bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human Health and Economic Costs of Air Pollution in Utah: An Expert Assessment
Authors: Errigo Isabella M. , Abbott Benjamin W. , Mendoza Daniel L. , Mitchell Logan , Sayedi Sayedeh Sara , Glenn Jeffrey , Kelly Kerry E. , Beard John D. , Bratsman Samuel , Carter Thom , Chaney Robert A. , Follett Andrew , Freeman Andrew , Frei Rebecca J. , Greenhalgh Mitchell , Holmes Heather A. , Howe Peter D. , Johnston James D. , Lange Leslie , Martin Randal , Stacey Audrey , Tran Trang , Wilson Derrek
Published: November 2020

Air pollution causes more damage to health and economy than previously understood, contributing to approximately one in six deaths globally. However, pollution reduction policies remain controversial even when proven effective and cost negative, partially because of misunderstanding and growing mistrust in science. We used an expert assessment to bridge these research–policy divides in the State of Utah, USA, combining quantitative estimates from 23 local researchers and specialists on the human health and economic costs of air pollution. Experts estimated that air pollution in Utah causes 2480 to 8000 premature deaths annually (90% confidence interval) and decreases the median life expectancy by 1.1 to 3.6 years. Economic costs of air pollution in Utah totaled $0.75 to $3.3 billion annually, up to 1.7% of the state’s gross domestic product. Though these results were generally in line with available estimates from downscaled national studies, they were met with surprise in the state legislature, where there had been an almost complete absence of quantitative health and economic cost estimates. We discuss the legislative and personal responses of Utah policy makers to these results and present a framework for increasing the assimilation of data into decision making via regional expert assessment. In conclusion, combining quantitative assessments from local experts is a responsive and cost-effective tool to increase trust and information uptake during time-sensitive policy windows.
On the Asymptotic Behavior of a Class of Second-Order Non-Linear Neutral Differential Equations with Multiple Delays
Authors: Santra Shyam Sundar , Dassios Ioannis , Ghosh Tanusri
Published: November 2020

In this work, we present some new sufficient conditions for the oscillation of a class of second-order neutral delay differential equation. Our oscillation results, complement, simplify and improve recent results on oscillation theory of this type of non-linear neutral differential equations that appear in the literature. An example is provided to illustrate the value of the main results.
Nanoparticles Coated with Cell Membranes for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Jiménez-Jiménez Carla , Manzano Miguel , Vallet-Regí María
Published: November 2020

Nanoparticles designed for diagnosing and treating different diseases have impacted the scientific research in biomedicine, and are expected to revolutionize the clinic in the near future through a new area called nanomedicine. In the last few years, a new approach in this field has emerged: the use of cell membranes for coating nanoparticles in an attempt to mimic the ability of cells to interface and interact with physiological environments. Although such functions have been replicated through synthetic techniques, many research groups are now employing naturally derived cell membranes to coat different types of nanoparticles in an attempt to improve their performance for a wide range of applications. This review summarizes the literature on nanoparticles coated with cell membranes and, more importantly, aims at inspiring and encouraging new developments to this technology in the biomedical area.
Enhanced 15-Lipoxygenase 1 Production is Related to Periostin Expression and Eosinophil Recruitment in Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Imoto Yoshimasa , Takabayashi Tetsuji , Sakashita Masafumi , Kato Yukinori , Yoshida Kanako , Kidoguchi Masanori , Koyama Keisuke , Adachi Naoto , Kimura Yukihiro , Ogi Kazuhiro , Ito Yumi , Kanno Masafumi , Okamoto Masayuki , Narita Norihiko , Fujieda Shigeharu
Published: November 2020

Background: The pathological features of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) tissues include an eosinophilic infiltration pattern (eosinophilic CRS (ECRS)) or a less eosinophilic pattern (non-ECRS). Recently, it has been suggested that 15-lipoxygenase 1 (15-LOX-1) may have significant roles in allergic disease; however, the significance of 15-LOX-1 in CRS is not well understood. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the expression of 15-LOX-1 in CRS. Methods: The mRNA expression levels of 15-LOX-1 and periostin in nasal tissues were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. We also performed an immunofluorescence study of nasal tissues. Cells of the Eol-1 eosinophilic leukemic cell line were stimulated with interleukin-33 to test the induction of 15-LOX-1. Results: The expression level of 15-LOX-1 mRNA in nasal polyps (NPs) was significantly higher in ECRS patients than in non-ECRS patients. The immunofluorescence study revealed that both airway epithelial cells and eosinophils in NPs expressed 15-LOX-1. A significant correlation was seen between the number of eosinophils and the mRNA expression levels of 15-LOX-1 and periostin in nasal polyps. Moreover, interleukin-33 enhanced 15-LOX-1 expression in Eol-1 cells. Conclusions: 15-LOX-1 was shown to be a significant molecule that facilitates eosinophilic inflammation in ECRS.
State-of-the-Art Optical Microfiber Coupler Sensors for Physical and Biochemical Sensing Applications
Authors: Dai Maolin , Chen Zhenmin , Zhao Yuanfang , Aruna Gandhi Manthangal Sivanesan , Li Qian , Fu Hongyan
Published: November 2020

