bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Information-Geometric Optimization with Natural Selection
Authors: Otwinowski Jakub , LaMont Colin H. , Nourmohammad Armita
Published: August 2020

Evolutionary algorithms, inspired by natural evolution, aim to optimize difficult objective functions without computing derivatives. Here we detail the relationship between classical population genetics of quantitative traits and evolutionary optimization, and formulate a new evolutionary algorithm. Optimization of a continuous objective function is analogous to searching for high fitness phenotypes on a fitness landscape. We describe how natural selection moves a population along the non-Euclidean gradient that is induced by the population on the fitness landscape (the natural gradient). We show how selection is related to Newton’s method in optimization under quadratic fitness landscapes, and how selection increases fitness at the cost of reducing diversity. We describe the generation of new phenotypes and introduce an operator that recombines the whole population to generate variants. Finally, we introduce a proof-of-principle algorithm that combines natural selection, our recombination operator, and an adaptive method to increase selection and find the optimum. The algorithm is extremely simple in implementation; it has no matrix inversion or factorization, does not require storing a covariance matrix, and may form the basis of more general model-based optimization algorithms with natural gradient updates.
On Products of Random Matrices
Authors: Amburg Natalia , Orlov Aleksander , Vasiliev Dmitry
Published: August 2020

We introduce a family of models, which we name matrix models associated with children’s drawings—the so-called dessin d’enfant. Dessins d’enfant are graphs of a special kind drawn on a closed connected orientable surface (in the sky). The vertices of such a graph are small disks that we call stars. We attach random matrices to the edges of the graph and get multimatrix models. Additionally, to the stars we attach source matrices. They play the role of free parameters or model coupling constants. The answers for our integrals are expressed through quantities that we call the “spectrum of stars”. The answers may also include some combinatorial numbers, such as Hurwitz numbers or characters from group representation theory.
Risk Mitigation of Poor Power Quality Issues of Standalone Wind Turbines: An Efficacy Study of Synchronous Reference Frame (SRF) Control
Authors: Mehmood Saqib , Qureshi Amin , Kristensen Anders S.
Published: August 2020

This paper validates and presents the efficiency and performance of Synchronous Reference Frame (SRF) control as a mitigating control in managing risks of high volatility of electric current flows from the wind turbine generator to the distributed load. High volatility/fluctuations of electricity (high current, voltage disturbance) and frequency are hazards that can trip off or, in extreme cases, burn down a whole wind turbine generator. An advanced control scheme is used to control a Voltage Source Converter (VSC)-based three-phase induction generator with a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). For the purpose of risk mitigation of harmonics, this scheme converts three-phase input quantity to two-phase Direct Current (DC) quantity (dq) so that the reactive power compensation decreases the harmonics level. Thus, no other analog filters are required to produce the reconstructed signal of fundamental frequency. In this paper, the values of Proportional Integral (PI) regulators are calculated through the “MONTE CARLO” optimization tool. Furthermore, risk analysis is carried out using bowtie, risk matrix and ALARP (as low as reasonably practicable) methods, which is the novelty based on the parametric study of this research work. The results reveal that by inducting proposed SRF control into the Wind Energy Conversion System (WECS), the risks of high fluctuations and disturbances in signals are reduced to an acceptable level as per the standards of IEEE 519-2014 and EN 50160. The proposed work is validated through running simulations in MATLAB/Simulink with and without controls.
A Fast State Estimator for Integrated Electrical and Heating Networks
Authors: Wang Chun , Geng Minghao , Xu Qingshan , Zang Haixiang
Published: August 2020

Integrated electrical and heating networks (IEHNs) effectively improve energy utilization efficiency, reduce environmental pollution and realize sustainable development of energy. To realize the accurate, comprehensive and fast perception of the integrated electrical and heating networks, it is necessary to build a state estimation model. However, the robust state estimator of IEHNs based on the temperature drop equation, flow balance equation and power balance equation still have the problems of convergence and low computational efficiency. In this paper, a fast state estimation method based on weighted least absolute value is proposed, which makes partition calculation of ring-shaped heating network and radiant heating network under certain assumptions. Simulation results show that the method improves the efficiency of the robust state estimator on the premise of high accuracy.
Selective Immobilization of Antimony Using Brucite-rich Precipitate Produced during In Situ Hypochlorous Acid Formation through Seawater Electrolysis in a Nuclear Power Plant
Authors: Lee Kyung-Hee , Lee Yong-Gu , Shin Jaegwan , Chon Kangmin , Lee Sang-Ho
Published: August 2020

This study has investigated the selective immobilization of antimony using the brucite (magnesium hydroxide)-rich precipitate (BP) collected from a hypochlorous storage tank in a nuclear power plant of South Korea. The energy dispersive X-ray and X-ray diffraction analyses revealed that the BP mainly consisted of magnesium (72.5%) and its dominant mineral phase was brucite (Mg(OH)2). Therefore, brandholzite (Mg[Sb(OH)6]2·6H2O) was newly formed through the surface-induced precipitation during the adsorption of antimony using the BP. The adsorbed amount of antimony increased with decreasing pH values because of the increased positive surface charge of the BP (pHpzc = 9.6). The maximum adsorption capacity (Qmax) of BP, calculated by Langmuir adsorption isotherm, was 11.02 mg/g. The presence of competitive anions did not significantly affect the adsorption of antimony toward the BP due to its high selectivity. These results suggest that the facile utilization of the BP as a low-cost adsorbent seems to be a practical option for the selective removal of antimony from wastewater.
Software Defined Networking Flow Table Management of OpenFlow Switches Performance and Security Challenges: A Survey
Authors: Isyaku Babangida , Mohd Zahid Mohd Soperi , Bte Kamat Maznah , Abu Bakar Kamalrulnizam , Ghaleb Fuad A.
Published: August 2020

