bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dental Treatment of White Spots and a Description of the Technique and Digital Quantification of the Loss of Enamel Volume
Authors: Roig-Vanaclocha Ana , Solá-Ruiz María Fernanda , Román-Rodríguez Juan Luis , Amengual-Lorenzo José , Alonso Pérez-Barquero Jorge , Agustín-Panadero Rubén
Published: June 2020

The prevalence of white spots on teeth has increased in recent years. Regardless of their etiology, these lesions are characterized by a reduction in the enamel’s mineral phase, which is replaced by organic fluids. This causes an alteration of its chemical composition that affects its optical characteristics. Subsurface demineralization increases the pore volume of enamel, which in turn changes its optical refraction and results in the opaque color of white spot lesions. Here, we examined a non-invasive clinical technique used for eliminating these white spot lesions from enamel via two HCl-based products at different concentrations (6.6% and 15%). We used a digital method for evaluating the volumetric changes produced in dental enamel by the application of both products, one of which involved chemical erosion and the other, abrasive erosion. The mean volume of the enamel eliminated was −0.042 mm in 15% HCl, and −0.12 mm in 6.6% HCl. Thus, both 15% HCl and 6.6% HCl are capable of eroding the surface of the tooth enamel without reaching dentin. Moreover, 6.6% HCl produced a greater erosion of the dental enamel and left the surface a texture typical of an abrasive chemical-erosive product. The 15% HCl, however, produced an etching pattern typical of an erosive chemical with open enamel prisms prepared for subsequent adhesive procedures and restorers.
Establishing the Correlations for Eco-Efficiency Index of Various Types of Structural Concrete Used in the Malaysian Housing Using Response Surface Method
Authors: Abdul Hamid Mohd Samsudin , Shafiq Nasir , Kiwan Osamah
Published: June 2020

The concept of a sustainable environment generally refers to the development that creates a balance between the resources consumption pattern and the rate of depletion of natural resources. For determining the level of sustainability of any project, three types of impacts are assessed: economic, environmental, and social. This paper presents an analytical study that focused on establishing a correlation of eco-efficiency index for low-rise reinforced concrete residential housing in Malaysia. A statistical technique using the response surface method was performed, with the help of design expert software. The data was verified using regression analysis and represented by R2 value, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation. By using economic factors, environmental factors, and the eco-efficiency index, 3D model graphs were developed for structural concrete containing fly ash, and blast furnace slag (BFS), which was assigned to the structural members in a single and double story housing. The study has concluded that the correlations established between the cost and carbon emission, economic & environmental scores, and the eco-efficiency index have shown a linear trend for single story housing and a cubic for the double story housing.
Study on the Thermal Performance and Temperature Distribution of Ball Bearings in the Traction Motor of a High-Speed EMU
Authors: Wang Yu , Cao Junci , Tong Qingbin , An Guoping , Liu Ruifang , Zhang Yihuang , Yan Hua
Published: June 2020

The transient thermal performance of rolling bearings affects the mechanical performance and system safety of traction motors. Most of the traditional empirical formulas used in temperature analysis have been simplified and cannot be completely applied to the calculation of heat generation and convection heat transfer coefficients. Based on the comparative analysis of finite element transient temperature and experimental data, this paper proposes a correction method of mathematical model and derives an accurate calculation formula for the heat generation and lubricant convection heat transfer coefficient of ball bearings applicable for the non-driving end in the traction motor of a high-speed EMU (Electric Multiple Unit). The accuracy of the results has been verified by durability experiment data. In addition, with changes in speed, radial load and other factors taken into account, we have analyzed the influence of these time-varying factors on ball bearing temperature, as well as the temperature distribution law of each component in a grease-lubricated bearing, in a bid to lay a foundation for follow-up research on the heat transfer laws of traction motors and rolling bearings.
Energy Consumption Analysis of Beamforming and Cooperative Schemes for Aircraft Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Kim Seung-Hwan , Kim Jae-Woo , Kim Dong-Seong
Published: June 2020

In this paper, the eight schemes for aircraft wireless sensor networks are investigated, which are single-hop array beamforming schemes (including analog beamforming (ABF), and digital beamforming (DBF)), non-cooperative schemes (including single-hop and multi-hop schemes), cooperative schemes (including amplify and forward (AF), decode and forward (DF)), and incremental cooperative schemes (incremental decode and forward (IDF), and incremental amplify and forward (IAF)). To set up the aircraft wireless communication environment, we design the aircraft channel model by referring to the experimental parameters of the ITU (International Telecommunication Union)-R M.2283, which is composed of path loss, shadowing fading, and multi-path fading channel responses. To evaluate the performance, the conditions energy consumption and throughput analysis are performed. Through simulation results, the incremental cooperative scheme outperformed by 66.8% better at spectral efficiency 2 than the DBF scheme in terms of the energy consumption metric. Whereas, in terms of throughput metric, overall SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) ranged from −20 to 30 dB the beamforming scheme had the best performance in which the beamforming scheme at SNR 0 dB achieved 85.4% better than the multi-hop scheme. Finally, in terms of normalized throughput metric in low SNR range between −20 and 1 dB the ABF scheme had the best performance over the others in which the ABF at SNR 0 dB achieved 75.4% better than the multi-hop scheme. Whereas, in high SNR range between 2 and 30 dB the IDF scheme had the best performance in which the IDF at SNR 10 dB achieved 62.2% better than the multi-hop scheme.
Novel Design Methodology for DC-DC Converters Applying Metaheuristic Optimization for Inductance Selection
Authors: Mendez Efrain , Macias Israel , Ortiz Alexandro , Ponce Pedro , Vargas-Martinez Adriana , Lozoya-Santos Jorge de Jesús , Ramirez-Mendoza Ricardo A. , Morales-Menendez Ruben , Molina Arturo
Published: June 2020