An optical fiber coupler is a simple and fundamental component for fiber optic technologies that works by reducing the fiber diameter to hundred nanometers or several micrometers. The microfiber coupler (MFC) has regained interest in optical fiber sensing in recent years. The subwavelength diameter rationales vast refractive index (RI) contrast between microfiber “core” and surrounding “cladding”, a large portion of energy transmits in the form of an evanescent wave over the fiber surface that determines the MFC ultrasensitive to local environmental changes. Consequently, MFC has the potential to develop as a sensor. With the merits of easy fabrication, low cost and compact size, numerous researches have been carried out on different microfiber coupler configurations for various sensing applications, such as refractive index (RI), temperature, humidity, magnetic field, gas, biomolecule, and so on. In this manuscript, the fabrication and operation principle of an MFC are elaborated and recent advances of MFC-based sensors for scientific and technological applications are comprehensively reviewed.
Leukoencephalopathy with Calcifications and Cysts—The First Polish Patient with Labrune Syndrome
Authors: Machnikowska-Sokołowska Magdalena , Pilch Jacek , Paprocka Justyna , Rydzanicz Małgorzata , Pollak Agnieszka , Kosińska Joanna , Gasperowicz Piotr , Gruszczyńska Katarzyna , Emich-Widera Ewa , Płoski Rafał
Published: November 2020

Leukoencephalopathy with calcifications and cysts (LCC) is a triad of neuroradiological symptoms characteristic of Labrune syndrome, which was first described in 1996. For 20 years, the diagnosis was only based on clinical, neuroradiological and histopathological findings. Differential diagnosis included a wide spectrum of diseases. Finally, in 2016, genetic mutation in the SNORD118 gene was confirmed to cause Labrune syndrome. The authors describe a case of a teenage girl with progressive headaches, without developmental delay, presenting with calcifications and white matter abnormality in neuroimaging. Follow-up studies showed the progression of leukoencephalopathy and cyst formation. The first symptoms and initial imaging results posed diagnostic challenges. The final diagnosis was established based on genetic results. The authors discuss the possible therapy of LCC with Bevacizumab.
Both Epimutations and Chromosome Aberrations Affect Multiple Imprinted Loci in Aggressive Wilms Tumors
Authors: Pignata Laura , Palumbo Orazio , Cerrato Flavia , Acurzio Basilia , de Álava Enrique , Roma Josep , Gallego Soledad , Mora Jaume , Carella Massimo , Riccio Andrea , Verde Gaetano
Published: November 2020

The embryonal renal cancer Wilms tumor (WT) accounts for 7% of all children’s malignancies. Its most frequent molecular defect is represented by DNA methylation abnormalities at the imprinted 11p15.5 region. Multiple imprinted methylation alterations dictated by chromosome copy-number variations have been recently demonstrated in adult cancers, raising the question of whether multiple imprinted loci were also affected in WT. To address this issue, we analyzed DNA methylation and chromosome profiles of 7 imprinted loci in 48 WT samples. The results demonstrated that methylation abnormalities of multiple imprinted loci occurred in 35% of the cases, but that they were associated with either chromosome aberrations or normal chromosome profiles. Multiple imprinted methylation changes were correlated with tumor stage and presence of metastasis, indicating that these epimutations were more frequent in highly aggressive tumors. When chromosome profiles were affected, these alterations were extended to flanking cancer driver genes. Overall, this study demonstrates the presence of multiple imprinted methylation defects in aggressive WTs and suggests that the mechanism by which they arise in embryonal and adult cancers is different.
Prospects for Clinical Development of Stat5 Inhibitor IST5-002: High Transcriptomic Specificity in Prostate Cancer and Low Toxicity In Vivo
Authors: Maranto Cristina , Udhane Vindhya , Jia Jing , Verma Ranjit , Müller-Newen Gerhard , LaViolette Peter S. , Pereckas Michael , Sabharwal Lavannya , Terhune Scott , Pattabiraman Nagarajan , Njar Vincent C.O. , Imig John D. , Wang Liang , Nevalainen Marja T.
Published: November 2020

Stat5 is of significant interest in the search for new therapeutics for prostate cancer (PC) and hematopoietic disorders. We evaluated the transcriptomic specificity of the Stat5a/b inhibitor IST5-002 (IST5) in PC, defined more closely its mechanisms of action, and investigated the in vivo toxicity of IST5 for further optimization for clinical development. The transcriptomic specificity of IST5 vs. genetic Stat5 knockdown was evaluated by RNA-seq analysis, which showed high similarity with the Pearson correlation coefficient ranging from 0.98–0.99. The potency of IST5 vs. its derivative lacking the phosphate group in suppressing Stat5 was evaluated in two separate but complementary assays. The inhibitory activity of IST5 against kinases was investigated in cell-free assays followed by more focused evaluation in a cell-based assay. IST5 has no specific inhibitory activity against 54 kinases, while suppressing Stat5 phosphorylation and subsequent dimerization in PC cells. The phosphate group was not critical for the biological activity of IST5 in cells. The acute, sub-chronic and chronic toxicity studies of IST5 were carried out in mice. IST5 did not cause any significant toxic effects or changes in the blood profiles. The present work supports further optimization of IST5 for oral bioavailability for clinical development for therapies for solid tumors, hematological and myeloproliferative disorders.
The Δ133p53 Isoforms, Tuners of the p53 Pathway
Authors: Joruiz Sebastien M. , Beck Jessica A. , Horikawa Izumi , Harris Curtis C.
Published: November 2020

