bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A C-Type Lectin Highly Expressed in Portunus trituberculatus Intestine Functions in AMP Regulation and Prophenoloxidase Activation
Authors: Liu Yuan , Su Yue , Zhang Ao , Cui Zhaoxia
Published: May 2021

A C-type lectin (PtCLec2) from Portunus trituberculatus was identified for characterization of its role in defense and innate immunity. PtCLec2 contains a single carbohydrate-recognition domain (CRD) with a conserved QPD motif, which was predicted to have galactose specificity. The mRNA expression of PtCLec2 was predominantly detected in intestine and increased rapidly and significantly upon pathogen challenge. The recombinant PtCLec2 (rPtCLec2) could bind various microorganisms and PAMPs with weak binding ability to yeast and PGN. It agglutinated the tested Gram-negative bacteria (Vibrio alginolyticus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus luteus), and rabbit erythrocytes in the presence of exogenous Ca2+, and these agglutination activities were suppressed by LPS, d-galactose, and d-mannose. Further, rPtCLec2 enhanced phagocytosis and clearance of V. alginolyticus, and displayed inhibitory activities against the tested bacteria. Knockdown of PtCLec2 decreased the transcription of two phagocytosis genes (PtArp and PtMyosin), three prophenoloxidase (proPO) system-related genes (PtPPAF, PtcSP1, and PtproPO), six antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) (PtALF4-7, PtCrustin1, and PtCrustin3), and PtRelish but upregulated the expression levels of PtJNK, PtPelle, and PtTLR. These results collectively indicate that PtCLec2 might perform its immune recognition function via binding and agglutination, and mediate pathogen elimination via regulating hemocyte phagocytosis, AMP synthesis, and proPO activation.
Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Patients with COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ippolito Mariachiara , Misseri Giovanni , Catalisano Giulia , Marino Claudia , Ingoglia Giulia , Alessi Marta , Consiglio Elisa , Gregoretti Cesare , Giarratano Antonino , Cortegiani Andrea
Published: May 2021

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to estimate the pooled occurrence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) among patients admitted to an intensive care unit with COVID-19 and mortality of those who developed VAP. We performed a systematic search on PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science from inception to 2nd March 2021 for nonrandomized studies specifically addressing VAP in adult patients with COVID-19 and reporting data on at least one primary outcome of interest. Random effect single-arm meta-analysis was performed for the occurrence of VAP and mortality (at the longest follow up) and ICU length of stay. Twenty studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis, for a total of 2611 patients with at least one episode of VAP. The pooled estimated occurrence of VAP was of 45.4% (95% C.I. 37.8–53.2%; 2611/5593 patients; I2 = 96%). The pooled estimated occurrence of mortality was 42.7% (95% C.I. 34–51.7%; 371/946 patients; I2 = 82%). The estimated summary estimated metric mean ICU LOS was 28.58 days (95% C.I. 21.4–35.8; I2 = 98%). Sensitivity analysis showed that patients with COVID-19 may have a higher risk of developing VAP than patients without COVID-19 (OR 3.24; 95% C.I. 2.2–4.7; P = 0.015; I2 = 67.7%; five studies with a comparison group).
New Insights on Hemp Oil Enriched in Cannabidiol: Decarboxylation, Antioxidant Properties and In Vitro Anticancer Effect
Authors: Petrovici Anca Roxana , Simionescu Natalia , Sandu Andreea Isabela , Paraschiv Vasile , Silion Mihaela , Pinteala Mariana
Published: May 2021

This study aimed to obtain and characterize extracted hemp oil enriched in cannabidiol (CBD) by decarboxylation of cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and to give new insights into its antioxidant and anticancer effects. Optimization of CBDA decarboxylation in hemp oil was performed, and CBD and CBDA contents and purities were determined by flash chromatography, 1H- and 13C-NMR. The antioxidant properties of CBD-enriched oil were investigated by Fe2+ chelating activity, Fe3+ reducing antioxidant power assay, O2●− scavenging activity, HO● scavenging ability and lipid peroxidation inhibitory assay, and its cytotoxicity, apoptosis- and oxidative stress-inducing effects on NHDF, MeWo, HeLa, HepG2 and HOS cells were determined. The CBD concentration in hemp oil was increased by CBDA soft decarboxylation optimized at 90 °C, for 1 h and the resulting oil was capable of reducing iron, scavenging free radicals and inhibiting lipid peroxidation in cell-free oxidative conditions. CBD-enriched oil promoted NHDF proliferation at up to 15 µg CBD/mL, while inducing apoptosis and ROS production and modulating antioxidant enzymes’ gene expression in cancer cells, being selective for osteosarcoma cells, and induced apoptosis by p53- and ROS-independent mechanisms. CBD-enriched hemp oil demonstrated antioxidant properties in oxidative conditions and promoted normal fibroblasts’ proliferation, while inducing apoptosis and ROS production in cancer cells.
The Controversial Role of 24-S-Hydroxycholesterol in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Gamba Paola , Giannelli Serena , Staurenghi Erica , Testa Gabriella , Sottero Barbara , Biasi Fiorella , Poli Giuseppe , Leonarduzzi Gabriella
Published: May 2021

