bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Analysis of Welded Rods with a Functionally Graded Material Approach
Authors: Basmaci Ayse , Filiz Seckin , Şahin Mümin
Published: June 2020

In recent years, with the development of welding methods, using these methods in manufacturing industry and in advanced engineering has become more popular. In this study, mechanical properties of rods obtained by friction welding and electric arc welding are compared. Hence, three specimens with different material properties are manufactured, two of which are welded by friction welding and one of which is welded by electric arc welding. These three specimens are adapted to the ASTM E8-04 standard with the help of a universal lathe. Moreover, the tensile stress values and the elasticity modulus of all these specimens are obtained as a result of tensile tests. Accordingly, the effects of the type of welding and material properties used in manufacturing on the mechanical behavior of the specimens are examined. In addition, specimens taken from the cracked surfaces of the pieces broken from the specimens as a result of the tensile test are examined with SEM (scanning electron microscopy). These examinations reveal the microstructure of the specimens. The elemental distribution data obtained as a result of examinations with SEM and the mechanical property data obtained as a result of tensile tests support each other. Furthermore, effects of a heat affected zone (HAZ) on the mechanical properties of the rod are investigated as a functionally graded material.
Hypervelocity Impact Cratering on Semi-Infinite Concrete Targets of Projectiles with Different Length to Diameter Ratios
Authors: Lu Yangyu , Zhang Qingming , Xue Yijiang , Shang Cheng , Liu Wenjin , Ren Siyuan , Long Renrong
Published: June 2020

Impact cratering experiments were performed on semi-infinite concrete targets with 7 mm-diameter 40CrNiMo steel long-rod projectiles at impact velocities ranging from 2117 m/s to 3086 m/s by using a two-stage combustion light-gas gun. After the impact experiments, the crater diameter and depth as well as the crater volume were carefully measured. The concrete fragments were collected from the target chamber and the fragment mass was measured. The size of the crater (including the volume, diameter, and depth) and the fragment mass increased with increasing impact velocities, while the fragment distributions at different impact velocities were almost the same. Scaling laws for the crater volume impacted by the rod-shaped projectile were discussed and an empirical formula of crater volume was determined by the experimental data from the literature. Through the verification of the present experimental results, the predictive ability of the empirical formula proved to be reliable. Scaling laws for the size distribution of concrete fragments were also discussed. The normalized fragment mass distribution was proportional to the impact velocity raised to the power 1.5.
Special Issue on Intelligent Processing on Image and Optical Information
Authors: Yeom Seokwon
Published: June 2020

Intelligent image and optical information processing have paved the way for the recent epoch of new intelligence and information era [...]
Projected Direct Carbon Dioxide Emission Reductions as a Result of the Adoption of Electric Vehicles in Gauteng Province of South Africa
Authors: Moeletsi Mokhele Edmond , Tongwane Mphethe Isaac
Published: June 2020

There are genuine worldwide concerns regarding the contribution of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Passenger electric vehicles (EVs) are considered as a viable solution to the rapidly increasing global GHG emissions from ICE vehicles. This study investigated the future impact of perceived adoption of electric vehicles in Gauteng Province of South Africa on carbon emissions. Estimations of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions were made with data from 2000 to 2018 to provide a reference period for the analysis. Projections of CO2 emissions from 2020 to 2030 were undertaken using three future cases, namely: mitigation, business as usual, and high economic growth based on the projected 20% population of electric vehicles, and four scenarios representing varying proportions of different types of EVs. The results showed an increasingly significant trend in CO2 emissions during the reference period. CO2 emissions estimated using the mitigation case showed an overall reduction in emissions of between 30% and 35%, depending on the scenario. The business as usual case showed an increase in emissions of 1–5% by 2030. The high economic growth case showed a high increase in CO2 emissions of 35–41% by 2030. The study indicates a need to accelerate the adoption of EVs with a 20% projection of the vehicle population still not enough to make a meaningful contribution towards decreasing CO2 emissions from passenger vehicles.
Performance of KMA-ADAM3 in Identifying Asian Dust Days over Northern China
Authors: Ryoo Sang-Boom , Kim Jinwon , Cho Jeong Hoon
Published: June 2020

Recently, the Korea Meteorological Administration developed Asian Dust Aerosol Model version 3 (ADAM3) by incorporating additional parameters into ADAM2, including anthropogenic particulate matter (PM) emissions, modification of dust generation by considering real-time surface vegetation, and assimilations of surface PM observations and satellite-measured aerosol optical depth. This study evaluates the performance of ADAM3 in identifying Asian dust days over the dust source regions in Northern China and their variations according to regions and soil types by comparing its performance with ADAM2 (from January to June of 2017). In all regions the performance of ADAM3 was markedly improved, especially for Northwestern China, where the threat score (TS) and the probability of detection (POD) improved from 5.4% and 5.5% to 30.4% and 34.4%, respectively. ADAM3 outperforms ADAM2 for all soil types, especially for the sand-type soil for which TS and POD are improved from 39.2.0% and 50.7% to 48.9% and 68.2%, respectively. Despite these improvements in regions and surface soil types, Asian dust emission formulas in ADAM3 need improvement for the loess-type soils to modulate the overestimation of Asian dust events related to anthropogenic emissions in the Huabei Plain and Manchuria.
The Use of a Numerical Weather Prediction Model to Simulate Near-Field Volcanic Plumes
Authors: Burton Ralph R. , Woodhouse Mark J. , Gadian Alan M. , Mobbs Stephen D.
Published: June 2020