The TP53 gene is a critical tumor suppressor and key determinant of cell fate which regulates numerous cellular functions including DNA repair, cell cycle arrest, cellular senescence, apoptosis, autophagy and metabolism. In the last 15 years, the p53 pathway has grown in complexity through the discovery that TP53 differentially expresses twelve p53 protein isoforms in human cells with both overlapping and unique biologic activities. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on the Δ133p53 isoforms (Δ133p53α, Δ133p53β and Δ133p53γ), which are evolutionary derived and found only in human and higher order primates. All three isoforms lack both of the transactivation domains and the beginning of the DNA-binding domain. Despite the absence of these canonical domains, the Δ133p53 isoforms maintain critical functions in cancer, physiological and premature aging, neurodegenerative diseases, immunity and inflammation, and tissue repair. The ability of the Δ133p53 isoforms to modulate the p53 pathway functions underscores the need to include these p53 isoforms in our understanding of how the p53 pathway contributes to multiple physiological and pathological mechanisms. Critically, further characterization of p53 isoforms may identify novel regulatory modes of p53 pathway functions that contribute to disease progression and facilitate the development of new therapeutic strategies.
The Intersection between Oral Microbiota, Host Gene Methylation and Patient Outcomes in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Chen Zigui , Wong Po Yee , Ng Cherrie W. K. , Lan Linlin , Fung Sherwood , Li Jing W. , Cai Liuyang , Lei Pu , Mou Qianqian , Wong Sunny H. , Wu William K. K. , Li Ryan J. , Meehan Katie , Lui Vivian W. Y. , Chow Chit , Lo Kwok W. , Chan Amy B. W. , Boon Siaw Shi , Lau Eric H. L. , Yeung Zenon , Chan Kwan C. Allen , Wong Eddy W. Y. , Cheng Alfred S. L. , Yu Jun , Chan Paul K. S. , Chan Jason Y. K.
Published: November 2020

The role of oral microbiota in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is poorly understood. Here we sought to evaluate the association of the bacterial microbiome with host gene methylation and patient outcomes, and to explore its potential as a biomarker for early detection or intervention. Here we performed 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing in sixty-eight HNSCC patients across both tissue and oral rinse samples to identify oral bacteria with differential abundance between HNSCC and controls. A subset of thirty-one pairs of HNSCC tumor tissues and the adjacent normal tissues were characterized for host gene methylation profile using bisulfite capture sequencing. We observed significant enrichments of Fusobacterium and Peptostreptococcus in HNSCC tumor tissues when compared to the adjacent normal tissues, and in HNSCC oral rinses when compared to healthy subjects, while ten other bacterial genera were largely depleted. These HNSCC-related bacteria were discriminative for HNSCC and controls with area under the receiver operating curves (AUCs) of 0.84 and 0.86 in tissue and oral rinse samples, respectively. Moreover, Fusobacterium nucleatum abundance in HNSCC cases was strongly associated with non-smokers, lower tumor stage, lower rate of recurrence, and improved disease-specific survival. An integrative analysis identified that enrichment of F. nucleatum was associated with host gene promoter methylation, including hypermethylation of tumor suppressor genes LXN and SMARCA2, for which gene expressions were downregulated in the HNSCC cohort from The Cancer Genome Atlas. In conclusion, we identified a taxonomically defined microbial consortium associated with HNSCC that may have clinical potential regarding biomarkers for early detection or intervention. Host–microbe interactions between F. nucleatum enrichment and clinical outcomes or host gene methylation imply a potential role of F. nucleatum as a pro-inflammatory driver in initiating HNSCC without traditional risk factors, which warrants further investigation for the underlying mechanisms.
Recent Advances in the Synthesis of Sulfides, Sulfoxides and Sulfones via C-S Bond Construction from Non-Halide Substrates
Authors: Zhang Rui , Ding Huaiwei , Pu Xiangling , Qian Zhiping , Xiao Yan
Published: November 2020

The construction of a C-S bond is a powerful strategy for the synthesis of sulfur containing compounds including sulfides, sulfoxides, and sulfones. Recent methodological developments have revealed lots of novel protocols for C-S bond formation, providing easy access to sulfur containing compounds. Unlike traditional Ullmann typed C-S coupling reaction, the recently developed reactions frequently use non-halide compounds, such as diazo compounds and simple arenes/alkanes instead of aryl halides as substrates. On the other hand, novel C-S coupling reaction pathways involving thiyl radicals have emerged as an important strategy to construct C-S bonds. In this review, we focus on the recent advances on the synthesis of sulfides, sulfoxides, and sulfones from non-halide substrates involving C-S bond construction.
Functional, Metabolic and Morphologic Results of Ex Vivo Donor Lung Perfusion with a Perfluorocarbon-Based Oxygen Carrier Nanoemulsion in a Large Animal Transplantation Model
Authors: Inci Ilhan , Arni Stephan , Iskender Ilker , Citak Necati , Rodriguez Josep Monné , Weisskopf Miriam , Opitz Isabelle , Weder Walter , Frauenfelder Thomas , Krafft Marie Pierre , Spahn Donat R.
Published: November 2020

