bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Concentration Fluctuations of Single Particle Stochastic Lagrangian Model Assessment with Experimental Field Data
Authors: Ferrero Enrico , Maccarini Filippo
Published: May 2021

A single particle Lagrangian Stochastic model has been developed and applied with the purpose of simulating the concentration fluctuations dispersion. This model treats concentration variance as a quantity whose motion is driven by an advection-diffusion process so that it can be studied by a single particle model. A parameterization for both velocity standard deviations and Lagrangian time-scales is required as input to the model. The paper is focused on the estimation of the best parameterization needed to simulate both mean and standard deviation concentrations in a case study. We consider the FFT-07 field experiment. The trials took place at Dugway Proving Ground, UTAH (USA) and consist of a dispersion analysis of a gas emitted from a point-like source in different atmospheric conditions with a continuous emission technique. The very small spatial scales (a few hundred meters) and short duration (about 10 min) that characterize the trials make the comparison with model results very challenging, since traditional boundary layer parameterizations fail in correctly reproducing the turbulent field and, as a consequence, the dispersion simulation yields unsatisfactorily results. We vary the coefficients of the turbulence parameterization to match the small-scale turbulence. Furthermore, we show that the parameterization for the variance dissipation time-scale, already tested in neutral conditions, can be used also in stable and unstable conditions and in low-wind speed conditions. The model gives good results as far as mean concentration is concerned and rather satisfactory results for the concentration standard deviations. Comparison between model results and observation is shown through both statistical and graphical analyses.
Trends in PM2.5 Concentration in Nagoya, Japan, from 2003 to 2018 and Impacts of PM2.5 Countermeasures
Authors: Yamagami Makiko , Ikemori Fumikazu , Nakashima Hironori , Hisatsune Kunihiro , Ueda Kayo , Wakamatsu Shinji , Osada Kazuo
Published: May 2021

In Japan, various countermeasures have been undertaken to reduce the atmospheric concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). We evaluated the extent to which these countermeasures were effective in reducing PM2.5 concentrations by analyzing the long-term concentration trends of the major components of PM2.5 and their emissions in Nagoya City. PM2.5 concentrations decreased by 53% over the 16-year period from fiscal years 2003 to 2018 in Nagoya City. Elemental carbon (EC) was the component of PM2.5 with the greatest decrease in concentration over the 16 years, decreasing by 4.3 μg/m3, followed by SO42− (3.0 μg/m3), organic carbon (OC) (2.0 μg/m3), NH4+ (1.6 μg/m3), and NO3− (1.3 μg/m3). The decrease in EC concentration was found to be caused largely by the effect of diesel emission control. OC concentrations decreased because of the effects of volatile organic compound (VOC) emission regulations for stationary sources and reductions in VOCs emitted by vehicles and construction machinery. NO3− concentrations decreased alongside decreased contributions from vehicles, construction machinery, and stationary sources, in descending order of the magnitude of decrease. Although these findings identify some source control measures that have been effective in reducing PM2.5, they also reveal the ineffectiveness of some recent countermeasures for various components, such as those targeting OC concentrations.
On the u⋆−U Relationship in the Stable Atmospheric Boundary Layer over Arctic Sea Ice
Authors: Chechin Dmitry
Published: May 2021

A relationship between the friction velocity u⋆ and mean wind speed U in a stable atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) over Arctic sea ice was considered. To that aim, the observations collected during the Surface Heat Budget of the Arctic Ocean (SHEBA) experiment were used. The observations showed the so-called “hockey-stick” shape of the u⋆−U relationship, which consists of a slow increase of u⋆ with increasing wind speed for UUtr, where Utr is the wind speed of transition between the two regimes. Such a relationship is most pronounced at the highest observational levels, namely at 9 and 14 m, and is also sharper when the air-surface temperature difference exceeds its average values for stable conditions. It is shown that the Monin–Obukhov similarity theory (MOST) reproduces the observed u⋆−U relationship rather well. This suggests that at least for the SHEBA dataset, there is no contradiction between MOST and the “hockey-stick” shape of the u⋆−U relationship. However, the SHEBA data, as well as the single-column simulations show that for cases with strong stability, u⋆ significantly decreases with height due to the shallowness of the ABL. It was shown that when u⋆ was assumed independent of height, the value of the normalized drag coefficient, i.e., of the so-called stability correction function for momentum, calculated using observations at a certain level, can be significantly underestimated. To overcome this, the decrease of u⋆ with height was taken into account in the framework of MOST using local scaling instead of the scaling with surface fluxes. Using such an extended MOST brought the estimates of the normalized drag coefficient closer to the Businger–Dyer relation.
A Multimethod Analysis for Average Annual Precipitation Mapping in the Khorasan Razavi Province (Northeastern Iran)
Authors: Aalijahan Mehdi , Khosravichenar Azra
Published: May 2021

