bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating Remote Sensing Methods and Fire Simulation Models to Estimate Fire Hazard in a South-East Mediterranean Protected Area
Authors: Xofis Panteleimon , Konstantinidis Pavlos , Papadopoulos Iakovos , Tsiourlis Georgios
Published: July 2020

Unlike low intensity fire which promotes landscape heterogeneity and important ecosystem services, large high-intensity wildfires constitute a significant destructive factor despite the increased amount of resources allocated to fire suppression and the improvement of firefighting tactics and levels of organization. Wildfires also affect properties, while an increasing number of fatalities are also associated with wildfires. It is now widely accepted that an effective wildfire management strategy can no longer rely on fire suppression alone. Scientific advances on fire behavior simulation and the increasing availability of remote sensing data, along with advanced systems of fire detection can significantly reduce fire hazards. In the current study remote sensing data and methods, and fire behavior simulation models are integrated to assess the fire hazard in a protected area of the southeast Mediterranean region and its surroundings. A spatially explicit fire hazard index was generated by combining fire intensity estimations and proxies of fire ignition probability. The results suggest that more than 50% of the study area, and the great majority of the protected area, is facing an extremely high hazard for a high-intensity fire. Pine forest formations, characterized by high flammability, low canopy base height and a dense shrub understory are facing the most critical hazard. The results are discussed in relation to the need for adopting an alternative wildfire management strategy.
Where Humans and the Planetary Conflate—An Introduction to Environing Media
Authors: Wickberg Adam , Gärdebo Johan
Published: July 2020

In this essay, we provide an outline of historical and contemporary examples to illustrate the theoretical concept of environing media. We first discuss how humans have environed their surroundings long before the advent of scientific modernity and the rapid evolution of media technologies that helped in making the planet governable. Against this background, we argue that a fundamental shift in the human–Earth relation happened after 1500 and that this shift is attributable to the development of environing media employed in the process of terrestrial globalisation. We see the present profound renegotiation of the human–Earth relation as a continuity, albeit with a different intensity as exemplified by the work in Earth system science. Finally, we invert Mike Hulme’s call for scientists to meet the humanities into an appeal to humanists to embrace the environmental sciences and pursue more integrative research. Recent developments in environmental history have seen an increased interest in the shaping of environments by means of technology. To this end, scholars have developed theoretical concepts like “environing technologies”, which are based on the premise that the environment is a historical formation by people and societies who form their surroundings as well as their sense of place. In the same vein, historical ecology has shown that premodern peoples also shaped the natural world to their purposes far more than what has generally been understood. The central premise is that what is understood as the environment is the result of human intervention and that environing technologies structure the way that it is used, perceived, and understood. These insights resonate with core notions in media theory, but they have never before been brought together. Given that all of our understanding of the environment today is the product of several processes of mediation, the theory of environing technology would benefit from stronger theorisation of the role of media. While the scale and intensity of information storage, processing, and transmission by media today are unprecedented, the logic of mediated data processing essentially remains the same as five centuries ago when agents of the Spanish Empire took part in shaping the understanding of the environment of the Americas and the globe. For these purposes, we propose the concept of environing media, as a means of both joining intellectual forces and pushing theoretical analysis of both branches further. The paper outlines the theory of environing media using examples from the Global South, in particular the shaping and sensing of landscapes in and around the Philippines. From early modern to late modern times, this region of the world has been influenced by environing media, most importantly circumnavigating ships and orbiting sensing satellites. The result is landscapes made and remade according to colonial and later capitalist priorities operating on a global, and eventually a planetary, scale.
Proposal of Dental Hygiene Diagnosis for Cancer Patients Based on Dental Hygiene Process of Care in Acute Care Hospitals: A Narrative Review
Authors: Matsuda Yuhei , Karino Masaaki , Okuma Satoe , Ikebuchi Kumi , Takeda Mayu , Kanno Takahiro
Published: July 2020

