bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the Selected Health Factors by Polonia in the Greater Toronto Area in the Relation to Their Quality and Standard of Living
Authors: Ziółkowska-Weiss Kamila
Published: February 2021

Quality of life constitutes an indicator of well-being, satisfaction or happiness resulting from one’s existence. It is often referred to as a standard of living. In general, it is contentment with the fulfilment of one’s needs. The main objective of the article is to describe the selected components of the living standards and quality of life within the Polish community of the Greater Toronto Area which includes four regions: Halton, Peel, York and Durham. The model of mutually affecting objective factors (standard of living) and subjective factors (quality of life) will be presented. The specific factors (demographic, social, cultural, economic, legal, educational, geographical and health-related) included in field studies among the respondents and based on assigned indices influencing the quality of life in the Polish community of the Greater Toronto Area, will be demonstrated. The major goal of the paper is to present an assessment of aspects related to health factors, both in terms of objective factors (standard of living) and subjective ones (quality of life) by Polonia living in the Greater Toronto Area. Results will be shown on the basis of the survey questionnaire completed by 583 respondents. The questions focused on, among other issues, access to the healthcare system, competence of medical staff and access to sports facilities. Respondents also evaluated their satisfaction with their general health, both physical and mental, as well as the possibility of practicing sports associated with healthy lifestyle.
Measurement of Indoor Thoron Gas Concentrations Using a Radon-Thoron Discriminative Passive Type Monitor: Nationwide Survey in Japan
Authors: Sanada Tetsuya
Published: February 2021

As part of a nationwide survey of thoron (220Rn) in Japan, the indoor 220Rn gas concentrations in 940 dwellings were measured throughout one year, from 1993 to 1996, using a passive type 222Rn-220Rn discriminative monitor. The monitor was placed in a bedroom or a living room in each house for four successive three-month periods. The mean annual indoor 220Rn concentration was estimated from the four measurements in each house. The arithmetic mean, the median and the geometric mean for indoor 220Rn concentrations in 899 dwellings were 20.1, 9.6 and 10.0 Bq m−3, respectively. The 220Rn concentrations exhibited a log-normal distribution. It was found that the 220Rn concentrations were dependent on the nature of the materials used for wall construction and also on the distance of measurement from the wall. Significant seasonal variations in the 220Rn concentration were not observed. It would seem that the nature of the wall material contributed to the increased indoor 220Rn concentrations.
Food Safety and Sanitation Implementation Impasse on Adolescents in Kenyan High Schools
Authors: Illés Csaba Bálint , Dunay Anna , Serrem Charlotte , Atubukha Bridget , Serrem Kevin
Published: February 2021

The ability to combat food-borne illnesses in food facilities and institutional catering units require sufficient knowledge on food safety and sanitation standards by food producers and consumers. The aim of the study was to investigate the food safety and sanitation knowledge of food handlers in Kenyan high schools. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 204 food handlers in 50 schools. Questions about knowledge and practice toward food safety and sanitation were asked. Respondents were the most knowledgeable on food contamination (93%), while participants were the least knowledgeable on the importance of protective attire when distributing foods to learners (50%). One-way ANOVA revealed a significant difference between gender and food handlers’ behavior and practice (F = 19.886, ρ = 0.00 < 0.05) as well as between job tenure and practice of food safety and sanitation (F = 17.874, ρ = 0.00 < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis established that knowledge contributed to 44.1% of the behavior and practice of the food handlers. It is concluded that food handlers have a fair knowledge despite lack of training, motivation, and facilities to maintain quality standards. It is recommended that the Kenyan Government develop and implement guidelines through school feeding policy that would ensure that food safety and sanitation practices are implemented and utilized by Kenyan high schools.
Excellent Self-Rated Health among Swedish Boys and Girls and Its Relationship with Working Conditions in School: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Låftman Sara , Granvik Saminathen Maria , Modin Bitte , Löfstedt Petra
Published: February 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the extent to which school demands, teacher support, and classmate support were associated with excellent self-rated health among students, and to examine if any such statistical predictions differed by gender. Data were drawn from the Swedish Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study of 2017/18, performed among adolescents in grades five, seven, and nine (n = 3701). Linear probability models showed that school demands were negatively associated with excellent self-rated health, whereas teacher and classmate support showed positive associations. The link with school demands was stronger for girls than boys, driven by the finding that in grades five and nine, school demands were associated with excellent self-rated health only among girls. In conclusion, the study suggests that working conditions in school in terms of manageable school demands and strong teacher and classmate support may benefit adolescents’ positive health. The finding that the link between school demands and excellent self-rated health was more evident among girls than among boys may be interpreted in light of girls’ on average stronger focus on schoolwork and academic success. The study contributes with knowledge about how working conditions in school may impede or promote students’ positive health.
Molecular Mechanisms and Treatment of Sarcopenia in Liver Disease: A Review of Current Knowledge
Authors: Kamimura Hiroteru , Sato Takeki , Natsui Kazuki , Kobayashi Takamasa , Yoshida Tomoaki , Kamimura Kenya , Tsuchiya Atsunori , Murayama Toshiko , Yokoyama Junji , Kawai Hirokazu , Takamura Masaaki , Terai Shuji
Published: February 2021

