bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secure Transmission in Cognitive Wiretap Networks with Full-Duplex Receivers
Authors: Shang Zhihui , Zhang Tao , Cai Yueming , Yang Weiwei , Wu Hao , Zhang Yu , Tao Liwei
Published: March 2020

This paper studies the secure transmission in the dual-hop cognitive wiretap networks, where the secondary transmitter (Alice) aims to transmit confidential information to the secondary receiver (Bob) in the face of a multi-antenna relay (Relay), while the malicious eavesdropper (Eve) is used to eavesdrop the confidential information from Alice and Relay. To improve security, we design two transmission schemes, namely maximal-ratio combining/maximal-ratio transmission-selection combining (MRC/MRT-SC) with half-duplex (HD) receiver and maximal-ratio combining-zero forcing beamforming/maximal-ratio transmission-selection combining-zero forcing beamforming (MRC-ZFB/MRT-SC-ZFB) with full-duplex (FD) receiver. To evaluate the secrecy performance obtained from the proposed schemes comprehensively, the new closed-form and simple asymptotic expressions for the secrecy outage probability (SOP) and secrecy throughput (ST) of our considered networks with MRC-ZFB/MRT-SC-ZFB and MRC/MRT-SC schemes are derived, respectively. Thus, we explore the effect of various schemes on system secrecy performance in terms of SOP and ST. Analytical results and numerical simulations demonstrate that MRC-ZFB/MRT-SC-ZFB achieves better performance in the two proposed schemes. In particular, we show that the FD receiver plays a crucial role in designing the cognitive wiretap networks for protecting the legitimate link against attack from the malicious eavesdropping.
Special Issue on Fatigue and Fracture of Non-Metallic Materials and Structures
Authors: Spagnoli Andrea
Published: March 2020

This Special Issue covers the broad topic of structural integrity of non-metallic materials, and it is concerned with the modelling, assessment and reliability of structural elements of any scale. In particular, the articles being contained in this issue concentrate on the mechanics of fracture and fatigue in relation to applications to a variety of non-metallic materials, including concrete and cementitious composites, rocks, glass, ceramics, bituminous mixtures, composites, polymers, rubber and soft matters, bones and biological materials, advanced and multifunctional materials.
Balance Control in Obese Subjects during Quiet Stance: A State-of-the Art
Authors: Cimolin Veronica , Cau Nicola , Galli Manuela , Capodaglio Paolo
Published: March 2020

Obese individuals are characterized by a reduced balance which has a significant effect on a variety of daily and occupational tasks. The presence of excessive adipose tissue and weight gain could increase the risk of falls; for this reason, obese individuals are at greater risk of falls than normal weight subjects in the presence of postural stress and disturbances. The quality of balance control could be measured with different methods and generally in clinics its integrity is generally assessed using platform stabilometry. The aim of this narrative review is to present an overview on the state of art on balance control in obese individuals during quiet stance. A summary of knowledge about static postural control in obese individuals and its limitations is important clinically, as it could give indications and suggestions to improve and personalize the development of specific clinical programs.
Numerical and Experimental Investigations of Composite Solar Walls Integrating Sensible or Latent Heat Thermal Storage
Authors: Leang Enghok , Tittelein Pierre , Zalewski Laurent , Lassue Stéphane
Published: March 2020

This article studies a composite solar wall with latent storage (TES) designed to heat rooms inside buildings during the cold season. No numerical model of the composite solar wall is currently available in the Dymola/Modelica software library. The first objective of this work is to develop one such model. The article describes the elementary components, along with the equations that allow modeling the heat transfers and storage phenomena governing both the thermal behavior and performance of the solar wall. This model was built by assembling various existing basic elements from the software’s “Building” library (e.g., models of heat transfer by convection, radiation and conduction) and then creating new elements, such as the storage element incorporating the phase change material (PCM). To validate this solar wall model, numerical results are compared to experimental data stemming from a small-scale composite solar wall manufactured in our laboratory, and the experimental set-up could be tested under real weather conditions. After verifying the level of confidence in the model, the energy performance of two solar walls, one with a conventional storage wall (sensible heat storage) the other containing a PCM (the same as in the experiment), are compared. The result indicates that the solar wall incorporating a PCM does not in this case release any more energy in the room to be heated.
Real-Time Remote Maintenance Support Based on Augmented Reality (AR)
Authors: Mourtzis Dimitris , Siatras Vasileios , Angelopoulos John
Published: March 2020

In the realm of the current industrial revolution, interesting innovations as well as new techniques are constantly being introduced by offering fertile ground for further investigation and improvement in the industrial engineering domain. More specifically, cutting-edge digital technologies in the field of Extended Reality (XR) have become mainstream including Augmented Reality (AR). Furthermore, Cloud Computing has enabled the provision of high-quality services, especially in the controversial field of maintenance. However, since modern machines are becoming more complex, maintenance must be carried out from experienced and well-trained personnel, while overseas support is timely and financially costly. Although AR is a back-bone technology facilitating the development of robust maintenance support tools, they are limited to the provision of predefined scenarios, covering only a limited number of scenarios. This research work aims to address this emerging challenge with the design and development of a framework, for the support of remote maintenance and repair operation based on AR, by creating suitable communication channels between the shop-floor technicians and the expert engineers who are utilizing real-time feedback from the operator’s field of view. The applicability of the developed framework is tested in vitro in a lab-based machine shop and in a real-life industrial scenario.
A Novel and Effective Image Super-Resolution Reconstruction Technique via Fast Global and Local Residual Learning Model
Authors: Hou Jingru , Si Yujuan , Yu Xiaoqian
Published: March 2020

