bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Edible Seaweeds and Spirulina Extracts for Food Application: In Vitro and In Situ Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity towards Foodborne Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Martelli Francesco , Cirlini Martina , Lazzi Camilla , Neviani Erasmo , Bernini Valentina
Published: October 2020

Research is more and more focused on studying and selecting food preservatives of natural origin. In this scenario, algae are an excellent source of bioactive compounds, among which are antimicrobials, whose presence is variable depending on the algal species and environmental conditions. The aim of the present study was to obtain, by a food grade approach, antimicrobial extracts from five species already approved as foods and to test their efficacy in vitro (agar well diffusion assay) and in situ (microbial challenge test) towards foodborne pathogenic bacteria. Moreover, the total phenolic compounds of the extracts were determined in order to evaluate possible correlations with the antimicrobial activity. Strains belonging to Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus were considered. Overall, the extracts showed a good antimicrobial activity in vitro towards all the tested microorganisms, especially L. monocytogenes (15 mm of inhibition diameter). The effect of inhibition was monitored during 24, 48 and 120 h showing a good persistence in time. Arthrospira platensis exerted the highest efficacy, further revealed towards L. monocytogenes on salmon tartare as bacteriostatic using 0.45% of the extract and bactericidal using 0.90%. The presence of phenolic compounds could be related to the antimicrobial activity but was not revealed as the main component of this activity. The extract with the highest phenolic content (18.79 ± 1.90 mg GAE/g) was obtained from Himanthalia elongata. The efficacy, confirmed also in a food matrix, might open perspectives for their application as food preservative.
Use of Modern Regression Analysis in the Dielectric Properties of Foods
Authors: Weng Yu-Kai , Chen Jiunyuan , Cheng Ching-Wei , Chen Chiachung
Published: October 2020

The dielectric properties of food materials is used to describe the interaction of foods with electromagnetic energy for food technology and engineering. To quantify the relationship between dielectric properties and influencing factors, regression analysis is used in our study. Many linear or polynomial regression equations are proposed. However, the basic assumption of the regression analysis is that data with a normal distribution and constant variance are not checked. This study uses sixteen datasets from the literature to derive the equations for dielectric properties. The dependent variables are the dielectric constant and the loss factor. The independent variables are the frequency, temperature, and moisture content. The dependent variables and frequency terms are transformed for regression analysis. The effect of other qualitative factors, such as treatment method and the position of subjects on dielectric properties, are determined using categorical testing. Then, the regression equations can be used to determine which influencing factors are important and which are not. The method can be used for other datasets of dielectric properties to classify influencing factors, including quantitative and qualitative variables.
Foraminifer and Ostracod Occurrence in a Cool-Water Carbonate Factory of the Cape Adare (Ross Sea, Antarctica): A Key Lecture for the Climatic and Oceanographic Variations in the Last 30,000 Years
Authors: Melis Romana , Salvi Gianguido
Published: October 2020

Foraminifers and ostracods were studied in a gravity-core recovered near Cape Adare (Ross Sea, Antarctica) with the aim of identifying the climatic and oceanographic variations during the last 30 ka. The sedimentary sequence represents conditions of a cool-water carbonate factory, which evidences that during the Marine Isotope Stage 2 (MIS2) the area was ice-free and very productive. The overall preservation of delicate skeletal remains such as bryozoans and molluscs indicated moderate bottom currents. This carbonate factory was interrupted by some terrigenous levels, representing conditions of instability/retreat of the ice shelves southward. The younger levels were referred to the meltwater pulse (MWP)-1A and 1B events. The Holocene sequence comprised more terrigenous sediments, reflecting high bottom-currents similar to the present-day conditions. Very abundant and well preserved foraminifers and ostracods, representative of shelf-upper slope paleoenvironments, were recovered. Epistominella exigua, among the foraminifers, suggested the influence of the Circumpolar Deep Water during some periods of the late Quaternary. Heavy-test taxa, such as Cibicides refulgens, indicated strengthening bottom hydrodynamics. As for the ostracods, peaks in the presence of Australicythere devexa, Bairdoppilata simplex and Pseudocythere aff. caudata together with significant values of Polycope spp. allowed us to identify environments rich in nutrients with the influence of cold and deep water upwelling phenomena.
Influence of the TGF-β Superfamily on Osteoclasts/Osteoblasts Balance in Physiological and Pathological Bone Conditions
Authors: Jann Jessica , Gascon Suzanne , Roux Sophie , Faucheux Nathalie
Published: October 2020

The balance between bone forming cells (osteoblasts/osteocytes) and bone resorbing cells (osteoclasts) plays a crucial role in tissue homeostasis and bone repair. Several hormones, cytokines, and growth factors—in particular the members of the TGF-β superfamily such as the bone morphogenetic proteins—not only regulate the proliferation, differentiation, and functioning of these cells, but also coordinate the communication between them to ensure an appropriate response. Therefore, this review focuses on TGF-β superfamily and its influence on bone formation and repair, through the regulation of osteoclastogenesis, osteogenic differentiation of stem cells, and osteoblasts/osteoclasts balance. After introducing the main types of bone cells, their differentiation and cooperation during bone remodeling and fracture healing processes are discussed. Then, the TGF-β superfamily, its signaling via canonical and non-canonical pathways, as well as its regulation by Wnt/Notch or microRNAs are described and discussed. Its important role in bone homeostasis, repair, or disease is also highlighted. Finally, the clinical therapeutic uses of members of the TGF-β superfamily and their associated complications are debated.
Varying Atmospheric CO2 Mediates the Cold-Induced CBF-Dependent Signaling Pathway and Freezing Tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Barnaby Jinyoung Y. , Kim Joonyup , Devi Mura Jyostna , Fleisher David H. , Tucker Mark L. , Reddy Vangimalla R. , Sicher Richard C.
Published: October 2020

