bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Machine Learning for the Automation of the Quality Control of Noise Filtering Processes in Seismic Data Imaging
Authors: Mejri Mohamed , Bekara Maiza
Published: November 2020

Seismic imaging is the main technology used for subsurface hydrocarbon prospection. It provides an image of the subsurface using the same principles as ultrasound medical imaging. As for any data acquired through hydrophones (pressure sensors) and/or geophones (velocity/acceleration sensors), the raw seismic data are heavily contaminated with noise and unwanted reflections that need to be removed before further processing. Therefore, the noise attenuation is done at an early stage and often while acquiring the data. Quality control (QC) is mandatory to give confidence in the denoising process and to ensure that a costly data re-acquisition is not needed. QC is done manually by humans and comprises a major portion of the cost of a typical seismic processing project. It is therefore advantageous to automate this process to improve cost and efficiency. Here, we propose a supervised learning approach to build an automatic QC system. The QC system is an attribute-based classifier that is trained to classify three types of filtering (mild = under filtering, noise remaining in the data; optimal = good filtering; harsh = over filtering, the signal is distorted). The attributes are computed from the data and represent geophysical and statistical measures of the quality of the filtering. The system is tested on a full-scale survey (9000 km2) to QC the results of the swell noise attenuation process in marine seismic data.
Radiocarbon Dating of Anthropogenic Carbonates: What Is the Benchmark for Sample Selection?
Authors: Toffolo Michael B.
Published: November 2020

Anthropogenic carbonates are pyrotechnological products composed of calcium carbonate, and include wood ash, lime plaster/mortar, and hydraulic mortar. These synthetic materials are among the first produced by humans, and greatly influenced their biological and cultural evolution. Therefore, they are an important component of the archeological record that can provide invaluable information about past lifeways. One major aspect that has been long investigated is the possibility of obtaining accurate radiocarbon dates from the pyrogenic calcium carbonate that makes up most of these materials. This is based on the fact that anthropogenic carbonates incorporate atmospheric carbon dioxide upon the carbonation of hydrated lime, and thus bear the radiocarbon signature of the atmosphere at a given point in time. Since plaster, mortar, and ash are highly heterogeneous materials comprising several carbon contaminants, and considering that calcium carbonate is prone to dissolution and recrystallization, accurate dating depends on the effectiveness of protocols aimed at removing contaminants and on the ability to correctly identify a mineral fraction that survived unaltered through time. This article reviews the formation and dissolution processes of pyrogenic calcium carbonate, and mineralogical approaches to the definition of a ‘dateable fraction’ based on its structural properties.
Alternative Tobacco Product Use in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Liu Tom , Deiss Thomas J. , Lippi Matthew W. , Jauregui Alejandra , Vessel Kathryn , Ke Serena , Belzer Annika , Zhuo Hanjing , Kangelaris Kirsten N. , Gomez Antonio D. , Matthay Michael A. , Liu Kathleen D. , Calfee Carolyn S.
Published: November 2020

Background: Alternative tobacco product (ATP) use has bee linked to critical illness, however, few studies have examined the use of these substances in critically ill populations. We sought to examine ATP use within critically ill patients and to define barriers in accurately assessing use within this population. Methods: We prospectively studied 533 consecutive patients from the Early Assessment of Renal and Lung Injury study, enrolled between 2013 and 2016 at a tertiary referral center and a safety-net hospital. ATP use information (electronic cigarettes, cigars, pipes, hookahs/waterpipes, and snus/chewing tobacco) was obtained from the patient or surrogate using a detailed survey. Reasons for non-completion of the survey were recorded, and differences between survey responders vs. non-responders, self- vs. surrogate responders, and ATP users vs. non-users were explored. Results: Overall, 80% (n = 425) of subjects (56% male) completed a tobacco product use survey. Of these, 12.2% (n = 52) reported current ATP use, while 5.6% reported using multiple ATP products. When restricted to subjects who were self-responders, 17% reported ATP use, while 10% reported current cigarette smoking alone. The mean age of ATP users was 57 ± 17 years. Those who did not complete a survey were sicker and more likely to have died during admission. Subjects who completed the survey as self-responders reported higher levels of ATP use than ones with surrogate responders (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: ATP use is common among critically ill patients despite them being generally older than traditional users. Survey self-responders were more likely than surrogate responders to report use. These findings highlight the importance of improving our current methods of surveillance of ATP use in older adults in the outpatient setting.
Do Initial Trunk Impairment, Age, Intervention Onset, and Training Volume Modulate the Effectiveness of Additional Trunk Exercise Programs after Stroke? A Systematic Review with Meta-Analyses
Authors: Prat-Luri Amaya , Moreno-Navarro Pedro , García Jose A. , Barbado David , Vera-Garcia Francisco J. , Elvira Jose L.L.
Published: November 2020