Software defined networking (SDN) is an emerging network paradigm that decouples the control plane from the data plane. The data plane is composed of forwarding elements called switches and the control plane is composed of controllers. SDN is gaining popularity from industry and academics due to its advantages such as centralized, flexible, and programmable network management. The increasing number of traffics due to the proliferation of the Internet of Thing (IoT) devices may result in two problems: (1) increased processing load of the controller, and (2) insufficient space in the switches’ flow table to accommodate the flow entries. These problems may cause undesired network behavior and unstable network performance, especially in large-scale networks. Many solutions have been proposed to improve the management of the flow table, reducing controller processing load, and mitigating security threats and vulnerabilities on the controllers and switches. This paper provides comprehensive surveys of existing schemes to ensure SDN meets the quality of service (QoS) demands of various applications and cloud services. Finally, potential future research directions are identified and discussed such as management of flow table using machine learning.
Vulnerabilities to Online Social Network Identity Deception Detection Research and Recommendations for Mitigation
Authors: Ismailov Max , Tsikerdekis Michail , Zeadally Sherali
Published: August 2020

Identity deception in online social networks is a pervasive problem. Ongoing research is developing methods for identity deception detection. However, the real-world efficacy of these methods is currently unknown because they have been evaluated largely through laboratory experiments. We present a review of representative state-of-the-art results on identity deception detection. Based on this analysis, we identify common methodological weaknesses for these approaches, and we propose recommendations that can increase their effectiveness for when they are applied in real-world environments.
Industrial Strategies to Reduce Acrylamide Formation in Californian-Style Green Ripe Olives
Authors: Martín-Vertedor Daniel , Fernández Antonio , Mesías Marta , Martínez Manuel , Díaz María , Martín-Tornero Elisabet
Published: August 2020

Acrylamide, a compound identified as a probable carcinogen, is generated during the sterilization phase employed during the processing of Californian-style green ripe olives. It is possible to reduce the content of this toxic compound by applying different strategies during the processing of green ripe olives. The influence of different processing conditions on acrylamide content was studied in three olives varieties (“Manzanilla de Sevilla”, “Hojiblanca”, and “Manzanilla Cacereña”). Olives harvested during the yellow–green stage presented higher acrylamide concentrations than green olives. A significant reduction in acrylamide content was observed when olives were washed with water at 25 °C for 45 min (25% reduction) and for 2 h (45% reduction) prior to lye treatment. Stone olives had 21–26% higher acrylamide levels than pitted olives and 42–50% higher levels than sliced olives in the three studied varieties. When calcium chloride (CaCl2) was added to the brine and brine sodium chloride (NaCl) increased from 2% to 4%, olives presented higher concentrations of this contaminant. The addition of additives did not affect acrylamide levels when olives were canned without brine. Results from this study are very useful for the table olive industry to identify critical points in the production of Californian-style green ripe olives, thus, helping to control acrylamide formation in this foodstuff.
Public Helping Reactions to Intimate Partner Violence against Women in European Countries: The Role of Gender-Related Individual and Macrosocial Factors
Authors: Serrano-Montilla Celia , Valor-Segura Inmaculada , Padilla José-Luis , Lozano Luis Manuel
Published: August 2020

Public helping reactions are essential to reduce a victim’s secondary victimization in intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW) cases. Because gender-related characteristics have been linked widely to IPVAW prevalence, the study aimed to examine individual attitudes and perceptions toward different forms of violence against women, as well as gender-related macrosocial ideological and structural factors, in explaining helping reactions to IPVAW across 28 European countries. We performed multilevel logistic regression analysis, taking measures from the Eurobarometer 2016 (N = 7115) and the European Institute for Gender Equality datasets. Our study revealed a greater individual perceived IPVAW prevalence, positive perception about the appropriateness of a legal response to psychological and sexual violence against women partners, and less VAW-supportive attitudes predicted helping reactions (i.e., formal, informal), but not negative reactions to IPVAW. Moreover, individuals from European countries with a greater perceived IPVAW prevalence and gender equality preferred formal reactions to IPVAW. Otherwise, in the European countries with lesser perceived IPVAW prevalence and negative perceptions about the appropriate legal response to psychological and sexual violence, people were more likely to provide informal reactions to IPVAW. Our results showed the role of gender-related characteristics influenced real reactions toward known victim of IPVAW.
The Principal at Risk: Stress and Organizing Mindfulness in the School Context
Authors: Diotaiuti Pierluigi , Mancone Stefania , Bellizzi Fernando , Valente Giuseppe
Published: August 2020

