis with the Sirius system (CSO). With the topographic information obtained, a morphogeometric and volumetric analysis was performed, defining different variables of clinical use. CH and CRF were found to be correlated with these variables, but this correlation was highly influenced by corneal thickness. This suggests that the mechanical properties of KC cornea contribute only in a partial and limited manner to these biomechanical parameters, being mostly influenced by morphogeometry under normal intraocular pressure levels. This would explain the limitation of CH and CRF as diagnostic tools for the detection of incipient cases of KC.
Relationship between Visual Perception and Microstructural Change of the Superior Longitudinal Fasciculus in Patients with Brain Injury in the Right Hemisphere: A Preliminary Diffusion Tensor Tractography Study
Authors: Kim Su-Hong , Jeon Hyeong-Eun , Park Chan-Hyuk
Published: August 2020

Right hemisphere brain damage often results in visual-spatial deficits. Because various microstructural changes of the superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF) after a stroke in the right hemisphere affect visual perception, including neglect, the present study investigates the relationship between both microstructural change and lateralization of SLF and visual perception, using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in patients with lesions in the right hemisphere. Eight patients with strokes (five patients with intracranial hemorrhage, and three patients with infarction; mean age of 52.5 years) and 16 mean-age-matched healthy control subjects were involved in this study. The visual perception of all eight patients was assessed with the motor-free visual perception test (MVPT), and their SLFs were reconstructed using DTI. The results showed that there was a significant difference between the DTI parameters of the patients and the control subjects. Moreover, patients with microstructural damage to the right SLF showed impairment of visual perception. In patients with damage to both the dorsal and ventral pathways of the right SLF, spatial neglect was present. However, although a leftward SLF asymmetry was revealed in our patients, this lateralization did not show a relationship with visual perception. In conclusion, the microstructural changes of the right SLF play an important role in visual perception, and both pathways contribute to spatial neglect, but leftward lateralization of the right SFL activity after a stroke does not contribute to general visual perception.