The aim of this systematic review is to analyze how, after additional trunk-focused training programs (ATEP), motor recovery after a stroke is modulated by potential effect modifiers. Twenty randomized controlled studies that carried out ATEP were included. Results showed moderate-to-high effects in favor of ATEP for trunk function, balance ability, gait performance, and functional mobility. Studies with a higher initial trunk impairment obtained a higher effect on trunk function and balance; studies with older participants had a higher effect on trunk function, limit of stability, and functional mobility, but not on balance ability. Older and more affected patients were, as well, those who started the intervention earlier, which was also linked with higher effects on trunk function, balance, and gait performance. Longer ATEP found a high effect on trunk function and balance ability. The potential effect modifiers seem to be important in the modulation of the effectiveness of ATEP and should be considered in the design of rehabilitation programs. Thus, since potential effect modifiers seem to modulate ATEP effectiveness, future studies should consider them in their experimental designs to better understand their impact on stroke rehabilitation.
COVID-19: Short and Long-Term Effects of Hospitalization on Muscular Weakness in the Elderly
Authors: Sagarra-Romero Lucía , Viñas-Barros Andrea
Published: November 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has recently been the cause of a global public health emergency. Frequently, elderly patients experience a marked loss of muscle mass and strength during hospitalization, resulting in a significant functional decline. This paper describes the impact of prolonged immobilization and current pharmacological treatments on muscular metabolism. In addition, the scientific evidence for an early strength intervention, neuromuscular electrical stimulation or the application of heat therapy during hospitalization to help prevent COVID-19 functional sequels is analyzed. This review remarks the need to: (1) determine which potential pharmacological interventions have a negative impact on muscle quality and quantity; (2) define a feasible and reliable pharmacological protocol to achieve a balance between desired and undesired medication effects in the treatment of this novel disease; (3) implement practical strategies to reduce muscle weakness during bed rest hospitalization and (4) develop a specific, early and safe protocol-based care of functional interventions for older adults affected by COVID-19 during and after hospitalization.
The Effect of Pain Catastrophizing on Depression among Older Korean Adults with Chronic Pain: The Mediating Role of Chronic Pain Interference and Sleep Quality
Authors: Lee Kyoung-eun , Ryu Hyunju , Chang Sun Ju
Published: November 2020

Pain catastrophizing is a notable concept associated with change in chronic pain interference and depression. Sleep quality is also one of the important factors affecting geriatric depression. This study examined the mediating effects of chronic pain interference and sleep quality on the relationship between pain catastrophizing and depression. This study is a secondary data analysis that analyzed a total of 138 older Korean adults with chronic pain. The participants were selected from a single elderly daycare center in a city in South Korea. Also, the multiple regression analysis and PROCESS macro with bootstrapping were used. The results revealed that chronic pain interference and sleep quality mediated the relationship between pain catastrophizing and depression, respectively. Furthermore, chronic pain interference and sleep quality sequentially and dually mediated the effect of pain catastrophizing on depression. In the management of depression in the elderly, persistent complaints of pain should not be disregarded, irrespective of the intensity of their chronic pain. Psychological intervention is needed to alleviate negative thoughts about chronic pain and to increase the ability to cope with chronic pain. In addition, it is important to assess sleep patterns and to develop interventions to improve sleep quality, because depression in the elderly could appear as a symptom of a sleep problems.
Effects of an Indoor Cycling Program on Cardiometabolic Factors in Women with Obesity vs. Normal Body Weight
Authors: Ratajczak Marzena , Skrypnik Damian , Krutki Piotr , Karolkiewicz Joanna
Published: November 2020

The study aimed to provide evidence on the impact of indoor cycling (IC) in reducing cardiometabolic risk factors. The study compares the effects of a 3 month IC program involving three 55 min sessions per week on women aged 40–60 years, with obesity (OW, n = 18) vs. women with normal body weight (NW, n = 8). At baseline and at the end of the study, anthropometric parameters, oxygen uptake (VO2 peak), and serum parameters: glucose, total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides (TG), insulin, human anti-oxidized low-density lipoprotein antibody (OLAb), total blood antioxidant capacity (TAC), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), C-reactive protein (CRP), lipid accumulation product (LAP), and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index (HOMA IR) were determined. Before the intervention, VO2 peak and HDL-C levels were significantly lower and levels of TG, LAP, insulin, HOMA-IR, and CRP were significantly higher in the OW group compared to those in the NW group. After the intervention, only the OW group saw a decrease in body mass, total cholesterol, OLAb, TBARS, and CRP concentration and an increase in total body skeletal muscle mass and HDL-C concentration. In response to the IC training, measured indicators in the OW group were seen to approach the recommended values, but all between-group differences remained significant. Our results demonstrate that IC shows promise for reducing cardiometabolic risk factors, especially dyslipidemia. After 12 weeks of regular IC, the metabolic function of the OW group adapted in many aspects to be more like that of the NW group.
Motivating Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women in Spain to Avoid Persistent Toxic Substances in Their Diet
Authors: Fontalba-Navas Andres , Zafra Aparici Eva , Prata-Gaspar Maria Clara de Moraes , Herrera-Espejo Esther , Company-Morales Miguel , Larrea-Killinger Cristina
Published: November 2020

