bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Classroom Active Breaks to Increase Children’s Physical Activity: A Cross-Sectional Study in the Province of Naples, Italy
Authors: Gallè Francesca , Pecoraro Pierluigi , Calella Patrizia , Cerullo Giuseppe , Imoletti Maria , Mastantuono Teresa , Muscariello Espedita , Ricchiuti Roberta , Sensi Serena , Sorrentino Carmelina , Liguori Giorgio , Valerio Giuliana
Published: September 2020

Background: Classroom Active Breaks (CABs), short active sessions integrated in the school time, have been recognized as a promising tool to reduce sedentary behavior and increase Physical Activity (PA) levels in children. “AulAttiva” is a six-month CABs-based program implemented in primary schools of the province of Naples. The aim of this study was to evaluate its effectiveness by comparing PA and sedentary time of participating pupils respect to a control group, considering also their weight status. Methods: Four third-grade classes, each from 4 schools out of 32 participating in AulAttiva, and 4 third-grade classes, each from 4 schools out of 74 that did not take part, were randomly selected. Finally, 58 children composed the intervention group and 57 the control group. Age, gender, weight and height were registered for each participant. Weight status was classified as non-overweight and overweight/obesity. Sedentary time and PA were assessed through accelerometers along a school day. Results: Light PA was 4 min higher in the AulAttiva group with respect to controls (p = 0.046). Within the non-overweight children, the AulAttiva group spent less time in sedentary behavior and more time in light and total PA than controls. No significant differences were found between the overweight/obese subgroups. Conclusions: The results support the effectiveness of CABs in increasing PA during the school day. Greater effects were registered among normal weight pupils, suggesting the possible influence of weight status on children’s participation to the intervention. Further studies are needed to improve the compliance of overweight/obese children to this intervention.
Divergent Sensitivities of Spaceborne Solar-Induced Chlorophyll Fluorescence to Drought among Different Seasons and Regions
Authors: Sun Xiaofang , Wang Meng , Li Guicai , Wang Junbang , Fan Zemeng
Published: September 2020

As a newly emerging satellite form of data, solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) provides a direct measurement of photosynthetic activity. The potential of SIF for drought assessment in different grassland ecosystems is not yet clear. In this study, the correlations between spaceborne SIF and nine drought indices were evaluated. Standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) at a 1, 3, 6, 9, 12 month scale, Palmer drought severity index (PDSI), soil moisture, temperature condition index (TCI), and vapor pressure deficit (VPD) were evaluated. The relationships between different grassland types and different seasons were compared, and the driving forces affecting the sensitivity of SIF to drought were explored. We found that the correlations between SIF and drought indices were different for temperate grasslands and alpine grasslands. The correlation coefficients between SIF and soil moisture were the highest (the mean value was 0.72 for temperate grasslands and 0.69 for alpine grasslands), followed by SPEI and PDSI at a three month scale, and the correlation coefficient between SIF and TCI was the lowest (the mean value was 0.38 for both temperate and alpine grasslands). Spaceborne SIF is more effective for drought monitoring during the peak period of the growing season (July and August). Temperature and radiation are important factors affecting the sensitivity of SIF to drought. The results from this study demonstrated the importance of SIF in drought monitoring especially for temperate grasslands in the peak growing season.
Comparison of High- and Low-LET Radiation-Induced DNA Double-Strand Break Processing in Living Cells
Authors: Roobol Stefan J. , van den Bent Irene , van Cappellen Wiggert A. , Abraham Tsion E. , Paul Maarten W. , Kanaar Roland , Houtsmuller Adriaan B. , van Gent Dik C. , Essers Jeroen
Published: September 2020

High-linear-energy-transfer (LET) radiation is more lethal than similar doses of low-LET radiation types, probably a result of the condensed energy deposition pattern of high-LET radiation. Here, we compare high-LET α-particle to low-LET X-ray irradiation and monitor double-strand break (DSB) processing. Live-cell microscopy was used to monitor DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), marked by p53-binding protein 1 (53BP1). In addition, the accumulation of the endogenous 53BP1 and replication protein A (RPA) DSB processing proteins was analyzed by immunofluorescence. In contrast to α-particle-induced 53BP1 foci, X-ray-induced foci were resolved quickly and more dynamically as they showed an increase in 53BP1 protein accumulation and size. In addition, the number of individual 53BP1 and RPA foci was higher after X-ray irradiation, while focus intensity was higher after α-particle irradiation. Interestingly, 53BP1 foci induced by α-particles contained multiple RPA foci, suggesting multiple individual resection events, which was not observed after X-ray irradiation. We conclude that high-LET α-particles cause closely interspaced DSBs leading to high local concentrations of repair proteins. Our results point toward a change in DNA damage processing toward DNA end-resection and homologous recombination, possibly due to the depletion of soluble protein in the nucleoplasm. The combination of closely interspaced DSBs and perturbed DNA damage processing could be an explanation for the increased relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of high-LET α-particles compared to X-ray irradiation.
MicroRNAs Responding to Space Radiation
Authors: Yan Yujie , Zhang Kunlan , Zhou Guangming , Hu Wentao
Published: September 2020