The spatial distribution of precipitation is one of the most important climatic variables used in geographic and environmental studies. However, when there is a lack of full coverage of meteorological stations, precipitation estimations are necessary to interpolate precipitation for larger areas. The purpose of this research was to find the best interpolation method for precipitation mapping in the partly densely populated Khorasan Razavi province of northeastern Iran. To achieve this, we compared five methods by applying average precipitation data from 97 rain gauge stations in that province for a period of 20 years (1994–2014): Inverse Distance Weighting, Radial Basis Functions (Completely Regularized Spline, Spline with Tension, Multiquadric, Inverse Multiquadric, Thin Plate Spline), Kriging (Simple, Ordinary, Universal), Co-Kriging (Simple, Ordinary, Universal) with an auxiliary elevation parameter, and non-linear Regression. Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), and the Coefficient of Determination (R2) were used to determine the best-performing method of precipitation interpolation. Our study shows that Ordinary Co-Kriging with an auxiliary elevation parameter was the best method for determining the distribution of annual precipitation for this region, showing the highest coefficient of determination of 0.46% between estimated and observed values. Therefore, the application of this method of precipitation mapping would form a mandatory base for regional planning and policy making in the arid to semi-arid Khorasan Razavi province during the future.
Evaluating the NDVI–Rainfall Relationship in Bisha Watershed, Saudi Arabia Using Non-Stationary Modeling Technique
Authors: Mallick Javed , AlMesfer Mohammed K. , Singh Vijay P. , Falqi Ibrahim I. , Singh Chander Kumar , Alsubih Majed , Kahla Nabil Ben
Published: May 2021

The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and rainfall data were used to model the spatial relationship between vegetation and rainfall. Their correlation in previous studies was typically based on a global regression model, which assumed that the correlation was constant across space. The NDVI–rainfall association, on the other hand, is spatially non-stationary, non-linear, scale-dependent, and influenced by local factors (e.g., soil background). In this study, two statistical methods are used in the modeling, i.e., traditional ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and geographically weighted regression (GWR), to evaluate the NDVI–rainfall relationship. The GWR was implemented annually in the growing seasons of 2000 and 2016, using climate data (Normalized Vegetation Difference Index and rainfall). The NDVI–rainfall relationship in the studied Bisha watershed (an eco-sensitive zone with a complex landscape) was found to have a stable operating scale of around 12 km. The findings support the hypothesis that the OLS model’s average impression could not accurately represent local conditions. By addressing spatial non-stationarity, the GWR approach greatly improves the model’s accuracy and predictive ability. In analyzing the relationship between NDVI patterns and rainfall, our research has shown that GWR outperforms a global OLS model. This superiority stems primarily from the consideration of the relationship’s spatial variance across the study area. Global regression techniques such as OLS can overlook local details, implying that a large portion of the variance in NDVI is unexplained. It appears that rainfall is the most significant factor in deciding the distribution of vegetation in these regions. Furthermore, rainfall had weak relationships with areas predominantly located around wetlands, suggesting the need for additional factors to describe NDVI variations. The GWR method performed better in terms of accuracy, predictive power, and reduced residual autocorrelation. Thus, GWR is recommended as an explanatory and exploratory technique when relations between variables are subject to spatial variability. Since the GWR is a local form of spatial analysis that aligned to local conditions, it has the potential for more accurate prediction; however, a larger amount of data is needed to allow a reliable local fitting.
Dynamics of Systems with a Discontinuous Hysteresis Operator and Interval Translation Maps
Authors: Kryzhevich Sergey , Avrutin Viktor , Begun Nikita , Rachinskii Dmitrii , Tajbakhsh Khosro
Published: May 2021

We studied topological and metric properties of the so-called interval translation maps (ITMs). For these maps, we introduced the maximal invariant measure and study its properties. Further, we study how the invariant measures depend on the parameters of the system. These results were illustrated by a simple example or a risk management model where interval translation maps appear naturally.
Certain Unified Integrals Involving a Multivariate Mittag–Leffler Function
Authors: Jain Shilpi , Agarwal Ravi P. , Agarwal Praveen , Singh Prakash
Published: May 2021

A remarkably large number of unified integrals involving the Mittag–Leffler function have been presented. Here, with the same technique as Choi and Agarwal, we propose the establishment of two generalized integral formulas involving a multivariate generalized Mittag–Leffler function, which are expressed in terms of the generalized Lauricella series due to Srivastava and Daoust. We also present some interesting special cases.
Global Warming Potential of a New Waterjet-Based Recycling Process for Cathode Materials of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Kurz Leonard , Faryadras Mojtaba , Klugius Ines , Reichert Frederik , Scheibe Andreas , Schmidt Matthias , Wörner Ralf
Published: May 2021

Due to the increasing demand for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), the need for vehicle battery raw materials is increasing. The traction battery (TB) of an electric vehicle, usually a lithium-ion battery (LIB), represents the largest share of a BEV’s CO2 footprint. To reduce this carbon footprint sustainably and to keep the raw materials within a closed loop economy, suitable and efficient recycling processes are essential. In this life cycle assessment (LCA), the ecological performance of a waterjet-based direct recycling process with minimal use of resources and energy is evaluated; only the recycling process is considered, waste treatment and credits for by-products are not part of the analysis. Primary data from a performing recycling company were mainly used for the modelling. The study concludes that the recycling of 1 kg of TB is associated with a global warming potential (GWP) of 158 g CO2 equivalents (CO2e). Mechanical removal using a water jet was identified as the main driver of the recycling process, followed by an air purification system. Compared to conventional hydro- or pyrometallurgical processes, this waterjet-based recycling process could be attributed an 8 to 26 times lower GWP. With 10% and 20% reuse of recyclate in new cells, the GWP of TBs could be reduced by 4% and 8%, respectively. It has been shown that this recycling approach can be classified as environmentally friendly.
High Resistance of a Sludge Enriched with Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria to Ammonium Salts and Its Potential as a Biofertilizer
Authors: Rodriguez-Gonzalez Claudia , Ospina-Betancourth Carolina , Sanabria Janeth
Published: May 2021

