bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distinguishing magnetically and electrically charged Reissner–Nordström black holes by magnetized particle motion
Authors: Juraeva Nozima , Rayimbaev Javlon , Abdujabbarov Ahmadjon , Ahmedov Bobomurat , Palvanov Satimbay
Published: January 2021

In the present paper, we investigate the dynamics of magnetized particles around magnetically and electrically Reissner–Nordström (RN) black hole. The main idea of the work is to distinguish the effects of electric and magnetic charges of the RN black hole and spin of the rotating Kerr black hole through the dynamics of the magnetized particles. In this study, we have treated a magnetized neutron star as a magnetized test particle, in particular, the magnetar SGR (PSR) J1745-2900 orbiting around the supermassive black hole Sagittarius A* (SMBH SgrA*) with the magnetic interaction parameter $$b=0.716$$

b
=
0.716

and the parameter $$\beta =10.2$$

β
=
10.2

. The comparison of the effects of the magnetic and electric charges, and magnetic interaction parameters on the dynamics of the magnetar modeled as a magnetized particle near the SMBH Sgr A* has shown that the magnetic charge of the RN black hole can mimic the spin parameter of a rotating Kerr black hole up to $$a/M \simeq 0.82$$

a
/
M
≃
0.82

. The external magnetic field can mimic the magnetic charge of the RN black hole up to $$Q_m/M=0.4465$$

Q
m

/
M
=
0.4465

. We have shown that the electric charge of the RN black hole can mimic the black hole magnetic charge up to $$Q_m/M=0.5482$$

Q
m

/
M
=
0.5482

and the magnetic field interaction with the magnetized particle acts against the increase of the mimicking value of the black hole spin parameter. The studies may be helpful to explain the observability of radio pulsars around the SMBH SgrA* system and taking it as a real astrophysical laboratory to get more precise constraints on the central black hole and dominated parameters of the alternate gravity. Finally, we have investigated the effects of magnetic and electric charge of the RN black hole in the center-of-mass energy of head-on collisions of magnetized particles with neutral, electrically charged, and magnetized particles. Both electric and magnetic charges of the RN black hole would lead to an increase in the center of the mass–energy of the collisions.
Analyzing the Stationarity Process in Software Effort Estimation Datasets
Authors: Bosu Michael Franklin , MacDonell Stephen G. , Whigham Peter A.
Published: January 2021

Software effort estimation models are typically developed based on an underlying assumption that all data points are equally relevant to the prediction of effort for future projects. The dynamic nature of several aspects of the software engineering process could mean that this assumption does not hold in at least some cases. This study employs three kernel estimator functions to test the stationarity assumption in five software engineering datasets that have been used in the construction of software effort estimation models. The kernel estimators are used in the generation of nonuniform weights which are subsequently employed in weighted linear regression modeling. In each model, older projects are assigned smaller weights while the more recently completed projects are assigned larger weights, to reflect their potentially greater relevance to present or future projects that need to be estimated. Prediction errors are compared to those obtained from uniform models. Our results indicate that, for the datasets that exhibit underlying nonstationary processes, uniform models are more accurate than the nonuniform models; that is, models based on kernel estimator functions are worse than the models where no weighting was applied. In contrast, the accuracies of uniform and nonuniform models for datasets that exhibited stationary processes were essentially equivalent. Our analysis indicates that as the heterogeneity of a dataset increases, the effect of stationarity is overridden. The results of our study also confirm prior findings that the accuracy of effort estimation models is independent of the type of kernel estimator function used in model development.
Prediction of Regional Commercial Activeness and Entity Condition Based on Online Reviews
Authors: Yu Dongjin , Wang Xinfeng , Sun Xiaoxiao
Published: January 2021

The activeness of regional business entities, like restaurants, cinemas and shopping malls, represents the evolvement of their corresponding commercial districts, whose prediction helps practitioners grasp the trend of commercial development and provides support for urban layout. On the other hand, online social network services, such as Yelp, are generating massive online reviews toward business entities every day, which provide a solid data source for the prediction of regional commercial activeness and entity condition through big data technology rather than applying business data with limited access and poor time efficiency. Inspired by the outstanding performance of deep learning in the field of image and video processing, this paper proposes a deep spatio-temporal residual network (DSTRN) model for regional commercial activeness prediction using online reviews and check-in records of commercial entities. Furthermore, aiming at predicting business trend of entities, we also propose a novel multi-view entity condition prediction model (SBCE) based on online views, along with business attributes and regional commercial activeness. The experiments on the public Yelp datasets demonstrate that both DSTRN and SBCE outperform the compared approaches.
Extremely High Compression and Identification of Fingerprint Images Using SA4 Multiwavelet Transform
Authors: Rema N. R. , Mythili P.
Published: January 2021