Background: Ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) is a technology that allows the re-evaluation of questionable donor lung before implantation and it has the potential to repair injured donor lungs that are otherwise unsuitable for transplantation. We hypothesized that perfluorocarbon-based oxygen carrier, a novel reconditioning strategy instilled during EVLP would improve graft function. Methods: We utilized perfluorocarbon-based oxygen carrier (PFCOC) during EVLP to recondition and improve lung graft function in a pig model of EVLP and lung transplantation. Lungs were retrieved and stored for 24 h at 4 °C. EVLP was done for 6 h with or without PFCOC. In the transplantation groups, left lung transplantation was done after EVLP with or without PFCOC. Allograft function was assessed by means of pulmonary gas exchange, lung mechanics and vascular pressures, histology and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results: In the EVLP only groups, physiological and biochemical markers during the 6-h perfusion period were comparable. However, perfusate lactate potassium levels were lower and ATP levels were higher in the PFCOC group. Radiologic assessment revealed significantly more lung infiltrates in the controls than in the PFCOC group (p = 0.04). In transplantation groups, perfusate glucose consumption was higher in the control group. Lactate levels were significantly lower in the PFCOC group (p = 0.02). Perfusate flavin mononucleotide (FMN) was significantly higher in the controls (p = 0.008). Post-transplant gas exchange was significantly better during the 4-h reperfusion period in the PFCOC group (p = 0.01). Plasma IL-8 and IL-12 levels were significantly lower in the PFCOC group (p = 0.01, p = 0.03, respectively). ATP lung tissue levels at the end of the transplantation were higher and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels in lung tissue were lower in the PFCOC group compared to the control group. In the PFCOC group, TEM showed better tissue preservation and cellular viability. Conclusion: PFCOC application is safe during EVLP in lungs preserved 24 h at 4 °C. Although this strategy did not significantly affect the EVLP physiology, metabolic markers of the donor quality such as lactate production, glucose consumption, neutrophil infiltration and preservation of mitochondrial function were better in the PFCOC group. Following transplantation, PFCOC resulted in better graft function and TEM showed better tissue preservation, cellular viability and improved gas transport.
Acid Sphingomyelinase Impacts Canonical Transient Receptor Potential Channels 6 (TRPC6) Activity in Primary Neuronal Systems
Authors: Zeitler Stefanie , Schumacher Fabian , Monti Juliana , Anni Daniela , Guhathakurta Debarpan , Kleuser Burkhard , Friedland Kristina , Fejtová Anna , Kornhuber Johannes , Rhein Cosima
Published: November 2020

The acid sphingomyelinase (ASM)/ceramide system exhibits a crucial role in the pathology of major depressive disorder (MDD). ASM hydrolyzes the abundant membrane lipid sphingomyelin to ceramide that regulates the clustering of membrane proteins via microdomain and lipid raft organization. Several commonly used antidepressants, such as fluoxetine, rely on the functional inhibition of ASM in terms of their antidepressive pharmacological effects. Transient receptor potential canonical 6 (TRPC6) ion channels are located in the plasma membrane of neurons and serve as receptors for hyperforin, a phytochemical constituent of the antidepressive herbal remedy St. John’s wort. TRPC6 channels are involved in the regulation of neuronal plasticity, which likely contributes to their antidepressant effect. In this work, we investigated the impact of reduced ASM activity on the TRPC6 function in neurons. A lipidomic analysis of cortical brain tissue of ASM deficient mice revealed a decrease in ceramide/sphingomyelin molar ratio and an increase in sphingosine. In neurons with ASM deletion, hyperforin-mediated Ca2+-influx via TRPC6 was decreased. Consequently, downstream activation of nuclear phospho-cAMP response element-binding protein (pCREB) was changed, a transcriptional factor involved in neuronal plasticity. Our study underlines the importance of balanced ASM activity, as well as sphingolipidome composition for optimal TRPC6 function. A better understanding of the interaction of the ASM/ceramide and TRPC6 systems could help to draw conclusions about the pathology of MDD.
Adaptation to Climate Change Effects on Water Resources: Understanding Institutional Barriers in Nigeria
Authors: Ojo Sola , Mensah Henry , Albrecht Eike , Ibrahim Bachar
Published: November 2020

Climate Change (CC) and variability are global issues that the world has been facing for a long time. Given the recent catastrophic events, such as flooding, erosion, and drought in Nigeria, many have questioned institutions’ capacity in managing CC impacts in Nigeria. This study explores emerging institutional barriers of adaptation to CC effects on water resources in Nigeria. The study data were obtained from in-depth interviews with institutional heads from water resources management and emergency management and a review of secondary literature from databases such as Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science. The results show that inadequate hydrological data management, low awareness on how to adapt among the public and decision-makers, financial constraints, no political will to pass important bills into law, and inadequate institutional and legal framework are the main institutional barriers of adaptation to climate change in Nigeria. The study concludes that it is essential to strengthen the institutional and legal system, information management mechanism, public awareness, and participatory water resources management. The implications for further research are presented in the study.
Modeling and Optimization Approaches of Laser-Based Powder-Bed Fusion Process for Ti-6Al-4V Alloy
Authors: Fotovvati Behzad , Balasubramanian Madhusudhanan , Asadi Ebrahim
Published: November 2020

