bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potato Varieties Response to Soil Matric Potential Based Irrigation
Authors: Matteau Jean-Pascal , Célicourt Paul , Létourneau Guillaume , Gumiere Thiago , Gumiere Silvio J.
Published: February 2021

Potato is one of the most cropped plants worldwide. Hundreds of different varieties are cultivated only in North America. Potato growers usually crop multiple varieties on their farms to answer the market demands for potato’s specific physical properties. However, few pieces of information are available regarding the optimal management of irrigation across potato varieties. Knowing that modern potatoes share genetics similarities, the optimal irrigation comfort zone for the potato crop might be the same for different groups of varieties. This study evaluates the effect of precision irrigation thresholds on the potato yields of three varieties (Envol: very early, Kalmia: early, and Red Maria: mid-late) with different maturity classes. In a greenhouse, a soil matric potential sensor network used in combination with a precise irrigation system allows the identification of a common optimal precision irrigation threshold, allowing optimal yields for the three varieties. This paper presents the first identification of an optimal irrigation threshold, −15 kPa, shared by different potato varieties. The optimal irrigation threshold identified in this study is not dependent on the maturity class, plant height or tuber potential production. The determination of an optimal precision irrigation threshold will allow potato growers to adapt their farm management processes to integrate more sustainable water management practices as they will be able to irrigate a field with multiple varieties with the same threshold.
Interseeding Camelina and Rye in Soybean with Varying Maturity Provides Soil Cover without Affecting Soybean Yield
Authors: Johnson Kory L. , Kandel Hans J. , Samarappuli Dulan P. , Berti Marisol T.
Published: February 2021

Low adoption to utilize cover crops interseeded into soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.), in the northern Plains in the USA, is due to a short growing season and a few adapted winter-hardy species. The objective was to evaluate the impact of interseeded winter camelina (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz) and winter rye (Secale cereale L.) using different soybean relative maturities on soybean yield, canopy coverage, spring cover crop biomass, and subsequent wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield. Cover crops interseeded into early-maturing (0.4–0.8) soybean cultivars had more fall coverage compared with the 0.9 maturity cultivar, but the spring biomass was similar for all maturities. The soybean yield of the 0.9 cultivar was significantly higher, 2365 kg ha−1 compared with 2037 kg ha−1 for the 0.4 cultivar. Rye outperformed winter camelina and had higher fall canopy cover (15 vs. 7%), spring canopy cover (16% vs. 4%), and higher spring biomass (313 vs. 100 kg ha−1 dry matter). Spring wheat, after rye, yielded 90% of the check. It is not recommended to plant spring wheat following winter rye, but there was no negative yield effect from winter camelina. Interseeding cover crops into soybean in the northern Plains is possible but needs further research to optimize interseeding systems.
Evaluation of Different Methods to Estimate the Transfer of Immunity in Donkey Foals Fed with Colostrum of Good IgG Quality: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Turini Luca , Bonelli Francesca , Nocera Irene , Meucci Valentina , Conte Giuseppe , Sgorbini Micaela
Published: February 2021

The aims of the present study were to evaluate the correlation between IgG Serum Radial Immunodiffusion (SRID), Electrophoresis Gamma Globulins (EGG), Electrophoresis Total Protein (ETP) and the serum total protein (TP) analyzed by refractometry and by a dry chemistry analyzer (Biuret) and to estimate serum IgG concentrations using serum TP. A total of 36 samples collected at four different times (birth, 6, 12, 24 h after birth) from nine Amiata donkey foals were evaluated with SRID, EGG, ETP, serum TP Biuret and refractometry. SRID IgG concentration increased significantly over time until T12. Serum TP analyzed with refractometry, electrophoresis and Biuret showed a statistically significant difference between T0 and T6 vs. T12 and T24. A good or strong correlation was found between different tests performed. Equations to quantify serum IgG were created and can be used for estimating the donkey foals’ serum IgG in the first day of life. Serum TP refractometry showed a high correlation with SRID IgG (0.91) which may be a particularly useful and economic instrument to estimate the transfer of immunity in donkey foals during the first day of life. Further studies evaluating a high number of animals are needed in order to set specific cut-off values.
Immunocastration in Gilts: A Preliminary Study of the Effect of the Second Dose Administration Time on Growth, Reproductive Tract Development, and Carcass and Meat Quality
Authors: Pérez-Ciria Leticia , Carcò Giuseppe , Miana-Mena Francisco Javier , Mitjana Olga , Falceto María Victoria , Latorre Maria Angeles
Published: February 2021

Increasing fatness and avoiding puberty are desirable in gilts intended for high-quality dry-cured ham production. A total of 48 Duroc x (Landrace x Large White) females of 26.5 ± 3.70 kg body weight (BW) were used to evaluate the impact of immunocastration and to find the optimum application time of the second dose for immunocastration on growth; sex hormones; reproductive tract development; and carcass, meat, and fat quality. Gilts were allocated to four experimental treatments (n = 12): control (entire gilts, EG) and immunocastrated gilts (IG), providing the second dose at 12, 9, or 7 weeks before slaughter (with approximately 60, 75, or 90 kg BW, respectively). Mean slaughter BW was 125 kg. Immunocastrated gilts had lighter reproductive tracts and greater fat thickness than EG. Fat from IG was more saturated and less polyunsaturated than that from EG. Numerically, gilts immunocastrated 9 and 12 weeks before slaughter presented higher fatness than those immunocastrated 7 weeks before slaughter. In conclusion, immunocastration is a good strategy to improve the fatness of gilts destined to dry-cured ham elaboration, with the optimum time for the second dose application seemingly between 9 and 12 weeks before slaughter.
Insulin–Mimetic Dihydroxanthyletin-Type Coumarins from Angelica decursiva with Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activities and Docking Studies of Their Molecular Mechanisms
Authors: Ali Md Yousof , Jannat Susoma , Jung Hyun Ah , Choi Jae Sue
Published: February 2021