Background: In recent years the role of school principals is becoming increasingly complex and responsible. Methods: This study was voluntarily attended by 419 Italian school principals who were administered the Psychological Stress Measurement (MSP), Mindfulness Organizing Scale (MOS), Polychronic-Monochronic Tendency Scale (PMTS), and the Scale of Emotions at Work (SEW). Results: The study has produced a path analysis model in which the relationships between the main predictors of principals’ work discomfort were explained. The effect of depressive anxiety on perceived discomfort (ß = 0.517) found a protective mediator in the mindfulness component that recognizes the sharing as a fundamental operational tool (ß = −0.206), while an increasing sense of effort and confusion could significantly amplify the experience of psychological discomfort associated with the exercise of school leadership (ß = 0.254). Conclusions: The model developed in this study suggests that focusing on organizing mindfulness can be a valuable guideline for interventions.
Unmet Healthcare Needs and Associated Factors in Rural and Suburban Vietnam: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kim Ju Young , Kim Dae In , Park Hwa Yeon , Pak Yuliya , Tran Phap Ngoc Hoang , Thai Truc Thanh , Thuy Mai Thi Thanh , Dung Do Van
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this study was to examine the current utilization of healthcare services, exploring unmet healthcare needs and the associated factors among people living in rural Vietnam. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 233 participants in a rural area. The methods included face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire, and anthropometric and blood pressure measurements. We considered participants to have unmet health needs if they had any kind of health problem during the past 12 months for which they were unable to see a healthcare provider. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors associated with unmet healthcare needs. Of the participants, 18% (n = 43) had unmet healthcare needs, for reasons like transportation (30%), a lack of available doctors or medicine (47%), and communication issues with healthcare providers (16%). The multivariate logistic regression showed that living in a rural area, having stage 2 hypertension, and having insurance were associated with unmet healthcare needs. To better meet the healthcare needs in rural or suburban areas of Vietnam, allocation of adequate healthcare resources should be distributed in rural areas and insurance coverage for personalized healthcare needs might be required. Efforts should focus on availability of medicine, improvement of transportation systems, and communication skills of healthcare providers to improve access to healthcare services.
Keratinocyte Growth Factor-1 Protects Radioiodine-Induced Salivary Gland Dysfunction in Mice
Authors: Kim Jeong Mi , Choi Mi Eun , Kim Seok-Ki , Kim Ji Won , Kim Young-Mo , Choi Jeong-Seok
Published: August 2020

Background: Most patients with thyroid cancer suffer from salivary gland (SG) dysfunctions after radioiodine (RI) therapy. We investigated the effects of keratinocyte growth factor (KGF)-1 on RI-induced SG dysfunction in an animal model. Methods: Six C57BL/6 mice were assigned to each of the following groups: treatment naïve control group, RI group, and RI+KGF-1 group. Body and SG weights, salivary flow rates, salivary lag times and changes in 99mTc pertechnetate uptake and excretion were measured, and histologic changes were noted. Amylase activities and epidermal growth factor (EGF) concentrations in saliva were also measured. In addition, TUNEL assays were performed and apoptosis-related protein expressions were assessed. Results: RI-induced reductions in salivary flow rates and increases in salivary lag times observed in the RI group were not observed in RI+KGF-1 group. Mice in RI group had higher HIF1a levels than controls, but HIF1a levels in RI+KGF-1 group were similar to those in control group. Furthermore, mice in RI+KGF-1 group had more mucin stained acini and decreased periductal fibrosis than mice in RI group, and tissue remodeling of many salivary epithelial cells (AQP5) and endothelial cells (CD31) were observed in RI+KGF-1 group. Amylase activity and expression in saliva were greater in RI+KGF-1 group than in RI group, and fewer apoptotic cells were observed in RI+KGF-1 group. Furthermore, BCLxl (anti-apoptotic) expression was higher, and Bax (pro-apoptotic) expression was lower in RI+KGF-1 group than in RI group. Conclusions: Local delivery of KGF-1 might prevent RI-induced SG damage by reducing apoptosis.
Tri-Criterion Model for Constructing Low-Carbon Mutual Fund Portfolios: A Preference-Based Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm Approach
Authors: Hilario-Caballero Adolfo , Garcia-Bernabeu Ana , Salcedo Jose Vicente , Vercher Marisa
Published: August 2020

Sustainable finance, which integrates environmental, social and governance criteria on financial decisions rests on the fact that money should be used for good purposes. Thus, the financial sector is also expected to play a more important role to decarbonise the global economy. To align financial flows with a pathway towards a low-carbon economy, investors should be able to integrate into their financial decisions additional criteria beyond return and risk to manage climate risk. We propose a tri-criterion portfolio selection model to extend the classical Markowitz’s mean-variance approach to include investor’s preferences on the portfolio carbon risk exposure as an additional criterion. To approximate the 3D Pareto front we apply an efficient multi-objective genetic algorithm called ev-MOGA which is based on the concept of ε-dominance. Furthermore, we introduce a-posteriori approach to incorporate the investor’s preferences into the solution process regarding their climate-change related preferences measured by the carbon risk exposure and their loss-adverse attitude. We test the performance of the proposed algorithm in a cross-section of European socially responsible investments open-end funds to assess the extent to which climate-related risk could be embedded in the portfolio according to the investor’s preferences.
Information on the COVID-19 Pandemic in Daily Newspapers’ Front Pages: Case Study of Spain and Italy
Authors: Tejedor Santiago , Cervi Laura , Tusa Fernanda , Portales Marta , Zabotina Margarita
Published: August 2020