The aim of any fingerprint image compression technique is to achieve a maximum amount of compression with an adequate quality compressed image which is suitable for fingerprint recognition. Currently available techniques in the literature provide 100% recognition only up to a compression ratio of 180:1. The performance of any identification technique inherently depends on the techniques with which images are compressed. To improve the identification accuracy while the images are highly compressed, a multiwavelet-based identification approach is proposed in this paper. Both decimated and undecimated coefficients of SA4 (Symmetric Antisymmetric) multiwavelet are used as features for identification. A study is conducted on the identification performance of the multiwavelet transform with various sizes of images compressed using both wavelets and multiwavelets for fair comparison. It was noted that for images with size power of 2, the decimated multiwavelet-based compression and identification give a better performance compared to other combinations of compression/identification techniques whereas for images with size not a power of 2, the undecimated multiwavelet transform gives a better performance compared to other techniques. A 100% identification accuracy was achieved for the images from NIST-4, NITGEN, FVC2002DB3_B, FVC2004DB2_B and FVC2004DB1_B databases for compression ratios up to 520:1, 210:1, 445:1, 545:1 and 1995:1, respectively.
Fluid flow and syntectonic veining in an Ediacaran-Cambrian foreland fold–thrust zone, western margin of the São Francisco Craton, Brazil
Authors: Esteves Melina C. B. , Faleiros Frederico M.
Published: January 2021

The western margin of the São Francisco Craton, central Brazil presents a 1300 km long foreland fold–thrust belt where Ediacaran-Cambrian (560–520 Ma) metasedimentary rocks from the Bambuí Group were subsequently deformed during post-collisional stages (520–495 Ma) related to Gondwana assembly. This scenario provides an opportunity to quantify fluid flow regimes and fault-related processes that were active in exhumed foreland fold–thrust zones, which were estimated based on structural, microstructural and fluid inclusion studies of syntectonic veins and host rocks. Kaolinite-bearing synkinematic mineral assemblages from metasedimentary rocks, thermodynamic models and grain-scale deformation accommodated by dissolution–precipitation creep and intracrystalline deformation indicate metamorphic and deformational conditions of 250–270°C. Subhorizontal extensional veins formed under subhorizontal shortening and subvertical extension, supporting vein development under a fold–thrust regime that formed regional NW–SE-trending thrust fault zones and megafolds with NW–SE-trending axes. Orientation and growth microstructures indicate that NW–SE-trending subvertical cleavage-parallel veins formed under subhorizontal NE–SW extension, compatible with those inferred to produce mapped kilometre-scale gentle folds with NE–SW-trending traces. Two primary aqueous fluid inclusion assemblages (FIA) are distinguished by salinity variation: 2–21 wt% NaCl
eq.
in subhorizontal veins and 6–0 wt% NaCl
eq.
in cleavage-parallel subvertical veins. Fluid inclusion thermometry and microstructural analysis suggest that veins crystallized between 250 and 270°C under fluid pressure fluctuating within a range of 50–500 MPa (subhorizontal veins) and 80–320 MPa (cleavage-parallel subvertical veins), evidencing fault-valve behaviour. Trends of coupled decreases in salinity and homogenization temperatures in both FIA indicate downward mixing of meteoric fluids, which was more effective in subvertical veins and was in both cases enhanced by fault-valve behaviour. Dominance of moderate salinity and absence of CO
2
and CH
4
indicate that the fluids are dominated by formation waters. The salinity signature is similar to those of formation waters and metamorphic fluids derived from rocks of shallow marine environments worldwide.

Supplementary material:
Details of samples and analytical data are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5275031
Moving from consciousness
Authors: Trim Michelle
Published: January 2021

This past fall semester, I had the idea to lead a small group of graduate students in offering a First Year seminar for new computer science and informatics majors that focuses on ethics. Feeling clever, I themed our sections: "What makes a 'good' computer scientist?" Together, my students and I taught nine sections under this label. It was a learning experience teaching this one-credit course alongside this brilliant group of MS and PhD students, two of whom had been in my undergrad courses previously. We learned very quickly that right now, in our large public university, in our fairly well-funded state, that our first-year students' primary concern was finding a good job. Many selected our seminar because they thought it was going to be about how to make them the best - how to set themselves up to have the best chance at economic success after college. While we were initially surprised at how these first-year students defined our seminar topic title, it makes sense that they would see being 'good' as being best evidenced by achieving financial success.
Race and gender in silicon valley
Authors: Lee Cynthia
Published: January 2021

I am a Lecturer of Computer Science, and typically teach programming (CS2 and systems) and theory (discrete math and automata) course. This autumn, I introduced a new seminar course, Race & Gender in Silicon Valley, offered in the Computer Science Department but in a format more typical of a humanities or social science course. One of the primary feedbacks from students about the course was that every computer scientist should be required to learn this material! I believe that presenting the syllabus and an overview of the students' class projects would be useful for attendees of the mini-symposium, either to inspire similar courses at other universities, or simply to give faculty ideas for individual readings and modules that they might insert into other courses at different levels, such as a CS Principles or Machine Learning. Some of the student projects were also on the topic of repackaging the course for a target audience of high school students, so K12 educators at the mini-symposium would also have directly actionable takeaways. (Course syllabus on the web: http://bit.ly/racegenderinsiliconvalley)
Breaking barriers, building understanding
Authors: Steelman Kelly , Wallace Charles
Published: January 2021

In entering the digital realm, older adults face obstacles beyond the physical and cognitive barriers traditionally associated with accessibility. One of these obstacles, technology related anxiety, is particularly problematic because it discourages exploration and way finding, two behaviors critical to the development of digital literacy. We see opportunities to address this issue and bring isolated older adults into a larger digital community, while simultaneously offering our students with valuable first-hand experience learning about and addressing the challenges faced by capable people struggling with unfamiliar technology. Here, we describe our social-cognitive approach to training digital literacy skills, pairing university student tutors with learners from the local community.
When voting, trust computer scientists
Authors: Blumenthal Richard
Published: January 2021