Sarcopenia is characterized by progressive and generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength that occurs with aging or in association with various diseases. The condition is prevalent worldwide and occurs more frequently in patients with chronic diseases owing to the intrinsic relationship of muscles with glucose, lipid, and protein metabolism. Liver cirrhosis is characterized by the progression of necro-inflammatory liver diseases, which leads to fibrosis, portal hypertension, and a catabolic state, which causes loss of muscle tissue. Sarcopenia is of significant concern in the state of liver cirrhosis because sarcopenia has been associated with higher mortality, increased hospital admissions, worse post-liver transplant outcomes, decreased quality of life, and increased risk for other complications associated with cirrhosis. Therefore, sarcopenia is also an important feature of liver cirrhosis, representing a negative prognostic factor and influencing mortality. An increased understanding of sarcopenia could lead to the development of novel therapeutic approaches that could help improve the cognitive impairment of cirrhotic patients; therefore, we present a review of the mechanisms and diagnosis of sarcopenia in liver disease and existing therapeutic approaches.
Hypothalamic Actions of SIRT1 and SIRT6 on Energy Balance
Authors: Quiñones Mar , Martínez-Grobas Eva , Fernø Johan , Pérez-Lois Raquel , Seoane Luisa María , Al Massadi Omar
Published: February 2021

Sirtuins are NAD+ dependent deacetylases that regulate a large number of physiological processes. These enzymes are highly conserved and act as energy sensors to coordinate different metabolic responses in a controlled manner. At present, seven mammalian sirtuins (SIRT 1-7) have been identified, with SIRT1 and SIRT6 shown to exert their metabolic actions in the hypothalamus, both with crucial roles in eliciting responses to dampen metabolic complications associated with obesity. Therefore, our aim is to compile the current understanding on the role of SIRT1 and SIRT6 in the hypothalamus, especially highlighting their actions on the control of energy balance.
Epidermal Club Cells in Fishes: A Case for Ecoimmunological Analysis
Authors: Pandey Sumali , Stockwell Craig A. , Snider Madison R. , Wisenden Brian D.
Published: February 2021

Epidermal club cells (ECCs), along with mucus cells, are present in the skin of many fishes, particularly in the well-studied Ostariophysan family Cyprinidae. Most ECC-associated literature has focused on the potential role of ECCs as a component of chemical alarm cues released passively when a predator damages the skin of its prey, alerting nearby prey to the presence of an active predator. Because this warning system is maintained by receiver-side selection (senders are eaten), there is want of a mechanism to confer fitness benefits to the individual that invests in ECCs to explain their evolutionary origin and maintenance in this speciose group of fishes. In an attempt to understand the fitness benefits that accrue from investment in ECCs, we reviewed the phylogenetic distribution of ECCs and their histochemical properties. ECCs are found in various forms in all teleost superorders and in the chondrostei inferring either early or multiple independent origins over evolutionary time. We noted that ECCs respond to several environmental stressors/immunomodulators including parasites and pathogens, are suppressed by immunomodulators such as testosterone and cortisol, and their density covaries with food ration, demonstrating a dynamic metabolic cost to maintaining these cells. ECC density varies widely among and within fish populations, suggesting that ECCs may be a convenient tool with which to assay ecoimmunological tradeoffs between immune stress and foraging activity, reproductive state, and predator–prey interactions. Here, we review the case for ECC immune function, immune functions in fishes generally, and encourage future work describing the precise role of ECCs in the immune system and life history evolution in fishes.
Plant Seed Mucilage as a Glue: Adhesive Properties of Hydrated and Dried-in-Contact Seed Mucilage of Five Plant Species
Authors: Kreitschitz Agnieszka , Kovalev Alexander , Gorb Stanislav N.
Published: February 2021

Seed and fruit mucilage is composed of three types of polysaccharides—pectins, cellulose, and hemicelluloses—and demonstrates adhesive properties after hydration. One of the important functions of the mucilage is to enable seeds to attach to diverse natural surfaces. Due to its adhesive properties, which increase during dehydration, the diaspore can be anchored to the substrate (soil) or attached to an animal’s body and dispersed over varied distances. After complete desiccation, the mucilage envelope forms a thin transparent layer around the diaspore creating a strong bond to the substrate. In the present study, we examined the mucilaginous seeds of six different plant taxa (from genera Linum, Lepidium, Ocimum, Salvia and Plantago) and addressed two main questions: (1) How strong is the adhesive bond of the dried mucilage envelope? and (2) What are the differences in adhesion between different mucilage types? Generally, the dried mucilage envelope revealed strong adhesive properties. Some differences between mucilage types were observed, particularly in relation to adhesive force (Fad) whose maximal values varied from 0.58 to 6.22 N. The highest adhesion force was revealed in the cellulose mucilage of Ocimum basilicum. However, mucilage lacking cellulose fibrils, such as that of Plantago ovata, also demonstrated high values of adhesion force with a maximum close to 5.74 N. The adhesion strength, calculated as force per unit contact area (Fad/A0), was comparable between studied taxa. Obtained results demonstrated (1) that the strength of mucilage adhesive bonds strongly surpasses the requirements necessary for epizoochory and (2) that seed mucilage has a high potential as a nontoxic, natural substance that can be used in water-based glues.
A Molecular Signature Determines the Prognostic and Therapeutic Subtype of Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer Responsive to Intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Therapy
Authors: Kim Seon-Kyu , Park Seong-Hwan , Kim Yeong Uk , Byun Young Joon , Piao Xuan-Mei , Jeong Pildu , Kim Kyeong , Lee Hee Youn , Seo Sung Pil , Kang Ho Won , Kim Won Tae , Kim Yong-June , Lee Sang-Cheol , Moon Sung-Kwon , Choi Yung Hyun , Kim Wun-Jae , Kim Seon-Young , Yun Seok Joong
Published: February 2021

Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is clinically heterogeneous; thus, many patients fail to respond to treatment and relapse. Here, we identified a molecular signature that is both prognostic and predictive for NMIBC heterogeneity and responses to Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) therapy. Transcriptomic profiling of 948 NMIBC patients identified a signature-based subtype predictor, MSP888, along with three distinct molecular subtypes: DP.BCG+ (related to progression and response to BCG treatment), REC.BCG+ (related to recurrence and response to BCG treatment), and EP (equivocal prognosis). Patients with the DP.BCG+ subtype showed worse progression-free survival but responded to BCG treatment, whereas those with the REC.BCG+ subtype showed worse recurrence-free survival but responded to BCG treatment. Multivariate analyses revealed that MSP888 showed independent clinical utility for predicting NMIBC prognosis (each p = 0.001 for progression and recurrence, respectively). Comparative analysis of this classifier and previously established molecular subtypes (i.e., Lund taxonomy and UROMOL class) revealed that a great proportion of patients were similar between subtypes; however, the MSP888 predictor better differentiated biological activity or responsiveness to BCG treatment. Our data increase our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the poor prognosis of NMIBC and the effectiveness of BCG therapy, which should improve clinical practice and complement other diagnostic tools.
Boosting of Antibacterial Performance of Cellulose Based Paper Sheet via TiO2 Nanoparticles
Authors: Maślana Klaudia , Żywicka Anna , Wenelska Karolina , Mijowska Ewa
Published: February 2021

Here, we aimed to boost antibacterial performance of cellulose fibers for paper sheet application. Therefore, TiO2 nanoparticles have been used with controlled loading onto the surface of the fibers. A simple and facile composite preparation route based on ultrasound and mechanical assisted stirring has been developed. We tested cellulose paper enriched by TiO2 from 1.0 wt% to 8.0 wt%, respectively. Antibacterial performance has been studied against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria. Studies showed that all composites exhibit significant capability to reduce living cells of S. aureus and E. coli bacteria at least 60%. The simplicity, low cost, and reproducibility of the prepared method indicates the potential to be scaled up for industrial applications.
Synthesis and Physical Properties of Tetrathiafulvalene-8-Quinolinato Zinc(II) and Nickel(II) Complexes
Authors: Tsujimoto Keijiro , Yamamoto Shinya , Fujiwara Hideki
Published: February 2021

To develop donor–acceptor–donor (D–A–D) type new photo-electric conversion materials, new tetrathiafulvalene (TTF)-Mq2-TTF complexes 1 and 2 were synthesized, where two bis(n-hexylthio)tetrathiafulvalene moieties were attached to the Mq2 part (1: M = Zn, 2: M = Ni, q = 8-quinolinato) through amide bonds. UV-Vis absorption spectra of these complexes showed strong and sharp absorption maxima at 268 nm and small absorption maxima around 410 nm, corresponding to those of Znq2 and Niq2 parts. Furthermore, complexes 1 and 2 exhibited absorption tails up to a much longer wavelength region of ca. 700 nm, suggesting the appearance of charge transfer absorption from TTF to the Mq2 parts. The photoelectrochemical measurements on the thin films of these complexes casted on ITO-coated glass substrates suggest that positive photocurrents can be generated by the photoinduced intramolecular electron transfer process between the TTF and Mq2 parts.
Vasoactive-Inotropic Score as an Early Predictor of Mortality in Adult Patients with Sepsis
Authors: Song Juhyun , Cho Hanjin , Park Dae Won , Moon Sungwoo , Kim Joo Yeong , Ahn Sejoong , Lee Seong-geun , Park Jonghak
Published: February 2021

Vasoactive and inotropic medications are essential for sepsis management; however, the association between the maximum Vasoactive-Inotropic score (VISmax) and clinical outcomes is unknown in adult patients with sepsis. We investigated the VISmax as a predictor for mortality among such patients in the emergency department (ED) and compared its prognostic value with that of the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score. This single-center retrospective study included 910 patients diagnosed with sepsis between January 2016 and March 2020. We calculated the VISmax using the highest doses of vasopressors and inotropes administered during the first 6 h on ED admission and categorized it as 0–5, 6–15, 16–30, 31–45, and >45 points. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. VISmax for 30-day mortality was significantly higher in non-survivors than in survivors. The mortality rates in the five VISmax groups were 17.2%, 20.8%, 33.3%, 54.6%, and 70.0%, respectively. The optimal cut-off value of VISmax to predict 30-day mortality was 31. VISmax had better prognostic value than the cardiovascular component of the SOFA score and initial lactate levels. VISmax was comparable to the APACHE II score in predicting 30-day mortality. Multivariable analysis showed that VISmax 16–30, 31–45, and >45 were independent risk factors for 30-day mortality. VISmax in ED could help clinicians to identify sepsis patients with poor prognosis.
The Effect of Interleukin-4 and Dexamethasone on RNA-Seq-Based Transcriptomic Profiling of Human Podocytes: A Potential Role in Minimal Change Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Lee Jiwon M. , Ko Younhee , Lee Chul Ho , Jeon Nara , Lee Keum Hwa , Oh Jun , Kronbichler Andreas , Saleem Moin A. , Lim Beom Jin , Shin Jae Il
Published: February 2021