Changes in the stomatal aperture in response to CO2 levels allow plants to manage water usage, optimize CO2 uptake and adjust to environmental stimuli. The current study reports that sub-ambient CO2 up-regulated the low temperature induction of the C-repeat Binding Factor (CBF)-dependent cold signaling pathway in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and the opposite occurred in response to supra-ambient CO2. Accordingly, cold induction of various downstream cold-responsive genes was modified by CO2 treatments and expression changes were either partially or fully CBF-dependent. Changes in electrolyte leakage during freezing tests were correlated with CO2′s effects on CBF expression. Cold treatments were also performed on Arabidopsis mutants with altered stomatal responses to CO2, i.e., high leaf temperature 1-2 (ht1-2, CO2 hypersensitive) and β-carbonic anhydrase 1 and 4 (ca1ca4, CO2 insensitive). The cold-induced expression of CBF and downstream CBF target genes plus freezing tolerance of ht1-2 was consistently less than that for Col-0, suggesting that HT1 is a positive modulator of cold signaling. The ca1ca4 mutant had diminished CBF expression during cold treatment but the downstream expression of cold-responsive genes was either similar to or greater than that of Col-0. This finding suggested that βCA1/4 modulates the expression of certain cold-responsive genes in a CBF-independent manner. Stomatal conductance measurements demonstrated that low temperatures overrode low CO2-induced stomatal opening and this process was delayed in the cold tolerant mutant, ca1ca4, compared to the cold sensitive mutant, ht1-2. The similar stomatal responses were evident from freezing tolerant line, Ox-CBF, overexpression of CBF3, compared to wild-type ecotype Ws-2. Together, these results indicate that CO2 signaling in stomata and CBF-mediated cold signaling work coordinately in Arabidopsis to manage abiotic stress.
Calcium-Sensing Receptor in Adipose Tissue: Possible Association with Obesity-Related Elevated Autophagy
Authors: Mattar Pamela , Sanhueza Sofía , Yuri Gabriela , Briones Lautaro , Perez-Leighton Claudio , Rudich Assaf , Lavandero Sergio , Cifuentes Mariana
Published: October 2020

Autophagy is upregulated in adipose tissue (AT) from people with obesity. We showed that activation of the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) elevates proinflammatory cytokines through autophagy in preadipocytes. Our aim is to understand the role of CaSR on autophagy in AT from humans with obesity. We determined mRNA and protein levels of CaSR and markers of autophagy by qPCR and western blot in human visceral AT explants or isolated primary preadipocytes (60 donors: 72% female, 23–56% body fat). We also investigated their association with donors’ anthropometric variables. Donors’ % body fat and CaSR mRNA expression in AT were correlated (r = 0.44, p < 0.01). CaSR expression was associated with mRNA levels of the autophagy markers atg5 (r = 0.37, p < 0.01), atg7 (r = 0.29, p < 0.05) and lc3b (r = 0.40, p < 0.01). CaSR activation increased becn and atg7 mRNA expression in AT. CaSR activation also upregulated LC3II by ~50%, an effect abolished by the CaSR inhibitor. Spermine (CaSR agonist) regulates LC3II through the ERK1/2 pathway. Structural equation model analysis suggests a link between donors’ AT CaSR expression, AT autophagy and expression of Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha TNF-α. CaSR expression in visceral AT is directly associated with % body fat, and CaSR activation may contribute to obesity-related disruption in AT autophagy.
IRF-1 Inhibits Angiogenic Activity of HPV16 E6 Oncoprotein in Cervical Cancer
Authors: Rho Seung Bae , Lee Seung-Hoon , Byun Hyun-Jung , Kim Boh-Ram , Lee Chang Hoon
Published: October 2020

HPV16 E6 oncoprotein is a member of the human papillomavirus (HPV) family that contributes to enhanced cellular proliferation and risk of cervical cancer progression via viral infection. In this study, interferon regulatory factor-1 (IRF-1) regulates cell growth inhibition and transcription factors in immune response, and acts as an HPV16 E6-binding cellular molecule. Over-expression of HPV16 E6 elevated cell growth by attenuating IRF-1-induced apoptosis and repressing p21 and p53 expression, but activating cyclin D1 and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) expression. The promoter activities of p21 and p53 were suppressed, whereas NF-κB activities were increased by HPV16 E6. Additionally, the cell viability of HPV16 E6 was diminished by IRF-1 in a dose-dependent manner. We found that HPV16 E6 activated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced endothelial cell migration and proliferation as well as phosphorylation of VEGFR-2 via direct interaction in vitro. HPV16 E6 exhibited potent pro-angiogenic activity and clearly enhanced the levels of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). By contrast, the loss of function of HPV16 E6 by siRNA-mediated knockdown inhibited the cellular events. These data provide direct evidence that HPV16 E6 facilitates tumour growth and angiogenesis. HPV16 E6 also activates the PI3K/mTOR signalling cascades, and IRF-1 suppresses HPV16 E6-induced tumourigenesis and angiogenesis. Collectively, these findings suggest a biological mechanism underlying the HPV16 E6-related activity in cervical tumourigenesis.
Development of Conformational Antibodies to Detect Bcl-xL’s Amyloid Aggregates in Metal-Induced Apoptotic Neuroblastoma Cells
Authors: Gonneaud Alexis , Fakhir Fatima-Zohra , Landas Emeline , Le Tallec Enora , Chartier-Garcia Elisabeth , Almunia Christine , Chenal Alexandre , Forge Vincent , Marquette Christel
Published: October 2020