Nowadays in modern industrial applications, where the power supply efficiency is more important than the output noise performance, DC-DC converters are widely used in order to fulfill the requirements. Yet, component selection and precise estimation of parameters can improve the converter’s performance, leading to smaller and more efficient designs. Hence, metaheuristic optimization algorithms can be applied using the mathematical model of DC-DC converters, in order to optimize their performance through an optimal inductance selection. Therefore, this work presents a novel design methodology for DC-DC converters, where the inductance selection is optimized, in order to achieve an optimal relation between the inductance size and the required energy. Moreover, a multi-objective metaheuristic optimization is presented through the Earthquake Algorithm, for parameter estimation and component selection, using the inductance of a buck DC-DC converter as a case study. The experimental results validate the design methodology, showing ripple improvement and operating power range extension, which are key features to have an efficient performance in DC-DC converters. Results also confirm the Small-Signal Model of the circuit, as a correct objective function for the parameter optimization, achieving more than 90% of accuracy on the presented behavior.
Experimental Study on the Flexural Behavior of Alkali Activated Fly Ash Mortar Beams
Authors: Lopes Adelino V. , Lopes Sergio M. R. , Pinto Isabel
Published: June 2020

This work aims to study the possibility of using alkaline activated fly ash in structural members. The work, of an experimental nature, focuses on the evaluation of the behavior of simply supported beams under two symmetrical loads (four-point tests). For such study, 10 beams were built, of which, five using fly ash and the remaining five using traditional Portland cement. The test results are compared. Conclusions on the practical application of fly ash in structures were explained and, as mention later in this document, there is room for improvement. This is one of very few works on fly ash alkali activated structures and further studies are necessary in the future. Some aspects, such as shrinkage and deformability are presented as some of the negative points concerning the potential use of fly ash. These are two aspects that need more attention in future investigations.
A Comparison of Different Models of Glycemia Dynamics for Improved Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Management with Advanced Intelligent Analysis in an Internet of Things Context
Authors: Rodríguez-Rodríguez Ignacio , Rodríguez José-Víctor , Molina-García-Pardo José-María , Zamora-Izquierdo Miguel-Ángel , Martínez-Inglés María-Teresa
Published: June 2020

The metabolic disease Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (DM1) is caused by a reduction in the production of pancreatic insulin, which causes chronic hyperglycemia. Patients with DM1 are required to perform multiple blood glucose measurements on a daily basis to monitor their blood glucose dynamics through the use of capillary glucometers. In more recent times, technological developments have led to the development of cutting-edge biosensors and Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) systems that can monitor patients’ blood glucose levels on a real-time basis. This offers medical providers access to glucose oscillations modeling interventions that can enhance DM1 treatment and management approaches through the use of novel disruptive technologies, such as Cloud Computing (CC), big data, Intelligent Data Analysis (IDA) and the Internet of Things (IoT). This work applies some advanced modeling techniques to a complete data set of glycemia-related biomedical features—obtained through an extensive, passive monitoring campaign undertaken with 25 DM1 patients under real-world conditions—in order to model glucose level dynamics through the proper identification of patterns. Hereby, four methods, which are run through CC due to the high volume of data collected, are applied and compared within an IoT context. The results show that Bayesian Regularized Neural Networks (BRNN) offer the best performance (0.83 R2) with a reduced Root Median Squared Error (RMSE) of 14.03 mg/dL.
NetSel-RF: A Model for Network Selection Based on Multi-Criteria and Supervised Learning
Authors: Embus Daniela Alexandra , Castillo Andres Julián , Vivas Fulvio Yesid , Caicedo Oscar Mauricio , Ordóñez Armando
Published: June 2020

Network selection plays a pivotal role in ensuring efficient handover management. Some existing approaches for network selection may use one criterion, such as RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) or SINR (Signal to Interference Noise Ratio). However, these approaches are reactive and may lead to incorrect decisions due to the limited information. Other multi-criteria-based approaches use techniques, such as statistical mathematics, heuristics methods, and neural networks, to optimize the network selection. However, these approaches have shortcomings related to their computational complexity and the unnecessary and frequent handovers. This paper introduces NetSel-RF, a multi-criteria model, based on supervised learning, for network selection in WiFi networks. Here, we describe the created dataset, the data preparation and the evaluation of diverse supervised learning techniques (Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, Adaptive Random Forest, Hoeffding Adaptive Tree, and Hoedding Tree techniques). Our evaluation results show that Random Forest outperforms other algorithms in terms of its accuracy and Matthews correlation coefficient. Additionally, NetSel-RF performs better than the Signal Strong First approach and behaves similarly to the Analytic Hierarchy Process–Technique for Order Preferences by Similarity to the Ideal Solution (AHP-TOPSIS) approach in terms of the number of handovers and throughput drops. Unlike the latter, NetSel-RF is proactive and therefore is more efficient regarding Quality of Services (QoS) and Quality of Experience (QoE) since the end-devices perform the handover before the network link quality degrades.
Performance and Modeling of a Two-Stage Light Gas Gun Driven by Gaseous Detonation
Authors: Tang Weiqi , Wang Qiu , Wei Bingchen , Li Jiwei , Li Jinping , Shang Jiahao , Zhang Kun , Zhao Wei
Published: June 2020