The objective of this study was to explore what motivates pregnant and breastfeeding women to make changes in their diet, specifically to examine how their perceptions regarding diet facilitate or act as obstacles to introducing healthy eating habits. For the optimal development of the mother, the fetus, or breastfeeding baby, it is important to avoid foods containing substances, such as persistent toxic substances (PTSs), that are harmful to health during pregnancy and after the baby’s birth. This study used a qualitative research methodology, based on semi-structured individual interviews, food diaries, free lists, and focus groups with 111 pregnant and breastfeeding women in Spain. This approach was followed by a systematic and exhaustive exploitation of the qualitative data obtained, following the methodological principles of grounded theory. From the study results, we conclude that the motivation for a change in diet to avoid PTSs is based on the desire to promote good health, beliefs about the importance of having a varied diet, and the avoidance of potential risks. The main obstacles to change can be attributed to inadequate information, contradictory discourses, and socioeconomic difficulties.
Looking beyond the Lamppost: Population-Level Primary Prevention of Breast Cancer
Authors: McLoughlin Gabriella M. , Wiedenman Eric M. , Gehlert Sarah , Brownson Ross C.
Published: November 2020

Although innovative and impactful interventions are necessary for the primary prevention of breast cancer, the factors influencing program adoption, implementation, and sustainment are key, yet remain poorly understood. Insufficient attention has been paid to the primary prevention of breast cancer in state and national cancer plans, limiting the impact of evidence-based interventions on population health. This commentary highlights the state of primary prevention of breast cancer and gaps in the current literature. As a way to enhance the reach and adoption of cancer prevention policies and programs, the utility of dissemination and implementation (D&I) science is highlighted. Examples of how D&I could be applied to study policies and programs for chronic disease prevention are described, in addition to needs for future research. Through application of D&I science and a strong focus on health equity, a clearer understanding of contextual factors influencing the success of prevention programs will be achieved, ultimately impacting population health.
Causes of Needlestick and Sharps Injuries When Using Devices with and without Safety Features
Authors: Dulon Madeleine , Stranzinger Johanna , Wendeler Dana , Nienhaus Albert
Published: November 2020

Safety-engineered devices (SEDs) have been developed to protect healthcare personnel (HCP) from needlestick and sharps injuries (NSIs). The aim of this study was to analyze NSIs associated with SEDs and non-SEDs among HCP in hospitals, medical offices and care facilities. Records from online questionnaires on NSIs were used. Causes of NSIs were compared for SED use and healthcare setting. A sample of 835 files was included. Injuries with SEDs accounted for 35.0% of all NSIs, whereas the proportions were higher in medical offices and lower in care facilities. NSIs in nurses were more often associated with SEDs than NSIs in physicians. NSIs from intravenous needles were associated with SEDs in more than 60% of cases in hospitals and medical offices and in about 30.0% of cases in care facilities. In contrast, suturing was associated with every fourth NSI in hospitals, of which fewer than 10.0% were associated with SEDs. In care facilities, SEDs were involved in 36.1% of NSIs during subcutaneous injections. NSIs during disposal accounted for 29.2% of total NSIs, of which 36.1% were associated with SEDs. Frequent reasons for SED-associated NSIs were technical problems, unexpected patient movement and problems during disposal. Our analysis shows that many NSIs are associated with SEDs. Continuous training is necessary in the handling and disposal of SEDs.
Patient-Reported Experiences in Accessing Primary Healthcare among Immigrant Population in Canada: A Rapid Literature Review
Authors: Bajgain Bishnu Bahadur , Bajgain Kalpana Thapa , Badal Sujan , Aghajafari Fariba , Jackson Jeanette , Santana Maria-Jose
Published: November 2020

(1) Background: Immigrants represent around 21.9% of the total population in Canada and encounter multifaceted obstacles in accessing and receiving primary healthcare. This literature review explores patient experiences in primary care from the perspective of immigrants and identifies areas for further research and improvement. (2) Methods: A comprehensive search was performed on PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, SCOPUS, and Google scholar to identify studies published from 2010 to July 2020. Relevant articles were peer-reviewed, in English language, and reported patient experiences in primary healthcare in Canada. (3) Results: Of the 1566 searched articles, 19 articles were included in this review. Overall, the finding from articles were summarized into four major themes: cultural and linguistic differences; socioeconomic challenges; health system factors; patient–provider relationship. (4) Conclusion: Understanding the gaps to accessing and receiving appropriate healthcare is important to shape policies, enhance the quality of services, and deliver more equitable healthcare services. It is therefore pertinent that primary healthcare providers play an active role in bridging these gaps with strong support from policymakers. Understanding and respecting diversity in culture, language, experiences, and systems is crucial in reducing health inequalities and improving access to quality care in a respectful and responsive manner.
Long Term Follow-Up Safety and Effectiveness of Myopia Refractive Surgery
Authors: Castro-Luna Gracia , Jiménez-Rodríguez Diana , Pérez-Rueda Antonio , Alaskar-Alani Hazem
Published: November 2020

(1) Background: Refractive surgery is an increasingly popular procedure for decreasing spectacle or contact lens dependency. The two most common surgical techniques to correct myopia are photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK). This study demonstrates the long-term effectiveness, safety, and predictability of both techniques for the refractive surgery of myopia. (2) Methods: A retrospective non-randomized study was performed. We followed 509 PRK eyes and 310 FS-LASIK surgeries for ten years. Patients were followed-up after 3 months and after 1, 2, 5, and 10 years, gathering data on their uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). The safety index of both procedures was defined as the quotient between the postoperative BCVA and the preoperative BCVA. We defined a procedure as safe if this quotient was equal to or greater than 1. The effectiveness index was calculated as the quotient between postoperative UCVA divided by the preoperative BCVA. (3) Results: The safety index was higher than 1 (1.09) and an effectiveness index of 0.82 after ten years of surgery in both groups was found. (4) Conclusion: These data demonstrated excellent safety and effectiveness indices for both techniques, although FS-LASIK is a technique with better safety and effectiveness indices than PRK.
Untargeted Lipidomics Analysis of the Cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803: Lipid Composition Variation in Response to Alternative Cultivation Setups and to Gene Deletion
Authors: Hewelt-Belka Weronika , Kot-Wasik Ágata , Tamagnini Paula , Oliveira Paulo
Published: November 2020

