bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Evaluation of the Anti-Carcinogenic Response of Major Isothiocyanates in Non-Metastatic and Metastatic Melanoma Cells
Authors: Mitsiogianni Melina , Kyriakou Sotiris , Anestopoulos Ioannis , Trafalis Dimitrios T. , Deligiorgi Maria V. , Franco Rodrigo , Pappa Aglaia , Panayiotidis Mihalis I.
Published: February 2021

Malignant melanoma is one of the most deadly types of solid cancers, a property mainly attributed to its highly aggressive metastatic form. On the other hand, different classes of isothiocyanates, a class of phytochemicals, present in cruciferous vegetables have been characterized by considerable anti-cancer activity in both in vitro and in vivo experimental models. In the current study, we investigated the anti-cancer response of five isothiocyanates in an in vitro model of melanoma consisting of non-metastatic (A375, B16F-10) and metastatic (VMM1, Hs294T) malignant melanoma as well as non-melanoma epidermoid carcinoma (A431) and non-tumorigenic melanocyte-neighboring keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells. Our aim was to compare different endpoints of cytotoxicity (e.g., reactive oxygen species, intracellular glutathione content, cell cycle growth arrest, apoptosis and necrosis) descriptive of an anti-cancer response between non-metastatic and metastatic melanoma as well as non-melanoma epidermoid carcinoma and non-tumorigenic cells. Our results showed that exposure to isothiocyanates induced an increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species and glutathione contents between non-metastatic and metastatic melanoma cells. The distribution of cell cycle phases followed a similar pattern in a manner where non-metastatic and metastatic melanoma cells appeared to be growth arrested at the G2/M phase while elevated levels of metastatic melanoma cells were shown to be at sub G1 phase, an indicator of necrotic cell death. Finally, metastatic melanoma cells were more sensitive apoptosis and/or necrosis as higher levels were observed compared to non-melanoma epidermoid carcinoma and non-tumorigenic cells. In general, non-melanoma epidermoid carcinoma and non-tumorigenic cells were more resistant under any experimental exposure condition. Overall, our study provides further evidence for the potential development of isothiocyanates as promising anti-cancer agents against non-metastatic and metastatic melanoma cells, a property specific for these cells and not shared by non-melanoma epidermoid carcinoma or non-tumorigenic melanocyte cells.
Eccentric Cycling Training Improves Erythrocyte Antioxidant and Oxygen Releasing Capacity Associated with Enhanced Anaerobic Glycolysis and Intracellular Acidosis
Authors: Huang Yu-Chieh , Cheng Mei-Ling , Tang Hsiang-Yu , Huang Chi-Yao , Chen Kuan-Ming , Wang Jong-Shyan
Published: February 2021

The antioxidant capacity of erythrocytes protects individuals against the harmful effects of oxidative stress. Despite improved hemodynamic efficiency, the effect of eccentric cycling training (ECT) on erythrocyte antioxidative capacity remains unclear. This study investigates how ECT affects erythrocyte antioxidative capacity and metabolism in sedentary males. Thirty-six sedentary healthy males were randomly assigned to either concentric cycling training (CCT, n = 12) or ECT (n = 12) at 60% of the maximal workload for 30 min/day, 5 days/week for 6 weeks or to a control group (n = 12) that did not receive an exercise intervention. A graded exercise test (GXT) was performed before and after the intervention. Erythrocyte metabolic characteristics and O2 release capacity were determined by UPLC-MS and high-resolution respirometry, respectively. An acute GXT depleted Glutathione (GSH), accumulated Glutathione disulfide (GSSG), and elevated the GSSG/GSH ratio, whereas both CCT and ECT attenuated the extent of the elevated GSSG/GSH ratio caused by a GXT. Moreover, the two exercise regimens upregulated glycolysis and increased glucose consumption and lactate production, leading to intracellular acidosis and facilitation of O2 release from erythrocytes. Both CCT and ECT enhance antioxidative capacity against severe exercise-evoked circulatory oxidative stress. Moreover, the two exercise regimens activate erythrocyte glycolysis, resulting in lowered intracellular pH and enhanced O2 released from erythrocytes.
Trustworthiness in Mobile Cyber-Physical Systems
Authors: Suh Hyo-Joong , Son Junggab , Kang Kyungtae
Published: February 2021

As they continue to become faster and cheaper, devices with enhanced computing and communication capabilities are increasingly incorporated into diverse objects and structures in the physical environment [...]
An Empirical Investigation of Software Customization and Its Impact on the Quality of Software as a Service: Perspectives from Software Professionals
Authors: Qasem Ali Abdulrazzaq , Md Sultan Abu , Abd Ghani Abdul , Zulzalil Hazura
Published: February 2021