The development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is influenced by several events, among which the dysregulation of cholesterol metabolism in the brain plays a major role. Maintenance of brain cholesterol homeostasis is essential for neuronal functioning and brain development. To maintain the steady-state level, excess brain cholesterol is converted into the more hydrophilic metabolite 24-S-hydroxycholesterol (24-OHC), also called cerebrosterol, by the neuron-specific enzyme CYP46A1. A growing bulk of evidence suggests that cholesterol oxidation products, named oxysterols, are the link connecting altered cholesterol metabolism to AD. It has been shown that the levels of some oxysterols, including 27-hydroxycholesterol, 7β-hydroxycholesterol and 7-ketocholesterol, significantly increase in AD brains contributing to disease progression. In contrast, 24-OHC levels decrease, likely due to neuronal loss. Among the different brain oxysterols, 24-OHC is certainly the one whose role is most controversial. It is the dominant oxysterol in the brain and evidence shows that it represents a signaling molecule of great importance for brain function. However, numerous studies highlighted the potential role of 24-OHC in favoring AD development, since it promotes neuroinflammation, amyloid β (Aβ) peptide production, oxidative stress and cell death. In parallel, 24-OHC has been shown to exert several beneficial effects against AD progression, such as preventing tau hyperphosphorylation and Aβ production. In this review we focus on the current knowledge of the controversial role of 24-OHC in AD pathogenesis, reporting a detailed overview of the findings about its levels in different AD biological samples and its noxious or neuroprotective effects in the brain. Given the relevant role of 24-OHC in AD pathophysiology, its targeting could be useful for disease prevention or slowing down its progression.
Effectiveness of an App-Based Mobile Intervention for Precision Oral Self-Care in Patients with Periodontitis from Initial Therapy to Re-Evaluation
Authors: Chang Wen-Jen , Wang Yen-Li , Chang Yen-Hsiang , Lo Shih-Yin
Published: May 2021

Good oral hygiene is essential to oral health and oral disease prevention. Strengthening the adherence of patients with periodontitis to oral hygiene behaviors (OHBs) is crucial for the success of periodontal treatment. This study aims to investigate the intervention effectiveness of a novel mobile app for precision oral self-care, which was developed to help patients with periodontitis improving their oral hygiene through daily oral self-care. One-hundred and fifty eligible patients were recruited into this study and randomly allocated to the control (n = 75) or intervention group (n = 75), and their oral hygiene status (OHS) and OHBs were recorded at baseline and re-evaluation. The participants in the intervention group were required to perform daily oral self-care using our oral self-care app (OSCA) and the functional preferences and overall likeability of the OSCA were evaluated through a questionnaire survey. In total, 39 patients from the control group and 49 from the intervention group completed clinical examinations at baseline and re-evaluation. The results demonstrated that there was no significant difference in OHS improvement between the two groups. However, OHS improvement significantly differed between low-, moderate-, and high-frequency users, with frequency of use being positively correlated to the likeability of the app. Further investigation of the effectiveness of the OSCA intervention revealed that behavioral change in oral hygiene, frequency of OSCA use, and smoking affected OHS improvement. These outcomes indicate that our app-based mobile intervention may be of value for precision oral self-care in patients with periodontitis.
Neuro-Inspired Computing with Spin-VCSELs
Authors: Harkhoe Krishan , Verschaffelt Guy , Van der Sande Guy
Published: May 2021

Delay-based reservoir computing (RC), a neuromorphic computing technique, has gathered lots of interest, as it promises compact and high-speed RC implementations. To further boost the computing speeds, we introduce and study an RC setup based on spin-VCSELs, thereby exploiting the high polarization modulation speed inherent to these lasers. Based on numerical simulations, we benchmarked this setup against state-of-the-art delay-based RC systems and its parameter space was analyzed for optimal performance. The high modulation speed enabled us to have more virtual nodes in a shorter time interval. However, we found that at these short time scales, the delay time and feedback rate heavily influence the nonlinear dynamics. Therefore, and contrary to other laser-based RC systems, the delay time has to be optimized in order to obtain good RC performances. We achieved state-of-the-art performances on a benchmark timeseries prediction task. This spin-VCSEL-based RC system shows a ten-fold improvement in processing speed, which can further be enhanced in a straightforward way by increasing the birefringence of the VCSEL chip.
SLLB-DEVS: An Approach for DEVS Based Modeling of Semiconductor Lithography Load Balance
Authors: Han Young Shin , Kwon Bo Seung , Nam Choon Sung , Lee Jong Sik
Published: May 2021

In industrial applications, software related to computational lithography using a DP system method, which refers to how efficiently hardware resources are used, has a significant impact on performance. Because the amount of data to be processed per unit of time is comparatively large in the current semiconductor industry, the efficiency of hardware should be increased through job 12 scheduling by using the most efficient load balancing techniques possible. For efficient scheduling of the load balancer, these are necessary to predict the end time of a given job; this is calculated based on the performance of computing resources and the development of effective traffic distribution algorithms. Due to the high integration of semiconductor chips, the volume of mask exposure data has increased exponentially, the number of slave nodes is increasing, and most EDA tools require one license per DP node to perform a simulation. In this paper, in order to improve efficiency and reduce cost through more efficient load balancing scheduling, a new type of DEVS load balancing method was studied based on the existing industrial E-beam cluster model. The designed DEVS model showed up to four times the throughput of the existing legacy model for medium and large clusters when the BSF policy was applied.
A Two-Stage Neural Network-Based Cold Start Item Recommender
Authors: Tsai Chieh-Yuan , Chiu Yi-Fan , Chen Yu-Jen
Published: May 2021