Bcl-xL, a member of the Bcl-2 family, is a pro-survival protein involved in apoptosis regulation. We have previously reported the ability of Bcl-xL to form various types of fibers, from native to amyloid conformations. Here, we have mimicked the effect of apoptosis-induced caspase activity on Bcl-xL by limited proteolysis using trypsin. We show that cleaved Bcl-xL (ΔN-Bcl-xL) forms fibers that exhibit the features of amyloid structures (BclxLcf37). Moreover, three monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), produced by mouse immunization and directed against ΔN-Bcl-xL or Bcl-xL fibers, were selected and characterized. Our results show that these mAbs specifically target ΔN-Bcl-xL in amyloid fibers in vitro. Upon metal-stress-induced apoptosis, these mAbs are able to detect the presence of Bcl-xL in amyloid aggregates in neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell lines. In conclusion, these specific mAbs directed against amyloidogenic conformations of Bcl-xL constitute promising tools for studying, in vitro and in cellulo, the contribution of Bcl-xL in apoptosis. These mAbs may further help in developing new diagnostics and therapies, considering Bcl-xL as a strategic target for treating brain lesions relevant to stroke and neurodegenerative diseases.
SOX9 Knockout Induces Polyploidy and Changes Sensitivity to Tumor Treatment Strategies in a Chondrosarcoma Cell Line
Authors: Stöckl Sabine , Lindner Georg , Li Shushan , Schuster Philipp , Haferkamp Sebastian , Wagner Ferdinand , Prodinger Peter M. , Multhoff Gabriele , Boxberg Melanie , Hillmann Axel , Bauer Richard J. , Grässel Susanne
Published: October 2020

As most chemotherapeutic drugs are ineffective in the treatment of chondrosarcoma, we studied the expression pattern and function of SOX9, the master transcription factor for chondrogenesis, in chondrosarcoma, to understand the basic molecular principles needed for engineering new targeted therapies. Our study shows an increase in SOX9 expression in chondrosarcoma compared to normal cartilage, but a decrease when the tumors are finally defined as dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma (DDCS). In DDCS, SOX9 is almost completely absent in the non-chondroid, dedifferentiated compartments. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of SOX9 in a human chondrosarcoma cell line (HTB94) results in reduced proliferation, clonogenicity and migration, accompanied by an inability to activate MMP13. In contrast, adhesion, apoptosis and polyploidy formation are favored after SOX9 deletion, probably involving BCL2 and survivin. The siRNA-mediated SOX9 knockdown partially confirmed these results, suggesting the need for a certain SOX9 threshold for particular cancer-related events. To increase the efficacy of chondrosarcoma therapies, potential therapeutic approaches were analyzed in SOX9 knockout cells. Here, we found an increased impact of doxorubicin, but a reduced sensitivity for oncolytic virus treatment. Our observations present novel insight into the role of SOX9 in chondrosarcoma biology and could thereby help to overcome the obstacle of drug resistance and limited therapy options.
Benchmarking Natural Language Inference and Semantic Textual Similarity for Portuguese
Authors: Fialho Pedro , Coheur Luísa , Quaresma Paulo
Published: October 2020

Two sentences can be related in many different ways. Distinct tasks in natural language processing aim to identify different semantic relations between sentences. We developed several models for natural language inference and semantic textual similarity for the Portuguese language. We took advantage of pre-trained models (BERT); additionally, we studied the roles of lexical features. We tested our models in several datasets—ASSIN, SICK-BR and ASSIN2—and the best results were usually achieved with ptBERT-Large, trained in a Brazilian corpus and tuned in the latter datasets. Besides obtaining state-of-the-art results, this is, to the best of our knowledge, the most all-inclusive study about natural language inference and semantic textual similarity for the Portuguese language.
Milk as a Complex Multiphase Polydisperse System: Approaches for the Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis
Authors: Smirnova Alena , Konoplev Georgii , Mukhin Nikolay , Stepanova Oksana , Steinmann Ulrike
Published: October 2020