The principle of image super-resolution reconstruction (SR) is to pass one or more low-resolution (LR) images through information processing technology to obtain the final high-resolution (HR) image. Convolutional neural networks (CNN) have achieved better results than traditional methods in the process of an image super-resolution reconstruction. However, if the number of neural network layers is increased blindly, it will cause a significant increase in the amount of calculation, increase the difficulty of training the network, and cause the loss of image details. Therefore, in this paper, we use a novel and effective image super-resolution reconstruction technique via fast global and local residual learning model (FGRLR). The principle is to directly train a low-resolution small image on a neural network without enlarging it. This will effectively reduce the amount of calculation. In addition, the stacked local residual block (LRB) structure is used for non-linear mapping, which can effectively overcome the problem of image degradation. After extracting features, use 1 × 1 convolution to perform dimensional compression, and expand the dimensions after non-linear mapping, which can reduce the calculation amount of the model. In the reconstruction layer, deconvolution is used to enlarge the image to the required size. This also reduces the number of parameters. We use skip connections to use low-resolution information for reconstructing high-resolution images. Experimental results show that the algorithm can effectively shorten the running time without affecting the quality of image restoration.
Agustín de Betancourt’s Optical Telegraph: Geometric Modeling and Virtual Reconstruction
Authors: Rojas-Sola José Ignacio , De la Morena-De la Fuente Eduardo
Published: March 2020

This article shows the geometric modeling and virtual reconstruction of the optical telegraph by Agustín de Betancourt and Abraham Louis Breguet developed at the end of the 18th century. Autodesk Inventor Professional software has been used to obtain the three-dimensional (3D) model of this historical invention and its geometric documentation. The material for the research is available on the website of the Betancourt Project of the Canary Orotava Foundation for the History of Science. Thanks to the three-dimensional modeling performed, it has been possible to explain in detail both its operation and the assembly system of this invention in a coherent way. After carrying out its 3D modeling and functional analysis, it was discovered that the transmissions in the telegraph were not performed by hemp ropes but rather by metal chains with flat links, considerably reducing possible error. Similarly, it has also been found that the use of the gimbal joint facilitated the adaptability of the invention to geographical areas where there was a physical impediment to the alignment of telegraph stations. In addition, it was not now necessary for the telescope frames to be located parallel to the mast frame (frame of the indicator arrow) and therefore they could work in different planes.
Effects of Trueness and Surface Microhardness on the Fitness of Ceramic Crowns
Authors: Lee Kunhee , Son Keunbada , Lee Kyu-bok
Published: March 2020

This study aims to evaluate the fitness, surface microhardness, and trueness of crowns fabricated from three types of dental ceramic blocks (HASS Rosetta, IPS e.max CAD, and VITA Suprinity) and analyze the correlations between them. A crown was first designed in computer-aided design (CAD) software. To create a crown designed model (CDM), the design file was extracted from the CAD software, and a lithium disilicate block was processed from the file with a milling machine. To create a crown scanned model (CSM), the inside of the fabricated crown was digitized using a contact scanner. Using three-dimensional (3D) inspection software (Geomagic Control X; 3D Systems), the CDM and CSM were then superimposed, and their 3D trueness was analyzed. To measure the surface microhardness of the blocks, the specimens were polished and subjected to the Vickers hardness test. The fitness of the fabricated crowns was evaluated by applying a modified silicone replica technique. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to assess the correlations between trueness, surface microhardness, and fitness. In addition, the significance of differences between the three types of dental ceramic blocks was analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Significant differences in the trueness, surface microhardness, and marginal fit were observed between ceramic blocks of different types. There were also positive correlations between trueness, surface microhardness, marginal fit, and internal fit. While the marginal fit of crowns fabricated from each of the three types of ceramic blocks was in the clinically permitted range (<120 µm), there were differences in the trueness and surface microhardness, depending on the type of block. However, crowns fabricated from each of the three materials have surface microhardness that is clinically applicable.
iPatient Privacy Copyright Cloud Management
Authors: Kuo Yu-Jie (Jessica) , Shieh Jiann-Cherng
Published: March 2020

The advent and rapid rise of network technology and cloud computing have led to new opportunities for ushering in a new era in telehealth. Thanks to the Internet of Things (IoT) and advances in 5G communication, telehealth is expanding and shows no signs of slowing down. It provides patients including elderly and disabled patients with convenient and easy access to healthcare services across space and time. However, the continuous real-time transmission of health information over networks also exposes private data to the risk of being intercepted by third parties. The privacy of the primary individual patient must be managed under the protection of the patient’s anonymous key while storing, transferring, sharing, and adding privacy rights. A question arises: How can we design a secure communication environment for remote access control to personal privacy matters? The patient’s electronic medical record is protected by the patient’s private key, and our scheme provides a real anonymous design for the patient with absolute autonomy over their privacy. Each update of the cloud medical records is patient-led and performed in a secure tunnel. As a result, this study reveals that the cloud-based iPatient privacy copyright management fully controlled by an individual patient is indeed safe and effective.
Softened Truss Model for Reinforced Concrete Beams under Torsion Combined with Axial Force
Authors: Bernardo Luís , Taborda Cátia
Published: March 2020