A two-stage light gas gun driven by gaseous detonation was newly constructed, which can make up for the disadvantages of the insufficient driving capability of high-pressure gas and the constraints of gunpowder. The performance of the gas gun was investigated through experiments and a quasi-one-dimensional modeling of it was also developed and described in detail. The model accounts for the friction and heat transfer to the tube wall for gases by adding a source term. An improved model has been established to consider the inertial loads in the piston or projectile and model the friction force with the tube wall. Besides, the effects of pump tube pressure on the performance of the gas gun are also investigated numerically. Simulations of the pressure histories in the pump tube and the piston and projectile velocities were conducted. A good agreement was observed between the computational predictions and experimental results. The results showed that the friction between the piston and wall had only small influence on the piston velocity. The proposed numerical approach is suitable for the development of two-stage light gas guns and tests of the operating conditions.
Rapid Evaluation of Antibody Fragment Endocytosis for Antibody Fragment–Drug Conjugates
Authors: Kim Eunhee G. , Jeong Jieun , Lee Junghyeon , Jung Hyeryeon , Kim Minho , Zhao Yi , Yi Eugene C. , Kim Kristine M.
Published: June 2020

Antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) have emerged as the most promising strategy in targeted cancer treatment. Recent strategies for the optimization ADCs include the development of antibody fragment–drug conjugates (FDCs). The critical factor in the successful development of ADCs and FDCs is the identification of tumor antigen-specific and internalizing antibodies (Abs). However, systematic comparison or correlation studies of internalization rates with different antibody formats have not been reported previously. In this study, we generated a panel of scFv-phage Abs using phage display technology and their corresponding scFv and scFv-Fc fragments and evaluated their relative internalization kinetics in relation to their antibody forms. We found that the relative rates and levels of internalization of scFv-phage antibodies positively correlate with their scFv and scFv-Fc forms. Our systematic study demonstrates that endocytosis of scFv-phage can serve as a predictive indicator for the assessment of Ab fragment internalization. Additionally, the present study demonstrates that endocytic antibodies can be rapidly screened and selected from phage antibody libraries prior to the conversion of phage antibodies for the generation of the conventional antibody format. Our strategic approach for the identification and evaluation of endocytic antibodies would expedite the selection for optimal antibodies and antibody fragments and be broadly applicable to ADC and FDC development.
The Hyperoxic-Hypoxic Paradox
Authors: Hadanny Amir , Efrati Shai
Published: June 2020

Effective metabolism is highly dependent on a narrow therapeutic range of oxygen. Accordingly, low levels of oxygen, or hypoxia, are one of the most powerful inducers of gene expression, metabolic changes, and regenerative processes, including angiogenesis and stimulation of stem cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. The sensing of decreased oxygen levels (hypoxia) or increased oxygen levels (hyperoxia), occurs through specialized chemoreceptor cells and metabolic changes at the cellular level, which regulate the response. Interestingly, fluctuations in the free oxygen concentration rather than the absolute level of oxygen can be interpreted at the cellular level as a lack of oxygen. Thus, repeated intermittent hyperoxia can induce many of the mediators and cellular mechanisms that are usually induced during hypoxia. This is called the hyperoxic-hypoxic paradox (HHP). This article reviews oxygen physiology, the main cellular processes triggered by hypoxia, and the cascade of events triggered by the HHP.
Ethylene: A Master Regulator of Salinity Stress Tolerance in Plants
Authors: Riyazuddin Riyazuddin , Verma Radhika , Singh Kalpita , Nisha Nisha , Keisham Monika , Bhati Kaushal Kumar , Kim Sun Tae , Gupta Ravi
Published: June 2020

Salinity stress is one of the major threats to agricultural productivity across the globe. Research in the past three decades, therefore, has focused on analyzing the effects of salinity stress on the plants. Evidence gathered over the years supports the role of ethylene as a key regulator of salinity stress tolerance in plants. This gaseous plant hormone regulates many vital cellular processes starting from seed germination to photosynthesis for maintaining the plants’ growth and yield under salinity stress. Ethylene modulates salinity stress responses largely via maintaining the homeostasis of Na+/K+, nutrients, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) by inducing antioxidant defense in addition to elevating the assimilation of nitrates and sulfates. Moreover, a cross-talk of ethylene signaling with other phytohormones has also been observed, which collectively regulate the salinity stress responses in plants. The present review provides a comprehensive update on the prospects of ethylene signaling and its cross-talk with other phytohormones to regulate salinity stress tolerance in plants.
The Percentage of Free PSA and Urinary Markers Distinguish Prostate Cancer from Benign Hyperplasia and Contribute to a More Accurate Indication for Prostate Biopsy
Authors: Huskova Zlata , Knillova Jana , Kolar Zdenek , Vrbkova Jana , Kral Milan , Bouchal Jan
Published: June 2020

