bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compact and Low-Profile On-Chip Antenna Using Underside Electromagnetic Coupling Mechanism for Terahertz Front-End Transceivers
Authors: Alibakhshikenari Mohammad , Virdee Bal S. , Althuwayb Ayman A. , Mariyanayagam Dion , Limiti Ernesto
Published: May 2021

The results presented in this paper show that by employing a combination of metasurface and substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) technologies, we can realize a compact and low-profile antenna that overcomes the drawbacks of narrow-bandwidth and low-radiation properties encountered by terahertz antennas on-chip (AoC). In addition, an effective RF cross-shaped feed structure is used to excite the antenna from its underside by coupling, electromagnetically, RF energy through the multi-layered antenna structure. The feed mechanism facilitates integration with the integrated circuits. The proposed antenna is constructed from five stacked layers, comprising metal–silicon–metal–silicon–metal. The dimensions of the AoC are 1 × 1 × 0.265 mm3. The AoC is shown to have an impedance match, radiation gain and efficiency of ≤ −15 dB, 8.5 dBi and 67.5%, respectively, over a frequency range of 0.20–0.22 THz. The results show that the proposed AoC design is viable for terahertz front-end applications.
A Wind Energy Supplier Bidding Strategy Using Combined EGA-Inspired HPSOIFA Optimizer and Deep Learning Predictor
Authors: Zhang Rongquan , Aziz Saddam , Farooq Muhammad Umar , Hasan Kazi Nazmul , Mohammed Nabil , Ahmad Sadiq , Ibadah Nisrine
Published: May 2021

As the integration of large-scale wind energy is increasing into the electricity grids, the role of wind energy suppliers should be investigated as a price-maker as their participation would influence the locational marginal price (LMP) of electricity. The existing bidding strategies for a wind energy supplier faces limitations with respect to the potential cooperation, other competitors’ bidding behavior, network loss, and uncertainty of wind production (WP) and balancing market price (BMP). Hence, to solve these problems, a novel bidding strategy (BS) for a wind power supplier as a price-maker has been proposed in this paper. The new algorithm, called the evolutionary game approach (EGA) inspired hybrid particle swarm optimization and improved firefly algorithm (HPSOIFA), has been proposed to handle the bidding issue. The bidding behavior of power suppliers, including conventional power suppliers, has been encoded as one species to obtain the equilibrium where the EGA can explore dynamically reasonable behavior changes of the opponents. Each species of behavior change has been exploited by the HPSOIFA to improve the optimization solutions. Moreover, a deep learning algorithm, namely deep belief network, has been implemented for improving the accuracy of the forecasting results considering the WP and BMP, and the uncertainty revealed in the WP and BMP has been modeled by quantile regression (QR). Finally, the Shapley value (SV) has been calculated to estimate the benefits of cooperative power suppliers. The presented case studies have verified that the proposed algorithm and the established bidding strategy exhibit higher effectiveness.
Present and Future of Supercapacitor Technology Applied to Powertrains, Renewable Generation and Grid Connection Applications
Authors: Navarro Gustavo , Torres Jorge , Blanco Marcos , Nájera Jorge , Santos-Herran Miguel , Lafoz Marcos
Published: May 2021

Energy storage systems (ESS) are becoming essential as a solution for troublesome industrial systems. This study focuses on the application of a type of ESS, a high-power technology known in the literature as supercapacitors or electric double layer capacitors (EDLC). This technology has had a huge impact during the last decade on research related to the electric traction drives, renewable sources and powergrids. Related to this aspect, this paper summarizes the most relevant scientific publications in the last five years that study the use of supercapacitor technology (SCs) in electric traction applications (drives for rail vehicles and drives for road vehicles), generation systems for renewable energy (wind, solar and wave energy), and connection systems to the electric grid (voltage and frequency regulation and microgrids). The technology based on EDLC and the practical aspects that must be taken into account in the op-eration of these systems in industrial applications are briefly described. For each of the aforementioned applications, it is described how the problems are solved by using the energy storage technology, drawing the solutions proposed by different authors. Special attention is paid to the control strategies when combining SCs with other technologies, such as batteries. As a summary, some conclusions are collected drawn from the publications analyzed, evaluating the aspects in which it is necessary to conduct further research in order to facilitate the integration of EDLC technology.
Pool Boiling of Water on Surfaces with Open Microchannels
Authors: Kaniowski Robert , Pastuszko Robert
Published: May 2021

Boiling, as the most efficient type of convective heat transfer, is an area of interest in many fields of industry and science. Many works have focused on improving the heat transfer efficiency of boiling by altering the physical and chemical properties of surfaces by using different technological processes in their fabrication. This paper presents experimental investigations into pool boiling on enhanced surfaces with open microchannels. The material of the fabricated surface was copper. Parallel microchannels made by machining were about 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 mm wide, 0.2 to 0.5 mm deep, and spaced with a pitch equal to twice the width of the microchannel. The experiments were carried out in water at atmospheric pressure. The experimental results obtained showed an increase in the heat flux and the heat transfer coefficient for surfaces with microchannels. The maximum (critical) heat flux was 2188 kW/m2, and the heat transfer coefficient was 392 kW/m2K. An improvement in the maximum heat flux of more than 245% and 2.5–4.9 times higher heat transfer coefficient was obtained for the heat flux range of 992–2188 kW/m2 compared to the smooth surface. Bubble formation and growth cycle in the microchannel were presented. Two static computational models were proposed to determine the bubble departure diameter.
Integration of the Infrastructure of Systems Used in Smart Cities for the Planning of Transport and Communication Systems in Cities
Authors: Stępniak Cezary , Jelonek Dorota , Wyrwicka Magdalena , Chomiak-Orsa Iwona
Published: May 2021