"The right of suffrage is a fundamental Article in Republican Constitutions"
[6]
Thinking like a lawyer
Authors: Blumenthal Johanna
Published: January 2021

Earlier this year, I volunteered to help maintain the website content for an organization with which I am associated. When I got into the administrative portion of the WordPress website, I realized that no one had made any updates to the plugins for the past a year. Knowing that many such updates patch security exploits and keep the site working properly, I was a bit unnerved.
Authoritarianism and anonymity
Authors: Heron Michael , Belford Pauline
Published: January 2021

The Scandal in Academia [32] [33] [34] [35] is an extended fictional case-study intended for use as a teaching and discussion aid for educational practitioners looking to introduce elements of computer ethics into their curricula. Inspired by Epstein [17] [18] it is a full-cycle scenario involving many individuals which touches upon the complexity and interrelations of modern computer ethics. It has been trailed and evaluated as a teaching tool by the authors [36] and with multiple groups since then. However its utility as a general resource is limited without the academic context that supports deeper investigation of the material. It is to address this issue that the authors offer this commentary on the Scandal, with a focus on the ninth and tenth newspaper items presented within. Specifically these are
Culture of Fear and Nepotism at University and Witch-Hunts at the University - IT Crackdown Causes Criticisms.
Environmental and Linguistic Typology of Whistled Languages
Authors: Meyer Julien
Published: January 2021

Whistled forms of languages are distributed worldwide and survive only in some of the most remote villages on the planet. They are not limited to a given continent, language family, or language structure, but they have been detected only sporadically by researchers and travelers, partly because they can be taken for nonlinguistic phenomena, such as simple signaling. Whistled speech consists of speaking while whistling to communicate at a long distance. The result is a melody that imitates modal speech and that remains intelligible for the interlocutors. This review proposes a typology of this special, little-known, natural speech type and takes socio-environmental and linguistic aspects into consideration. The amazing potential of this phenomenon to provide an alternative point of view into language diversity and speech offers a unique occasion to revisit human language with original insights embracing the adaptive flexibility that characterizes speech production and perception.
Cracking Prosody in Articulatory Phonology
Authors: Byrd Dani , Krivokapić Jelena
Published: January 2021

Articulatory Phonology advances an account of phonological structure in which dynamically defined vocal tract tasks—gestures—are simultaneously and isomorphically units of cognitive representation and units of physical action. This paradigm has fundamentally altered our understanding of the linguistic representation of words. This article reviews the relatively recent incorporation of prosody into Articulatory Phonology. A capsule review of the Articulatory Phonology theoretical framework is presented, and the notions of phrasal and prominence organization are introduced as the key aspects of linguistic prosodic structure under consideration. Parameter dynamics, activation dynamics, and prosodic modulation gestures, such as the π-gesture, are outlined. The review is extended to touch on rhythm, intonation, and pauses and to consider innovations for integrating multiple aspects of prosodic structure under this dynamical approach. Finally, a range of questions emerges, crystallizing outstanding issues ranging from the abstract and theoretical to the interactive and functional.
The Morphome
Authors: Maiden Martin
Published: January 2021

The term morphome (to be distinguished from morpheme), and the notion that there exist autonomous morphological phenomena synchronically independent of phonological or functional conditioning, has occupied a central place in morphological theory. This article reviews some characteristics of morphomic (i.e., autonomously morphological) structures that are assumed in recent studies. Taking a diachronic perspective, it asks whether these properties (typological uniqueness, phonological heterogeneity, syncretism, systematicity, predictiveness) are inherent or only contingent. It concludes that typological uniqueness is not inherent and that the belief that it is so is a misunderstanding. Phonological heterogeneity, a repeatedly observed concomitant of some of the best-known types of morphome, proves merely contingent since alternations firmly anchored in a particular phonological form can be morphomic. Syncretism may be a precondition for, but is not necessarily characteristic of, the historical emergence of morphomes. Contrary to widely held assumptions, systematicity and predictiveness are acquired (not inherent) characteristics of morphomes.
Evaluation of right coronary vascular dysfunction in severe pulmonary hypertensive rats using synchrotron radiation microangiography
Authors: Inagaki Tadakatsu , Pearson James T. , Tsuchimochi Hirotsugu , Schwenke Daryl O. , Saito Shigeyoshi , Higuchi Takahiro , Masaki Takeshi , Umetani Keiji , Shirai Mikiyasu , Nakaoka Yoshikazu
Published: January 2021

We demonstrated for the first time the impairment of vascular responses in the right coronary artery (RCA) of the dysfunctional right heart in pulmonary hypertensive rats in vivo. Treatment with an endothelin-1 receptor antagonist ameliorated vascular dysfunction in the RCA, enabled tissue remodeling of the right heart, and improved cardiac function. Our results suggest that impaired RCA function might also contribute to the early progression to heart failure in patients with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The endothelium of the coronary vasculature might be considered as a potential target in treatments to prevent heart failure in severe patients with PAH.
Inorganic arsenic induces sex-dependent pathological hypertrophy in the heart
Authors: Kabir Raihan , Sinha Prithvi , Mishra Sumita , Ebenebe Obialunanma V. , Taube Nicole , Oeing Chistian U. , Keceli Gizem , Chen Rui , Paolocci Nazareno , Rule Ana , Kohr Mark J.
Published: January 2021