Although customization plays a significant role in the provision of software as a service (SaaS), delivering a customizable SaaS application that reflects the tenant’s specific requirements with acceptable level of quality is a challenge. Drawing on a pr-developed software customization model for SaaS quality, two fundamental objectives of this study were to determine whether different software customization approaches have direct impacts on SaaS quality, and also to assess the construct reliability and construct validity of the model. A questionnaire-based survey was used to collect data from 244 software professionals with experience in SaaS development. Structural equation modeling was employed to test the construct reliability, construct validity, and research hypotheses. The measurement model assessment suggested that the six-construct model with 39 items exhibited good construct reliability and construct validity. The findings of the structural model assessment show that all customization approaches other than the integration approach significantly influence the quality of SaaS applications. The findings also indicate that both configuration and composition approaches have positive impacts on SaaS quality, while the impacts of the other approaches are negative. The empirical assessment and evaluation of this model, which features a rich set of information, provides considerable benefits to both researchers and practitioners.
Performance Analysis of a Microbubble Pump with Novel ‘S-Shape’ Impeller by Experimental and Numerical Analysis at Design and Off-Design Operating Conditions
Authors: Ali Sajid , Jang Choon-Man
Published: February 2021

A microbubble pump with a novel ‘S-shape’ impeller is introduced to evaluate pump performance under design and off-design conditions. The robustly designed ‘S-shape’ impeller has a continuously connected impeller blade, which improves the structural strength of the impeller blades as well as pump performance. Pump performance is evaluated by experimental measurements and numerical simulations at three different flow conditions. An experimental apparatus for measuring pump performance is fabricated, and pressure, flowrate, and pump torque are measured in real-time at each flow condition, and the measured data are saved using a data logging system. In order to analyze the reliability of the measured data, evaluations of uncertainty and errors are performed for each of the flow conditions. A commercial code, ANSYS CFX, is introduced to analyze the flow field inside the pump impeller and the pump performance. Throughout the microbubble pump’s performance analysis under design and off-design conditions, turbulent kinetic energy has a higher value as the flowrate is relatively small compared to the design flow condition. It is noted that violent mixing between the internal flow inside the impeller and the channel flow increases turbulent kinetic energy. The higher turbulent kinetic energy observed in the lower-flow condition corresponds to the higher relative uncertainty. In the design flow condition, the highest magnitudes of the recirculating flow are observed as compared to the other two flow conditions. The highest recirculating flow observed at the design flow condition helps to achieve a better momentum exchange, thus increasing the overall efficiency of pump.
Use of Potabilized Water Sludge in the Production of Low-Energy Blended Calcium Sulfoaluminate Cements
Authors: Telesca Antonio , Ibris Neluta , Marroccoli Milena
Published: February 2021

Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) manufacture determines about 8% of the global anthropogenic CO2 emissions. This has led to both the cement producers and the scientific community to develop new cementitious materials with a reduced carbon footprint. Calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cements are special hydraulic binders from non-Portland clinkers; they represent an important alternative to OPC due to their peculiar composition and significantly lower impact on the environment. CSA cements contain less limestone and require lower synthesis temperatures, which means a reduced kiln thermal energy demand and lower CO2 emissions. CSA cements can also be mixed with supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) which further reduce the carbon footprint. This article was aimed at evaluating the possibility of using different amounts (20 and 35% by mass) of water potabilization sludges (WPSs) as SCM in CSA-blended cements. WPSs were treated thermally (TT) at 700° in order to obtain an industrial pozzolanic material. The hydration properties and the technical behavior of two different CSA-blended cements were investigated using differential thermal–thermogravimetric and X-ray diffraction analyses, mercury intrusion porosimetry, shrinkage/expansion and compressive strength measurements. The results showed that CSA binders containing 20% by mass of TTWPSs exhibited technological properties similar to those relating to plain CSA cement and were characterized by more pronounced eco-friendly features.
Performance of Optimum Tuned PID Controller with Different Feedback Strategies on Active-Controlled Structures
Authors: Ulusoy Serdar , Bekdaş Gebrail , Nigdeli Sinan Melih , Kim Sanghun , Geem Zong Woo
Published: February 2021

In this study, multi-story structures with different combinations (on each floor and only the first floor) of active tendon control systems driven by a proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller were actively controlled. The PID parameters, Kp (proportional gain), Td (derivative gain), and Ti (integral gain) for each structure, were optimally tuned by using both the harmony search algorithm (HS) and flower pollination algorithm (FPA), which are metaheuristic algorithms. In two different active-controlled structures, which are formed according to the position of the PID, the structural responses under near-fault records defined in FEMA P-695 are examined to determine the appropriate feedback which was applied for displacement, velocity, acceleration, and total acceleration. The performance of the different feedback strategies on these two active-controlled structures is evaluated. As a result, the acceleration feedback is suitable for all combinations of the active control system with a PID controller. The HS algorithm outperforms the optimum results found according to the FPA.
Current Interactions Mitigation in 3-Phase PFC Modular Rectifier through Differential-Mode Choke Filter Boost Converter
Authors: Gonçalves José Teixeira , Valtchev Stanimir , Melicio Rui
Published: February 2021