High-energy and high-atom-number (HZE) space radiation poses an inevitable potential threat to astronauts on deep space exploration missions. Compared with low-LET radiation, high-energy and high-LET radiation in space is more efficient in inducing clustered DNA damage with more serious biological consequences, such as carcinogenesis, central nervous system injury and degenerative disease. Space radiation also causes epigenetic changes in addition to inducing damage at the DNA level. Considering the important roles of microRNAs in the regulation of biological responses of radiation, we systematically reviewed both expression profiling and functional studies relating to microRNAs responding to space radiation as well as to space compound environment. Finally, the directions for improvement of the research related to microRNAs responding to space radiation are proposed. A better understanding of the functions and underlying mechanisms of the microRNAs responding to space radiation is of significance to both space radiation risk assessment and therapy development for lesions caused by space radiation.
Molecular Pathogenesis of Hodgkin Lymphoma: Past, Present, Future
Authors: Bienz Marc , Ramdani Salima , Knecht Hans
Published: September 2020

Our understanding of the tumorigenesis of classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) and the formation of Reed–Sternberg cells (RS-cells) has evolved drastically in the last decades. More recently, a better characterization of the signaling pathways and the cellular interactions at play have paved the way for new targeted therapy in the hopes of improving outcomes. However, important gaps in knowledge remain that may hold the key for significant changes of paradigm in this lymphoma. Here, we discuss the past, present, and future of cHL, and review in detail the more recent discoveries pertaining to genetic instability, anti-apoptotic signaling pathways, the tumoral microenvironment, and host-immune system evasion in cHL.
Role of the Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-Anchored Protein TEX101 and Its Related Molecules in Spermatogenesis
Authors: Yoshitake Hiroshi , Araki Yoshihiko
Published: September 2020

Glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins (APs) on the plasma membrane are involved in several cellular processes, including sperm functions. Thus far, several GPI-APs have been identified in the testicular germ cells, and there is increasing evidence of their biological significance during fertilization. Among GPI-APs identified in the testis, this review focuses on TEX101, a germ cell-specific GPI-AP that belongs to the lymphocyte antigen 6/urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor superfamily. This molecule was originally identified as a glycoprotein that contained the antigen epitope for a specific monoclonal antibody; it was produced by immunizing female mice with an allogenic testicular homogenate. This review mainly describes the current understanding of the biochemical, morphological, and physiological characteristics of TEX101. Furthermore, future avenues for the investigation of testicular GPI-Aps, including their potential role as regulators of ion channels, are discussed.
Tofacitinib and Baricitinib Are Taken up by Different Uptake Mechanisms Determining the Efficacy of Both Drugs in RA
Authors: Amrhein Jan , Drynda Susanne , Schlatt Lukas , Karst Uwe , Lohmann Christoph H. , Ciarimboli Giuliano , Bertrand Jessica
Published: September 2020

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease in which synovial fibroblasts (SF) play a key role. Baricitinib and Tofacitinib both act intracellularly, blocking the ATP-binding side of JAK proteins and thereby the downstream signalling pathway via STAT-3. Therefore, we investigated the role of organic cation transporters (OCTs) in Baricitinib and Tofacitinib cellular transport. Methods: OCT expression was analysed in SF isolated from RA and osteoarthritis (OA) patients, as well as peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The interaction of Baricitinib and Tofacitinib with OCTs was investigated using quenching experiments. The intracellular accumulation of both drugs was quantified using LC/MS. Target inhibition for both drugs was tested using Western blot for phosphorylated JAK1 and STAT3 upon stimulation with IL-6. Results: MATE-1 expression increased in OASF compared to RASF. The other OCTs were not differentially expressed. The transport of Baricitinib was not OCT dependent. Tofacitinib; however, was exported from RASF in a MATE-1 dependent way. Tofacitinib and Baricitinib showed comparable inhibition of downstream signalling pathways. Conclusion: We observed different cellular uptake strategies for Baricitinib and Tofacitinib. Tofacitinib was exported out of healthy cells due to the increased expression of MATE1. This might make Tofacitinib the favourable drug.
Effects of Early Life Stress on Bone Homeostasis in Mice and Humans
Authors: Wuertz-Kozak Karin , Roszkowski Martin , Cambria Elena , Block Andrea , Kuhn Gisela A. , Abele Thea , Hitzl Wolfgang , Drießlein David , Müller Ralph , Rapp Michael A. , Mansuy Isabelle M. , Peters Eva M. J. , Wippert Pia M.
Published: September 2020