Milk is a product that requires quality control at all stages of production: from the dairy farm, processing at the dairy plant to finished products. Milk is a complex multiphase polydisperse system, whose components not only determine the quality and price of raw milk, but also reflect the physiological state of the herd. Today’s production volumes and rates require simple, fast, cost-effective, and accurate analytical methods, and most manufacturers want to move away from methods that use reagents that increase analysis time and move to rapid analysis methods. The review presents methods for the rapid determination of the main components of milk, examines their advantages and disadvantages. Optical spectroscopy is a fast, non-destructive, precise, and reliable tool for determination of the main constituents and common adulterants in milk. While mid-infrared spectroscopy is a well-established off-line laboratory technique for the routine quality control of milk, near-infrared technologies provide relatively low-cost and robust solutions suitable for on-site and in-line applications on milking farms and dairy production facilities. Other techniques, discussed in this review, including Raman spectroscopy, atomic spectroscopy, molecular fluorescence spectroscopy, are also used for milk analysis but much less extensively. Acoustic methods are also suitable for non-destructive on-line analysis of milk. Acoustic characterization can provide information on fat content, particle size distribution of fat and proteins, changes in the biophysical properties of milk over time, the content of specific proteins and pollutants. The basic principles of ultrasonic techniques, including transmission, pulse-echo, interferometer, and microbalance approaches, are briefly described and milk parameters measured with their help, including frequency ranges and measurement accuracy, are given.
Shape Characteristics of Coral Sand from the South China Sea
Authors: Wang Xing , Wu Yang , Cui Jie , Zhu Chang-Qi , Wang Xin-Zhi
Published: October 2020

The particle shape of coral sand is a crucial factor that affects its accumulation characteristics. Two-dimensional particle images of coral sand with different particle sizes were obtained through optical imaging, and the basic size parameters of particles were measured by digital image processing. The particle shape parameters were created, and on this basis, the variation of shape parameters with size, the distribution characteristics, and the sensitivity of shape parameters were analyzed by mathematical statistics and the fractal theory. In addition, a comparative analysis was conducted for the particle shape and bulk density of coral sand and quartz sand with the same particle size. The results show that (1) for coral sand with particle size ranging from 0.5 to 5.0 mm, as the particle size augments, its overall profile coefficient grows, while the flatness, angularity, and roughness diminish and the particle shape deviates more from the regular circle. (2) The shape of coral sand particles exhibits good fractal characteristics, and the particle shape gets more complex as the particle size grows as evidenced by the fact that the fractal dimension enlarges. (3) All the shape parameters obey a skewed distribution. Concerning the sensitivity to the change in particle shape, the flatness occupies the first place, the overall profile coefficient and angularity come second, and the roughness ranks third, accordingly. It is suggested that flatness should be preferred as the evaluation parameter of the particle shape. (4) Compared with that of quartz sand, the particle shape of coral sand is more irregular, and the intergranular pores are larger under the same accumulation conditions, which is the primary reason why the specific gravity of coral sand is greater than that of quartz sand while the bulk density is smaller than that of quartz sand.
Prediction of Ocean Weather Based on Denoising AutoEncoder and Convolutional LSTM
Authors: Kim Ki-Su , Lee June-Beom , Roh Myung-Il , Han Ki-Min , Lee Gap-Heon
Published: October 2020

The path planning of a ship requires much information, and one of the essential factors is predicting the ocean environment. Ocean weather can generally be gathered from forecasting information provided by weather centers. However, these data are difficult to obtain when satellite communication is unstable during voyages, or there are cases where forecast data for a more extended period of time are needed for the operation of the fleet. Therefore, shipping companies and classification societies have attempted to establish a model for predicting the ocean weather on its own. Historically, ocean weather has been primarily predicted using empirical and numerical methods. Recently, a method for predicting ocean weather using deep learning has emerged. In this study, a deep learning model combining a denoising AutoEncoder and convolutional long short-term memory (LSTM) was proposed to predict the ocean weather worldwide. The denoising AutoEncoder is effective for removing noise that hinders the training of deep learning models. While the LSTM could be used as time-series inputs at specific points, the convolutional LSTM can use time-series images as inputs, making them suitable for predicting a wide range of ocean weather. Herein, using the proposed model, eight parameters of ocean weather were predicted. The proposed learning model predicted ocean weather after one week, showing an average error of 6.7%. The results show the applicability of the proposed learning model for predicting ocean weather.
Use of the Versatility of Fungal Metabolism to Meet Modern Demands for Healthy Aging, Functional Foods, and Sustainability
Authors: Takahashi Jacqueline A. , Barbosa Bianca V. R. , Martins Bruna de A. , P. Guirlanda Christiano , A. F. Moura Marília
Published: October 2020

Aging-associated, non-transmissible chronic diseases (NTCD) such as cancer, dyslipidemia, and neurodegenerative disorders have been challenged through several strategies including the consumption of healthy foods and the development of new drugs for existing diseases. Consumer health consciousness is guiding market trends toward the development of additives and nutraceutical products of natural origin. Fungi produce several metabolites with bioactivity against NTCD as well as pigments, dyes, antioxidants, polysaccharides, and enzymes that can be explored as substitutes for synthetic food additives. Research in this area has increased the yields of metabolites for industrial applications through improving fermentation conditions, application of metabolic engineering techniques, and fungal genetic manipulation. Several modern hyphenated techniques have impressively increased the rate of research in this area, enabling the analysis of a large number of species and fermentative conditions. This review thus focuses on summarizing the nutritional, pharmacological, and economic importance of fungi and their metabolites resulting from applications in the aforementioned areas, examples of modern techniques for optimizing the production of fungi and their metabolites, and methodologies for the identification and analysis of these compounds.
Perinuclear Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies (pANCA) Impair Neutrophil Candidacidal Activity and Are Increased in the Cellular Fraction of Vaginal Samples from Women with Vulvovaginal Candidiasis
Authors: Ardizzoni Andrea , Sala Arianna , Colombari Bruna , Giva Lavinia Beatrice , Cermelli Claudio , Peppoloni Samuele , Vecchiarelli Anna , Roselletti Elena , Blasi Elisabetta , Wheeler Robert T. , Pericolini Eva
Published: October 2020

