bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Practice of Experimental Psychology: An Inevitably Postmodern Endeavor
Authors: Mayrhofer Roland , Kuhbandner Christof , Lindner Corinna
Published: January 2021

The aim of psychology is to understand the human mind and behavior. In contemporary psychology, the method of choice to accomplish this incredibly complex endeavor is the experiment. This dominance has shaped the whole discipline from the self-concept as an empirical science and its very epistemological and theoretical foundations, via research practice and the scientific discourse to teaching. Experimental psychology is grounded in the scientific method and positivism, and these principles, which are characteristic for modern thinking, are still upheld. Despite this apparently stalwart adherence to modern principles, experimental psychology exhibits a number of aspects which can best be described as facets of postmodern thinking although they are hardly acknowledged as such. Many psychologists take pride in being “real natural scientists” because they conduct experiments, but it is particularly difficult for psychologists to evade certain elements of postmodern thinking in view of the specific nature of their subject matter. Postmodernism as a philosophy emerged in the 20th century as a response to the perceived inadequacy of the modern approach and as a means to understand the complexities, ambiguities, and contradictions of the times. Therefore, postmodernism offers both valuable insights into the very nature of experimental psychology and fruitful ideas on improving experimental practice to better reflect the complexities and ambiguities of human mind and behavior. Analyzing experimental psychology along postmodern lines begins by discussing the implications of transferring the scientific method from fields with rather narrowly defined phenomena—the natural sciences—to a much broader and more heterogeneous class of complex phenomena, namely the human mind and behavior. This ostensibly modern experimental approach is, however,per seriddled with postmodern elements: (re-)creating phenomena in an experimental setting, including the hermeneutic processes of generating hypotheses and interpreting results, is no carbon copy of “reality” but rather an active construction which reflects irrevocably the pre-existing ideas of the investigator. These aspects, analyzed by using postmodern concepts like hyperreality and simulacra, did not seep in gradually but have been present since the very inception of experimental psychology, and they are necessarily inherent in its philosophy of science. We illustrate this theoretical analysis with the help of two examples, namely experiments on free will and visual working memory. The postmodern perspective reveals some pitfalls in the practice of experimental psychology. Furthermore, we suggest that accepting the inherently fuzzy nature of theoretical constructs in psychology and thinking more along postmodern lines would actually clarify many theoretical problems in experimental psychology.
Motivation and Commitment to Sports Practice During the Lockdown Caused by Covid-19
Authors: Leyton-Román Marta , de la Vega Ricardo , Jiménez-Castuera Ruth
Published: January 2021

In Spain, the state of alarm declared on March 14, 2020 caused changes in the population in relation to the habits of physical activity and sports practice. This study analyzed what motivational variables predicted the self-efficacy and commitment to sports practice, as well as the differences according to gender, during lockdown and the progressive de-escalation caused by COVID-19, using the theory of self-determination as a theoretical framework. The study sample was conformed of 179 subjects (90 men and 89 women) between 18 and 65 years of age (M = 28.64; SD = 10.28). The Behavioral Regulation in Sport Questionnaire (BRSQ), the Psychological Need Satisfaction in Exercise Scale (PNSE), the Physical Activity Self-Efficacy scale, and the Sport Commitment scale were applied. The most relevant results have showed significant differences in favor of the male gender in terms of levels of controlled motivation and amotivation, as well as higher levels of self-efficacy and basic psychological need of autonomy. Furthermore, the regression analysis has revealed that self-efficacy and current commitment to sports practice were explained by a variance of 57 and 64%, respectively, due to autonomous motivation and the basic psychological need of competence. Therefore, the basic psychological need of competence should be fostered in order to increase the levels of self-determined motivation, self-efficacy, and commitment to sports practice of the population.
The Relationship Between Behavioral Inhibition and Behavioral Activation Systems, Impulsiveness, and Internet Gaming Disorder Among Students of Different Ages
Authors: Xiang Hui , Tian Xiaolin , Zhou Yu , Chen Jieyu , Potenza Marc N. , Zhang Qun
Published: January 2021

Background and Aims: Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), which is an underlying symptom classified as a behavioral addiction disorder, has many related social problems that have garnered the bulk of attention in recent research. However, its psychological/behavioral mechanism is still unclear. The purpose of the current study was to explore the relationship between IGD and impulsivity which is regulated by behavioral inhibition and activation among different age groups.

Methods: A total of 1,525 students completed Young's Internet Addiction Test (IAT), Online Game Addiction Questionnaire, the Behavioral Inhibition System/Behavioral Activation System (BIS/BAS) scales, and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11).