The Generalized Softened Variable Angle Truss Model (GSVATM) allows one to compute the global behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) beams under torsion, including the pre- and post-cracking stage. In a previous study, such a model was successfully extended to cover prestressed concrete beams under torsion with longitudinal and uniform prestress. In order to continue to extend the theoretical model for other loading cases, in this article, the GSVATM is extended to cover RC beams under torsion combined with external and centered axial forces. The changes in GSVATM are presented, as well as the modified calculation solution procedure. Some theoretical predictions from the extended GSVATM are compared with numerical results from the non-linear finite element method (FEM), where good agreement is observed for the studied trends.
Impossibility of Quantum Bit Commitment, a Categorical Perspective
Authors: Sun Xin , He Feifei , Wang Quanlong
Published: March 2020

Bit commitment is a cryptographic task in which Alice commits a bit to Bob such that she cannot change the value of the bit after her commitment and Bob cannot learn the value of the bit before Alice opens her commitment. According to the Mayers–Lo–Chau (MLC) no-go theorem, ideal bit commitment is impossible within quantum theory. In the information theoretic-reconstruction of quantum theory, the impossibility of quantum bit commitment is one of the three information-theoretic constraints that characterize quantum theory. In this paper, we first provide a very simple proof of the MLC no-go theorem and its quantitative generalization. Then, we formalize bit commitment in the theory of dagger monoidal categories. We show that in the setting of dagger monoidal categories, the impossibility of bit commitment is equivalent to the unitary equivalence of purification.
Commercial Formulation of Chlorpyrifos Alters Neurological Behaviors and Fertility
Authors: Kudavidanage Enoka P. , Dissanayake D. M. I. , Keerthirathna W. L. Rangi , Nishshanke N. Lasni Wathima , Peiris L. Dinithi C.
Published: March 2020

Pesticides are known to result in toxic insult. We aimed to evaluate Judo 40, the commercial formulation of chlorpyrifos on the neurological activities, fertility, and hormone levels of male rats. Male Wistar rats were treated orally with 1 mL of 20 or 50 mg/kg Judo 40. The doses were administered four times, twice a day. Sexual and exploratory behavior indices, fertility indices, serum androgen levels, blood acetylcholinesterase (BChE) levels, and neurological and muscular effects were evaluated. Serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone were significantly reduced in the rats receiving 50 mg/kg Judo 40. A reduction in viable implantation sites and live pups born were evident in the female rats mated with the male rats treated with the highest dose. Similarly, in the rats treated with the highest dose of Judo 40, a significant reduction in plasma BChE enzyme was observed. According to the results, prolonged Judo 40 exposure can cause impairment of the neurological alterations and sex hormones leading to impaired fertility. Therefore, chemical handlers should be educated on protection and risk minimization.
Efficacy and Safety of First-Line Everolimus Therapy Alone or in Combination with Octreotide in Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors. A Hellenic Cooperative Oncology Group (HeCOG) Study
Authors: Koumarianou Anna , Pectasides Dimitrios , Koliou Georgia-Angeliki , Dionysopoulos Dimitrios , Kolomodi Dionysia , Poulios Christos , Skondra Maria , Sgouros Joseph , Pentheroudakis George , Kaltsas Gregory , Fountzilas George
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this study was to explore the efficacy and safety of everolimus administered as a first-line treatment in newly diagnosed patients with metastatic or inoperable gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP NETs). This phase II, multicenter, single-arm study included patients with well-differentiated GEP NETs and a Ki67 < 20%. Everolimus, at 10 mg/day, was administered until disease progression; 18 patients (72%) concomitantly received octreotide long-acting release (LAR), at 30 mg/month. The primary endpoint was the 15-month progression-free survival (PFS) rate. Twenty-five patients (grade 1: 11 patients, grade 2: 14 patients) were enrolled between August 2012 and October 2015. At a median follow-up of 58.1 months, the median PFS was 14.6 months, while the 15-month PFS rate was 48%; median overall survival had not been reached yet. Normal baseline chromogranin A (<4 nmol/l) confirmed a longer PFS (HR = 0.25, 95% CI 0.08–0.77, p = 0.016). Seven patients (28%) achieved an objective response (one complete response and six partial responses) in a median of 2.6 months. Twenty-three grade 3–4 events were recorded (14 patients). No fatal reactions occurred. This prospective phase II study unravels the notable activity of everolimus as a first-line treatment in patients with GEP NETS and contributes valuable information about the high activity of the combination of everolimus and octreotide LAR in this setting. Clinical trial information: NCT01648465.
Testing the Pharmacokinetic Interactions of 24 Colonic Flavonoid Metabolites with Human Serum Albumin and Cytochrome P450 Enzymes
Authors: Mohos Violetta , Fliszár-Nyúl Eszter , Lemli Beáta , Zsidó Balázs Zoltán , Hetényi Csaba , Mladěnka Přemysl , Horký Pavel , Pour Milan , Poór Miklós
Published: March 2020