Laser-based powder-bed fusion (L-PBF) is a widely used additive manufacturing technology that contains several variables (processing parameters), which makes it challenging to correlate them with the desired properties (responses) when optimizing the responses. In this study, the influence of the five most influential L-PBF processing parameters of Ti-6Al-4V alloy—laser power, scanning speed, hatch spacing, layer thickness, and stripe width—on the relative density, microhardness, and various line and surface roughness parameters for the top, upskin, and downskin surfaces are thoroughly investigated. Two design of experiment (DoE) methods, including Taguchi L25 orthogonal arrays and fractional factorial DoE for the response surface method (RSM), are employed to account for the five L-PBF processing parameters at five levels each. The significance and contribution of the individual processing parameters on each response are analyzed using the Taguchi method. Then, the simultaneous contribution of two processing parameters on various responses is presented using RSM quadratic modeling. A multi-objective RSM model is developed to optimize the L-PBF processing parameters considering all the responses with equal weights. Furthermore, an artificial neural network (ANN) model is designed and trained based on the samples used for the Taguchi method and validated based on the samples used for the RSM. The Taguchi, RSM, and ANN models are used to predict the responses of unseen data. The results show that with the same amount of available experimental data, the proposed ANN model can most accurately predict the response of various properties of L-PBF components.
Borate and Silicate Bioactive Glass Coatings Prepared by Nanosecond Pulsed Laser Deposition
Authors: Rau Julietta V. , De Bonis Angela , Curcio Mariangela , Schuhladen Katharina , Barbaro Katia , De Bellis Giovanni , Teghil Roberto , Boccaccini Aldo R.
Published: November 2020

Silicate (13-93) and borate (13-93-B3) bioactive glass coatings were successfully deposited on titanium using the nanosecond Pulsed Laser Deposition technique. The coatings’ microstructural characteristics, compositions and morphologies were examined by a number of physico-chemical techniques. The deposited coatings retain the same functional groups of the targets, are a few microns thick, amorphous, compact and crack free. Their surface is characterized by the presence of micrometric and nanometric particles. The surface topography, investigated by Atomic Force Microscopy, is characterized by spherical or ellipsoidal particles of the 0.2–3 μm size range for the 13-93 silicate bioactive glass film and of the 0.1–1 µm range for the 13-93-B3 borate bioactive glass coating. Equine adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) were applied for biological tests and the osteogenic differentiation activity of cells on the deposited coatings was studied after ADMSCs growth in osteogenic medium and staining with Alizarin Red. Cytocompatibility and osteogenic differentiation tests have shown that thin films retain the biocompatibility properties of the target silicate and borate glass, respectively. On the other hand, no antibacterial activity of the borate glass films was observed, suggesting that ion doping is advisable to inhibit bacterial growth on the surface of borate glass thin films.
Spatial Distribution of Phytoplankton Community Composition and Their Correlations with Environmental Drivers in Taiwan Strait of Southeast China
Authors: Zhang Yong , Su Jin-Zhu , Su Yu-Ping , Lin Hong , Xu Yang-Chun , Barathan Balaji P. , Zheng Wan-Ning , Schulz Kai G.
Published: November 2020

Large-scale dinoflagellate blooms have appeared in recent decades in the Taiwan Strait, Southeast China. To study spatial variability of phytoplankton community composition, physical and chemical environmental drivers in surface seawater of the Taiwan Strait, we conducted cruises in May and July 2019. Cell numbers of dinoflagellates were significantly higher than that of diatoms in most sampling stations during the cruise in May, whereas diatoms were the major contributor to autotrophic biomass in July. Phytoplankton community shifted from a dinoflagellate- and diatom-dominated system in May to diatom dominance in July. The dominant phytoplankton species (genera) were the harmful algal bloom dinoflagellates Prorocentrum donghaiense and Scrippsiella trochoidea and the diatoms Coscinodiscus in May, and Rhizosolenia, Pseudo-nitzschia, and Guinardia in July. Cell densities of dinoflagellates and P. donghaiense reduced exponentially with increasing seawater temperature and salinity and decreasing dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) concentrations. Based on the results of our work and previous studies, it becomes obvious that harmful dinoflagellate blooms are likely to be a major component of the planktonic food web in the Taiwan Strait at a temperature of 17.0–23.0 °C, a salinity of 29.0–33.0 psu, and a DIN concentration higher than 2.0 μmol L–1.
Consistent Cerebral Blood Flow Covariance Networks across Healthy Individuals and Their Similarity with Resting State Networks and Vascular Territories
Authors: Pirastru Alice , Pelizzari Laura , Bergsland Niels , Cazzoli Marta , Cecconi Pietro , Baglio Francesca , Laganà Maria Marcella
Published: November 2020