Bone pathology is frequent in stressed individuals. A comprehensive examination of mechanisms linking life stress, depression and disturbed bone homeostasis is missing. In this translational study, mice exposed to early life stress (MSUS) were examined for bone microarchitecture (μCT), metabolism (qPCR/ELISA), and neuronal stress mediator expression (qPCR) and compared with a sample of depressive patients with or without early life stress by analyzing bone mineral density (BMD) (DXA) and metabolic changes in serum (osteocalcin, PINP, CTX-I). MSUS mice showed a significant decrease in NGF, NPYR1, VIPR1 and TACR1 expression, higher innervation density in bone, and increased serum levels of CTX-I, suggesting a milieu in favor of catabolic bone turnover. MSUS mice had a significantly lower body weight compared to control mice, and this caused minor effects on bone microarchitecture. Depressive patients with experiences of childhood neglect also showed a catabolic pattern. A significant reduction in BMD was observed in depressive patients with childhood abuse and stressful life events during childhood. Therefore, future studies on prevention and treatment strategies for both mental and bone disease should consider early life stress as a risk factor for bone pathologies.
On the Feasibility of Adversarial Sample Creation Using the Android System API
Authors: Cara Fabrizio , Scalas Michele , Giacinto Giorgio , Maiorca Davide
Published: September 2020

Due to its popularity, the Android operating system is a critical target for malware attacks. Multiple security efforts have been made on the design of malware detection systems to identify potentially harmful applications. In this sense, machine learning-based systems, leveraging both static and dynamic analysis, have been increasingly adopted to discriminate between legitimate and malicious samples due to their capability of identifying novel variants of malware samples. At the same time, attackers have been developing several techniques to evade such systems, such as the generation of evasive apps, i.e., carefully-perturbed samples that can be classified as legitimate by the classifiers. Previous work has shown the vulnerability of detection systems to evasion attacks, including those designed for Android malware detection. However, most works neglected to bring the evasive attacks onto the so-called problem space, i.e., by generating concrete Android adversarial samples, which requires preserving the app’s semantics and being realistic for human expert analysis. In this work, we aim to understand the feasibility of generating adversarial samples specifically through the injection of system API calls, which are typical discriminating characteristics for malware detectors. We perform our analysis on a state-of-the-art ransomware detector that employs the occurrence of system API calls as features of its machine learning algorithm. In particular, we discuss the constraints that are necessary to generate real samples, and we use techniques inherited from interpretability to assess the impact of specific API calls to evasion. We assess the vulnerability of such a detector against mimicry and random noise attacks. Finally, we propose a basic implementation to generate concrete and working adversarial samples. The attained results suggest that injecting system API calls could be a viable strategy for attackers to generate concrete adversarial samples. However, we point out the low suitability of mimicry attacks and the necessity to build more sophisticated evasion attacks.
Evaluation of Traits for the Selection of Apis Mellifera for Resistance against Varroa Destructor
Authors: Büchler Ralph , Kovačić Marin , Buchegger Martin , Puškadija Zlatko , Hoppe Andreas , Brascamp Evert W.
Published: September 2020

Infestation with Varroa destructor is a serious cause of bee colony (Apis mellifera) losses on a global level. However, the presence of untreated survivor populations in many different regions supports the idea that selection for resistance can be successful. As colony survival is difficult or impossible to measure, differences in mite infestation levels and tests for specific behavioral traits are used for selective breeding for Varroa resistance. In this paper we looked into different definitions of mite infestation and linked these with brood hygiene (pin test), brood recapping and suppressed mite reproduction. We based our analyses on datasets of Apis mellifera carnica from three countries: Austria (147 records), Croatia (135) and Germany (207). We concluded that bee infestation in summer, adjusted for the level of natural mite fall in spring, is a suitable trait in the breeding objective, and also suggested including brood infestation rate and the increase rate of bee infestation in summer. Repeatability for bee infestation rate was about 0.55, for cells opened in pin test about 0.33, for recapping 0.35 and for suppressed mite reproduction (SMR) virtually zero. Although in most cases we observed correlations with the expected sign between infestation parameters and behavioral traits, the values were generally low (<0.2) and often not significantly different from zero.
A Review of the Biology and Control of Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), with Special Reference to Biological Control Using Entomopathogenic Fungi
Authors: Sani Ibrahim , Ismail Siti Izera , Abdullah Sumaiyah , Jalinas Johari , Jamian Syari , Saad Norsazilawati
Published: September 2020

Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), consists of genetically diverse species known to cause significant destruction in several crops around the world. Nymphs and adults of B. tabaci cause damage to plants during feeding, and they can act as a virus vector, thus causing significant yield loss to crops in the tropical and subtropical regions. Chemical pesticides are widely used to control B. tabaci due to their immediate action, but this approach has several drawbacks including food safety issues, insecticide resistance, environmental pollution, and the effect on non-target organisms. A biological control agent using entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) has therefore been developed as an alternative against the conventional use of chemical pesticides in an integrated pest management (IPM) system to effectively control B. tabaci. It is apparent from this review that species of hyphomycetes fungi are the most common EPF used to effectively control B. tabaci, with the second instar being the most susceptible stage of infection. Therefore, this review article focuses specifically on the control of B. tabaci with special emphasis on the use of EPF as biological control agents and their integration in IPM.
Transcatheter Versus Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients with Cardiac Surgery: Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Latif Azka , Lateef Noman , Ahsan Muhammad Junaid , Kapoor Vikas , Usman Rana Mohammad , Cooper Stephen , Andukuri Venkata , Mirza Mohsin , Ashfaq Muhammad Zubair , Khouzam Rami
Published: September 2020