Nowadays, recommendation systems have been successfully adopted in variant online services such as e-commerce, news, and social media. The recommenders provide users a convenient and efficient way to find their exciting items and increase service providers’ revenue. However, it is found that many recommenders suffered from the cold start (CS) problem where only a small number of ratings are available for some new items. To conquer the difficulties, this research proposes a two-stage neural network-based CS item recommendation system. The proposed system includes two major components, which are the denoising autoencoder (DAE)-based CS item rating (DACR) generator and the neural network-based collaborative filtering (NNCF) predictor. In the DACR generator, a textual description of an item is used as auxiliary content information to represent the item. Then, the DAE is applied to extract the content features from high-dimensional textual vectors. With the compact content features, a CS item’s rating can be efficiently derived based on the ratings of similar non-CS items. Second, the NNCF predictor is developed to predict the ratings in the sparse user–item matrix. In the predictor, both spare binary user and item vectors are projected to dense latent vectors in the embedding layer. Next, latent vectors are fed into multilayer perceptron (MLP) layers for user–item matrix learning. Finally, appropriate item suggestions can be accurately obtained. The extensive experiments show that the DAE can significantly reduce the computational time for item similarity evaluations while keeping the original features’ characteristics. Besides, the experiments show that the proposed NNCF predictor outperforms several popular recommendation algorithms. We also demonstrate that the proposed CS item recommender can achieve up to 8% MAE improvement compared to adding no CS item rating.
Accurate Instance-Based Segmentation for Boundary Detection in Robot Grasping Application
Authors: Hoang Hong Hai , Tran Bao Long
Published: May 2021

With the rapid development of cameras and deep learning technologies, computer vision tasks such as object detection, object segmentation and object tracking are being widely applied in many fields of life. For robot grasping tasks, object segmentation aims to classify and localize objects, which helps robots to be able to pick objects accurately. The state-of-the-art instance segmentation network framework, Mask Region-Convolution Neural Network (Mask R-CNN), does not always perform an excellent accurate segmentation at the edge or border of objects. The approach using 3D camera, however, is able to extract the entire (foreground) objects easily but can be difficult or require a large amount of computation effort to classify it. We propose a novel approach, in which we combine Mask R-CNN with 3D algorithms by adding a 3D process branch for instance segmentation. Both outcomes of two branches are contemporaneously used to classify the pixels at the edge objects by dealing with the spatial relationship between edge region and mask region. We analyze the effectiveness of the method by testing with harsh cases of object positions, for example, objects are closed, overlapped or obscured by each other to focus on edge and border segmentation. Our proposed method is about 4 to 7% higher and more stable in IoU (intersection of union). This leads to a reach of 46% of mAP (mean Average Precision), which is a higher accuracy than its counterpart. The feasibility experiment shows that our method could be a remarkable promoting for the research of the grasping robot.
Carotenoid Accumulation and the Expression of Carotenoid Metabolic Genes in Mango during Fruit Development and Ripening
Authors: Yungyuen Witchulada , Vo Thi Thuong , Uthairatanakij Apiradee , Ma Gang , Zhang Lancui , Tatmala Nopparat , Kaewsuksaeng Samak , Jitareerat Pongphen , Kato Masaya
Published: May 2021

Carotenoids are considered to be important components in mango fruits. However, there is a lack of understanding about the regulation of carotenoids in mango. To gain an insight into the carotenoid metabolism pathway, carotenoid content and the expression of carotenoid metabolic genes were investigated in the peel and pulp of mango during fruit development and ripening in three cultivars, ‘Kaituk’, ‘Nam Dok Mai No.4′, and ‘Nam Dok Mai Sithong’, which are different in color. The highest carotenoid content was observed in ‘Kaituk’, followed by ‘Nam Dok Mai No.4′ and ‘Nam Dok Mai Sithong’, with the major carotenoid being β-carotene. The gene expression analysis found that carotenoid metabolism in mango fruit was primarily regulated at the transcriptional level. The changing patterns of carotenoid biosynthetic gene expression (MiPSY, MiPDS, MiZDS, MiCRTISO, MiLCYb, MiLCYe, MiHYb, and MiZEP) were similar to carotenoid accumulation, and ‘Kaituk’ exhibited a higher expression level than the other two cultivars. In addition, the differential regulation of carotenoid catabolic genes was found to be a mechanism responsible for variability in carotenoid content among the three mango cultivars. The expression of carotenoid catabolic genes (MiCCD1, MiNCED2, and MiNCED3) more rapidly decreased in ‘Kaituk’, resulting in a larger amount of carotenoids in ‘Kaituk’ than the other two cultivars.
Analytical Modeling of Current-Voltage Photovoltaic Performance: An Easy Approach to Solar Panel Behavior
Authors: Álvarez José Miguel , Alfonso-Corcuera Daniel , Roibás-Millán Elena , Cubas Javier , Cubero-Estalrrich Juan , Gonzalez-Estrada Alejandro , Jado-Puente Rocío , Sanabria-Pinzón Marlon , Pindado Santiago
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we propose very simple analytical methodologies for modeling the behavior of photovoltaic (solar cells/panels) using a one-diode/two-resistor (1-D/2-R) equivalent circuit. A value of a = 1 for the ideality factor is shown to be very reasonable for the different photovoltaic technologies studied here. The solutions to the analytical equations of this model are simplified using easy mathematical expressions defined for the Lambert W-function. The definition of these mathematical expressions was based on a large dataset related to solar cells and panels obtained from the available academic literature. These simplified approaches were successfully used to extract the parameters from explicit methods for analyzing the behavior of solar cells/panels, where the exact solutions depend on the Lambert W-function. Finally, a case study was carried out that consisted of fitting the aforementioned models to the behavior (that is, the I-V curve) of two solar panels from the UPMSat-1 satellite. The results show a fairly high level of accuracy for the proposed methodologies.
Properties of λ-Pseudo-Starlike Functions of Complex Order Defined by Subordination
Authors: Karthikeyan Kadhavoor R. , Murugusundaramoorthy Gangadharan , Bulboacă Teodor
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we defined a new class of λ-pseudo-Bazilevič functions of complex order using subordination. Various classes of analytic functions that map unit discs onto a conic domain and some classes of special functions were studied in dual. Some subordination results, inequalities for the initial Taylor–Maclaurin coefficients and the unified solution of the Fekete–Szegő problem for subclasses of analytic functions related to various conic regions, are our main results. Our main results have many applications which are presented in the form of corollaries.
Recent Advances in Biometrics and Its Applications
Authors: Boubchir Larbi , Daachi Boubaker
Published: May 2021