Interleukin-4 (IL-4) expression is implicated in the pathogenesis of nephrotic syndrome (NS). This study aimed to investigate the changes in the transcriptomes of human podocytes induced by IL-4 treatment and to analyze whether these changes could be affected by simultaneous steroid treatment. Three groups of human podocytes were treated with control, IL-4, and IL-4 plus dexamethasone (DEX), respectively. We performed whole-transcriptome sequencing to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the groups. We investigated relevant biological pathways using Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analyses. We also attempted to compare and validate the DEGs with the genes listed in PodNet, a literature-based database on mouse podocyte genes. A total of 176 genes were differentially expressed among the three groups. GO analyses showed that pathways related to cytoskeleton organization and cell signaling were significantly enriched. Among them, 24 genes were listed in PodNet, and 12 of them were previously reported to be associated with IL-4-induced changes in human podocytes. Of the 12 genes, the expression levels of BMP4, RARB, and PLCE1 were reversed when podocytes were simultaneously treated with DEX. In conclusion, this study explored changes in the transcriptome profiles of human podocytes treated with IL-4. Few genes were reported in previous studies and were previously validated in experiments with human podocytes. We speculate that IL-4 may exert pathogenic effects on the transcriptome of human podocytes, and a few genes may be involved in the pathogenesis.
The Key Comorbidities in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Narrative Review
Authors: Taylor Peter C. , Atzeni Fabiola , Balsa Alejandro , Gossec Laure , Müller-Ladner Ulf , Pope Janet
Published: February 2021

Comorbidities in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are often associated with poor health outcomes and increased mortality. Treatment decisions should take into account these comorbidities due to known or suspected associations with certain drug classes. In clinical practice, it is critical to balance potential treatment benefit against the possible risks for comorbidities as well as the articular manifestations of RA. This review summarises the current literature relating to prevalence and risk factors for the important comorbidities of cardiovascular disease, infections, lymphomas and nonmelanoma skin cancers in patients with RA. The impact on patient outcomes and the interplay between these comorbidities and the therapeutic options currently available, including tumour necrosis factor inhibitors and newer biological therapies, are also explored. As newer RA therapies are developed, and patients gain wider and earlier access to advanced therapies, in part due to the emergence of biosimilars, it is important to consider the prevention or treatment of comorbidities as part of the overall management of RA.
Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification in Schistosomiasis
Authors: García-Bernalt Diego Juan , Fernández-Soto Pedro , Febrer-Sendra Begoña , Crego-Vicente Beatriz , Muro Antonio
Published: February 2021

Human schistosomiasis is one of the most important parasitic diseases, causing around 250 million cases (mostly in Africa) and 280,000–500,000 deaths every year. Due to the limited resources and the far-removed nature of many endemic areas, the implementation of new, sensitive and specific diagnostic tools has had little success. This is particularly true for PCR-based molecular methods that require expensive equipment and trained personnel to be executed. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) along with other isothermal techniques appeared in the early 21st century as an alternative to those methods, overcoming some of the aforementioned limitations and achieving a more inexpensive diagnostic. However, to this date, neither LAMP nor any other isothermal technique have signified a meaningful change in the way schistosomiasis diagnosis is routinely performed. Here, we present the recent developments in LAMP-based schistosomiasis diagnosis. We expose the main advantages and disadvantages of LAMP technology over PCR and other classical diagnostic methods focusing in various research approaches on intermediate hosts, animal models and patients. We also examine its potential clinical application in post-therapy monitoring, as well as its usefulness as a point-of-care test.
The Cognitive Underpinnings of Multiply-Constrained Problem Solving
Authors: Ellis Derek M. , Robison Matthew K. , Brewer Gene A.
Published: February 2021

Individuals encounter problems daily wherein varying numbers of constraints require delimitation of memory to target goal-satisfying information. Multiply-constrained problems, such as the compound remote associates, are commonly used to study this type of problem solving. Since their development, multiply-constrained problems have been theoretically and empirically related to creative thinking, analytical problem solving, insight problem solving, and a multitude of other cognitive abilities. In the present study, we empirically evaluated the range of cognitive abilities previously associated with multiply-constrained problem solving to assess common versus unique predictive variance (i.e., working memory, attention control, episodic and semantic memory, and fluid and crystallized intelligence). Additionally, we sought to determine whether problem-solving ability and self-reported strategy adoption (analytical or insightful) were task specific or task general through the use of novel multiply-constrained problem-solving tasks (TriBond and Location Bond). Performance across these tasks was shown to be domain general, solutions derived through insightful strategies were more often correct than those derived through analytical strategies, and crystallized intelligence was the sole cognitive ability that provided unique predictive value after accounting for all other abilities.
On the Development of a Metamodel and Design Support Excel Automation Program for Offshore Wind Farm Layout Optimization
Authors: Shin Joongjin , Baek Seokheum , Rhee Youngwoo
Published: February 2021