Results: (1) The prevalence of IGD in different ages students was 10.3%. (2) BIS, BAS-Fun seeking (BAS-F), and BIS-11 scores indicated that there were significant differences between IGD and non-IGD individuals. (3) BIS showed significant differences in different grades (i.e., between undergraduates and middle school students with IGD; F = 3.10, p < 0.05). (4) The IAT scores demonstrated a significant positive correlation with BIS scores (r = 0.375, p < 0.05) among undergraduates with IGD; IAT scores of high school students with IGD were negatively correlated with BAS-Reward (BAS-R) (r = −0.28, p < 0.05).5)BIS and BIS-11 together could explain 14.9% variance of IGD among the college group; BAS-R and BAS-F together could explain 16.7% variance of IGD among the high school group (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: The relationships between IGD and BIS, BAS-F, BAS-D, BIS-11 scores differed due to the age group of individuals tested.
The Gut Microbiome in Anorexia Nervosa: Friend or Foe?
Authors: Ghenciulescu Ana , Park Rebecca J. , Burnet Philip W. J.
Published: January 2021

The human gut microbiome is emerging as a key modulator of homeostasis, with far-reaching implications for various multifactorial diseases, including anorexia nervosa (AN). Despite significant morbidity and mortality, the underlying mechanisms of this eating disorder are poorly understood, but the classical view defining AN as a purely psychiatric condition is increasingly being challenged. Accumulating evidence from comparative studies of AN and healthy fecal microbial composition reveals considerable low divergence and altered taxonomic abundance of the AN gut microbiome. When integrated with preclinical data, these findings point to a significant role of the gut microbiome in AN pathophysiology, via effects on host energy metabolism, intestinal permeability, immune function, appetite, and behavior. While complex causal relationships between genetic risk factors, dietary patterns and microbiome, and their relevance for AN onset and perpetuation have not been fully elucidated, preliminary clinical studies support the use of microbiome-based interventions such as fecal microbiota transplants and probiotics as adjuvants to standard AN therapies. Future research should aim to move from observational to mechanistic, as dissecting how specific microbial taxa interact with the host to impact the development of AN could help design novel therapeutic approaches that more effectively address the severe comorbidities and high relapse rate of this serious disorder.
Root Distribution of Brassica napus and Vicia faba within the Sheath of Root or Earthworm Biopore
Authors: Petzoldt Lisa , Kautz Timo
Published: January 2021

Root growth through biopores is facilitated by low mechanical impedance and nutrient enrichment due to the deposition of organic material at the biopore sheath. Plant roots and earthworms impact biopore sheath properties differently. However, the literature lacks a quantitative study of the root distribution within the sheath of pores, which were originated by taproots or earthworms. According to previous literature on pore connectivity, it can be hypothesized that precrops encourage root growth into the biopore sheath in comparison to an earthworm characterized sheath. A pot experiment was performed to compare the root distribution of spring oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) and faba bean (Vicia faba L.) within the biopore sheath of two different biopore types. The biopore sheath was characterized by taprooted chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) or anecic earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris L.). Roots were sampled at the biopore lumen and at lateral distances of 0–2, 2–4, 4–8 (sheath) and 20–36 mm (bulk soil) from the biopore wall surface. In both pore types >50% of the root length (cm) and >70% fine roots of oilseed rape were found in a comparatively small soil area (Lumen + 2 mm). On the contrary, faba bean grew primarily through the bulk soil with >75% root length and rarely into the biopore sheath in both pore types. In both species there was a lateral decrease of the total nitrogen (Nt)-content from biopore wall (Mean ± SE: 0.061% ± 0.002%) to bulk soil (0.053% ± 0.002%), but no significant difference between the pore types. The results of the current study illustrate that the root growth of spring oilseed rape and faba bean was not encouraged by the precrop in comparison to the earthworm characterized sheath.
Influence of Soil Type on the Reliability of the Prediction Model for Bioavailability of Mn, Zn, Pb, Ni and Cu in the Soils of the Republic of Serbia
Authors: Maksimović Jelena , Pivić Radmila , Stanojković-Sebić Aleksandra , Jovković Marina , Jaramaz Darko , Dinić Zoran
Published: January 2021

The principles of sustainable agriculture in the 21st century are based on the preservation of basic natural resources and environmental protection, which is achieved through a multidisciplinary approach in obtaining solutions and applying information technologies. Prediction models of bioavailability of trace elements (TEs) represent the basis for the development of machine learning and artificial intelligence in digital agriculture. Since the bioavailability of TEs is influenced by the physicochemical properties of the soil, which are characteristic of the soil type, in order to obtain more reliable prediction models in this study, the testing set from the previous study was grouped based on the soil type. The aim of this study was to examine the possibility of improvement in the prediction of bioavailability of TEs by using a different strategy of model development. After the training set was grouped based on the criteria for the new model development, the developed basic models were compared to the basic models from the previous study. The second step was to develop models based on the soil type (for the eight most common soil types in the Republic of Serbia—RS) and to compare their reliability to the basic models. From the total number of developed models by soil type (80), 75% were accepted as statistically reliable for predicting the bioavailability of TEs by soil type and 70% of prediction models had a higher determination coefficient (R2), compared to the basic models. For the Fluvisol soil type, all prediction models were accepted, while the least reliable prediction was for the Planosol type. As in the previous study of bioavailability prediction for TEs, the prediction models for Cu stood out, with more than half of the models with R2 greater than 0.90. Results of this study indicated that the formation of a testing set by soil type derives models whose predictions are more reliable than the basic ones. To improve the performance of prediction models, it is necessary to include additional physicochemical parameters and to conduct an adequate analysis of extensive testing sets with more comprehensive statistical techniques.
Torquenema n. g., Wallabicola n. g., and Macropostrongyloides phascolomys n. sp.: New Genera and a New Species of Nematode (Strongylida: Phascolostrongylinae) Parasitic in Australian Macropodid and Vombatid Marsupials
Authors: Sukee Tanapan , Beveridge Ian , Jabbar Abdul
Published: January 2021