Biometric recognition has become a burgeoning research area due to the industrial and government needs for security and privacy concerns [...]
Near Stall Unsteady Flow Responses to Morphing Flap Deflections
Authors: Abdessemed Chawki , Yao Yufeng , Bouferrouk Abdessalem
Published: May 2021

The unsteady flow characteristics and responses of an NACA 0012 airfoil fitted with a bio-inspired morphing trailing edge flap (TEF) at near-stall angles of attack (AoA) undergoing downward deflections are investigated at a Reynolds number of 0.62 × 106 near stall. An unsteady geometric parametrization and a dynamic meshing scheme are used to drive the morphing motion. The objective is to determine the susceptibility of near-stall flow to a morphing actuation and the viability of rapid downward flap deflection as a control mechanism, including its effect on transient forces and flow field unsteadiness. The dynamic flow responses to downward deflections are studied for a range of morphing frequencies (at a fixed large amplitude), using a high-fidelity, hybrid RANS-LES model. The time histories of the lift and drag coefficient responses exhibit a proportional relationship between the morphing frequency and the slope of response at which these quantities evolve. Interestingly, an overshoot in the drag coefficient is captured, even in quasi-static conditions, however this is not seen in the lift coefficient. Qualitative analysis confirms that an airfoil in near stall conditions is receptive to morphing TEF deflections, and that some similarities triggering the stall exist between downward morphing TEFs and rapid ramp-up type pitching motions.
Research on Transfer Optimization Model of County Transit Network
Authors: Sun Xu , Lin Kun , Jiao Pengpeng , Deng Zelin , He Wei
Published: May 2021

County transit is an important mode that connects the county center with the surrounding countryside. This paper addresses the problem of unreasonable transit network planning, inconvenient operational optimizations, and protections in the country transit network system to build the transfer optimization model of the county transit network. The model that maximizes the synchronization reach operates in the “end-point connection”, which is the most suitable layout mode by analyzing the characteristics of county transit passenger flow and for comparing different layout modes. Typical county-level cities in three urban agglomerations in China were chosen as cases to validate the effectiveness and practicability of the proposed model. The case results are compared and analyzed in terms of the network density, departure interval, county population, and economic development level, which give theoretical support for decision-making in the planning, construction, and operation management of public transportation in China’s counties.
Detection and Analysis of Degree of Maize Lodging Using UAV-RGB Image Multi-Feature Factors and Various Classification Methods
Authors: Wang Zixu , Nie Chenwei , Wang Hongwu , Ao Yong , Jin Xiuliang , Yu Xun , Bai Yi , Liu Yadong , Shao Mingchao , Cheng Minghan , Liu Shuaibing , Wang Siyu , Tuohuti Nuremanguli
Published: May 2021

Maize (Zea mays L.), one of the most important agricultural crops in the world, which can be devastated by lodging, which can strike maize during its growing season. Maize lodging affects not only the yield but also the quality of its kernels. The identification of lodging is helpful to evaluate losses due to natural disasters, to screen lodging-resistant crop varieties, and to optimize field-management strategies. The accurate detection of crop lodging is inseparable from the accurate determination of the degree of lodging, which helps improve field management in the crop-production process. An approach was developed that fuses supervised and object-oriented classifications on spectrum, texture, and canopy structure data to determine the degree of lodging with high precision. The results showed that, combined with the original image, the change of the digital surface model, and texture features, the overall accuracy of the object-oriented classification method using random forest classifier was the best, which was 86.96% (kappa coefficient was 0.79). The best pixel-level supervised classification of the degree of maize lodging was 78.26% (kappa coefficient was 0.6). Based on the spatial distribution of degree of lodging as a function of crop variety, sowing date, densities, and different nitrogen treatments, this work determines how feature factors affect the degree of lodging. These results allow us to rapidly determine the degree of lodging of field maize, determine the optimal sowing date, optimal density and optimal fertilization method in field production.
An Adaptive Spatial Resolution Method Based on the ST-ResNet Model for Hourly Property Crime Prediction
Authors: Zhang Hong , Zhang Jie , Wang Zengli , Yin Hao
Published: May 2021

