bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Downregulation of the Glo1 Gene Is Associated with Reduced Adiposity and Ectopic Fat Accumulation in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Šilhavý Jan , Malínská Hana , Hüttl Martina , Marková Irena , Oliyarnyk Olena , Mlejnek Petr , Šimáková Miroslava , Liška František , Kazdová Ludmila , Moravcová Radka , Novotný Jiří , Pravenec Michal
Published: November 2020

Methylglyoxal (MG), a potent precursor of advanced glycation end-products (AGE), is increased in metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity. MG and other dicarbonyl metabolites are detoxified by the glyoxalase system in which glyoxalase 1, coded by the Glo1 gene, serves as the rate-limiting enzyme. In this study, we analyzed the effects of Glo1 downregulation on glucose and lipid metabolism parameters in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) by targeting the Glo1 gene (SHR-Glo1+/− heterozygotes). Compared to SHR wild-type animals, SHR-Glo1+/− rats showed significantly reduced Glo1 expression and lower GLO1 activity in tissues associated with increased MG levels. In contrast to SHR controls, SHR-Glo1+/− rats exhibited lower relative weight of epididymal fat, reduced ectopic fat accumulation in the liver and heart, and decreased serum triglycerides. In addition, compared to controls, SHR-Glo1+/− rats showed reduced serum insulin and increased basal and insulin stimulated incorporation of glucose into white adipose tissue lipids (lipogenesis). Reduced ectopic fat accumulation in the heart was associated with significantly increased pAMPK/AMPK ratio and GLUT4 activity. These results provide evidence that Glo1 downregulation in SHR is associated with reduced adiposity and ectopic fat accumulation, most likely mediated by AMPK activation in the heart.
Multiple Effects of Ascorbic Acid against Chronic Diseases: Updated Evidence from Preclinical and Clinical Studies
Authors: Berretta Massimiliano , Quagliariello Vincenzo , Maurea Nicola , Di Francia Raffaele , Sharifi Saman , Facchini Gaetano , Rinaldi Luca , Piezzo Michela , Manuela Ceccarelli , Nunnari Giuseppe , Montopoli Monica
Published: November 2020

Severe disease commonly manifests as a systemic inflammatory process. Inflammation is associated withthe enhanced production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and with a marked reduction in the plasma concentrations of protective antioxidant molecules. This imbalance gives rise to oxidative stress, which is greater in patients with more severe conditions such as sepsis, cancer, cardiovascular disease, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and burns. In these patients, oxidative stress can trigger cell, tissue, and organ damage, thus increasing morbidity and mortality. Ascorbic acid (ASC) is a key nutrient thatserves as an antioxidant and a cofactor for numerous enzymatic reactions. However, humans, unlike most mammals, are unable to synthesize it. Consequently, ASC must be obtained through dietary sources, especially fresh fruit and vegetables. The value of administering exogenous micronutrients, to reestablish antioxidant concentrations in patients with severe disease, has been recognized for decades. Despite the suggestion that ASC supplementation may reduce oxidative stress and prevent several chronic conditions, few large, randomized clinical trials have tested it in patients with severe illness. This article reviews the recent literature on the pharmacological profile of ASC and the role of its supplementation in critically ill patients.
Antioxidant Molecules from Marine Fungi: Methodologies and Perspectives
Authors: Vitale Giovanni Andrea , Coppola Daniela , Palma Esposito Fortunato , Buonocore Carmine , Ausuri Janardhan , Tortorella Emiliana , de Pascale Donatella
Published: November 2020

The marine environment represents a prosperous existing resource for bioprospecting, covering 70% of the planet earth, and hosting a huge biodiversity. Advances in the research are progressively uncovering the presence of unknown microorganisms, which have evolved unique metabolic and genetic pathways for the production of uncommon secondary metabolites. Fungi have a leading role in marine bioprospecting since they represent a prolific source of structurally diverse bioactive metabolites. Several bioactive compounds from marine fungi have already been characterized including antibiotics, anticancer, antioxidants and antivirals. Nowadays, the search for natural antioxidant molecules capable of replacing those synthetic currently used, is an aspect that is receiving significant attention. Antioxidants can inactivate reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, preventing the insurgence of several degenerative diseases including cancer, autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, they also find applications in different fields, including food preservation, healthcare and cosmetics. This review focuses on the production of antioxidants from marine fungi. We begin by proposing a survey of the available tools suitable for the evaluation of antioxidants, followed by the description of various classes of marine fungi antioxidants together with their extraction strategies. In addition, a view of the future perspectives and trends of these natural products within the “blue economy” is also presented.
Redox–Oligomeric State of Peroxiredoxin-2 and Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Red Blood Cells under Positive Airway Pressure Therapy
Authors: Valentim-Coelho Cristina , Vaz Fátima , Antunes Marília , Neves Sofia , Martins Inês L. , Osório Hugo , Feliciano Amélia , Pinto Paula , Bárbara Cristina , Penque Deborah
Published: November 2020