In this paper, a new way to mitigate the current interactions is proposed. The problem of current interactions arises when a modular three-phase (3-phase) rectifier (three single-phase modules) with boost converter for power factor correction (PFC) is used. A new differential-mode choke filter is implemented in the developed boost converter. The choke here is a specially made differential inductor in the input of the boost converter that eliminates the known current interactions. To prove the new concept, a study of the level of mitigation of the current interactions is presented. The control is operated in continuous driving mode (CCM), and the popular UC3854B circuit was used for this. The rectifier proposal is validated through a set of simulations performed on the PSIM 12.0 platform, as well as the construction of a prototype. With the results obtained, it is confirmed that the differential-mode choke filter eliminates the current interactions. It is observed that at the input of the rectifier, a sinusoidal alternating current with a low level of harmonic distortion is consumed from the grid. The sinusoidal shape of the phase current proves that a better power factor capable of meeting the international standards is obtained, and that the circuit in its initial version is operational. This proven result promises a good PFC operation, to guarantee the better quality of the electrical energy, being able to be applied in systems that require a high PFC, e.g., in battery charging, wind systems, or in aeronautics and spacecrafts.
Locating Core Modules through the Association between Software Source Structure and Execution
Authors: Huh Sang Moo , Kim Woo Je
Published: February 2021

To improve software quality, the source code that composes software has to be improved, and improving the important code that largely affects the software quality should be a cost-effective method. Static analysis defines important codes as those that occupy important positions in the source network, while dynamic analysis defines important codes as those with high execution frequency. However, neither method analyzes the association between network structure and execution frequency, and both have their disadvantages. Thus, this study analyzed the association between source network structure and execution frequency to solve their disadvantages. The source function of Notepad++ was analyzed, and the function ranking was derived using the association between network structure and execution frequency. For verification, the Spearman correlation between the newly derived function ranking and the function ranking of the network and execution frequency obtained with the conventional method was measured. By measuring the Spearman correlation, the newly derived function ranking had strong correlations with execution frequency and included the network structure’s characteristics. Moreover, similar to the Pareto principle, the analysis showed that 20% of Notepad++’s functions could be categorized as important functions, largely affecting the software’s quality.
A Bioinspired Humanoid Foot Mechanism
Authors: Russo Matteo , Chaparro-Rico Betsy D. M. , Pavone Luigi , Pasqua Gabriele , Cafolla Daniele
Published: February 2021

This paper introduces an innovative robotic foot design inspired by the functionality and the anatomy of the human foot. Most humanoid robots are characterized by flat, rigid feet with limited mobility, which cannot emulate the physical behavior of the foot–ground interaction. The proposed foot mechanism consists of three main bodies, to represent the heel, plant, and toes, connected by compliant joints for improved balancing and impact absorption. The functional requirements were extracted from medical literature, and were acquired through a motion capture system, and the proposed design was validated with a numerical simulation.
Nano-Elicitation as an Effective and Emerging Strategy for In Vitro Production of Industrially Important Flavonoids
Authors: Khan Amna Komal , Kousar Sidra , Tungmunnithum Duangjai , Hano Christophe , Abbasi Bilal Haider , Anjum Sumaira
Published: February 2021

Flavonoids represent a popular class of industrially important bioactive compounds. They possess valuable health-benefiting and disease preventing properties, and therefore they are an important component of the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmetical and medicinal industries. Moreover, flavonoids possess significant antiallergic, antihepatotoxic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, antiviral, and antibacterial as well as cardio-protective activities. Due to these properties, there is a rise in global demand for flavonoids, forming a significant part of the world market. However, obtaining flavonoids directly from plants has some limitations, such as low quantity, poor extraction, over-exploitation, time consuming process and loss of flora. Henceforth, there is a shift towards the in vitro production of flavonoids using the plant tissue culture technique to achieve better yields in less time. In order to achieve the productivity of flavonoids at an industrially competitive level, elicitation is a useful tool. The elicitation of in vitro cultures induces stressful conditions to plants, activates the plant defense system and enhances the accumulation of secondary metabolites in higher quantities. In this regard, nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as novel and effective elicitors for enhancing the in vitro production of industrially important flavonoids. Different classes of NPs, including metallic NPs (silver and copper), metallic oxide NPs (copper oxide, iron oxide, zinc oxide, silicon dioxide) and carbon nanotubes, are widely reported as nano-elicitors of flavonoids discussed herein. Lastly, the mechanisms of NPs as well as knowledge gaps in the area of the nano-elicitation of flavonoids have been highlighted in this review.
Non-Linear Qualitative Dynamic Analysis of Supercritical Water-Heated Channels under External Vertical Accelerations
Authors: Lee Jin Der , Chen Shao Wen
Published: February 2021