The strongyloid nematodes belonging to the subfamily Phascolostrongylinae occur primarily in the large intestines of macropodid and vombatid marsupials. Current molecular evidence suggests that the two nematode species, Macropostrongyloides dissimilis and Paramacropostrongylus toraliformis, from macropodid marsupials are distant from their respective congeners. Furthermore, specimens of Macropostrongyloides lasiorhini from the large intestines of the southern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons) and the common wombat (Vombatus ursinus) are genetically distinct. This study aimed to describe the new genera Torquenema n. g. (with T. toraliforme n. comb. as the type species) from the eastern grey kangaroo, Wallabicola n. g. (with W. dissimilis n. comb. as the type species) from the swamp wallaby and a new species Macropostrongyloides phascolomys n. sp. from the common wombat, using light and scanning electron microscopy.
Antimicrobial Resistance in Escherichia coli Strains Isolated from Humans and Pet Animals
Authors: Puvača Nikola , de Llanos Frutos Rosa
Published: January 2021

Throughout scientific literature, we can find evidence that antimicrobial resistance has become a big problem in the recent years on a global scale. Public healthcare systems all over the world are faced with a great challenge in this respect. Obviously, there are many bacteria that can cause infections in humans and animals alike, but somehow it seems that the greatest threat nowadays comes from the Enterobacteriaceae members, especially Escherichia coli. Namely, we are witnesses to the fact that the systems that these bacteria developed to fight off antibiotics are the strongest and most diverse in Enterobacteriaceae. Our great advantage is in understanding the systems that bacteria developed to fight off antibiotics, so these can help us understand the connection between these microorganisms and the occurrence of antibiotic-resistance both in humans and their pets. Furthermore, unfavorable conditions related to the ease of E. coli transmission via the fecal–oral route among humans, environmental sources, and animals only add to the problem. For all the above stated reasons, it is evident that the epidemiology of E. coli strains and resistance mechanisms they have developed over time are extremely significant topics and all scientific findings in this area will be of vital importance in the fight against infections caused by these bacteria.
Natural Products and Their Derivatives with Antibacterial, Antioxidant and Anticancer Activities
Authors: Vuong Thu V.
Published: January 2021

Natural products and their derivatives have been commonly used in our daily life, as they play important roles in boosting immune systems and fighting diseases [...]
High-Content Screening for the Detection of Drug-Induced Oxidative Stress in Liver Cells
Authors: Donato María Teresa , Tolosa Laia
Published: January 2021

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) remains a major cause of drug development failure, post-marketing warnings and restriction of use. An improved understanding of the mechanisms underlying DILI is required for better drug design and development. Enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels may cause a wide spectrum of oxidative damage, which has been described as a major mechanism implicated in DILI. Several cell-based assays have been developed as in vitro tools for early safety risk assessments. Among them, high-content screening technology has been used for the identification of modes of action, the determination of the level of injury and the discovery of predictive biomarkers for the safety assessment of compounds. In this paper, we review the value of in vitro high-content screening studies and evaluate how to assess oxidative stress induced by drugs in hepatic cells, demonstrating the detection of pre-lethal mechanisms of DILI as a powerful tool in human toxicology.
Analysis of Eddy-Current Probe Signals in Steam Generator U-Bend Tubes Using the Finite Element Method
Authors: Oh Sebeom , Choi Gahyun , Lee Deokhyun , Choi Myungsik , Kim Kyungmo
Published: January 2021

To ensure the integrity and safety of steam generator tubes in nuclear power plants, eddy-current testing is periodically employed. Because steam generators are equipped with thousands of thin-walled tubes, the eddy current is tested using a bobbin probe that can be used at high speed. Steam generator heat pipes in nuclear power plants have different sizes and shapes depending on their row number. In particular, heat pipes in the first row are located inside the steam generator and are of the U-bend type because the radius of the curved pipe is the smallest. A steam generator heat pipe has a thickness of about 1 mm, so a geometrical cross-sectional area change may occur due to residual stress when manufacturing the curved pipe. It is difficult to determine an exact shape because the change in cross-sectional area generated during the manufacturing process varies depending on the position of the pipe and the distortion rate. During eddy-current testing (ECT), to ensure the integrity and safety of the steam generator tubes, the shape change of the bend may cause a noise signal, making it difficult to evaluate defects in the pipe. However, the noise signals generated in this situation are difficult to analyze in a real measurement environment, and difficult to verify by producing a mock-up, which complicates distinguishing a noise signal from a defective signal. To solve this problem, various noise signals were obtained using the electromagnetic analysis method of COMSOL Multiphysics, a commercial program based on numerical analysis of the finite element method, to simulate the environment, including the change in cross-sectional area of the heat pipe. When compared to the actual measurement signal, the accuracy of the simulations improved, and various types of noise signals were detected, which may be helpful for accurate evaluations of defects during actual inspections.
Well-Doublets: A First-Order Assessment of Geothermal SedHeat Systems
Authors: Mahbaz Seyed Bijan , Yaghoubi Ali , Dehghani-Sanij Alireza , Sarvaramini Erfan , Leonenko Yuri , Dusseault Maurice B.
Published: January 2021