In this study, we examined the effect of six months of positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy on Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) red blood cell (RBC) proteome by two dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) - based proteomics followed by Western blotting (WB) validation. The discovered dysregulated proteins/proteoforms are associated with cell death, H2O2 catabolic/metabolic process, stress response, and protein oligomerization. Validation by nonreducing WB was performed for peroxiredoxin-2 (PRDX2) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) by using antibodies against the sulfinylated/sulfonylated cysteine of these proteins to better evaluate their redox–oligomeric states under OSA and/or in response to PAP therapy. The results indicated that the redox–oligomeric state of GAPDH and PRDX2 involving overoxidation by sulfinic/sulfonic acids were differentially modulated in OSA RBC, which might be compromising RBC homeostasis. PAP therapy by restoring this modulation induced a higher oligomerization of overoxidized GAPDH and PRDX2 in some patients that could be associated with eryptosis and the chaperone “gain” of function, respectively. This varied response following PAP may result from the complex interplay between OSA and OSA metabolic comorbidity. Hence, information on the redox status of PRDX2 and GAPDH in RBC will help to better recognize OSA subtypes and predict the therapeutic response in these patients. GAPDH monomer combined with body mass index (BMI) and PRDX2 S-S dimer combined with homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) showed to be very promising biomarkers to predict OSA and OSA severity, respectively.
Assessment of a Power Chain as a New Dental Trauma Splint and Its Comparison with Two Commonly Used Splinting Materials
Authors: Sobczak-Zagalska Hanna , Emerich Katarzyna
Published: November 2020

Background: Stabilization of luxated, avulsed, and root-fractured teeth is a part of the dental trauma treatment. The aim of the study was to assess the power chain and its comparison with two commonly used splinting materials. Methods: The evaluated splints were a wire-composite splint (WCS) with a diameter of 0.5 mm, a titanium trauma splint (TTS), and a power chain-composite splint (PCS). The splints were all fixed to the labial surfaces of permanent maxillary incisors in 10 human volunteers. The following parameters were measured: tooth mobility with Periotest before and after the splint application and removal, Aproximal Plaque Index (API), Sulcus Bleeding Index (SBI), and time needed to apply and to remove the splint. Each volunteer was also given a visual analogue scale (VAS) questionnaire to assess his/her subjective attitudes to splint materials. Results: The PCS was the most flexible material as it had the lowest horizontal Periotest values. For the two other methods, horizontal splint effects were similar and were also low. The PCS was the fastest to apply and remove and was also the most aesthetic splint. Conclusion: In this experimental study among volunteers, all three tested materials were found suitable for splinting the PCS has some advantages worth it to be further evaluated clinically in trauma patients.
Preparation of an Oxygen-Releasing Capsule for Large-Sized Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Choi Jeongyeon , Chun So Young , Kwon Tae Gyun , Lim Jeong Ok
Published: November 2020

Sufficient oxygenation for prevention of cellular damage remains a critical barrier to successful tissue engineering, especially in the construction of a large-sized tissue despite numerous attempts to resolve this issue in recent years. There have been a number of hypothetical solutions to this problem, including the use of artificial oxygen carriers, induction of vascularization, and fabrication of oxygen-generating biomaterials. All of these efforts have improved the efficiency of oxygen supply, but none have been able to support the large tissue mass required for clinical application. Necrosis, which often occurs during hypoxic stress, is one of the most significant limitations in large-sized tissue regeneration. In this study, we developed an oxygen producing capsule using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), PLGA (poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) and alginate, and also evaluated the capsule as a model of a large-sized tissue. Firstly, H2O2 was microencapsulated by PLGA, and subsequently the H2O2-PLGA microspheres were embedded into a catalase-immobilized alginate capsule of 5.0 mm in diameter. The alginate capsules of a fairly large size were characterized for their oxygenation capability to cells embedded such as human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) by HIF-1α and VEGF expression. The results of this study confirmed that in the oxygen-releasing capsule composed of H2O2 polymeric microspheres and catalase-bound alginate, HUVEC cells successfully survived in the hypoxic state. These results demonstrated that our oxygen producing system containing H2O2-PLGA microspheres could be a useful oxygenating biomaterial for engineering large-sized tissue.
A Search Efficient Privacy-Preserving Location-Sharing Scheme in Mobile Online Social Networks
Authors: Yang Guangcan , Luo Shoushan , Xin Yang , Zhu Hongliang , Wang Jingkai , Li Mingzhen , Wang Yunfeng
Published: November 2020

With the advent of intelligent handheld devices, location sharing becomes one of the most popular services in mobile online social networks (mOSNs). In location-sharing services, users can enjoy a better social experience by updating their real-time location information. However, the leakage of private information may hinder the further development of location-sharing services. Although many solutions have been proposed to protect users’ privacy, the privacy-utility trade-offs must be considered. Therefore, we propose a new scheme called search efficient privacy-preserving location-sharing (SELS) system. In our scheme, we create a new approach named associated grids to improve the efficiency of location-sharing systems while maintaining users’ privacy. In addition, by setting the user-defined access control policy proposed in our scheme, users’ flexible privacy-preserving requirements can be satisfied. Detailed complexity and security analysis show that the proposed scheme is a practical and efficient privacy-preserving solution. Extensive simulations are performed to validate the effectiveness and performance of our scheme.
Proposed Equations for Calculating Dynamic Hydraulic Pressure in a Rectangular Structure
Authors: Park Gun , Yoon Hyungchul , Hong Ki-Nam
Published: November 2020