The main advantage of urinary biomarkers is their noninvasive character and the ability to detect multifocal prostate cancer (CaP). We have previously implemented a quadruplex assay of urinary markers into clinical practice (PCA3, AMACR, TRPM8 and MSMB with KLK3 normalization). In this study, we aimed to validate it in a larger cohort with serum PSA 2.5–10 ng/mL and test other selected transcripts and clinical parameters, including the percentage of free prostate-specific antigen (PSA) (% free PSA) and inflammation. In the main cohort of 299 men, we tested the quadruplex transcripts. In a subset of 146 men, we analyzed additional transcripts (CD45, EPCAM, EZH2, Ki67, PA2G4, PSGR, RHOA and TBP). After a prostate massage, the urine was collected, RNA isolated from a cell sediment and qRT-PCR performed. Ct values of KLK3 (i.e., PSA) were strongly correlated with Ct values of other genes which play a role in CaP (i.e., PCA3, AMACR, TRPM8, MSMB and PSGR). AMACR, PCA3, TRPM8 and EZH2 mRNA expression, as well as % free PSA, were significantly different for BPH and CaP. The best combined model (% free PSA plus PCA3 and AMACR) achieved an AUC of 0.728 in the main cohort. In the subset of patients, the best AUC 0.753 was achieved for the combination of PCA3, % free PSA, EPCAM and PSGR. PCA3 mRNA was increased in patients with inflammation, however, this did not affect the stratification of patients indicated for prostate biopsy. In conclusion, the percentage of free PSA and urinary markers contribute to a more accurate indication for prostate biopsy.
Neurodynamics of Patients during a Dolphin-Assisted Therapy by Means of a Fractal Intraneural Analysis
Authors: Matamoros Oswaldo Morales , Escobar Jesús Jaime Moreno , Tejeida Padilla Ricardo , Lina Reyes Ixchel
Published: June 2020

The recent proliferation of sensor technology applications in therapies for children’s disabilities to promote positive behavior among such children has produced optimistic results in developing a variety of skills and abilities in them. Dolphin-Assisted Therapy (DAT) has also become a topic of public and research interest for these disorders’ intervention and treatment. This work exposes the development of a system that controls brain–computer interaction when a patient with different abilities undergoes a DAT. To develop the proposed system, TGAM1, i.e., ThinkGear-AM1 series of NeuroSky company, was used, connecting it to an isolated Bluetooth 4.0 communication protocol from a brackish and humid environment, and a Notch Filter was applied to reduce the input noise. In this way, at Definiti Ixtapa-Mexico facilities, we explored the behavior of three children with Infantile Spastic Cerebral Palsy (Experiment 1), as well as the behavior of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and neurotypic children (Experiment 2). This was done applying the Power Spectrum Density (PSD) and the Self-Affine Analysis (SSA) from Electroencephalogram (EEG) biosignals. The EEG Raw data were time series showing the cerebral brain activity (voltage versus time) before and during DAT for the Experiment 1, and before, during DAT and after for the Experiment 2. Likewise, the EEW RAW data were recorded by the first frontopolar electrode (FP1) by means of an EEG biosensor TGAM1 Module. From the PSD we found that in all child patients a huge increment of brain activity during DAT regarding the before and after therapy periods around 376.28%. Moreover, from the SSA we found that the structure function of the all five child patients displayed an antipersistent behavior, characterized by σ ∝ δ t H , for before, during DAT and after. Nonetheless, we propose that one way to assess whether a DAT is being efficient to the child patients is to increase the during DAT time when the samples are collected, supposing the data fitting by a power law will raise the time, displaying a persistent behavior or positive correlations, until a crossover appears and the curve tends to be horizontal, pointing out that our system has reached a stationary state.
Obesity and Breast Cancer: A Case of Inflamed Adipose Tissue
Authors: Kolb Ryan , Zhang Weizhou
Published: June 2020

Obesity is associated with an increased risk of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women and a worse prognosis for all major breast cancer subtypes regardless of menopausal status. While the link between obesity and the pathogenesis of breast cancer is clear, the molecular mechanism of this association is not completely understood due to the complexity of both obesity and breast cancer. The aim of this review is to highlight the association between obesity and breast cancer and discuss the literature, which indicates that this association is due to chronic adipose tissue inflammation. We will discuss the epidemiological data for the association between breast cancer incidence and progression as well as the potential molecular mechanisms for this association. We will focus on the role of inflammation within the adipose tissue during the pathogenesis of breast cancer. A better understanding of how obesity and adipose tissue inflammation affects the pathogenesis of breast cancer will lead to new strategies to reduce breast cancer risk and improve patient outcomes for obese patients.
Telomerase and CD4 T Cell Immunity in Cancer
Authors: Dosset Magalie , Castro Andrea , Carter Hannah , Zanetti Maurizio
Published: June 2020

Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) is a conserved self-tumor antigen which is overexpressed in most tumors and plays a critical role in tumor formation and progression. As such, TERT is an antigen of great relevance to develop widely applicable immunotherapies. CD4 T cells play a major role in the anti-cancer response alone or with other effector cells such as CD8 T cells and NK cells. To date, efforts have been made to identify TERT peptides capable of stimulating CD4 T cells that are also able to bind diverse MHC-II alleles to ease immune status monitoring and immunotherapies. Here, we review the current status of TERT biology, TERT/MHC-II immunobiology, and past and current vaccine clinical trials. We propose that monitoring CD4 T cell immunity against TERT is a simple and direct way to assess immune surveillance in cancer patients and a new way to predict the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPi). Finally, we present the initial results of a systematic discovery of TERT peptides able to bind the most common HLA Class II alleles worldwide and show that the repertoire of MHC-II TERT peptides is wider than currently appreciated.
Optimal Androgen Deprivation Therapy Combined with Proton Beam Therapy for Prostate Cancer: Results from a Multi-Institutional Study of the Japanese Radiation Oncology Study Group
Authors: Murakami Motohiro , Ishikawa Hitoshi , Shimizu Shosei , Iwata Hiromitsu , Okimoto Tomoaki , Takagi Masaru , Murayama Shigeyuki , Akimoto Tetsuo , Wada Hitoshi , Arimura Takeshi , Sato Yoshitaka , Gosho Masahiko , Nakamura Katsumasa , Sakurai Hideyuki
Published: June 2020

Background: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) combined with radiation therapy benefits intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer (PC) patients. The optimal ADT duration in combination with high-dose proton beam therapy (PBT) remains unknown. Methods: Intermediate- and high-risk PC patients treated with PBT combined with ADT for various durations were analyzed retrospectively. To assess the relationship between ADT and biochemical relapse-free (bRF) rate, Cox proportional hazards models including T stage, prostate specific antigen (PSA) level, Gleason score (GS), and total radiation dose were used. Results: In the intermediate-risk PC patients (n = 520), ADT use improved bRF (HR 0.49, 95% CI 0.26–0.93; p = 0.029), especially in those with multiple intermediate-risk factors (T2b–2c, PSA 10–20 ng/mL, and GS 7). In the high-risk PC patients (n = 555), a longer ADT duration (>6 months) conferred a benefit for bRF (HR 0.54, 95% CI 0.32–0.90; p = 0.018), which was most apparent in patients with multiple high-risk factors (T3a–4, PSA > 20 ng/mL, and GS ≥ 8) treated with ADT for ≥21 months. Conclusions: Short-term (≤6 months) ADT is beneficial for intermediate-risk PC patients, but likely unnecessary for those with a single risk factor, whereas ADT for >6 months is necessary for high-risk PC patients and ADT for ≥21 months might be optimal for those with multiple risk factors in combination of high-dose PBT.
Chemical, Physical and Biological Triggers of Evolutionary Conserved Bcl-xL-Mediated Apoptosis
Authors: Ianevski Aleksandr , Kulesskiy Evgeny , Krpina Klara , Lou Guofeng , Aman Yahyah , Bugai Andrii , Aasumets Koit , Akimov Yevhen , Bulanova Daria , Gildemann Kiira , Arutyunyan Albert F. , Susova Olga Yu. , Zhuze Alexei L. , Ji Ping , Wang Wei , Holien Toril , Bugge Marit , Zusinaite Eva , Oksenych Valentyn , Lysvand Hilde , Gerhold Joachim M. , Bjørås Magnar , Johansen Pål , Waage Anders , Heckman Caroline A. , Fang Evandro F. , Kainov Denis E.
Published: June 2020

Background: The evidence that pan-Bcl-2 or Bcl-xL-specific inhibitors prematurely kill virus-infected or RNA/DNA-transfected cells provides rationale for investigating these apoptotic inducers further. We hypothesized that not only invasive RNA or DNA (biological factors) but also DNA/RNA-damaging chemical or physical factors could trigger apoptosis that have been sensitized with pan-Bcl-2 or Bcl-xL-specific agents; Methods: We tested chemical and physical factors plus Bcl-xL-specific inhibitor A-1155463 in cells of various origins and the small roundworms (C. elegans); Results: We show that combination of a A-1155463 along with a DNA-damaging agent, 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4NQO), prematurely kills cells of various origins as well as C. elegans. The synergistic effect is p53-dependent and associated with the release of Bad and Bax from Bcl-xL, which trigger mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization. Furthermore, we found that combining Bcl-xL-specific inhibitors with various chemical compounds or physical insults also induced cell death; Conclusions: Thus, we were able to identify several biological, chemical and physical triggers of the evolutionarily conserved Bcl-xL-mediated apoptotic pathway, shedding light on strategies and targets for novel drug development.
Genetic Control of Muscle Diversification and Homeostasis: Insights from Drosophila
Authors: Poovathumkadavil Preethi , Jagla Krzysztof
Published: June 2020

In the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, the larval somatic muscles or the adult thoracic flight and leg muscles are the major voluntary locomotory organs. They share several developmental and structural similarities with vertebrate skeletal muscles. To ensure appropriate activity levels for their functions such as hatching in the embryo, crawling in the larva, and jumping and flying in adult flies all muscle components need to be maintained in a functionally stable or homeostatic state despite constant strain. This requires that the muscles develop in a coordinated manner with appropriate connections to other cell types they communicate with. Various signaling pathways as well as extrinsic and intrinsic factors are known to play a role during Drosophila muscle development, diversification, and homeostasis. In this review, we discuss genetic control mechanisms of muscle contraction, development, and homeostasis with particular emphasis on the contractile unit of the muscle, the sarcomere.
A Systematic Review of WNT Signaling in Endothelial Cell Oligodendrocyte Interactions: Potential Relevance to Cerebral Small Vessel Disease
Authors: Manukjan Narek , Ahmed Zubair , Fulton Daniel , Blankesteijn W. Matthijs , Foulquier Sébastien
Published: June 2020