Cyanobacteria play an important role in several ecological environments, and they are widely accepted to be the ancestors of chloroplasts in modern plants and green algae. Cyanobacteria have become attractive models for metabolic engineering, with the goal of exploring them as microbial cell factories. However, the study of cyanobacterial lipids’ composition and variation, and the assessment of the lipids’ functional and structural roles have been largely overlooked. Here, we aimed at expanding the cyanobacterial lipidomic analytical pipeline by using an untargeted lipidomics approach. Thus, the lipid composition variation of the model cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 was investigated in response to both alternative cultivation setups and gene deletion. This approach allowed for detecting differences in total lipid content, alterations in fatty-acid unsaturation level, and adjustments of specific lipid species among the identified lipid classes. The employed method also revealed that the cultivation setup tested in this work induced a deeper alteration of the cyanobacterial cell lipidome than the deletion of a gene that results in a dramatic increase in the release of lipid-rich outer membrane vesicles. This study further highlights how growth conditions must be carefully selected when cyanobacteria are to be engineered and/or scaled-up for lipid or fatty acids production.
Male-Dependent Promotion of Colitis in 129 Rag2−/− Mice Co-Infected with Helicobacter pylori and Helicobacter hepaticus
Authors: Ge Zhongming , Ge Lili , Muthupalani Sureshkumar , Feng Yan , Fox James G.
Published: November 2020

The prevalence of gastric Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection is ~50% of the world population. However, how Hp infection influences inflammatory bowel disease in humans is not fully defined. In this study, we examined whether co-infection with Hp influenced Helicobacter hepaticus (Hh)–induced intestinal pathology in Rag2−/− mice. Rag2−/− mice of both sexes were infected with Hh, of which a subgroup was followed by infection with Hp two weeks later. Co-infected males, but not females, had significantly higher total colitis index scores in the colon at both 10 and 21 weeks post-Hh infection (WPI) and developed more severe dysplasia at 21 WPI compared with mono-Hh males. There were no significant differences in colonization levels of gastric Hp and colonic Hh between sexes or time-points. In addition, mRNA levels of colonic Il-1β, Ifnγ, Tnfα, Il-17A, Il-17F, Il-18, and Il-23, which play important roles in the development and function of proinflammatory innate lymphoid cell groups 1 and 3, were significantly up-regulated in the dually infected males compared with mono-Hh males at 21 WPI. These data suggest that concomitant Hp infection enhances the inflammatory responses in the colon of-Hh-infected Rag2−/− males, which results in more severe colitis and dysplasia.
hiPSC-Derived Cardiac Tissue for Disease Modeling and Drug Discovery
Authors: Li Junjun , Hua Ying , Miyagawa Shigeru , Zhang Jingbo , Li Lingjun , Liu Li , Sawa Yoshiki
Published: November 2020

Relevant, predictive normal, or disease model systems are of vital importance for drug development. The difference between nonhuman models and humans could contribute to clinical trial failures despite ideal nonhuman results. As a potential substitute for animal models, human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived cardiomyocytes (CMs) provide a powerful tool for drug toxicity screening, modeling cardiovascular diseases, and drug discovery. Here, we review recent hiPSC-CM disease models and discuss the features of hiPSC-CMs, including subtype and maturation and the tissue engineering technologies for drug assessment. Updates from the international multisite collaborators/administrations for development of novel drug discovery paradigms are also summarized.
Increased FOXM1 Expression by Cisplatin Inhibits Paclitaxel-Related Apoptosis in Cisplatin-Resistant Human Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) Cell Lines
Authors: Choi Hyeong Sim , Kim Young-Kyun , Hwang Kyung-Gyun , Yun Pil-Young
Published: November 2020

Cisplatin and paclitaxel are commonly used to treat oral cancer, but their use is often limited because of acquired drug resistance. Here, we tested the effects of combined cisplatin and paclitaxel on three parental (YD-8, YD-9, and YD-38) and three cisplatin-resistant (YD-8/CIS, YD-9/CIS, and YD-38/CIS) oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cell lines using cell proliferation assays and combination index analysis. We detected forkhead box protein M1 (FOXM1) mRNA and protein expression via real-time qPCR and Western blot assays. Cell death of the cisplatin-resistant cell lines in response to these drugs with or without a FOXM1 inhibitor (forkhead domain inhibitory compound 6) was then measured by propidium iodide staining and TdT dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assays. In all six OSCC cell lines, cell growth was more inhibited by paclitaxel alone than combination therapy. Cisplatin-induced overexpression of FOXM1 showed the same trend only in cisplatin-resistant cell lines, indicating that it was associated with inhibition of paclitaxel-related apoptosis. In summary, these results suggest that, in three cisplatin-resistant cell lines, the combination of cisplatin and paclitaxel had an antagonistic effect, likely because cisplatin blocks paclitaxel-induced apoptosis. Cisplatin-induced FOXM1 overexpression may explain the failure of this combination.
An Updated Focus on Quadruplex Structures as Potential Therapeutic Targets in Cancer
Authors: Sanchez-Martin Victoria , Lopez-Pujante Carmen , Soriano-Rodriguez Miguel , Garcia-Salcedo Jose A.
Published: November 2020