When damaged by an earthquake, a general structure suffers only primary damage such as in the structure’s collapse, whereas a fluid storage structure can cause secondary damage such as environmental contamination or personal injury due to leakage of its internal fluid. In this study, the flow characteristics of fluid inside a fluid storage structure during an earthquake were analyzed, and an equation to calculate the dynamic hydraulic pressure of the fluid acting on the structure during an earthquake was proposed. The seismic load applied to the fluid storage structure was modified to satisfy the design response spectrum in 300 frequencies so that sufficient earthquake energy was obtained in any natural frequency of the fluid storage structure. In addition, the flow characteristics of the fluid inside the fluid storage structure were examined according to the shape change of the seismic wave and the ratio of the height of the fluid to the width of the fluid storage structure. A resulting equation for calculating the hydraulic pressure reflecting the fluctuation characteristics of the fluid was derived, and structural analysis was performed based on this equation and equations proposed by prior research to compare the member force and the hydraulic pressure in a dangerous section. As a result, it was confirmed that the equation proposed in this study showed similar values to previously proposed equations and could obtain fairly reliable results. Therefore, based on the proposed equation in this study, it is possible to calculate hydraulic pressure by reflecting the free-water surface fluctuation characteristics of fluid inside a fluid storage structure during an earthquake.
Highly Sensitive Non-Enzymatic Detection of Glucose at MWCNT-CuBTC Composite Electrode
Authors: Remes Adriana , Manea Florica , Motoc (m. Ilies) Sorina , Baciu Anamaria , Szerb Elisabeta I. , Gascon Jorge , Gug Georgiana
Published: November 2020

A novel electrochemical glucose sensor was developed, based on a multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)-copper-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid (CuBTC)-epoxy composite electrode, named MWCNT-CuBTC. The electrode nanocomposite was prepared by a two-roll mill procedure and characterized morphostructurally by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The CuBTC formed defined crystals with a wide size distribution, which were well dispersed and embedded in the MWCNTs. Its electrical conductivity was determined by four-point probe contact (DC) conductivity measurements. The electroactive surface area, determined using cyclic voltammetry (CV), was found to be 6.9 times higher than the geometrical one. The results of the electrochemical measurements using CV, linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), chronoamperometry (CA) and multiple pulse amperometry (MPA) showed that the MWCNT-CuBTC composite electrode displayed high electrocatalytic activity toward the oxidation of glucose and, as a consequence, very high sensitivity. The best sensitivity of 14,949 µAmM−1cm−1 was reached using MPA at the potential value of 0.6 V/SCE, which was much higher in comparison with other copper-based electrodes reported in the literature. The good analytical performance, low cost and simple preparation method make this novel electrode material promising for the development of an effective glucose sensor.
Enhanced Efficient EMT-Type Model of the MMCs Based on Arm Equivalence
Authors: Li Xiaodong , Xu Zheng
Published: November 2020

The large number of switching elements in modular multilevel converters (MMCs) contribute a tremendous computational burden for electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulation programs. Detailed equivalent models (DEMs) and average value model (AVMs) are currently two major types of accurate and efficient model. However, the DEMs are still computationally inefficient for the simulation scenarios in large-scale MMC based high-voltage direct current (MMC-HVDC) grids, as the models represent all submodule (SMs) switching events, and memorize all individual capacitor voltages. Though the AVMs provide a faster simulation speed by using a single equivalent capacitor on the DC side, they have a relatively low simulation accuracy compared to DEMs, especially under blocked mode. This paper proposes an enhanced computationally efficient model based on arm equivalence (AEM), which can accurately represent the dynamic behaviors in both de-blocked and blocked modes. Compared to the DEMs, the proposed AEM is more efficient, with no loss of accuracy, and the simulation speed is irrespective of the SM number. The accuracy and computational efficiency of the proposed model were validated against the DEM and AVM through several simulation scenarios in a two-terminal MMC-HVDC system on the power systems computer aided design/ electromagnetic transient in DC system (PSCAD/EMTDC) program.
Efficacy of Iopamidol for Sealing an Injured Thoracic Duct: Pilot Experiments in a Large Animal
Authors: Ahn Hyo Yeong , Song Seunghwan , Huh Up , Wang Il Jae , Eom Jung Seop , Ryu Dong-Man
Published: November 2020