Flavonoids are abundant polyphenols in nature. They are extensively biotransformed in enterocytes and hepatocytes, where conjugated (methyl, sulfate, and glucuronide) metabolites are formed. However, bacterial microflora in the human intestines also metabolize flavonoids, resulting in the production of smaller phenolic fragments (e.g., hydroxybenzoic, hydroxyacetic and hydroxycinnamic acids, and hydroxybenzenes). Despite the fact that several colonic metabolites appear in the circulation at high concentrations, we have only limited information regarding their pharmacodynamic effects and pharmacokinetic interactions. Therefore, in this in vitro study, we investigated the interactions of 24 microbial flavonoid metabolites with human serum albumin and cytochrome P450 (CYP2C9, 2C19, and 3A4) enzymes. Our results demonstrated that some metabolites (e.g., 2,4-dihydroxyacetophenone, pyrogallol, O-desmethylangolensin, and 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzoic acid) form stable complexes with albumin. However, the compounds tested did not considerably displace Site I and II marker drugs from albumin. All CYP isoforms examined were significantly inhibited by O-desmethylangolensin; nevertheless, only its effect on CYP2C9 seems to be relevant. Furthermore, resorcinol and phloroglucinol showed strong inhibitory effects on CYP3A4. Our results demonstrate that, besides flavonoid aglycones and their conjugated derivatives, some colonic metabolites are also able to interact with proteins involved in the pharmacokinetics of drugs.
Developmental Dyslexia: Where Do We Go from Here?
Authors: Engelhardt Paul E.
Published: March 2020

This editorial follows an influential review paper published in Brain Sciences in 2018 (What is Developmental Dyslexia? by John Stein). In this editorial, I present a critical look at the arguments in Stein’s review, with a particular view towards “looking ahead”. In looking ahead, I will focus on why dyslexia has been largely neglected by psycholinguistics and, in particular, shortfalls in knowledge about sentence processing. I will highlight some things that I think psycholinguistic methodologies can contribute to the understanding of developmental dyslexia. The editorial will then turn to address the larger research context of dyslexia. In short, investigations of dyslexia tend to be conducted across a wide range of disciplines, and by individuals with varied backgrounds, divergent views, and different goals. One argument I advance is that dyslexia has reached a point where “interdisciplinary” collaboration is essential, and in the event that that is not successful, the field would at least benefit from “adversarial collaborations”. Finally, I briefly address the issue of interventions (raised by Stein) for older children and adolescents by returning to the contributions that psycholinguistics can provide to dyslexia. The crux of my argument here is that there exists a missing link in interventions, and that missing link is sentence-level language comprehension.
The Role of Sartans in the Treatment of Stroke and Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Narrative Review of Preclinical and Clinical Studies
Authors: Wanderer Stefan , Grüter Basil E. , Strange Fabio , Sivanrupan Sivani , Di Santo Stefano , Widmer Hans Rudolf , Fandino Javier , Marbacher Serge , Andereggen Lukas
Published: March 2020

Background: Delayed cerebral vasospasm (DCVS) due to aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and its sequela, delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI), are associated with poor functional outcome. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is known to play a major role in mediating cerebral vasoconstriction. Angiotensin-II-type-1-receptor antagonists such as Sartans may have a beneficial effect after aSAH by reducing DCVS due to crosstalk with the endothelin system. In this review, we discuss the role of Sartans in the treatment of stroke and their potential impact in aSAH. Methods: We conducted a literature research of the MEDLINE PubMed database in accordance with PRISMA criteria on articles published between 1980 to 2019 reviewing: “Sartans AND ischemic stroke”. Of 227 studies, 64 preclinical and 19 clinical trials fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Results: There was a positive effect of Sartans on ischemic stroke in both preclinical and clinical settings (attenuating ischemic brain damage, reducing cerebral inflammation and infarct size, increasing cerebral blood flow). In addition, Sartans reduced DCVS after aSAH in animal models by diminishing the effect of ET-1 mediated vasoconstriction (including cerebral inflammation and cerebral epileptogenic activity reduction, cerebral blood flow autoregulation restoration as well as pressure-dependent cerebral vasoconstriction). Conclusion: Thus, Sartans might play a key role in the treatment of patients with aSAH.
Rediscovering the “Atrium Effect” in Terms of the European Green Deal’s Objectives：A Case Study
Authors: Drapella-Hermansdorfer Alina , Gierko Aleksandra
Published: March 2020

In terms of the European Green Deal’s objectives, an environmentally responsible and climate responsive architecture seems to be fully desirable in the next decades. From the perspective of health-oriented design, atria and inner courtyards are gaining in significance due to their potential for regulating indoor air temperature and quality, especially if they are properly technically equipped and supported by appropriate landscaping. In this particular approach, the “atrium effect” is discussed in the presented study, in contrast to the specific method of forming the upwardly opened lobby. In the search for a method to optimize the use of the biophilic elements in semi-open built environments, the authors use ENVI-met v. 4.4.4. software to assess their impact on physical parameters of the environment.
Impaired Anti-Tumor T cell Response in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Chaoul Nada , Mancarella Serena , Lupo Luigi , Giannelli Gianluigi , Dituri Francesco
Published: March 2020