The number of patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) and a history of prior cardiac surgery has increased. Prior cardiac surgery increases the risk of adverse outcomes in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement. To evaluate the impact of prior cardiac surgery on clinical endpoints in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) versus surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR), we performed a literature search using PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases. The clinical endpoints included in our study were 30-day mortality, 1–2-year mortality, acute kidney injury (AKI), bleeding, stroke, procedural time, and duration of hospital stay. Seven studies, which included a total of 8221 patients, were selected. Our study found that TAVR was associated with a lower incidence of stroke and bleeding complications. There was no significant difference in terms of AKI, 30-day all-cause mortality, and 1–2-year all-cause mortality between the two groups. The average procedure time and duration of hospital stay were 170 min less (p ≤ 0.01) and 3.6 days shorter (p < 0.01) in patients with TAVR, respectively. In patients with prior coronary artery bypass graft and severe AS, both TAVR and SAVR are reasonable options. However, TAVR may be associated with a lower incidence of complications like stroke and perioperative bleeding, in addition to a shorter length of stay.
Received Probability of Orbital-Angular-Momentum Modes Carried by Diffraction- and Attenuation- Resistant Beams in Weak Turbulent Oceans
Authors: Zheng Yuan , Yang Dongyu , Qin Shiqing , Zhang Yixin
Published: September 2020

High performance underwater wireless optical communication systems are the key to the construction of high quality underwater optical communication networks. However, seawater absorption and seawater turbulent diffraction should be the main factors limiting the performance of underwater optical communication systems. For this reason, we established the probability model of the orbital angular momentum (OAM) mode received by the communication system to study the influence of the absorbable turbulent seawater channel on the underwater optical communication system with an anti-diffraction and anti-attenuation random (DARR) beam as the signal carrier. In the study, the DARR beam with a large truncated Gaussian aperture was adopted as the signal carrier, seawater absorption was characterized by the complex refractive index of seawater, and seawater turbulence was described by the power spectrum of the refractive index of seawater. By analyzing the relationship between the received probability of the OAM mode of DARR beams and the dissipation rate of kinetic energy per unit of mass of fluid, the ratio of temperature and salinity, dissipation rate of the mean-squared temperature, and other parameters, we show that one can select longer wavelength, smaller OAM quantum number and smaller received diameter to increase the received probability of OAM signal modes. The disturbance of turbulent seawater to the OAM modes with different quantum numbers carried by the DARR beam is less than the corresponding OAM modes carried by the Laguerre–Gaussian beam. Our paper shows that the DARR beam can mitigate the absorption and disturbance of turbulent seawater.
Minimal Residual Disease in Multiple Myeloma: State of the Art and Applications in Clinical Practice
Authors: Gozzetti Alessandro , Raspadori Donatella , Bacchiarri Francesca , Sicuranza Anna , Pacelli Paola , Ferrigno Ilaria , Tocci Dania , Bocchia Monica
Published: September 2020

Novel drugs have revolutionized multiple myeloma therapy in the last 20 years, with median survival that has doubled to up to 8–10 years. The introduction of therapeutic strategies, such as consolidation and maintenance after autologous stem cell transplants, has also ameliorated clinical results. The goal of modern therapies is becoming not only complete remission, but also the deepest possible remission. In this context, the evaluation of minimal residual disease by techniques such as next-generation sequencing (NGS) and next-generation flow (NGF) is becoming part of all new clinical trials that test drug efficacy. This review focuses on minimal residual disease approaches in clinical trials, with particular attention to real-world practices.
Network of Landscapes in the Sustainable Management of Transboundary Biosphere Reserves
Authors: Romano Joaquin , Pérez-Chinarro Emilio , Coral Byron V.
Published: September 2020

The creation of Transboundary Biosphere Reserves (TBRs) is one of the most outstanding contributions of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Man and Biosphere Programme (MAB). Recent revisions have shown that there is a gap between its biodiversity conservation proposals and the theoretical convergence of nations towards sustainable development goals with the practices in action. By applying the landscape approach to the case study of the rural system of the Spanish–Portuguese border, declared Meseta Ibérica TBR (MITBR), it is verified that the spatial zoning of TBRs is a prominent factor in this gap, since they do not correspond to the landscape units and bioregions. This has led to the formulation and implementation of strategic proposals for the reorientation of TBRs towards the stimulation of landscape networks in the transboundary framework. Agroecological networks in this territory stand out, which brings together one of the highest concentrations of indigenous breeds in Europe. A breeder replacement experience was carried out based on the social networks of the MITBR that protect the landscape. The main conclusion of this article is that TBRs are effective in practice through the promotion of cross-border networks of governance and social participation, and mainly through agroecological ones due to their outstanding effect on biodiversity.
Rapid and Efficient Colony-PCR for High Throughput Screening of Genetically Transformed Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Nouemssi Serge Basile , Ghribi Manel , Beauchemin Rémy , Meddeb-Mouelhi Fatma , Germain Hugo , Desgagné-Penix Isabel
Published: September 2020