Spain and Italy are amongst the European countries where the COVID-19 pandemic has produced its major impact and where lockdown measures have been the harshest. This research aims at understanding how the corona crisis has been represented in Spanish and Italian media, focusing on reference newspapers. The study analyzes 72 front pages of El País and El Mundo in Spain and Italy’s Corriere della Sera and La Repubblica, collecting 710 news items and 3456 data evidences employing a mixed method (both qualitative and quantitative) based on content analysis and hemerographic analysis. Results show a predominance of informative journalistic genres (especially brief and news), while the visual framing emerging from the photographic choice, tend to foster humanization through an emotional representation of the pandemic. Politicians are the most represented actors, showing a high degree of politicization of the crisis.
Anthropometric and Motor Competence Classifiers of Swimming Ability in Preschool Children—A Pilot Study
Authors: Gllareva Ilir , Trajković Nebojša , Mačak Draženka , Šćepanović Tijana , Kostić Zobenica Anja , Pajić Aleksandar , Halilaj Besim , Gallopeni Florim , Madić Dejan M.
Published: August 2020

Swimming is a form of physical activity and a life-saving skill. However, only a few studies have identified swimming ability classifiers in preschool children. This pilot cross-sectional study aimed to find anthropometric (AM) and motor competence (MC) predictors of swimming ability in preschool children, by building classifiers of swimming ability group (SAG) membership. We recruited 92 children (girls n = 45) aged 5–6 years and took the AM and MC measurements in accordance with the reference manual and using the KTK battery test (motor quotient, MQ), respectively. A linear discriminant analysis tested a classification model of preschoolers’ swimming ability (SAG: POOR, GOOD, EXCELLENT) based on gender, age, AM, and MC variables and extracted one significant canonical discriminant function (model fit: 61.2%) that can differentiate (group centroids) POOR (−1.507), GOOD (0.032), and EXCELLENT (1.524). The MQ total was identified as a significant classifier, which absolutely contributed to the discriminant function that classifies children’s swimming ability as POOR (standardized canonical coefficient: 1.186), GOOD (1.363), or EXCELLENT (1.535) with an accuracy of 64.1%. Children with higher MQ total ought to be classified into higher SAG; thus, the classification model of SAG based on the MQ total is presented.
Effect of a Graduated Walking Program on the Severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome. A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Jurado-García Antonio , Molina-Recio Guillermo , Feu-Collado Nuria , Palomares-Muriana Ana , Gómez-González Adela María , Márquez-Pérez Francisca Lourdes , Jurado-Gamez Bernabé
Published: August 2020

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common disease. The objective of this research was to determine the effectiveness of a graduated walking program in reducing the apnea–hypopnea index number in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Methods: A randomized controlled clinical trial with a two-arm parallel in three tertiary hospitals was carried out with seventy sedentary patients with moderate to severe OSAS. Twenty-nine subjects in each arm were analyzed by protocol. The control group received usual care, while usual care and an exercise program based on progressive walks without direct supervision for 6 months were offered to the intervention group. Results: The apnea–hypopnea index decreased by six points in the intervention group, and improvements in oxygen desaturation index, total cholesterol, and Low-Density Lipoprotein of Cholesterol (LDL-c) were observed. A higher decrease in sleep apnea–hypopnea index (45 ± 20.6 vs. 34 ± 26.3/h; p = 0.002) was found in patients with severe vs. moderate OSAS, as well as in oxygen desaturation index from baseline values (43.3 vs. 34.3/h; p = 0.046). Besides, High-Density Lipoprotein of Cholesterol (HDL-c) values showed a higher increase in the intervention group (45.3 vs. 49.5 mg/dL; p = 0.009) and also, a higher decrease in LDL-c was found in this group (141.2 vs. 127.5 mg/dL; p = 0.038). Conclusion: A home physical exercise program is a useful and viable therapeutic measure for the management of OSAS.
Dextromethorphan Attenuates Sensorineural Hearing Loss in an Animal Model and Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Chen Hsin-Chien , Wang Chih-Hung , Chien Wu-Chien , Chung Chi-Hsiang , Shih Cheng-Ping , Lin Yi-Chun , Li I-Hsun , Lin Yuan-Yung , Kuo Chao-Yin
Published: August 2020