Key pathological features of cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) include impairment of the blood brain barrier (BBB) and the progression of white matter lesions (WMLs) amongst other structural lesions, leading to the clinical manifestations of cSVD. The function of endothelial cells (ECs) is of major importance to maintain a proper BBB. ECs interact with several cell types to provide structural and functional support to the brain. Oligodendrocytes (OLs) myelinate axons in the central nervous system and are crucial in sustaining the integrity of white matter. The interplay between ECs and OLs and their precursor cells (OPCs) has received limited attention yet seems of relevance for the study of BBB dysfunction and white matter injury in cSVD. Emerging evidence shows a crosstalk between ECs and OPCs/OLs, mediated by signaling through the Wingless and Int-1 (WNT)/β-catenin pathway. As the latter is involved in EC function (e.g., angiogenesis) and oligodendrogenesis, we reviewed the role of WNT/β-catenin signaling for both cell types and performed a systematic search to identify studies describing a WNT-mediated interplay between ECs and OPCs/OLs. Dysregulation of this interaction may limit remyelination of WMLs and render the BBB leaky, thereby initiating a vicious neuroinflammatory cycle. A better understanding of the role of this signaling pathway in EC–OL crosstalk is essential in understanding cSVD development.
Insight into Salivary Gland Aquaporins
Authors: D’Agostino Claudia , Elkashty Osama A. , Chivasso Clara , Perret Jason , Tran Simon D. , Delporte Christine
Published: June 2020

The main role of salivary glands (SG) is the production and secretion of saliva, in which aquaporins (AQPs) play a key role by ensuring water flow. The AQPs are transmembrane channel proteins permeable to water to allow water transport across cell membranes according to osmotic gradient. This review gives an insight into SG AQPs. Indeed, it gives a summary of the expression and localization of AQPs in adult human, rat and mouse SG, as well as of their physiological role in SG function. Furthermore, the review provides a comprehensive view of the involvement of AQPs in pathological conditions affecting SG, including Sjögren’s syndrome, diabetes, agedness, head and neck cancer radiotherapy and SG cancer. These conditions are characterized by salivary hypofunction resulting in xerostomia. A specific focus is given on current and future therapeutic strategies aiming at AQPs to treat xerostomia. A deeper understanding of the AQPs involvement in molecular mechanisms of saliva secretion and diseases offered new avenues for therapeutic approaches, including drugs, gene therapy and tissue engineering. As such, AQP5 represents a potential therapeutic target in different strategies for the treatment of xerostomia.
Nicotinamide Supplementation during the In Vitro Maturation of Oocytes Improves the Developmental Competence of Preimplantation Embryos: Potential Link to SIRT1/AKT Signaling
Authors: El Sheikh Marwa , Mesalam Ahmed Atef , Idrees Muhammad , Sidrat Tabinda , Mesalam Ayman , Lee Kyeong-Lim , Kong Il-Keun
Published: June 2020

Nicotinamide (NAM), the amide form of vitamin B3, plays pivotal roles in regulating various cellular processes including energy production and maintenance of genomic stability. The current study aimed at deciphering the effect of NAM, when administered during in vitro maturation (IVM), on the developmental competence of bovine preimplantation embryos. Our results showed that low NAM concentrations reduced the oxidative stress and improved mitochondrial profile, total cleavage and 8–16 cell stage embryo development whereas the opposite profile was observed upon exposure to high NAM concentrations (10 mM onward). Remarkably, the hatching rates of day-7 and day-8 blastocysts were significantly improved under 0.1 mM NAM treatment. Using RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence, the autophagy-related (Beclin-1 (BECN1), LC3B, and ATG5) and the apoptotic (Caspases; CASP3 and 9) markers were upregulated in oocytes exposed to high NAM concentration (40 mM), whereas only CASP3 was affected, downregulated, following 0.1 mM treatment. Additionally, the number of cells per blastocyst and the levels of SIRT1, PI3K, AKT, and mTOR were higher, while the inner cell mass-specific transcription factors GATA6, SOX2, and OCT4 were more abundant, in day-8 embryos of NAM-treated group. Taken together, to our knowledge, this is the first study reporting that administration of low NAM concentrations during IVM can ameliorate the developmental competence of embryos through the potential regulation of oxidative stress, apoptosis, and SIRT1/AKT signaling.
Adhesion Behavior of Textured Electrosurgical Electrode in an Electric Cutting Process
Authors: Zhou Caiying , Lu Juncheng , Wang Xingsheng
Published: June 2020