The increasing use of chemical fertilizers causes the loss of natural biological nitrogen fixation in soils, water eutrophication and emits more than 300 Mton CO2 per year. It also limits the success of external bacterial inoculation in the soil. Nitrogen fixing bacteria can be inhibited by the presence of ammonia as its presence can inhibit biological nitrogen fixation. Two aerobic sludges from wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) were exposed to high ammonium salts concentrations (>450 mg L−1 and >2 dS m−1). Microbial analysis after treatment through 16S pyrosequencing showed the presence of Fluviicola sp. (17.70%), a genus of the Clostridiaceae family (11.17%), and Azospirillum sp. (10.42%), which were present at the beginning with lower abundance. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis based on nifH genes did not show changes in the nitrogen-fixing population. Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria (NFB) were identified and associated with other microorganisms involved in the nitrogen cycle, presumably for survival at extreme conditions. The potential use of aerobic sludges enriched with NFB is proposed as an alternative to chemical fertilizer as this bacteria could supplement nitrogen to the plant showing competitive results with chemical fertilization.
Understanding ADHD: Toward an Innovative Therapeutic Intervention
Authors: Camp Allyson , Pastrano Amanda , Gomez Valeria , Stephenson Kathleen , Delatte William , Perez Brianna , Syas Hunter , Guiseppi-Elie Anthony
Published: May 2021

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a pervasive condition affecting persons across all age groups, although it is primarily diagnosed in children. This neurological condition affects behavior, learning, and social adjustment and requires specific symptomatic criteria to be fulfilled for diagnosis. ADHD may be treated with a combination of psychological or psychiatric therapeutic interventions, but it often goes unattended. People with ADHD face societal bias challenges that impact how they manage the disorder and how they view themselves. This paper summarizes the present state of understanding of this disorder, with particular attention to early diagnosis and innovative therapeutic intervention. Contemporary understanding of the mind–brain duality allows for innovative therapeutic interventions based on neurological stimulation. This paper introduces the concept of neurostimulation as a therapeutic intervention for ADHD and poses the question of the relationship between patient adherence to self-administered therapy and the aesthetic design features of the neurostimulation device. By fabricating devices that go beyond safety and efficacy to embrace the aesthetic preferences of the patient, it is proposed that there will be improvements in patient adherence to a device intended to address ADHD.
The Role of Nitroreductases in Resistance to Nitroimidazoles
Authors: Thomas Carol , Gwenin Christopher D.
Published: May 2021

Antimicrobial resistance is a major challenge facing modern medicine, with an estimated 700,000 people dying annually and a global cost in excess of $100 trillion. This has led to an increased need to develop new, effective treatments. This review focuses on nitroimidazoles, which have seen a resurgence in interest due to their broad spectrum of activity against anaerobic Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The role of nitroreductases is to activate the antimicrobial by reducing the nitro group. A decrease in the activity of nitroreductases is associated with resistance. This review will discuss the resistance mechanisms of different disease organisms, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Helicobacter pylori and Staphylococcus aureus, and how these impact the effectiveness of specific nitroimidazoles. Perspectives in the field of nitroimidazole drug development are also summarised.
Molecular Docking and Dynamics Simulation Study of Hyrtios erectus Isolated Scalarane Sesterterpenes as Potential SARS-CoV-2 Dual Target Inhibitors
Authors: Elhady Sameh S. , Abdelhameed Reda F. A. , Malatani Rania T. , Alahdal Abdulrahman M. , Bogari Hanin A. , Almalki Ahmad J. , Mohammad Khadijah A. , Ahmed Safwat A. , Khedr Amgad I. M. , Darwish Khaled M.
Published: May 2021

Presently, the world is under the toll of pandemic coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) outbreak caused by SARS-CoV-2. Lack of effective and safe therapeutics has stressed the scientific community for developing novel therapeutics capable of alleviating and stopping this pandemic. Within the presented study, molecular docking, ADME properties and all-atom molecular dynamic (MD) simulation, along with two standard antiviral agents (lopinavir and benzopurpurin-4B), were applied to investigate 15 scalaranes sesterterpenes natural compounds, purified from the Red Sea marine sponge Hyrtios erectus, as potential COVID-19 dual-target inhibitors. Following multi-step docking within COVID-19 main protease and Nsp15 endoribonuclease cavities, nine promising drug-like compounds exhibited higher docking scores as well as better interactions with the target’s crucial residues than those of reference ligands. Compounds 2, 6, 11, and 15, were predicted to simultaneously subdue the activity of the two COVID-19 targets. Dynamics behavior of the best-docked molecules, compounds 15 and 6, within COVID-19 target pockets showed substantial stability of ligand-protein complexes as presented via several MD simulation parameters. Furthermore, calculated free-binding energies from MD simulation illustrated significant ligand’s binding affinity towards respective target pockets. All provided findings supported the utility of scalarane-based sesterterpenes, particularly compounds 15 and 6, as promising lead candidates guiding the development of effective therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2.
Research Progress in Plant Molecular Systematics of Lauraceae
Authors: Tian Yongjing , Zhou Jingbo , Zhang Yunyan , Wang Shuang , Wang Ying , Liu Hong , Wang Zhongsheng
Published: May 2021