As a traditional medicine, Angelica decursiva has been used for the treatment of many diseases. The goal of this study was to evaluate the potential of four natural major dihydroxanthyletin-type coumarins—(+)-trans-decursidinol, Pd-C-I, Pd-C-II, and Pd-C-III—to inhibit the enzymes, protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) and α-glucosidase. In the kinetic study of the PTP1B enzyme’s inhibition, we found that (+)-trans-decursidinol, Pd-C-I, and Pd-C-II led to competitive inhibition, while Pd-C-III displayed mixed-type inhibition. Moreover, (+)-trans-decursidinol exhibited competitive-type, and Pd-C-I and Pd-C-II mixed-type, while Pd-C-III showed non-competitive type inhibition of α-glucosidase. Docking simulations of these coumarins showed negative binding energies and a similar proximity to residues in the PTP1B and α-glucosidase binding pocket, which means they are closely connected and strongly binding with the active enzyme site. In addition, dihydroxanthyletin-type coumarins are up to 40 µM non-toxic in HepG2 cells and have substantially increased glucose uptake and decreased expression of PTP1B in insulin-resistant HepG2 cells. Further, coumarins inhibited ONOO−-mediated albumin nitration and scavenged peroxynitrite (ONOO−), and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Our overall findings showed that dihydroxanthyletin-type coumarins derived from A. decursiva is used as a dual inhibitor for enzymes, such as PTP1B and α-glucosidase, as well as for insulin susceptibility.
Sickle Cell Disease: Role of Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Therapy
Authors: Vona Rosa , Sposi Nadia Maria , Mattia Lorenza , Gambardella Lucrezia , Straface Elisabetta , Pietraforte Donatella
Published: February 2021

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common hereditary disorder of hemoglobin (Hb), which affects approximately a million people worldwide. It is characterized by a single nucleotide substitution in the β-globin gene, leading to the production of abnormal sickle hemoglobin (HbS) with multi-system consequences. HbS polymerization is the primary event in SCD. Repeated polymerization and depolymerization of Hb causes oxidative stress that plays a key role in the pathophysiology of hemolysis, vessel occlusion and the following organ damage in sickle cell patients. For this reason, reactive oxidizing species and the (end)-products of their oxidative reactions have been proposed as markers of both tissue pro-oxidant status and disease severity. Although more studies are needed to clarify their role, antioxidant agents have been shown to be effective in reducing pathological consequences of the disease by preventing oxidative damage in SCD, i.e., by decreasing the oxidant formation or repairing the induced damage. An improved understanding of oxidative stress will lead to targeted antioxidant therapies that should prevent or delay the development of organ complications in this patient population.
Moderate Red Wine Consumption Increases the Expression of Longevity-Associated Genes in Controlled Human Populations and Extends Lifespan in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Gambini Juan , Gimeno-Mallench Lucia , Olaso-Gonzalez Gloria , Mastaloudis Angela , Traber Maret G. , Monleón Daniel , Borrás Consuelo , Viña Jose
Published: February 2021

The beneficial effects of moderate red wine consumption on cardiovascular health are well known. The composition of red wine includes several compounds, such as the phytoestrogen resveratrol, that exert these beneficial effects, although not all the mechanisms by which they act are known. Our aim was to study the effect of red wine consumption on longevity-related genes in controlled human populations, such as cloistered nuns. We found that the expression of catalase, manganese-superoxide dismutase, Sirt1, and p53 was increased in peripheral blood mononuclear cells after 14 days of moderate red wine consumption. This increase was accompanied by an enhanced metabolic wellness: fatty acids, cholesterol, branched chain amino acids (isoleucine and leucine), ketone bodies (acetoacetate), bacterial co-metabolites (trimethylamine), and cellular antioxidants (taurine) contributed to a change in metabolic profile after moderate red wine consumption by the nuns. No serious unwanted side effects were observed. Finally, we tested the effect of moderate red wine consumption on longevity in a controlled animal population, such as D. melanogaster, and found that it increased average life span by 7%. In conclusion, moderate red wine consumption increases the expression of key longevity-related genes and improves metabolic health in humans and increases longevity in flies.
Redox Regulation of PTEN by Peroxiredoxins
Authors: Nguyen Huu Thang , Park Jiyoung , Zhang Ying , Park Iha , Yoon Hyun Joong , Woo Hyun Ae , Lee Seung-Rock
Published: February 2021

Phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) is known as a tumor suppressor gene that is frequently mutated in numerous human cancers and inherited syndromes. PTEN functions as a negative regulator of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway by dephosphorylating phosphatidylinositol (3, 4, 5)-trisphosphate (PIP3) to phosphatidylinositol (4, 5)-bisphosphate (PIP2), which leads to the inhibition of cell growth, proliferation, cell survival, and protein synthesis. PTEN contains a cysteine residue in the active site that can be oxidized by peroxides, forming an intramolecular disulfide bond between Cys124 and Cys71. Redox regulation of PTEN by reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays a crucial role in cellular signaling. Peroxiredoxins (Prxs) are a superfamily of peroxidase that catalyzes reduction of peroxides and maintains redox homeostasis. Mammalian Prxs have 6 isoforms (I-VI) and can scavenge cellular peroxides. It has been demonstrated that Prx I can preserve and promote the tumor-suppressive function of PTEN by preventing oxidation of PTEN under benign oxidative stress via direct interaction. Also, Prx II-deficient cells increased PTEN oxidation and insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, Prx III has been shown to protect PTEN from oxidation induced by 15s-HpETE and 12s-HpETE, these are potent inflammatory and pro-oxidant mediators. Understanding the tight connection between PTEN and Prxs is important for providing novel therapies. Herein, we summarized recent studies focusing on the relationship of Prxs and the redox regulation of PTEN.
Handheld Optical System for Pectus Excavatum Assessment
Authors: Servi Michaela , Zulli Andrea , Volpe Yary , Furferi Rocco , Puggelli Luca , Messineo Antonio , Ghionzoli Marco , Facchini Flavio
Published: February 2021

Disruptive 3D technologies, such as reverse engineering (RE) and additive manufacturing (AM), when applied in the medical field enable the development of new methods for personalized and non-invasive treatments. When referring to the monitoring of pectus excavatum, one of the most common thoracic malformations, 3D acquisition of the patient chest proved to be a straightforward method for assessing and measuring chest deformation. Unfortunately, such systems are usually available in a dedicated facility, can be operated only by specialized doctors with the support of engineers and can be used only with patients on site. It is therefore impossible to perform any routine check-up when the patient is unable to reach the outpatient clinic. The COVID19 pandemic situation has placed even greater restrictions on patient mobility, worsening this problem. To deal with this issue, a new low-cost portable optical scanner for monitoring pectus excavatum is proposed in this work. The scanner, named Thor 2.0, allows a remote diagnostic approach, offering the possibility to perform routine check-ups telematically. Usability tests confirmed the user-friendly nature of the devised system. The instrument was used at the Meyer Children’s Hospital (Florence, Italy) chest-malformations center to treat PE patients. The performed measurements proved to be in line with the current state of the art.
Assessment of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate Setting in Simulated Root Canal with Different Root Canal Wall Thickness: In Vitro Study
Authors: Žižka Radovan , Čtvrtlík Radim , Tomáštík Jan , Fačevicová Kamila , Vencálek Ondřej , Šedý Jiří , Marinčák David
Published: February 2021

Setting of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is affected by various factors. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of root canal wall thickness on mechanical properties of MTA along the whole apical plug. Bovine bone mold tubes with internal diameter of 2 mm, height of 5 mm, and wall thickness of 0.8 mm, 1.2 mm, and 1.6 mm were filled with 3 mm ProRoot MTA and were kept in 37 °C and relative humidity of 100% for 7 days. The indentation hardness and reduced modulus of elasticity were measured in a large overview matrix and detailed matrix placed 1.5 mm from simulated apical foramen in order to obtain particularized information about gradient of altering mechanical properties. The uppermost layer of material in contact with simulated apical foramen had reduced mechanical properties irrespective of root canal wall thickness. The most distinct decrease of microhardness (32%) and reduced modulus of elasticity (27%) in interfacial layer were present in specimen with thinnest root canal wall. This effect could be observed in detailed measurement up to 190 µm in material. The interfacial layer of MTA, which was in contact during setting with root canal wall thinner than 1.2 mm, had reduced mechanical properties.
An All-Batch Loss for Constructing Prediction Intervals
Authors: Zhong Hua , Xu Li
Published: February 2021

The prediction interval (PI) is an important research topic in reliability analyses and decision support systems. Data size and computation costs are two of the issues which may hamper the construction of PIs. This paper proposes an all-batch (AB) loss function for constructing high quality PIs. Taking the full advantage of the likelihood principle, the proposed loss makes it possible to train PI generation models using the gradient descent (GD) method for both small and large batches of samples. With the structure of dual feedforward neural networks (FNNs), a high-quality PI generation framework is introduced, which can be adapted to a variety of problems including regression analysis. Numerical experiments were conducted on the benchmark datasets; the results show that higher-quality PIs were achieved using the proposed scheme. Its reliability and stability were also verified in comparison with various state-of-the-art PI construction methods.
Buckwheat Seeds: Impact of Milling Fractions and Addition Level on Wheat Bread Dough Rheology
Authors: Coțovanu Ionica , Mironeasa Silvia
Published: February 2021