In this paper, a state-of the art numerical weather prediction (NWP) model is used to simulate the near-field plume of a Plinian-type volcanic eruption. The NWP model is run at very high resolution (of the order of 100 m) and includes a representation of physical processes, including turbulence and buoyancy, that are essential components of eruption column dynamics. Results are shown that illustrate buoyant gas plume dynamics in an atmosphere at rest and in an atmosphere with background wind, and we show that these results agree well with those from theoretical models in the quiescent atmosphere. For wind-blown plumes, we show that features observed in experimental and natural settings are reproduced in our model. However, when comparing with predictions from an integral model using existing entrainment closures there are marked differences. We speculate that these are signatures of a difference in turbulent mixing for uniform and shear flow profiles in a stratified atmosphere. A more complex implementation is given to show that the model may also be used to examine the dispersion of heavy volcanic gases such as sulphur dioxide. Starting from the standard version of the weather research and forecasting (WRF) model, we show that minimal modifications are needed in order to model volcanic plumes. This suggests that the modified NWP model can be used in the forecasting of plume evolution during future volcanic events, in addition to providing a virtual laboratory for the testing of hypotheses regarding plume behaviour.
Fog Classification by Their Droplet Size Distributions: Application to the Characterization of Cerema’s Platform
Authors: Duthon Pierre , Colomb Michèle , Bernardin Frédéric
Published: June 2020

Fog is one of major challenges for transportation systems. The automation of the latter is based on perception sensors that can be disrupted by atmospheric conditions. As fog conditions are random and non-reproducible in nature, Cerema has designed a platform to generate fog and rain on demand. Two types of artificial fog with different droplet size distributions are generated: they correspond to radiation fogs with small and medium droplets. This study presents an original method for classifying these different types of fog in a descriptive and quantitative way. It uses a new fog classification coefficient based on a principal component analysis, which measures the ability of a pair of droplet size distribution descriptors to differentiate between the two different types of fog. This method is applied to a database containing more than 12,000 droplet size distributions collected within the platform. It makes it possible to show: (1) that the two types of fog proposed by Cerema have significantly different droplet size distributions, for meteorological visibility values from 10 m to 1000 m; (2) that the proposed droplet size distribution range is included in the natural droplet size distribution range; (3) that the proposed droplet size distribution range should be extended in particular with larger droplets. Finally, the proposed method makes it possible to compare the different fog droplet size distribution descriptors proposed in the literature.
A Personalized Heritage-Oriented Recommender System Based on Extended Cultural Tourist Typologies
Authors: Konstantakis Markos , Alexandridis Georgios , Caridakis George
Published: June 2020

Recent developments in digital technologies regarding the cultural heritage domain have driven technological trends in comfortable and convenient traveling, by offering interactive and personalized user experiences. The emergence of big data analytics, recommendation systems and personalization techniques have created a smart research field, augmenting cultural heritage visitor’s experience. In this work, a novel, hybrid recommender system for cultural places is proposed, that combines user preference with cultural tourist typologies. Starting with the McKercher typology as a user classification research base, which extracts five categories of heritage tourists out of two variables (cultural centrality and depth of user experience) and using a questionnaire, an enriched cultural tourist typology is developed, where three additional variables governing cultural visitor types are also proposed (frequency of visits, visiting knowledge and duration of the visit). The extracted categories per user are fused in a robust collaborative filtering, matrix factorization-based recommendation algorithm as extra user features. The obtained results on reference data collected from eight cities exhibit an improvement in system performance, thereby indicating the robustness of the presented approach.
Targeting the Endocannabinoid CB1 Receptor to Treat Body Weight Disorders: A Preclinical and Clinical Review of the Therapeutic Potential of Past and Present CB1 Drugs
Authors: Murphy Thomas , Le Foll Bernard
Published: June 2020

Obesity rates are increasing worldwide and there is a need for novel therapeutic treatment options. The endocannabinoid system has been linked to homeostatic processes, including metabolism, food intake, and the regulation of body weight. Rimonabant, an inverse agonist for the cannabinoid CB1 receptor, was effective at producing weight loss in obese subjects. However, due to adverse psychiatric side effects, rimonabant was removed from the market. More recently, we reported an inverse relationship between cannabis use and BMI, which has now been duplicated by several groups. As those results may appear contradictory, we review here preclinical and clinical studies that have studied the impact on body weight of various cannabinoid CB1 drugs. Notably, we will review the impact of CB1 inverse agonists, agonists, partial agonists, and neutral antagonists. Those findings clearly point out the cannabinoid CB1 as a potential effective target for the treatment of obesity. Recent preclinical studies suggest that ligands targeting the CB1 may retain the therapeutic potential of rimonabant without the negative side effect profile. Such approaches should be tested in clinical trials for validation.
Comparative Characterization of Plasmodium falciparum Hsp70-1 Relative to E. coli DnaK Reveals the Functional Specificity of the Parasite Chaperone
Authors: Lebepe Charity Mekgwa , Matambanadzo Pearl Rutendo , Makhoba Xolani Henry , Achilonu Ikechukwu , Zininga Tawanda , Shonhai Addmore
Published: June 2020