Modern mobility and adaptation of transport and communication systems to the requirements of the inhabitants are both inseparable elements of the developed concept of smart cities. One of the important stages in the implementation of this concept is the planning stage, taking into account the complexity and a large number of determinants that impact the effectiveness of decisions related to the planning of transport, communication and logistic systems. The purpose of the article is to lay out a model of a system based on the integration of selected Internet of Things tools used in smart cities to support urban development planning processes in the scope of the ongoing modification of transport, public communication and logistic systems. The model was developed on the basis of the cooperation between the authors and the boards of selected cities’ observations made during the authors’ travels and on the basis of identification and analysis of IT systems types and ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) tools in use within the smart city concept. The need to integrate IoT tools in support of the smart city concept resulted from the synthesis of previous research experience and the existing gap between the capabilities and the scope of applications of the tools in discussion. The results of the analysis allowed to develop a procedure that in an automated way allows to improve the communication, transport and logistics order in the area of interested cities.
Wind Farm Power Optimization and Fault Ride-Through under Inter-Turn Short-Circuit Fault
Authors: Ma Kuichao , Soltani Mohsen , Hajizadeh Amin , Zhu Jiangsheng , Chen Zhe
Published: May 2021

Inter-Turn Short Circuit (ITSC) fault in stator winding is a common fault in Doubly-Fed Induction Generator (DFIG)-based Wind Turbines (WTs). Improper measures in the ITSC fault affect the safety of the faulty WT and the power output of the Wind Farm (WF). This paper combines derating WTs and the power optimization of the WF to diminish the fault effect. At the turbine level, switching the derating strategy and the ITSC Fault Ride-Through (FRT) strategy is adopted to ensure that WTs safely operate under fault. At the farm level, the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO)-based active power dispatch strategy is used to address proper power references in all of the WTs. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. Switching the derating strategy can increase the power limit of the faulty WT, and the ITSC FRT strategy can ensure that the WT operates without excessive faulty current. The PSO-based power optimization can improve the power of the WF to compensate for the power loss caused by the faulty WT. With the proposed method, the competitiveness and the operational capacity of offshore WFs can be upgraded.
Research of Parameters of a Compression Ignition Engine Using Various Fuel Mixtures of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) and Fatty Acid Esters (FAE)
Authors: Shepel Oleksandra , Matijošius Jonas , Rimkus Alfredas , Duda Kamil , Mikulski Maciej
Published: May 2021

The present study is aimed at studying the energy and environmental performance at various engine loads (BMEP) with identical start of injection (SOI) for all fuel types. The combustion parameters for the fuel mixtures were analyzed using the AVL BOOST software (BURN subroutine). Five different blends were tested, consisting completely of renewable raw materials based on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and fatty acid methyl ester (FE100), and the properties of diesel fuel (D) were compared with respect to these blends. The mixtures were mixed in the following proportions: FE25 (FE25HVO75), FE50 (FE50HVO50), FE75 (FE75HVO25). In this study, diesel exhaust was found to produce higher NOx values compared to FE blends, with HVO being the lowest. Hydrocarbon and smoke emissions were also significantly lower for blends than for diesel. Possible explanations are the physical properties and fatty acid composition of fuel mixtures, affecting injection and further combustion. The results showed that blends containing more unsaturated fatty acids release more nitrogen oxides, thus having a lower thermal efficiency compared to HVO. No essential differences in CO emissions between D and HVO were observed. An increase in this indicator was observed at low loads for mixtures with ester. CO2 was reduced in emissions for HVO compared to the aforementioned blends and diesel. The results of the combustion analysis show that with a high content of unsaturated fatty acids, mixtures have a longer combustion time than diesel fuel.
Proteins and Bioactive Peptides in High Protein Content Foods
Authors: Toldrá Fidel , Mora Leticia
Published: May 2021

Foods and their industry by-products constitute very good sources of bioactive peptides, which can be naturally generated during processing but are also extensively produced through enzymatic hydrolysis, microbial fermentation, and even during gastrointestinal digestion in the human body [...]
Bioactive Phenolic Metabolites from Adriatic Brown Algae Dictyota dichotoma and Padina pavonica (Dictyotaceae)
Authors: Generalić Mekinić Ivana , Šimat Vida , Botić Viktorija , Crnjac Anita , Smoljo Marina , Soldo Barbara , Ljubenkov Ivica , Čagalj Martina , Skroza Danijela
Published: May 2021