Chylothorax can be spontaneously healed by lymphangiography using lipiodol, but pulmonary or systemic embolization is a potential complication. We determined the efficacy of iopamidol for treating chylous leakage in an animal model. Twelve pigs were randomly divided into two groups. After inducing thoracic duct damage, pigs from groups A and B were injected with iopamidol and lipiodol, respectively. At 5, 10, and 30 min after damage induction, the drug effects were monitored by video-assisted thoracoscopy and lymphangiography. In vitro, chyle samples from the pigs were incubated with iopamidol and lipiodol. The damaged thoracic duct was harvested and examined using microscopy. In group A, four and two pigs did not show chylous leakage after 5 and 10 min, respectively. In group B, none showed chylous leakage after 5 min. Nevertheless, the p value was 0.46, and there was no statistically significant difference between groups A and B. In vitro, both iopamidol- and lipiodol-treated chyle samples adhered after 5 min and solidified at 30 min. Our findings confirmed that the damaged thoracic duct was clogged with an amorphous proteinaceous material (iopamidol). Therefore, iopamidol is potentially a new therapeutic agent for chylous leakage. Thoracic duct embolization failures or systemic embolization risks from lipiodol injection may be avoided by injecting iopamidol via the thoracic duct, and this warrants further investigation.
Double-Probe Ultrasonic Detection Method for Cracks in Steel Structure
Authors: Chen Xin , Ye Zhi , Xia Jun Yuan , Wang Jie Xiu , Ji Bo Hai
Published: November 2020

To investigate the feasibility analysis of ultrasonic detection methods applied in the fatigue crack characteristics of steel structures, the double-probe ultrasonic detection method was applied to the prefabricated crack specimens fabricated from of flat steel plate. The test features including length, width, depth, angle, and crack location were considered. Based on the calculation of geometric relationship and experimental results, a method for judging the crack tip position was developed. The formulae for determining the depth and angle of crack were not only established but also analyzed the detection accuracy of the double-probe penetration method. The feasibility of this method in weld crack detection was verified by a combination of the finite-element simulation and actual experiment. The results showed that the ratio of crack tip wave height to crack free wave height ωK is related to the K value (K value is one of the parameters of the angle probe, which is defined as the tangent value of angle β between the incident wave and an interface normal line), but the influence of crack depth and width can be ignored. Due to higher detection accuracy for crack depth and angle, a double-probe penetrating method could improve the detection accuracy for crack angle by nearly 5% more than the single probe pulse reflection method. Therefore, application of the double-probe penetrating method had a significant impact on accurate crack detection of rib-to-deck weld in the practical issue.
Mechanical Characterization of Biopolymer-Based Hydrogels Enriched with Paulownia Extracts Recovered Using a Green Technique
Authors: Rodríguez-Seoane Paula , Domínguez Herminia , Torres María Dolores
Published: November 2020

This study deals with the development and mechanical characterization of innovative starch- and gelatin-based hydrogels enriched with hydrothermal aqueous extracts from Paulownia (i.e., bark, leaves, petioles). The color, rheology, and texture properties of formulated biopolymer-based hydrogels depending on the processing conditions of the extracts was evaluated for the different Paulownia fractions. Results indicated that a clear impact on color features of the tested hydrogels was observed with the incorporation of Paulownia extracts. Rheological testing showed that weak and intermediate strength hydrogels were identified for starch- and gelatin-based hydrogels independently of used extract. A relevant softening of all gelled matrices was observed in the presence of recovered liquor extracts involving the following trend (leaves > barks > petioles). For all fractions, the highest viscoelastic features were achieved for hydrogels made with extracts recovered at 140 °C. Texture outcomes confirmed the rheological achievements. No syneresis was observed in developed hydrogels after two weeks of cold storage.
Temperature Dependence of Normalized Sensitivity of Love Wave Sensor of Unidirectional Carbon Fiber Epoxy Composite on Mn-Doped 0.24PIN-0.46PMN-0.30PT Single Crystal Substrate
Authors: Huang Naixing , Sun Enwei , Zhang Rui , Yang Bin , Liu Jian , Lü Tianquan , Han Lianfu , Cao Wenwu
Published: November 2020

Love wave sensors have attracted significant interest due to their high sensitivity and low attenuation. Love mode acoustic dispersion relation, highest normalized mass sensitivity, optimum normalized waveguide layer thickness, and temperature coefficients of frequency (TCF) were theoretically studied for the carbon fiber epoxy composites (CFEC)/Mn:0.24PIN-0.46PMN-0.30PT structure sensor. The highest normalized mass sensitivity exhibits a decreasing trend as the temperature increases from 25 °C to 55 °C. TCF can be improved by increasing the normalized layer thickness (h/λ); however, the temperature dependence of normalized mass sensitivity decreases. For the carbon fibers (CFs) in the CFEC waveguide along the propagation direction of Love wave, the device has a relatively small TCF of −10.92 ppm/°C at h/λ = 0.4001, where the normalized mass sensitivity is approximately 1.5 times that of a typical fused quartz/ST-quartz configuration device. The theoretical results imply that good temperature stability and high measurement precision were obtained from the device in the system CFEC/Mn:0.24PIN-0.46PMN-0.30PT with the CFs in the CFEC along the propagation direction of Love wave (x-axis). The ideal waveguide material requires a small elastic constant c44; however, the ideal piezoelectric substrate requires large elastic constants c44E and c66E.
Study on Mechanical Properties of Multi-Cavity Steel–Concrete Composite Floor
Authors: Li Chunbao , Li Gaojie , Yu Rangang , Ma Xiaosong , Qin Pengju , Wang Xukai
Published: November 2020