Different subsets of lymphocytes have the capacity to promote or counteract the progression of solid cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Therefore, to determine the infiltrative ability and functional status of major immune cell subtypes into tumor may lead to novel insights from the perspective of immunotherapy. After obtaining single cell suspensions from freshly collected specimens of HCC tumor, along with paired peritumor tissues and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 14 patients, we flow-cytometrically identified and quantified the relative frequencies of lymphocyte subsets within the tissues of origin. We found that the recruitment in the tumor of cytotoxic cells, namely the terminally differentiated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells (TEFF), is impaired, whereas the effector memory CD4+ T cells (TEM) are more attracted in this site. Concerning the other subsets, the frequency of NK CD56hi and NKT CD56hi cells infiltration in the tumor is increased, whereas that of NKT CD56low is reduced. Although CD4+ and CD8+ T cells settled in the tumor show a higher degree of activation than the circulating counterpart, they occur with a more exhausted phenotype. Overall, these data demonstrate the prevalently immunosuppressive nature of HCC microenvironment, and prompt us to search for strategies to enhance the activity of anti-tumor immune cell subsets.
tRNA Queuosine Modification Enzyme Modulates the Growth and Microbiome Recruitment to Breast Tumors
Authors: Zhang Jilei , Lu Rong , Zhang Yongguo , Matuszek Żaneta , Zhang Wen , Xia Yinglin , Pan Tao , Sun Jun
Published: March 2020

Background: Transfer RNA (tRNA) queuosine (Q)-modifications occur specifically in 4 cellular tRNAs at the wobble anticodon position. tRNA Q-modification in human cells depends on the gut microbiome because the microbiome product queuine is required for its installation by the enzyme Q tRNA ribosyltransferase catalytic subunit 1 (QTRT1) encoded in the human genome. Queuine is a micronutrient from diet and microbiome. Although tRNA Q-modification has been studied for a long time regarding its properties in decoding and tRNA fragment generation, how QTRT1 affects tumorigenesis and the microbiome is still poorly understood. Results: We generated single clones of QTRT1-knockout breast cancer MCF7 cells using Double Nickase Plasmid. We also established a QTRT1-knockdown breast MDA-MB-231 cell line. The impacts of QTRT1 deletion or reduction on cell proliferation and migration in vitro were evaluated using cell culture, while the regulations on tumor growth in vivo were evaluated using a xenograft BALB/c nude mouse model. We found that QTRT1 deficiency in human breast cancer cells could change the functions of regulation genes, which are critical in cell proliferation, tight junction formation, and migration in human breast cancer cells in vitro and a breast tumor mouse model in vivo. We identified that several core bacteria, such as Lachnospiraceae, Lactobacillus, and Alistipes, were markedly changed in mice post injection with breast cancer cells. The relative abundance of bacteria in tumors induced from wildtype cells was significantly higher than those of QTRT1 deficiency cells. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that the QTRT1 gene and tRNA Q-modification altered cell proliferation, junctions, and microbiome in tumors and the intestine, thus playing a critical role in breast cancer development.
A Unique GSK-3β inhibitor B10 Has a Direct Effect on Aβ, Targets Tau and Metal Dyshomeostasis, and Promotes Neuronal Neurite Outgrowth
Authors: Shi Xiao-Long , Yan Ning , Cui Ying-Jie , Liu Zhao-Peng
Published: March 2020

Due to the complicated pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the development of multitargeted agents to simultaneously interfere with multiple pathological processes of AD is a potential choice. Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) plays a vital role in the AD pathological process. In this study, we discovered a novel 1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine derivative B10 as a GSK-3β inhibitor that features with a quinolin-8-ol moiety to target the metal dyshomeostasis of AD. B10 potently inhibited GSK-3β with an IC50 of 66 ± 2.5 nM. At the concentration of 20 μM, B10 increased β-catenin abundance (β-catenin/GAPDH: 0.83 ± 0.086 vs. 0.30 ± 0.016), phosphorylated GSK-3β at Ser9 (p-GSK-3β/GAPDH: 0.53 ± 0.045 vs. 0.35 ± 0.012), and decreased the phosphorylated tau level (p-tau/GAPDH: 0.33 ± 0.065 vs. 0.83 ± 0.061) in SH-SY5Y cells. Unlike other GSK-3β inhibitors, B10 had a direct effect on Aβ by inhibiting Aβ1-42 aggregation and promoting the Aβ1-42 aggregate disassociation. It selectively chelated with Cu2+, Zn2+, Fe3+, and Al3+, and targeted AD metal dyshomeostasis. Moreover, B10 effectively increased the mRNA expression of the recognized neurogenesis markers, GAP43, N-myc, and MAP-2, and promoted the differentiated neuronal neurite outgrowth, possibly through the GSK-3β and β-catenin signal pathways. Therefore, B10 is a potent and unique GSK-3β inhibitor that has a direct on Aβ and serves as a multifunctional anti-AD agent for further investigations.
Opposing Effects of Adenosine and Inosine in Human Subcutaneous Fibroblasts May Be Regulated by Third Party ADA Cell Providers
Authors: Herman-de-Sousa Carina , Pinheiro Ana Rita , Paramos-de-Carvalho Diogo , Costa Maria Adelina , Ferreirinha Fátima , Magalhães-Cardoso Teresa , Ribeiro Severino , Pelletier Julie , Sévigny Jean , Correia-de-Sá Paulo
Published: March 2020