In this study, the influences of temperature (20, 40 and 60 °C) and extraction solvents (water, ethanol) on the ultrasound-assisted extraction of phenolics from the Adriatic macroalgae Dictyota dichotoma and Padina pavonica were studied. The extracts were analysed for major phenolic sub-groups (total phenolics, flavonoids and tannins) using spectrometric methods, while the individual phenolics were detected by HPLC. The antioxidant activities were evaluated using three methods: Ferric Reducing/Antioxidant Power (FRAP), scavenging of the stabile 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and Oxygen Radical Antioxidant Capacity (ORAC). The aim of the study was also to find the connection between the chemical composition of the extracts and their biological activity. Therefore, principal component analysis (PCA), which permits simple representation of different sample data and better visualisation of their correlations, was used. Higher extraction yields of the total phenolics, flavonoids and tannins were obtained using an alcoholic solvent, while a general conclusion about the applied temperature was not established. These extracts also showed good antioxidant activity, especially D. dichotoma extracts, with high reducing capacity (690–792 mM TE) and ORAC values (38.7–40.8 mM TE in 400-fold diluted extracts). The PCA pointed out the significant influence of flavonoids and tannins on the investigated properties. The results of this investigation could be interesting for future studies dealing with the application of these two algae in foods, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
High-Pressure Carbon Dioxide Use to Control Dried Apricot Pests, Tribolium castaneum and Rhyzopertha dominica, and Assessing the Qualitative Traits of Dried Pieces of Treated Apricot
Authors: Sadeghi Reza , Heidari Fereshteh , Ebadollahi Asgar , Azarikia Fatemeh , Jamshidnia Arsalan , Palla Franco
Published: May 2021

One of the new ways of warehouse pest control is the carbon dioxide treatment, which had no residues on the target products. In the present research, at first, CO2 gas was applied to control two important pest species infesting dried apricots. Dry apricots infested with adults of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) or Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) were exposed to CO2 gas pressures correspond to 9.1, 16.7, 23.1, 28.6, and 33.4 mol% for 24 h. The results showed higher mortality rates with increasing the gas pressures in all the experiments. The minimum and maximum losses of the pests were determined at concentrations of 9.1 and 33.4 mol%, respectively. Evaluation of CO2 gas effects on the quality characteristics of dried apricots showed no impacts on the color, brittleness, hardness, sweetness, sourness, and general acceptance of products. CO2 gas treatments at the concentration of 33.4 mol% showed no significant influences on the chemical features of dried apricots, including pH, acidity, Brix, humidity percentage, reducing sugar, and total sugar. It was concluded that CO2 gas had the potential to control T. castaneum and R. dominica in warehouses of dried apricots, without any significant impacts on product qualities.
Local Seal or Imported Meat? Sustainability Evaluation of Food Choices in Greenland, Based on Life Cycle Assessment
Authors: Ziegler Friederike , Nilsson Katarina , Levermann Nette , Dorph Masaana , Lyberth Bjarne , Jessen Amalie A. , Desportes Geneviève
Published: May 2021

Achieving a sustainable global food chain is becoming particularly acute as modern Western diets are adopted in a growing number of countries and cultures around the world. Understanding the consequences that this shift has on health and sustainability is important. This exploratory study is the first to apply the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology to analyze the sustainability implication of ongoing dietary shifts in Greenland, where locally hunted seal meat is increasingly being replaced by imported livestock products, primarily pig and poultry produced in Denmark. This dietary shift, indirectly driven by international trade bans such as the EU seal product ban, has sustainability implications. To inform and support more comprehensive analyses and policy discussions, this paper explores the sustainability of these parallel Greenlandic food supply chains. A quantitative comparison of the greenhouse gas emissions of Greenlandic hunted seal and Danish pig and poultry is complemented by a qualitative discussion of nutrition, cultural food preferences, animal welfare, and the use of land, pesticides and antibiotics. Although the variability in the life cycle inventory data collected from Greenlandic hunters was considerable, greenhouse gas emissions of seal meat were consistently lower than those of imported livestock products. Emissions of the latter are dominated by biogenic emissions from feed production and manure management, while these are absent for seal meat, whose emissions instead are dominated by fossil fuel use. The implications of these results for sustainable national food policies in a modern global context as well as important areas for additional research are discussed.
A Combination of Aspirin and Clopidogrel Predict More Favorable Dynamics of Platelet Reactivity versus Clopidogrel Alone in the Acute Phase of Minor Stroke
Authors: Wiśniewski Adam , Sikora Joanna , Karczmarska-Wódzka Aleksandra , Sobczak Przemysław
Published: May 2021