The effect of dextromethorphan (DXM) use in sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) has not been fully examined. We conducted an animal model and nationwide retrospective matched-cohort study to explore the association between DXM use and SNHL. Eight-week-old CBA/CaJ hearing loss was induced by a white noise 118 dB sound pressure level for 3 h. DXM (30 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally for 5 days and boost once round window DXM socking. In population-based study, we examined the medical records over 40 years old in Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database between 2000 and 2015 to establish retrospective matched-cohort to explore the correlation between DXM use and SNHL. Using click auditory brainstem response (ABR), hearing threshold was measured as 48.6 ± 2.9 dB in control mice compared with 42.6 ± 7.0 dB in DXM mice, which differed significantly (p = 0.002) on day 60 after noise exposure with a larger ABR wave I amplitude in DXM mice. In human study, we used a Cox regression hazard model to indicate that a significantly lower percentage individuals developed SNHL compared with and without DXM use (0.44%, 175/39,895 vs. 1.05%, 1675/159,580, p < 0.001). After adjustment for age and other variables [adjusted hazard ratio: 0.725 (95% confidence interval: 0.624–0.803, p < 0.001)], this study also demonstrated that DXM use appeared to reduce the risk of developing SNHL. This animal study demonstrated that DXM significantly attenuated noise-induced hearing loss. In human study, DXM use may have a protective effect against SNHL.
Coexistence of Lack of Clinical Manifestation of Oral Mycosis and Systemic Diseases in Edentulous Patients Using Removable Prosthetic Restorations
Authors: Gacon Izabela , Wieczorek Aneta
Published: August 2020

Objective: It is believed that oral infections can increase the risk of systematic diseases, such as atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. It seems that oral invasive pathogens induce a systemic inflammatory response via mediators released by the cardiovascular system and liver, which increases the risk to the patient of these systematic infections, such as hypertension. On the basis of previous studies of the stomatognathic system, investigating the coexistence of systemic diseases and inflammation in the oral cavity, it can be expected that there is a connection between inflammation of the denture-bearing area in patients using acrylic removable dentures and the presence of systemic diseases, and that patients with inflammation in oral mucosa are more likely to have systemic diseases. Material and method: A retrospective study was carried out on a group of patients seeking prosthetic treatment at the Prosthetic Department of the University Dental Clinic (UKS) from March 2012 to February 2013. All data were collected using a UKS electronic database with KS-SOMED. The minimum period of use for removable prostheses was five years. Results: According to anamnesis, the most common systemic diseases in our study group were hypertension disease. In total, 58% of patients with hypertension disease had no inflammation in the oral cavity. Conclusions: The occurrence of systemic diseases in edentulous people using removable prosthetic restorations, and the subsequent use of medications for these diseases, may result in a lack of clinical symptoms of concomitant fungal infection of the oral mucosa.
Interaction between Cognitive Reserve and Biomarkers in Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Carapelle Elena , Mundi Ciro , Cassano Tommaso , Avolio Carlo
Published: August 2020

Patients with comparable degree of neuropathology could show different cognitive impairments. This could be explained with the concept of cognitive reserve (CR), which includes a passive and an active component. In particular, CR is used to explain the gap between tissue damage and clinical symptoms that has been observed in dementia and, in particular, in patients affected by Alzheimer disease (AD). Different studies confirm brain neuroplasticity. Our preliminary study demonstrated that AD patients with high education showed a CR inversely associated with glucose uptake measured in fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET), whereas the inverse correlation was observed in AD patients with low education. In other words, our findings suggest that CR compensates the neurodegeneration and allows the maintenance of patients’ cognitive performance. Best understanding of the concept of CR could lead to interventions to slow cognitive aging or reduce the risk of dementia.
Functionalized Graphene Oxide for Chemotherapeutic Drug Delivery and Cancer Treatment: A Promising Material in Nanomedicine
Authors: Sharma Horrick , Mondal Somrita
Published: August 2020

The usage of nanomaterials for cancer treatment has been a popular research focus over the past decade. Nanomaterials, including polymeric nanomaterials, metal nanoparticles, semiconductor quantum dots, and carbon-based nanomaterials such as graphene oxide (GO), have been used for cancer cell imaging, chemotherapeutic drug targeting, chemotherapy, photothermal therapy, and photodynamic therapy. In this review, we discuss the concept of targeted nanoparticles in cancer therapy and summarize the in vivo biocompatibility of graphene-based nanomaterials. Specifically, we discuss in detail the chemistry and properties of GO and provide a comprehensive review of functionalized GO and GO–metal nanoparticle composites in nanomedicine involving anticancer drug delivery and cancer treatment.
Dietary Wheat Amylase Trypsin Inhibitors Impact Alzheimer’s Disease Pathology in 5xFAD Model Mice
Authors: dos Santos Guilherme Malena , Zevallos Victor F. , Pesi Aline , Stoye Nicolai M. , Nguyen Vu Thu Thuy , Radyushkin Konstantin , Schwiertz Andreas , Schmitt Ulrich , Schuppan Detlef , Endres Kristina
Published: August 2020

Wheat amylase trypsin inhibitors (ATIs) represent a common dietary protein component of gluten-containing cereals (wheat, rye, and barley). They act as toll-like receptor 4 ligands, and are largely resistant to intestinal proteases, eliciting a mild inflammatory response within the intestine after oral ingestion. Importantly, nutritional ATIs exacerbated inflammatory bowel disease and features of fatty liver disease and the metabolic syndrome in mice. For Alzheimer’s disease (AD), both inflammation and altered insulin resistance are major contributing factors, impacting onset as well as progression of this devastating brain disorder in patients. In this study, we evaluated the impact of dietary ATIs on a well-known rodent model of AD (5xFAD). We assessed metabolic, behavioral, inflammatory, and microbial changes in mice consuming different dietary regimes with and without ATIs, consumed ad libitum for eight weeks. We demonstrate that ATIs, with or without a gluten matrix, had an impact on the metabolism and gut microbiota of 5xFAD mice, aggravating pathological hallmarks of AD. If these findings can be translated to patients, an ATI-depleted diet might offer an alternative therapeutic option for AD and warrants clinical intervention studies.
Graphene Quantum Dots’ Surface Chemistry Modulates the Sensitivity of Glioblastoma Cells to Chemotherapeutics
Authors: Perini Giordano , Palmieri Valentina , Ciasca Gabriele , D’Ascenzo Marcello , Gervasoni Jacopo , Primiano Aniello , Rinaldi Monica , Fioretti Daniela , Prampolini Chiara , Tiberio Federica , Lattanzi Wanda , Parolini Ornella , De Spirito Marco , Papi Massimiliano
Published: August 2020