Employing the external force method to regard seismic impact and the three-region methodology to analyze the supercritical heated channel, a non-linear dynamic model was developed to investigate the transient characteristics of single channel or parallel channels under the impacts of vertical sinusoidal and seismic accelerations. The present model was validated against the experimental data, which could suitably estimate the additional pressure drop caused by the vertical vibrations. The influences of parameters on the seismic-induced oscillation conducted in a supercritical heated channel indicated that a longer heated length, uprating operation power and a larger outlet loss coefficient all exhibit unstable effects, while the increase of inlet loss coefficient, a larger tube diameter and a lower inlet fluid temperature would tend to stabilize the system. Moreover, the supercritical fluid would present a high natural frequency in the very small NP-SUB region. The parametric effects on the parallel channel system are related to the inherent stability nature of initial state and the interactions among channels. The more uneven heat flux distribution among channels would cause a larger vibration-induced oscillation. In particular, when it is combined with the resonance effect, the system may exhibit much larger oscillations than in the case of non-resonance.
Different Approaches to the Regeneration of Dental Tissues in Regenerative Endodontics
Authors: Krupińska Anna M. , Skośkiewicz-Malinowska Katarzyna , Staniowski Tomasz
Published: February 2021

(1) Background: The regenerative procedure has established a new approach to root canal therapy, to preserve the vital pulp of the tooth. This present review aimed to describe and sum up the different approaches to regenerative endodontic treatment conducted in the last 10 years; (2) Methods: A literature search was performed in the PubMed and Cochrane Library electronic databases, supplemented by a manual search. The search strategy included the following terms: “regenerative endodontic protocol”, “regenerative endodontic treatment”, and “regenerative endodontics” combined with “pulp revascularization”. Only studies on humans, published in the last 10 years and written in English were included; (3) Results: Three hundred and eighty-six potentially significant articles were identified. After exclusion of duplicates, and meticulous analysis, 36 case reports were selected; (4) Conclusions: The pulp revascularization procedure may bring a favorable outcome, however, the prognosis of regenerative endodontics (RET) is unpredictable. Permanent immature teeth showed greater potential for positive outcomes after the regenerative procedure. Further controlled clinical studies are required to fully understand the process of the dentin–pulp complex regeneration, and the predictability of the procedure.
Ultrasound Extraction Mediated Recovery of Nutrients and Antioxidant Bioactive Compounds from Phaeodactylum tricornutum Microalgae
Authors: Khawli Fadila Al , Martí-Quijal Francisco J. , Pallarés Noelia , Barba Francisco J. , Ferrer Emilia
Published: February 2021

In recent years, a growing interest has been shown in the use of microalgae due to their interesting nutritional and bioactive profiles. Green innovative processing technologies such as ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) avoid the use of toxic solvents and high temperatures, being a sustainable alternative in comparison with traditional extraction methods. The present study aims to evaluate the recovery of high added-value compounds from Phaedoactylum tricornutum assisted by ultrasound. To optimize the UAE of proteins, carbohydrates, pigments and antioxidant compounds, a response surface methodology was used. Carbohydrate extraction was positively affected by the temperature. However, for the extraction of carotenoids, the most influential factor was the extraction time. The total polyphenols were only significantly affected by the extraction time. Finally, the antioxidant capacity, measured by 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), was strongly modulated by the extraction time, while for the oxygen radical antioxidant capacity (ORAC) assay, the most important parameter was the temperature, followed by the extraction time. The optimal conditions for the maximum extraction of nutrients, bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity were 30 min, 50 ºC and a pH of 8.5. Finally, it has been seen that with these conditions, the extraction of fucoxanthin is allowed, although no differences were found between an ultrasound-assisted extraction and a shaking extraction (control).
Dissociative Ionization of Molecular CF2Br2 under 800 and 400 nm Intense Femtosecond Laser Fields
Authors: Liu Botong , Li Zhipeng , Sun Haitao , Sun Zhenrong , Yang Yan
Published: February 2021

The interaction between the CF2Br2 molecule and 800/400 nm intense femtosecond laser fields is investigated by direct current (dc) sliced velocity mapping imaging implementation. By analyzing the kinetic energy release distribution and angular distribution of fragment ions, the dissociation channels along C-Br bond cleavage have been determined. The isotropic structure of the angular distribution for CF2Br+ ions is attributed to the coupling between the excited states. Additionally, a unique elimination channel of CF2Br2+ → CF2 + Br2+ has been observed and identified in the case of 400 nm laser field, in which the two C-Br bonds break asynchronously.
Construction of a Medical Radiation-Shielding Environment by Analyzing the Weaving Characteristics and Shielding Performance of Shielding Fibers Using X-ray-Impermeable Materials
Authors: Kim Seon-Chil
Published: February 2021

As the scope of radiation use in medical and industrial fields has expanded, interest in radiation shielding is increasing. Most existing radiation shields use Pb-based products, primarily in the form of a laminated sheet, which requires attention as fine cracks may occur depending on the usage and storage conditions. The weight of the sheets limits users’ activities, and they pose a risk of heavy metal contamination. To address these problems, this study proposed a shielding fiber with improved flexibility and workability, and thus, produce a shielding garment. Masterbatches of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fiber were manufactured using the eco-friendly materials, BaSO4 and Bi2O3. Yarns were fabricated by the melt spinning process, and fabrics were woven. With 5 wt% of shielding material, the yarns’ shield against radiation and was sufficiently strong for fabric weaving. The fibers’ radiation shielding averaged 9–13%, with the Bi2O3 fiber displaying better shielding performance than the BaSO4. It is believed that the findings of this study on improving the yarn manufacturing process could be applied for protection against low-dose and scattered rays in medical applications and for aerospace radiation protection. In addition, the proposed shielding fibers’ flexibility makes them suitable for future use in the production of various radiation shields.
Development of Tensile Properties and Crystalline Conformation of Recycled Polypropylene by Re-Extrusion Using a Twin-Screw Extruder with an Additional Molten Resin Reservoir Unit
Authors: Phanthong Patchiya , Miyoshi Yusuke , Yao Shigeru
Published: February 2021