Effective predictive policing can guide police patrols and deter crime. Hourly crime prediction is expected to save police time. The selection of spatial resolution is important due to its strong relationship with the accuracy of crime prediction. In this paper, we propose an adaptive spatial resolution method to select the best spatial resolution for hourly crime prediction. The ST-ResNet model is applied to predict crime risk, with historical crime data and weather data as predictive variables. A prediction accuracy index (PAI) is used to evaluate the accuracy of the results. Data on property crimes committed in Suzhou, a big city in China, were selected as the research data. The experiment results indicate that a 2.4 km spatial resolution leads to the best performance for crime prediction. The adaptive spatial resolution method can be used to guide police deployment.
JC Virus Seroprevalence and JCVAb Index in Polish Multiple Sclerosis Patients Treated with Immunomodulating or Immunosuppressive Therapies
Authors: Bonek Robert , Guenter Wojciech , Jałowiński Robert , Karbicka Anna , Litwin Anna , Maciejowski Maciej , Zajdel Radosław , Zajdel Karolina , Petit Veronique , Rejdak Konrad
Published: May 2021

The use of a highly-effective treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with a severe risk of developing complications, such as progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) caused by the John Cunningham virus (JCV). The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between anti-JCV Ab seroprevalence, anti-JCV AI, demographic and clinical factors as well as the type of therapy used in the Polish MS population. This is a multicentre, prospective and cross-sectional study involving 1405 MS patients. The seroprevalence of anti-JCV Ab and anti-JCV AI levels as well as AI categories were analysed with the use of a second-generation two-step ELISA test (STRATIFY JCV DxSelect). The overall prevalence of anti-JCV Ab was 65.8%. It was shown that seroprevalence increases with the patient’s age. The seroprevalence was significantly associated with the treatment type, and the highest values (76%) were obtained from immunosuppressant-treated patients. Overall, 63.3% of seropositive patients had an antibody index (AI) level of >1.5. In the seropositive patient group, the mean AI level amounted to 2.09. Similarly to the seroprevalence, AI levels correlated with the patient’s age; AI level for patients above 40 years old and from subsequent age quintiles plateaued, amounting to at least 1.55. Patients treated with immunosuppressants and immunomodulatory drugs obtained the highest (1.67) and lowest (1.35) AI levels, respectively. Of the immunosuppressants used, the highest mean AI levels were observed in mitoxantrone and cladribine groups, amounting to 1.75 and 1.69, respectively. In patients treated with immunomodulatory drugs, the lowest AI levels were observed in the dimethyl fumarate (DMF) group (1.11). The seroprevalence rate in the Polish MS population is one of the highest in Europe. The majority of seropositive patients had an anti-JCV Ab level qualifying them for a high-risk category. The highest mean AI levels are observed in patients receiving immunosuppressants, especially mitoxantrone and cladribine. Patients receiving immunomodulatory drugs have lower AI levels compared to treatment-naïve subjects, especially when treated with DMF. Further studies, especially longitudinal studies, are required to determine the impact of MS drugs on the seroprevalence of anti-JCV Ab and AI levels.
MRI-Based Quantitation of Hepatic Steatosis Does Not Predict Hypertrophy Rate after Portal Vein Embolization in Patients with Colorectal Liver Metastasis and Normal to Moderately Elevated Fat Fraction
Authors: Hitpass Lea , Amygdalos Iakovos , Sieben Paul , Raaff Vanessa , Lang Sven , Bruners Philipp , Kuhl Christiane K. , Barabasch Alexandra
Published: May 2021

The aim of this study was to correlate the pre-procedural magnetic-resonance-imaging-based hepatic fat fraction (hFF) with the degree of hypertrophy after portal vein embolization (PVE) in patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLM). Between 2011 November and 2020 February, 68 patients with CRCLM underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; 1.5 Tesla) of the liver before PVE. Using T1w chemical shift imaging (DUAL FFE), the patients were categorized as having a normal (<5%) or an elevated (>5%) hFF. The correlation of hFF, age, gender, initial tumor mass, history of chemotherapy, degree of liver hypertrophy, and kinetic growth rate after PVE was investigated using multiple regression analysis and Spearman’s test. A normal hFF was found in 43/68 patients (63%), whereas 25/68 (37%) patients had an elevated hFF. The mean hypertrophy and kinetic growth rates in patients with normal vs. elevated hFF were 24 ± 31% vs. 28 ± 36% and 9 ± 9 % vs. 8 ± 10% (p > 0.05), respectively. Spearman’s test showed no correlation between hFF and the degree of hypertrophy (R = −0.04). Multivariable analysis showed no correlation between hFF, history of chemotherapy, age, baseline tumor burden, or laterality of primary colorectal cancer, and only a poor inverse correlation between age and kinetic growth rate after PVE. An elevated hFF in a pre-procedural MRI does not correlate with the hypertrophy rate after PVE and should therefore not be used as a contraindication to the procedure in patients with CRCLM.
Long-Term Efficacy, Visual Performance and Patient Reported Outcomes with a Trifocal Intraocular Lens: A Six-Year Follow-up
Authors: Fernández Joaquín , Rodríguez-Vallejo Manuel , Martínez Javier , Burguera Noemi , Piñero David P.
Published: May 2021