Background: The combined use of clopidogrel and aspirin is recommended for the short-term (21 days) therapy of minor stroke or transient ischemic attack. Previous studies have demonstrated its efficacy and superiority over treatment with a single antiplatelet agent. However, there is insufficient support for the advantages of such therapy based on platelet function testing. We aimed to compare the effect of the concomitant use of clopidogrel and aspirin versus clopidogrel alone on the dynamics of platelet reactivity over time to determine the appropriate antiplatelet treatment strategy for minor strokes. Methods: We enrolled 74 ischemic stroke subjects, including 38 minor strokes. Platelet reactivity was assessed by impedance aggregometry (Multiplate Analyzer) 48 and 96 h after a first 75 mg dose of clopidogrel, using the acetylsalicylic acid platelet inhibition (ASPI) test and the adenosine diphosphate (ADP) test. Dual antiplatelet therapy was strictly reserved only to minor strokes, as the other strokes received clopidogrel alone in the secondary prevention. The dynamics of platelet reactivity refer to the difference between two assessments, and a decrease in values over time was considered favorable. Results: The incidence of clopidogrel non-responsiveness was 64.8%, and this was similar in the group of minor strokes and the group of more disabling strokes. We indicated diabetes mellitus as an independent predictor of high on-clopidogrel platelet reactivity (Odds ratio OR 5.69 95% Confidence Interval CI 1.13–41.26, p = 0.0386). Among minor strokes treated with dual antiplatelet therapy, in relation to clopidogrel, we reported a trend toward more favorable dynamics of platelet reactivity over time compared to the group using clopidogrel alone (p = 0.0652 vs. p = 0.3384, respectively). We identified five predictors (sex, female; small-vessel disease; no diabetes; no hyperlipidemia; and no alcohol abuse) related to a significant decrease in platelet reactivity over time with respect to clopidogrel. No significant dynamics of platelet reactivity when using aspirin were found. Conclusions: Our findings, based on the favorable dynamics of platelet reactivity over time in relation to clopidogrel, confirm the usefulness of dual antiplatelet therapy in minor strokes and support the continuation of the secondary prevention with clopidogrel alone rather than aspirin, particularly among identified beneficiaries of such a strategy.
“People Will Continue to Suffer If the Virus Is Around”: A Qualitative Analysis of Sub-Saharan African Children’s Experiences during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kallander Samantha Watters , Gordon Rebecca , Borzekowski Dina L. G.
Published: May 2021

Children are particularly impressionable and at risk during a global public health crisis, making it important to examine their unique perspectives. To hear and understand sub-Saharan African children’s experiences with the COVID-19 pandemic, we conducted an exploratory qualitative analysis based on interviews with 51 children, ages 9 to 13, from Nigeria, Tanzania, and Sierra Leone. Applying the organization of Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, we reveal how COVID-19 affected children’s daily lives and domestic challenges, schooling and neighborhood issues, media use (and its relationship to knowledge and fear of the disease), perceptions of the country and government response, and thoughts of religion and hope. Children’s responses differed greatly, but patterns emerged across sex, age, household size, religion, and country. This study offers guidance and recommendations for meeting the needs of children, especially in times of crisis.
Mental Health of Young Australians during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Exploring the Roles of Employment Precarity, Screen Time, and Contact with Nature
Authors: Oswald Tassia K. , Rumbold Alice R. , Kedzior Sophie G. E. , Kohler Mark , Moore Vivienne M.
Published: May 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is widely understood to have contributed to mental health problems. In Australia, young people (18–24 years) have been disproportionately affected. To date, research has predominantly focused on the presence or absence of mental illness symptoms, while aspects of mental well-being have been overlooked. We aimed to explore associations between potential risk and protective factors and mental health more comprehensively, using the Complete State Model of Mental Health. An online survey of 1004 young Australians (55% female; M age = 21.23) was undertaken. Assessment of both mental illness and mental well-being enabled participants to be cross-classified into four mental health states. Those with ‘Floundering’ (13%) or ‘Struggling’ (47.5%) mental health reported symptoms of mental illness; a ‘Languishing’ group (25.5%) did not report symptoms of mental illness but mental well-being was compromised relative to those who were ‘Flourishing’ (14%) with high mental well-being. Multinomial logistic regressions were used to examine associations, adjusting for socio-demographic confounders. Protective factors associated with Flourishing mental health included being in secure employment, using screen time to connect with others, and reporting high levels of hope. Both incidental and purposive contact with nature were also associated with Flourishing, while a lack of green/bluespace within walking distance was associated with Languishing, absence of outdoor residential space was associated with Floundering, and lower neighbourhood greenness was associated with all three suboptimal mental health states. Precarious employment, financial stress, living alone, reporting decreased screen time during lockdowns, lower levels of hope, and high disruption of core beliefs were also associated with Struggling and Floundering mental health. Those who were Languishing reported somewhat less hardship and little disruption to core beliefs, but lower levels of hope compared to young people who were Flourishing. This study highlights that young adults require dedicated mental health services to deal with current burden, but should also be supported through a range of preventive strategies which target mental health risk factors, like precarious employment, and enhance protective factors, such as urban green infrastructure.
Air Pollution Reduces Interpersonal Trust: The Roles of Emotion and Emotional Susceptibility
Authors: Hou Yubo , Gao Meiqi , Huang Lianqiong , Wang Qi
Published: May 2021