Non-canonical, four-stranded nucleic acids secondary structures are present within regulatory regions in the human genome and transcriptome. To date, these quadruplex structures include both DNA and RNA G-quadruplexes, formed in guanine-rich sequences, and i-Motifs, found in cytosine-rich sequences, as their counterparts. Quadruplexes have been extensively associated with cancer, playing an important role in telomere maintenance and control of genetic expression of several oncogenes and tumor suppressors. Therefore, quadruplex structures are considered attractive molecular targets for cancer therapeutics with novel mechanisms of action. In this review, we provide a general overview about recent research on the implications of quadruplex structures in cancer, firstly gathering together DNA G-quadruplexes, RNA G-quadruplexes as well as DNA i-Motifs.
Effective RNA Knockdown Using CRISPR-Cas13a and Molecular Targeting of the EML4-ALK Transcript in H3122 Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Saifullah  , Sakari Matomo , Suzuki Takeshi , Yano Seiji , Tsukahara Toshifumi
Published: November 2020

RNAi technology has significant potential as a future therapeutic and could theoretically be used to knock down disease-specific RNAs. However, due to frequent off-target effects, low efficiency, and limited accessibility of nuclear transcripts, the clinical application of the technology remains challenging. In this study, we first assessed the stability of Cas13a mRNA and guide RNA. Next, we titrated Cas13a and guide RNA vectors to achieve effective knockdown of firefly luciferase (FLuc) RNA, used as a target transcript. The interference specificity of Cas13a on guide RNA design was next explored. Subsequently, we targeted the EML4-ALK v1 transcript in H3122 lung cancer cells. As determined by FLuc assay, Cas13a exhibited activity only toward the orientation of the crRNA–guide RNA complex residing at the 5′ of the crRNA. The activity of Cas13a was maximal for guide RNAs 24–30 bp in length, with relatively low mismatch tolerance. After knockdown of the EML4-ALK transcript, cell viability was decreased up to 50%. Cas13a could effectively knock down FLuc luminescence (70–76%), mCherry fluorescence (72%), and EML4-ALK at the protein (>80%) and transcript levels (26%). Thus, Cas13a has strong potential for use in RNA regulation and therapeutics, and could contribute to the development of personalized medicine.
Scalable Microgravity Simulator Used for Long-Term Musculoskeletal Cells and Tissue Engineering
Authors: Cazzaniga Alessandra , Ille Fabian , Wuest Simon , Haack Carsten , Koller Adrian , Giger-Lange Christina , Zocchi Monica , Egli Marcel , Castiglioni Sara , Maier Jeanette A.
Published: November 2020

We introduce a new benchtop microgravity simulator (MGS) that is scalable and easy to use. Its working principle is similar to that of random positioning machines (RPM), commonly used in research laboratories and regarded as one of the gold standards for simulating microgravity. The improvement of the MGS concerns mainly the algorithms controlling the movements of the samples and the design that, for the first time, guarantees equal treatment of all the culture flasks undergoing simulated microgravity. Qualification and validation tests of the new device were conducted with human bone marrow stem cells (bMSC) and mouse skeletal muscle myoblasts (C2C12). bMSC were cultured for 4 days on the MGS and the RPM in parallel. In the presence of osteogenic medium, an overexpression of osteogenic markers was detected in the samples from both devices. Similarly, C2C12 cells were maintained for 4 days on the MGS and the rotating wall vessel (RWV) device, another widely used microgravity simulator. Significant downregulation of myogenesis markers was observed in gravitationally unloaded cells. Therefore, similar results can be obtained regardless of the used simulated microgravity devices, namely MGS, RPM, or RWV. The newly developed MGS device thus offers easy and reliable long-term cell culture possibilities under simulated microgravity conditions. Currently, upgrades are in progress to allow real-time monitoring of the culture media and liquids exchange while running. This is of particular interest for long-term cultivation, needed for tissue engineering applications. Tissue grown under real or simulated microgravity has specific features, such as growth in three-dimensions (3D). Growth in weightlessness conditions fosters mechanical, structural, and chemical interactions between cells and the extracellular matrix in any direction.
Lipid Rafts and Dopamine Receptor Signaling
Authors: Martinez Victor J. , Asico Laureano D. , Jose Pedro A. , Tiu Andrew C.
Published: November 2020