This investigation provides the first mechanistic link between an environmentally relevant dose of inorganic arsenic (iAS) and pathological hypertrophy in the heart. By demonstrating that iAS exposure may cause pathological cardiac hypertrophy not only by increasing systolic blood pressure but also by potentially activating calcineurin-nuclear factor of activated T cells and inducing fetal gene expression, these results provide novel mechanistic insight into the theat of iAS exposure to the heart, which is necessary to identify targets for medical and public health intervention.
A novel model of chronic limb ischemia to therapeutically evaluate the angiogenic effects of drug candidates
Authors: Shimatani Kenichiro , Sato Hiromu , Saito Atsuhiro , Sasai Masao , Watanabe Kenichi , Mizukami Kazuhiko , Kamohara Masazumi , Miyagawa Shigeru , Sawa Yoshiki
Published: January 2021

We developed a chronic and severe hindlimb ischemia (HLI) mouse model for preclinical research on critical limb ischemia (CLI). This model partially reflects human CLI pathology in that it does not show spontaneous restoration of blood flow or expression of angiogenic genes in the ischemic limb. This novel model may be valuable for therapeutic evaluation of the angiogenic effects of CLI drug candidates.
Radial-digital pulse wave velocity: a noninvasive method for assessing stiffness of small conduit arteries
Authors: Obeid Hasan , Fortier Catherine , Garneau Charles-Antoine , Pare Mathilde , Boutouyrie Pierre , Bruno Rosa Maria , Khettab Hakim , Goupil Rémi , Agharazii Mohsen
Published: January 2021

The interaction between the stiffness of various arterial segments is important in understanding the behavior of pressure and flow waves along the arterial tree. In this article, we provide a novel and noninvasive method of assessing the regional stiffness of small conduit arteries using the same piezoelectric sensors used for determination of pulse wave velocity over large- and medium-sized arteries. This development allows for an integrated approach for studying arterial stiffness gradient.
Elevated postischemic tissue injury and leukocyte-endothelial adhesive interactions in mice with global deficiency in caveolin-2: role of PAI-1
Authors: Liu Yajun , Wang Meifang , Wang Derek , Fay William P. , Korthuis Ronald J. , Sowa Grzegorz
Published: January 2021

The role of caveolin-2 in regulating ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) tissue injury and the mechanisms underlying its effects are unknown. This study uses caveolin-2-deficient mouse and small intestinal I/R injury models to examine the role of caveolin-2 in the leukocyte-dependent reperfusion injury. We demonstrate for the first time that caveolin-2 plays a protective role from the I/R-induced leukocyte-dependent reperfusion injury by reducing PAI-1 protein levels in intestinal tissue and leukocyte-endothelial adhesive interactions in postcapillary venules.
The Application of Bioreactors for Cartilage Tissue Engineering: Advances, Limitations, and Future Perspectives
Authors: Fu Liwei , Li Pinxue , Li Hao , Gao Cangjian , Yang Zhen , Zhao Tianyuan , Chen Wei , Liao Zhiyao , Peng Yu , Cao Fuyang , Sui Xiang , Liu Shuyun , Guo Quanyi
Published: January 2021

Tissue engineering (TE) has brought new hope for articular cartilage regeneration, as TE can provide structural and functional substitutes for native tissues. The basic elements of TE involve scaffolds, seeded cells, and biochemical and biomechanical stimuli. However, there are some limitations of TE; what most important is that static cell culture on scaffolds cannot simulate the physiological environment required for the development of natural cartilage. Recently, bioreactors have been used to simulate the physical and mechanical environment during the development of articular cartilage. This review aims to provide an overview of the concepts, categories, and applications of bioreactors for cartilage TE with emphasis on the design of various bioreactor systems.
Qu Feng Xuan Bi Formula Alleviates Airway Inflammation and Guides Clinical Treatment by Improving Bronchial Immune Balance in the Asthma Model
Authors: Hu Po , Shi Suofang , Liu Li , Yin Shuomiao , Wang Lingfu
Published: January 2021

Network pharmacology analysis has shown that Qu Feng Xuan Bi Formula (QFXBF) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine used to treat bronchial asthma, with demonstrated remarkable effects; however, its effects on airway inflammation and bronchial asthma alleviation remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the underlying mechanism of QFXBF by assessing toll-like receptor-9 (TLR-9) and the downstream MAPK signaling pathway as well as the immune modulation of the Th1/Th2 balance. The results showed that the aqueous extract of QFXBF increased TLR-9 expression, regulated the downstream genes AP-1, JNK, and ERK1/2, and reduced serum IL-5 levels in the high-dose QFXBF group; meanwhile, following QFXBF treatment, IFN-γ and TNF-α levels were increased, indicating that the Th1/Th2 immune balance was reversed as predicted. These findings provide a mechanism underlying QFXBF’s effects, which significantly improves the treatment and management of patients with bronchial asthma and profoundly impacts medical information processing.
QAIS‐DSNN: Tumor Area Segmentation of MRI Image with Optimized Quantum Matched‐Filter Technique and Deep Spiking Neural Network
Authors: Ahmadi Mohsen , Sharifi Abbas , Hassantabar Shayan , Enayati Saman
Published: January 2021