Renewable and sustainable energy sources can play an important role in meeting the world’s energy needs and also in addressing environmental challenges such as global warming and climate change. Geothermal well-doublet systems can produce both electrical and thermal energy through extracting heat from hot-water aquifers. In this paper, we examine some potential challenges associated with the operation of well-doublet systems, including heat conductivity, chemical, and mechanical issues. In these systems, geomechanics issues such as thermal short-circuiting and induced seismicity arise from temperature and pressure change impacts on the stress state in stiff rocks and fluid flow in fractured rock masses. Coupled chemical processes also can cause fluid channeling or formation and tubular goods plugging (scaling) with precipitates. Mechanical and chemical disequilibrium conditions lead to increased production uncertainties; hence risk, and therefore coupled geo-risk assessments and optimization analyses are needed for comparative commercialization evaluations among different sites. The challenges related to heat transfer processes are also examined. These studies can help better understand the issues that may arise during the operation of geothermal well-doublet systems and improve their effectiveness, subsequently reducing associated costs and risks.
Thermal Behavior and Morphology of Thermoplastic Polyurethane Derived from Different Chain Extenders of 1,3- and 1,4-Butanediol
Authors: Lee Chia-Fang , Chen Chin-Wen , Rwei Syang-Peng , Chuang Fu-Sheng
Published: January 2021

In this study, when deriving thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), the researchers replaced 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BDO) with 1,3-butanediol (1,3-BDO) as a chain extender and examined how the structure of the chain extender affected the final polymers. Regarding the raw materials for polymerization, three types of commercial polyols with the same molecular weight (Mn = 1000 g/mol), namely, poly (butyl acrylate) (PBA), poly (tetramethylene ether) glycol (PTMG), and polycarbonate diol (PCDL) were used. These polyols were used in conjunction with butanediol and 4,4’-methylene diphenyl diisocyanate. Three groups of TPUs were successfully synthesized using one-shot solvent-free bulk polymerization. Compared with TPUs polymerized using 1,4-BDO, materials polymerized using 1,3-BDO are more transparent and viscous. Structural analysis revealed that no substantial differences between the final structures of the TPUs were present when different chain extenders were used. Thermal analysis indicated that compared with TPUs polymerized using 1,4-BDO, the glass transition temperature of those with 1,3-BDO was 15 °C higher. Examination of microphase separation in the structure by using morphological analysis revealed that compared with TPUs synthesized using 1,4-BDO, PBA, and PTMG synthesized using 1,3-BDO were relatively separated. PCDL synthesized using 1,3-BDO exhibited no morphological difference. Rheological analysis indicated PCDL synthesized using either 1,4-BDO or 1,3-BDO did not exhibit any obvious differences. In conclusion, TPUs synthesized using PCDL and 1,3-BDO exhibited thermal plasticity at room temperature (15–20 °C). Their basic application could be extended to the development of smart materials. In terms of further application, they could be used in shape memory and temperature-sensitive high molecular polymers.
A Dual Frequency Ultrasonic Cleaning Tank Developed by Transient Dynamic Analysis
Authors: Tangsopa Worapol , Thongsri Jatuporn
Published: January 2021

At present, development of manufacturer’s ultrasonic cleaning tank (UCT) to match the requirements from consumers usually relies on computer simulation based on harmonic response analysis (HRA). However, this technique can only be used with single-frequency UCT. For dual frequency, the manufacturer used information from empirical experiment alongside trial-and-error methods to develop prototypes, resulting in the UCT that may not be fully efficient. Thus, lack of such a proper calculational method to develop the dual frequency UCT was a problem that greatly impacted the manufacturers and consumers. To resolve this problem, we proposed a new model of simulation using transient dynamics analysis (TDA) which was successfully applied to develop the prototype of dual frequency UCT, 400 W, 18 L in capacity, eight horn transducers, 28 and 40 kHz frequencies for manufacturing. The TDA can indicate the acoustic pressure at all positions inside the UCT in transient states from the start to the states ready for proper cleaning. The calculation also reveals the correlation between the positions of acoustic pressure and the placement positions of transducers and frequencies. In comparison with the HRA at 28 kHz UCT, this TDA yielded the results more accurately than the HRA simulation, comparing to the experiments. Furthermore, the TDA can also be applied to the multifrequency UCTs as well. In this article, the step-by-step development of methodology was reported. Finally, this simulation can lead to the successful design of the high-performance dual frequencies UCT for the manufacturers.
Thermal Analysis of a Concrete Dam Taking into Account Insolation, Shading, Water Level and Spillover
Authors: Žvanut Pavel , Turk Goran , Kryžanowski Andrej
Published: January 2021