This paper proposes a novel multi-cavity steel–concrete composite floor. The mechanical properties of multi-cavity steel–concrete composite floor were studied by static load test. Based on full-scale tests on 2500 × 1000 × 120 mm multi-cavity steel–concrete composite floors, the bearing capacity and failure characteristics of the composite floor were analyzed. Compared with the existing prefabricated floor, the reliability of the test was verified by finite element simulation. The influence of steel plate material thickness, floor thickness, cavity size and span on the mechanical properties of composite floor was analyzed. The results showed that the composite floor had stronger bearing capacity and better ductility and integrity than the existing precast floor. The bearing capacity and stiffness of composite floor were positively correlated with the thickness of steel plate and floor, and negatively correlated with the cavity size and span.
Air Pollution and Mortality: Timing Is Everything
Authors: Lipfert Frederick W.
Published: November 2020

This paper considers timing issues in health-effect exposure and response studies. Short-term studies must consider delayed and cumulative responses; prior exposures, disease latency, and cumulative impacts are required for long-term studies. Lacking individual data, long-term air quality describes locations, as do greenspaces and traffic density, rather than exposures of residents. Indoor air pollution can bias long-term exposures and effect estimates but short-term effects also respond to infiltrated outdoor air. Daily air quality fluctuations may affect the frail elderly and are necessarily included in long-term averages; any true long-term effects must be given by differences between annual and daily effects. I found such differences to be negligible after adjusting for insufficient lag effects in time-series studies and neglect of prior exposures in long-term studies. Aging of subjects under study implies cumulative exposures, but based on age-specific mortality, I found relative risks decreasing with age, precluding cumulative effects. A new type of time-series study found daily mortality of previously frail subjects to be associated with various pollutants without exposure thresholds, but the role of air pollution in the onset of frailty remains an unexplored issue. The importance of short-term fluctuations has been underestimated and putative effects of long-term exposures have been overestimated.
Approximation Results for Equilibrium Problems Involving Strongly Pseudomonotone Bifunction in Real Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Kumam Wiyada , Muangchoo Kanikar
Published: November 2020

A plethora of applications in non-linear analysis, including minimax problems, mathematical programming, the fixed-point problems, saddle-point problems, penalization and complementary problems, may be framed as a problem of equilibrium. Most of the methods used to solve equilibrium problems involve iterative methods, which is why the aim of this article is to establish a new iterative method by incorporating an inertial term with a subgradient extragradient method to solve the problem of equilibrium, which includes a bifunction that is strongly pseudomonotone and meets the Lipschitz-type condition in a real Hilbert space. Under certain mild conditions, a strong convergence theorem is proved, and a required sequence is generated without the information of the Lipschitz-type cost bifunction constants. Thus, the method operates with the help of a slow-converging step size sequence. In numerical analysis, we consider various equilibrium test problems to validate our proposed results.
Why Hepatic CYP2E1-Elevation by Itself Is Insufficient for Inciting NAFLD/NASH: Inferences from Two Genetic Knockout Mouse Models
Authors: Correia Maria Almira , Kwon Doyoung
Published: November 2020

Hepatic cytochrome P450 CYP2E1 is an enzyme engaged in the metabolic biotransformation of various xenobiotics and endobiotics, resulting in both detoxification and/or metabolic activation of its substrates to more therapeutic or toxic products. Elevated hepatic CYP2E1 content is implicated in various metabolic diseases including alcoholic liver disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), diabetes and obesity. While hepatic CYP2E1 elevation is considered essential to the pathogenesis of these liver diseases, our findings in two mouse models of E3 ubiquitin ligase genetic ablation fed a regular lab chow diet, argue that it is not sufficient for triggering NAFLD/NASH. Thus, albeit comparable hepatic CYP2E1 elevation and functional stabilization in these two models upon E3 ubiquitin ligase genetic ablation and consequent disruption of its ubiquitin-dependent proteasomal degradation, NAFLD/NASH was only observed in the mouse livers that exhibited concurrent SREBP1c-transcriptional upregulation of hepatic lipogenesis. These findings reinforce the critical complicity of an associated prolipogenic scenario induced by either an inherently upregulated hepatic lipogenesis or a high fat/high carbohydrate diet in CYP2E1-mediated NAFLD/NASH.
Separation and Purification of Biogenic 1,3-Propanediol from Fermented Glycerol through Flocculation and Strong Acidic Ion-Exchange Resin
Authors: Mitrea Laura , Leopold Loredana Florina , Bouari Cosmina , Vodnar Dan Cristian
Published: November 2020