Human subcutaneous fibroblasts (HSCF) challenged with inflammatory mediators release huge amounts of ATP, which rapidly generates adenosine. Given the nucleoside’s putative relevance in wound healing, dermal fibrosis, and myofascial pain, we investigated the role of its precursor, AMP, and of its metabolite, inosine, in HSCF cells growth and collagen production. AMP (30 µM) was rapidly (t½ 3 ± 1 min) dephosphorylated into adenosine by CD73/ecto-5′-nucleotidase. Adenosine accumulation (t½ 158 ± 17 min) in the extracellular fluid reflected very low cellular adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity. HSCF stained positively against A2A and A3 receptors but were A1 and A2B negative. AMP and the A2A receptor agonist, CGS21680C, increased collagen production without affecting cells growth. The A2A receptor antagonist, SCH442416, prevented the effects of AMP and CGS21680C. Inosine and the A3 receptor agonist, 2Cl-IB-MECA, decreased HSCF growth and collagen production in a MRS1191-sensitive manner, implicating the A3 receptor in the anti-proliferative action of inosine. Incubation with ADA reproduced the inosine effect. In conclusion, adenosine originated from extracellular ATP hydrolysis favors normal collagen production by HSCF via A2A receptors. Inhibition of unpredicted inosine formation by third party ADA cell providers (e.g., inflammatory cells) may be a novel therapeutic target to prevent inappropriate dermal remodeling via A3 receptors activation.
Waste Ochre for Control of Phosphates and Sulfides in Digesters at Wastewater Treatment Plants with Enhanced Biological Phosphorus Removal
Authors: Öfverström Svetlana , Davidsson Åsa , Haghighatafshar Salar , Kjerstadius Hamse , Jansen Jes la Cour
Published: March 2020

Ochre, waste iron sludge from the treatment of iron rich groundwater for potable use, makes up a significant waste problem. Furthermore, wastewater treatment plants with enhanced biological phosphorus removal and the digestion of sludge are in lack of iron for the prevention of hydrogen sulfide production and the release of phosphorous during anaerobic digestion. Thus, the addition of ochre to anaerobic digestion is a potential beneficial reuse of ochre. Sludge from wastewater treatment plants with enhanced biological phosphorus removal was used for the experiments. Batch and continuous pilot-scale tests were performed for the mesophilic digestion of primary and waste-activated sludge with different doses of ochre. Two different doses of ochre corresponding to molar ratios of 1 and 2 moles Fe3+/mole P released in the batch test resulted in 29% and 57% reductions of phosphates respectively in the sludge liquor compared to the control sludge without inhibiting the digestion process. In the pilot experiment, the dosing of ochre at both a high and low dose (molar ratios of 1.6 and 0.8 Fe3+/S2−, respectively) resulted in an immediate drop in the H2S concentration (from >2000 ppm down to 570 ppm), while the control reactor still produced biogas with a high hydrogen sulfide concentration. The inhibition of the digestion process was observed (accumulation of acetate) at the higher dose. In a second pilot scale experiment, lower doses of ochre were tested continuously (1.5 and 0.75 mole Fe3+/mole Preleased) to avoid any inhibition, while evaluating the phosphate precipitation. A reduction of phosphates in sludge liquor (33% and 66% for the low and high doses respectively) was obtained.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: An Overview on Efficacy and Future Perspectives
Authors: Borella Fulvio , Ghisoni Eleonora , Giannone Gaia , Cosma Stefano , Benedetto Chiara , Valabrega Giorgio , Katsaros Dionyssios
Published: March 2020

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the leading cause of death among gynecological cancers. Despite improvements in medical treatments, the prognosis for EOC remains poor, and there is an urgent need for new therapeutic strategies. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) have dramatically improved survival of several cancers and are under evaluation in OC. Unfortunately, CPIs have shown globally unsatisfactory results. The aim of this manuscript is to critically review the results from early-phase trials with CPIs in terms of safety and activity, discuss the possible reasons for disappointing results and the new therapeutic approaches to improve patient outcomes.
Path Planning of a Sweeping Robot Based on Path Estimation of a Curling Stone Using Sensor Fusion
Authors: Gwon JaeHyeon , Kim Hyeon , Bae HyunSoo , Lee SukGyu
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we proposed an enhanced path planning strategy for sweeper robots, which were created for the curling Olympic games. The main task for the multi-robot system is to clean the ice surface making a smooth path for a curling stone. The sweeping robots should have a motion planning on how to follow the curling stone slide and to prevent any collisions. In order to find the next position of the sweeping robot, it needs to establish the current position and to compute the next position of the curling stone. The initial and goal points of the sweeping robots are found and set up based on the simulation results from the main server. While the curling stone moves, the sweeping robots measure its position and adjust their motions according to the stone position trajectory. If the distance between the current and the next positions of a curling stone exceeds the threshold value, the sweeping robots should activate the sweeping mechanism preventing collisions with the stone. Since the estimation of the sweeping robot motion solely depends on the stone’s trajectory, the accumulation of errors is undesirable. Thus, the stone trajectory should be recalculated in a certain time step using the trend-adjusted exponential smoothing method. Then, the formation of the sweeping robot system can be calibrated according to the stone path computation. The obtained experimental results proved the efficiency of the proposed path planning method.
Improved Proactive Routing Protocol Considering Node Density Using Game Theory in Dense Networks
Authors: Oyakhire Omuwa , Gyoda Koichi
Published: March 2020