This study presents a procedure for modeling the heat transfer process in a concrete dam, taking into account the time-varying boundary conditions on the upstream and downstream sides of the dam (i.e., the water level of the reservoir, spillover, insolation, and shading) which affect the temperature conditions of the dam. The large concrete arch-gravity Moste Dam (in North West Slovenia) was analyzed, where an automated system for the measurement of concrete and water temperatures, and for the monitoring of meteorological effects, was installed. Thermal analyses (1D and 2D) for non-linear and non-stationary heat conduction through solids were performed using a finite element method (FEM) based program, TeEx, which was complemented by two specially developed programs for determining the effects of convection and insolation, considering also the effect of shading. A 15-day period was analyzed, as well as a period of one year. It was found that the results of the performed analyses fitted in well with the experimentally determined concrete temperature measurements. The results showed that at the insolated side of the dam, the temperature gradient was largest in a very narrow area along the concrete surface, but the temperature did not stabilize shallower than at a depth of about 6 m. As part of the thermal analyses, uncertainty analyses of the results of the calculations were also performed.
Nanomaterials and Cross-Cutting Technologies for Fostering Smart Electrochemical Biosensors in the Detection of Chemical Warfare Agents
Authors: Arduini Fabiana
Published: January 2021

The smart, rapid, and customizable detection of chemical warfare agents is a huge issue for taking the proper countermeasures in a timely fashion. The printing techniques have established the main pillar to develop miniaturized electrochemical biosensors for onsite and fast detection of nerve and mustard agents, allowing for a lab on a chip in the chemical warfare agent sector. In the fast growth of novel technologies, the combination of miniaturized electrochemical biosensors with flexible electronics allowed for the delivery of useful wearable sensors capable of fast detection of chemical warfare agents. The wearable microneedle sensor array for minimally invasive continuous electrochemical detection of organophosphorus nerve agents, as well as the wearable paper-based origami functionalized with nanomaterials for mustard agents in the gas phase, represent two examples of the forefront devices developed in the chemical warfare agent detection field. This review will highlight the most promising electrochemical biosensors developed by exploiting nanomaterials and cross-cutting technologies for the fabrication of smart and sensitive electrochemical biosensors for the detection of chemical warfare agents.
A Multi-Resolution Approach to GAN-Based Speech Enhancement
Authors: Kim Hyung Yong , Yoon Ji Won , Cheon Sung Jun , Kang Woo Hyun , Kim Nam Soo
Published: January 2021

Recently, generative adversarial networks (GANs) have been successfully applied to speech enhancement. However, there still remain two issues that need to be addressed: (1) GAN-based training is typically unstable due to its non-convex property, and (2) most of the conventional methods do not fully take advantage of the speech characteristics, which could result in a sub-optimal solution. In order to deal with these problems, we propose a progressive generator that can handle the speech in a multi-resolution fashion. Additionally, we propose a multi-scale discriminator that discriminates the real and generated speech at various sampling rates to stabilize GAN training. The proposed structure was compared with the conventional GAN-based speech enhancement algorithms using the VoiceBank-DEMAND dataset. Experimental results showed that the proposed approach can make the training faster and more stable, which improves the performance on various metrics for speech enhancement.
In Vivo Efficacy of Contact Lens Drug-Delivery Systems in Glaucoma Management. A Systematic Review
Authors: Sartini Francesco , Menchini Martina , Posarelli Chiara , Casini Giamberto , Figus Michele
Published: January 2021

Adherence is crucial in medical glaucoma therapy, although half of the patients skip eyedrops. In recent years alternative drug-delivery systems have been developed. One of the most promising seems the contact lens (CL). This systematic review aims to present the in vivo efficacy of different CL drug-delivery systems. A total of 126 studies were identified following a literature search adhering to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. After full-text evaluation, 19 studies about CL drug-delivery systems were included. To date, the following drug-delivery systems have been investigated in vivo: drug-soaked CL, CL with physical barriers (vitamin E), molecularly imprinted CL, CL with implants, and nanoparticle-loaded CL. Nanoparticle-loaded CL and CL with implants seem the most promising drug-delivery systems, although initial burst drug release and patient acceptance may limit their widespread use in current practice. Clinical trials are warranted to understand the role of CL as a drug-delivery system in improving glaucomatous patient care.
Modified Viterbi Algorithm with Feedback Using a Two-Dimensional 3-Way Generalized Partial Response Target for Bit-Patterned Media Recording Systems
Authors: Nguyen Thien An , Lee Jaejin
Published: January 2021

The ever-increasing demand for data in recent times has led to the emergence of big data and cloud data. The growth in these fields has necessitated that data be centrally stored in data centers. To meet the need for large-scale storage systems at data centers, innovative technology such as bit-pattern media recording (BPMR) has been developed. With BPMR technology, we are able to achieve significant improvements in high areal density (AD) of magnetic data storage systems. However, two-dimensional (2D) interference is a common issue faced with high AD. Intersymbol interference and intertrack interference occur when the distance between the islands is decreased in the down-track and cross-track, respectively. 2D interference adversely affects the performance of BPMR. In this paper, we propose an improved modified Viterbi algorithm (MVA) exploiting a feedback and a new 2D three-way form of a generalized partial response (GPR) target. The proposed MVA with feedback is superior to the previous MVA by eliminating intertrack interference (ITI) more effectively. With the three-way GPR target, the proposed algorithm achieves more stable performance compared to the previous detection algorithms for the track misregistration effect.
Optimization of Metal–Ceramic Functionally Graded Plates Using the Simulated Annealing Algorithm
Authors: Franco Correia Victor , Moita José S. , Moleiro Filipa , Soares Cristóvão M. Mota
Published: January 2021