Supplementation of refined wheat flour with buckwheat flour requires a good understanding of the impact of milling fractions, their functionality, and addition level on bread quality. The chemical and functional characteristics of different particle fractions (large, medium, and small) of buckwheat flour on dough Mixolab rheological properties to predict bread quality were investigated. Moisture content, proteins, ash, lipids, and carbohydrates varied irregularly depending on the particle size. The medium particle fraction is the richest in protein, lipid and ash, which are positively correlated with its water and swelling properties and negatively correlated with its volumetric density. The alpha-amylase activity increased with the particle size increase in composite flour. The Mixolab data revealed that the decrease of particle size increased water absorption, dough viscosity during the starch gelatinization and retrogradation stage, while the addition level increased the dough development time and gel stability, and decreased the rate of protein weakening. Following the optimization process and the desirability function approach, it was established that the most appropriate rheological properties are provided by buckwheat flour addition level of 10.75% for medium particle fraction. These results can be helpful for bakery producers to diversify baked products with the desired particle fraction with optimal technological and nutritional properties along with beneficial effects to consumers.
Effect of Pretreatment with Low-Frequency Ultrasound on Quality Parameters in Gulupa (Passiflora edulis Sims) Pulp
Authors: Calderón-Martínez Vanessa , Delgado-Ospina Johannes , Ramírez-Navas Juan Sebastián , Flórez-López Edwin , Valdés-Restrepo Magda Piedad , Grande-Tovar Carlos David , Chaves-López Clemencia
Published: February 2021

The Gulupa (Passiflora edulis f. edulis Sims) is an expression of South America’s tropics’ biodiversity, and a source of B vitamins and amino acids. It is a climacteric export fruit for which it is necessary to incorporate emerging technologies for its conservation and transport. This work investigated the effect of ultrasound on gulupa pulp and verified the stability of the characters of interest in the shelf life of 20 days. Six treatments and a control sample were used, evaluated in triplicate, and varied in frequency (30 and 40 kHz) with an exposure time of 10, 20, and 30 min. A statistical analysis of unidirectional variances and Dunnett’s test was used. It was found that the ultrasound treatments did not affect the pH or the titratable acidity. Soluble solid results presented a significant increase (p < 0.05) (from 13.4 to 14.8% w/v) in the antioxidant capacity (from 1.13 to 1.54 µmol Trolox Equivalent (TE)/g by the ABTS•+ (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) Cationic Radical Assay and from 3.3 to 3.7 µmol TE/g by the DPPH· (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrilhydrazil) Radical Scavenging Assay). During the shelf life, ascorbic acid was the parameter that varied most (p < 0.05). It decreased from 42.7 to 21.6 mg ascorbic acid/100 g of pulp in the control sample. However, a smaller decrease was observed (23.8–24.5 mg ascorbic acid/100 g of pulp) in the 40 kHz treatments. The smallest global color difference (ΔE) for the control was found in the 40 kHz treatment at 30 min through the entire shelf life (day 0 to 20). Ultrasound treatment offers a new strategy to improve and extend the shelf life of chilled gulupa pulp.
Structural Identification and Coagulation Effect of Flammulina velutipes Polysaccharides
Authors: Liang Zhenhua , Zheng Kangwei , Zhao Qingchun , Shao Wenjing , Li Changqin , Wang Jinmei , Ma Changyang , Kang Wenyi
Published: February 2021

Two polysaccharides were isolated successfully from Flammulina velutipes and identified as CHFVP-1 (24.44 kDa) and CHFVP-2 (1497 kDa). Based on the results of Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), gas chromatography (GC), gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy regarding the structure of CHFVP-1 and CHFVP-2, CHFVP-1 was constructed with the backbone of→6)-α-D-Galp-(1→ and the branch of Galp by an →3,6)-α-D-Manp-(1→attached with T-β-D-Glcp or t-α-L-Fucp side chains. Meanwhile, the CHFVP-2 was a glucan with the construction of →6)-β-D-Glcp-(1→ and T-β-D-Glcp. Moreover, the coagulant activity in vitro of CHFVP-1 and CHFVP-2 was evaluated, and the results showed that CHFVP-1 exerts procoagulant activity by shortening the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and thrombin time (TT), while CHFVP-2 did not reveal a definite coagulant activity. The finding would benefit the further application of F. velutipes in the field of medicine.
Optimization of Lignin Extraction Variables by Response Surface Methodology from Pine Saw Dust, and Quantification of Major Structural Units in Isolated Lignin Fraction
Authors: Ahmed Muhammad Ajaz , Lee Jae Hoon , Choi Joon Weon
Published: February 2021

A synergistic combination of dioxane, acetic acid, and HCl was investigated for lignin extraction from pine wood biomass. After initial screening of reagent combination, response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the lignin yield with respect to the variables of time 24–72 h, solids loading 5–15%, and catalyst dose 5–15 mL. A quadratic model predicted 8.33% of the lignin yield, and it was further confirmed experimentally and through the analysis of variance (ANOVA). Lignin at optimum combination exhibited features in terms of derivatization followed by reductive cleavage (DFRC) with a value of (305 µmol/gm), average molecular weights of 4358 and polydispersity of 1.65, and 2D heteronuclear single quantum coherence nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum (2D-HSQC NMR) analysis showing relative β-O-4 linkages (37.80%). From here it can be suggested that this fractionation can be one option for high quality lignin extraction from lignocellulosic biomass.
Seismic Response of Container Crane under Near-Field and Far-Field Ground Motions
Authors: Nguyen Van Bac , Huh Jungwon , Meisuh Bismark Kofi , Kim Jongwoo , Park Inn-Joon
Published: February 2021