Microalgae biotechnologies are rapidly developing into new commercial settings. Several high value products already exist on the market, and biotechnological development is focused on genetic engineering of microalgae to open up future economic opportunities for food, fuel and pharmacological production. Colony-polymerase chain reaction (colony-PCR or cPCR) is a critical method for screening genetically transformed microalgae cells. However, the ability to rapidly screen thousands of transformants using the current colony-PCR method, becomes a very laborious and time-consuming process. Herein, the non-homologous transformation of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii using the electroporation and glass beads methods generated more than seven thousand transformants. In order to manage this impressive number of clones efficiently, we developed a high-throughput screening (HTS) cPCR method to rapidly maximize the detection and selection of positively transformed clones. For this, we optimized the Chlamydomonas transformed cell layout on the culture media to improve genomic DNA extraction and cPCR in 96-well plate. The application of this optimized HTS cPCR method offers a rapid, less expensive and reliable method for the detection and selection of microalgae transformants. Our method, which saves up to 80% of the experimental time, holds promise for evaluating genetically transformed cells and selection for microalgae-based biotechnological applications such as synthetic biology and metabolic engineering.
The Molecular Effects of a High Fat Diet on Endometrial Tumour Biology
Authors: Wilkinson Michael , Sinclair Piriyah , Dellatorre-Teixeira Ludmilla , Swan Patrick , Brennan Eoin , Moran Bruce , Wedekind Dirk , Downey Paul , Sheahan Kieran , Conroy Emer , Gallagher William M. , Docherty Neil , Roux Carel le , Brennan Donal J.
Published: September 2020

We sought to validate the BDII/Han rat model as a model for diet-induced obesity in endometrial cancer (EC) and determine if transcriptomic changes induced by a high fat diet (HFD) in an EC rat model can be used to identify novel biomarkers in human EC. Nineteen BDII/Han rats were included. Group A (n = 7) were given ad lib access to a normal calorie, normal chow diet (NCD) while Group B (n = 12) were given ad lib access to a calorie rich HFD for 15 months. RNAseq was performed on endometrial tumours from both groups. The top-ranking differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were examined in the human EC using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to assess if the BDII/Han rat model is an appropriate model for human obesity-induced carcinogenesis. Weight gain in HFD rats was double the weight gain of NCD rats (50 g vs. 25 g). The incidence of cancer was similar in both groups (4/7—57% vs. 4/12—33%; p = 0.37). All tumours were equivalent to a Stage 1A, Grade 2 human endometrioid carcinoma. A total of 368 DEGs were identified between the tumours in the HFD group compared to the NCD group. We identified two upstream regulators of the DEGs, mir-33 and Brd4, and a pathway analysis identified downstream enrichment of the colorectal cancer metastasis and ovarian cancer metastasis pathways. Top-ranking DEGs included Tex14, A2M, Hmgcs2, Adamts5, Pdk4, Crabp2, Capn12, Npw, Idi1 and Gpt. A2M expression was decreased in HFD tumours. Consistent with these findings, we found a significant negative correlation between A2M mRNA expression levels and BMI in the TCGA cohort (Spearman’s Rho = −0.263, p < 0.001). A2M expression was associated with improved overall survival (HR = 0.45, 95% CI 0.23–0.9, p = 0.024). Crabp2 expression was increased in HFD tumours. In human EC, CRABP2 expression was associated with reduced overall survival (HR = 3.554, 95% CI 1.875–6.753, p < 0.001). Diet-induced obesity can alter EC transcriptomic profiles. The BDII/Han rat model is a suitable model of diet-induced obesity in endometrial cancer and can be used to identify clinically relevant biomarkers in human EC.
Behavior of RC Beams Strengthened Using Steel-Wire–Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Plates
Authors: Zhu Wanxu , Li Mingxia , Qin Heying , Fu Feng , Liu Fengrong
Published: September 2020

The steel-wire–carbon-fiber-reinforced plate (SCFR plate) is a relatively new strengthening technology for concrete structures. In this paper, a series of lateral impact tests on SCFR plates and conventional carbon-fiber-reinforced plates (CFR plates) were first performed, followed by tensile tests of both the SCFR plates and the CFR plates. It is found that the SCFR plates can provide the same level of tensile strength as CFR plates, whilst having evident advantages in terms of better ductility and lateral resistance. It is also found that increasing the amount of the steel wire can improve the lateral resistance of the SCFR plate. In addition, the SCFR plate shows the advantage of a reduction in lateral damage, which is commonly experienced by CFR plates during transportation, construction, and maintenance. In the second stage of the research, flexural tests of both SCFR and CFR plate-strengthened reinforced concrete (RC) beams were performed. The failure modes and crack patterns of the RC beams were investigated. Results show that the SCFR plate-strengthened beam exhibits enhanced ductility compared to that strengthened by traditional CFR plates, thereby enhancing the flexural capacity of the RC beams. On the basis of the test results, a formula is designed to predict the flexural capacity of SCFR plates; good agreement is achieved.
Carbon Nanodots in Photodynamic Antimicrobial Therapy: A Review
Authors: Knoblauch Rachael , Geddes Chris D.
Published: September 2020