A narrative review was conducted to propose dental hygiene diagnoses for cancer patients based on dental hygiene process of care in acute care hospitals. Six researchers, including three dental hygienists, all with expertise in oral healthcare for patients with cancer, decided the review outline. All researchers reviewed the literature and developed terminology for dental hygiene diagnoses. The team then modified the terminology and discussed its clarity and acceptability to develop an initial list of dental hygiene diagnosis names according to the dental hygiene human needs conceptual model subscales. In wholesome facial image, one new diagnosis was developed. In protection from health risks, 15 new diagnoses were developed. In biologically sound and functional dentition, 10 new diagnoses were developed. In skin and mucous membrane integrity of the head and neck, 10 new diagnoses were developed. In freedom from head and neck pain, two new diagnoses were developed. In freedom from anxiety and stress, eight new diagnoses were developed. In responsibility for oral health, five new diagnoses were developed. In conceptualization and understanding, three new diagnoses were developed. Based on this study, it is necessary for the academic community to develop a better taxonomy of dental hygiene diagnoses pertaining to dental hygienist clinical practice.
Greater Postural Sway and Tremor during Balance Tasks in Patients with Plantar Fasciitis Compared to Age-Matched Controls
Authors: Petrofsky Jerrold , Donatelli Robert , Laymon Michael , Lee Haneul
Published: July 2020

Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a common condition found in men and women and can reoccur throughout life. PF is commonly diagnosed by prolonged foot pain lasting more than 3 months and a plantar fascia over 0.4 mm thick, as measured using ultrasound imaging. This study examined the ability to balance and the occurrence of muscle tremor during different balance tasks in patients with PF compared to their control counterparts. Fifty subjects (25 patients with PF and 25 control subjects) participated in this study. Subjective pain (measured with a visual analog scale (VAS)), pressure pain threshold (PPT), and postural sway and tremor during eight different balance tasks were measured. Postural sway was measured by a balance platform, while tremor was measured as the mechanical movement of the platform in the 8 Hz frequency range. Thickness of plantar fascia, subjective pain, and PPT were significantly greater in the PF group compared to the controls (p < 0.001). Postural sway and 8 Hz tremor were significantly greater in the PF group compared to the control group for all eight balance tasks (p < 0.01). These results indicate that the lack of plantar fascia elasticity is probably the cause of the reduced balance and increased muscle tremor.
Networks and Emotions in Cooperative Work: A Quasi-Experimental Study in University Nursing and Computer Engineering Students
Authors: Marqués-Sánchez Pilar , García-Rodríguez Isaías , Benítez-Andrades José Alberto , Fulgueiras-Carril Iván , Fernández-Sierra Patricia , Fernández-Martínez Elena
Published: July 2020

University students establish networks that impact on their behavior. Social Network Analysis (SNA) allows us to analyze the reticular structures formed and find patterns of interaction between university students. The main objective of this study was to observe the impact of interdisciplinary collaborative work between nursing and computer engineering students on the collaboration and friendship networks, emotions and performance of the participants. It is a quasi-experimental descriptive study with pre- and post-intervention measurements. The contact networks analyzed showed an increase in density in the post-intervention period. The most central people in the network corresponded with those who considered positive emotions most in their academic environment, while the less central people coincided with those who highlighted negative emotions. Academic performance was only significantly associated in the collaboration network, between this and OutdegreeN. This study shows the impact of interdisciplinary activities on teaching methodologies and the repercussions of emotions on curricular activity.
Experimental Investigation of Air Quality in a Subway Station with Fully Enclosed Platform Screen Doors
Authors: Pang Liping , Yang Chenyuan , Cao Xiaodong , Tian Qing , Li Bo
Published: July 2020

In this study, the indoor air quality (IAQ) was investigated in a subway station with fully enclosed platform screen doors in Beijing, China. Eight indoor air pollutants, including PM2.5, PM10, SO2 (sulfur dioxide), NO2 (nitrogen dioxide), NH3 (ammonia), CO (carbon monoxide), CH2O (formaldehyde) and TVOC (total volatile organic compound), were measured for six consecutive days in October 2019. The results indicated that the IAQ in the subway station was basically stable at good levels for most times during the whole measurement period. All eight indoor air pollutants were far below their corresponding maximum allowable concentrations, except for the PM2.5 concentrations, which occasionally exceeded the concentration limits. The concentrations of indoor air pollutants in the subway station were basically within the corresponding standards. The correlation analyses showed that outdoor air pollutants have important influences on indoor air pollutants. The concentrations of PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NO2 and CO in the subway station were positively correlated with their corresponding outdoor concentrations. PM10 was statistically significantly correlated with the passenger flow and train frequency, but the other air pollutants were less impacted by the passenger flow and train frequency.
GIS-Based Mapping of Seismic Parameters for the Pyrenees
Authors: Amaro-Mellado José Lázaro , Tien Bui Dieu
Published: July 2020