Tumor segmentation in brain MRI images is a noted process that can make the tumor easier to diagnose and lead to effective radiotherapy planning. Providing and building intelligent medical systems can be considered as an aid for physicians. In many cases, the presented methods’ reliability is at a high level, and such systems are used directly. In recent decades, several methods of segmentation of various images, such as MRI, CT, and PET, have been proposed for brain tumors. Advanced brain tumor segmentation has been a challenging issue in the scientific community. The reason for this is the existence of various tumor dimensions with disproportionate boundaries in medical imaging. This research provides an optimized MRI segmentation method to diagnose tumors. It first offers a preprocessing approach to reduce noise with a new method called Quantum Matched‐Filter Technique (QMFT). Then, the deep spiking neural network (DSNN) is implemented for segmentation using the conditional random field structure. However, a new algorithm called the Quantum Artificial Immune System (QAIS) is used in its SoftMax layer due to its slowness and nonsegmentation and the identification of suitable features for selection and extraction. The proposed approach, called QAIS‐DSNN, has a high ability to segment and distinguish brain tumors from MRI images. The simulation results using the BraTS2018 dataset show that the accuracy of the proposed approach is 98.21%, average error‐squared rate is 0.006, signal‐to‐noise ratio is 97.79 dB, and lesion structure criteria including the tumor nucleus are 80.15%. The improved tumor is 74.50%, and the entire tumor is 91.92%, which shows a functional advantage over similar previous methods. Also, the execution time of this method is 2.58 seconds.
A Fractal Prediction Method for Safety Monitoring Deformation of Core Rockfill Dams
Authors: Pei Liang , Chen Jiankang , Zhou Jingren , Huang Huibao , Zhou Zhengjun , Chen Chen , Yao Fuhai
Published: January 2021

Deformation mechanism in the core rockfill dams with heavy load and high-stress level is difficult to predict and control, which is one of the key problems to be solved in the dam operation safety management and control. Aiming at the large error problems obtained by the parameter-based functional models (regression model, grey theory model, etc.) in the deformation prediction of the core rockfill dams, a fractal prediction method and its technical process by combining the variable dimension fractal dimension and the "metabolism" of prediction data are proposed through analyzing the fractal adaptability and deformation characteristics of original monitoring data based on the resealed-range (R/S) method and fractal dimension theory. It effectively solves the error in the process of constant dimension fractal accumulation and transformation greatly in dam deformation prediction and provides a new way for dam safety monitoring deformation prediction and early warning. The trend analysis of deformation monitoring data of the Pubugou core rockfill dam and the deformation prediction show that the fractal prediction information of dam deformation has a good corresponding relationship with its physical causes, which is in line with the actual deformation trend and operation state of the dam. Compared with the traditional stepwise regression method, the prediction results obtained by the proposed method in this paper are of high accuracy, implying that the improved fractal prediction of dam deformation is effective and the Hurst fractal index is applicable in the evaluation of the dam deformation trend.
Vibration‐Based Damage Evaluation of a Reinforced Concrete Frame Subjected to Cyclic Pushover Testing
Authors: Gunes Burcu , Gunes Oguz
Published: January 2021

This research investigated the changes in vibration characteristics of a simple reinforced concrete (RC) frame subjected to incremental cyclic pushover testing as a basis for detection, quantification, and localization of damage in RC frames using vibration data obtained before and after a seismic event. A half‐scale one‐story one‐bay plane frame was subjected to progressive damage through cyclic lateral loading to incrementally increasing drift ratios. Ambient and impact vibration tests were performed at each increment of drift ratio, and modal analyses of the acceleration responses obtained at seven locations on the frame were carried out with the acceleration responses measured at seven different locations on the frame to track changes in the dynamic characteristics. Linear degradation of the lowest two vibration frequencies was identified with increasing drift ratio, which was regarded as a promising result towards detection and quantification of damage. For localization, a flexibility‐based damage localization procedure, the damage locating vector (DLV) approach, was explored. Localization results mostly agreed with the observed damage, and the approach was found to have potential for use in prioritizing the suspected damage locations in the structure for detailed inspections.
The Protective Effect of Anthocyanins Extracted from Aronia Melanocarpa Berry in Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Mice
Authors: Li Li , Li Jun , Xu Hui , Zhu Fengmei , Li Zhijun , Lu Hongzhi , Zhang Jinrong , Yang Zhengsheng , Liu Yongsheng
Published: January 2021