Lauraceae is a large family of woody plants with high ecological and economic value. The tribal and generic division and phylogenetic relationship of Lauraceae have long been controversial. Based on morphological and molecular evidence, phylogenetic relationships within the Cinnamomeae, Laureae and Perseeae tribes, also called ‘the Core Lauraceae’, have arisen particular attention. In this review, we comprehensively collated the literatures on the phylogeny of Lauraceae published in recent years and summarized progress made in molecular systematic researches employing gene fragments, chloroplast genomes and DNA barcodings analyses. We clarified the phylogenetic relationships and main controversies of ‘the Core Lauraceae’, the systemic position of fuzzy genera (Neocinnamomum, Caryodaphnopsis and Cassytha) and the development of chloroplast genome and DNA barcodes. We further suggested and proposed the whole genome analysis and different inflorescence types would be possible to provide more information for further research on phylogenetic relationships and taxonomy of Lauraceae.
Proteomics-Based Identification of Salivary Changes in Patients with Burning Mouth Syndrome
Authors: Castillo-Felipe Candela , Franco-Martínez Lorena , Tvarijonaviciute Asta , Lopez-Jornet Pia , Lamy Elsa
Published: May 2021

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic oral condition characterized by an intraoral burning sensation, taste alterations, and dry mouth sensations. Although a number of factors have been closely related to the appearance of the symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances, the etiology of BMS remains unclear. Furthermore, currently no objective diagnostic tools exist, making its diagnosis challenging. Therefore, to contribute to the knowledge about BMS etiology and look for objective tools for its diagnosis, the present study was conducted. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the proteomic profile of the resting whole saliva of patients with BMS and age and sex-matched controls using two-dimensional electrophoresis. The results showed evidence of changes in saliva at the level of proteins related to important pathways such as stress (sAA), immune system (Ig), and inflammation (leukocyte elastase inhibitor). While some of our findings have been previously described others, such as the deregulation of the coiled-coin domain containing protein 25 in BMS, are presented here for the first time to our knowledge. Thus, saliva provides us with relevant information about BMS pathophysiology and could be considered a suitable biofluid for its study and/or diagnosis.
The Use of Winter Water Temperature and Food Composition by the Copepod Cyclops vicinus (Uljanin, 1875) to Provide a Temporal Refuge from Fish Predation
Authors: Choi Jong-Yun , Kim Seong-Ki
Published: May 2021

Frequent predation induces various defense strategies in prey, including morphological changes or migration patterns in zooplankton. We hypothesized that the winter dominance of Cyclops vicinus in the Upo Wetlands, South Korea, is an evolved temporal defense mechanism to avoid fish predation. Long-term data (2014–2019) showed that fish consumed the most cyclopoid copepods from spring to autumn. Lepomis macrochirus preferentially consumed C. vicinus; thus, C. vicinus density was lower from spring to autumn. However, C. vicinus was abundant in winter when fish consumed fewer copepods. Nauplii density began to increase in late autumn (October–November), and their population growth was fueled through consumption of Cyclotella sp. and Rhodomonas sp. Culture experiments showed that Cyclotella sp. contributed more to the growth stage (copepodite or subadult) after nauplii than Rhodomonas sp. C. vicinus density was lower in the winters of 2013 and 2016 when the densities of these phytoplankton prey species were lower. In summary, although winter conditions were suitable for copepod survival and population growth, C. vicinus relied heavily on the diversity and species composition of its food sources. The winter dominance of C. vicinus could increase regional biodiversity and contribute significantly to the stability of the freshwater food web.
The Role of Hydrogen Sulfide in Respiratory Diseases
Authors: Khattak Saadullah , Zhang Qian-Qian , Sarfraz Muhammad , Muhammad Pir , Ngowi Ebenezeri Erasto , Khan Nazeer Hussain , Rauf Saqib , Wang Yi-Zhen , Qi Hui-Wen , Wang Di , Afzal Attia , Ji Xin-Ying , Wu Dong-Dong
Published: May 2021