Hsp70 is a conserved molecular chaperone. How Hsp70 exhibits specialized functions across species remains to be understood. Plasmodium falciparum Hsp70-1 (PfHsp70-1) and Escherichia coli DnaK are cytosol localized molecular chaperones that are important for the survival of these two organisms. In the current study, we investigated comparative structure-function features of PfHsp70-1 relative to DnaK and a chimeric protein, KPf, constituted by the ATPase domain of DnaK and the substrate binding domain (SBD) of PfHsp70-1. Recombinant forms of the three Hsp70s exhibited similar secondary and tertiary structural folds. However, compared to DnaK, both KPf and PfHsp70-1 were more stable to heat stress and exhibited higher basal ATPase activity. In addition, PfHsp70-1 preferentially bound to asparagine rich peptide substrates, as opposed to DnaK. Recombinant P. falciparum adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (PfAdoMetDC) co-expressed in E. coli with either KPf or PfHsp70-1 was produced as a fully folded product. Co-expression of PfAdoMetDC with heterologous DnaK in E. coli did not promote folding of the former. However, a combination of supplementary GroEL plus DnaK improved folding of PfAdoMetDC. These findings demonstrated that the SBD of PfHsp70-1 regulates several functional features of the protein and that this molecular chaperone is tailored to facilitate folding of plasmodial proteins.
A Computational Approach with Biological Evaluation: Combinatorial Treatment of Curcumin and Exemestane Synergistically Regulates DDX3 Expression in Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Rampogu Shailima , Kim Seong Min , Son Minky , Baek Ayoung , Park Chanin , Lee Gihwan , Kim Yumi , Kim Gon Sup , Kim Ju Hyun , Lee Keun Woo
Published: June 2020

DDX3 belongs to RNA helicase family that demonstrates oncogenic properties and has gained wider attention due to its role in cancer progression, proliferation and transformation. Mounting reports have evidenced the role of DDX3 in cancers making it a promising target to abrogate DDX3 triggered cancers. Dual pharmacophore models were generated and were subsequently validated. They were used as 3D queries to screen the InterBioScreen database, resulting in the selection of curcumin that was escalated to molecular dynamics simulation studies. In vitro anti-cancer analysis was conducted on three cell lines such as MCF-7, MDA-MB-231 and HeLa, which were evaluated along with exemestane. Curcumin was docked into the active site of the protein target (PDB code 2I4I) to estimate the binding affinity. The compound has interacted with two key residues and has displayed stable molecular dynamics simulation results. In vitro analysis has demonstrated that both the candidate compounds have reduced the expression of DDX3 in three cell lines. However, upon combinatorial treatment of curcumin (10 and 20 μM) and exemestane (50 μM) a synergism was exhibited, strikingly downregulating the DDX3 expression and has enhanced apoptosis in three cell lines. The obtained results illuminate the use of curcumin as an alternative DDX3 inhibitor and can serve as a chemical scaffold to design new small molecules.
Efficacy Assessment of an Uncharged Reactivator of NOP-Inhibited Acetylcholinesterase Based on Tetrahydroacridine Pyridine-Aldoxime Hybrid in Mouse Compared to Pralidoxime
Authors: Calas André-Guilhem , Hanak Anne-Sophie , Jaffré Nina , Nervo Aurélie , Dias José , Rousseau Catherine , Courageux Charlotte , Brazzolotto Xavier , Villa Pascal , Obrecht Adeline , Goossens Jean-François , Landry Christophe , Hachani Johan , Gosselet Fabien , Dehouck Marie-Pierre , Yerri Jagadeesh , Kliachyna Maria , Baati Rachid , Nachon Florian
Published: June 2020

(1) Background: Human exposure to organophosphorus compounds employed as pesticides or as chemical warfare agents induces deleterious effects due to cholinesterase inhibition. One therapeutic approach is the reactivation of inhibited acetylcholinesterase by oximes. While currently available oximes are unable to reach the central nervous system to reactivate cholinesterases or to display a wide spectrum of action against the variety of organophosphorus compounds, we aim to identify new reactivators without such drawbacks. (2) Methods: This study gathers an exhaustive work to assess in vitro and in vivo efficacy, and toxicity of a hybrid tetrahydroacridine pyridinaldoxime reactivator, KM297, compared to pralidoxime. (3) Results: Blood–brain barrier crossing assay carried out on a human in vitro model established that KM297 has an endothelial permeability coefficient twice that of pralidoxime. It also presents higher cytotoxicity, particularly on bone marrow-derived cells. Its strong cholinesterase inhibition potency seems to be correlated to its low protective efficacy in mice exposed to paraoxon. Ventilatory monitoring of KM297-treated mice by double-chamber plethysmography shows toxic effects at the selected therapeutic dose. This breathing assessment could help define the No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) dose of new oximes which would have a maximum therapeutic effect without any toxic side effects.
Endothelial Dysfunction May Link Interatrial Septal Abnormalities and MTHFR-Inherited Defects to Cryptogenic Stroke Predisposition
Authors: Sgarra Luca , Bortone Alessandro Santo , Potenza Maria Assunta , Nacci Carmela , De Salvia Maria Antonietta , Acquaviva Tommaso , De Cillis Emanuela , Ciccone Marco Matteo , Grimaldi Massimo , Montagnani Monica
Published: June 2020