In this study, a metamodel of an optimal arrangement of wind turbines was developed to maximize the energy produced by minimizing the energy loss due to wakes in a limited space when designing a wind farm. Metamodeling or surrogate modeling techniques are often used to replace expensive simulations or physical experiments of engineering problems. Given a training set, you can construct a set of metamodels. This metamodel provided insight into the correlation between wind farm geometry and the corresponding turbine layout (maximizing energy production), thereby optimizing the area of the wind farm required to maximize wind turbine capacity. In addition, a design support Microsoft Excel program was developed to quickly and easily calculate the annual energy production forecast considering the wake effect, as well as to confirm the prediction suitability, the annual energy production (AEP) analysis result of the wind farm, and the calculation result from existing commercial software were compared and verified.
Assessing CO2 Emissions from Passenger Transport with the Mixed-Use Development Model in Shenzhen International Low-Carbon City
Authors: Tan Xianchun , Tu Tangqi , Gu Baihe , Zeng Yuan , Huang Tianhang , Zhang Qianqian
Published: February 2021

Assessing transport CO2 emissions is important in the development of low-carbon strategies, but studies based on mixed land use are rare. This study assessed CO2 emissions from passenger transport in traffic analysis zones (TAZs) at the community level, based on a combination of the mixed-use development model and the vehicle emission calculation model. Based on mixed land use and transport accessibility, the mixed-use development model was adopted to estimate travel demand, including travel modes and distances. As a leading low-carbon city project of international cooperation in China, Shenzhen International Low-Carbon City Core Area was chosen as a case study. The results clearly illustrate travel demand and CO2 emissions of different travel modes between communities and show that car trips account for the vast majority of emissions in all types of travel modes in each community. Spatial emission differences are prominently associated with inadequately mixed land use layouts and unbalanced transport accessibility. The findings demonstrate the significance of the mixed land use and associated job-housing balance in reducing passenger CO2 emissions from passenger transport, especially in per capita emissions. Policy implications are given based on the results to facilitate sophisticated transport emission control at a finer spatial scale. This new framework can be used for assessing the impacts of urban planning on transport emissions to promote sustainable urbanization in developing countries.
Cash Flow Bullwhip—Literature Review and Research Perspectives
Authors: Lamzaouek Hicham , Drissi Hicham , El Haoud Naima
Published: February 2021

The bullwhip effect is a pervasive phenomenon in all supply chains causing excessive inventory, delivery delays, deterioration of customer service, and high costs. Some researchers have studied this phenomenon from a financial perspective by shedding light on the phenomenon of cash flow bullwhip (CFB). The objective of this article is to provide the state of the art in relation to research work on CFB. Our ambition is not to make an exhaustive list, but to synthesize the main contributions, to enable us to identify other interesting research perspectives. In this regard, certain lines of research remain insufficiently explored, such as the role that supply chain digitization could play in controlling CFB, the impact of CFB on the profitability of companies, or the impacts of the omnichannel commerce on CFB.
Generalized Developable Cubic Trigonometric Bézier Surfaces
Authors: Ammad Muhammad , Misro Md Yushalify , Abbas Muhammad , Majeed Abdul
Published: February 2021

This paper introduces a new approach for the fabrication of generalized developable cubic trigonometric Bézier (GDCT-Bézier) surfaces with shape parameters to address the fundamental issue of local surface shape adjustment. The GDCT-Bézier surfaces are made by means of GDCT-Bézier-basis-function-based control planes and alter their shape by modifying the shape parameter value. The GDCT-Bézier surfaces are designed by maintaining the classic Bézier surface characteristics when the shape parameters take on different values. In addition, the terms are defined for creating a geodesic interpolating surface for the GDCT-Bézier surface. The conditions appropriate and suitable for G1, Farin–Boehm G2, and G2 Beta continuity in two adjacent GDCT-Bézier surfaces are also created. Finally, a few important aspects of the newly formed surfaces and the influence of the shape parameters are discussed. The modeling example shows that the proposed approach succeeds and can also significantly improve the capability of solving problems in design engineering.
Compression-Based Methods of Time Series Forecasting
Authors: Chirikhin Konstantin , Ryabko Boris
Published: February 2021