This work involves the design optimization of metal–ceramic through the thickness of functionally graded material (FGM) plates subjected to thermomechanical loadings. Constrained optimization was performed for minimum mass and minimum material cost of the FGM plates. The design process of FGM plate structures requires a good choice of metal and ceramic materials and the adequate definition of the components volume fractions through the thickness direction in order to accomplish a certain structural behavior, while optimizing the material costs and/or the plate mass. Here, the optimization problems are solved with the simulated annealing (SA) algorithm, not requiring the calculation of the derivatives of the objective or constraint functions. Constrained single objective optimization cases are studied, and validated with alternative solutions, considering the p-index and the FGM plate thickness as design variables. New optimization cases, involving additionally the metal and ceramic materials as design variables, are presented both for benchmark purposes and to demonstrate the suitability of the SA algorithm to solve those optimization problems.
Structural Behavior of Floor Systems Made by Floor Plates—Mechanical Model Based on Test Results
Authors: Molkens Tom , Van Gysel Ann
Published: January 2021

In daily engineering practice, the execution of concrete slabs by the mean of precast floor plates is seen as a common and reliable way to create massive slabs. In the last few decades, however, there has been an evolution to flat slabs and other uses where important bending moments must be transferred over the joints between the floor plates. For this kind of application, there is a lack of knowledge and experimental evidence based on large-scale tests to define accurate failure and design models. In this work, a comprehensive overview is given of 20 large-scale tests and some additional tests to support the findings and observations. It is confirmed that a purely bending-based design of the joints delivers reliable results, but some conditions are set; first, the maximum distance of the lattice girder to the joint may not exceed 400 mm without voiding elements. Second, only a 95 mm distance must be respected with voiding elements or additional protruding reinforcement must be applied. Attention is also given to how the system works when the major components—adhesion, mechanical interlock, and friction—are missing at the interface. Finally, repair possibilities are discussed and how they should be designed.
Effect of VIRP1 Protein on Nuclear Import of Citrus Exocortis Viroid (CEVd)
Authors: Seo Hyesu , Kim Kyunghee , Park Woong June
Published: January 2021

Before replicating, Pospiviroidae viroids must move into the plant nucleus. However, the mechanisms of viroid nuclear import are not entirely understood. To study the nuclear import of viroids, we established a nuclear import assay system using onion cell strips and observed the import of Alexa Fluor-594-labeled citrus exocortis viroid (CEVd). To identify the plant factors involved in the nuclear import of viroids, we cloned the Viroid RNA-binding Protein 1 (VIRP1) gene from a tomato cultivar, Seokwang, and heterologously expressed and purified the VIRP1 protein. The newly prepared VIRP1 protein had alterations of amino acid residues at two points (H52R, A277G) compared with a reference VIRP1 protein (AJ249595). VIRP1 specifically bound to CEVd and promoted its nuclear import. However, it is still uncertain whether VIRP1 is the only factor required for the nuclear import of CEVd because CEVd entered the plant nuclei without VIRP1 in our assay system. The cause of the observed nuclear accumulation of CEVd in the absence of VIRP1 needs to be further clarified.
Development of Possible Next Line of Systemic Therapies for Gemcitabine-Resistant Biliary Tract Cancers: A Perspective from Clinical Trials
Authors: Chiang Nai-Jung , Chen Li-Tzong , Shan Yan-Shen , Yeh Chun-Nan , Chen Ming-Huang
Published: January 2021

Biliary tract cancer (BTC) compromises a heterogenous group of tumors with poor prognoses. Curative surgery remains the first choice for localized disease; however, most BTC patients have had unresectable or metastatic disease. The gold standard therapy for these patients is chemotherapy with gemcitabine and cisplatin. There are no consensus guidelines for standard treatment in a second-line setting, although the data of the ABC-06 trial showed a slight survival benefit from oxaliplatin and 5-fluorouracil combination chemotherapy. Recent progress in comprehensive genomic profiling for advanced BTC (ABTC) has helped to clarify tumorigenesis and facilitate the coming era of precision medicine. Generally, targeted agents fail to show significant clinical benefits in unselected populations. Only fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) fusion and isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)- and BRAF mutation-enriched populations have survival benefits from the corresponding inhibitors. Several interesting targeted agents for monotherapies or combination therapies with other compounds are currently ongoing or recruiting. Here, we review the published data from clinical trials of second-line therapies after the failure of gemcitabine-based chemotherapy in ABTC. The results were stratified by different genetic alternations, as well as by chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy.
Sarocladium and Lecanicillium Associated with Maize Seeds and Their Potential to Form Selected Secondary Metabolites
Authors: Błaszczyk Lidia , Waśkiewicz Agnieszka , Gromadzka Karolina , Mikołajczak Katarzyna , Chełkowski Jerzy
Published: January 2021