Antibiotic resistance development in bacteria is an ever-increasing global health concern as new resistant strains and/or resistance mechanisms emerge each day, out-pacing the discovery of novel antibiotics. Increasingly, research focuses on alternate techniques, such as antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (APDT) or photocatalytic disinfection, to combat pathogens even before infection occurs. Small molecule “photosensitizers” have been developed to date for this application, using light energy to inflict damage and death on nearby pathogens via the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These molecular agents are frequently limited in widespread application by synthetic expense and complexity. Carbon dots, or fluorescent, quasi-spherical nanoparticle structures, provide an inexpensive and “green” solution for a new class of APDT photosensitizers. To date, reviews have examined the overall antimicrobial properties of carbon dot structures. Herein we provide a focused review on the recent progress for carbon nanodots in photodynamic disinfection, highlighting select studies of carbon dots as intrinsic photosensitizers, structural tuning strategies for optimization, and their use in hybrid disinfection systems and materials. Limitations and challenges are also discussed, and contemporary experimental strategies presented. This review provides a focused foundation for which APDT using carbon dots may be expanded in future research, ultimately on a global scale.
Acoustic Emission Characteristics and Damage Mechanisms Investigation of Basalt Fiber Concrete with Recycled Aggregate
Authors: Li Guodong , Zhang Li , Zhao Fengnian , Tang Jiaqi
Published: September 2020

This paper presents the compression failure process of basalt fiber concrete with recycled aggregate and analyzes the main factors of basalt fiber and recycled aggregate affecting the compressive strength of recycled concrete. The damage mechanism of recycled aggregate concrete is analyzed by the acoustic emission technique. With the method of acoustic emission (AE) b-value analysis, the evolution and failure process of recycled concrete from the initial defect microcrack formation to the macroscopic crack is studied. Based on the AE clustering analysis method, the damage state of recycled concrete under load grade is investigated. Finally, the failure mode of recycled concrete is explored according to the RA-AF correlation method. The results show that when the concrete reaches the curing age, the strength grade of basalt fiber regenerated coarse aggregate concrete is the highest. The basalt fiber increases the strength of regenerated fine concrete by 4.5% and the strength of coarse concrete by 5%, and reduces the strength of fully recycled aggregate concrete by 6.7%. The b-value divides concrete into three stages: initial damage, stable development of internal damage, and internal damage. The variation of AE energy, count, and event number is related to AE activity and crack growth rate. Matrix cracking is the main damage state of concrete, which is greatly affected by the strength of cement mortar. The load grade of fiber cracking in fully recycled aggregate, recycled fine aggregate, and recycled coarse aggregate concrete is 65, 90, and 85%, respectively. Basalt fiber increases the tensile failure event point of recycled concrete and delays the cracking of recycled concrete under compression. When the load grades of fully recycled fiber, recycled fine aggregate fiber, and recycled coarse aggregate fiber concrete are 65–95, 90–100, and 85–100%, respectively, the tensile failure activity increases.
Electrospun PCL Fiber Mats Incorporating Multi-Targeted B and Co Co-Doped Bioactive Glass Nanoparticles for Angiogenesis
Authors: Chen Si , Galusková Dagmar , Kaňková Hana , Zheng Kai , Michálek Martin , Liverani Liliana , Galusek Dušan , Boccaccini Aldo R.
Published: September 2020

Vascularization is necessary in tissue engineering to keep adequate blood supply in order to maintain the survival and growth of new tissue. The synergy of biologically active ions with multi-target activity may lead to superior angiogenesis promotion in comparison to single-target approaches but it has been rarely investigated. In this study, polycaprolactone (PCL) fiber mats embedded with B and Co co-doped bioactive glass nanoparticles (BCo.BGNs) were fabricated as a tissue regeneration scaffold designed for promoting angiogenesis. BCo.NBGs were successfully prepared with well-defined spherical shape using a sol-gel method. The PCL fiber mats embedding co-doped bioactive glass nanoparticles were fabricated by electrospinning using benign solvents. The Young’s moduli of the nanoparticle containing PCL fiber mats were similar to those of the neat fiber mats and suitable for scaffolds utilized in soft tissue repair approaches. The mats also showed non-cytotoxicity to ST-2 cells. PCL fiber mats containing BCo.BGNs with a relatively high content of B and Co promoted the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor to a greater extent than PCL fiber mats with a relatively low B and Co contents, which demonstrates the potential of dual ion release (B and Co) from bioactive glasses to enhance angiogenesis in soft tissue engineering.
Fatigue Life Appraisal and Its Corrected Stress Intensity Factor for Repaired Off-CentrallyCracked Aluminum Plates
Authors: You Xiang , Wang Zhiyu , Zhou Xiafang , Liu Zifeng , Jiang Ruijuan , Gai Weiming
Published: September 2020