Respiratory diseases are leading causes of death and disability around the globe, with a diverse range of health problems. Treatment of respiratory diseases and infections has been verified to be thought-provoking because of the increasing incidence and mortality rate. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is one of the recognized gaseous transmitters involved in an extensive range of cellular functions, and physiological and pathological processes in a variety of diseases, including respiratory diseases. Recently, the therapeutic potential of H2S for respiratory diseases has been widely investigated. H2S plays a vital therapeutic role in obstructive respiratory disease, pulmonary fibrosis, emphysema, pancreatic inflammatory/respiratory lung injury, pulmonary inflammation, bronchial asthma and bronchiectasis. Although the therapeutic role of H2S has been extensively studied in various respiratory diseases, a concrete literature review will have an extraordinary impact on future therapeutics. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the effective role of H2S in respiratory diseases. Besides, we also summarized H2S production in the lung and its metabolism processes in respiratory diseases.
Combined Analytical Approaches to Standardize and Characterize Biomaterials Formulations: Application to Chitosan-Gelatin Cross-Linked Hydrogels
Authors: Magli Sofia , Rossi Lorenzo , Consentino Cesare , Bertini Sabrina , Nicotra Francesco , Russo Laura
Published: May 2021

A protocol based on the combination of different analytical methodologies is proposed to standardize the experimental conditions for reproducible formulations of hybrid hydrogels. The final hybrid material, based on the combination of gelatin and chitosan functionalized with methylfuran and cross-linked with 4-arm-PEG-maleimide, is able to mimic role, dynamism, and structural complexity of the extracellular matrix. Physical–chemical properties of starting polymers and finals constructs were characterized exploiting the combination of HP-SEC-TDA, UV, FT-IR, NMR, and TGA.
Role of Fibulins in Embryonic Stage Development and Their Involvement in Various Diseases
Authors: Mahajan Deviyani , Kancharla Sudhakar , Kolli Prachetha , Sharma Amarish Kumar , Singh Sanjeev , Kumar Sudarshan , Mohanty Ashok Kumar , Jena Manoj Kumar
Published: May 2021

The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays an important role in the evolution of early metazoans, as it provides structural and biochemical support to the surrounding cells through the cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions. In multi-cellular organisms, ECM plays a pivotal role in the differentiation of tissues and in the development of organs. Fibulins are ECM glycoproteins, found in a variety of tissues associated with basement membranes, elastic fibers, proteoglycan aggregates, and fibronectin microfibrils. The expression profile of fibulins reveals their role in various developmental processes such as elastogenesis, development of organs during the embryonic stage, tissue remodeling, maintenance of the structural integrity of basement membrane, and elastic fibers, as well as other cellular processes. Apart from this, fibulins are also involved in the progression of human diseases such as cancer, cardiac diseases, congenital disorders, and chronic fibrotic disorders. Different isoforms of fibulins show a dual role of tumor-suppressive and tumor-promoting activities, depending on the cell type and cellular microenvironment in the body. Knockout animal models have provided deep insight into their role in development and diseases. The present review covers details of the structural and expression patterns, along with the role of fibulins in embryonic development and disease progression, with more emphasis on their involvement in the modulation of cancer diseases.
Regulation of MRP4 Expression by circHIPK3 via Sponging miR-124-3p/miR-4524-5p in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Hu Haihong , Wang Yu , Qin Zhiyuan , Sun Wen , Chen Yanhong , Wang Jiaqi , Wang Yingying , Nie Jing , Chen Lu , Cai Sheng , Yu Lushan , Zeng Su
Published: May 2021

Multidrug resistance-associated protein 4 (MRP4), a member of the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) binding cassette transporter family, pumps various molecules out of the cell and is involved in cell communication and drug distribution. Several studies have reported the role of miRNAs in downregulating the expression of MRP4. However, regulation of MRP4 by circular RNA (circRNA) is yet to be elucidated. In this study, MRP4 was significantly upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues compared to the adjacent noncancerous tissues. Computational prediction, luciferase reporter assay and miRNA transfection were used to investigate the interaction between miRNAs and MRP4. miR-124-3p and miR-4524-5p reduced the expression of MRP4 at the protein but not mRNA level. Circular RNA in vivo precipitation and luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that circHIPK3, as a competitive endogenous RNA, binds with miR-124-3p and miR-4524-5p. Further, knockdown of circHIPK3 resulted in downregulation of MRP4 protein, whereas cotransfection of circHIPK3-siRNA and miR-124-3p or miR-4524-5p inhibitors restored its expression. In conclusion, we report that miR-4524-5p downregulates the expression of MRP4 and circHIPK3 regulates MRP4 expression by sponging miR-124-3p and miR-4524-5p for the first time. Our results may provide novel insights into the prevention of MRP4-related proliferation and multiple drug resistance in HCC.
Reduced SOCS1 Expression in Lung Fibroblasts from Patients with IPF Is Not Mediated by Promoter Methylation or Mir155
Authors: Prêle Cecilia M. , Iosifidis Thomas , McAnulty Robin J. , Pearce David R. , Badrian Bahareh , Miles Tylah , Jamieson Sarra E. , Ernst Matthias , Thompson Philip J. , Laurent Geoffrey J. , Knight Darryl A. , Mutsaers Steven E.
Published: May 2021