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is primarily caused by Candida albicans and affects 75% of childbearing age women. Although C. albicans can colonize asymptomatically, disease is associated with an increased Candida burden, a loss of epithelial tolerance and a breakdown in vaginal microbiota homeostasis. VVC symptoms have been ascribed to a powerful inflammatory response associated with the infiltration of non-protective neutrophils (PMN). Here, we compared the immunological characteristics of vaginal fluids and cellular protein extracts obtained from 28 VVC women and from 23 healthy women colonized by Candida spp. We measured the levels of antibodies against fungal antigens and human autoantigens (anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA), C. albicans germ tube antibodies (CAGTAs) and perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (pANCA)), in addition to other immunological markers. Our results show that the pANCA levels detected in the cellular protein extracts from the vaginal fluids of symptomatic women were significantly higher than those obtained from healthy colonized women. Consistent with a potential physiologically relevant role for this pANCA, we found that specific anti-myeloperoxidase antibodies could completely neutralize the ex vivo killing capacity of polymorphonuclear cells. Collectively, this preliminary study suggests for the first time that pANCA are found in the pathogenic vaginal environment and can promptly impair neutrophil function against Candida, potentially preventing a protective response.
Genetic Response of Common Bean to the Inoculation with Indigenous Fusarium Isolates
Authors: Porteous-Álvarez Alejandra J. , Mayo-Prieto Sara , Álvarez-García Samuel , Reinoso Bonifacio , Casquero Pedro A.
Published: October 2020

Fungal species from the genus Fusarium are important soil-borne pathogens worldwide, causing significant economic losses in diverse crops. The need to find sustainable solutions against this disease has led to the development of new strategies—for instance, the use of biocontrol agents. In this regard, non-pathogenic Fusarium isolates have demonstrated their ability to help other plants withstand subsequent pathogen attacks. In the present work, several Fusarium isolates were evaluated in climatic chambers to identify those presenting low or non-pathogenic behavior. The inoculation with a low-pathogenic isolate of the fungus did not affect the development of the plant, contrary to the results observed in plants inoculated with pathogenic isolates. The expression of defense-related genes was evaluated and compared between plants inoculated with pathogenic and low-pathogenic Fusarium isolates. Low-pathogenic isolates caused a general downregulation of several plant defense-related genes, while pathogenic ones produced an upregulation of these genes. This kind of response to low-pathogenic fungal isolates has been already described for other plant species and fungal pathogens, being related to enhanced tolerance to later pathogen attacks. The results here presented suggest that low-pathogenic F. oxysporum and F. solani isolates may have potential biocontrol activity against bean pathogens via induced and systemic responses in the plant.
Subclinical Cognitive and Neuropsychiatric Correlates and Hippocampal Volume Features of Brain White Matter Hyperintensity in Healthy People
Authors: Spalletta Gianfranco , Iorio Mariangela , Vecchio Daniela , Piras Federica , Ciullo Valentina , Banaj Nerisa , Sensi Stefano L. , Gianni Walter , Assogna Francesca , Caltagirone Carlo , Piras Fabrizio
Published: October 2020

White matter hyperintensities (WMH) are associated with brain aging and behavioral symptoms as a possible consequence of disrupted white matter pathways. In this study, we investigated, in a cohort of asymptomatic subjects aged 50 to 80, the relationship between WMH, hippocampal atrophy, and subtle, preclinical cognitive and neuropsychiatric phenomenology. Thirty healthy subjects with WMH (WMH+) and thirty individuals without (WMH−) underwent comprehensive neuropsychological and neuropsychiatric evaluations and 3 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan. The presence, degree of severity, and distribution of WMH were evaluated with a semi-automated algorithm. Volumetric analysis of hippocampal structure was performed through voxel-based morphometry. A multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that phenomenology of subclinical apathy and anxiety was associated with the presence of WMH. ROI-based analyses showed a volume reduction in the right hippocampus of WMH+. In healthy individuals, WMH are associated with significant preclinical neuropsychiatric phenomenology, as well as hippocampal atrophy, which are considered as risk factors to develop cognitive impairment and dementia.
Banking Development and Economy in Greece: Evidence from Regional Data
Authors: Floros Christos
Published: October 2020

This article examines the development of Greek systemic banks for the period 2003–2018, using data such as the ATM network and branches at a regional level. We test the impact of the ATM network and branches on the deposits of Greek commercial banks as well as the impact of local GDP on the regional banking efficiency. The analysis is carried out in two steps, (1) we use the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) for efficiency analysis, and (2) we use panel regression models for regression analysis. The results show that branches that operate at small regions are less efficient than those of the larger regions. Furthermore, both the ATMs and the number of branches have a positive relationship with deposits. This means that banks must continue to operate branches and ATMs in Greece. Finally, we show that local GDP helps significantly in increasing regional banking efficiency. The above findings are important given the need to support the local economy with modern banking services in Greece.
Durability of Structural Lightweight Concrete with Sintered Fly Ash Aggregate
Authors: Domagała Lucyna
Published: October 2020