We explored the significance of the L-Arginine/asymmetric dimethylarginine (L-Arg/ADMA) ratio as a biomarker of endothelial dysfunction in stroke patients. To this aim, we evaluated the correlation, in terms of severity, between the degree of endothelial dysfunction (by L-Arg/ADMA ratio), the methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) genotype, and the interatrial septum (IAS) phenotype in subject with a history of stroke. Methods and Results: L-Arg, ADMA, and MTHFR genotypes were evaluated; the IAS phenotype was assessed by transesophageal echocardiography. Patients were grouped according to the severity of IAS defects and the residual enzymatic activity of MTHFR-mutated variants, and values of L-Arg/ADMA ratio were measured in each subgroup. Of 57 patients, 10 had a septum integrum (SI), 38 a patent foramen ovale (PFO), and 9 an ostium secundum (OS). The L-Arg/ADMA ratio differed across septum phenotypes (p ≤ 0.01), and was higher in SI than in PFO or OS patients (p ≤ 0.05, p ≤ 0.01, respectively). In the PFO subgroup a negative correlation was found between the L-Arg/ADMA ratio and PFO tunnel length/height ratio (p ≤ 0.05; r = − 0.37; R2 = 0.14). Interestingly, the L-Arg/ADMA ratio varied across MTHFR genotypes (p ≤ 0.0001) and was lower in subgroups carrying the most impaired enzyme with respect to patients carrying the conservative MTHFR (p ≤ 0.0001, p ≤ 0.05, respectively). Consistently, OS patients carried the most dysfunctional MTHFR genotypes, whereas SI patients the least ones. Conclusions: A low L-Arg/ADMA ratio correlates with impaired activity of MTHFR and with the jeopardized IAS phenotype along a severity spectrum encompassing OS, PFO with long/tight tunnel, PFO with short/large tunnel, and SI. This infers that genetic MTHFR defects may underlie endothelial dysfunction-related IAS abnormalities, and predispose to a cryptogenic stroke. Our findings emphasize the role of the L-Arg/ADMA ratio as a reliable marker of stroke susceptibility in carriers of IAS abnormalities, and suggest its potential use both as a diagnostic tool and as a decision aid for therapy.
The Regulatory Role of Key Metabolites in the Control of Cell Signaling
Authors: Milanesi Riccardo , Coccetti Paola , Tripodi Farida
Published: June 2020

Robust biological systems are able to adapt to internal and environmental perturbations. This is ensured by a thick crosstalk between metabolism and signal transduction pathways, through which cell cycle progression, cell metabolism and growth are coordinated. Although several reports describe the control of cell signaling on metabolism (mainly through transcriptional regulation and post-translational modifications), much fewer information is available on the role of metabolism in the regulation of signal transduction. Protein-metabolite interactions (PMIs) result in the modification of the protein activity due to a conformational change associated with the binding of a small molecule. An increasing amount of evidences highlight the role of metabolites of the central metabolism in the control of the activity of key signaling proteins in different eukaryotic systems. Here we review the known PMIs between primary metabolites and proteins, through which metabolism affects signal transduction pathways controlled by the conserved kinases Snf1/AMPK, Ras/PKA and TORC1. Interestingly, PMIs influence also the mitochondrial retrograde response (RTG) and calcium signaling, clearly demonstrating that the range of this phenomenon is not limited to signaling pathways related to metabolism.
A Human DUB Protein Array for Clarification of Linkage Specificity of Polyubiquitin Chain and Application to Evaluation of Its Inhibitors
Authors: Takahashi Hirotaka , Yamanaka Satoshi , Kuwada Shohei , Higaki Kana , Kido Kohki , Sato Yusuke , Fukai Shuya , Tokunaga Fuminori , Sawasaki Tatsuya
Published: June 2020

Protein ubiquitinations play pivotal roles in many cellular processes, including homeostasis, responses to various stimulations, and progression of diseases. Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) remove ubiquitin molecules from ubiquitinated proteins and cleave the polyubiquitin chain, thus negatively regulating numerous ubiquitin-dependent processes. Dysfunctions of many DUBs reportedly cause various diseases; therefore, DUBs are considered as important drug targets, although the biochemical characteristics and cellular functions of many DUBs are still unclear. Here, we established a human DUB protein array to detect the activity and linkage specificity of almost all human DUBs. Using a wheat cell-free protein synthesis system, 88 full-length recombinant human DUB proteins were prepared and termed the DUB array. In vitro DUB assays were performed with all of these recombinant DUBs, using eight linkage types of diubiquitins as substrates. As a result, 80 DUBs in the array showed DUB activities, and their linkage specificities were determined. These 80 DUBs included many biochemically uncharacterized DUBs in the past. In addition, taking advantage of these active DUB proteins, we applied the DUB array to evaluate the selectivities of DUB inhibitors. We successfully developed a high-throughput and semi-quantitative DUB assay based on AlphaScreen technology, and a model study using two commercially available DUB inhibitors revealed individual selectivities to 29 DUBs, as previously reported. In conclusion, the DUB array established here is a powerful tool for biochemical analyses and drug discovery for human DUBs.
Omics Integration Analyses Reveal the Early Evolution of Malignancy in Breast Cancer
Authors: Sarhadi Shamim , Salehzadeh-Yazdi Ali , Damaghi Mehdi , Zarghami Nosratollah , Wolkenhauer Olaf , Hosseini Hedayatollah
Published: June 2020