Cerebral blood flow (CBF) represents the local blood supply to the brain, and it can be considered a proxy for neuronal activation. Independent component analysis (ICA) can be applied to CBF maps to derive patterns of spatial covariance across subjects. In the present study, we aimed to assess the consistency of the independent components derived from CBF maps (CBF-ICs) across a cohort of 92 healthy individuals. Moreover, we evaluated the spatial similarity of CBF-ICs with respect to resting state networks (RSNs) and vascular territories (VTs). The data were acquired on a 1.5 T scanner using arterial spin labeling (ASL) and resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Similarity was assessed considering the entire ASL dataset. Consistency was evaluated by splitting the dataset into subsamples according to three different criteria: (1) random split of age and sex-matched subjects, (2) elderly vs. young, and (3) males vs. females. After standard preprocessing, ICA was performed. Both consistency and similarity were assessed by visually comparing the CBF-ICs. Then, the degree of spatial overlap was quantified with Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC). Frontal, left, and right occipital, cerebellar, and thalamic CBF-ICs were consistently identified among the subsamples, independently of age and sex, with fair to moderate overlap (0.2 < DSC ≤ 0.6). These regions are functional hubs, and their involvement in many neurodegenerative pathologies has been observed. As slight to moderate overlap (0.2< DSC < 0.5) was observed between CBF-ICs and some RSNs and VTs, CBF-ICs may mirror a combination of both functional and vascular brain properties.
Comparison of Periodontopathic Bacterial Profiles of Different Periodontal Disease Severity Using Multiplex Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Choi Jin Uk , Lee Jun-Beom , Kim Kyoung-Hwa , Kim Sungtae , Seol Yang-Jo , Lee Yong-Moo , Rhyu In-Chul
Published: November 2020

Periodontopathic bacteria are known to have a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. The aim of the study was to quantitatively compare bacterial profile of patients with different severity of periodontal disease using samples from mouthwash and the subgingival area. Further analysis was performed to evaluate the correlation between mouthwash and two subgingival sampling methods: paperpoint and gingival retraction cord; 114 subjects enrolled in the study, and were divided equally into three groups according to disease severity. Mouthwash and subgingival sampling were conducted, and the samples were quantitatively analyzed for 11 target periodontopathic bacteria using multiplex real-time PCR. There were statistically significant differences in bacterial counts and prevalence of several species between the study groups. Mouthwash sampling showed significant correlations with two different subgingival sampling methods in regard to the detection of several bacteria (e.g., ρ = 0.793 for Porphyromonas gingivalis in severe periodontitis), implying that mouthwash sampling can reflect subgingival microbiota. However, the correlation was more prominent as disease severity increased. Although bacteria in mouthwash have potential to become a biomarker, it may be more suitable for the diagnosis of severe periodontitis, rather than early diagnosis. Further research is required for the discovery of biomarkers for early diagnosis of periodontitis.
A Preliminary Study on the Safety of Elastography during Pregnancy: Hypoacusia, Anthropometry, and Apgar Score in Newborns
Authors: Massó Paloma , Melchor Juan , Rus Guillermo , Molina Francisca Sonia
Published: November 2020

Transient or acoustic radiation force elastography (ARFE) is becoming the most extended technology to assess cervical effacement, additionally to the Bishop test and conventional ultrasound. However, a debate on the fetal safety has been opened due to the high intensity focused beam emitted to produce shear waves. This work is aimed at providing preliminary data to assess clinical effects of fetal exposure. A follow-up study in newborns of 42 women exposed to ARFE during pregnancy was carried out to explore neonatal hypoacusia, Apgar test, and anthropometry. No hypoacusia cases attributable to ARFE were observed. The Apgar test at five minutes scored normally in all the newborns. Comparisons between anthropometric measurements showed no significant statistically differences. The results preclude to state the harmfulness nor the safety of ARFE. However, given the concern on the high level of energy and the potential risk of harmful bioeffects, larger studies are recommended.
Iron Rims as an Imaging Biomarker in MS: A Systematic Mapping Review
Authors: AlTokhis Amjad I. , AlOtaibi Abdulmajeed M. , Felmban Ghadah A. , Constantinescu Cris S. , Evangelou Nikos
Published: November 2020

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune, inflammatory, demyelinating and degenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS). To date, there is no definitive imaging biomarker for diagnosing MS. The current diagnostic criteria are mainly based on clinical relapses supported by the presence of white matter lesions (WMLs) on MRI. However, misdiagnosis of MS is still a significant clinical problem. The paramagnetic, iron rims (IRs) around white matter lesions have been proposed to be an imaging biomarker in MS. This study aimed to carry out a systematic mapping review to explore the detection of iron rim lesions (IRLs), on clinical MR scans, and describe the characteristics of IRLs presence in MS versus other MS-mimic disorders. Methods: Publications from 2001 on IRs lesions were reviewed in three databases: PubMed, Web of Science and Embase. From the initial result set 718 publications, a final total of 38 papers were selected. Results: The study revealed an increasing interest in iron/paramagnetic rims lesions studies. IRs were more frequently found in periventricular regions and appear to be absent in MS-mimics. Conclusions IR is proposed as a promising imaging biomarker for MS.
Personalized Image Classification by Semantic Embedding and Active Learning
Authors: Song Mofei
Published: November 2020

Currently, deep learning has shown state-of-the-art performance in image classification with pre-defined taxonomy. However, in a more real-world scenario, different users usually have different classification intents given an image collection. To satisfactorily personalize the requirement, we propose an interactive image classification system with an offline representation learning stage and an online classification stage. During the offline stage, we learn a deep model to extract the feature with higher flexibility and scalability for different users’ preferences. Instead of training the model only with the inter-class discrimination, we also encode the similarity between the semantic-embedding vectors of the category labels into the model. This makes the extracted feature adapt to multiple taxonomies with different granularities. During the online session, an annotation task iteratively alternates with a high-throughput verification task. When performing the verification task, the users are only required to indicate the incorrect prediction without giving the exact category label. For each iteration, our system chooses the images to be annotated or verified based on interactive efficiency optimization. To provide a high interactive rate, a unified active learning algorithm is used to search the optimal annotation and verification set by minimizing the expected time cost. After interactive annotation and verification, the new classified images are used to train a customized classifier online, which reflects the user-adaptive intent of categorization. The learned classifier is then used for subsequent annotation and verification tasks. Experimental results under several public image datasets show that our method outperforms existing methods.
Entropy Ratio and Entropy Concentration Coefficient, with Application to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Bandt Christoph
Published: November 2020