Soft tissue adhesion on the electrosurgical electrode has been a major concern in clinical surgery. In order to improve the adhesion property of the electrode, micro-textures with different morphologies including micro-dimples, longitudinal micro-channels, and lateral micro-channels were created on the electrode surface by laser surface texturing (LST). Electric cutting experiments were then performed to investigate the adhesion behavior of different electrodes. Experimental results showed that the textured electrode surfaces could reduce the soft tissue adhesion significantly due to the effect of air in micro-textures and the reduction of contact area between the electrode and the soft tissue. Moreover, the temperature distribution of the electric cutting process was simulated through COMSOL to verify the effect of different micro-textures on adhesion behavior. It was demonstrated that the better anti-adhesion property could be obtained at a large area density combined with lateral micro-channels.
Towards a RINA-Based Architecture for Performance Management of Large-Scale Distributed Systems
Authors: Thompson Peter , Davies Neil
Published: June 2020

Modern society is increasingly dependent on reliable performance of distributed systems. In this paper, we provide a precise definition of performance using the concept of quality attenuation; discuss its properties, measurement and decomposition; identify sources of such attenuation; outline methods of managing performance hazards automatically using the capabilities of the Recursive InterNetworking Architecture (RINA); demonstrate procedures for aggregating both application demands and network performance to achieve scalability; discuss dealing with bursty and time-critical traffic; propose metrics to assess the effectiveness of a performance management system; and outline an architecture for performance management.
Determination of Mechanical Characteristics for Fiber-Reinforced Concrete with Straight and Hooked Fibers
Authors: Marcalikova Zuzana , Cajka Radim , Bilek Vlastimil , Bujdos David , Sucharda Oldrich
Published: June 2020

Fiber-reinforced concrete has a wide application in practice, and many fields of research are devoted to it. In most cases, this is a specific problem, i.e., the determination of the mechanical properties or the test method. However, wider knowledge of the effect of fiber in concrete is unavailable or insufficient for selected test series that cannot be compared. This article deals with the processing of a comprehensive test study and the impact of two types of fibers on the quantitative and qualitative parameters of concrete. Testing was performed for fiber dosages of 0, 40, 75, and 110 kg/m3. The fibers were hooked and straight. The influence of the fibers on the mechanical properties in fiber-reinforced concrete was analyzed by functional dependence. The selected mechanical properties were compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, bending tensile strength, and fracture energy. The results also include the resulting load–displacement diagrams and summary recommendations for the structural use and design of fiber-reinforced concrete structures. The shear resistance of reinforced concrete beams with hooked fibers was also verified by tests.
A Mediterranean Monk Seal Pup on the Apulian Coast (Southern Italy): Sign of an Ongoing Recolonisation?
Authors: Fioravanti Tatiana , Splendiani Andrea , Righi Tommaso , Maio Nicola , Lo Brutto Sabrina , Petrella Antonio , Caputo Barucchi Vincenzo
Published: June 2020

The Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) is one of the most endangered marine mammals in the world. This species has been threatened since ancient times by human activities and currently amounts to approximately 700 individuals distributed in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea (Aegean and Ionian Sea) and Eastern Atlantic Ocean (Cabo Blanco and Madeira). In other areas, where the species is considered “probably extinct”, an increase in sporadic sightings has been recorded during recent years. Sightings and accidental catches of Mediterranean monk seals have become more frequent in the Adriatic Sea, mainly in Croatia but also along the coasts of Montenegro, Albania and Southern Italy. A Mediterranean monk seal pup was recovered on 27 January 2020 on the beach of Torre San Gennaro in Torchiarolo (Brindisi, Apulia, Italy). DNA was extracted from a tissue sample and the hypervariable region I (HVR1) of the mitochondrial DNA control region was amplified and sequenced. The alignment performed with seven previous published haplotypes showed that the individual belongs to the haplotype MM03, common in monk seals inhabiting the Greek islands of the Ionian Sea. This result indicates the Ionian Islands as the most probable geographical origin of the pup, highlighting the need to intensify research and conservation activities on this species even in areas where it seemed to be extinct.
Landscape-Level Effects of Forest on Pollinators and Fruit Set of Guava (Psidium guajava L.) in Orchards across Southern Thailand
Authors: Hansen Katrine , Sritongchuay Tuanjit , Bumrungsri Sara , Simmons Benno I. , Strange Niels , Dalsgaard Bo
Published: June 2020

Pollination by wild pollinators is a key ecosystem service threatened by anthropogenic-induced land-use change. The proximity to natural habitat has previously been shown to positively affect pollinator communities and improve crop yield and quality but empirical evidence is limited from most parts of the World. Here, across six farms in Southern Thailand, we investigated the significance of landscape-level effects of natural habitat (proportion of and distance to evergreen forest) on both visitation rate and richness of pollinators as well as fruit set of guava (Psidium guajava L.), a local economically-important crop in the tropics. Overall, the most abundant pollinator was the Asian honey bee Apis cerana (39% of all visits) and different species of stingless bees (37%). We found that pollinator richness was unrelated to the proportion and distance to evergreen forest, however, the proportion of forest within a 1, 5 and 10 km radius had a significant positive impact on visitation rate of wild pollinators. Still, neither the various forest parameters nor pollinator visitation rate showed a significant impact on fruit set of guava, perhaps because guava self-pollinates. This illustrates that landscape-level degradation of natural habitat may negatively impact pollinator communities without diminishing the crop yield of the farmers.
Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Antegrade Varicocele Embolization with Cyanoacrylate Glue as an Alternative to the Standard Retrograde Approach
Authors: Chevallier Olivier , Pellegrinelli Julie , Guillen Kevin , Loffroy Romaric
Published: June 2020