The interleukin (IL)-6 family of cytokines and exaggerated signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3 signaling is implicated in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) pathogenesis, but the mechanisms regulating STAT3 expression and function are unknown. Suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS)1 and SOCS3 block STAT3, and low SOCS1 levels have been reported in IPF fibroblasts and shown to facilitate collagen production. Fibroblasts and lung tissue from IPF patients and controls were used to examine the mechanisms underlying SOCS1 down-regulation in IPF. A significant reduction in basal SOCS1 mRNA in IPF fibroblasts was confirmed. However, there was no difference in the kinetics of activation, and methylation of SOCS1 in control and IPF lung fibroblasts was low and unaffected by 5′-aza-2′-deoxycytidine’ treatment. SOCS1 is a target of microRNA-155 and although microRNA-155 levels were increased in IPF tissue, they were reduced in IPF fibroblasts. Therefore, SOCS1 is not regulated by SOCS1 gene methylation or microRNA155 in these cells. In conclusion, we confirmed that IPF fibroblasts had lower levels of SOCS1 mRNA compared with control fibroblasts, but we were unable to determine the mechanism. Furthermore, although SOCS1 may be important in the fibrotic process, we were unable to find a significant role for SOCS1 in regulating fibroblast function.
The Effects of Macrophage Phenotype on Osteogenic Differentiation of MSCs in the Presence of Polyethylene Particles
Authors: Gao Qi , Rhee Claire , Maruyama Masahiro , Li Zhong , Shen Huaishuang , Zhang Ning , Utsunomiya Takeshi , Huang Elijah Ejun , Yao Zhenyu , Bunnell Bruce A. , Lin Hang , Tuan Rocky S. , Goodman Stuart B.
Published: May 2021

Wear debris generated from the bearing surfaces of joint arthroplasties leads to acute and chronic inflammation, which is strongly associated with implant failure. Macrophages derived from monocytes recruited to the local tissues have a significant impact on bone healing and regeneration. Macrophages can adopt various functional phenotypes. While M1 macrophages are pro-inflammatory, M2 macrophages express factors important for tissue repair. Here, we established a 3D co-culture system to investigate how the immune system influences the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the presence of micron-sized particles. This system allowed for the simulation of an inflammatory reaction via the addition of Lipopolysaccharide-contaminated polyethylene particles (cPE) and the characterization of bone formation using micro-CT and gene and protein expression. Co-cultures of MSCs with M2 macrophages in the presence of cPE in a 3D environment resulted in the increased expression of osteogenic markers, suggesting facilitation of bone formation. In this model, the upregulation of M2 macrophage expression of immune-associated genes and cytokines contributes to enhanced bone formation by MSCs. This study elucidates how the immune system modulates bone healing in response to an inflammatory stimulus using a unique 3D culture system.
Paclitaxel-Based Chemotherapy Targeting Cancer Stem Cells from Mono- to Combination Therapy
Authors: Nawara Hend M. , Afify Said M. , Hassan Ghmkin , Zahra Maram H. , Seno Akimasa , Seno Masaharu
Published: May 2021

Paclitaxel (PTX) is a chemotherapeutical agent commonly used to treat several kinds of cancer. PTX is known as a microtubule-targeting agent with a primary molecular mechanism that disrupts the dynamics of microtubules and induces mitotic arrest and cell death. Simultaneously, other mechanisms have been evaluated in many studies. Since the anticancer activity of PTX was discovered, it has been used to treat many cancer patients and has become one of the most extensively used anticancer drugs. Regrettably, the resistance of cancer to PTX is considered an extensive obstacle in clinical applications and is one of the major causes of death correlated with treatment failure. Therefore, the combination of PTX with other drugs could lead to efficient therapeutic strategies. Here, we summarize the mechanisms of PTX, and the current studies focusing on PTX and review promising combinations.
Enhanced Effect of Polyethyleneimine-Modified Graphene Oxide and Simvastatin on Osteogenic Differentiation of Murine Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Oh Jun-Sung , Park Jeong-Sun , Lee Eun-Jung
Published: May 2021

Statin derivatives traditionally have been used for the treatment of hyperlipidemia, but recent studies have shown their ability to regulate bone metabolism and promote bone growth. In this study, simvastatin (Sim), a new therapeutic candidate for bone regeneration, was combined with graphene oxide (GO), which has recently attracted much interest as a drug delivery method, to produce a compound substance effective for bone regeneration. To create a stable and homogenous complex with Sim, GO was modified with polyethylenimine, and the effect of modification was analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, zeta potential, and cytotoxicity testing. More specifically, the osteogenic differentiation potential expected by the combination of the two effective materials for osteogenic differentiation, GO and Sim, was evaluated in mesenchymal stem cells. Compared with control groups with GO and Sim used separately, the GO/Sim complex showed excellent osteogenic differentiation properties, with especially enhanced effects in the complex containing < 1 μM Sim.
Persistent Retinal Microvascular Impairment in COVID-19 Bilateral Pneumonia at 6-Months Follow-Up Assessed by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography
Authors: Bilbao-Malavé Valentina , González-Zamora Jorge , Saenz de Viteri Manuel , de la Puente Miriam , Gándara Elsa , Casablanca-Piñera Anna , Boquera-Ventosa Claudia , Zarranz-Ventura Javier , Landecho Manuel F. , García-Layana Alfredo
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term evolution of retinal changes in COVID-19 patients with bilateral pneumonia. A total of 17 COVID-19 patients underwent retinal imaging 6 months after hospital discharge with structural optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). The parafoveal retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell layer (GCL) were significantly thinner in COVID-19 patients at 6 months compared to 0 months (p = <0.001 in both cases). In the optic nerve analysis, a significantly thinner RNFL was observed (p = 0.006) but persisted significantly thickened, compared to controls (p = 0.02). The vascular density (VD) at 6 months persisted significantly decreased when compared to the control group, and no significant differences were found with the 0 months evaluation; in addition, when analyzed separately, women showed a worsening in the VD. Moreover, a significantly greater foveal area zone (FAZ) (p = 0.003) was observed in COVID-19 patients at 6 months, compared to 0 months. The cotton wool spots (CWSs) observed at baseline were no longer present at 6 months, except for one patient that developed new ones. This study demonstrates that some of the previously known microvascular alterations resulting from COVID-19, persist over time and are still evident 6 months after hospital discharge in patients who have suffered from bilateral pneumonia.
2′-3′-Cyclic Nucleotide 3′-Phosphodiesterase Inhibition by Organometallic Vanadium Complexes: A Potential New Paradigm for Studying CNS Degeneration
Authors: Platt David C. , Rink Jonathan , Braich Kamaljit , McLauchlan Craig C. , Jones Marjorie A.
Published: May 2021