Plastic mechanical recycling is an attractive method for reducing the amounts of waste plastics. However, the alterations in the mechanical properties (degradation) in recycled plastics is a limitation to the material’s mechanical recycling. In this study, the mechanical recycling was enhanced by the addition of a “molten resin reservoir” unit at the end of the twin-screw extruder. Recycled polypropylene (RPP) obtained from a household was re-extruded with this developed extrusion unit. The tensile properties, type of crystalline, and conformation of polypropylene polymorphs were evaluated and compared for virgin polypropylene (VPP), recycled polypropylene (RPP) without extrusion (RPP-original), and RPP with extrusion by using a new type of extruder (RPP-extrusion). It could be found that the tensile properties of RPP-extrusion were improved, so as to be similar to those of VPP. In addition, the conformation of RPP-extrusion was similar to that of VPP by increasing the ratio between the helix and parallel band. This study succeeded in regenerating the tensile properties and inner structures in recycled PP, which could prolong the used lifetime and decrease the amount of waste from single-use plastic.
Sequential Data Fusion Techniques for the Authentication of the P.G.I. Senise (“Crusco”) Bell Pepper
Authors: Biancolillo Alessandra , Di Donato Francesca , Merola Francesco , Marini Federico , D’Archivio Angelo Antonio
Published: February 2021

Bell pepper is the common name of the berry obtained from some varieties of the Capsicum annuum species. This agro-food is appreciated all over the world and represents one of the key ingredients of several traditional dishes. It is used as a fresh product, or dried and ground as a seasoning (e.g., paprika). Specific varieties of sweet pepper present organoleptic peculiarities and they have been awarded by quality marks as a further confirmation of their unicity (e.g., Piment d’Espelette, Pimiento de Herbón, Peperone di Senise). Due to the market value of this aliment, it can be subjected to frauds, such as adulterations and sophistication. The present study lays on these considerations and aims at developing a spectroscopy-based approach for authenticating Senise bell pepper and for detecting its adulteration with common paprika. In order to achieve this goal, 60 pure samples of bell pepper from Senise were analyzed by mid- and near-infrared spectroscopies. Then, in order to mimic the adulteration, 40 mixtures of Senise bell pepper and paprika were prepared and analyzed (by the same spectroscopic techniques). Eventually, two different multi-block classification approaches (sequential and orthogonalized partial least squares linear discriminant analysis and sequential and orthogonalized covariance selection linear discriminant analysis) were used to discriminate between pure and adulterated Senise bell pepper samples. Both proposed procedures achieved extremely successful results in external validation, correctly classifying all the (thirty-five) test samples, indicating that both approaches represent a winning solution for the investigated classification problem.
Experimental Study on the Water Selective Dense Membrane under an Absolute Pressure Difference with Simplified Test Method
Authors: Lee Jinwook , Kim Hyo-Sun , Ku Donik , Lim Jihun , Jung Minkyu , Kim Soyeon , Jeong Sanghun , Kim Minsung , Seo Young-Soo
Published: February 2021

Membrane-based vacuum dehumidification technology is currently being actively studied. In most studies, the performance of the membrane-based systems is evaluated under the assumption that the membrane can achieve ideal separation, which results in ideal coefficient of performance (COP) values. However, the performance factors for membranes vary depending on the experimental conditions and measurement methods. Therefore, relevant values can only be calculated if the data are measured in an environment close to that of the application conditions. The cup measurement method is a simple method to measure the permeability, however, there are limitations regarding adding variables during the experiment. To overcome these limitations, a new experimental device was constructed that combines pressurized cell with the cup method. Using the device, the performance of polyethylene-amide-bonded dense membranes was evaluated under conditions where absolute pressure differentials occurred before and after the membrane, such as in air conditioner dehumidification systems.
Earthen Jewish Architecture of Southern Morocco: Documentation of Unfired Brick Synagogues and Mellahs in the Drâa-Tafilalet Region
Authors: Matoušková Eva , Pavelka Karel , Smolík Tobiáš , Pavelka Karel
Published: February 2021