In the present work, was investigated the separation and purification procedure of the biogenic 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PD), which is a well-known valuable compound in terms of bio-based plastic materials development. The biogenic 1,3-PD was obtained as a major metabolite through the glycerol fermentation by Klebsiella pneumoniae DSMZ 2026 and was subjected to separation and purification processes. A strong acidic ion exchange resin in H+ form was used for 1,3-PD purification from the aqueous solution previously obtained by broth flocculation. The eluent volume was investigated considering the removal of the secondary metabolites such as organic acids (acetic, citric, lactic, and succinic acids) and 2,3-butanediol (2,3-BD), and unconsumed glycerol. It was observed that a volume of 84 mL of ethanol 75% loaded with a flow rate of 7 mL/min completely remove the secondary metabolites from 10 mL of concentrated fermented broth, and pure biogenic 1,3-PD was recovered in 128 mL of the eluent.
Hemoadsorption with CytoSorb in Septic Shock Reduces Catecholamine Requirements and In-Hospital Mortality: A Single-Center Retrospective ‘Genetic’ Matched Analysis
Authors: Rugg Christopher , Klose Riko , Hornung Rouven , Innerhofer Nicole , Bachler Mirjam , Schmid Stefan , Fries Dietmar , Ströhle Mathias
Published: November 2020

Septic shock is a major burden to healthcare with mortality rates remaining high. Blood purification techniques aim to reduce cytokine levels and resultant organ failure. Regarding septic shock, hemoadsorption via CytoSorb seems promising, but the main effects on organ failure and mortality remain unclear. In this retrospective single-center study, septic shock patients receiving CytoSorb in addition to renal replacement therapy (n = 42) were analyzed and compared to matched controls (n = 42). A generalized propensity-score and Mahalanobis distance matching method (‘genetic’ matching) was applied. Baseline comparability was high. Differences were merely present in higher initial Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores (median and interquartile range: 13.0 (12.0–14.75) vs. 12.0 (9.0–14.0)) and requirements of norepinephrine equivalents (0.54 (0.25–0.81) vs. 0.25 (0.05–0.54) µg/kg/min) in the CytoSorb group. While remaining fairly constant in the controls, the catecholamines decreased to 0.26 (0.11–0.40) µg/kg/min within 24 h after initiation of CytoSorb therapy. In-hospital mortality was significantly lower in the CytoSorb group (35.7% vs. 61.9%; p = 0.015). Risk factors for mortality within the CytoSorb group were high lactate levels and low thrombocyte counts prior to initiation. Hereby, a cut-off value of 7.5 mmol/L lactate predicted mortality with high specificity (88.9%). Thus, high lactate levels may indicate absent benefits when confronted with septic shock patients considered eligible for CytoSorb therapy.
Eliciting Willingness and Beliefs towards Participation in Genetic Psychiatric Testing in Black/African American Mothers at Risk for Depression
Authors: Atkins Rahshida , Kelly Terri-Ann , Johnson Shanda , Williams Wanda , Nelson Yolanda , Joseph Paule V. , Jackson Deirdre , King Deborah , Stellmacher Tiffany , Halty Nisoni-Davis , Tinglin Michelle , Gage Gale
Published: November 2020

Black/African American women are at high risk for depression, yet are underrepresented in psychiatric genetic research for depression prevention and treatment. Little is known about the factors that influence participation in genetic testing for Black/African American women at risk. The purpose of this study was to elicit the beliefs that underlie participation in genetic testing for depression in Black/African American mothers, a subgroup at high risk. Willingness to participate in genetic testing procedures was also determined. A qualitative, descriptive design was employed. Exactly 19 mothers aged 21–42 completed open-ended questionnaires. Directed content and descriptive analyses of the text were conducted based on the Theory of Planned Behavior. Salient beliefs included: behavioral advantages—diagnosing/detecting depression (31.6%), finding cure/treatment (21.1%); disadvantages—not finding follow-up treatment/help (21.1%); salient referents, who approves—family members (47.4%), agencies/organizations (26.3%); who disapproves—church associates (21.1%). Control beliefs included: barriers—unpleasant/difficult testing procedures (42.1%), limited knowledge about the purpose of testing (26.3%); facilitator—a convenient location (21.1%). Most mothers (89.5%) indicated willingness to participate in testing. Interventions can target families, address barriers, emphasize future benefits, and use convenient locations and community-based participatory research methods. Policies can address social determinants of participation to increase inclusion of these mothers in psychiatric genetic research.
Photocatalytic TiO2-Based Nanostructured Materials for Microbial Inactivation
Authors: De Pasquale Ilaria , Lo Porto Chiara , Dell’Edera Massimo , Petronella Francesca , Agostiano Angela , Curri Maria Lucia , Comparelli Roberto
Published: November 2020