Air pollution has been shown to have detrimental effects on physical and mental health, yet little is known about how air pollution affects psychosocial functioning in everyday life. We conducted three studies that utilized experimental methods and web crawler technology to examine the effect of hazy environmental conditions on perceived interpersonal trust, and to investigate the roles of emotion and emotional susceptibility in mediating or moderating the negative impact of air pollution. In Study 1, participants were presented with landscape photos that showed either hazy scenes or clear scenes. Those who viewed photos of hazy scenes reduced their levels of interpersonal trust. In Study 2, emotion data were collected from social media with web crawler technology, in connection with meteorological monitoring data during the same period. Hazy conditions were associated with reduced expressions of positive emotion on social media, whereas clearer conditions were associated with enhanced positive emotional expressions. In Study 3, we simulated Weibo communications in the laboratory. The findings showed that emotional susceptibility moderated the negative effect of hazy conditions on interpersonal trust, and negative emotion mediated the effect of hazy conditions on interpersonal trust. The findings advance the understanding of the impact of air pollution on interpersonal trust and social relations and the associated psychological mechanisms and boundary conditions. They have important real-life implications.
Evaluation of a Post-Operative Rehabilitation Program in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Colorectal Cancer Surgery: A Pilot Study
Authors: Nusca Sveva Maria , Parisi Attilio , Mercantini Paolo , Gasparrini Marcello , Pitasi Francesco Antonio , Lacopo Alessandra , Colonna Vincenzo , Stella Giulia , Cerulli Claudia , Grazioli Elisa , Tranchita Eliana , Santoboni Flavia , Latini Eleonora , Trischitta Donatella , Vetrano Mario , Visco Vincenzo , Pavan Antonio , Vulpiani Maria Chiara
Published: May 2021

This pilot study explores the effects of a post-operative physical exercise program on the quality of life (QoL) and functional and nutritional parameters of patients that underwent laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery, compared to usual care alone. The intervention group (IG) attended a 2-month-long supervised and combined exercise–training program during the post-operative period. Both IG and control group (CG) participated in the QoL, functional, and nutritional assessments before exercise training (T0), 2 months after the beginning of the exercise (end of treatment) (T1), and 2 (T2) and 4 (T3) months from the end of treatment. Eleven patients with colorectal cancer that underwent laparoscopic surgery were enrolled (six intervention; five control). The IG showed significant improvements compared to the CG in “Physical functioning” (PF2) (p = 0.030), “Cognitive functioning” (CF) (p = 0.018), and “Fatigue” (FA) (p = 0.017) of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life-C30 Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) at T1; in SMWT (p = 0.022) at T1; in PF2 (p = 0.018) and FA (p = 0.045) of EORTC QLQ-C30 at T2, in phase angle (PhA) of bioelectrical impedance analysis (p = 0.022) at T3. This pilot study shows that a post-operative, combined, and supervised physical exercise program may have positive effects in improving the QoL, functional capacity, and nutritional status in patients that undergo laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery.
The Effects of Lifestyle Interventions on the Health-Promoting Behavior, Type D Personality, Cognitive Function and Body Composition of Low-Income Middle-Aged Korean Women
Authors: Kim Eun-Jin , Nho Ju-Hee , Kim Hye-Young , Park Sook-Kyoung
Published: May 2021

Low-income middle-aged women (LMW) who are vulnerable have various physical and psychosocial problems. They need lifestyle interventions to actively cope with these risk factors. This study used a randomized control group pretest-posttest design. LMW aged from 40 to 60 years were recruited and randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 31) and a control group (n = 32). The lifestyle interventions for this study, which were implemented for eight weeks, included nutritional management, physical activity, stress management and cognitive function improvement based on King’s goal attainment theory. The measured outcomes were health-promoting behaviors, Type D personality, cognitive function and body composition. The experimental group scored significantly higher than the control group for health-promoting behaviors (effect size (ES) = 0.68~1.27, p < 0.001~0.014) and cognitive function (ES = 0.79~1.31, p < 0.001~0.005). The negative affectivity (ES = 0.70, p = 0.012) and the prevalence of a Type D personality (x2 = 4.39, p = 0.047) and the systolic blood pressure (ES = 0.65, p = 0.019) decreased significantly in the experimental group compared with the control group. Lifestyle interventions for LMW were effective in improving health-promoting behavior, Type D personality traits and cognitive function.
Sleep Valuation Is Associated with Components of Sleep Health and Daytime Functioning in a College Sample: A Survey Study
Authors: Nielson Spencer A. , Taylor Jordan , Simmons Zach , Decker Andrea N. , Kay Daniel B. , Cribbet Matthew R.
Published: May 2021

Sleep valuation, the worth individuals place on sleep, is an understudied construct in the field of sleep medicine. This study introduced a Sleep Valuation Item Bank and explored how sleep valuation is related to sleep health and daytime functioning within a sample of college students. The participants in this study were 247 (85% white, 83% female) undergraduate students who completed an online survey that included questions from a Sleep Valuation Item Bank and questions about sleep and daytime functioning. Correlation and regression analyses were conducted to determine associations between sleep valuation, aspects of sleep health and daytime functioning. Mediation analyses were conducted to determine whether the sleep health variables explained the associations between sleep valuation and daytime functioning. In correlation analyses, sleep valuation was negatively associated with sleepiness and sleep quality. It was also associated with daytime functioning, including general mental and physical health, depression, and anxiety. In the regression analyses, daytime impairments including poorer physical and mental health, anxiety, and depression were associated with higher sleep valuation. Poorer sleep health, including greater sleepiness and lower sleep quality, explained these associations and were associated with higher sleep valuation. Thus, while daytime impairments, such as anxiety and depression, are related to sleep valuation, this relationship may be due in part to the sleep disturbance that often co-occurs with these impairments.
The Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Interest in Orthodontic Treatment and Perspectives for the Future. Real-Time Surveillance Using Google Trends
Authors: Sycinska-Dziarnowska Magdalena , Bielawska-Victorini Hanna , Budzyńska Agata , Woźniak Krzysztof
Published: May 2021