The enzyme, 2′-3′-cyclic nucleotide 3′-phosphodiesterase (CNPase) has been known for over fifty years. Nevertheless, the roles this membrane-bound enzyme play have yet to be described completely. Recently, there has been renewed interest in the study of this enzyme due to studies that suggest that CNPase plays a role in the mediation of cellular inflammatory responses in renal and nervous system tissues. Also, this enzyme, found in oligodendrocytes of the nervous system, has been reported to participate in significant regulatory changes associated with age which may be involved in age-related CNS degeneration. Consequently, development of CNPase inhibitors is of interest and should aid in the study of this, as yet, poorly understood enzyme. In this work we utilized a spectrophotometric enzyme assay to determine the effect a panel of organo-vanadium complexes had on isolated hamster myelin CNPase activity. Our group has now identified several potent in vitro CNPase inhibitors that could prove useful in clarifying the important roles of this enzyme.
Developmental Language Disorder and Autism: Commonalities and Differences on Language
Authors: Georgiou Natasa , Spanoudis George
Published: May 2021

Language and communication deficits characterize both autism spectrum disorder and developmental language disorder, and the possibility of there being a common profile of these is a matter of tireless debate in the research community. This experimental study addresses the relation of these two developmental conditions in the critical topic of language. A total of 103 children (79 males, 24 females) participated in the present study. Specifically, the study’s sample consisted of 40 children with autism, 28 children with developmental language disorder, and 35 typically developing children between 6 and 12 years old. All children completed language and cognitive measures. The results showed that there is a subgroup inside the autism group of children who demonstrate language difficulties similar to children with developmental language disorder. Specifically, two different subgroups were derived from the autism group; those with language impairment and those without. Both autism and language-impaired groups scored lower than typically developing children on all language measures indicating a common pathology in language ability. The results of this study shed light on the relation between the two disorders, supporting the assumption of a subgroup with language impairment inside the autism spectrum disorder population. The common picture presented by the two developmental conditions highlights the need for further research in the field.
Are the Acute Effects of THC Different in Aging Adults?
Authors: Mueller Raeghan L. , Ellingson Jarrod M. , Bidwell L. Cinnamon , Bryan Angela D. , Hutchison Kent E.
Published: May 2021

In recent years of expanding legalization, older adults have reported the largest increase in cannabis use of any age group. While its use has been studied extensively in young adults, little is known about the effects of THC in older adults and whether the risks of cannabis might be different, particularly concerning intoxication and cognition. The current study investigated whether age is associated with the deleterious effects of THC on cognitive performance and other behavioral measures before and after ad libitum self-administration of three different types of cannabis flower (THC dominant, THC + CBD, and CBD dominant). Age groups consisted of young adults (ages 21–25) and older adults (ages 55–70). Controlling for pre-use scores on all measures, the THC dominant chemovar produced a greater deleterious effect in younger adults compared with older adults in tests of learning and processing speed, whereas there were no differences between old and young in the effects of the other chemovars. In addition, the young group reported greater cannabis craving than the older group after using the THC chemovar. Consistent with some reports in the preclinical literature, the findings suggest that older adults may be less sensitive to the effects of THC on cognitive and affective measures.
Differential Alterations in Resting State Functional Connectivity Associated with Depressive Symptoms and Early Life Adversity
Authors: Fadel Eleonora , Boeker Heinz , Gaertner Matti , Richter Andre , Kleim Birgit , Seifritz Erich , Grimm Simone , Wade-Bohleber Laura M.
Published: May 2021