In the present paper, three of the main seismic parameters, maximum magnitude -Mmax, b-value, and annual rate -AR, have been studied for the Pyrenees range in southwest Europe by a Geographic Information System (GIS). The main aim of this work is to calculate, represent continuously, and analyze some of the most crucial seismic indicators for this belt. To this end, an updated and homogenized Poissonian earthquake catalog has been generated, where the National Geographic Institute of Spain earthquake catalog has been considered as a starting point. Herein, the details about the catalog compilation, the magnitude homogenization, the declustering of the catalog, and the analysis of the completeness, are exposed. When the catalog has been produced, a GIS tool has been used to drive the parameters’ calculations and representations properly. Different grids (0.5 × 0.5° and 1 × 1°) have been created to depict a continuous map of these parameters. The b-value and AR have been obtained that take into account different pairs of magnitude–year of completeness. Mmax has been discretely obtained (by cells). The analysis of the results shows that the Central Pyrenees (mainly from Arudy to Bagnères de Bigorre) present the most pronounced seismicity in the range.
Clinical and Molecular Features of Early Infantile Niemann Pick Type C Disease
Authors: Seker Yilmaz Berna , Baruteau Julien , Rahim Ahad A. , Gissen Paul
Published: July 2020

Niemann Pick disease type C (NPC) is a neurovisceral disorder due to mutations in NPC1 or NPC2. This review focuses on poorly characterized clinical and molecular features of early infantile form of NPC (EIF) and identified 89 cases caused by NPC1 (NPC1) and 16 by NPC2 (NPC2) mutations. Extra-neuronal features were common; visceromegaly reported in 80/89 NPC1 and in 15/16 NPC2, prolonged jaundice in 30/89 NPC1 and 7/16 NPC2. Early lung involvement was present in 12/16 NPC2 cases. Median age of neurological onset was 12 (0–24) and 7.5 (0–24) months in NPC1 and NPC2 groups, respectively. Developmental delay and hypotonia were the commonest first detected neurological symptoms reported in 39/89 and 18/89 NPC1, and in 8/16 and 10/16 NPC2, respectively. Additional neurological symptoms included vertical supranuclear gaze palsy, dysarthria, cataplexy, dysphagia, seizures, dystonia, and spasticity. The following mutations in homozygous state conferred EIF: deletion of exon 1+promoter, c.3578_3591 + 9del, c.385delT, p.C63fsX75, IVS21-2delATGC, c. 2740T>A (p.C914S), c.3584G>T (p.G1195V), c.3478-6T>A, c.960_961dup (p.A321Gfs*16) in NPC1 and c.434T>A (p.V145E), c.199T>C (p.S67P), c.133C>T (p.Q45X), c.141C>A (p.C47X) in NPC2. This comprehensive analysis of the EIF type of NPC will benefit clinical patient management, genetic counselling, and assist design of novel therapy trials.
Recent Progress in the Identification of Aptamers Against Bacterial Origins and Their Diagnostic Applications
Authors: Trunzo Nevina E. , Hong Ka Lok
Published: July 2020

Aptamers have gained an increasing role as the molecular recognition element (MRE) in diagnostic assay development, since their first conception thirty years ago. The process to screen for nucleic acid-based binding elements (aptamers) was first described in 1990 by the Gold Laboratory. In the last three decades, many aptamers have been identified for a wide array of targets. In particular, the number of reports on investigating single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) aptamer applications in biosensing and diagnostic platforms have increased significantly in recent years. This review article summarizes the recent (2015 to 2020) progress of ssDNA aptamer research on bacteria, proteins, and lipids of bacterial origins that have implications for human infections. The basic process of aptamer selection, the principles of aptamer-based biosensors, and future perspectives will also be discussed.
A Novel Methoxybenzyl 5-Nitroacridone Derivative Effectively Triggers G1 Cell Cycle Arrest in Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia K562 Cells by Inhibiting CDK4/6-Mediated Phosphorylation of Rb
Authors: Zhang Bin , Zhang Ting , Zhang Tian-Yi , Wang Ning , He Shan , Wu Bin , Jin Hai-Xiao
Published: July 2020