The aim of this study was to present the problem of durability of structural lightweight concrete made of a sintered fly ash aggregate. The issue of durability was researched for 12 concrete series in terms of their water absorption, water permeability, and freeze-thaw resistance. Additionally, the microstructure of several concretes was analyzed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). In the durability research, the influences of the following parameters were taken into consideration: The initial moisture content of sintered fly ash (mc = 0, 17–18, and 24–25%); the aggregate grading (4/8 and 6/12 mm); and the water-cement ratio (w/c = 0.55 and 0.37). As a result of various compositions, the concretes revealed different properties. The density ranged from 1470 to 1920 kg/m3, and the corresponding strength ranged from 25.0 to 83.5 MPa. The durability research results of tested lightweight concretes showed that, despite considerably higher water absorption, a comparable water permeability and comparable or better freeze-thaw resistance in relation to normal-weight concrete may be present. Nevertheless, the fundamental requirement of lightweight concrete to achieve good durability requires the aggregate’s initial moisture content to be limited and a sufficiently tight cement matrix to be selected. The volume share of the cement matrix and aggregate, the cement content, and even the concrete strength are of secondary importance.
3D Mesoscale Finite Element Modelling of Concrete under Uniaxial Loadings
Authors: Forti Tiago , Batistela Gustavo , Forti Nadia , Vianna Nicolas
Published: October 2020

Concrete exhibits a complex mechanical behavior, especially when approaching failure. Its behavior is governed by the interaction of the heterogeneous structures of the material at the first level of observation below the homogeneous continuum, i.e., at the mesoscale. Concrete is assumed to be a three-phase composite of coarse aggregates, mortar, and the interfacial transitional zone (ITZ) between them. Finite element modeling on a mesoscale requires appropriate meshes that discretize the three concrete components. As the weakest link in concrete, ITZ plays an important role. However, meshing ITZ is a challenging issue, due to its very reduced thickness. Representing ITZ with solid elements of such reduced size would produce very expensive finite element meshes. An alternative is to represent ITZ as zero-thickness interface elements. This work adopts interface elements for ITZ. Damage plasticity model is adopted to describe the softening behavior of mortar in compression, while cohesive fractures describe the cracking process. Numerical experiments are presented. First example deals with the estimation of concrete Young’s modulus. Experimental tests were performed to support the numerical test. A second experiment simulates a uniaxial compression test and last experiment simulates a uniaxial tensile test, where results are compared to data from the literature.
Bearing Thickness Is Not a Predictive Factor for Damage and Penetration in Oxford Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty—A Retrieval Analysis
Authors: Eckert Johannes Adrian , Mueller Ulrike , Walker Tilman , Schwarze Martin , Jaeger Sebastian , Kretzer Jan Philippe
Published: October 2020

The medial Oxford unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (OUKA) shows good survivorship, as well as clinical results. Aseptic loosening, however, remains one of the main reasons for revision and polyethylene debris is known to cause aseptic loosening. The role of bearing thickness in total as well as unicondylar knee arthroplasty has been the subject of controversial discussions, especially the longevity of lower thickness bearings in total knee arthroplasty was questioned. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of bearing thickness on time to revision, damage pattern, penetration, and volumetric material loss. A cohort of 47 consecutively retrieved medial OUKA bearings was analyzed with conventional direct light microscopy applying the Hood damage analysis, as well as measuring the penetration depth. In this retrieval cohort, a difference on survival time, damage, penetration, as well as volumetric material loss could not be seen. We conclude that low as well as high thickness bearings can safely be used in OUKA without any relevant differences in terms of wear and damage.
Incorporating an Asset Health Index into a Life Cycle Costing: A Proposition and Study Case
Authors: Durán Orlando , Orellana Fabián , Perez Pablo , Hidalgo Tamara
Published: October 2020

A physical asset’s health is the consequence of a series of factors, ranging from the characteristics of the location where it operates to the care it is submitted to. These characteristics can influence the durability or the horizon of the useful life of any equipment, as well as determine its operational performance and its failure rates in the future. Therefore, the assessment of the influence of asset health on Life Cycle Costs is a compelling need. This paper proposes the incorporation of a factor that reflects the projected behavior of an asset’s health index into its corresponding Life Cycle Costing (LCC) model. This allows cost estimates to be made more realistic and LCC models to be operated more accurately. As a way of validating this proposal, a case study is shown. The methodology proposed in this case study was applied in a real case, considering an LNG facility located in central Chile. In addition, sensitivity studies and comparisons with the results obtained by a traditional Life Cycle Costing model are included. The results show the usefulness of incorporating asset health aspects into the Life Cycle Costing of physical assets.
Strongly Unpredictable Oscillations of Hopfield-Type Neural Networks
Authors: Akhmet Marat , Tleubergenova Madina , Nugayeva Zakhira
Published: October 2020