Recent evidence has shown that graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are capable of crossing the blood–brain barrier, the barrier that reduces cancer therapy efficacy. Here, we tested three alternative GQDs’ surface chemistries on two neural lineages (glioblastoma cells and mouse cortical neurons). We showed that surface chemistry modulates GQDs’ biocompatibility. When used in combination with the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin, GDQs exerted a synergistic effect on tumor cells, but not on neurons. This appears to be mediated by the modification of membrane permeability induced by the surface of GQDs. Our findings highlight that GQDs can be adopted as a suitable delivery and therapeutic strategy for the treatment of glioblastoma, by both directly destabilizing the cell membrane and indirectly increasing the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs.
Decellularized Extracellular Matrices and Cardiac Differentiation: Study on Human Amniotic Fluid-Stem Cells
Authors: Gaggi Giulia , Di Credico Andrea , Izzicupo Pascal , Sancilio Silvia , Di Mauro Michele , Iannetti Giovanni , Dolci Susanna , Amabile Giovanni , Di Baldassarre Angela , Ghinassi Barbara
Published: August 2020

Cell therapy with a variety of stem populations is increasingly being investigated as a promising regenerative strategy for cardiovascular (CV) diseases. Their combination with adequate scaffolds represents an improved therapeutic approach. Recently, several biomaterials were investigated as scaffolds for CV tissue repair, with decellularized extracellular matrices (dECMs) arousing increasing interest for cardiac tissue engineering applications. The aim of this study was to analyze whether dECMs support the cardiac differentiation of CardiopoieticAF stem cells. These perinatal stem cells, which can be easily isolated without ethical or safety limitations, display a high cardiac differentiative potential. Differentiation was previously achieved by culturing them on Matrigel, but this 3D scaffold is not transplantable. The identification of a new transplantable scaffold able to support CardiopoieticAF stem cell cardiac differentiation is pivotal prior to encouraging translation of in vitro studies in animal model preclinical investigations. Our data demonstrated that decellularized extracellular matrices already used in cardiac surgery (the porcine CorTMPATCH and the equine MatrixPatchTM) can efficiently support the proliferation and cardiac differentiation of CardiopoieticAF stem cells and represent a useful cellular scaffold to be transplanted with stem cells in animal hosts.
A Methodology for Creating a Macro Action Plan to Improve IT Use and Its Governance in Organizations
Authors: Telino Veronica , Massa Ricardo , Mota Ioná , Gomes Alexsandro , Moreira Fernando
Published: August 2020

Information Technologies represent a primary instrument in all types of organizations. However, their use is not always well planned in the public sector. The research proposes a methodology to build a realistic action plan that improves the use of information technology and its governance in public organizations. We conduct a case study using semi-structured interviews to investigate the different views of 8 decision-makers regarding the use of IT and its governance. The findings were analyzed systematically and synthesized into a set of perspectives on the subject. An interference matrix reveals how each view interferes and receives positive and/or negative interference from the others. Based on the matrix, the methodology applies criteria to prioritize the perspectives with the highest potential to improve the use of IT and its governance. The final product of the methodology is an action plan aligned with the vision of the institution’s decision-makers. The plan requires little effort to improve the use of IT and its governance. Seventeen views related to the use of IT and its governance emerged from the interviews. Four views that do not cause or receive harmful interference from other perspectives were selected to guide the plan elaboration. The methodology proved to be efficient for creating an action plan adapted to the institutional reality. According to the managers, the action plan represents with high precision the most urgent needs of the organization, respecting its work capacity and available resources for a project to improve the use of IT and its governance.
Regression with Gaussian Mixture ModelsApplied to Track Fitting
Authors: Frühwirth Rudolf
Published: August 2020

This note describes the application of Gaussian mixture regression to track fitting with a Gaussian mixture model of the position errors. The mixture model is assumed to have two components with identical component means. Under the premise that the association of each measurement to a specific mixture component is known, the Gaussian mixture regression is shown to have consistently better resolution than weighted linear regression with equivalent homoskedastic errors. The improvement that can be achieved is systematically investigated over a wide range of mixture distributions. The results confirm that with constant homoskedastic variance the gain is larger for larger mixture weight of the narrow component and for smaller ratio of the width of the narrow component and the width of the wide component.
Microstructure and Corrosion of Cast Magnesium Alloy ZK60 in NaCl Solution
Authors: Li Zhen , Peng Zeyin , Qi Kai , Li Hui , Qiu Yubing , Guo Xingpeng
Published: August 2020