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a malignant tumor caused by the abnormal proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells. Among a new series of acridone derivatives previously synthesized, it was found that the methoxybenzyl 5-nitroacridone derivative 8q has nanomolar cytotoxicity in vitro against human chronic myelogenous leukemia K562 cells. In order to further explore the possible anti-leukemia mechanism of action of 8q on K562 cells, a metabolomics and molecular biology study was introduced. It was thus found that most of the metabolic pathways of the G1 phase of K562 cells were affected after 8q treatment. In addition, a concentration-dependent accumulation of cells in the G1 phase was observed by cell cycle analysis. Western blot analysis showed that 8q significantly down-regulated the phosphorylation level of retinoblastoma-associated protein (Rb) in a concentration-dependent manner, upon 48 h treatment. In addition, 8q induced K562 cells apoptosis, through both mitochondria-mediated and exogenous apoptotic pathways. Taken together, these results indicate that 8q effectively triggers G1 cell cycle arrest and induces cell apoptosis in K562 cells, by inhibiting the CDK4/6-mediated phosphorylation of Rb. Furthermore, the possible binding interactions between 8q and CDK4/6 protein were clarified by homology modeling and molecular docking. In order to verify the inhibitory activity of 8q against other chronic myeloid leukemia cells, KCL-22 cells and K562 adriamycin-resistant cells (K562/ADR) were selected for the MTT assay. It is worth noting that 8q showed significant anti-proliferative activity against these cell lines after 48 h/72 h treatment. Therefore, this study provides new mechanistic information and guidance for the development of new acridones for application in the treatment of CML.
Integrated Omics Analyses Identify Key Pathways Involved in Petiole Rigidity Formation in Sacred Lotus
Authors: Li Ming , Hameed Ishfaq , Cao Dingding , He Dongli , Yang Pingfang
Published: July 2020

Sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) is a relic aquatic plant with two types of leaves, which have distinct rigidity of petioles. Here we assess the difference from anatomic structure to the expression of genes and proteins in two petioles types, and identify key pathways involved in petiole rigidity formation in sacred lotus. Anatomically, great variation between the petioles of floating and vertical leaves were observed. The number of collenchyma cells and thickness of xylem vessel cell wall was higher in the initial vertical leaves’ petiole (IVP) compared to the initial floating leaves’ petiole (IFP). Among quantified transcripts and proteins, 1021 and 401 transcripts presented 2-fold expression increment (named DEGs, genes differentially expressed between IFP and IVP) in IFP and IVP, 421 and 483 proteins exhibited 1.5-fold expression increment (named DEPs, proteins differentially expressed between IFP and IVP) in IFP and IVP, respectively. Gene function and pathway enrichment analysis displayed that DEGs and DEPs were significantly enriched in cell wall biosynthesis and lignin biosynthesis. In consistent with genes and proteins expressions in lignin biosynthesis, the contents of lignin monomers precursors were significantly different in IFP and IVP. These results enable us to understand lotus petioles rigidity formation better and provide valuable candidate genes information on further investigation.
The Adenosine System at the Crossroads of Intestinal Inflammation and Neoplasia
Authors: D’Antongiovanni Vanessa , Fornai Matteo , Pellegrini Carolina , Benvenuti Laura , Blandizzi Corrado , Antonioli Luca
Published: July 2020

Adenosine is a purine nucleoside, resulting from the degradation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Under adverse conditions, including hypoxia, ischemia, inflammation, or cancer, the extracellular levels of adenosine increase significantly. Once released, adenosine activates cellular signaling pathways through the engagement of the four known G-protein-coupled receptors, adenosine A1 receptor subtype (A1), A2A, A2B, and A3. These receptors, expressed virtually on all immune cells, mitigate all aspects of immune/inflammatory responses. These immunosuppressive effects contribute to blunt the exuberant inflammatory responses, shielding cells, and tissues from an excessive immune response and immune-mediated damage. However, a prolonged persistence of increased adenosine concentrations can be deleterious, participating in the creation of an immunosuppressed niche, ideal for neoplasia onset and development. Based on this evidence, the present review has been conceived to provide a comprehensive and critical overview of the involvement of adenosine system in shaping the molecular mechanisms underlying the enteric chronic inflammation and in promoting the generation of an immunosuppressive niche useful for the colorectal tumorigenesis.
Identification of RNA-Binding Proteins as Targetable Putative Oncogenes in Neuroblastoma
Authors: Bell Jessica L. , Hagemann Sven , Holien Jessica K. , Liu Tao , Nagy Zsuzsanna , Schulte Johannes H. , Misiak Danny , Hüttelmaier Stefan
Published: July 2020