In this paper, unpredictable oscillations in Hopfield-type neural networks is under investigation. The motion strongly relates to Poincaré chaos. Thus, the importance of the dynamics is indisputable for those problems of artificial intelligence, brain activity and robotics, which rely on chaos. Sufficient conditions for the existence and uniqueness of exponentially stable unpredictable solutions are determined. The oscillations continue the line of periodic and almost periodic motions, which already are verified as effective instruments of analysis and applications for image recognition, information processing and other areas of neuroscience. The concept of strongly unpredictable oscillations is a significant novelty of the present research, since the presence of chaos in each coordinate of the space state provides new opportunities in applications. Additionally to the theoretical analysis, we have provided strong simulation arguments, considering that all of the assumed conditions are fulfilled.
COVID-19 Transmission: Bangladesh Perspective
Authors: A Masud M , Islam Md Hamidul , Mamun Khondaker A. , Kim Byul Nim , Kim Sangil
Published: October 2020

The sudden emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has tested the strength of the public health system of the most developed nations and created a “new normal”. Many nations are struggling to curb the epidemic in spite of expanding testing facilities. In this study, we consider the case of Bangladesh, and fit a simple compartmental model holding a feature to distinguish between identified infected and infectious with time series data using least square fitting as well as the likelihood approach; prior to which, dynamics of the model were analyzed mathematically and the identifiability of the parameters has also been confirmed. The performance of the likelihood approach was found to be more promising and was used for further analysis. We performed fitting for different lengths of time intervals starting from the beginning of the outbreak, and examined the evolution of the key parameters from Bangladesh’s perspective. In addition, we deduced profile likelihood and 95% confidence interval for each of the estimated parameters. Our study demonstrates that the parameters defining the infectious and quarantine rates change with time as a consequence of the change in lock-down strategies and expansion of testing facilities. As a result, the value of the basic reproduction number R0 was shown to be between 1.5 and 12. The analysis reveals that the projected time and amplitude of the peak vary following the change in infectious and quarantine rates obtained through different lock-down strategies and expansion of testing facilities. The identification rate determines whether the observed peak shows the true prevalence. We find that by restricting the spread through quick identification and quarantine, or by implementing lock-down to reduce overall contact rate, the peak could be delayed, and the amplitude of the peak could be reduced. Another novelty of this study is that the model presented here can infer the unidentified COVID cases besides estimating the officially confirmed COVID cases.
In-Plane Free Vibration Analysis of a Scimitar-Type Rotating Curved Beam Using the Adomian Modified Decomposition Method
Authors: Adair Desmond , Jaeger Martin
Published: October 2020

Free in-plane vibrations of a scimitar-type nonprismatic rotating curved beam, with a variable cross-section and increasing sweep along the leading edge, are calculated using an innovative, efficient and accurate solver called the Adomian modified decomposition method (AMDM). The equation of motion includes the axial force resulting from centrifugal stiffening, and the boundary conditions imposed are those of a cantilever beam, i.e., clamped-free and simple-free. The AMDM allows the governing differential equation to become a recursive algebraic equation suitable for symbolic computation, and, after additional simple mathematical operations, the natural frequencies and corresponding closed-form series solution of the mode shapes are obtained simultaneously. Two main advantages of the application of the AMDM are its fast convergence rate to a solution and its high degree of accuracy. The design shape parameters of the beam, such as transitioning from a straight beam pattern to a curved beam pattern, are investigated. The accuracy of the model is investigated using previously reported investigations and using an innovative error analysis procedure.
Gastric Calcifying Fibrous Tumor: An Easy Misdiagnosis as Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor–A Systemic Review
Authors: Tsai Meng-Ko , Chen Hung-Yi , Chuang Ming-Lung , Chen Chun-Wen , Jong Gwo-Ping
Published: October 2020

Background and Objectives: Calcifying fibrous tumor (CFT) in the stomach is extremely rare and is easily misdiagnosed as a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). This study aims to determine the best method to differentiate between gastric CFT and GIST after a systemic review and meta-analysis. Materials and Methods: A systematic search of articles using electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and LILACS) was conducted and resulted in 162 articles with 272 CFT cases published from January 1988 to September 2019. Results: Of these cases, 272 patients, 60 patients with gastric CFT (32 men and 28 women, mean age 49.2 years) were analyzed. The mean tumor size was 2.4 cm in patients with gastric CFT. Both endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and computed tomography (CT) findings revealed well-defined (100% vs. 77.8%), heterogeneous (100% vs. 77.8%), iso-hypoechoic (71.4% vs. 33.3%), and calcified (85.7% vs. 77.8%) lesions, respectively. The majority of patients (53.3%) were symptomatic, with the most common symptom being abdominal discomfort (55.6%). None of the patients with gastric CFT showed recurrence after treatment, and most patients received nonendoscopic treatment (56%, n = 28/50). Both age and tumor size were statistically significant in patients with gastric CFT than GIST (49.2 vs. 65.0 years and 2.4 vs. 6.0 cm; both p < 0.001). The ratio of children among patients with CFT (5%) and GIST (0.05%) was also significantly different (p = 0.037). The calcification rates of gastric CFT had significantly higher calcification rates than GIST on images of EUS and CT (85.7% vs. 3.6% and 77.8% vs. 3.6%; both p < 0.001). Conclusions: Compared with patients with GIST, patients with gastric CFT were younger, had smaller tumor size, and were symptomatic. Furthermore, gastric CFT was well-defined, heterogeneous in the third layer, and had high calcification rates on the images.
A Review of CFD Modelling and Performance Metrics for Osmotic Membrane Processes
Authors: Toh Kang , Liang Yong , Lau Woei , Fimbres Weihs Gustavo
Published: October 2020