The renal dopaminergic system has been identified as a modulator of sodium balance and blood pressure. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2018 in the United States, almost half a million deaths included hypertension as a primary or contributing cause. Renal dopamine receptors, members of the G protein-coupled receptor family, are divided in two groups: D1-like receptors that act to keep the blood pressure in the normal range, and D2-like receptors with a variable effect on blood pressure, depending on volume status. The renal dopamine receptor function is regulated, in part, by its expression in microdomains in the plasma membrane. Lipid rafts form platforms within the plasma membrane for the organization and dynamic contact of molecules involved in numerous cellular processes such as ligand binding, membrane sorting, effector specificity, and signal transduction. Understanding all the components of lipid rafts, their interaction with renal dopamine receptors, and their signaling process offers an opportunity to unravel potential treatment targets that could halt the progression of hypertension, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and their complications.
A Potential Serum N-glycan Biomarker for Hepatitis C Virus-Related Early-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Higashi Mikito , Yoshimura Takeshi , Usui Noriyoshi , Kano Yuichiro , Deguchi Akihiro , Tanabe Kazuhiro , Uchimura Youichi , Kuriyama Shigeki , Suzuki Yasuyuki , Masaki Tsutomu , Ikenaka Kazuhiro
Published: November 2020

Detection of early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is beneficial for prolonging patient survival. However, the serum markers currently used show limited ability to identify early-stage HCC. In this study, we explored human serum N-glycans as sensitive markers to diagnose HCC in patients with cirrhosis. Using a simplified fluorescence-labeled N-glycan preparation method, we examined non-sialylated and sialylated N-glycan profiles from 71 healthy controls and 111 patients with hepatitis and/or liver cirrhosis (LC) with or without HCC. We found that the level of serum N-glycan A2G1(6)FB, a biantennary N-glycan containing core fucose and bisecting GlcNAc residues, was significantly higher in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected cirrhotic patients with HCC than in those without HCC. In addition, A2G1(6)FB was detectable in HCV-infected patients with early-stage HCC and could be a more accurate marker than alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) or protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonists-II (PIVKA-II). Moreover, there was no apparent correlation between the levels of A2G1(6)FB and those of AFP or PIVKA-II. Thus, simultaneous use of A2G1(6)FB and traditional biomarkers could improve the accuracy of HCC diagnosis in HCV-infected patients with LC, suggesting that A2G1(6)FB may be a reliable biomarker for early-stage HCC patients.
Road Traffic Prediction Model Using Extreme Learning Machine: The Case Study of Tangier, Morocco
Authors: Jiber Mouna , Mbarek Abdelilah , Yahyaouy Ali , Sabri My Abdelouahed , Boumhidi Jaouad
Published: November 2020

An efficient and credible approach to road traffic management and prediction is a crucial aspect in the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). It can strongly influence the development of road structures and projects. It is also essential for route planning and traffic regulations. In this paper, we propose a hybrid model that combines extreme learning machine (ELM) and ensemble-based techniques to predict the future hourly traffic of a road section in Tangier, a city in the north of Morocco. The model was applied to a real-world historical data set extracted from fixed sensors over a 5-years period. Our approach is based on a type of Single hidden Layer Feed-forward Neural Network (SLFN) known for being a high-speed machine learning algorithm. The model was, then, compared to other well-known algorithms in the prediction literature. Experimental results demonstrated that, according to the most commonly used criteria of error measurements (RMSE, MAE, and MAPE), our model is performing better in terms of prediction accuracy. The use of Akaike’s Information Criterion technique (AIC) has also shown that the proposed model has a higher performance.
Silver Cyanoguanidine Nitrate Hydrate: Ag(C2N4H4)NO3·½ H2O, a Cyanoguanidine Compound Coordinating by an Inner Nitrogen Atom
Authors: Qiao Xianji , Corkett Alex J. , Luo Dongbao , Dronskowski Richard
Published: November 2020

Silver(I) cyanoguanidine nitrate hydrate, Ag(C2N4H4)NO3·½H2O, was synthesized as the first cyanoguanidine solid-state complex in which monovalent Ag is coordinated through inner nitrogen N atoms. Its structure was characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, crystallizing in the acentric orthorhombic space group P21212 with a = 10.670(3) Å, b = 18.236(5) Å, and c = 3.5078(9) Å. The differing chemical bondings of Ag(C2N4H4)NO3·½H2O and Ag(C2N4H4)3NO3 were compared on the basis of first-principle calculations.
The Intrinsic Cardiac Nervous System and Its Role in Cardiac Pacemaking and Conduction
Authors: Fedele Laura , Brand Thomas
Published: November 2020

The cardiac autonomic nervous system (CANS) plays a key role for the regulation of cardiac activity with its dysregulation being involved in various heart diseases, such as cardiac arrhythmias. The CANS comprises the extrinsic and intrinsic innervation of the heart. The intrinsic cardiac nervous system (ICNS) includes the network of the intracardiac ganglia and interconnecting neurons. The cardiac ganglia contribute to the tight modulation of cardiac electrophysiology, working as a local hub integrating the inputs of the extrinsic innervation and the ICNS. A better understanding of the role of the ICNS for the modulation of the cardiac conduction system will be crucial for targeted therapies of various arrhythmias. We describe the embryonic development, anatomy, and physiology of the ICNS. By correlating the topography of the intracardiac neurons with what is known regarding their biophysical and neurochemical properties, we outline their physiological role in the control of pacemaker activity of the sinoatrial and atrioventricular nodes. We conclude by highlighting cardiac disorders with a putative involvement of the ICNS and outline open questions that need to be addressed in order to better understand the physiology and pathophysiology of the ICNS.
Environmental Influence on the Spatiotemporal Variability of Fishing Grounds in the Beibu Gulf, South China Sea
Authors: Wang Yanfeng , Yao Lijun , Chen Pimao , Yu Jing , Wu Qia’er
Published: November 2020