This article seeks to highlight the vanished and not-so-well-known material culture of historical southern Moroccan Jewry. Jewish settlements could be found practically in the whole of North Africa before the Second World War; however, afterwards, it almost completely disappeared due to the political changes in the region and the establishment of the state of Israel. In southern Morocco, the last Jewish communities were present until the 1950s. Thanks to the interest of the Moroccan authorities, an effort has been made to restore some monuments and keep them as part of the cultural heritage that has attracted foreign tourists for the last few years. As part of the expeditionary research of Charles University and the Czech Technical University in Prague, several documentation projects were carried out in 2020, some of the results of which are described in this paper. Modern automatic methods of geomatics, such as easy to use laser scanning, mobile laser scanning in PLS modification (personal laser scanning), and close-range photogrammetry were used. The results of documentation were processed in the form of 3D models and basic plans, which are used mainly for analyzing residential zones of the Jewish population, the so-called mellahs. In this article, two case projects are described. In both cases, all the mentioned documentation methods were used. The technologies used were analyzed in terms of data collection speed, price, transport, and possible difficulties in use. The PLS technology is relatively new and still under development, such as miniaturising of other measuring instruments. Accuracy testing and usability of above-mentioned technology in cultural heritage documentation real practice is the benefit of this research. Finally, a second aim was to provide information of abandoned cultural places and constructions, which are on the edge of interest and endangered by destruction. It clearly shows that PLS technology is very fast and suitable for these types of objects.
Impact of Inter-Regional Transport in a Low-Emission Scenario on PM2.5 in Hubei Province, Central China
Authors: Xiong Jie , Bai Yongqing , Zhao Tianliang , Kong Shaofei , Hu Weiyang
Published: February 2021

In 2020, when the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) broke out as a global pandemic, cities in Hubei Province first went into lockdown on 23 January and resumed work and production on 20 March. From February to March 2020, human activities in Hubei decreased significantly, with the average particulate matter smaller than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) concentration standing at 40 μg/m3, which is 21% lower than the expected based on a linear fitting trend in thePM2.5 concentration in Hubei. By using the empirical orthogonal function (EOF) method, this paper comparatively analyzes the spatial-temporal variations of Hubei’s PM2.5 concentration anomaly in February and March 2020 and the same periods of 2016–2019. The results show that the daytime peak of the PM2.5 daily variation in Hubei in a low-emission scenario during COVID-19 declined significantly, to which human activities contributed the most. However, during nighttime, the PM2.5 peak became more prominent, and the meteorological conditions had a more noticeable effect on the PM2.5 concentration. In addition, during COVID-19, there was a great drop in PM2.5 pollution accumulated from local sources within the urban circle of Wuhan City, while an increase was seen in central-western Hubei due to the inter-regional pollutant transport. Thus, the high PM2.5 concentration center in the urban circle of Wuhan disappeared, but the pollution transport channel cities in central-western Hubei remained as high-PM2.5-concentration centers.
Analyzing and Improving the Performance of a Particulate Matter Low Cost Air Quality Monitoring Device
Authors: Bagkis Evangelos , Kassandros Theodosios , Karteris Marinos , Karteris Apostolos , Karatzas Kostas
Published: February 2021

Air quality (AQ) in urban areas is deteriorating, thus having negative effects on people’s everyday lives. Official air quality monitoring stations provide the most reliable information, but do not always depict air pollution levels at scales reflecting human activities. They also have a high cost and therefore are limited in number. This issue can be addressed by deploying low cost AQ monitoring devices (LCAQMD), though their measurements are of far lower quality. In this paper we study the correlation of air pollution levels reported by such a device and by a reference station for particulate matter, ozone and nitrogen dioxide in Thessaloniki, Greece. On this basis, a corrective factor is modeled via seven machine learning algorithms in order to improve the quality of measurements for the LCAQMD against reference stations, thus leading to its on-field computational improvement. We show that our computational intelligence approach can improve the performance of such a device for PM10 under operational conditions.
Biocompatible Electrospun Polycaprolactone-Polyaniline Scaffold Treated with Atmospheric Plasma to Improve Hydrophilicity
Authors: Licciardello Michela , Ciardelli Gianluca , Tonda-Turo Chiara
Published: February 2021

Conductive polymers (CPs) have recently been applied in the development of scaffolds for tissue engineering applications in attempt to induce additional cues able to enhance tissue growth. Polyaniline (PANI) is one of the most widely studied CPs, but it requires to be blended with other polymers in order to be processed through conventional technologies. Here, we propose the fabrication of nanofibers based on a polycaprolactone (PCL)-PANI blend obtained using electrospinning technology. An extracellular matrix-like fibrous substrate was obtained showing a good stability in the physiological environment (37 °C in PBS solution up 7 days). However, since the high hydrophobicity of the PCL-PANI mats (133.5 ± 2.2°) could negatively affect the biological response, a treatment with atmospheric plasma was applied on the nanofibrous mats, obtaining a hydrophilic surface (67.1 ± 2°). In vitro tests were performed to confirm the viability and the physiological-like morphology of human foreskin fibroblast (HFF-1) cells cultured on the plasma treated PCL-PANI nanofibrous scaffolds.
Exploring the Gut Microbiome Alteration of the European Hare (Lepus europaeus) after Short-Term Diet Modifications
Authors: Padula Anna , Bambi Marina , Mengoni Chiara , Greco Claudia , Mucci Nadia , Greco Ilaria , Masoni Alberto , Del Duca Sara , Bacci Giovanni , Santini Giacomo , Fani Renato , Zaccaroni Marco
Published: February 2021