The occurrence and diversity of Lecanicillium and Sarocladium in maize seeds and their role in this cereal are poorly understood. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate Sarocladium and Lecanicillium communities found in endosphere of maize seeds collected from fields in Poland and their potential to form selected bioactive substances. The sequencing of the internally transcribed spacer regions 1 (ITS 1) and 2 (ITS2) and the large-subunit (LSU, 28S) of the rRNA gene cluster resulted in the identification of 17 Sarocladium zeae strains, three Sarocladium strictum and five Lecanicillium lecanii isolates. The assay on solid substrate showed that S. zeae and S. strictum can synthesize bassianolide, vertilecanin A, vertilecanin A methyl ester, 2-decenedioic acid and 10-hydroxy-8-decenoic acid. This is also the first study revealing the ability of these two species to produce beauvericin and enniatin B1, respectively. Moreover, for the first time in the present investigation, pyrrocidine A and/or B have been annotated as metabolites of S. strictum and L. lecanii. The production of toxic, insecticidal and antibacterial compounds in cultures of S. strictum, S. zeae and L. lecanii suggests the requirement to revise the approach to study the biological role of fungi inhabiting maize seeds.
High Monopolar Spindle 1 Is Associated with Short Survival of Cholangiocarcinoma Patients and Enhances the Progression Via AKT and STAT3 Signaling Pathways
Authors: Prajumwongs Piya , Phumphu Ratthaphong , Waenphimai Orawan , Lert-itthiporn Worachart , Vaeteewoottacharn Kulthida , Wongkham Sopit , Chamgramol Yaovalux , Pairojkul Chawalit , Sawanyawisuth Kanlayanee
Published: January 2021

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a malignancy of the bile duct epithelium. The major problems of this cancer are late diagnosis and a high rate of metastasis. CCA patients in advanced stages have poor survival and cannot be cured with surgery. Therefore, targeting molecules involved in the metastatic process may be an effective CCA treatment. Monopolar spindle 1 (MPS1) is a kinase protein that controls the spindle assemble checkpoint in mitosis. It is overexpressed in proliferating cells and various cancers. The functional roles of MPS1 in CCA progression have not been investigated. The aims of this study were to examine the roles and molecular mechanisms of MPS1 in CCA progression. Immunohistochemistry results showed that MPS1 was up-regulated in carcinogenesis of CCA in a hamster model, and positive expression of MPS1 in human CCA tissues was correlated to short survival of CCA patients (n = 185). Small interfering RNA (siRNA)-induced knockdown of MPS1 expression reduced cell proliferation via G2/M arrest, colony formation, migration, and invasion. Moreover, MPS1 controlled epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT)-mediated migration via AKT and STAT3 signaling transductions. MPS1 was also involved in MMPs-dependent invasion of CCA cell lines. The current research highlights for the first time that MPS1 has an essential role in promoting the progression of CCA via AKT and STAT3 signaling pathways and could be an attractive target for metastatic CCA treatment.
Improved Prognostic Stratification Using Circulating Tumor Cell Clusters in Patients with Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Wang Chun , Zhang Zhenchao , Chong Weelic , Luo Rui , Myers Ronald E. , Gu Jian , Lin Jianqing , Wei Qiang , Li Bingshan , Rebbeck Timothy R. , Lu-Yao Grace , Kelly William K. , Yang Hushan
Published: January 2021

Liquid biopsy-based biomarkers have advantages in monitoring the dynamics of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), a bone-predominant metastatic disease. Previous studies have demonstrated associations between circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and clinical outcomes of mCRPC patients, but little is known about the prognostic value of CTC-clusters. In 227 longitudinally collected blood samples from 64 mCRPC patients, CTCs and CTC-clusters were enumerated using the CellSearch platform. The associations of CTC and CTC-cluster counts with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), individually and jointly, were evaluated by Cox models. CTCs and CTC-clusters were detected in 24 (37.5%) and 8 (12.5%) of 64 baseline samples, and in 119 (52.4%) and 27 (11.9%) of 227 longitudinal samples, respectively. CTC counts were associated with both PFS and OS, but CTC-clusters were only independently associated with an increased risk of death. Among patients with unfavorable CTCs (≥5), the presence of CTC-clusters signified a worse survival (log-rank p = 0.0185). mCRPC patients with both unfavorable CTCs and CTC-clusters had the highest risk for death (adjusted hazard ratio 19.84, p = 0.0072), as compared to those with <5 CTCs. Analyses using longitudinal data yielded similar results. In conclusion, CTC-clusters provided additional prognostic information for further stratifying death risk among patients with unfavorable CTCs.
Electrooxidation of Urea in Alkaline Solution Using Nickel Hydroxide Activated Carbon Paper Electrodeposited from DMSO Solution
Authors: Aladeemy Saba A. , Al-Mayouf Abdullah M. , Shaddad Maged N. , Amer Mabrook S. , Almutairi Nawier K. , Ghanem Mohamed A. , Alotaibi Nouf H. , Arunachalam Prabhakarn
Published: January 2021