In this work, the effects of the microstructure and phase constitution of cast magnesium alloy ZK60 (Mg-5.8Zn-0.57Zr, element concentration in wt.%) on the corrosion behavior in aqueous NaCl (0.1 mol dm−3) were investigated by weight-loss measurements, hydrogen evolution tests, and electrochemical techniques. The alloy was found to be composed of α-Mg matrix, with large second-phase particles of MgZn2 deposited along grain boundaries and a Zr-rich region in the central area of the grains. The large second-phase particles and the Zr-rich regions were more stable than the Mg matrix, resulting in a strong micro-galvanic effect. A filiform corrosion was found. It originated from the second-phase particles in the grain boundary regions in the early corrosion period. The filaments gradually occupied most areas of the alloy surface, and the general corrosion rate decreased significantly. Corrosion pits were developed under filaments. The pit growth rate decreased over time; however, it was about eight times larger than the general corrosion rate. A schematic model is presented to illustrate the corrosion mechanism.
Van der Waals Epitaxy of III-Nitrides and Its Applications
Authors: Chen Qi , Yin Yue , Ren Fang , Liang Meng , Yi Xiaoyan , Liu Zhiqiang
Published: August 2020

III-nitride semiconductors have wide bandgap and high carrier mobility, making them suitable candidates for light-emitting diodes (LEDs), laser diodes (LDs), high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) and other optoelectronics. Compared with conventional epitaxy technique, van der Waals epitaxy (vdWE) has been proven to be a useful route to relax the requirements of lattice mismatch and thermal mismatch between the nitride epilayers and the substrates. By using vdWE, the stress in the epilayer can be sufficiently relaxed, and the epilayer can be easily exfoliated and transferred, which provides opportunities for novel device design and fabrication. In this paper, we review and discuss the important progress on the researches of nitrides vdWE. The potential applications of nitride vdWE are also prospected.
Insight into the Topological Nodal Line Metal YB2 with Large Linear Energy Range: A First-Principles Study
Authors: Li Yang , Xia Jihong , Khenata Rabah , Kuang Minquan
Published: August 2020

The presence of one-dimensional (1D) nodal lines, which are formed by band crossing points along a line in the momentum space of materials, is accompanied by several interesting features. However, in order to facilitate experimental detection of the band crossing point signatures, the materials must possess a large linear energy range around the band crossing points. In this work, we focused on a topological metal, YB2, with phase stability and a P6/mmm space group, and studied the phonon dispersion, electronic structure, and topological nodal line signatures via first principles. The computed results show that YB2 is a metallic material with one pair of closed nodal lines in the kz = 0 plane. Importantly, around the band crossing points, a large linear energy range in excess of 2 eV was observed, which was rarely reported in previous reports that focus on linear-crossing materials. Furthermore, YB2 has the following advantages: (1) An absence of a virtual frequency for phonon dispersion, (2) an obvious nontrivial surface state around the band crossing point, and (3) small spin–orbit coupling-induced gaps for the band crossing points.
Determination of the Bending Properties of Wire Rope Used in Cable Barrier Systems
Authors: Bruski Dawid
Published: August 2020

This paper presents research on the bending properties of 3 × 7 19-mm wire rope commonly used in road cable barriers. A total of 19 experimental tests were conducted. In addition, two nonlinear 3D numerical models of the wire rope using beam and solid finite elements were developed. Based on these models, four numerical simulations were carried out. The numerical results were validated against the experimental ones and a very good agreement was obtained. The main result of the research is the determination of the moment–curvature relationship for the wire rope considered. The effect of prestretching on the rope performance is discussed. The numerical results are analyzed in this paper in detail, including the behavior of the wire rope under bending and analyses of the cross-sectional and contact stresses. Suggestions concerning the type of finite element for wire rope modeling are also given. The results can be used, for example, in numerical simulations of crash tests of cable barriers.
A Time Delay Neural Network Based Technique for Nonlinear Microwave Device Modeling
Authors: Liu Wenyuan , Zhu Lin , Feng Feng , Zhang Wei , Zhang Qi-Jun , Lin Qian , Liu Gaohua
Published: August 2020

This paper presents a nonlinear microwave device modeling technique that is based on time delay neural network (TDNN). The proposed technique can accurately model the nonlinear microwave devices when compared to static neural network modeling method. A new formulation is developed to allow for the proposed TDNN model to be trained with DC, small-signal, and large signal data, which can enhance the generalization of the device model. An algorithm is formulated to train the proposed TDNN model efficiently. This proposed technique is verified by GaAs metal-semiconductor-field-effect transistor (MESFET), and GaAs high-electron mobility transistor (HEMT) examples. These two examples demonstrate that the proposed TDNN is an efficient and valid approach for modeling various types of nonlinear microwave devices.
Suppressive Effect of Shiitake Extract on Plasma Ethanol Elevation
Authors: Uto-Kondo Harumi , Sakurai Ayaka , Ogawa Kazuki , Yamaguchi Yusuke , Saito Takeshi , Kumagai Hitomi
Published: August 2020