In mobile ad hoc networks, network nodes cooperate by packet forwarding from the source to the destination. As the networks become denser, more control packets are forwarded, thus consuming more bandwidth and may cause packet loss. Recently, game theory has been applied to address several problems in mobile ad hoc networks like energy efficiency. In this paper, we apply game theory to reduce the control packets in dense networks. We choose a proactive routing protocol, Optimized Link State Routing (OLSR) protocol. We consider two strategies in this method: willingness_always and willingness_never to reduce the multipoint relay (MPR) ratio in dense networks. Thus, nodes with less influence on other nodes are excluded from nomination as MPRs. Simulations were used to confirm the efficiency of using our improved method. The results show that the MPR ratio was significantly reduced, and packet delivery ratio was increased compared to the conventional protocol.
Characteristics of Surface Deformation in Lanzhou with Sentinel-1A TOPS
Authors: He Yi , Wang Wenhui , Yan Haowen , Zhang Lifeng , Chen Youdong , Yang Shuwen
Published: March 2020

While surface deformations and their impact on buildings have been observed in the city of Lanzhou, it is difficult to find studies of surface deformation and the influential factors in the recent decades. This study was designed to detect the spatial position of these surface deformations and to understand the mechanism behind them. Sentinel-1A TOPS model image data acquired in descending orbits between March 2015 and May 2019 were processed by using Small Baseline Subsets Interferometry (SBAS)-Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) technology, and then compared with geology, tectonical aspects of the study area and land cover types in Lanzhou. The results reveal that the land surface deformation is uneven in this city, and seven surface deformation regions were detected in the following areas: the north freight yard, Jiuzhou, Country garden, Donggang, Yanjiaping, Zhongxinping and Liuquan town. The land surface deformation rate in Lanzhou ranges from −82.13 mm/year to 19.31 mm/year. Time-series land surface deformation analysis showed that deformation increased over time in major deformation regions. Surface deformation expansion was significant after June 2017and it continued to expand. The surface deformation of Lanzhou is affected by natural factors (geology and geological faults) and human activities (land cover types/land cover changes). Local geological conditions control the location of the surface deformation process. These findings provide compelling data and theoretical support for disaster prevention and reduction in Lanzhou.
Is Bartonella a Cause of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis? A Case Study
Authors: Kinderlehrer Daniel A.
Published: March 2020

The etiology of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is unknown. I present a case which may be indicative of a causal link between Bartonella infection and PSC. The patient presented with complaints of abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea. A colonoscopy demonstrated chronic inflammation and changes consistent with ulcerative colitis. Routine laboratory studies revealed elevated liver function tests (LFTs); ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed the diagnosis of PSC. Bartonella serology was positive. It is established that Bartonella infection is associated with both gastrointestinal inflammation and autoimmunity; indeed, there is an animal model for Bartonella-induced PSC. Bartonella is susceptible to treatment with vancomycin and there are case reports and small series that demonstrate that PSC responds to treatment with oral vancomycin. Because of this, it is postulated that at least some cases of PSC may be associated with Bartonella infection. The patient in this report was treated with oral vancomycin and, since then, has been in remission for both colitis and PSC. Since vancomycin is not systemically absorbed, the premise is that he suffered from Bartonella colitis and an autoimmune reaction to Bartonella causing PSC. This premise warrants further study.
Vertical Distribution and Controlling Factors Exploration of Sc, V, Co, Ni, Mo and Ba in Six Soil Profiles of The Mun River Basin, Northeast Thailand
Authors: Zhou Wenxiang , Han Guilin , Liu Man , Song Chao , Li Xiaoqiang , Malem Fairda
Published: March 2020