This paper presents an experimental study on the fatigue life estimation of off-centrally cracked aluminum plates. Typical theoretical equations for off-central, central and edge cracks were reviewed and compared in terms of their sensitive parameters and applicability. A finite element model has been validated in its capacity in modelling the influences of eccentricity and crack size on the boundary correction coefficients. The Forman equation has been employed along with numerical results for the prediction of fatigue lives. Based on the test data, the fatigue life results of aluminum plates with and without patched laminate repair have been compared with codified fatigue classes. It is demonstrated that the repair at the crack tip close to the plate edge is effective in the fatigue life improvement for off-centrally crackedaluminum plates.
Fluctuation Effects of Magnetohydrodynamic Micro-Vortices on Odd Chirality in Magnetoelectrolysis
Authors: Mogi Iwao , Aogaki Ryoichi , Takahashi Kohki
Published: September 2020

The magnetic field dependence of chiral surface formation was investigated in magnetoelectrodeposition (MED) and magnetoelectrochemical etching (MEE) of copper films. The MED and MEE was conducted in magnetic fields of up to 5 T, which were parallel or antiparallel to the ionic currents. The MED films prepared in high magnetic fields of 5 and 3 T exhibited odd chirality for magnetic field polarity, as expected on the basis of the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) vortex model. However, the films prepared in the lower fields of 2.5 and 2 T exhibited breaking of odd chirality. Similar magnetic field dependence was observed in the surface chirality of MEE films. These results imply that the fluctuation in the self-organized state of micro-MHD vortices is responsible for the breaking of odd chirality.
A Comparison of Forecasting Mortality Models Using Resampling Methods
Authors: Atance David , Debón Ana , Navarro Eliseo
Published: September 2020

The accuracy of the predictions of age-specific probabilities of death is an essential objective for the insurance industry since it dramatically affects the proper valuation of their products. Currently, it is crucial to be able to accurately calculate the age-specific probabilities of death over time since insurance companies’ profits and the social security of citizens depend on human survival; therefore, forecasting dynamic life tables could have significant economic and social implications. Quantitative tools such as resampling methods are required to assess the current and future states of mortality behavior. The insurance companies that manage these life tables are attempting to establish models for evaluating the risk of insurance products to develop a proactive approach instead of using traditional reactive schemes. The main objective of this paper is to compare three mortality models to predict dynamic life tables. By using the real data of European countries from the Human Mortality Database, this study has identified the best model in terms of the prediction ability for each sex and each European country. A comparison that uses cobweb graphs leads us to the conclusion that the best model is, in general, the Lee–Carter model. Additionally, we propose a procedure that can be applied to a life table database that allows us to choose the most appropriate model for any geographical area.
Solving the Capacitated Vertex K-Center Problem through the Minimum Capacitated Dominating Set Problem
Authors: Cornejo Acosta José Alejandro , García Díaz Jesús , Menchaca-Méndez Ricardo , Menchaca-Méndez Rolando
Published: September 2020

The capacitated vertex k-center problem receives as input a complete weighted graph and a set of capacity constraints. Its goal is to find a set of k centers and an assignment of vertices that does not violate the capacity constraints. Furthermore, the distance from the farthest vertex to its assigned center has to be minimized. The capacitated vertex k-center problem models real situations where a maximum number of clients must be assigned to centers and the travel time or distance from the clients to their assigned center has to be minimized. These centers might be hospitals, schools, police stations, among many others. The goal of this paper is to explicitly state how the capacitated vertex k-center problem and the minimum capacitated dominating set problem are related. We present an exact algorithm that consists of solving a series of integer programming formulations equivalent to the minimum capacitated dominating set problem over the bottleneck input graph. Lastly, we present an empirical evaluation of the proposed algorithm using off-the-shelf optimization software.
The Theory of Cognitive-Conditional Conservatism in Accounting
Authors: Leite Rodrigo de Oliveira , Cardoso Ricardo Lopes
Published: September 2020

Literature from multiple fields in psychology and economics have identified that impulsive individuals are more prone to riskier behavior and are less conservative. Accounting literature has studied conservatism for many years, and demonstrated that there are two roots of conservatism, one unconditional and another conditional to news available at decision-making. However, there is no bridge linking both. Using an analytical model, we show that the conservatism level of an accountant is lower for impulsive individuals because of their reduced focus on future consequences of their decisions, which is coupled with an increased focus on present consequences. Hence, we put forward a theory of “cognitive-conditional conservatism”, that is, a third root of conservatism. Additionally, we also prove the asymmetry property of this behavior.
A Telemedicine Approach to Covid-19 Assessment and Triage
Authors: Reiss Allison B. , De Leon Joshua , Dapkins Isaac P. , Shahin George , Peltier Morgan R. , Goldberg Eric R.
Published: September 2020

Covid-19 is a new highly contagious RNA viral disease that has caused a global pandemic. Human-to-human transmission occurs primarily through oral and nasal droplets and possibly through the airborne route. The disease may be asymptomatic or the course may be mild with upper respiratory symptoms, moderate with non-life-threatening pneumonia, or severe with pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome. The severe form is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. While patients who are unstable and in acute distress need immediate in-person attention, many patients can be evaluated at home by telemedicine or videoconferencing. The more benign manifestations of Covid-19 may be managed from home to maintain quarantine, thus avoiding spread to other patients and health care workers. This document provides an overview of the clinical presentation of Covid-19, emphasizing telemedicine strategies for assessment and triage of patients. Advantages of the virtual visit during this time of social distancing are highlighted.
Comparison between a Conventional Anti-Biofouling Compound and a Novel Modified Low-Fouling Polyethersulfone Ultrafiltration Membrane: Bacterial Anti-Attachment, Water Quality and Productivity
Authors: Nady Norhan , Salem Noha , Amer Ranya , El-Shazly Ahmed , Kandil Sherif H. , Hassouna Mohamed Salah El-Din
Published: September 2020