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic outbreak may have a large impact on orthodontic treatment. Regular orthodontic visits were strongly and widely interrupted by the unprecedented epidemiological threat. Methods: The data regarding orthodontic queries were investigated in a real-time surveillance using Google Trends. Search terms “braces”, “invisalign”, “get braces”, “get braces off”, “braces pain” and the phrase “social distancing” were analyzed regarding the year preceding the pandemic outbreak and the time of the pandemic. Moreover, the five-year trend for queries “braces” vs. “invisalign”, as an example of different types of orthodontic appliances, was compared. Results: There was a significant decrease in orthodontics phrase queries in the spring of 2020, connected with the worldwide restrictions and lockdowns announced all over the world. There was a lower interest in the “braces pain” query during the first lockdown in 2020. The number of searches for “invisalign” increased steadily over time, while the number of searches for “braces” was relatively stable across the investigated time period. Conclusions: The course of the COVID-19 pandemic has had a large impact on the orthodontic-related search queries. Orthodontists must be better-prepared for any sudden changes in the possible future in the epidemiological situation that may change accessibility to dental offices.
Positive Organisational Arts-Based Youth Scholarship: Redressing Discourse on Danger, Disquiet, and Distress during COVID-19
Authors: Dadich Ann , Boydell Katherine M. , Habak Stephanie , Watfern Chloe
Published: May 2021

This methodological article argues for the potential of positive organisational arts-based youth scholarship as a methodology to understand and promote positive experiences among young people. With reference to COVID-19, exemplars sourced from social media platforms and relevant organisations demonstrate the remarkable creative brilliance of young people. During these difficult times, young people used song, dance, storytelling, and art to express themselves, (re)connect with others, champion social change, and promote health and wellbeing. This article demonstrates the power of positive organisational arts-based youth scholarship to understand how young people use art to redress negativity via a positive lens of agency, peace, collectedness, and calm.
A Comparative Analysis of Risky Sexual Behaviors, Self-Reported Sexually Transmitted Infections, Knowledge of Symptoms and Partner Notification Practices among Male and Female University Students in Pretoria, South Africa
Authors: Mokgatle Mathildah Mpata , Madiba Sphiwe , Cele Lindiwe
Published: May 2021

The surge of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among young people is of public health importance, and the notification and treatment of sex partners after the diagnosis of an STI is a public health approach to prevent and reduce further transmissions. There are limited studies that investigate partner notification among young people in general, and university students in South Africa in particular. We investigated self-reported STIs and partner notification practice, intentions, and preferences among university students. We also assessed their STI knowledge and risky sexual behaviour in relation to STIs. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey that used multistage sampling to select 918 students across the five schools of a health sciences university in South Africa. Descriptive statistics and bivariate logistic analysis were performed using Stata IC version 16. More males (54.1%) than females were currently in a sexual relationship (47.3%), more males reported multiple sexual partners (n = 114, 46%), engaged in transactional sex (n = 13, 5.3%), and had one-night stands (n = 68, 28.1%) in the past 12 months (p = 0.001). Moreover, half (55.9%) had poor knowledge of STIs with an overall mean knowledge score of 2.9 ± 2.0, and the majority (85.8%) perceived themselves to be at low risk of acquiring STIs. The odds of intentions to disclose an STI infection to a sexual partner and delivering a partner notification slip to ex-sexual partners were not statistically significant (p = 0.95; p = 0.10), with the likelihood of disclosure being 1.3 times for female students compared to males. Female students were 1.5 times as likely to prefer a doctor to send an SMS notification to their sexual partners (p = 0.02) compared to their male counterparts, while the preference of an SMS notification was 41% (p = 0.03) among female students. Students engaged in risky behaviours but had a low perception of the risks of acquiring STIs. Although they had preferences of different methods of partner notification, both male and female students preferred SMS partner notifications from a doctor, even though women were in the majority. Health care providers should put in place interventions so that young people can safely inform their partners about STIs.
Addendum: Rehnelt et al. Frequency-Dependent Multi-Well Cardiotoxicity Screening Enabled by Optogenetic Stimulation. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18, 2634
Authors: Rehnelt Susanne , Malan Daniela , Juhasz Krisztina , Wolters Benjamin , Doerr Leo , Beckler Matthias , Kettenhofen Ralf , Bohlen Heribert , Bruegmann Tobias , Sasse Philipp
Published: May 2021