We report a case of a 29-year-old male referred to our hospital for endovascular treatment of a left-sided painful varicocele. Standard retrograde embolization via the left renal vein was not possible because of the presence of a left circum-aortic renal vein making the catheterization of the testicular vein not feasible. The patient was successfully treated via ultrasound-guided percutaneous antegrade access of the testicular vein at the inguinal level with subsequent cyanoacrylate glue embolization as a minimally invasive alternative to surgical therapy. This is a new approach to varicocele embolization when the left renal vein does not feed the varicocele.
Optimization of the Casualties’ Treatment Process: Blended Military Experiment
Authors: Hodický Jan , Procházka Dalibor , Jersák Roman , Stodola Petr , Drozd Jan
Published: June 2020

At the battalion level, NATO ROLE1 medical treatment command focuses on the provision of primary health care being the very first physician and higher medical equipment intervention for casualty treatments. ROLE1 has paramount importance in casualty reductions, representing a complex system in current operations. This study deals with an experiment on the optimization of ROLE1 according to the key parameters of the numbers of physicians, the number of ambulances and the distance between ROLE1 and the current battlefield. The very first step in this study is to design and implement a model of current battlefield casualties. The model uses friction data generated from an already executed computer assisted exercise (CAX) while employing a constructive simulation to produce offense and defense scenarios on the flow of casualties. The next step in the study is to design and implement a model representing the transportation to ROLE1, its structure and behavior. The deterministic model of ROLE1, employing a system dynamics simulation paradigm, uses the previously generated casualty flows as the inputs representing human decision-making processes through the recorder CAX events. A factorial experimental design for the ROLE1 model revealed the recommended variants of the ROLE1 structure for both offensive and defensive operations. The overall recommendation is for the internal structure of ROLE1 to have three ambulances and three physicians for any kind of current operation and any distance between ROLE1 and the current battlefield within the limit of 20 min. This study provides novelty in the methodology of casualty estimations involving human decision-making factors as well as the optimization of medical treatment processes through experimentation with the process model.
Performance Enhancement of Nitrogen Dual Expander and Single Mixed Refrigerant LNG Processes Using Jaya Optimization Approach
Authors: Rehman Ali , Qyyum Muhammad Abdul , Ahmad Ashfaq , Nawaz Saad , Lee Moonyong , Wang Li
Published: June 2020

The nitrogen (N2) expander and single mixed refrigerant (SMR) liquefaction processes are recognized as the most favorable options to produce liquefied natural gas (LNG) at small-scale and offshore sites. These processes have a simple and compact design that make them efficient with respect to their capital costs. Nevertheless, huge operating costs, mainly due to their lower energy efficiency, remains an ongoing issue. Utilization of design variables having non-optimal values is the primary cause for the lower energy efficiency; which, in turn, leads to exergy destruction (i.e., entropy generation), and ultimately the overall energy consumption is increased. The optimal execution of the design variables of LNG processes can be obtained through effective design optimization. However, the complex and highly non-linear interactions between design variables (refrigerant flowrates and operating pressures) and objective function (overall energy consumption) make the design optimization a difficult and challenging task. In this context, this study examines a new optimization algorithm, named “Jaya”, to reduce the operating costs of nitrogen dual expander and SMR LNG processes. The Jaya approach is an algorithm-specific parameter-less optimization methodology. It was found that by using the Jaya algorithm, the energy efficiency of the SMR process and nitrogen dual expander natural gas (NG) liquefaction process can be enhanced up to 14.3% and 11.6%, respectively, as compared to their respective base cases. Using the Jaya approach, significant improved results were observed even compared to other previously used optimization approaches for design optimization. Results of conventional exergy analysis revealed that the exergy destruction of SMR and N2 dual expander process can be reduced by 17.4% and 14%, respectively. Moreover, economic analysis identified the 13.3% and 11.6% relative operating costs savings for SMR and N2 dual expander LNG processes, respectively.
Analysis of the Main Coal Mining Restructuring Policy Objectives in the Light of Polish Mining Companies’ Ability to Change
Authors: Rybak Aurelia , Rybak Aleksandra
Published: June 2020

This article presents the results from research performed on the implementation of restructuring policies of Polish mining enterprises. The study sought to verify whether the changes planned in Poland since the 1990s have been successfully introduced. The main objective of the restructuring of the Polish mining industry was to transform it into a profitable, cost-effective sector, which would be able to survive in a competitive market. The study also allowed the determination of a ratio giving a clear and synthetic outcome—called the indicator of the ability to change (WZZ). This indicator included criteria for assessing the efficiency of a company during the process of change, the fundamental errors committed during the change process, and the reasons for a low level of ability to change. The WZZ indicator achieved only an average level of 30%. The main errors committed during the change process are the mining enterprises’ lack of experience in change management and a lack of executive conviction about the need not only for proper management of the process of change, but also for change in general. The problem is also a lack of adequate knowledge, competence in the field of change management, and communication with employees. Low level of ability to change is caused by the inflexible organizational structure, the organizational culture, a lack of motivation, and the limited flexibility of the human factor.