Time series forecasting is an important research topic with many practical applications. As shown earlier, the problems of lossless data compression and prediction are very similar mathematically. In this article, we propose several forecasting methods based on real-world data compressors. We consider predicting univariate and multivariate data, describe how multiple data compressors can be combined into one forecasting method with automatic selection of the best algorithm for the input data. The developed forecasting techniques are not inferior to the known ones. We also propose a way to reduce the computation time of the combined method by using the so-called time-universal codes. To test the proposed techniques, we make predictions for real-world data such as sunspot numbers and some social indicators of Novosibirsk region, Russia. The results of our computations show that the described methods find non-trivial regularities in data, and time universal codes can reduce the computation time without losing accuracy.
On the Approximate Solution of Partial Integro-Differential Equations Using the Pseudospectral Method Based on Chebyshev Cardinal Functions
Authors: Tchier Fairouz , Dassios Ioannis , Tawfiq Ferdous , Ragoub Lakhdar
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we apply the pseudospectral method based on the Chebyshev cardinal function to solve the parabolic partial integro-differential equations (PIDEs). Since these equations play a key role in mathematics, physics, and engineering, finding an appropriate solution is important. We use an efficient method to solve PIDEs, especially for the integral part. Unlike when using Chebyshev functions, when using Chebyshev cardinal functions it is no longer necessary to integrate to find expansion coefficients of a given function. This reduces the computation. The convergence analysis is investigated and some numerical examples guarantee our theoretical results. We compare the presented method with others. The results confirm the efficiency and accuracy of the method.
The Infantile Leukoencephalopathy-Associated Mutation of C11ORF73/HIKESHI Proteins Generates De Novo Interactive Activity with Filamin A, Inhibiting Oligodendroglial Cell Morphological Differentiation
Authors: Hattori Kohei , Tago Kenji , Memezawa Shiori , Ochiai Arisa , Sawaguchi Sui , Kato Yukino , Sato Takanari , Tomizuka Kazuma , Ooizumi Hiroaki , Ohbuchi Katsuya , Mizoguchi Kazushige , Miyamoto Yuki , Yamauchi Junji
Published: February 2021

Background: Genetic hypomyelinating diseases are a heterogeneous group of disorders involving the white matter. One infantile hypomyelinating leukoencephalopathy is associated with the homozygous variant (Cys4-to-Ser (C4S)) of the c11orf73 gene. Methods: We observed that in mouse oligodendroglial FBD-102b cells, the C4S mutant proteins but not the wild type ones of C11orf73 are microscopically localized in the lysosome. And, they downregulate lysosome-related signaling in an immunoblotting technique. Results: The C4S mutant proteins specifically interact with Filamin A, which is known to anchor transmembrane proteins to the actin cytoskeleton; the C4S mutant proteins and Filamin A are also observed in the lysosome fraction. While parental FBD-102b cells and cells harboring the wild type constructs exhibit morphological differentiation, cells harboring C4S mutant constructs do not. It may be that morphological differentiation is inhibited because expression of these C4S mutant proteins leads to defects in the actin cytoskeletal network involving Filamin A. Conclusions: The findings that leukoencephalopathy-associated C11ORF73 mutant proteins specifically interact with Filamin A, are localized in the lysosome, and inhibit morphological differentiation shed light on the molecular and cellular pathological mechanisms that underlie infantile hypomyelinating leukoencephalopathy.
Neutralization of Industrial Water by Electrodialysis
Authors: Petrov Oleksandr , Iwaszczuk Natalia , Kharebava Tina , Bejanidze Irina , Pohrebennyk Volodymyr , Nakashidze Nunu , Petrov Anton
Published: February 2021

The process of non-reagent adjustment of the pH of a NaCl solution (0.5 g/L) of different acidity was investigated by the method of bipolar electrodialysis on a device operating according to the K-system (concentration). The experiments were carried out in the range pH = 2.0–12.0 with monopolar cation-exchange MK-40 (for alkaline solutions) or anion-exchange MA-40 (for acidic solutions) and bipolar MB-2 membranes. The regularities of the change in the pH of the solution on the current density, process productivity and energy consumption for the neutralization process have been investigated. Revealed: with different productivity of the apparatus (Q = 0.5–1.5 m3/h), in the range of pH 3.0–11.0, with an increase in the current density, a neutral pH value is achieved. It has been shown that at pH above 11.0 and below 3.0, even at high current densities (i > 20 A/m2), its value cannot be changed. This is due to the neutralization of the H+ or OH− ions generated by the bipolar membrane by water ions, which are formed as a result of the dissociation of water molecules at the border of the monopolar membrane and the solution under conditions when the value of current exceeds the limiting value.
The Ultrafine-Grain Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia Reinforced β-Titanium Matrix Composites
Authors: Piechowiak Daria , Miklaszewski Andrzej , Makuch-Dziarska Natalia
Published: February 2021

Ti(β) alloys have become an important class in the biomedical field due to low Young’s modulus, excellent physical properties, and biocompatibility. However, their properties, like biocompatibility and, also, low wear resistance, can be still enhanced. To improve those properties, a composites approach can be applied. This research shows a new approach of the composite structure fabrication by powder metallurgy methods which for a stabile yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) reinforcement phase could be obtained in the ultra-fine grain range beta-titanium matrix. In this work, the composites based on ultrafine-grain Ti-xMo (x = 23 wt%, 27 wt%, 35 wt%) alloys with addition 3 wt%, 5 wt% or 10 wt% YSZ, and 1 wt% Y2O3 were fabricated by the mechanical alloying and hot-pressing approach. Obtained composites were characterized in terms of their phase composition, microstructure, Young’s modulus, hardness, surface free energy (SFE), and corrosion resistance. The structure of composites consists of phases based on Ti–Mo, Ti(α), and YSZ. The oxide (YSZ) powder tends to agglomerate during processing, which is revealed in composites based on Ti23Mo and Ti27Mo. However, composites based on Ti35Mo are characterized by a high degree of dispersibility and this influences significantly the hardness value of the composites obtained. Only in the case of composites based on Ti35Mo, the decrease in Young’ Modulus is observed. All composites possess a hydrophilic surface property and good corrosion resistance.
A Cross-Metabolomic Approach Shows that Wheat Interferes with Fluorescent Pseudomonas Physiology through Its Root Metabolites
Authors: Rieusset Laura , Rey Marjolaine , Gerin Florence , Wisniewski-Dyé Florence , Prigent-Combaret Claire , Comte Gilles
Published: February 2021