Alcohol is usually consumed with meals, but chronic consumption is a leading cause of alcoholic liver diseases. We investigated if shiitake extracts with a high lentinic acid content (Shiitake-H) and without lentinic acid (Shiitake-N) could suppress the elevation in plasma ethanol concentrations by accelerating ethanol metabolism and preventing ethanol absorption from the gut. Shiitake-H and Shiitake-N suppressed the elevation in concentrations of ethanol and acetaldehyde in plasma, and promoted the activities of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) in the liver. However, these effects of Shiitake-H were more prominent than those of Shiitake-N. Furthermore, Shitake-H promoted ADH and ALDH activities in the stomach. We also examined the change in plasma ethanol concentration by injecting Shiitake-H or Shiitake-N into the ligated loop of the stomach or jejunum together with an ethanol solution. Shiitake-H suppressed the absorption of ethanol from the stomach and jejunum. In conclusion, Shiitake-H accelerates ethanol metabolism in the stomach and liver and inhibits ethanol absorption in the stomach and jejunum indicating that lentinic acid is a functional component in shiitake.
Vitamin Status and Diet in Elderly with Low and High Socioeconomic Status: The Lifelines-MINUTHE Study
Authors: Zhu Yinjie , Minović Isidor , Dekker Louise H. , Eggersdorfer Manfred L. , van Zon Sander K.R. , Reijneveld Sijmen A. , Kootstra-Ros Jenny E. , Kema Ido P. , Bakker Stephan J.L. , Navis Gerjan J. , Riphagen Ineke J.
Published: August 2020

Socioeconomic health inequalities are an important global public health problem. However, it is not well known to what extent socioeconomic inequalities culminate in impaired vitamin status and whether this is mediated by diet. We, therefore, aimed to assess vitamin status in a population already at increased risk of micronutrient deficiency, i.e., elderly with high and low socioeconomic status (SES), and to investigate whether potential differences therein were mediated by diet quality. Vitamin status in 1605 individuals (60–75 years) from the Lifelines- Micronutrients and Health inequalities in Elderly (MINUTHE) Study was assessed by measuring folic acid and the vitamins B6, B12, D, A, E, and K. Multinomial logistic and linear regression analyses were applied to test the associations between SES and vitamin status. Mediation analysis was used to explore the interrelationship between SES, diet quality, and vitamin status. Low SES was associated with poorer status of vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and, notably, folic acid. Moreover, multivitamin deficiencies were more prevalent in the low SES group. Diet quality was found to mediate the associations of SES with folic acid (for 39.1%), vitamin B6 (for 37.1%), and vitamin B12 (for 37.2%). We conclude that low SES is a risk factor for a spectrum of vitamin deficiencies. Diet quality can partially explain the socioeconomic differences in vitamin status, suggesting that policymakers can mitigate socioeconomic inequality in nutritional status through improving diet quality.
Functional Polylactide Blend Films for Controlling Mesenchymal Stem Cell Behaviour
Authors: Nashchekina Yuliya , Nikonov Pavel , Nashchekin Alexey , Mikhailova Natalya
Published: August 2020

Polymer blending is a suitable physical modification method to create novel properties of different polymers. Blending polylactic acid (PLA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) produces materials with a wide range of properties. This study was the first to investigate the effect of different isomeric forms of PLA and PEG with terminal amino groups to obtain biocompatible films for human mesenchymal stem cell cultivation. It has been shown by scanning electron microscopy that the surface topology changes to the greatest extent when using films obtained on the basis of poly(d,l-lactide) and PEG with high molecular weights (15,000 g/mol). In order to obtain thin films and rapid evaporation of the solvent, PEG is mixed with PLA and does not form a separate phase and is not further washed out during the incubation in water. The presence of PEG with terminal hydroxyl and amino groups in blend films after incubation in water was proven using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Results of fluorescence microscopy demonstrated that blend films formed on PLA and polyethylene glycol diamine (PEG-NH2) are more suitable for cell spreading and focal contact formation compared to cells cultured on the surface of pure PLA films or films made from PLA and PEG.
Influence of Short-Term Aging on Mechanical Properties and Morphology of Polymer-Modified Bitumen with Recycled Plastics from Waste Materials
Authors: Celauro Clara , Saroufim Edwina , Mistretta Maria Chiara , La Mantia Francesco Paolo
Published: August 2020

Polymer-modified bitumen (PMB) is bitumen that has been specifically engineered with polymer for providing enhanced performance in service. The aging of bitumen is a main aspect that is able to affect its final performance: during the production phase in a hot mix plant, all the binders experience short-term aging due to the high processing temperature. The same is true during the production of the modified binder, when the polymer is dispersed at high temperature in the bitumen mass. This paper aims at studying the effect of short-term aging when using different types of modifiers such as recycled polymers obtained from waste materials. A 50/70 penetration-grade bitumen has been modified, and bitumen characterization has been carried out before and after short-term aging; conventional tests, viscosity measurements, and dynamical mechanical analysis have been used to investigate the properties. Different aging indices have been determined for predicting the effect of short-term aging based on the type of modifier. Furthermore, the morphology of the modified bitumen has been investigated via fluorescent microscopy, before and after aging, in order to highlight morphological changes due to aging. The results confirm that aging affects all the modified binders, due to the thermal stress imposed during PMBs production. Nevertheless, polymer modification is proved to reduce the aging effect in terms of an increase in the elastic modulus as experienced by the original binder.