In order to study the spread of an epidemic over a region as a function of time, we introduce an entropy ratio U describing the uniformity of infections over various states and their districts, and an entropy concentration coefficient C=1−U. The latter is a multiplicative version of the Kullback-Leibler distance, with values between 0 and 1. For product measures and self-similar phenomena, it does not depend on the measurement level. Hence, C is an alternative to Gini’s concentration coefficient for measures with variation on different levels. Simple examples concern population density and gross domestic product. Application to time series patterns is indicated with a Markov chain. For the Covid-19 pandemic, entropy ratios indicate a homogeneous distribution of infections and the potential of local action when compared to measures for a whole region.
Thermal Interaction for Improving Tactile Artwork Depth and Color-Depth Appreciation for Visually Impaired People
Authors: Iranzo Bartolomé Jorge , Cho Jun Dong , Cavazos Quero Luis , Jo Sunggi , Cho Gilsang
Published: November 2020

Visually impaired people can take advantage of multimodal systems in which visual information is communicated through different modes of interaction and types of feedback. Among the possible interaction modes, thermal interaction in the context of assistive devices for visually impaired people lacks research in spite of its potential. In this paper, we propose a temperature-depth mapping algorithm and a thermal display system to convey depth and depth-color of artworks’ features in the context of tactile exploration by visually impaired people. Tests with a total of 18 sighted users and six visually impaired users were performed both during the mapping algorithm design and after developing a tactile temperature prototype artwork model to assess the potentials of thermal interaction for recognizing depth and color-depth in tactile art appreciation. These tests showed both an existing correlation between depth and temperature and that the mapping based on that correlation is appropriate for conveying depth during artwork tactile exploration.
Simultaneous Diagonalization Using Baseband Beamforming in mmWave MU-MIMO Systems
Authors: Hassan Ahmad Kamal , Abbas Ziaul Haq , Abbas Ghulam , Baker Thar
Published: November 2020

We consider the problem of simultaneous diagonalization of Hermitian matrices for the desired and co-channel interference terms of millimeter-wave (mmWave) multi-user multiple-input multiple-output systems. The joint unitary eigenvectors and the corresponding eigenvalues are known to assist in the mathematical tractability of key performance metrics, such as outage probability, ergodic capacity, and spectral efficiency. We formulate the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio in a canonical quadratic form and subsume the digital baseband beamforming vectors in the weight matrices of channels at the transmitter side. Next, a real scalar objective function is defined, which quantifies the correlation loss due to joint-diagonalization. The objective function is then maximized using baseband beamforming under the hardware constraints of the mmWave system. Through simulations, the proposed beamforming algorithm is evaluated by employing several non-linear optimization sub-routines, and it is shown that the “active-set” approach results in improved summary statistics both for the correlation metric and for the time complexity. We also reflect on the effect of optimization on the channel scatterers in mmWave systems.
An On-Chip Learning Method for Neuromorphic Systems Based on Non-Ideal Synapse Devices
Authors: Lee Jae-Eun , Lee Chuljun , Kim Dong-Wook , Lee Daeseok , Seo Young-Ho
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we propose an on-chip learning method that can overcome the poor characteristics of pre-developed practical synaptic devices, thereby increasing the accuracy of the neural network based on the neuromorphic system. The fabricated synaptic devices, based on Pr1−xCaxMnO3, LiCoO2, and TiOx, inherently suffer from undesirable characteristics, such as nonlinearity, discontinuities, and asymmetric conductance responses, which degrade the neuromorphic system performance. To address these limitations, we have proposed a conductance-based linear weighted quantization method, which controls conductance changes, and trained a neural network to predict the handwritten digits from the standard database MNIST. Furthermore, we quantitatively considered the non-ideal case, to ensure reliability by limiting the conductance level to that which synaptic devices can practically accept. Based on this proposed learning method, we significantly improved the neuromorphic system, without any hardware modifications to the synaptic devices or neuromorphic systems. Thus, the results emphatically show that, even for devices with poor synaptic characteristics, the neuromorphic system performance can be improved.
Improving the Quality of Electricity in Installations with Mixed Lighting Fittings
Authors: Popławski Tomasz , Kurkowski Marek , Mirowski Jarosław
Published: November 2020

The issues that are presented in the article concern the broadly understood parameters of the operation of lighting fixtures in mixed systems and the improvement of the quality of electricity, considered in two aspects: as receivers of the energy consumed, determining and generating reactive power, influencing the asymmetry of currents and the production of higher harmonics, determined by the parameters of current and supply voltage (independent of the consumers connected at the connection point), which are influenced by the consumers that are connected at the connection point. After the tests, in order to improve the quality of energy, a proprietary program for the design of passive resonance filters was developed. A wide range of measurements of various types of lighting devices was carried out in single, complex, and mixed systems. Luminaires with discharge and LED sources were selected for the analysis of energy parameters. The tests were carried out in accordance with the IEEE 1459-2010 standard for single-phase circuits with distorted waveforms.
Recoveries of Oil and Hydrolyzed Sugars from Corn Germ Meal by Hydrothermal Pretreatment: A Model Feedstock for Lipid-Producing Energy Crops
Authors: Jia Yuyao , Kumar Deepak , Winkler-Moser Jill K. , Dien Bruce , Singh Vijay
Published: November 2020