Roots contain a wide variety of secondary metabolites. Some of them are exudated in the rhizosphere, where they are able to attract and/or control a large diversity of microbial species. In return, the rhizomicrobiota can promote plant health and development. Some rhizobacteria belonging to the Pseudomonas genus are known to produce a wide diversity of secondary metabolites that can exert a biological activity on the host plant and on other soil microorganisms. Nevertheless, the impact of the host plant on the production of bioactive metabolites by Pseudomonas is still poorly understood. To characterize the impact of plants on the secondary metabolism of Pseudomonas, a cross-metabolomic approach has been developed. Five different fluorescent Pseudomonas strains were thus cultivated in the presence of a low concentration of wheat root extracts recovered from three wheat genotypes. Analysis of our metabolomic workflow revealed that the production of several Pseudomonas secondary metabolites was significantly modulated when bacteria were cultivated with root extracts, including metabolites involved in plant-beneficial properties.
Quantitative Analyses of Urinary Uranium by µ-PIXE
Authors: Uehara Akihiro , Oikawa Masakazu , Tanaka Izumi , Ishihara Hiroshi , Homma-Takeda Shino
Published: February 2021

Simple methods for the determination of elements in biological fluids have been developed. It is important to quantify the accidental incorporation of radionuclides during the decommissioning work at nuclear power plants. Herein, we proposed the simple preparations and determination methods of uranium concentrations in urine for microbeam scanning particle induced X-ray emission (µ-PIXE) analysis in a rat model. A droplet (1 µL) of mixed solution of urine treated with a five-fold amount of concentrated nitric acid was placed on polypropylene film coated with perfluoroalkoxy alkanes (PFA) and dried at room temperature. The µ-PIXE imaging analysis revealed that successful condensation with homogeneous distribution of uranium in the specimen was achieved using by PFA coating. Uranium concentrations in the urine collected from uranium-injected rats were quantified. The obtained results were consistent with those determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.
Effects of Fe(III) Oxide Mineralogy and Phosphate on Fe(II) Secondary Mineral Formation during Microbial Iron Reduction
Authors: O’Loughlin Edward J. , Boyanov Maxim I. , Gorski Christopher A. , Scherer Michelle M. , Kemner Kenneth M.
Published: February 2021

The bioreduction of Fe(III) oxides by dissimilatory iron-reducing bacteria may result in the formation of a suite of Fe(II)-bearing secondary minerals, including magnetite (a mixed Fe(II)/Fe(III) oxide), siderite (Fe(II) carbonate), vivianite (Fe(II) phosphate), chukanovite (ferrous hydroxy carbonate), and green rusts (mixed Fe(II)/Fe(III) hydroxides). In an effort to better understand the factors controlling the formation of specific Fe(II)-bearing secondary minerals, we examined the effects of Fe(III) oxide mineralogy, phosphate concentration, and the availability of an electron shuttle (9,10-anthraquinone-2,6-disulfonate, AQDS) on the bioreduction of a series of Fe(III) oxides (akaganeite, feroxyhyte, ferric green rust, ferrihydrite, goethite, hematite, and lepidocrocite) by Shewanella putrefaciens CN32, and the resulting formation of secondary minerals, as determined by X-ray diffraction, Mössbauer spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The overall extent of Fe(II) production was highly dependent on the type of Fe(III) oxide provided. With the exception of hematite, AQDS enhanced the rate of Fe(II) production; however, the presence of AQDS did not always lead to an increase in the overall extent of Fe(II) production and did not affect the types of Fe(II)-bearing secondary minerals that formed. The effects of the presence of phosphate on the rate and extent of Fe(II) production were variable among the Fe(III) oxides, but in general, the highest loadings of phosphate resulted in decreased rates of Fe(II) production, but ultimately higher levels of Fe(II) than in the absence of phosphate. In addition, phosphate concentration had a pronounced effect on the types of secondary minerals that formed; magnetite and chukanovite formed at phosphate concentrations of ≤1 mM (ferrihydrite), <~100 µM (lepidocrocite), 500 µM (feroxyhyte and ferric green rust), while green rust, or green rust and vivianite, formed at phosphate concentrations of 10 mM (ferrihydrite), ≥100 µM (lepidocrocite), and 5 mM (feroxyhyte and ferric green rust). These results further demonstrate that the bioreduction of Fe(III) oxides, and accompanying Fe(II)-bearing secondary mineral formation, is controlled by a complex interplay of mineralogical, geochemical, and microbiological factors.
Production of Bulk Chemicals with Biocatalysis: Drivers and Challenges Reflected in Recent Industrial Granted Patents (2015–2020)
Authors: Guajardo Nadia , Domínguez de María Pablo
Published: February 2021