This study aimed to characterise the gut microbiome composition of European hares (Lepus europaeus) and its potential changes after a short-term diet modification. The high sensitivity of European hare to habitat changes makes this species a good model to analyse possible alterations in gut microbiome after the introduction of additional nourishment into the diet. In total, 20 pairs were chosen for the experiments; 10 pairs formed the control group and were fed with standard fodder. The other 10 pairs represented the experimental group, whose diet was integrated with apples and carrots. The DNA from fresh faecal pellets collected after 4 days from the start of the experiment was extracted and the V3-V4 hypervariable regions were amplified and sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq® platform. The obtained amplicon sequence variants were classified into 735 bacterial genera belonging to 285 families and 36 phyla. The control and the experimental groups appeared to have a homogenous dispersion for the two taxonomic levels analysed with the most abundant phyla represented by Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. No difference between control and experimental samples was detected, suggesting that the short-term variation in food availability did not alter the hares’ gut microbiome. Further research is needed to estimate significant time threshold.
Clock at the Core of Cancer Development
Authors: Patel Sonal A. , Kondratov Roman V.
Published: February 2021

To synchronize various biological processes with the day and night cycle, most organisms have developed circadian clocks. This evolutionarily conserved system is important in the temporal regulation of behavior, physiology and metabolism. Multiple pathological changes associated with circadian disruption support the importance of the clocks in mammals. Emerging links have revealed interplay between circadian clocks and signaling networks in cancer. Understanding the cross-talk between the circadian clock and tumorigenesis is imperative for its prevention, management and development of effective treatment options. In this review, we summarize the role of the circadian clock in regulation of one important metabolic pathway, insulin/IGF1/PI3K/mTOR signaling, and how dysregulation of this metabolic pathway could lead to uncontrolled cancer cell proliferation and growth. Targeting the circadian clock and rhythms either with recently discovered pharmaceutical agents or through environmental cues is a new direction in cancer chronotherapy. Combining the circadian approach with traditional methods, such as radiation, chemotherapy or the recently developed, immunotherapy, may improve tumor response, while simultaneously minimizing the adverse effects commonly associated with cancer therapies.
HHV8-Negative Effusion-Based Large B Cell Lymphoma Arising in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patients under Dasatinib Treatment: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Fiori Stefano , Todisco Elisabetta , Ramadan Safaa , Gigli Federica , Falco Patrizia , Iurlo Alessandra , Rampinelli Cristiano , Croci Giorgio , Pileri Stefano A. , Tarella Corrado
Published: February 2021

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are the treatment of choice for BCR-ABL1-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Although TKIs have substantially improved prognosis of CML patients, their use is not free of adverse effects. Dasatinib is a second generation TKI frequently associated with pleural effusion in up to 33% of patients. This results in symptoms as dyspnea, cough and chest pain that may require therapy discontinuation. In the present report, we describe two exceptional cases of HHV8-negative large B-cell effusion-based lymphoma (EBL) confined to the pleura, incidentally, diagnosed in patients presenting with dasatinib-related pleural effusion. One patient (case 1) is alive and is in remission at 17 months from large B-cell EBL diagnosis while unfortunately the other patient (case 2) died of progressive disease and COVID-19 pneumonia 16 months from large B-cell EBL diagnosis. These cases raise concern about a possible association between large B-cell EBL and dasatinib, and the different clinical outcome of the two cases poses a challenge in treatment decision. For this reason, we strongly recommend cytological investigation in patients with persistent/relapsing pleural effusion under dasatinib, primarily to validate its possible association with lymphoma development and to improve the knowledge about this entity.
Pharmacological Manipulation of Early Zebrafish Skeletal Development Shows an Important Role for Smad9 in Control of Skeletal Progenitor Populations
Authors: McDonald Georgina L. K. , Wang Mengdi , Hammond Chrissy L. , Bergen Dylan J. M.
Published: February 2021

Osteoporosis and other conditions associated with low bone density or quality are highly prevalent, are increasing as the population ages and with increased glucocorticoid use to treat conditions with elevated inflammation. There is an unmet need for therapeutics which can target skeletal precursors to induce osteoblast differentiation and osteogenesis. Genes associated with high bone mass represent interesting targets for manipulation, as they could offer ways to increase bone density. A damaging mutation in SMAD9 has recently been associated with high bone mass. Here we show that Smad9 labels groups of osteochondral precursor cells, which are not labelled by the other Regulatory Smads: Smad1 or Smad5. We show that Smad9+ cells are proliferative, and that the Smad9+ pocket expands following osteoblast ablation which induced osteoblast regeneration. We further show that treatment with retinoic acid, prednisolone, and dorsomorphin all alter Smad9 expression, consistent with the effects of these drugs on the skeletal system. Taken together these results demonstrate that Smad9+ cells represent an undifferentiated osteochondral precursor population, which can be manipulated by commonly used skeletal drugs. We conclude that Smad9 represents a target for future osteoanabolic therapies.
Valency and Binding Affinity Variations Can Regulate the Multilayered Organization of Protein Condensates with Many Components
Authors: Sanchez-Burgos Ignacio , Espinosa Jorge R. , Joseph Jerelle A. , Collepardo-Guevara Rosana
Published: February 2021