In this study, the seismic response of a container crane under near-field and far-field ground motions was investigated using a shaking table test on a 1/20 scale crane. The 1/20 scale crane was designed and fabricated based on the similitude laws, in which three independent quantities: geometric length, acceleration, and elastic modulus, were used to design the 1/20 scale crane. A series of shaking table tests were conducted at the Seismic Research and Test Center, Pusan National University, Yangsan Campus to evaluate the seismic response of the scale crane under near-field and far-field ground motions. The results show that the near-field ground motions can cause larger internal forces (that is, axial force and two bending moments) in the landside and seaside legs and larger portal drift than the far-field ground motions. The portal drift of the container crane subjected to the near-field ground motions was 43% higher than that of the container crane subjected to the far-field ground motions. Furthermore, when subjected to the near-field ground motion, the bending moment in the crane’s portal leg was 37% higher than the bending moment when the crane was subjected to the far-field ground motions.
Pulse Peak Delay-Total Focusing Method for Ultrasonic Tomography on Concrete Structure
Authors: Kwon Hungjoo , Joh Changbin , Chin Won Jong
Published: February 2021

An ultrasonic array device like the A1040 MIRA is used to non-destructively visualize the inside of concrete structures. A data set acquired by the ultrasonic array device is so unfocused that an image reconstruction algorithm is required to transform the data set into an understandable image. The image reconstruction algorithm like total focusing method exploits the time-of-flight of an ultrasonic pulse when focusing the image. While a high frequency ultrasonic pulse barely affects the accuracy of results, a low frequency ultrasonic pulse with a long wavelength causes an overall sagging of the resulting image around half wavelength of the pulse, which results in a poor quality of results. In this research, a modified total focusing method called pulse peak delay-total focusing method is proposed to calibrate the sagging in the resulting images due to the long wavelength of the pulse. The simulation of an ultrasonic array signal is implemented to validate the proposed method. The experimental results are compared with the simulation results to validate the proposed method. The simulation using the proposed method shows good agreement with experimental results. Analysis of results using potential damage curve and array performance indicator shows that the proposed method allows the higher accuracy, as well as the increased resolution of resulting images.
A Comparison of Feature Selection and Forecasting Machine Learning Algorithms for Predicting Glycaemia in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Rodríguez-Rodríguez Ignacio , Rodríguez José-Víctor , Woo Wai Lok , Wei Bo , Pardo-Quiles Domingo-Javier
Published: February 2021

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) is a metabolic disease derived from falls in pancreatic insulin production resulting in chronic hyperglycemia. DM1 subjects usually have to undertake a number of assessments of blood glucose levels every day, employing capillary glucometers for the monitoring of blood glucose dynamics. In recent years, advances in technology have allowed for the creation of revolutionary biosensors and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) techniques. This has enabled the monitoring of a subject’s blood glucose level in real time. On the other hand, few attempts have been made to apply machine learning techniques to predicting glycaemia levels, but dealing with a database containing such a high level of variables is problematic. In this sense, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, the issues of proper feature selection (FS)—the stage before applying predictive algorithms—have not been subject to in-depth discussion and comparison in past research when it comes to forecasting glycaemia. Therefore, in order to assess how a proper FS stage could improve the accuracy of the glycaemia forecasted, this work has developed six FS techniques alongside four predictive algorithms, applying them to a full dataset of biomedical features related to glycaemia. These were harvested through a wide-ranging passive monitoring process involving 25 patients with DM1 in practical real-life scenarios. From the obtained results, we affirm that Random Forest (RF) as both predictive algorithm and FS strategy offers the best average performance (Root Median Square Error, RMSE = 18.54 mg/dL) throughout the 12 considered predictive horizons (up to 60 min in steps of 5 min), showing Support Vector Machines (SVM) to have the best accuracy as a forecasting algorithm when considering, in turn, the average of the six FS techniques applied (RMSE = 20.58 mg/dL).
Relationships between the Macrostructure Features and Acoustic Parameters of Resonance Spruce for Piano Soundboards
Authors: Manzo Ginevra , Tippner Jan , Zatloukal Petr
Published: February 2021

An experimental examination of the relationship between the macrostructure characteristics and the acoustic properties of Norway spruce was performed. The macrostructure features were found to comprise the density (ρ), percentage of latewood (%LW), slope of grain (α), and angle the annual rings in a cross section (β). The main acoustic parameters of the research were the sound velocity, dynamic Young’s modulus, acoustic impedance (Z), and radiation coefficient (R). The acoustic properties for both the cross section and the longitudinal direction were calculated. Non-destructive evaluation (NDE) is the appropriate approach to define acoustic properties. Ultrasonic direct transmission and a transitory excitation method were used to calculate and compare the acoustic properties. A modal analysis was performed to predict the frequency range that corresponded to the different mode shapes. There were no significant differences between the two methods, yet an 80% reduction of the velocity, Z and R was identified between the longitudinal direction and the cross section. The equations used to define acoustic radiation according to the latewood component were defined, and strong correlations between the macrostructure and acoustic parameters were confirmed. A tight relationship was observed between the reduction of sound velocity and material density exceeding 440 kg m−3.
“I Want to Serve, but the Public Does Not Understand”—An Approach to Employees’ Intention to Stay in the Malaysian Construction Companies
Authors: Moshood Taofeeq D. , Adeleke Adekunle Q. , Nawanir Gusman , Sorooshian Shahryar , Ajibike Waliu A.
Published: February 2021