Neuroblastoma is a common childhood cancer with almost a third of those affected still dying, thus new therapeutic strategies need to be explored. Current experimental therapies focus mostly on inhibiting oncogenic transcription factor signalling. Although LIN28B, DICER and other RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) have reported roles in neuroblastoma development and patient outcome, the role of RBPs in neuroblastoma is relatively unstudied. In order to elucidate novel RBPs involved in MYCN-amplified and other high-risk neuroblastoma subtypes, we performed differential mRNA expression analysis of RBPs in a large primary tumour cohort (n = 498). Additionally, we found via Kaplan–Meier scanning analysis that 685 of the 1483 tested RBPs have prognostic value in neuroblastoma. For the top putative oncogenic candidates, we analysed their expression in neuroblastoma cell lines, as well as summarised their characteristics and existence of chemical inhibitors. Moreover, to help explain their association with neuroblastoma subtypes, we reviewed candidate RBPs’ potential as biomarkers, and their mechanistic roles in neuronal and cancer contexts. We found several highly significant RBPs including RPL22L1, RNASEH2A, PTRH2, MRPL11 and AFF2, which remain uncharacterised in neuroblastoma. Although not all RBPs appear suitable for drug design, or carry prognostic significance, we show that several RBPs have strong rationale for inhibition and mechanistic studies, representing an alternative, but nonetheless promising therapeutic strategy in neuroblastoma treatment.
Distinct Cell Surface Expression Patterns of N-Glycosylation Site Mutants of AMPA-Type Glutamate Receptor under the Homo-Oligomeric Expression Conditions
Authors: Morise Jyoji , Yamamoto Saki , Midorikawa Ryosuke , Takamiya Kogo , Nonaka Motohiro , Takematsu Hiromu , Oka Shogo
Published: July 2020

The AMPA-type glutamate receptor (AMPAR) is a homotetrameric or heterotetrameric ion channel composed of various combinations of four subunits (GluA1–4), and its abundance in the synapse determines the strength of synaptic activity. The formation of oligomers in the endoplasmatic reticulum (ER) is crucial for AMPAR subunits’ ER-exit and translocation to the cell membrane. Although N-glycosylation on different AMPAR subunits has been shown to regulate the ER-exit of hetero-oligomers, its role in the ER-exit of homo-oligomers remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of N-glycans at GluA1N63/N363 and GluA2N370 in ER-exit under the homo-oligomeric expression conditions, whose mutants are known to show low cell surface expressions. In contrast to the N-glycosylation site mutant GluA1N63Q, the cell surface expression levels of GluA1N363Q and GluA2N370Q increased in a time-dependent manner. Unlike wild-type (WT) GluA1, GluA2WT rescued surface GluA2N370Q expression. Additionally, the expression of GluA1N63Q reduced the cell surface expression level of GluA1WT. In conclusion, our findings suggest that these N-glycans have distinct roles in the ER-exit of GluA1 and GluA2 homo-oligomers; N-glycan at GluA1N63 is a prerequisite for GluA1 ER-exit, whereas N-glycans at GluA1N363 and GluA2N370 control the ER-exit rate.
Cbl Negatively Regulates NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation through GLUT1-Dependent Glycolysis Inhibition
Authors: Lin Hsin-Chung , Chen Yu-Jen , Wei Yau-Huei , Chuang Yu-Ting , Hsieh Su-Heng , Hsieh Jing-Yu , Hsieh Yi-Lin , Ojcius David M. , Huang Kuo-Yang , Chung I.-Che , Yuan Sheng-Ning , Chang Yu-Sun , Chen Lih-Chyang
Published: July 2020

Activation of the nod-like receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes is crucial for immune defense, but improper and excessive activation causes inflammatory diseases. We previously reported that Cbl plays a pivotal role in suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activation by inhibiting Pyk2-mediated apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC) oligomerization. Here, we showed that Cbl dampened NLRP3 inflammasome activation by inhibiting glycolysis, as demonstrated with Cbl knockout cells and treatment with the Cbl inhibitor hydrocotarnine. We revealed that the inhibition of Cbl promoted caspase-1 cleavage and interleukin (IL)-1β secretion through a glycolysis-dependent mechanism. Inhibiting Cbl increased cellular glucose uptake, glycolytic capacity, and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation capacity. Upon NLRP3 inflammasome activation, inhibiting Cbl increased glycolysis-dependent activation of mitochondrial respiration and increased the production of reactive oxygen species, which contributes to NLRP3 inflammasome activation and IL-1β secretion. Mechanistically, inhibiting Cbl increased surface expression of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) protein through post-transcriptional regulation, which increased cellular glucose uptake and consequently raised glycolytic capacity, and in turn enhanced NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Together, our findings provide new insights into the role of Cbl in NLRP3 inflammasome regulation through GLUT1 downregulation. We also show that a novel Cbl inhibitor, hydrocortanine, increased NLRP3 inflammasome activity via its effect on glycolysis.
Effect of a Cognitive Training Program on the Platelet APP Ratio in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Casoli Tiziana , Giuli Cinzia , Balietti Marta , Fabbietti Paolo , Conti Fiorenzo
Published: July 2020

In patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), synaptic plasticity seems to be involved in cognitive improvement induced by cognitive training. The platelet amyloid precursor protein (APP) ratio (APPr), i.e., the ratio between two APP isoforms, may be a useful peripheral biomarker to investigate synaptic plasticity pathways. This study evaluates the changes in neuropsychological/cognitive performance and APPr induced by cognitive training in AD patients participating in the “My Mind Project”. Neuropsychological/cognitive variables and APPr were evaluated in the trained group (n = 28) before a two-month experimental protocol, immediately after its termination at follow-up 1 (FU1), after 6 months at follow-up 2 (FU2), and after 24 months at follow-up 3 (FU3). The control group (n = 31) received general psychoeducational training for two months. Some memory and attention parameters were significantly improved in trained vs. control patients at FU1 and FU2 compared to baseline (Δ values). At FU3, APPr and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores decreased in trained patients. Δ APPr correlated significantly with the Δ scores of (i) MMSE at FU1, (ii) the prose memory test at FU2, and (iii) Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), the semantic word fluency test, Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR), and the attentive matrices test at FU3. Our data demonstrate that the platelet APPr correlates with key clinical variables, thereby proving that it may be a reliable biomarker of brain function in AD patients.
Postsynthetic On-Column 2′ Functionalization of RNA by Convenient Versatile Method
Authors: Krasheninina Olga A. , Fishman Veniamin S. , Lomzov Alexander A. , Ustinov Alexey V. , Venyaminova Alya G.
Published: July 2020

We report a universal straightforward strategy for the chemical synthesis of modified oligoribonucleotides containing functional groups of different structures at the 2′ position of ribose. The on-column synthetic concept is based on the incorporation of two types of commercial nucleotide phosphoramidites containing orthogonal 2′-O-protecting groups, namely 2′-O-thiomorpholine-carbothioate (TC, as “permanent”) and 2′-O-tert-butyl(dimethyl)silyl (tBDMS, as “temporary”), to RNA during solid-phase synthesis. Subsequently, the support-bound RNA undergoes selective deprotection and follows postsynthetic 2′ functionalization of the naked hydroxyl group. This convenient method to tailor RNA, utilizing the advantages of solid phase approaches, gives an opportunity to introduce site-specifically a wide range of linkers and functional groups. By this strategy, a series of RNAs containing diverse 2′ functionalities were synthesized and studied with respect to their physicochemical properties.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects of the Novel PIM Kinase Inhibitor KMU-470 in RAW 264.7 Cells through the TLR4-NF-κB-NLRP3 Pathway
Authors: Baek Hye Suk , Min Hyeon Ji , Hong Victor Sukbong , Kwon Taeg Kyu , Park Jong Wook , Lee Jinho , Kim Shin
Published: July 2020

PIM kinases, a small family of serine/threonine kinases, are important intermediates in the cytokine signaling pathway of inflammatory disease. In this study, we investigated whether the novel PIM kinase inhibitor KMU-470, a derivative of indolin-2-one, inhibits lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses in RAW 264.7 cells. We demonstrated that KMU-470 suppressed the production of nitric oxide and inducible nitric oxide synthases that are induced by LPS in RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, KMU-470 inhibited LPS-induced up-regulation of TLR4 and MyD88, as well as the phosphorylation of IκB kinase and NF-κB in RAW 264.7 cells. Additionally, KMU-470 suppressed LPS-induced up-regulation at the transcriptional level of various pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6. Notably, KMU-470 inhibited LPS-induced up-regulation of a major component of the inflammasome complex, NLRP3, in RAW 264.7 cells. Importantly, PIM-1 siRNA transfection attenuated up-regulation of NLRP3 and pro-IL-1β in LPS-treated RAW 264.7 cells. Taken together, these findings indicate that PIM-1 plays a key role in inflammatory signaling and that KMU-470 is a potential anti-inflammatory agent.
Handling Imbalanced Data in Road Crash Severity Prediction by Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Fiorentini Nicholas , Losa Massimo
Published: July 2020