The spatiotemporal distribution of fishing grounds in the Beibu Gulf and its relationship with marine environment were analyzed using the survey data of light falling-net vessels and satellite remote sensing data including sea surface temperature (SST), chlorophyll a concentration (Chl a) and net primary production (NPP), based on the generalized additive model (GAM) and the center of gravity (COG) of fishing grounds. The results showed that the total deviance explained by GAM for the catch per unit effort (CPUE) in the Beibu Gulf was 42.9%, in which SST was the most important influencing factor on CPUE, with a relative contribution of 40%; followed by latitude, Chl a, month and NPP, with relative contributions of 25.2%, 19%, 10.4% and 5.4%, respectively. Fishing grounds in the Beibu Gulf were mainly distributed in waters with SST of 27–29 °C, Chl a of 0.5–1.5 mg m−3 and NPP of 500–700 mg m−2 d−1. Light falling-net fishing grounds were concentrated in waters with latitude of 18.5° N and 20–20.25° N. There was a significant correlation between the mean latitude of optimum NPP and the latitudinal COG of CPUE, with the R2 being 0.91. These were connected with environmental factors such as the northeast monsoon that began in autumn and winter, warm pools near 19° N and local upwelling in the Beibu Gulf.
Using Supra-Covered Bonds to Enhance Liquidity in the Euro Area: Assessment of Advantages for the Banking Sector
Authors: Salto Matteo , Zedda Stefano , Zeugner Stefan
Published: November 2020

The discussion on the necessity of a larger volume of very highly quality liquid assets (VHQLA) in the euro area has been very extensive. The debate on expanding the pool of comparable euro area assets focuses on “safe assets”, often on various combinations of government bonds, most of which would not entail a strong increase in euro VHQLA. This paper explores a different option, complementary to the existing ones, based on the creation of a safe European asset backed by fully private assets. The paper proposes the issuance of supra-covered bonds by a central European institution. The latter are bonds issued by the central issuer and backed by covered bonds, which banks would have created using their mortgages as their cover pool. The aim is to increase substantially the outstanding amount of euro VHQLA. Such an asset would also be very beneficial during crisis periods, such as the current COVID19 crisis, by allowing banks to transform mortgages into very high quality liquid assets that can be used for funding and as a collateral in operations with the Eurosystem, thus enhancing the possible credit to sustain small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This paper assesses the main effects of such a proposal on banks under different possible scenarios.
Iron Ion Particle Radiation Resistance of Dried Colonies of Cryomyces antarcticus Embedded in Martian Regolith Analogues
Authors: Aureli Lorenzo , Pacelli Claudia , Cassaro Alessia , Fujimori Akira , Moeller Ralf , Onofri Silvano
Published: November 2020

Among the celestial bodies in the Solar System, Mars currently represents the main target for the search for life beyond Earth. However, its surface is constantly exposed to high doses of cosmic rays (CRs) that may pose a threat to any biological system. For this reason, investigations into the limits of resistance of life to space relevant radiation is fundamental to speculate on the chance of finding extraterrestrial organisms on Mars. In the present work, as part of the STARLIFE project, the responses of dried colonies of the black fungus Cryomyces antarcticus Culture Collection of Fungi from Extreme Environments (CCFEE) 515 to the exposure to accelerated iron (LET: 200 keV/μm) ions, which mimic part of CRs spectrum, were investigated. Samples were exposed to the iron ions up to 1000 Gy in the presence of Martian regolith analogues. Our results showed an extraordinary resistance of the fungus in terms of survival, recovery of metabolic activity and DNA integrity. These experiments give new insights into the survival probability of possible terrestrial-like life forms on the present or past Martian surface and shallow subsurface environments.
Simulation Study on Weld Formation in Full Penetration Laser + MIG Hybrid Welding of Copper Alloy
Authors: An Feipeng , Gong Qilong , Xu Guoxiang , Zhang Tan , Hu Qingxian , Zhu Jie
Published: November 2020

Considering the coupling of a droplet, keyhole, and molten pool, a three-dimensional transient model for the full penetration laser + metal inert gas (MIG) hybrid welding of thin copper alloy plate was established, which is able to simulate the temperature and velocity fields, keyhole behavior, and generation of the welding defect. Based on the experimental and simulation results, the weld formation mechanism for the hybrid butt welding of a 2 mm-thick copper alloy plate was comparatively studied in terms of the fluid dynamic feature of the melt pool. For single laser welding, the dynamic behavior of liquid metal near the rear keyhole wall is complex, and the keyhole has a relatively drastic fluctuation. An obvious spattering phenomenon occurs at the workpiece backside. Meanwhile, the underfill (or undercut) defect is formed at both the top and bottom surfaces of the final weld bead, and the recoil pressure is identified as the main factor. In hybrid welding, a downward fluid flow is strengthened on the rear keyhole wall, and the stability of the keyhole root is enhanced greatly. There are large and small clockwise vortexes emerging in the upper and lower parts of the molten pool, respectively. A relatively stable metal bulge can be produced at the weld pool backside. The formation defects are suppressed effectively, increasing the reliability of full penetration butt welding of the thin copper alloy plate.
Study and Preparation of Multifunctional Poly(L-Lysine)@Hyaluronic Acid Nanopolyplexes for the Effective Delivery of Tumor Suppressive MiR-34a into Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Djafari Jamila , Fernández-Lodeiro Javier , Santos Hugo M. , Lorenzo Julia , Rodriguez-Calado Sergi , Bértolo Emilia , Capelo-Martínez José Luis , Lodeiro Carlos
Published: November 2020