This paper explicitly clarifies an employee’s goal to voluntarily stay in his/her current employment. A large volume of research has concentrated on corporate environments on the causes of workforce turnover. Nevertheless, little was done to investigate workers’ desire to remain, which was the essential parameter in determining their stay in the construction sector. Therefore, this research was undertaken to explore the relationship between job embeddedness (off-the-job and on-the-job and the intent of staying in Malaysian construction companies with the mediating impact of continuance commitment. For the analysis, a simple random under probability sampling technique was used. Of the overall 280 samples surveyed, 243 responded and used it in the report, 86.8% of the response rate. A structural equation modeling approach was used to analyze the direct and indirect relationships as drawn by the hypotheses. This research showed that the component of the off-the-job, on-the-job embeddedness and intention to stay were substantially linked. At the same time, continuance commitment plays a full mediation between the convergence of off-the-job, on-the-job and the intention to stay. These findings suggest that construction companies in Malaysia need to consider organizational and community embeddedness relationships along with continuance commitment in the invention of programs designated to influence workers’ intention to stay on their current jobs.
Glucagon Prevents Cytotoxicity Induced by Methylglyoxal in a Rat Neuronal Cell Line Model
Authors: Mohiuddin Mohammad Sarif , Himeno Tatsuhito , Yamada Yuichiro , Morishita Yoshiaki , Kondo Masaki , Tsunekawa Shin , Kato Yoshiro , Nakamura Jiro , Kamiya Hideki
Published: February 2021

Although diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) is a frequent diabetic complication, no effective therapeutic approach has been established. Glucagon is a crucial hormone for glucose homeostasis but has pleiotropic effects, including neuroprotective effects in the central nervous system. However, the importance of glucagon in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) has not been clarified. Here, we hypothesized that glucagon might have a neuroprotective function in the PNS. The immortalized rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neuronal cell line 50B11 was treated with methylglyoxal (MG) to mimic an in vitro DPN model. The cells were cultured with or without glucagon or MG. Neurotoxicity, survival, apoptosis, neurite projection, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), and protein kinase A (PKA) were examined. Glucagon had no cytotoxicity and rescued the cells from neurotoxicity. Cell survival was increased by glucagon. The ratio of apoptotic cells, which was increased by MG, was reduced by glucagon. Neurite outgrowth was accelerated in glucagon-treated cells. Cyclic AMP and PKA accumulated in the cells after glucagon stimulation. In conclusion, glucagon protected the DRG neuronal cells from MG-induced cellular stress. The cAMP/PKA pathway may have significant roles in those protective effects of glucagon. Glucagon may be a potential target for the treatment of DPN.
Therapeutic Potential of αS Evolvability for Neuropathic Gaucher Disease
Authors: Wei Jianshe , Takamatsu Yoshiki , Wada Ryoko , Fujita Masayo , Ho Gilbert , Masliah Eliezer , Hashimoto Makoto
Published: February 2021

Gaucher disease (GD), the most common lysosomal storage disorder (LSD), is caused by autosomal recessive mutations of the glucocerebrosidase gene, GBA1. In the majority of cases, GD has a non-neuropathic chronic form with adult onset (GD1), while other cases are more acute and severer neuropathic forms with early onset (GD2/3). Currently, no radical therapies are established for GD2/3. Notably, GD1, but not GD2/3, is associated with increased risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD), the elucidation of which might provide a clue for novel therapeutic strategies. In this context, the objective of the present study is to discuss that the evolvability of α-synuclein (αS) might be differentially involved in GD subtypes. Hypothetically, aging-associated PD features with accumulation of αS, and the autophagy-lysosomal dysfunction might be an antagonistic pleiotropy phenomenon derived from αS evolvability in the development in GD1, without which neuropathies like GD2/3 might be manifested due to the autophagy-lysosomal dysfunction. Supposing that the increased severity of GD2/3 might be attributed to the decreased activity of αS evolvability, suppressing the expression of β-synuclein (βS), a potential buffer against αS evolvability, might be therapeutically efficient. Of interest, a similar view might be applicable to Niemann-Pick type C (NPC), another LSD, given that the adult type of NPC, which is comorbid with Alzheimer’s disease, exhibits milder medical symptoms compared with those of infantile NPC. Thus, it is predicted that the evolvability of amyloid β and tau, might be beneficial for the adult type of NPC. Collectively, a better understanding of amyloidogenic evolvability in the pathogenesis of LSD may inform rational therapy development.
Hormonal Regulation of Oligodendrogenesis II: Implications for Myelin Repair
Authors: Breton Jocelyn M. , Long Kimberly L. P. , Barraza Matthew K. , Perloff Olga S. , Kaufer Daniela
Published: February 2021

Alterations in myelin, the protective and insulating sheath surrounding axons, affect brain function, as is evident in demyelinating diseases where the loss of myelin leads to cognitive and motor dysfunction. Recent evidence suggests that changes in myelination, including both hyper- and hypo-myelination, may also play a role in numerous neurological and psychiatric diseases. Protecting myelin and promoting remyelination is thus crucial for a wide range of disorders. Oligodendrocytes (OLs) are the cells that generate myelin, and oligodendrogenesis, the creation of new OLs, continues throughout life and is necessary for myelin plasticity and remyelination. Understanding the regulation of oligodendrogenesis and myelin plasticity within disease contexts is, therefore, critical for the development of novel therapeutic targets. In our companion manuscript, we review literature demonstrating that multiple hormone classes are involved in the regulation of oligodendrogenesis under physiological conditions. The majority of hormones enhance oligodendrogenesis, increasing oligodendrocyte precursor cell differentiation and inducing maturation and myelin production in OLs. Thus, hormonal treatments present a promising route to promote remyelination. Here, we review the literature on hormonal regulation of oligodendrogenesis within the context of disorders. We focus on steroid hormones, including glucocorticoids and sex hormones, peptide hormones such as insulin-like growth factor 1, and thyroid hormones. For each hormone, we describe whether they aid in OL survival, differentiation, or remyelination, and we discuss their mechanisms of action, if known. Several of these hormones have yielded promising results in both animal models and in human conditions; however, a better understanding of hormonal effects, interactions, and their mechanisms will ultimately lead to more targeted therapeutics for myelin repair.
Pharmacological and Metabolic Significance of Bile Acids in Retinal Diseases
Authors: Win Alice , Delgado Amanda , Jadeja Ravirajsinh N. , Martin Pamela M. , Bartoli Manuela , Thounaojam Menaka C.
Published: February 2021