(1) Background: To evaluate the efficacy at 6 years postoperative after the implantation of a trifocal intraocular lens (IOL) AT Lisa Tri 839MP. The secondary objective was to evaluate the contrast sensitivity defocus curve (CSDC), light distortion analysis (LDA), and patient reported outcomes (PROs). (2) Methods: Sixty-two subjects participated in phone call interviews to collect data regarding a visual function questionnaire (VF-14), a patient reported spectacle independence questionnaire (PRSIQ), and questions related to satisfaction and decision to be implanted with the same IOL. Thirty-seven of these subjects were consecutively invited to a study visit for measurement of their visual acuity (VA), CSDC, and LDA. (3) Results: The mean monocular distance corrected VA was −0.05, 0.08, and 0.05 logMAR at far and distances of 67 cm and 40 cm, respectively. These VAs were significantly superior to those reported in previous literature (p < 0.05). The total area under the CSDC was 2.29 logCS/m−1 and the light distortion index 18.82%. The mean VF-14 score was 94.73, with 19.4% of subjects requiring spectacles occasionally for near distances, and 88.9% considering the decision of being operated again; (4) Conclusions: Long-term AT LISA Tri 839MP IOL efficacy results were equal or better than those reported 12 months postoperatively in previous studies. The spectacle independence and satisfaction rates were comparable to those reported in short-term studies.
Quality Assurance for Spatial Data Collected in Fit-for-Purpose Land Administration Approaches in Colombia
Authors: Rocha Luz Angela , Montoya Jonathan , Ortiz Alvaro
Published: May 2021

The Fit-For-Purpose Land Administration (FFPLA) approach uses flexible techniques under basic regulations, avoiding complicated systems and aiming to fulfill the objective of land tenure security for all. In addition, a land administration system should evolve, starting as a simple system in rural areas and gradually evolving into a more complex system in more populated areas where requirements and quality increase progressively. The system can develop to a precision system. Implementing the FFPLA methodology in Colombia has allowed processes to be developed for data capture in the field using real-time technology and efficient methods for information management. These processes are under quality control by applying technical specifications in alignment with the FFPLA principles. This article presents the results of creating a FFPLA quality assurance model, which includes the application of the ISO 19100 family of technical standards based on the product’s life cycle and quality model concepts. Furthermore, the article documents essential aspects for controlling the quality of the parcel boundary data collected in the field, using direct and indirect methods to measure the applicable spatial data quality elements (logical consistency and positional accuracy) preserving FFPLA principles.
Growth of Rescues in Natural Areas during the First Summer of COVID-19 Pandemic in Catalonia
Authors: Saladié Òscar , Bustamante Edgar , Gutiérrez Aaron
Published: May 2021

This article analyzes the impact of the end of the COVID-19 lockdown on the number of rescues in natural areas in Catalonia (Spain) during July and August 2020. We compared the figures for 2020 with those corresponding to the same period in 2016–2019, including their temporal and spatial distributions. Our findings show that the number of rescues undertaken by the Catalan Fire Department in July and August 2020 increased significantly compared to the same summer period in the four previous years (+39.7%). The daily averages increased for both weekends and weekdays in 2020, with 7.5 and 3.9 rescues per day, respectively. The greatest increase corresponded to rescue operations conducted at low altitudes (up to 500 m ASL) and areas with no specific protection status near to populated places. Natural areas were perceived safer than, for example, coastal destinations in terms of the risk of COVID-19 contagion, and they experienced a growth in visitors during the first summer of the pandemic. One consequence of this was an increase in emergency service activity to rescue people in natural areas. This research adds new evidence of the multiple indirect effects of the reconfiguration of mobilities in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings could be of interest to emergency service managers, managers of protected natural areas, and public authorities.
Anxiety and Depression in Women Newly Diagnosed with Breast Cancer and Waiting for Surgery: Prevalence and Associations with Socio-Demographic Variables
Authors: Civilotti Cristina , Botto Rossana , Maran Daniela Acquadro , Leonardis Brigitta De , Bianciotto Beatrice , Stanizzo Maria Rosa
Published: May 2021