Simulation via Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) offers a convenient way for visualising hydrodynamics and mass transport in spacer-filled membrane channels, facilitating further developments in spiral wound membrane (SWM) modules for desalination processes. This paper provides a review on the use of CFD modelling for the development of novel spacers used in the SWM modules for three types of osmotic membrane processes: reverse osmosis (RO), forward osmosis (FO) and pressure retarded osmosis (PRO). Currently, the modelling of mass transfer and fouling for complex spacer geometries is still limited. Compared with RO, CFD modelling for PRO is very rare owing to the relative infancy of this osmotically driven membrane process. Despite the rising popularity of multi-scale modelling of osmotic membrane processes, CFD can only be used for predicting process performance in the absence of fouling. This paper also reviews the most common metrics used for evaluating membrane module performance at the small and large scales.
GTA Weldability of Rolled High-Entropy Alloys Using Various Filler Metals
Authors: Nam Hyunbin , Yoo Seonghoon , Lee Junghoon , Na Youngsang , Park Nokeun , Kang Namhyun
Published: October 2020

Gas tungsten arc (GTA) weldability of rolled CoCrFeMnNi high-entropy alloys (HEAs) was conducted using stainless steel (STS) 308L and HEA fillers. Microstructure and mechanical properties of the welds were examined to determine GTA weldability of the rolled HEA. The welds had no macro-defects, and component behaviour between base metal (BM) and weld metal (WM) showed significant differences in the weld using the STS 308L filler. Macro-segregation of Fe components was confirmed in the central region in the WM using the STS 308L filler. Because the columnar grain sizes of all the WMs were larger than those of the rolled HEA BM irrespective of the filler metals, the tensile properties of the GTA welds were lower than those of the rolled HEA BM, and the tensile fracture occurred in the centreline of each weld. In particular, the tensile properties of the weld using the STS 308L filler deteriorated more than those of the HEA weld. This was induced by the formation of macro-segregation and severe martensite transformation in the centreline of WM. To enhance the weldability of the rolled HEA, the formation of macro-segregation and coarse grains in the WM of GTA welds must be prevented.
Estimation of Critical Dimensions for the Crack and Pitting Corrosion Defects in the Oil Storage Tank Using Finite Element Method and Taguchi Approach
Authors: Omidi Bidgoli Mostafa , Reza Kashyzadeh Kazem , Rahimian Koloor Seyed Saeid , Petru Michal
Published: October 2020

Tanks play an important role in storing crude oil. Therefore, the maintenance and service life of tanks are very important for oil companies. In this regard, knowledge on the state of the critical conditions of various existing defects, such as cracks and pitting corrosion defects, can play an essential role in providing a better service to these huge metal structures. In the present research, the basic theories relating to crack defects were discussed. Then, an oil reserve in one of the island states of the country was modeled and analyzed by considering different types of defects using Finite Element (FE) simulation. Next, the critical dimensions of cracks and corrosion holes were identified in a number of cases. Eventually, the Taguchi Approach (TA) was used to investigate the effect of different parameters related to the various defects, such as length, depth and diameter, on the maximum stress. The results indicated that the effect of the crack and pitting corrosion depth is superior to the effect of the length and diameter for defects of crack and pitting corrosion, respectively.
Baltic Group Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus Phylogeography: Systemic Inconsistency Pattern between Genetic and Geographic Distances
Authors: Deviatkin Andrei A. , Kholodilov Ivan S. , Belova Oxana A. , Bugmyrin Sergey V. , Bespyatova Lubov A. , Ivannikova Anna Y. , Vakulenko Yulia A. , Lukashev Alexander N. , Karganova Galina G.
Published: October 2020

Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus (TBEV) is a dangerous arbovirus widely distributed in Northern Eurasia. The area of this pathogen changes over time. At the beginning of the 2000s, the Ixodes tick populations in Karelia increased. At the same time, the area of I. persulcatus, the main vector of the Siberian TBEV subtype, also expanded. Herein, we sequenced 10 viruses isolated from ticks collected in three locations from the Karelia region in 2008–2018. PCR positive samples were passaged in suckling mice or pig embryo kidney cells (PEK). After the second passage in suckling, mice viral RNA was isolated and E-gene fragment was sequenced. Viral sequences were expected to be similar or nearly identical. Instead, there was up to a 4.8% difference in nucleotide sequence, comparable with the most diverse viruses belonging to the Baltic subgroup in Siberian TBEV subtype (Baltic TBEV-Sib). To reveal whether this was systemic or incidental, a comprehensive phylogeographical analysis was conducted. Interestingly, viruses within each geographic region demonstrated comparable diversity to the whole Baltic TBEV-Sib. Moreover, Baltic TBEV-Sib has a distribution area limited by three ecological regions. This means that active virus mixing occurs in the vast geographic area forming one common virus pool. The most plausible explanation is the involvement of flying animals in the TBEV spread.