Bile acids (BAs) are amphipathic sterols primarily synthesized from cholesterol in the liver and released in the intestinal lumen upon food intake. BAs play important roles in micellination of dietary lipids, stimulating bile flow, promoting biliary phospholipid secretion, and regulating cholesterol synthesis and elimination. Emerging evidence, however, suggests that, aside from their conventional biological function, BAs are also important signaling molecules and therapeutic tools. In the last decade, the therapeutic applications of BAs in the treatment of ocular diseases have gained great interest. Despite the identification of BA synthesis, metabolism, and recycling in ocular tissues, much remains unknown with regards to their biological significance in the eye. Additionally, as gut microbiota directly affects the quality of circulating BAs, their analysis could derive important information on changes occurring in this microenvironment. This review aims at providing an overview of BA metabolism and biological function with a focus on their potential therapeutic and diagnostic use for retinal diseases.
Cardiovascular “Patterns” of H2S and SSNO−-Mix Evaluated from 35 Rat Hemodynamic Parameters
Authors: Tomasova Lenka , Grman Marian , Misak Anton , Kurakova Lucia , Ondriasova Elena , Ondrias Karol
Published: February 2021

This work is based on the hypothesis that it is possible to characterize the cardiovascular system just from the detailed shape of the arterial pulse waveform (APW). Since H2S, NO donor S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) and their H2S/GSNO products (SSNO−-mix) have numerous biological actions, we aimed to compare their effects on APW and to find characteristic “patterns” of their actions. The right jugular vein of anesthetized rats was cannulated for i.v. administration of the compounds. The left carotid artery was cannulated to detect APW. From APW, 35 hemodynamic parameters (HPs) were evaluated. H2S transiently influenced all 35 HPs and from their cross-relationships to systolic blood pressure “patterns” and direct/indirect signaling pathways of the H2S effect were proposed. The observed “patterns” were mostly different from the published ones for GSNO. Effect of SSNO−-mix (≤32 nmol kg−1) on blood pressure in the presence or absence of a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (L-NAME) was minor in comparison to GSNO, suggesting that the formation of SSNO−-mix in blood diminished the hemodynamic effect of NO. The observed time-dependent changes of 35 HPs, their cross-relationships and non-hysteresis/hysteresis profiles may serve as “patterns” for the conditions of a transient decrease/increase of blood pressure caused by H2S.
Activity Strength within Optic Flow-Sensitive Cortical Regions Is Associated with Visual Path Integration Accuracy in Aged Adults
Authors: Zajac Lauren , Killiany Ronald
Published: February 2021

Spatial navigation is a cognitive skill fundamental to successful interaction with our environment, and aging is associated with weaknesses in this skill. Identifying mechanisms underlying individual differences in navigation ability in aged adults is important to understanding these age-related weaknesses. One understudied factor involved in spatial navigation is self-motion perception. Important to self-motion perception is optic flow–the global pattern of visual motion experienced while moving through our environment. A set of optic flow-sensitive (OF-sensitive) cortical regions was defined in a group of young (n = 29) and aged (n = 22) adults. Brain activity was measured in this set of OF-sensitive regions and control regions using functional magnetic resonance imaging while participants performed visual path integration (VPI) and turn counting (TC) tasks. Aged adults had stronger activity in RMT+ during both tasks compared to young adults. Stronger activity in the OF-sensitive regions LMT+ and RpVIP during VPI, not TC, was associated with greater VPI accuracy in aged adults. The activity strength in these two OF-sensitive regions measured during VPI explained 42% of the variance in VPI task performance in aged adults. The results of this study provide novel support for global motion processing as a mechanism underlying visual path integration in normal aging.
Application of a Clinical Workflow May Lead to Increased Diagnostic Precision in Hereditary Spastic Paraplegias and Cerebellar Ataxias: A Single Center Experience
Authors: Riso Vittorio , Rossi Salvatore , Nicoletti Tommaso , Tessa Alessandra , Travaglini Lorena , Zanni Ginevra , Aiello Chiara , Perna Alessia , Barghigiani Melissa , Pomponi Maria , Santorelli Filippo , Silvestri Gabriella
Published: February 2021