Background. Our previous research showed the antioxidant activity of anthocyanins extracted from Aronia melanocarpa of black chokeberry in vitro. Ischemia acute kidney injury is a significant risk in developing progressive and deterioration of renal function leading to clinic chronic kidney disease. There were many attempts to protect the kidney against this progression of renal damage. Current study was designed to examine the effect of pretreatment with three anthocyanins named cyanidin-3-arabinoside, cyanidin-3-glucodise, and cyaniding-3-galactoside against acute ischemia-reperfusion injury in mouse kidney. Methods. Acute renal injury model was initiated by 30 min clamping bilateral renal pedicle and followed by 24-hour reperfusion in C57Bl/6J mice. Four groups of mice were orally pretreated in 50 mg/g/12 h for two weeks with cyanidin-3-arabinoside, cyanidin-3-glucodise, and cyaniding-3-galactoside and anthocyanins (three-cyanidin mixture), respectively, sham-control group and the renal injury-untreated groups only with saline. Results. The model resulted in renal dysfunction with high serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and changes in proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-ɑ, IL-1β, IL-6, and MCP-1), renal oxidative stress (SOD, GSH, and CAT), lipid peroxidation (TBARS and MDA), and apoptosis (caspase-9). Pretreatment of two weeks resulted in different extent amelioration of renal dysfunction and tubular damage and suppression of proinflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and apoptosis, thus suggesting that cyanidins are potentially effective in acute renal ischemia by the decrease of inflammation, oxidative stress, and lipid peroxidation, as well as apoptosis. Conclusion. the current study provided the first attempt to investigate the role of anthocyanins purified from Aronia melanocarpa berry in amelioration of acute renal failure via antioxidant and cytoprotective effects.
Inhibition of the mTORC1/NF‐κB Axis Alters Amino Acid Metabolism in Human Hepatocytes
Authors: Zhang Meng , Fu Yuting , Chen Yuhao , Ma Yuze , Guo Zhixin , Wang Yanfeng , Hao Huifang , Fu Quan , Wang Zhigang
Published: January 2021

In addition to serving as the building blocks for protein synthesis, amino acids can be used as an energy source, through catabolism. The transamination, oxidative deamination, and decarboxylation processes that occur during amino acid catabolism are catalyzed by specific enzymes, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), and ornithine decarboxylase (ODC); however, the overall molecular mechanisms through which amino acid catabolism occurs remain largely unknown. To examine the role of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) on amino acid catabolism, mTORC1 was inactivated by rapamycin or shRNA targeting Raptor, versus activated by overexpressing Rheb or amino acids in human hepatocytes. The expression of amino acid catabolic genes and related transcription factor was investigated by RT/real‐time PCR and western blot analysis. A few types of amino acid metabolite were examined by ELISA and HPLC analysis. The data showed that inactivated mTORC1 resulted in inhibition of NF‐κB and the expression of AST, GDH, GAD, and ODC, whereas activated mTORC1 enhanced NF‐κB activation and the expression levels of the catabolism‐associated genes. Further, inhibition of NF‐κB reduced the expression levels of AST, GDH, GAD, and ODC. mTORC1 upregulated NF‐κB activation and the expression of AST and ODC in response to glutamate and ornithine treatments, whereas rapamycin inhibited the utilization of glutamate and ornithine in hepatocytes. Taken together, these results indicated that the mTORC1/NF‐κB axis modulates the rate of amino acid catabolism by regulating the expression of key catabolic enzymes in hepatocytes.
Application of Raw and Modified Pomegranate Peel for Wastewater Treatment: A Literature Overview and Analysis
Authors: Ben-Ali Samia
Published: January 2021

The use of renewable substrates as biosorbents has a great attention in wastewater treatment. The pomegranate peel (PGP) constitutes one of these substrates. A review is carried out to investigate the potential of pomegranate peel (PGP) for wastewater treatment. Physical and chemical PGP properties are presented and compared to those of Tunisian pomegranate peel (El Gabsi). Raw and modified PGP performance and sorption capacity for metals, dyes, and organic pollutants are evaluated. Different experimental sorption conditions such as concentration, contact time, pH, temperature, and adsorbent dose used in the literature are illustrated. Studied and best-fitted kinetics and isotherm models to experimental data and thermodynamic parameters are compared. The effects of activating physical and/or chemical conditions on the activated PGP properties are presented. This paper reveals noteworthiness properties of raw PGP for wastewater treatment compared to this activated form. The comparison between activated and raw PGP morphology exhibits that the activation does not necessarily improve the PGP adsorption capacity. Despite a limited research carried out on the raw PGP biosorbent, it appears from this study that it has very good adsorption properties, making it a serious and low-cost renewable substrate toward practical applications in wastewater treatment compared to various other waste agricultural biomass.
Amorfrutins Relieve Neuropathic Pain through the PPARγ/CCL2 Axis in CCI Rats
Authors: Gao Pengfei , Wang Jiayu , Su Zhen , Li Fayin , Zhang Xianlong
Published: January 2021

Neuropathic pain is a public health problem. Although many pharmaceuticals are used to treat neuropathic pain, effective and safe drugs do not yet exist. In this study, we tested nociceptive responses in CCI rats, and ELISA assay was performed to examine the expression of proinflammatory cytokines. We found that amorfrutins significantly reduce the pain behaviors in CCI rats and suppress the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL-6, and IL-1β) and chemokines (CCL2/CCR2) in the spinal cord. However, concurrent administration of a PPARγ antagonist, GW9662, reversed the antihyperalgesic effect induced by amorfrutins. The results indicate that amorfrutins inhibit the inflammation and chemokine expression by activating PPARγ, thus relieving neuropathic pain in CCI rats. Therefore, PPARγ-CCL2/CCR2 pathway might represent a new treatment option for neuropathic pain.
Gut Microbiota Condition the Therapeutic Efficacy of Trastuzumab in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
Authors: Di Modica Martina , Gargari Giorgio , Regondi Viola , Bonizzi Arianna , Arioli Stefania , Belmonte Beatrice , De Cecco Loris , Fasano Elena , Bianchi Francesca , Bertolotti Alessia , Tripodo Claudio , Villani Laura , Corsi Fabio , Guglielmetti Simone , Balsari Andrea , Triulzi Tiziana , Tagliabue Elda
Published: January 2021