Electrooxidation of urea plays a substantial role in the elimination of urea-containing wastewater and industrial urea. Here, we report the electrodeposition of nickel hydroxide catalyst on commercial carbon paper (CP) electrodes from dimethyl sulphoxide solvent (Ni(OH)2-DMSO/CP) for urea electrooxidation under alkaline conditions. The physicochemical features of Ni(OH)2-DMSO/CP catalysts using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that the Ni(OH)2-DMSO/CP catalyst shows nanoparticle features, with loading of <1 wt%. The cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed that the Ni(OH)2-DMSO/CP electrode has a urea oxidation onset potential of 0.33 V vs. Ag/AgCl and superior electrocatalytic performance, which is a more than 2-fold higher activity in comparison with the counterpart Ni(OH)2 catalyst prepared from the aqueous electrolyte. As expected, the enhancement in electrocatalytic activity towards urea was associated with the superficial enrichment in the electrochemically active surface area of the Ni(OH)2-DMSO/CP electrodes. The results might be a promising way to activate commercial carbon paper with efficient transition metal electrocatalysts, for urea electrooxidation uses in sustainable energy systems, and for relieving water contamination.
Investigation of Co–Fe–Al Catalysts for High-Calorific Synthetic Natural Gas Production: Pilot-Scale Synthesis of Catalysts
Authors: Kim Tae Young , Jo Seong Bin , Woo Jin Hyeok , Lee Jong Heon , Dhanusuraman Ragupathy , Lee Soo Chool , Kim Jae Chang
Published: January 2021

Co–Fe–Al catalysts prepared using coprecipitation at laboratory scale were investigated and extended to pilot scale for high-calorific synthetic natural gas. The Co–Fe–Al catalysts with different metal loadings were analyzed using BET, XRD, H2-TPR, and FT-IR. An increase in the metal loading of the Co–Fe–Al catalysts showed low spinel phase ratio, leading to an improvement in reducibility. Among the catalysts, 40CFAl catalyst prepared at laboratory scale afforded the highest C2–C4 hydrocarbon time yield, and this catalyst was successfully reproduced at the pilot scale. The pelletized catalyst prepared at pilot scale showed high CO conversion (87.6%), high light hydrocarbon selectivity (CH4 59.3% and C2–C4 18.8%), and low byproduct amounts (C5+: 4.1% and CO2: 17.8%) under optimum conditions (space velocity: 4000 mL/g/h, 350 °C, and 20 bar).
Origins of a Low-Sulfur Superalloy Al2O3 Scale Adhesion Map
Authors: Smialek James
Published: January 2021

Low-sulfur single-crystal Ni-base superalloys have demonstrated excellent cyclic oxidation resistance due to improved Al2O3 scale adhesion. This derives from preventing deleterious interfacial sulfur segregation that occurs at common ppm levels of S impurity. Multiple hydrogen-annealing desulfurization treatments were employed to produce a continuum of levels demonstrating this oxidative transition, using 1 h cyclic oxidation at 1100 °C for 500 h to 1000 h. The sulfur content was determined by glow discharge mass spectrometry. The complete gravimetric database of 25 samples is revealed and correlated with sulfur content. Maximum adhesion (i.e., no weight loss) was achieved at ≤ 0.3 ppmw S, significant spallation (20–30 mg/cm2) above 2 ppmw, with transitional behavior between 0.3 and 2 ppmw S. A map suggested that adhesion was enabled when the total sulfur reservoir was less than one S atom per Ni interface atom. Equilibrium models further suggest that segregation may be minimized (~1% at 0.2 ppmw bulk), regardless of section thickness. 1st order adhesion effects have thus been demonstrated for PWA 1480 having no Y, Zr, or Hf reactive element dopants and no possibility of confounding reactive element effects. The results are compared with 2nd generation PWA 1484, Rene’N5, N6, and CMSX-4® SLS, all having Hf dopants.
Diagnostic Performance of F18-FDG PET/CT in Male Breast Cancers Patients
Authors: Piciu Andra , Piciu Doina , Polocoser Narcis , Kovendi Anita A. , Almasan Iulia , Mester Alexandru , Morariu Dragos-Stefan , Cainap Calin , Cainap Simona Sorana
Published: January 2021

Introduction: F18-FDG PET/CT is the most important hybrid imaging used in the diagnostic, staging, follow-up, and treatment evaluation response in cancer patients. However, it is well-known that in breast cancer the use of F18-FDG is not included in the first line protocol of initial diagnostic, both in female and male breast cancer patients. F18-FDG PET/CT is a valuable tool to provide information on extra-axillary lymph node involvement, distant metastases, and other occult primary cancers. This study assesses F18-FDG PET/CT systemic staging in male patients with diagnosed breast cancer and determines detection rates for unsuspected distant metastases and synchronous malignancies. Methods: We analyzed a number of 170 male patients with breast cancer, seen between 2000–2020, in a tertiary center. From this group, between 2013–2020 a number of 23 patients underwent F18-FDG PET/CT. Rates of upstaging were determined for each case and the detection of other primary malignancies was analyzed. Results: Median age of male breast cancer group was 61.3 y (range, 34–85 y), most had intraductal carcinoma (82.4%) and unsuspected distant metastases, which increased patient stage to IV, observed in 27%. In 4 out 23 patients (17.4%), F18-FDG PET/CT identified synchronous cancers (2 prostate cancers, 1 thyroid and 1 colon cancer). Conclusion: F18-FDG PET/CT is a valuable tool to provide information on extra-axillary lymph node involvement, distant metastases, and other occult primary cancers. Baseline F18-FDG PET/CT has a substantial impact on the initial staging and on clinical management in male breast patients and should be considered for use in newly diagnosed patients.