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [...]
Additive Benefits of Radium-223 Dichloride and Bortezomib Combination in a Systemic Multiple Myeloma Mouse Model
Authors: Suominen Mari I. , Mäki-Jouppila Jenni , Huhtinen Anna , Sjöholm Birgitta , Rissanen Jukka P. , Luostarinen Anniina , Fagerlund Katja M. , Alhoniemi Esa , Siemeister Gerhard , Mumberg Dominik , Käkönen Sanna-Maria , Scholz Arne
Published: May 2021

Osteolytic bone disease is a hallmark of multiple myeloma (MM) mediated by MM cell proliferation, increased osteoclast activity, and suppressed osteoblast function. The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib targets MM cells and improves bone health in MM patients. Radium-223 dichloride (radium-223), the first targeted alpha therapy approved, specifically targets bone metastases, where it disrupts the activity of both tumor cells and tumor-supporting bone cells in mouse models of breast and prostate cancer bone metastasis. We hypothesized that radium-223 and bortezomib combination treatment would have additive effects on MM. In vitro experiments revealed that the combination treatment inhibited MM cell proliferation and demonstrated additive efficacy. In the systemic, syngeneic 5TGM1 mouse MM model, both bortezomib and radium-223 decreased the osteolytic lesion area, and their combination was more effective than either monotherapy alone. Bortezomib decreased the number of osteoclasts at the tumor–bone interface, and the combination therapy resulted in almost complete eradication of osteoclasts. Furthermore, the combination therapy improved the incorporation of radium-223 into MM-bearing bone. Importantly, the combination therapy decreased tumor burden and restored body weights in MM mice. These results suggest that the combination of radium-223 with bortezomib could constitute a novel, effective therapy for MM and, in particular, myeloma bone disease.
Adenosine and Cordycepin Accelerate Tissue Remodeling Process through Adenosine Receptor Mediated Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway Stimulation by Regulating GSK3b Activity
Authors: Kim Jaeyoon , Shin Jae Young , Choi Yun-Ho , Lee So Young , Jin Mu Hyun , Kim Chang Deok , Kang Nae-Gyu , Lee Sanghwa
Published: May 2021

Adenosine is a cellular metabolite with diverse derivatives that possesses a wide range of physiological roles. We investigated the molecular mechanisms of adenosine and cordycepin for their promoting effects in wound-healing process. The mitochondrial energy metabolism and cell proliferation markers, cAMP responsive element binding protein 1 (CREB1) and Ki67, were enhanced by adenosine and cordycepin in cultured dermal fibroblasts. Adenosine and cordycepin stimulated adenosine receptor signaling via elevated cAMP. The phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) 1/2, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (Gsk3b) and Wnt target genes such as bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 2/4 and lymphoid enhancer binding factor (Lef) 1 were activated. The enhanced gene expression by adenosine and cordycepin was abrogated by adenosine A2A and A2B receptor inhibitors, ZM241385 and PSH603, and protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H89, indicating the involvement of adenosine receptor A2A, A2B and PKA. As a result of Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation, the secretion of growth factors such as insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 and transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) 3 was increased, previously reported to facilitate the wound healing process. In addition, in vitro fibroblast migration was also increased, demonstrating their possible roles in facilitating the wound healing process. In conclusion, our data strongly demonstrate that adenosine and cordycepin stimulate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling through the activation of adenosine receptor, possibly promoting the tissue remodeling process and suggest their therapeutic potential for treating skin wounds.
Genes Associated with Foliar Resistance to Septoria Nodorum Blotch of Hexaploid Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Li Dora , Walker Esther , Francki Michael
Published: May 2021

The genetic control of host response to the fungal necrotrophic disease Septoria nodorum blotch (SNB) in bread wheat is complex, involving many minor genes. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling SNB response were previously identified on chromosomes 1BS and 5BL. The aim of this study, therefore, was to align and compare the genetic map representing QTL interval on 1BS and 5BS with the reference sequence of wheat and identify resistance genes (R-genes) associated with SNB response. Alignment of QTL intervals identified significant genome rearrangements on 1BS between parents of the DH population EGA Blanco, Millewa and the reference sequence of Chinese Spring with subtle rearrangements on 5BL. Nevertheless, annotation of genomic intervals in the reference sequence were able to identify and map 13 and 12 R-genes on 1BS and 5BL, respectively. R-genes discriminated co-located QTL on 1BS into two distinct but linked loci. NRC1a and TFIID mapped in one QTL on 1BS whereas RGA and Snn1 mapped in the linked locus and all were associated with SNB resistance but in one environment only. Similarly, Tsn1 and WK35 were mapped in one QTL on 5BL with NETWORKED 1A and RGA genes mapped in the linked QTL interval. This study provided new insights on possible biochemical, cellular and molecular mechanisms responding to SNB infection in different environments and also addressed limitations of using the reference sequence to identify the full complement of functional R-genes in modern varieties.
Management of Cirrhotic Ascites under the Add-on Administration of Tolvaptan
Authors: Adachi Takuya , Takeuchi Yasuto , Takaki Akinobu , Oyama Atsushi , Wada Nozomu , Onishi Hideki , Shiraha Hidenori , Okada Hiroyuki
Published: May 2021