The majority of cancer evolution studies involve individual-based approaches that neglect the population dynamics necessary to build a global picture of cancer evolution for each cancer type. Here, we conducted a population-based study in breast cancer to understand the timing of malignancy evolution and its correlation to the genetic evolution of pathological stages. In an omics integrative approach, we integrated gene expression and genomic aberration data for pre-invasive (ductal carcinoma in situ; DCIS, early-stage) and post-invasive (invasive ductal carcinoma; IDC, late-stage) samples and investigated the evolutionary role of further genetic changes in later stages compared to the early ones. We found that single gene alterations (SGAs) and copy-number alterations (CNAs) work together in forward and backward evolution manners to fine-tune the signaling pathways operating in tumors. Analyses of the integrated point mutation and gene expression data showed that (i) our proposed fine-tuning concept is also applicable to metastasis, and (ii) metastases sometimes diverge from the primary tumor at the DCIS stage. Our results indicated that the malignant potency of breast tumors is constant over the pre- and post-invasive pathological stages. Indeed, further genetic alterations in later stages do not establish de novo malignancy routes; however, they serve to fine-tune antecedent signaling pathways.
SPOP Deregulation Improves the Radiation Response of Prostate Cancer Models by Impairing DNA Damage Repair
Authors: El Bezawy Rihan , Tripari Martina , Percio Stefano , Cicchetti Alessandro , Tortoreto Monica , Stucchi Claudio , Tinelli Stella , Zuco Valentina , Doldi Valentina , Gandellini Paolo , Valdagni Riccardo , Zaffaroni Nadia
Published: June 2020

Speckle-type POZ (pox virus and zinc finger protein) protein (SPOP) is the most commonly mutated gene in prostate cancer (PCa). Recent evidence reports a role of SPOP in DNA damage response (DDR), indicating a possible impact of SPOP deregulation on PCa radiosensitivity. This study aimed to define the role of SPOP deregulation (by gene mutation or knockdown) as a radiosensitizing factor in PCa preclinical models. To express WT or mutant (Y87N, K129E and F133V) SPOP, DU145 and PC-3 cells were transfected with pMCV6 vectors. Sensitivity profiles were assessed using clonogenic assay and immunofluorescent staining of γH2AX and RAD51 foci. SCID xenografts were treated with 5 Gy single dose irradiation using an image-guided small animal irradiator. siRNA and miRNA mimics were used to silence SPOP or express the SPOP negative regulator miR-145, respectively. SPOP deregulation, by either gene mutation or knockdown, consistently enhanced the radiation response of PCa models by impairing DDR, as indicated by transcriptome analysis and functionally confirmed by decreased RAD51 foci. SPOP silencing also resulted in a significant downregulation of RAD51 and CHK1 expression, consistent with the impairment of homologous recombination. Our results indicate that SPOP deregulation plays a radiosensitizing role in PCa by impairing DDR via downregulation of RAD51 and CHK1.
An Overview of Candidate Therapeutic Target Genes in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Alexandrova Elena , Pecoraro Giovanni , Sellitto Assunta , Melone Viola , Ferravante Carlo , Rocco Teresa , Guacci Anna , Giurato Giorgio , Nassa Giovanni , Rizzo Francesca , Weisz Alessandro , Tarallo Roberta
Published: June 2020

Ovarian cancer (OC) shows the highest mortality rate among gynecological malignancies and, because of the absence of specific symptoms, it is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage, mainly due to the lack of specific and early biomarkers, such as those based on cancer molecular signature identification. Indeed, although significant progress has been made toward improving the clinical outcome of other cancers, rates of mortality for OC are essentially unchanged since 1980, suggesting the need of new approaches to identify and characterize the molecular mechanisms underlying pathogenesis and progression of these malignancies. In addition, due to the low response rate and the high frequency of resistance to current treatments, emerging therapeutic strategies against OC focus on targeting single factors and pathways specifically involved in tumor growth and metastasis. To date, loss-of-function screenings are extensively applied to identify key drug targets in cancer, seeking for more effective, disease-tailored treatments to overcome lack of response or resistance to current therapies. We review here the information relative to essential genes and functional pathways recently discovered in OC, often strictly interconnected with each other and representing promising biomarkers and molecular targets to treat these malignancies.
RNA-Sequencing-Based Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals a Role for Annexin-A1 in Classical and Influenza A Virus-Induced Autophagy
Authors: Cui Jianzhou , Morgan Dhakshayini , Cheng Dao Han , Foo Sok Lin , Yap Gracemary L. R. , Ampomah Patrick B. , Arora Suruchi , Sachaphibulkij Karishma , Periaswamy Balamurugan , Fairhurst Anna-Marie , De Sessions Paola Florez , Lim Lina H. K.
Published: June 2020