Background and Objectives: Cancer is a threatening-life disease with a significant psychological burden. The psychological morbidity varies according to the phases of the illness and is influenced by multiple socio-demographic factors, that are useful to consider in order to identify the categories of patients most at risk of developing psychiatric disorders. The present study analyzes, in a sample of women newly diagnosed with breast cancer, the relationships between their levels of anxiety and depression and several socio-demographic characteristics. The study was cross-sectional. Materials and Methods: Four hundred and seventy eight women newly diagnosed with breast cancer completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale during the pre-surgical phase. Results: Findings show that almost 40% of the sample had clinically relevant anxious symptoms and about a quarter of the sample had significant depressive symptoms. Their prevalence was higher in widows. Moreover, depressive symptoms were higher in older women and anxious symptoms were higher in patients with a lower educational level. In the pre-surgical phase, women can suffer from clinically relevant anxiety and depression, especially the widows, older women, and women with a lower educational level. Conclusions: Identifying the most psychologically vulnerable patients, due to specific socio-demographic characteristics, is essential in order to provide adequate psycho-oncological treatments to the categories of patients, who are most at risk of developing psychopathological concerns.
Effect of the HDAC Inhibitor on Histone Acetylation and Methyltransferases in A2780 Ovarian Cancer Cells
Authors: Natarajan Umamaheswari , Venkatesan Thiagarajan , Rathinavelu Appu
Published: May 2021

Background andObjective: Epigenetic modifications are believed to play a significant role in the development of cancer progression, growth, differentiation, and cell death. One of the most popular histone deacetylases inhibitors (HDACIs), suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), also known as Vorinostat, can directly activate p21WAF1/CIP1 gene transcription through hyperacetylation of histones by a p53 independent mechanism. In the present investigation, we evaluated the correlation between histone modifications and DNA methyltransferase enzyme levels following SAHA treatments in A2780 ovarian cancer cells. Materials and Methods: Acetylation of histones and methyltransferases levels were analyzed using RT2 profiler PCR array, immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence methods in 2D and 3D cell culture systems. Results: The inhibition of histone deacetylases (HDAC) activities by SAHA can reduce DNA methyl transferases / histone methyl transferases (DNMTs/HMTs) levels through induction of hyperacetylation of histones. Immunofluorescence analysis of cells growing in monolayers and spheroids revealed significant up-regulation of histone acetylation preceding the above-described changes. Conclusions: Our results depict an interesting interplay between histone hyperacetylation and a decrease in methyltransferase levels in ovarian cancer cells, which may have a positive impact on the overall outcomes of cancer treatment.
Effect of Heat Treatment on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of High-Strength Steel for in Hot Forging Products
Authors: Kang Moonseok , Park Minha , Kim Byoungkoo , Kim Hyoung Chan , Jeon Jong Bae , Kim Hyunmyung , Choi Chang Yong , Park Hee Sang , Kwon Se-Hun , Kim Byung Jun
Published: May 2021

High-strength steel is widely used in hot forging products for application to the oil and gas industry because it has good mechanical properties under severe environment. In order to apply to the extreme environment industry requiring high temperature and high pressure, heat treatments such as austenitizing, quenching and tempering are required. The microstructure of high-strength steel after heat treatment has various microstructures such as Granular Bainite (GB), Acicular Ferrite (AF), Bainitic Ferrite (BF), and Martensite (M) depending on the heat treatment conditions and cooling rate. Especially in large forged products, the difference in microstructure occurs due to the difference in the forging ratio depending on the location and the temperature gradient according to the thickness during post-heat treatment. Therefore, this study attempted to quantitatively analyze various phases of F70 high-strength steel according to the austenitizing temperature and hot forging ratio using the existing EBSD analysis method. In addition, the correlation between microstructure and mechanical properties was investigated through various phase analysis and fracture behavior of high-strength steel. We found that various microstructures of strength steel depend on the austenitizing temperature and hot forging ratio, and influence the mechanical properties and fracture behavior.
Employment of Barkhausen Noise Technique for Assessment of Prestressing Bars Damage with Respect of Their Over-Stressing
Authors: Bahleda František , Drevený Ivan , Pitoňák Martin , Neslušan Miroslav , Koteš Peter
Published: May 2021

This paper investigates the potential of a non-destructive magnetic technique based on Barkhausen noise emission for the monitoring of prestressing bars with respect to their undesired over-stressing. Barkhausen noise signals are correlated with tensile stress, residual stresses, and microhardness measurements. It was found that prestressing bars exhibit strong magnetic anisotropy which becomes more pronounced along with the increasing degree of the bar’s over-stressing. Barkhausen noise emission becomes strongly attenuated in the direction of the tensile stress at the expense of the perpendicular direction. However, the Barkhausen noise emission in the direction of the tensile stress exhibits a continuous and remarkable decrease, whereas the Barkhausen noise steep increase for lower degrees of over-stressing is followed by early saturation for higher over-stressing. This study demonstrates that the Barkhausen noise technique is capable of distinguishing between the prestressing bars loaded below yielding, and those which are over-stressed.
Study for Laser Controlled Fabrication of Micro/Nano-Structures of Silicon Based on Multi-Physics Model
Authors: Wu Liqun , Chen Jianlong , Zhang Linan , Wang Hongcheng , Chen Chao
Published: May 2021

This work proposes a detailed process of micro/nano-structure surface modification in relation to temperature field. In this paper, a femtosecond laser is used to induce the surface morphology of a silicon substrate. We provide a new method for the fabrication of a micro/nano-cantilever probe by controlling the aspect ratio of the silicon surface morphology. A computational method is used to investigate the mechanical behaviors of early perturbation to late-stage structure. A diffuse interface model is employed to describe the evolution and provide a general framework. The theoretical model of femtosecond laser control surface morphology is verified by the experiments. For systematic study, the model involves the interface energy and kinetics of diffusion. This method provides an effective way to improve the sensitivity of micro/nano-cantilever sensors.
Socio-economic policy of the regions: goals, objectives, factors of objective impact
Authors: Baranova S. V. , Lidinfa E. P.
Published: May 2021