In this work, the efficiency of a conventional chlorination pretreatment is compared with a novel modified low-fouling polyethersulfone (PES) ultrafiltration (UF) membrane, in terms of bacteria attachment and membrane biofouling reduction. This study highlights the use of membrane modification as an effective strategy to reduce bacterial attachment, which is the initial step of biofilm formation, rather than using antimicrobial agents that can enhance bacterial regrowth. The obtained results revealed that the filtration of pretreated, inoculated seawater using the modified PES UF membrane without the pre-chlorination step maintained the highest initial flux (3.27 ± 0.13 m3·m−2·h−1) in the membrane, as well as having one and a half times higher water productivity than the unmodified membrane. The highest removal of bacterial cells was achieved by the modified membrane without chlorination, in which about 12.07 × 104 and 8.9 × 104 colony-forming unit (CFU) m−2 bacterial cells were retained on the unmodified and modified membrane surfaces, respectively, while 29.4 × 106 and 0.42 × 106 CFU mL−1 reached the filtrate for the unmodified and modified membranes, respectively. The use of chlorine disinfectant resulted in significant bacterial regrowth.
Bio-Oxidation of a Double Refractory Gold Ore and Investigation of Preg-Robbing of Gold from Thiourea Solution
Authors: Xu Rui , Li Qian , Meng Feiyu , Yang Yongbin , Xu Bin , Yin Huaqun , Jiang Tao
Published: September 2020

Carbonaceous sulfidic gold ores are commonly double refractory and thus require pretreatment before gold extraction. In this paper, the capacity of pre-bio-oxidation can simultaneously decompose sulfides or deactivate carbonaceous matters (CM) from a double refractory gold ore (DRGO) using pure cultures of A. ferrooxidans or L. ferrooxidans, and a mixed culture containing A. ferrooxidans and L. ferrooxidans was investigated. The results showed that direct thiourea leaching of the as-received DRGO yielded only 28.7% gold extraction, which was due to the encapsulation of sulfides on gold and the gold adsorption of CM. After bio-oxidation, thiourea leaching of the DRGO resulted in gold extraction of over 75–80%. Moreover, bio-oxidation can effectively reduce the adsorption of carbon to gold. XRD, SEM-EDS and FTIR analysis showed that many oxygen-containing groups were introduced on the surface of DRGO during bio-oxidation, while the C=C bond was cleaved and the O–C–O and C–N bonds were degraded, causing a decrease in active sites for gold adsorption. Moreover, passivation materials such as jarosite were formed on the surface of DRGO, which might reduce the affinity of CM for gold in solutions. In addition, the cleavage of the S–S band indicated that sulfides were oxidized by bacteria. This work allows us to explain the applicability of pre-bio-oxidation for degrading both sulfides and CM and increasing gold recovery from DRGO in the thiourea system.
Modeling of Convex Surface Topography in Milling Process
Authors: Hao Xiaole , Yue Caixu , Liu Xianli , Wang Lihui , Liang Steven Y. , Nan Yuechong
Published: September 2020

Cr12MoV die steel is a typical high-strength and high-hardness material. Because of the high hardness of Cr12MoV die steel, which is approximately 50–65 HRC after quenching, and the tool’s weak rigidity, cutting vibration, and tool deformation are inevitable during the cutting process. In this paper, a model for predicting the surface topography of a convex curved die steel machined by a ball-end milling cutter was established. In addition, the surface springback of the workpiece is considered. According to the surface characteristics of the convex curved workpiece, the vector algorithm and transformation matrix are applied to calculate the milling cutter motion trajectory equation. Then, the influence of dynamic factors on the tool path is calculated, and finally the surface topography of the workpiece is simulated through the Z-map model. The simulation error of three-dimensional surface roughness Sa at different positions of the curved surface is between 10% and 16%. After considering the dynamic factors, the simulation error is reduced by about 50%.
Modeling a Microtubule Filaments Mesh Structure from Confocal Microscopy Imaging
Authors: Ueno Yutaka , Matsuda Kento , Katoh Kaoru , Kuzuya Akinori , Kakugo Akira , Konagaya Akihiko
Published: September 2020

This study introduces a modeling method for a supermolecular structure of microtubules for the development of a force generation material using motor proteins. 3D imaging by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was used to obtain 3D volume density data. The density data were then interpreted by a set of cylinders with the general-purpose 3D modeling software Blender, and a 3D network structure of microtubules was constructed. Although motor proteins were not visualized experimentally, they were introduced into the model to simulate pulling of the microtubules toward each other to yield shrinking of the network, resulting in contraction of the artificial muscle. From the successful force generation simulation of the obtained model structure of artificial muscle, the modeling method introduced here could be useful in various studies for potential improvements of this contractile molecular system.