Influenza viruses have been shown to use autophagy for their survival. However, the proteins and mechanisms involved in the autophagic process triggered by the influenza virus are unclear. Annexin-A1 (ANXA1) is an immunomodulatory protein involved in the regulation of the immune response and Influenza A virus (IAV) replication. In this study, using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9 (CRISPR associated protein 9) deletion of ANXA1, combined with the next-generation sequencing, we systematically analyzed the critical role of ANXA1 in IAV infection as well as the detailed processes governing IAV infection, such as macroautophagy. A number of differentially expressed genes were uniquely expressed in influenza A virus-infected A549 parental cells and A549 ∆ANXA1 cells, which were enriched in the immune system and infection-related pathways. Gene ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway revealed the role of ANXA1 in autophagy. To validate this, the effect of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors, starvation and influenza infection on autophagy was determined, and our results demonstrate that ANXA1 enhances autophagy induced by conventional autophagy inducers and influenza virus. These results will help us to understand the underlying mechanisms of IAV infection and provide a potential therapeutic target for restricting influenza viral replication and infection.
N-Glycosylation and N-Glycan Processing in HBV Biology and Pathogenesis
Authors: Dobrica Mihaela-Olivia , Lazar Catalin , Branza-Nichita Norica
Published: June 2020

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) glycobiology has been an area of intensive research in the last decades and continues to be an attractive topic due to the multiple roles that N-glycosylation in particular plays in the virus life-cycle and its interaction with the host that are still being discovered. The three HBV envelope glycoproteins, small (S), medium (M) and large (L) share a very peculiar N-glycosylation pattern, which distinctly regulates their folding, degradation, assembly, intracellular trafficking and antigenic properties. In addition, recent findings indicate important roles of N-linked oligosaccharides in viral pathogenesis and evasion of the immune system surveillance. This review focuses on N-glycosylation’s contribution to HBV infection and disease, with implications for development of improved vaccines and antiviral therapies.
Self-Agglomeration in Fluidised Beds after Spray Drying
Authors: Fitzpatrick John J. , Wu Shaozong , Cronin Kevin , Miao Song
Published: June 2020

Many powders are produced in spray-drying processes from liquid concentrates. Self-agglomeration can be performed in a fluidised bed where the spray-dried powder is agglomerated using the liquid concentrate as the binder material. This has advantages over traditional wet agglomeration in fluid beds using liquid binders (such as water or sugar solutions). These include thermal energy savings and no additional non-aqueous binder components added. The work presented has two parts. The first part is experimental, which investigated the self-agglomeration of whey protein isolate (WPI) powder as a case-study. It showed that satisfactory agglomeration was achieved with a great improvement in the wettability of the powder. The second part of the work performed thermal energy analysis to estimate the energy saving potential of self-agglomeration, and how this is influenced by binder to powder ratio and binder solids concentration. For the WPI case-study, the analysis showed there is potential for a 19% saving in thermal energy requirement for self-agglomeration in comparison to traditional agglomeration using a water binder.
Sodium Alginate Cross-Linkable Planar 1D Photonic Crystals as a Promising Tool for Pb2+ Detection in Water
Authors: Dodero Andrea , Lova Paola , Vicini Silvia , Castellano Maila , Comoretto Davide
Published: June 2020

Due to its high toxicity, Pb2+ pollution is a serious threat for human health and environments. However, in situ real-time detection of Pb2+ pollution is difficult and laboratory instruments are usually required. Then, the possibility to monitor water quality without laboratory instruments could lead to the extensive assessment of polluted water sources, especially in rural environments and developing countries where large lead concentrations are often found in surface water. Consequently, new simple colorimetric sensors are highly interesting in the field. In this work we report for the first time disposable polymer planar 1D photonic crystals made of poly (N-vinylcarbazole) as high refractive index medium and sodium alginate as low refractive index and active medium for the detection of Pb2+ in water. The detection relies on the ionic exchange occurring into the alginate matrix. This process effectively induces a physical cross-linking phenomenon, which inhibits water solubilization of the polymer. In turn, this affects the spectral response of the planar 1D photonic crystals modifying its color.
Building Resilience of Critical Infrastructure: A Case of Impacts of Cyclones on the Power Sector in Odisha
Authors: Mohanty Sujit Kumar , Chatterjee Ranit , Shaw Rajib
Published: June 2020

Odisha is multi-hazard-prone state in the eastern part of India. Among the various disasters, the frequency and severity of cyclones have increased at an alarming rate in the last two decades, which is attributed to climatic change. The state government of Odisha has made great strides in reducing the lives lost in the state, but an increase in economic losses and damage to critical infrastructure has become a point of worry. Considering the power sector as the most crucial of all critical infrastructures, this paper explores the impact that cyclones have had on the sector in the last two decades in Odisha. The 4R concept of robustness, redundancy, rapidity and resourcefulness is applied to the power sector, and how this is supported by governance is studied. The study points towards need for the master planning of critical infrastructure, based on the risk assessment, establishment of funding mechanisms for mitigation measures and the standardization and quality checking of power sector equipment to withstand the wind speeds of category 4 and above. There needs to be a good coordination between the power sector and the disaster management sector with proper legislative provision. Knowledge management, training and capacity building is another important issue which needs to be focused on.
Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) with Potential as Cosmetic Hair Formulations Made from Otoba Wax and Ultrahigh Pressure Homogenization
Authors: Rubiano Sandra , Echeverri Juan D. , Salamanca Constain H.
Published: June 2020