Crash severity is undoubtedly a fundamental aspect of a crash event. Although machine learning algorithms for predicting crash severity have recently gained interest by the academic community, there is a significant trend towards neglecting the fact that crash datasets are acutely imbalanced. Overlooking this fact generally leads to weak classifiers for predicting the minority class (crashes with higher severity). In this paper, in order to handle imbalanced accident datasets and provide a better prediction for the minority class, the random undersampling the majority class (RUMC) technique is used. By employing an imbalanced and a RUMC-based balanced training set, we propose the calibration, validation, and evaluation of four different crash severity predictive models, including random tree, k-nearest neighbor, logistic regression, and random forest. Accuracy, true positive rate (recall), false positive rate, true negative rate, precision, F1-score, and the confusion matrix have been calculated to assess the performance. Outcomes show that RUMC-based models provide an enhancement in the reliability of the classifiers for detecting fatal crashes and those causing injury. Indeed, in imbalanced models, the true positive rate for predicting fatal crashes and those causing injury spans from 0% (logistic regression) to 18.3% (k-nearest neighbor), while for the RUMC-based models, it spans from 52.5% (RUMC-based logistic regression) to 57.2% (RUMC-based k-nearest neighbor). Organizations and decision-makers could make use of RUMC and machine learning algorithms in predicting the severity of a crash occurrence, managing the present, and planning the future of their works.
The “Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology” Journal Club Series: PhysioMechanics of Human Locomotion
Authors: Maugeri Grazia , D’Agata Velia , Roggio Federico , Cortis Cristina , Fusco Andrea , Foster Carl , Mañago Mark M. , Harris-Love Michael O. , Vleck Veronica , Piacentini Maria Francesca , Musumeci Giuseppe
Published: July 2020

We are glad to introduce the Third Journal Club of Volume five, the third issue. This edition is focused on relevant studies published in the last years in the field of PhysioMechanics of Human Locomotion, chosen by our Editorial Board members and their colleagues. We hope to stimulate your curiosity in this field and to share with you the passion for the Sports Medicine and Movement Sciences seen also from the scientific point of view. The Editorial Board members wish you an inspiring lecture.
Effects of Different Continuous Aerobic Training Protocols in a Heterozygous Mouse Model of Niemann-Pick Type C Disease
Authors: Cariati Ida , Scimeca Manuel , Tancredi Virginia , D’Amico Agata Grazia , Pallone Gabriele , Palmieri Mattia , Frank Claudio , D’Arcangelo Giovanna
Published: July 2020

The positive effects of physical activity on cognitive functions are widely known. Aerobic training is known to promote the expression of neurotrophins, thus inducing an increase in the development and survival of neurons, as well as enhancing synaptic plasticity. Based on this evidence, in the present study, we analyze the effects of two different types of aerobic training, progressive continuous (PC) and varying continuous (VC), on synaptic and muscular plasticity in heterozygous mice carrying the genetic mutation for Niemann-Pick type C disease. We also analyze the effects on synaptic plasticity by extracellular recordings in vitro in mouse hippocampal slices, while the morphological structure of muscle tissue was studied by transmission electron microscopy. Our results show a modulation of synaptic plasticity that varies according to the type of training protocol used, and only the VC protocol administered twice a week, has a significantly positive effect on long-term potentiation. On the contrary, ultrastructural analysis of muscle tissue shows an improvement in cellular conditions in all trained mice. These results confirm the beneficial effects of exercise on quality of life, supporting the hypothesis that physical activity could represent an alternative therapeutic strategy for patients with Niemann-Pick type C disease.
The DPSIR Approach for Coastal Risk Assessment under Climate Change at Regional Scale: The Case of Apulian Coast (Italy)
Authors: Bruno Maria Francesca , Saponieri Alessandra , Molfetta Matteo Gianluca , Damiani Leonardo
Published: July 2020

In the present paper, the coastal risk is assessed, at a regional scale, to produce a risk map that will help to prioritize policies and economic resources in coastal management and planning activities. The DPSIR method is here used taking into account processes and cause/effect relationship between Drivers and Pressures, which induce an alteration of actual State and, hence, Impacts on the environment, society and economy. The study area is located in South Italy (Apulia region), where the Risk Index is calculated and mapped for all municipalities facing the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. Both coastal Vulnerability and Exposure Indexes are firstly calculated according to the procedure suggested in the EUrosion project (EU model) as the product of specific indicators describing the state of coastal zones, their natural characteristics and both natural and anthropic pressures. Based on both EU model results and knowledge of states and pressures of the study area, a new modified model is then proposed (Mod.E.M.) and final risk maps compared. The comparison shows that new Vulnerability and Exposure indexes better describe the ongoing coastal processes and pressures and allow us to identify hot-spot sites where more detailed analyses could be further focused on. The Mod.E.M. has more than just a local significance since the case study includes coastal areas with so different characteristics, that it can be easily applied to other coastal regions. Moreover, to take into account climate change effects, Risk Index is evaluated under Representative Concentration Pathways R C P 4.5 and R C P 8.5 , mainly affecting the sea level rise and the storm surge level.
Revisiting the Proximity Principle with Stakeholder Input: Investigating Property Values and Distance to Urban Green Space in Potchefstroom
Authors: Combrinck Zene , Cilliers Elizelle Juanee , Lategan Louis , Cilliers Sarel
Published: July 2020