Emerging evidence indicates that gut microbiota affect the response to anticancer therapies by modulating the host immune system. In this study, we investigated the impact of gut microbiota on immune-mediated trastuzumab antitumor efficacy in preclinical models of HER2-positive breast cancer and in 24 patients with primary HER2-positive breast cancer undergoing trastuzumab-containing neoadjuvant treatment. In mice, the antitumor activity of trastuzumab was impaired by antibiotic administration or fecal microbiota transplantation from antibiotic-treated donors. Modulation of the intestinal microbiota was reflected in tumors by impaired recruitment of CD4+ T cells and granzyme B–positive cells after trastuzumab treatment. Antibiotics caused reductions in dendritic cell (DC) activation and the release of IL12p70 upon trastuzumab treatment, a mechanism that was necessary for trastuzumab effectiveness in our model. In patients, lower α-diversity and lower abundance of Lachnospiraceae, Turicibacteraceae, Bifidobacteriaceae, and Prevotellaceae characterized nonresponsive patients (NR) compared with those who achieved pathologic complete response (R), similar to antibiotic-treated mice. The transfer of fecal microbiota from R and NR into mice bearing HER2-positive breast cancer recapitulated the response to trastuzumab observed in patients. Fecal microbiota β-diversity segregated patients according to response and positively correlated with immune signature related to interferon (IFN) and NO2-IL12 as well as activated CD4+ T cells and activated DCs in tumors. Overall, our data reveal the direct involvement of the gut microbiota in trastuzumab efficacy, suggesting that manipulation of the gut microbiota is an optimal future strategy to achieve a therapeutic effect or to exploit its potential as a biomarker for treatment response.

Significance:

Evidence of gut microbiota involvement in trastuzumab efficacy represents the foundation for new therapeutic strategies aimed at manipulating commensal bacteria to improve response in trastuzumab-resistant patients.

See related commentary by Sharma, p. 1937
The Irradiated Brain Microenvironment Supports Glioma Stemness and Survival via Astrocyte-Derived Transglutaminase 2
Authors: Berg Tracy J. , Marques Carolina , Pantazopoulou Vasiliki , Johansson Elinn , von Stedingk Kristoffer , Lindgren David , Jeannot Pauline , Pietras Elin J. , Bergström Tobias , Swartling Fredrik J. , Governa Valeria , Bengzon Johan , Belting Mattias , Axelson Håkan , Squatrito Massimo , Pietras Alexander
Published: January 2021

The tumor microenvironment plays an essential role in supporting glioma stemness and radioresistance. Following radiotherapy, recurrent gliomas form in an irradiated microenvironment. Here we report that astrocytes, when pre-irradiated, increase stemness and survival of cocultured glioma cells. Tumor-naïve brains increased reactive astrocytes in response to radiation, and mice subjected to radiation prior to implantation of glioma cells developed more aggressive tumors. Extracellular matrix derived from irradiated astrocytes were found to be a major driver of this phenotype and astrocyte-derived transglutaminase 2 (TGM2) was identified as a promoter of glioma stemness and radioresistance. TGM2 levels increased after radiation in vivo and in recurrent human glioma, and TGM2 inhibitors abrogated glioma stemness and survival. These data suggest that irradiation of the brain results in the formation of a tumor-supportive microenvironment. Therapeutic targeting of radiation-induced, astrocyte-derived extracellular matrix proteins may enhance the efficacy of standard-of-care radiotherapy by reducing stemness in glioma.

Significance:

These findings presented here indicate that radiotherapy can result in a tumor-supportive microenvironment, the targeting of which may be necessary to overcome tumor cell therapeutic resistance and recurrence.
Autosomal Dominant Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration in a Filipino Family with Progranulin Mutation
Authors: Dominguez Jacqueline , Ng Arlene , Yu Jeryl , Guevarra Anne Cristine , Daroy Maria Luisa , Alfon Alicia , Catindig Joseree-Ann , Dizon Mercedes , Santiago Jonas , Del Moral Maria Clarissa , Yu Justine , Jamerlan Angelo , Ligsay Antonio , Bagyinszky Eva , An Seong Soo , Kim Sangyun
Published: January 2021