Depression and early life adversity (ELA) are associated with aberrant resting state functional connectivity (FC) of the default mode (DMN), salience (SN), and central executive networks (CEN). However, the specific and differential associations of depression and ELA with FC of these networks remain unclear. Applying a dimensional approach, here we analyzed associations of FC between major nodes of the DMN, SN, and CEN with severity of depressive symptoms and ELA defined as childhood abuse and neglect in a sample of 83 healthy and depressed subjects. Depressive symptoms were linked to increased FC within the SN and decreased FC of the SN with the DMN and CEN. Childhood abuse was associated with increased FC within the SN, whereas childhood neglect was associated with decreased FC within the SN and increased FC between the SN and the DMN. Our study thus provides evidence for differential associations of depressive symptoms and ELA with resting state FC and contributes to a clarification of previously contradictory findings. Specific FC abnormalities may underlie specific cognitive and emotional impairments. Future research should link specific clinical symptoms resulting from ELA to FC patterns thereby characterizing depression subtypes with specific neurobiological signatures.
Including the Excluded in Antenatal Care: A Systematic Review of Concerns for D/deaf Pregnant Women
Authors: Adigun Olufemi Timothy , Akinrinoye Olugbenga , Obilor Helen Ngozichukwuka
Published: May 2021

This paper presents global evidence derived from a systematic review of the literature on the issues of D/deaf pregnant women and antenatal care. A comprehensive search through four bibliographic databases identified a dataset of 10,375 academic papers, from which six papers met the inclusion criteria for in-depth analysis related to D/deaf pregnant women’s use of antenatal care/clinics. Findings from the analysis revealed four major concerns for D/deaf pregnant women who attended antenatal clinics for care. These concerns were communication difficulties, satisfaction with antenatal care services, attendance at antenatal clinics, and associated health outcomes. Based on the identified issues and concerns, it is recommended that pre- and in-service healthcare workers should be trained on how to communicate through sign language with their D/deaf patients. In addition, there is a need to rapidly expand the body of knowledge on the issues concerning antenatal care for D/deaf pregnant women vis-à-vis their relationship with healthcare workers in antenatal facilities.
The Use of Crushed Cable Waste as a Substitute of Natural Aggregate in Cement Screed
Authors: Reiterman Pavel , Lidmila Martin
Published: May 2021

This research is focused on the utilization of cable waste originating during the recycling of wires as a partial substitution of natural aggregate in cement screed. The main goal of the work performed was to find an optimal level of substitution in terms of freezing–thawing resistance, which is a significant aspect for such type of concrete mixtures. The studied artificial aggregate was gradually dosed in cement screed by 5% in a volume of up to 30% of substitution. The influence of the substitution was also evaluated in terms of compressive strength, flexural strength, bulk density determination, and the ultrasonic pulse method. Gradual substitution led to the reduction of the bulk density and studied mechanical properties due to the considerable air-entraining effect. The utilization of cable waste reduced the value of modulus of elasticity and modified deformation behavior of studied mixtures, which exhibited significant softening during the flexural test. Studied screed mixtures incorporating waste material exhibited slightly lower values of the coefficient of freeze-thaw resistance in comparison with the control mixture, however, the attained values comply with technical requirements.
Constitutive Model of Uniaxial Compressive Behavior for Roller-Compacted Concrete Using Coal Bottom Ash Entirely as Fine Aggregate
Authors: Li Yu , Li Li , Bindiganavile Vivek
Published: May 2021

Coal bottom ash (CBA) is one of the by-products that can be employed as fine aggregate to replace natural sand in concrete. Owing to the very low water demand, roller-compacted concrete (RCC) has the potential to use CBA as fine aggregate at a high proportion. However, little research about RCC using CBA entirely as fine aggregate has been conducted. In this study, the uniaxial compressive strength, deformation, stress–strain curves, and splitting tensile strength of CBA-containing RCC (CBA RCC) were studied to bridge this gap. The compressive strength, elasticity modulus, and splitting tensile strength of all mixtures decreased with increasing CBA content. The relationship between compressive strength and splitting tensile strength of CBA RCC was proposed, which is very close to that recommended by the CEB-FIP code. The uniaxial compressive constitutive model based on the continuum damage theory can well illustrate the stress–strain relationship of CBA RCC. The growth process of damage variable demonstrates the hybrid effect of coarse aggregate, cement, and compacting load on delaying damage under uniaxial compression. The theoretical formula can also accurately illustrate the stress–strain curves of RCC presented in the literature studies.
An Evaluation of Annual Luminous Exposure from Daylight in a Museum Room with a Translucent Ceiling
Authors: Brzezicki Marcin
Published: May 2021

The current study investigates the issue of computer-aided daylight evaluation in a museum room with a dropped translucent ceiling. In this type of room, daylight is admitted through classic windows located in the facade and then distributed in the plenum, which is located above the exhibition space and transmitted through the translucent ceiling into the museum room. This illumination method enables guiding daylight deep into the room, excluding the impact of direct solar radiation. The presented study is based on data obtained through computer-aided daylight simulation by DeLuminæ (DL-Light, ver. 11.0.9) software using the Radiance software for all calculations and real weather data for Wroclaw, Poland. A museum room of 12 × 12 m with three different heights of the plenums was simulated to establish an optimal relation of the width to height plenum ratio. Next, the annual exposure in K lx·h/year was calculated, as sensitive works of art may be subjected to damage caused by light exposure. To further reduce illumination, the simulation of an automatic shading system in the form of horizontal louvers was performed. The system was activated when certain illumination values were detected by the sensor on the building’s roof.