Vegetable oil is extracted from oil rich seeds, such as soybeans. Genetic engineering of green plants to accumulate oil in vegetative tissue is a future source of oil that promises increased land productivity and the use of marginal lands. However, the low concentration of lipids in current engineered plant biomass samples makes the oil extraction process challenging and expensive. In this study, liquid hot water (LHW) pretreatment was investigated to enhance oil recovery from the solids and increase enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency of such feedstocks. Corn germ meal was chosen as a model feedstock representing lipid-producing energy crops. Germ meal was pretreated at 160 and 180 °C for 10 and 15 min at 20% w/w solids loading. Enzymatic hydrolysis on the pretreated solid was performed. After pretreatment, the oil concentration increased by 2.2 to 4.2 fold. The most severe pretreatment condition of LHW, at 180 °C for 15 min, gave the maximum oil concentration (9.7%, w/w), the highest triacylglycerol (TAG) content of the extracted oil (71.6%), and the highest conversions of glucose and xylose (99.0% and 32.8%, respectively). This study demonstrates that the optimal pretreatment condition for corn germ meal is 180 °C LHW for 15 min. Pretreatment improves lipids recovery from oil bearing biomass with little or no effect on the lipid profile.
Matching Energy Consumption and Photovoltaic Production in a Retrofitted Dwelling in Subtropical Climate without a Backup System
Authors: Gómez Melgar Sergio , Sánchez Cordero Antonio , Videras Rodríguez Marta , Andújar Márquez José Manuel
Published: November 2020

The construction sector is a great contributor to global warming both in new and existing buildings. Minimum energy buildings (MEBs) demand as little energy as possible, with an optimized architectural design, which includes passive solutions. In addition, these buildings consume as low energy as possible introducing efficient facilities. Finally, they produce renewable energy on-site to become zero energy buildings (ZEBs) or even plus zero energy buildings (+ZEB). In this paper, a deep analysis of the energy use and renewable energy production of a social dwelling was carried out based on data measurements. Unfortunately, in residential buildings, most renewable energy production occurs at a different time than energy demand. Furthermore, energy storage batteries for these facilities are expensive and require significant maintenance. The present research proposes a strategy, which involves rescheduling energy demand by changing the habits of the occupants in terms of domestic hot water (DHW) consumption, cooking, and washing. Rescheduling these three electric circuits increases the usability of the renewable energy produced on-site, reducing the misused energy from 52.84% to 25.14%, as well as decreasing electricity costs by 58.46%.
Thermal Structure of the Northern Outer Albanides and Adjacent Adriatic Crustal Sector, and Implications for Geothermal Energy Systems
Authors: Santini Stefano , Basilici Matteo , Invernizzi Chiara , Mazzoli Stefano , Megna Antonella , Pierantoni Pietro Paolo , Spina Vincenzo , Teloni Simone
Published: November 2020

Using an analytical methodology taking into account heat flow density data, frictional heating, temperature variations due to the re-equilibrated conductive state after thrusting and geological constrains, we calculated surface heat flow, geotherms and isotherms along a balanced and restored regional geological cross-section. Our results highlight the impact of frictional heating produced by thrusts on the thermal structure of the study area, leading to a raising of the isotherms both in the inner Albanides to the E and in the Adriatic sector offshore. Minimum values of Qs in the surroundings of Tirana and the reconstructed 2D thermal structure suggest less favorable conditions for exploitation of geothermal energy, besides the direct use (Borehole Heat Exchanger-Geothermal Heat Pump systems). Nevertheless, the occurrence of the “Kruja geothermal zone”, partially overlapping this area and including hot spring manifestations, emphasize the structural control in driving hot fluids to the surface with respect to the regional thermal structure.
Analysis of Hydraulic Mixing Efficiency in Widespread Models of Micromixers
Authors: Minakov Andrey V. , Lobasov Alexander S. , Shebeleva Anna A. , Shebelev Alexander V.
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we present the results of a systematic numerical study of the flow and mixing modes of fluids in micromixers of various configurations, in particular, an analysis of passive micromixers, the most widely used in practice, as well as the main methods to intensify mixing. The advantages of microstructure reactors can significantly reduce reaction times and increase productivity compared to traditional bulk reactors. Four different geometries of micromixers, including the straight T-shaped microchannel, were considered. The effect of the geometrical patterns of micromixers, as well as of the Reynolds number on flow regimes and mixing efficiency were analyzed. The Reynolds number varied from 1 to 300. Unlike other studies, the efficiency of the considered mixers was for the first time compared with the cost of pressure loss during pumping. As a result, the efficiency of the most optimal micromixer in terms of hydraulic mixing and the optimal operation ranges were determined. It was shown that the maximum normalized mixing efficiency in the entire range of Re numbers was noted for mixer, in which a vortex-based intensification of mixing occurs due to the flow swirling in cylindrical chambers. This mixer allows mixing the fluids 600 times more efficiently than a straight T-mixer, while all other conditions being equal.