The application of biocatalysis and White Biotechnology tools in chemical areas concerning the production of bulk compounds and other related low-added value products (with high volumes) has been gaining importance in recent years. The expected drivers of biocatalysis for these sectors are energy savings, regioselectivity (leading to cleaner products), the possibility of using thermolabile substrates, as well as the generation of less by-products and manageable wastes. This paper explores some recent industrial granted patents related to biocatalysis and bulk chemicals. Several patents have been identified in fields such as biodiesel and esterification reactions, and sugar or furan chemistry. Overall, innovative strategies involve the identification of novel enzymes, the set-up of improved immobilization methods, as well as novel reactor designs that can offer improved performances and economics. The reported examples indicate that biocatalysis can certainly offer opportunities for these areas as well, far from the typical pharmaceutical and fine chemical applications often reported in the literature.
In Vitro and In Vivo Antitumor Activity of Indolo[2,3-b] Quinolines, Natural Product Analogs from Neocryptolepine Alkaloid
Authors: Altwaijry Najla , El-Ghlban Samah , El Sayed Ibrahim E.-T. , El-Bahnsawye Mohamed , Bayomi Asmaa I. , Samaka Rehab M. , Shaban Elkhabiry , Elmongy Elshaymaa I. , El-Masry Thanaa A. , Ahmed Hytham M. A. , Attallah Nashwah G. M.
Published: February 2021

Neocryptolepine (5-methyl-5H-indolo[2,3-b] quinoline) analogs were synthesized and evaluated in vitro and in vivo for their effect versus Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC). The analogs showed stronger cytotoxic activity against EAC cells than the reference drug. The in vivo evaluation of the target compounds against EAC-induced solid tumor in the female albino Swiss mice revealed a remarkable decrease in the tumor volume (TV) and hepatic lipid peroxidation. A noticeable increase of both superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) levels was reported (p < 0.001), which set-forth proof of their antioxidant effect. In addition, the in vitro antioxidant activity of the neocryptolepine analogs was screened out using the DPPH method and showed promising activities activity. The histopathological investigations affirmed that the tested analogs have a remarkable curative effect on solid tumors with minimal side-effect on the liver. The study also includes illustrated mechanism of the antitumor activity at the cell level by flow cytometry. The cell cycle analysis showed that the neocryptolepine analogs extensively increase the aggregation of tumor cells in three phases of the cell cycle (G0/G1, S and G2/M) with the emergence of a hypo-diploid DNA content peak (sub-G1) in the cell cycle experiments, which is a clear-cut for the apoptotic cell population. Furthermore, the immunological study manifested a significant elevation in splenic lymphocyte count (p < 0.001) with the elevation of the responsiveness of lymphocytes to phytohemagglutinin (PHA). These results indicate that these naturally-based neocryptolepine alkaloids exhibit marked antitumor activity in vivo and represent an important lead in the development of natural-based anticancer drugs.
Chemical Constituents from Roots of Sophora davidii (Franch.) Skeels and Their Glucose Transporter 4 Translocation Activities
Authors: Li Kangdi , Ma Yuanren , Zhou Tongxi , Yang Xinzhou , Choi Ho-Young
Published: February 2021

Sophora davidii (Franch.) Skeels is a multi-purpose traditional medicine that has long been used for the treatment of various diseases. To discover the potential bioactive composition of S. davidii, a chemical investigation was thus performed. In this research, two new stilbene oligomers, Davidiol E–F (1–2), one new 4-aryl-substituted isoflavan Davidinin A (3), and one new 2-arylbenzofuran dimer, Shandougenine C (4), as well as six known compounds (5–10) were obtained from the ethyl acetate fraction of Sophora davidii (Franch.) Skeels. The structures of new compounds were established by extensive 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra with mass spectroscopy data. The absolute configuration of 1–3 was assigned by comparing its experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. Compounds 1–10 promoted glucose transporter 4 (GLUT-4) translocations by the range of 1.28–2.60 folds, respectively. Compound 9 showed the most potent glucose transporter 4 translocations with 1.60 fold enhancement. The result attained in this study indicated that the separation and characterization of these compounds plays an important role in the research and development of new anti-diabetic drugs and pharmaceutical industry.
Micromagnetic Simulations of Fe and Ni Nanodot Arrays Surrounded by Magnetic or Non-Magnetic Matrices
Authors: Sudsom Devika , Ehrmann Andrea
Published: February 2021

Combining clusters of magnetic materials with a matrix of other magnetic materials is very interesting for basic research because new, possibly technologically applicable magnetic properties or magnetization reversal processes may be found. Here we report on different arrays combining iron and nickel, for example, by surrounding circular nanodots of one material with a matrix of the other or by combining iron and nickel nanodots in air. Micromagnetic simulations were performed using the OOMMF (Object Oriented MicroMagnetic Framework). Our results show that magnetization reversal processes are strongly influenced by neighboring nanodots and the magnetic matrix by which the nanodots are surrounded, respectively, which becomes macroscopically visible by several steps along the slopes of the hysteresis loops. Such material combinations allow for preparing quaternary memory systems, and are thus highly relevant for applications in data storage and processing.