Non-viral gene delivery using exogenous microRNAs is a potential strategy for fighting cancers with poor prognosis and which lack specific therapies, such as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Herein we report the synthesis of six nontoxic electrostatic polymeric nanocapsules (P1 to P6) for microRNA delivery in TNBC cells. 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the nanopolyplexes, synthesized with Poly(L-Lysine) and hyaluronic acid (Ha). Studies on the activity of the ternary HA/PLI/miRNA-34 nanopolyplexes towards TNBC cell line MDA-MB-231 were conducted. The nanopolyplexes mediated intracellular restoration of tumor suppressor miR34a was evaluated by using Western blotting to quantify the expression level of the Bcl-2 protein. The results suggest that the P5, with a ratio PLI/Ha of 0.05, was the most promising for the delivery of miR-34a into TNBC cells; the P5 nanocapsules were able to reduce Bcl-2 expression at a protein level, and had an effect in the overall cell viability after 24 h treatment.
Physico-Mechanical and Rheological Properties of Epoxy Adhesives Modified by Microsilica and Sonication Process
Authors: Szewczak Andrzej , Szeląg Maciej
Published: November 2020

Industrial waste from the production of metallic silicon and silicon–iron alloys, which includes silica fumes (microsilica), is subject to numerous applications aiming at its reuse in concrete and polymeric composites. Recycling solves the problem of their storage and adverse environmental impact. Six different formulas of epoxy resins were tested, differing in the type of polymer, the mixing process (sonication or not) and the presence of microsilica. The study showed that microsilica added to the epoxy resin changes its viscosity and free surface energy, and these are the parameters that determine the adhesion of the polymer to the concrete surface. Strength tests and SEM analysis have determined how microsilica molecules can penetrate the structure of polymer macromolecules by filling and forming temporary chemical bonds. Mixing the fillers with the adhesive was achieved by using a sonication process. The analysis of the obtained results showed that, depending on the initial composition of the polymer, the addition of microsilica can change the chemical, physical and mechanical properties of the hardened adhesive to varying degrees. In the case of adhesives used in the construction industry to strengthen and glue structural elements, these changes significantly affect the durability of the adhesive joints.
Platinum(II) Complexes with Bulky Disubstitute Triazolopyrimidines as Promising Materials for Anticancer Agents
Authors: Łakomska Iwona , Śmiłowicz Dariusz , Jakubowski Mateusz , Sitkowski Jerzy , Wojtczak Andrzej
Published: November 2020

Herein, we present dicarboxylate platinum(II) complexes of the general formula [Pt(mal)(DMSO)(L)] and [Pt(CBDC)(DMSO)(L)], where L is dbtp 5,7-ditertbutyl-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine) or ibmtp (7-isobutyl-5-methyl-1,2,4- triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine), as prospective prodrugs. The platinum(II) complexes were synthesized in a one-pot reaction between cis-[PtCl2(DMSO)2], silver malonate or silver cyclobutane-1,1-dicarboxylate and triazolopyrimidines. All platinum(II) compounds were characterized by FT-IR, and 1H, 13C, 15N and 195Pt NMR; and their square planar geometries with one monodentate N(3)-bonded 5,7-disubstituted-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, one S-bonded molecule of dimethyl sulfoxide and one O,O-chelating malonato (1, 2) or O,O-chelating cyclobutane-1,1-dicarboxylato (3, 4) was determined. Additionally, [Pt(CBDC)(dbtp)(DMSO)] (3) exhibited (i) substantial in vitro cytotoxicity against the lung adenocarcinoma epithelial cell line (A549) (IC50 = 5.00 µM) and the cisplatin-resistant human ductal breast epithelial tumor cell line (T47D) (IC50 = 6.60 µM); and (ii) definitely exhibited low toxicity against normal murine embryonic fibroblast cells (BALB/3T3).
Systematic Review on the Effects, Roles and Methods of Magnetic Particle Coatings in Magnetorheological Materials
Authors: Jamari Siti , Nordin Nur , Ubaidillah  , Aziz Siti , Nazmi Nurhazimah , Mazlan Saiful
Published: November 2020

Magnetorheological (MR) material is a type of magneto-sensitive smart materials which consists of magnetizable particles dispersed in a carrier medium. Throughout the years, coating on the surface of the magnetic particles has been developed by researchers to enhance the performance of MR materials, which include the improvement of sedimentation stability, enhancement of the interaction between the particles and matrix mediums, and improving rheological properties as well as providing extra protection against oxidative environments. There are a few coating methods that have been employed to graft the coating layer on the surface of the magnetic particles, such as atomic transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), chemical oxidative polymerization, and dispersion polymerization. This paper investigates the role of particle coating in MR materials with the effects gained from grafting the magnetic particles. This paper also discusses the coating methods employed in some of the works that have been established by researchers in the particle coating of MR materials.