Background: Compared to Western populations, familial frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is rare among Asians. Progranulin (GRN) gene mutation, which is a major cause of FTLD, is likewise rare. We present a family with FTLD from the Philippines with an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance and GRN mutation and briefly review reports of GRN mutations in Asia. Case Presentation: The proband is 66 years old with progressive nonfluent aphasia (PNFA)-corticobasal syndrome . We assessed 3 generations of her pedigree and found 11 affected relatives with heterogenous phenotypes, usually behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and PNFA. Neuroimaging showed atrophy and hypometabolism consistent with FTD syndromes. White matter hyperintensities were seen in affected members even in the absence of vascular risk factors. A GRN mutation R110X was found in 6 members, 3 with symptoms and 3 were asymptomatic. Plasma GRN was low (<112 ng/mL) in all mutation carriers. No mutations were found in microtubule-associated protein tau, APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2 genes, and all were APOE3. Conclusion: This is the first Filipino family with autosomal dominant FTD documented with GRN mutation. Identifying families and cohorts would contribute to therapeutic developments in an area with FTD-GRN.
Management of Germ Cell Tumours of the Testes in Adult Patients: German Clinical Practice Guideline, PART II – Recommendations for the Treatment of Advanced, Recurrent, and Refractory Disease and Extragonadal and Sex Cord/Stromal Tumours and for the Management of Follow-Up, Toxicity, Quality of Life, Palliative Care, and Supportive Therapy
Authors: Kliesch Sabine , Schmidt Stefanie , Wilborn Doris , Aigner Clemens , Albrecht Walter , Bedke Jens , Beintker Matthias , Beyersdorff Dirk , Bokemeyer Carsten , Busch Jonas , Classen Johannes , de Wit Maike , Dieckmann Klaus-Peter , Diemer Thorsten , Dieing Anette , Gockel Matthias , Göckel-Beining Bernt , Hakenberg Oliver W. , Heidenreich Axel , Heinzelbecker Julia , Herkommer Kathleen , Hermanns Thomas , Kaufmann Sascha , Kornmann Marko , Kotzerke Jörg , Krege Susanne , Kristiansen Glen , Lorch Anja , Müller Arndt-Christian , Oechsle Karin , Ohloff Timur , Oing Christoph , Otto Ulrich , Pfister David , Pichler Renate , Recken Heinrich , Rick Oliver , Rudolph Yvonne , Ruf Christian , Schirren Joachim , Schmelz Hans , Schmidberger Heinz , Schrader Mark , Schweyer Stefan , Seeling Stefanie , Souchon Rainer , Winter Christian , Wittekind Christian , Zengerling Friedemann , Zermann D.H. , Zillmann Roger , Albers Peter
Published: January 2021

Objectives: We developed the first German evidence- and consensus-based clinical guideline on diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of germ cell tumours (GCT) of the testes in adult patients. We present the guideline content in 2 separate publications. The present second part summarizes therecommendations for the treatment of advanced disease stages and for the management of follow-up and late effects. Materials and Methods: An interdisciplinary panel of 42 experts including 1 patient representative developed the guideline content. Clinical recommendations and statements were based on scientific evidence and expert consensus. For this purpose, evidence tables for several review questions, which were based on systematic literature searches (last search in March 2018), were provided. Thirty-one experts, who were entitled to vote, rated the final clinical recommendations and statements. Results: Here we present the treatment recommendations separately for patients with metastatic seminoma and non-seminomatous GCT (stages IIA/B and IIC/III), for restaging and treatment of residual masses, and for relapsed and refractory disease stages. The recommendations also cover extragonadal and sex cord/stromal tumours, the management of follow-up and toxicity, quality-of-life aspects, palliative care, and supportive therapy. Conclusion: Physicians and other medical service providers who are involved in the diagnostics, treatment, and follow-up of GCT (all stages, outpatient and inpatient care as well as rehabilitation) are the users of the present guideline. The guideline also comprises quality indicators for measuring the implementation of the guideline recommendations in routine clinical care; these data will be presented in a future publication.
Development and Validation of a New Scoring Tool to Evaluate the Clinical Evolution of Adult Patients with Nonsegmental Vitiligo
Authors: Peralta-Pedrero María Luisa , Herrera-Bringas Denisse , Torres-González Karla Samantha , Morales-Sánchez Martha Alejandra , Jurado Santa-Cruz Fermín , Cruz-Avelar Agles
Published: January 2021

Background: Vitiligo has an unpredictable course and a variable response to treatment. Furthermore, the improvement of some vitiligo lesions cannot be considered a guarantee of a similar response to the other lesions. Instruments for patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) can be an alternative to measure complex constructions such as clinical evolution. Objective: The aim of this study was to validate a PROM that allows to measure the clinical evolution of patients with nonsegmental vitiligo in a simple but standardized way that serves to gather information for a better understanding of the disease. Methods: The instrument was created through expert consensus and patient participation. For the validation study, a prospective cohort design was performed. The body surface area affected was measured with the Vitiligo Extension Score (VES), the extension, the stage, and the spread by the evaluation of the Vitiligo European Task Force assessment (VETFa). Reliability was determined with test-retest, construct validity through hypothesis testing, discriminative capacity with extreme groups, and response capacity by comparing initial and final measurements. Results: Eighteen semi-structured interviews and 7 cognitive interviews were conducted, and 4 dermatologists were consulted. The instrument Clinical Evolution-Vitiligo (CV-6) was answered by 119 patients with a minimum of primary schooling. A wide range was observed in the affected body surface; incident and prevalent cases were included. The average time to answer the CV-6 was 3.08 ± 0.58 min. In the test-retest (n = 53), an intraclass correlation coefficient was obtained: 0.896 (95% CI 0.82–0.94; p < 0.001). In extreme groups, the mean score was 2 (2–3) and 5 (4–6); p < 0.001. The initial CV-6 score was different from the final one and the change was verified with VES and VETFa (p < 0.05, n = 92). Conclusions: The CV-6 instrument allows patient collaboration, it is simple and brief, and it makes it easier for the doctor to focus attention on injuries that present changes at the time of medical consultation.