In the scientific article considers the modern aspects of the implementation of socio-economic policy areas, provides a basic conceptual apparatus, it is shown that goals, objectives, paying special attention to regional socio-economic policy government economic policy, based on the aggregation of individual classifications of the heterogeneity of the Russian regions shows the factors impact on the level of their socio-economic development.
Assessment of factors affecting labor productivity in the fi eld of road transport in the agro-industrial complex
Authors: Maksimushkin M. N.
Published: May 2021

The article considers the fact of the connection of various factors with labor productivity in agriculture through the use of the grouping method. To identify the impact of factors, a series-chain index method is used, which requires a certain sequence of risk factors.
Development vectors and foreign experience in automation, informatization, digitalization in the agricultural sector
Authors: Kovalev I. L.
Published: May 2021

The article explores the main stages of the development of information technology in the world, considers some of the most important areas of IT technology development and global trends in the digital transformation of the agro-industrial complex based on the analysis of global scientific achievements, research reports, articles by famous scientists, scientific and expert organizations. The main trends are identified that determine the conceptual development of the so-called "Smart (digital) agriculture", which contribute in every way to ensure highly rational social, economic, technical and technological development of the agricultural sector.
verdade em jogo: elementos para uma análise da epistemologia de Pierre Bourdieu
Authors: Ribeiro Fabio
Published: May 2021

A partir de uma leitura da relação entre a obra de Pierre Bourdieu e figuras centrais da filosofia e história da ciência francesas, como Gaston Bachelard, Georges Canguilhem e Alexandre Koyré, o artigo oferece elementos que permitem o esclarecimento de questões centrais no pensamento do sociólogo. Entre elas, estão a concepção relacional da ciência social, a crítica a um realismo ingênuo e à sociologia espontânea, e a normatividade e o aspecto moral da ciência. O artigo faz parte de um projeto mais amplo de reflexão sobre a concepção da ciência em Pierre Bourdieu.
ON THE FORMATION OF TOURIST AND RECREATION CLUSTERS IN THE CONDITIONS OF HISTORICAL AND NATURAL RESERVES (ON THE EXAMPLE OF LAKE SKADAR IN MONTENEGRO)
Authors: Herbez V.
Published: May 2021

Lake Skadar in Montenegro is a unique natural resource that combines a favorable climate, good geographical position, diverse flora and fauna, numerous cultural and historical monuments located throughout the basin. This valuable natural resource is a new and undeveloped tourist niche in Montenegro. It requires a special approach, taking into account the socio-cultural environment and the principles of sustainable development. The cluster approach is one of the outstanding ways of organizing and structuring in tourism. Consequently, the possibility of creating tourist and recreational clusters on the territory of the Lake Skadar reserve in Montenegro is considered as a new multicomponent structure integrated into the national and local strategic planning frameworks, increasing the viability of tourism activities and providing a synergistic effect on tourism and related services. An analysis is carried out to determine the main components of tourist and recreational clusters necessary for the transition from the development of individual territories with a tourist potential to the sustainable development of the territory of Lake Skadar, creating a synergistic effect. The analysis confirmed the need for a strategic and systematic approach in the sustainable development of Lake Skadar and the use of its potentials, as well as the relevance of the cluster approach in the development of recreation and travel. Also, the study carried out confirmed that the lake should be considered as a whole and that tourism and recreation clusters represent the most efficient and flexible structures that will benefit both nature and the visitor.
THERMODYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF TRICALCIUM SILICATE HYDRATION
Authors: Rahimbaev S. , Onoprienko N. , Sal'nikova O.
Published: May 2021

Thermodynamic analysis of the hydration processes of tricalcium silicate 3CaO•SiO2 is difficult due to the unreliability of the initial data for hydration products. In addition, there are disagreements about the basicity of the hydration phases (3CaO•SiO2•3H2O or 2CaO•SiO2•2H2O). For the latter, there is no free energy of formation in the reference literature. There are also no data on the water solubility of these calcium hydrosilicates. The proposed values of ∆G0298 for these hydrosilicates, equal to 1064,3 and 639,7, as well as the enthalpies of formation (∆Н0298), equal to 1157,2 and 696,9 kcal/mol, re-spectively. Further thermodynamic calculations were performed using these values. To calculate the composition of the liquid phase, a simplified Born-Haber cycle is used. The values of the calculated heat release of tricalcium silicate with the formation of C3S2H3 and C2SH2, obtained using the pro-posed values of enthalpies, differ little from each other and are close to the experimental data. The calculated solubility of C3S2H3 is 0,7 g/l CaO, and C2SH2 is 0,92 g/l CaO. Since the solubility of C3S2H3 is much lower than of Ca(OH)2 (portlandite), which is formed during hydration of tricalcium silicate in large quantities, C3S2H3 is unstable under these conditions and its basicity increases. It is suggested that C3S2H3 is the main hydration product of CEM III and other cements with a high content of active mineral additives, and C2SH2 is CEM I and CEM II.