Pathogenic microorganisms can spread throughout the world population, as the current COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically demonstrated. In this scenario, a protection against pathogens and other microorganisms can come from the use of photoactive materials as antimicrobial agents able to hinder, or at least limit, their spreading by means of photocatalytically assisted processes activated by light—possibly sunlight—promoting the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can kill microorganisms in different matrices such as water or different surfaces without affecting human health. In this review, we focus the attention on TiO2 nanoparticle-based antimicrobial materials, intending to provide an overview of the most promising synthetic techniques, toward possible large-scale production, critically review the capability of such materials to promote pathogen (i.e., bacteria, virus, and fungi) inactivation, and, finally, take a look at selected technological applications.
Waveform Design for Space–Time Coded MIMO Systems with High Secrecy Protection
Authors: Shang Pingping , Lee Hyein , Kim Sooyoung
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we present a new secrecy-enhancing scheme for multi-input-multi-output (MIMO) systems using a space–time coding scheme. We adopt a quasi-orthogonal space–time block coding (QO-STBC) scheme that was originally designed to improve the performance of the MIMO system, and propose an efficient waveform design that can enhance the secrecy, as well as improve the error rate performance. Channel- and signal-dependent artificial interference (AI) is added to the proposed waveform, so that only a legitimate receiver can successfully retrieve information. We investigate the secrecy capacity of the proposed scheme, and demonstrate that the proposed scheme provides highly enhanced secrecy performance, compared to the conventional schemes. The performance simulation results reveal that the transmitted information can be properly extracted only at the legitimate receiver.
Rapid Profiling of the Volatilome of Cooked Meat by PTR-ToF-MS: Underlying Latent Explanatory Factors
Authors: Bittante Giovanni , Ni Qianlin , Khomenko Iuliia , Gallo Luigi , Biasioli Franco
Published: November 2020

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are important contributors to meat aroma and are variably correlated with each other. To study the sources of variation and the correlations among meat VOCs, meat cuts from five animal species/categories (chicken, turkey, pork, veal, and beef; two animals/species/retailer: 100 meat cuts) were obtained by 10 retailers. Each cut was processed into four burgers, two of which were grilled and two were cooked in a water bath (400 meat burgers). VOCs were detected by Proton-Transfer-Reaction Time-of-Flight Mass-Spectrometry (PTR-ToF-MS). From these, 129 peaks were selected, of which 72 were tentatively identified as relevant VOCs. Pearson correlations revealed a large number of positive and negative relationships among the VOCs. A multivariate statistical analysis revealed that 87% of the matrix covariance was explained by 17 independent Latent Explanatory Factors (LEFs), which have been described and characterized. LEFs identified may be valuable tools for reducing the dimensionality of results from VOC analyses and can be useful for better understanding and interpreting the variation in the meat aroma profile, although further study is required to characterize their sensory meaning.
Quality Assessment of Chilled and Frozen Fish—Mini Review
Authors: Duarte Ana M. , Silva Frederica , Pinto Filipa R. , Barroso Sónia , Gil Maria Manuel
Published: November 2020

Fish is a very perishable food and therefore several storage strategies need to be employed to increase its shelf-life, guaranteeing its safety and quality from catch to consumption. Despite the advances in modern fish storage technologies, chilling and freezing are still the most common preservation methods used onboard. The present review aims to summarize strategies to increase the shelf-life of fresh (chilled) and frozen fish, as whole, gutted, or fillet, involving the assessment of different traditional cooling and freezing conditions of different fish species caught in different locations. Although there are other factors that influence the fish shelf-life, such as the fish species and the stress suffered during catch, storage time and temperature and the amount of ice are some of the most important. In addition, the way that fish is stored (whole, fillet, or gutted) also contributes to the final quality of the product. In most studies, whole chilled and frozen fish present longer shelf-life than those preserved as gutted and filleted. However, it should be noted that other factors related to the organism, capture method, and transport to the preparation/processing industry should be considered for shelf-life extension.
Evaluating a Workflow Tool for Simplifying Scenario Planning with the Online WhatIf? Planning Support System
Authors: Hussnain Muhammad Qadeer ul , Waheed Abdul , Wakil Khydija , Jabbar Junaid Abdul , Pettit Christopher James , Tahir Ali
Published: November 2020

In an era of smart cities and digitalisation, there has been a noticeable increase in the development and application of planning support systems (PSS). However, a significant challenge in the broader adoption of these PSS can be attributed to the user experience, which includes the efforts required in pre-processing data. It has been observed that typically 80% of the PSS usage time goes into pre-processing, cleaning, and loading data—a significant barrier for new users. This research focuses on improving user experience by developing and evaluating a new workflow tool called EasyUAZ. This workflow tool directly supports the iterative data preparation needs of scenario planning with the Online WhatIf?—a widely used PSS to develop land-use suitability, demand and land-allocation scenarios. A comparative evaluation has been conducted to quantify the time taken for data preparation with ArcGIS, QGIS, and the EasyUAZ. The study found that EasyUAZ offers a time saving of 30%–35% when compared with other options.
Understanding the Role of Visualizations on Decision Making: A Study on Working Memory
Authors: Kim Sung-Hee
Published: November 2020

The use of data visualization is increasing; however, there is little empirical explanation for how it supports users. Our goal in this paper is to deepen our understanding of the role of interactive visualizations in a particular context of decision making. Specifically, we attempt to understand the role of the working memory system, which is a concept to understand the mechanism of the processing and temporary storage of information in variety of cognitive tasks. We compared two interfaces, SimulSort and its non-visual counterpart Typical Sorting, with a multi-attribute decision-making problem. Because decision outcomes are known to be affected by the limitations of a person’s working memory, we conducted a crowdsourcing-based user study using SimulSort to understand how working memory, especially the phonological loop, can benefit from the using visualizations. We examined the impact on working memory with a well known dual-task methodology by designing a concurrent task to tap into the main decision-making task. The experiment was conducted with a total of 137 participants and an ordered logistic regression using a proportional odds model was applied to analyze the decision quality. The results supported the hypothesis that when using SimulSort, participants required less working memory than they required with Typical Sorting to accomplish the multi-attribute decision-making task even though SimulSort outperformed Typical Sorting in terms of decision quality. We also provide methodologies to conduct working memory studies by implementing an articulatory suppression task on crowdsourcing platforms in which experimenters have less control over the participants.
Immortalization of Salivary Gland Epithelial Cells of Xerostomic Patients: Establishment and Characterization of Novel Cell Lines
Authors: Noll Braxton D. , Grdzelishvili Alexandre , Brennan Michael T. , Mougeot Farah Bahrani , Mougeot Jean-Luc C.
Published: November 2020

Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune disease mainly affecting salivary and lacrimal glands. Previous pSS studies have relied on primary cell culture models or cancer cell lines with limited relevance to the disease. Our objective was to generate and characterize immortalized salivary gland epithelial cells (iSGECs) derived from labial salivary gland (LSG) biopsies of pSS patients (focus score > 1) and non-Sjögren’s Syndrome (nSS) xerostomic (i.e., sicca) female patients. To characterize iSGECs (n = 3), mRNA expression of specific epithelial and acinar cell markers was quantified by qRT-PCR. Protein expression of characterization markers was determined by immunocytochemistry and Western blot. Secretion of α-amylase by iSGECs was confirmed through colorimetric activity assay. Spheroid formation and associated alterations in expression markers were determined using matrigel-coated cell culture plates. Consistent mRNA and protein expressions of both epithelial and pro-acinar cell markers were observed in all three iSGEC lines. When cultured on matrigel medium, iSGECs formed spheroids, secreted α-amylase after β-adrenergic stimulation, and expressed multiple acinar cell markers at late passages. One iSGEC line retained adequate cell morphology without a loss of SV40Lt expression and proliferation potential after over 100 passages. In conclusion, our established iSGEC lines represent a viable model for salivary research due to their passaging capacity and maintenance of pro-acinar cell characteristics.
Correction: Keshavmurthy, S., et al. Coral Reef Resilience in Taiwan: Lessons from Long-Term Ecological Research on the Coral Reefs of Kenting National Park (Taiwan). Journal of Marine Science and Engineering 2019, 7, 338
Authors: Keshavmurthy Shashank , Kuo Chao-Yang , Huang Ya-Yi , Carballo-Bolaños Rodrigo , Meng Pei-Jei , Wang Jih-Terng , Chen Chaolun Allen
Published: November 2020

The authors are sorry for errors in their paper [...]
Tensile Deformation Behavior of Typical Porous Laminate Structure at Different Temperatures
Authors: Wang Ping , Lian Ye-Da , Wen Zhi-Xun
Published: November 2020

In this study, the Ni-Cr-W superalloy GH3230 is used as the test material. According to the actual structure of the flame tube, a porous laminate structure specimen is designed. The structure consists of impact holes, overflow holes and pin fins. High-temperature tensile tests at 650 °C, 750 °C and 850 °C were carried out to study the high-temperature mechanical properties and fracture mechanism of the specimens of porous laminate structure, and the strain nephogram of the specimens were obtained by digital image correlation (DIC) technique. Due to the large number and dense arrangement of overflow holes, an obvious hole interference effect can be found from the strain nephogram. The stress concentration around the pore and the interference between the pores provide priority places and paths for the initiation and propagation of microcracks. The test found that the microcracks of the porous laminate structure first occurred around the hole, the overflow surface fractured first, after which the impact surface fractured. The strength of the alloy exhibits a significant temperature sensitivity to temperature. From 650 °C to 750 °C, the ultimate strength (σb) and yield strength (σ0.2) decrease slightly, but they decrease significantly at 850 °C. The microstructure of the fracture surface shows that all microcracks occur at the interface between the matrix and the carbides but that the fracture mode of the specimens gradually changes from intergranular fracture to transgranular fracture as the temperature increases. Due to the pinning effect of the intracrystalline diffusive solute atoms on the dislocations, the stress-strain curves of the high-temperature tensile tests at 650 °C and 750 °C showed zigzag characteristic fluctuations during the strengthening stage.
Inclusion Behavior in a Curved Bloom Continuous Caster with Mold Electromagnetic Stirring
Authors: Wang Weixian , Chen Shifu , Lei Hong , Zhang Hongwei , Xiong Hongjin , Jiang Maofa
Published: November 2020

Mold electromagnetic stirring (M-EMS) has been widely used in many continuous casters. In order to have a deep insight into the collision-coalescence among inclusions under M-EMS by a Eulerian approach, the effects of Archimedes electromagnetic force on the inclusion are expressed by three-dimensional Archimedes electromagnetic slipping velocity and Archimedes electromagnetic collision. Numerical results show that a turbulent collision is the most important factor to cause inclusions to collide with each other, Archimedes electromagnetic collision has a minor effect, Stokes collision is the third factor, and Brownian can be ignored. In the case of M-EMS, there are two recirculation zones above and below the M-EMS central cross-section, and the inclusion spatial distributions have the inverted U-shape.