Tolvaptan is a recently available diuretic that blocks arginine vasopressin receptor 2 in the renal collecting duct. Its diuretic mechanism involves selective water reabsorption by affecting the water reabsorption receptor aquaporin 2. Given that liver cirrhosis patients exhibit hyponatremia due to their pseudo-aldosteronism and usage of natriuretic agents, a sodium maintaining agent, such as tolvaptan, is physiologically preferable. However, large scale studies indicating the patients for whom this would be effective and describing management under its use have been insufficient. The appropriate management of cirrhosis patients treated with tolvaptan should be investigated. In the present review, we collected articles investigating the effectiveness of tolvaptan and factors associated with survival and summarized their management reports. Earlier administration of tolvaptan before increasing the doses of natriuretic agents is recommended because this may preserve effective arterial blood volume.
Nature of Linear Spectral Properties and Fast Electronic Relaxations in Green Fluorescent Pyrrolo[3,4-c]Pyridine Derivative
Authors: Bashmakova Nataliia V. , Shaydyuk Yevgeniy O. , Dmytruk Andriy M. , Świergosz Tomasz , Kachkovsky Olexiy D. , Belfield Kevin D. , Bondar Mykhailo V. , Kasprzyk Wiktor
Published: May 2021

The electronic nature of 4-hydroxy-1H-pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyridine-1,3,6(2H,5H)-trione (HPPT) was comprehensively investigated in liquid media at room temperature using steady-state and time-resolved femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopic techniques. The analysis of the linear photophysical and photochemical parameters of HPPT, including steady-state absorption, fluorescence and excitation anisotropy spectra, along with the lifetimes of fluorescence emission and photodecomposition quantum yields, revealed the nature of its large Stokes shift, specific changes in the permanent dipole moments under electronic excitation, weak dipole transitions with partially anisotropic character, and high photostability. Transient absorption spectra of HPPT were obtained with femtosecond resolution and no characteristic solvate relaxation processes in protic (methanol) solvent were revealed. Efficient light amplification (gain) was observed in the fluorescence spectral range of HPPT, but no super-luminescence and lasing phenomena were detected. The electronic structure of HPPT was also analyzed with quantum-chemical calculations using a DFT/B3LYP method and good agreement with experimental data was shown. The development and investigation of new pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyridine derivatives are important due to their promising fluorescent properties and potential for use in physiological applications.
Molecular Elucidation of a Urate Oxidase from Deinococcus radiodurans for Hyperuricemia and Gout Therapy
Authors: Chiu Yi-Chih , Hsu Ting-Syuan , Huang Chen-Yu , Hsu Chun-Hua
Published: May 2021

Urate oxidase initiates the uric acid degradation pathways and is extensively used for protein drug development for gout therapy and serum uric acid diagnosis. We first present the biochemical and structural elucidation of a urate oxidase from the extremophile microorganism Deinococcus radiodurans (DrUox). From enzyme characterization, DrUox showed optimal catalytic ability at 30 °C and pH 9.0 with high stability under physiological conditions. Only the Mg2+ ion moderately elevated its activity, which indicates the characteristic of the cofactor-free urate oxidase family. Of note, DrUox is thermostable in mesophilic conditions. It retains almost 100% activity when incubated at 25 °C and 37 °C for 24 h. In this study, we characterized a thermostable urate oxidase, DrUox with high catalytic efficiency and thermal stability, which strengthens its potential for medical applications.
Multifocal Femto-PresbyLASIK in Pseudophakic Eyes
Authors: Pajic Bojan , Massa Horace , Baenninger Philipp B. , Eskina Erika , Pajic-Eggspuehler Brigitte , Resan Mirko , Cvejic Zeljka
Published: May 2021

Background: Presbyopia treatment in pseudophakic patients with a monofocal IOL is challenging. This study investigates the refractive results of femto-PresbyLASIK and analyzes presbyopia treatment in pseudophakic eyes. Methods: 14 patients with 28 pseudophakic eyes were treated with femto-PresbyLASIK. The dominant eye was targeted at a distance and the non-dominant eye at −0.5 D. The presbyopic algorithm creates a steepness in the cornea center by using an excimer laser that leads to corneal multifocality. Results: 6 months after surgery a refraction of −0.11 ± 0.13 D (p = 0.001), an uncorrected distance visual acuity of 0.05 ± 1.0 logMAR (p < 0.001) and an uncorrected near visual acuity of 0.15 ± 0.89 logMAR (p = 0.001) were achieved in the dominant eye. For the non-dominant eye, the refraction was −0.28 ± 0.22 D (p = 0.002), the uncorrected distance of visual acuity was 0.1 ± 1.49 logMAR, and the uncorrected near visual acuity was 0.11 ± 0.80 logMAR (p < 0.001). Spherical aberrations (Z400) were reduced by 0.21–0.3 µm in 32% of eyes, and by 0.31–0.4 µm in 26% of eyes. Conclusion: By steepening the central cornea while maintaining spherical aberrations within acceptable limits, PresbyLASIK created a corneal multifocality that safely improved near vision in both eyes. Thus, femto-PresbyLASIK can be used to treat presbyopia in pseudophakic eyes without performing intraocular surgery.