The development and physicochemical characterization of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) with potential for formulating hair cosmetic products were carried out. SLNs were made from Otoba wax, which is native to the tropical Andean region and has a high chemical composition of fatty acids with intermediate chains. SLNs were formulated by preparing wax-in-water dispersions at two internal phase proportions (low = 5% w/w and high = 20% w/w), using the same ratio of surfactant system and preservatives. The coarse dispersions were subjected to ultrahigh pressure homogenization (UHPH), and thermal stability assays for 4 weeks were carried out, where changes in Creaming Index, droplet size, polydispersity, viscosity, zeta potential, conductivity, and pH were evaluated. The results showed that Otoba wax has a required HLB value around 9 and is mainly composed of lauric (~35%) and myristic (~45%), which have been reported to improve the condition of hair loss. Regarding the development on SLNs, it was found that the internal phase concentration did not considerably affect the physicochemical and microbiological properties. Likewise, it was found that UHPH enabled the production of SLNs with particle sizes <200 nm, low polydispersity (<0.3), high zeta potential values, and suitable physical and microbiological stability. Therefore, Otoba wax has potential for the development of SLNs applicable to cosmetic formulations, especially for hair products.
Evaluation of ViroTrack Sero Zika IgG/IgM, a New Rapid and Quantitative Zika Serological Diagnostic Assay
Authors: Liao Tony , Wang Xiaole , Donolato Marco , Harris Eva , Cruz Magelda Montoya , Balmaseda Angel , Wang Robert Y.L.
Published: June 2020

Dengue virus (DENV) and Zika virus (ZIKV) belong to the flavivirus genus and are antigenically closely related. They also share the same mosquito vector and can cause similar symptoms upon infection. However, DENV and ZIKV infections lead to different clinical sequelae and treatments; therefore, clinicians need rapid and accurate diagnostics capable of distinguishing between the two diseases. Methods: We employed the immuno-magnetic assay technology on a microfluidic cartridge (ViroTrack Sero Zika IgG/IgM) for diagnosis of ZIKV infection based on the aggregation of magnetic nanoparticles. We carried out three serological studies including samples from the Dominican Republic, USA, and Nicaragua, aimed at detecting ZIKV-specific IgG and IgM using the ViroTrack Sero Zika IgG/IgM test. Results: The seroconversion results were comparable with ZIKV IgG and IgM reactivity measured by the commercial ZIKV ELISA kit. The sensitivity and specificity for both ZIKV IgG and IgM tested by the ViroTrack Sero Zika IgG/IgM was approximately 98% and 93%, respectively. Conclusion: Serological detection of ZIKV infection by the new ViroTrack Sero Zika IgG/IgM test shows promising performance and limited cross-reactivity with DENV.
Lymph Node Number Predicts the Efficacy of Adjuvant Chemoradiotherapy in Node-Positive Endometrial Cancer Patients
Authors: Lee Jie , Yu Tsung , Tsai Mu-Hung
Published: June 2020

This study aimed to evaluate the value of lymph node (LN) number as a predictor for adjuvant treatment in node-positive endometrial cancer. Data of 441 patients diagnosed with International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IIIC endometrial cancer and who underwent adjuvant chemotherapy alone or chemoradiotherapy between 2009 and 2015 from the Taiwan Cancer Registry were reviewed. The patients were stratified based on the number of positive LN as follows: 1, 2–5, and ≥ 6. The overall survival (OS) was analysed using the Kaplan–Meier method and the Cox proportional hazards model. In multivariable analysis, chemoradiotherapy was independently associated with improved OS (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.62, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.43–0.90; p = 0.01) compared with chemotherapy alone. Patients with ≥ 6 positive LNs were associated with a worse OS (HR: 2.22, 95% CI: 1.25–3.95; p = 0.006) and those with 2–5 LNs were not associated with a worse OS (HR: 1.56, 95% CI: 0.94–2.59; p = 0.09) compared to patients with one LN. When stratified based on LN number, chemoradiotherapy was found to significantly improve the 5-year OS of patients with ≥ 6 positive LNs compared to chemotherapy alone (35.9% vs. 70.0%, p < 0.001). No significant differences between chemotherapy alone and chemoradiotherapy were observed in 5-year OS among patients with one LN (73.1% vs. 80.8%, p = 0.31) or 2–5 positive LNs (71.4% vs. 75.7%, p = 0.68). Lymph node number may be used to identify node-positive endometrial cancer patients who are likely to have improved OS with intensification of adjuvant therapy.
Game Theoretical Analysis of a Multi-MNO MVNO Business Model in 5G Networks
Authors: Sacoto Cabrera Erwin , Guijarro Luis , Maillé Patrick
Published: June 2020

This paper analyzes the economic feasibility of a business model for multi-Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), which is an envisioned scenario in mobile telecommunications markets supported by 5G networks. A business model for the provision of service to end-users through an MVNO using the infrastructure support of two MNOs is proposed. We analyze the proposal though a model that captures both system and economic features. As regards the systems features, an MVNO provides service to final users using the infrastructure support of two MNOs. The agreement between MVNO and MNOs is such that the MVNO will split the network traffic between the two MNOs and will pay to each MNO for the traffic served through its infrastructure. As regards the economic features, the incentives are modelled through the user utilities and the operators’ profits; and game theory is used to model the strategic interaction between the users’ subscription decision and the MNO network capacities decision. We conclude that such a model is feasible from an economic point of view for all the actors.
A Multi-Channel Electromyography, Electrocardiography and Inertial Wireless Sensor Module Using Bluetooth Low-Energy
Authors: Biagetti Giorgio , Crippa Paolo , Falaschetti Laura , Turchetti Claudio
Published: June 2020