The molecular characterization of Hereditary Spastic Paraplegias (HSP) and inherited cerebellar ataxias (CA) is challenged by their clinical and molecular heterogeneity. The recent application of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies is increasing the diagnostic rate, which can be influenced by patients’ selection. To assess if a clinical diagnosis of CA/HSP received in a third-level reference center might impact the molecular diagnostic yield, we retrospectively evaluated the molecular diagnostic rate reached in our center on 192 unrelated families (90 HSP and 102 CA) (i) before NGS and (ii) with the use of NGS gene panels. Overall, 46.3% of families received a genetic diagnosis by first-tier individual gene screening: 43.3% HSP and 50% spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA). The diagnostic rate was 56.7% in AD-HSP, 55.5% in AR-HSP, and 21.2% in sporadic HSP. On the other hand, 75% AD-, 52% AR- and 33% sporadic CA were diagnosed. So far, 32 patients (24 CA and 8 HSP) were further assessed by NGS gene panels, and 34.4% were diagnosed, including 29.2% CA and 50% HSP patients. Eleven novel gene variants classified as (likely) pathogenic were identified. Our results support the role of experienced clinicians in the diagnostic assessment and the clinical research of CA and HSP even in the next generation era.
FDG-PET Radiomics for Response Monitoring in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Treated with Radiation Therapy
Authors: Carles Montserrat , Fechter Tobias , Radicioni Gianluca , Schimek-Jasch Tanja , Adebahr Sonja , Zamboglou Constantinos , Nicolay Nils H. , Martí-Bonmatí Luis , Nestle Ursula , Grosu Anca L. , Baltas Dimos , Mix Michael , Gkika Eleni
Published: February 2021

The aim of this study is to identify clinically relevant image feature (IF) changes during chemoradiation and evaluate their efficacy in predicting treatment response. Patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were enrolled in two prospective trials (STRIPE, PET-Plan). We evaluated 48 patients who underwent static (3D) and retrospectively-respiratory-gated 4D PET/CT scans before treatment and a 3D scan during or after treatment. Our proposed method rejects IF changes due to intrinsic variability. The IF variability observed across 4D PET is employed as a patient individualized normalization factor to emphasize statistically relevant IF changes during treatment. Predictions of overall survival (OS), local recurrence (LR) and distant metastasis (DM) were evaluated. From 135 IFs, only 17 satisfied the required criteria of being normally distributed across 4D PET and robust between 3D and 4D images. Changes during treatment in the area-under-the-curve of the cumulative standard-uptake-value histogram (δAUCCSH) within primary tumor discriminated (AUC = 0.87, Specificity = 0.78) patients with and without LR. The resulted prognostic model was validated with a different segmentation method (AUC = 0.83) and in a different patient cohort (AUC = 0.63). The quantification of tumor FDG heterogeneity by δAUCCSH during chemoradiation correlated with the incidence of local recurrence and might be recommended for monitoring treatment response in patients with NSCLC.
BTK Inhibition Reverses MDSC-Mediated Immunosuppression and Enhances Response to Anti-PDL1 Therapy in Neuroblastoma
Authors: Ishfaq Mehreen , Pham Timothy , Beaman Cooper , Tamayo Pablo , Yu Alice L. , Joshi Shweta
Published: February 2021

MDSCs are immune cells of myeloid lineage that plays a key role in promoting tumor growth. The expansion of MDSCs in tumor-bearing hosts reduces the efficacy of checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T therapies, and hence strategies that deplete or block the recruitment of MDSCs have shown benefit in improving responses to immunotherapy in various cancers, including NB. Ibrutinib, an irreversible molecular inhibitor of BTK, has been widely studied in B cell malignancies, and recently, this drug is repurposed for the treatment of solid tumors. Herein we report that BTK is highly expressed in both granulocytic and monocytic murine MDSCs isolated from mice bearing NB tumors, and its increased expression correlates with a poor relapse-free survival probability of NB patients. Moreover, in vitro treatment of murine MDSCs with ibrutinib altered NO production, decreased mRNA expression of Ido, Arg, Tgfβ, and displayed defects in T-cell suppression. Consistent with these findings, in vivo inhibition of BTK with ibrutinib resulted in reduced MDSC-mediated immune suppression, increased CD8+ T cell infiltration, decreased tumor growth, and improved response to anti-PDL1 checkpoint inhibitor therapy in a murine model of NB. These results demonstrate that ibrutinib modulates immunosuppressive functions of MDSC and can be used either alone or in combination with immunotherapy for augmenting antitumor immune responses in NB.
Pathology and Classification of SCLC
Authors: Raso Maria Gabriela , Bota-Rabassedas Neus , Wistuba Ignacio I.
Published: February 2021

Lung cancer is consistently the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and it ranks as the second most frequent type of new cancer cases diagnosed in the United States, both in males and females. One subtype of lung cancer, small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC), is an aggressive, poorly differentiated, and high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma that accounts for 13% of all lung carcinomas. SCLC is the most frequent neuroendocrine lung tumor, and it is commonly presented as an advanced stage disease in heavy smokers. Due to its clinical presentation, it is typically diagnosed in small biopsies or cytology specimens, with routine immunostaining only. However, immunohistochemistry markers are extremely valuable in demonstrating neuroendocrine features of SCLC and supporting its differential diagnosis. The 2015 WHO classification grouped all pulmonary neuroendocrine carcinomas in one category and maintained the SCLC combined variant that was previously recognized. In this review, we explore multiple aspects of the pathologic features of this entity, as well as clinically relevant immunohistochemistry markers expression and its molecular characteristics. In addition, we will focus on characteristics of the tumor microenvironment, and the latest pathogenesis findings to better understand the new therapeutic options in the current era of personalized therapy.