Biomolecular condensates, which assemble via the process of liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS), are multicomponent compartments found ubiquitously inside cells. Experiments and simulations have shown that biomolecular condensates with many components can exhibit multilayered organizations. Using a minimal coarse-grained model for interacting multivalent proteins, we investigate the thermodynamic parameters governing the formation of multilayered condensates through changes in protein valency and binding affinity. We focus on multicomponent condensates formed by scaffold proteins (high-valency proteins that can phase separate on their own via homotypic interactions) and clients (proteins recruited to condensates via heterotypic scaffold–client interactions). We demonstrate that higher valency species are sequestered to the center of the multicomponent condensates, while lower valency proteins cluster towards the condensate interface. Such multilayered condensate architecture maximizes the density of LLPS-stabilizing molecular interactions, while simultaneously reducing the surface tension of the condensates. In addition, multilayered condensates exhibit rapid exchanges of low valency proteins in and out, while keeping higher valency proteins—the key biomolecules involved in condensate nucleation—mostly within. We also demonstrate how modulating the binding affinities among the different proteins in a multicomponent condensate can significantly transform its multilayered structure, and even trigger fission of a condensate into multiple droplets with different compositions.
Serum Acylcarnitines Associated with High Short-Term Mortality in Patients with Alcoholic Hepatitis
Authors: Gao Bei , Argemi Josepmaria , Bataller Ramon , Schnabl Bernd
Published: February 2021

Alcohol-related liver disease is one of the most prevalent liver diseases in the United States. Early stages of alcohol-related liver disease are characterized by accumulation of triglycerides in hepatocytes. Alcoholic hepatitis is a severe form of alcohol-related liver disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We sought to identify patients who are at greatest risk of death using serum lipids. First, we performed lipidomics analysis on serum samples collected from 118 patients with alcoholic hepatitis to identify lipid markers that are associated with high risk of death. Next, we performed gene set enrichment analysis on liver transcriptomics data to identify dysregulated lipid metabolism in patients who received liver transplantation. Finally, we built a random forest model to predict 30-day mortality using serum lipids. A total of 277 lipids were annotated in the serum of patients with alcoholic hepatitis, among which 25 were significantly different between patients in the deceased and alive groups. Five chemical clusters were significantly altered between the two groups. In particular, acylcarnitine cluster was enriched in the deceased group. Several hepatic lipid metabolism pathways were dysregulated in patients with alcoholic hepatitis who received liver transplantation. The mRNA expression of genes involved in the fatty acid transport into mitochondria and β-oxidation were also dysregulated. When predicting 30-day mortality in alcoholic hepatitis patients using serum lipids, we found that the area under the curve achieved 0.95. Serum lipids such as acylcarnitines may serve as biomarkers to identify alcoholic hepatitis patients at the greatest risk of death.
Optimization of Exopolysaccharides Production by Porphyridium sordidum and Their Potential to Induce Defense Responses in Arabidopsis thaliana against Fusarium oxysporum
Authors: Drira Marwa , Elleuch Jihen , Ben Hlima Hajer , Hentati Faiez , Gardarin Christine , Rihouey Christophe , Le Cerf Didier , Michaud Philippe , Abdelkafi Slim , Fendri Imen
Published: February 2021

Polysaccharides from marine algae are one novel source of plant defense elicitors for alternative and eco-friendly plant protection against phytopathogens. The effect of exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced by Porphyridium sordidum on elicitation of Arabidopsis thaliana defense responses against Fusarium oxysporum was evaluated. Firstly, in order to enhance EPS production, a Box–Behnken experimental design was carried out to optimize NaCl, NaNO3 and MgSO4 concentrations in the culture medium of microalgae. A maximum EPS production (2.45 g/L) higher than that of the control (0.7 g/L) was observed for 41.62 g/L NaCl, 0.63 g/L NaNO3 and 7.2 g/L MgSO4 concentrations. Structurally, the EPS contained mainly galactose, xylose and glucose. Secondly, the elicitor effect of EPS was evaluated by investigating the plant defense-related signaling pathways that include activation of Salicylic or Jasmonic Acid-dependent pathway genes. A solution of 2 mg/mL of EPS has led to the control of fungal growth by the plant. Results showed that EPS foliar application induced phenylalaline ammonia lyase and H2O2 accumulation. Expression profile analysis of the defense-related genes using qRT-PCR revealed the up-regulation of Superoxide dismutases (SOD), Peroxidase (POD), Pathogenesis-related protein 1 (PR-1) and Cytochrome P450 monooxyge-nase (CYP), while Catalase (CAT) and Plant defensin 1.2 (PDF1.2) were not induced. Results suggest that EPS may induce the elicitation of A. thaliana’s defense response against F. oxysporum, activating the Salicylic Acid pathway.