This paper proposes a wireless sensor device for the real-time acquisition of bioelectrical signals such as electromyography (EMG) and electrocardiography (ECG), coupled with an inertial sensor, to provide a comprehensive stream of data suitable for human activity detection, motion analysis, and technology-assisted nursing of persons with physical or cognitive impairments. The sensor is able to acquire up to three independent bioelectrical channels (six electrodes), each with 24 bits of resolution and a sampling rate up to 3.2 kHz, and has a 6-DoF inertial platform measuring linear acceleration and angular velocity. The bluetooth low-energy wireless link was chosen because it allows easy interfacing with many consumer electronics devices, such as smartphones or tablets, that can work as data aggregators, but also imposes data rate restrictions. These restrictions are investigated in this paper as well, together with the strategy we adopted to maximize the available bandwidth and reliability of the transmission within the limits imposed by the protocol.
DeepSoCS: A Neural Scheduler for Heterogeneous System-on-Chip (SoC) Resource Scheduling
Authors: Sung Tegg Taekyong , Ha Jeongsoo , Kim Jeewoo , Yahja Alex , Sohn Chae-Bong , Ryu Bo
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we present a novel scheduling solution for a class of System-on-Chip (SoC) systems where heterogeneous chip resources (DSP, FPGA, GPU, etc.) must be efficiently scheduled for continuously arriving hierarchical jobs with their tasks represented by a directed acyclic graph. Traditionally, heuristic algorithms have been widely used for many resource scheduling domains, and Heterogeneous Earliest Finish Time (HEFT) has been a dominating state-of-the-art technique across a broad range of heterogeneous resource scheduling domains over many years. Despite their long-standing popularity, HEFT-like algorithms are known to be vulnerable to a small amount of noise added to the environment. Our Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL)-based SoC Scheduler (DeepSoCS), capable of learning the “best” task ordering under dynamic environment changes, overcomes the brittleness of rule-based schedulers such as HEFT with significantly higher performance across different types of jobs. We describe a DeepSoCS design process using a real-time heterogeneous SoC scheduling emulator, discuss major challenges, and present two novel neural network design features that lead to outperforming HEFT: (i) hierarchical job- and task-graph embedding; and (ii) efficient use of real-time task information in the state space. Furthermore, we introduce effective techniques to address two fundamental challenges present in our environment: delayed consequences and joint actions. Through an extensive simulation study, we show that our DeepSoCS exhibits the significantly higher performance of job execution time than that of HEFT with a higher level of robustness under realistic noise conditions. We conclude with a discussion of the potential improvements for our DeepSoCS neural scheduler.
Automatic Fault-Tolerant Control of Multiphase Induction Machines: A Game Changer
Authors: Gonzalez-Prieto Angel , Aciego Juan J. , Gonzalez-Prieto Ignacio , Duran Mario J.
Published: June 2020

Until very recently, the fault tolerance in multiphase electric drives could only be achieved after fault localization and a subsequent modification of the control scheme. This scenario was profoundly shaken with the appearance of the natural fault tolerance, as the control reconfiguration was not required anymore. Even though the control strategy was highly simplified, it was still necessary to detect the open-phase fault (OPF) in order to derate the electric drive and safeguard its integrity. This work goes one step beyond and suggests the use of an automatic fault-tolerant control (AFTC) that also avoids the detection of the OPF. The AFTC combines the natural fault-tolerant capability with a self-derating technique, finally obtaining a hardware-free software-free fault tolerance. This achievement changes completely the rules of the game in the design of fault-tolerant drives, easing at the same time their industrial application. Experimental results confirm in a six-phase induction motor (IM) drive that the proposed AFTC provides a simple and safe manner to add further reliability to multiphase electric drives.
A Spline Kernel-Based Approach for Nonlinear System Identification with Dimensionality Reduction
Authors: Zhang Wanxin , Zhu Jihong
Published: June 2020

This paper proposes a novel approach for identification of nonlinear systems. By transforming the data space into a feature space, kernel methods can be used for modeling nonlinear systems. The spline kernel is adopted to produce a Hilbert space. However, a problem exists as the spline kernel-based identification method cannot deal with data with high dimensions well, resulting in huge computational cost and slow estimation speed. Additionally, owing to the large number of parameters to be estimated, the amount of training data required for accurate identification must be large enough to satisfy the persistence of excitation conditions. To solve the problem, a dimensionality reduction strategy is proposed. Transformation of coordinates is made with the tool of differential geometry. The purpose of the transformation is that no intersection of information with relevance to the output will exist between different new states, while the states with no impact on the output are extracted, which are then abandoned when constructing the model. Then, the dimension of the kernel-based model is reduced, and the number of parameters to be estimated is also reduced. Finally, the proposed identification approach was validated by simulations performed on experimental data from wind tunnel tests. The identification result turns out to be accurate and effective with lower dimensions.