Exploring the enrichment and controlling factors of heavy metals in soils is essential because heavy metals can cause severe soil contamination and threaten human health when they are excessively enriched in soils. Soil samples (total 103) from six soil profiles (T1 to T6) in the Mun River Basin, Northeast Thailand, were collected for the analyses of the content of heavy metals, including Sc, V, Co, Ni, Mo, Ba. The average contents of soil heavy metals decrease in the following order: Ba, V, Ni, Sc, Co, and Mo (T1, T3, T4 and T5); Ni, V, Ba, Co, Sc, Mo, and Ba (T2); Ba, V, Sc, Ni, Mo, and Co (T6). An enrichment factor (EF) and geoaccumulation index were calculated to assess the degree of heavy metal contamination in the soils. The EFs of these heavy metals in most samples range from 0 to 1.5, which reveals that most heavy metals are slightly enriched. Geoaccumulation indexes show that only the topsoil of T1 and T2 is slightly contaminated by Ba, Sc, Ni, and V. Soil organic carbon (SOC), soil pH and soil texture are significantly positively correlated with most heavy metals, except for a negative correlation between soil pH and Mo content. In conclusion, the influence of heavy metals on soils in the study area is slight and SOC, soil pH, soil texture dominate the behavior of heavy metals.
Biosurfactant Production in Sub-Oxic Conditions Detected in Hydrocarbon-Degrading Isolates from Marine and Estuarine Sediments
Authors: Domingues Patrícia M. , Oliveira Vanessa , Serafim Luísa Seuanes , Gomes Newton C. M. , Cunha Ângela
Published: March 2020

Hydrocarbon bioremediation in anoxic sediment layers is still challenging not only because it involves metabolic pathways with lower energy yields but also because the production of biosurfactants that contribute to the dispersion of the pollutant is limited by oxygen availability. This work aims at screening populations of culturable hydrocarbonoclastic and biosurfactant (BSF) producing bacteria from deep sub-seafloor sediments (mud volcanos from Gulf of Cadiz) and estuarine sub-surface sediments (Ria de Aveiro) for strains with potential to operate in sub-oxic conditions. Isolates were retrieved from anaerobic selective cultures in which crude oil was provided as sole carbon source and different supplements were provided as electron acceptors. Twelve representative isolates were obtained from selective cultures with deep-sea and estuary sediments, six from each. These were identified by sequencing of 16S rRNA gene fragments belonging to Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Ochrobactrum, Brevundimonas, Psychrobacter, Staphylococcus, Marinobacter and Curtobacterium genera. BSF production by the isolates was tested by atomized oil assay, surface tension measurement and determination of the emulsification index. All isolates were able to produce BSFs under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, except for isolate DS27 which only produced BSF under aerobic conditions. These isolates presented potential to be applied in bioremediation or microbial enhanced oil recovery strategies under conditions of oxygen limitation. For the first time, members of Ochrobactrum, Brevundimonas, Psychrobacter, Staphylococcus, Marinobacter and Curtobacterium genera are described as anaerobic producers of BSFs.
Effects of FamilyDoctor Concept and Doctor-Patient Interaction Satisfaction on Glycaemic Control among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in the Northeast Region of Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Nordin Noorfariza , Mohd Hairon Suhaily , Yaacob Najib Majdi , Abdul Hamid Anees , Hassan Norzaihan
Published: March 2020

The implementation of Family Doctor Concept (FDC) to restructure the primary healthcare systems in Malaysia were expected to enhance patient’s satisfaction on doctor-patient interaction and subsequently improved glycaemic control among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients. Thus, this study aims to determine the difference in doctor-patient interaction satisfaction between T2DM patients attended FDC-implemented clinic vs non-FDC clinics, and to determine the association between FDC-implemented clinic and doctor-patient interaction satisfaction towards glycaemic control. A cross-sectional study was conducted throughout 10 districts in Kelantan from February until May 2019 using interview-guided Skala Kepuasan Interaksi Perubatan-11 (SKIP-11) and proforma checklist. Data were analyzed using SPSS ver.24. Chi-square statistic used to determine the difference in doctor-patient interaction satisfaction between both clinics type. Multiple logistic regression used to examine the association between FDC-implemented clinic and doctor-patient interaction satisfaction towards glycaemic control. Twenty primary health clinics involved, and 772 T2DM patients recruited. FDC clinics attendees has higher proportion of satisfaction (40.1%) compared to non-FDC attendees (33.7%) (p = 0.070). Multiple logistic regression confirmed the association of FDC-implemented health clinics (Adj. OR 1.63, p = 0.021), and doctor-patients interaction satisfaction (Adj. OR 1.77, p = 0.005) towards glycaemic control. Hence, strengthening of FDC in primary healthcare and improve the doctor-patient interaction satisfaction were essential to escalate good glycaemic control.
Portfolio Choice for a Resource-Based Sovereign Wealth Fund: An Analysis of Cash Flows
Authors: Mork Knut Anton , Eap Hanna Marisela , Haraldsen Magnus Eskedal
Published: March 2020

We consider the portfolio choice of a government with a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) when government revenues depend on exhaustible resources, such as oil and gas. The question is whether the SWF portfolio should underweight shares in the resource industry. Some studies have found that these share prices correlate more closely with the overall stock market than the resource price, which would seem to weaken the case for underweighting. However, equity price movements depend not only on changes in expectations of future cash flows, but also on time variation in discount factors. We analyze cash flows directly, rather than trying to disentangle these effects. We have collected cash-flow data for the companies in all of the major industries of the FTSE Global All Cap index, the basis for the strategic index of the Norwegian Government Pension Fund Global. Subsequently, we look at the correlations between each industry’s cash flow and the Norwegian government’s cash flow from oil and gas. We find a close, statistically significant, and persistent correlation for the oil and gas industry. The correlations for other industries are small and mostly insignificant. We believe that our findings can be used to support proposals for SWFs in countries with significant petroleum revenues to underweight shares in this industry.