Nature is essential to urban quality of life, yet green spaces are under pressure. In an attempt to strengthen the case for urban greening and to reclaim nature into cities, this research considered green spaces from an economic spatial perspective. The proximity principle, as part of hedonic price analysis, is employed to determine the impact of green spaces on property value in specifically selected residential areas within Potchefstroom, South Africa. Our statistical analysis indicated a rejection of the proximity principle in some areas, contradicting internationally accepted theory. To investigate local trends and possible reasons for the rejection, supporting quantitative data was gathered through structured questionnaires disseminated to local residents of Potchefstroom and Professional Planners in South Africa. Challenges pertaining to the planning of green spaces were emphasised, despite residents’ willingness to pay more for such green spaces in close proximity to residential areas, according to the cross-tabulations conducted. The research results contributed to the discourse on the economic benefits of green spaces and presented the trends of such benefits within the local context of Potchefstroom. The results emphasised the need to rethink the planning of green spaces within the local context, and provided recommendations on how to reclaim nature into cities from a spatial planning perspective.
On Partial Stochastic Comparisons Based on Tail Values at Risk
Authors: Bello Alfonso J. , Mulero Julio , Sordo Miguel A. , Suárez-Llorens Alfonso
Published: July 2020

The tail value at risk at level p, with p ∈ ( 0 , 1 ) , is a risk measure that captures the tail risk of losses and asset return distributions beyond the p quantile. Given two distributions, it can be used to decide which is riskier. When the tail values at risk of both distributions agree, whenever the probability level p ∈ ( 0 , 1 ) , about which of them is riskier, then the distributions are ordered in terms of the increasing convex order. The price to pay for such a unanimous agreement is that it is possible that two distributions cannot be compared despite our intuition that one is less risky than the other. In this paper, we introduce a family of stochastic orders, indexed by confidence levels p 0 ∈ ( 0 , 1 ) , that require agreement of tail values at risk only for levels p > p 0 . We study its main properties and compare it with other families of stochastic orders that have been proposed in the literature to compare tail risks. We illustrate the results with a real data example.
Fractional Order PID Controller Design for an AVR System Using Chaotic Yellow Saddle Goatfish Algorithm
Authors: Micev Mihailo , Ćalasan Martin , Oliva Diego
Published: July 2020

This paper presents a novel method for optimal tunning of a Fractional Order Proportional-Integral-Derivative (FOPID) controller for an Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR) system. The presented method is based on the Yellow Saddle Goatfish Algorithm (YSGA), which is improved with Chaotic Logistic Maps. Additionally, a novel objective function for the optimization of the FOPID parameters is proposed. The performance of the obtained FOPID controller is verified by comparison with various FOPID controllers tuned by other metaheuristic algorithms. A comparative analysis is performed in terms of step response, frequency response, root locus, robustness test, and disturbance rejection ability. Results of the simulations undoubtedly show that the FOPID controller tuned with the proposed Chaotic Yellow Saddle Goatfish Algorithm (C-YSGA) outperforms FOPID controllers tuned by other algorithms, in all of the previously mentioned performance tests.
Applications of Microlocal Analysis in Inverse Problems
Authors: Salo Mikko
Published: July 2020

This note reviews certain classical applications of microlocal analysis in inverse problems. The text is based on lecture notes for a postgraduate level minicourse on applications of microlocal analysis in inverse problems, given in Helsinki and Shanghai in June 2019.
On Generalized Fourier’s and Fick’s Laws in Bio-Convection Flow of Magnetized Burgers’ Nanofluid Utilizing Motile Microorganisms
Authors: Alshomrani Ali Saleh
Published: July 2020

This article describes the features of bio-convection and motile microorganisms in magnetized Burgers’ nanoliquid flows by stretchable sheet. Theory of Cattaneo–Christov mass and heat diffusions is also discussed. The Buongiorno phenomenon for nanoliquid motion in a Burgers’ fluid is employed in view of the Cattaneo–Christov relation. The control structure of governing partial differential equations (PDEs) is changed into appropriate ordinary differential equations (ODEs) by suitable transformations. To get numerical results of nonlinear systems, the bvp4c solver provided in the commercial software MATLAB is employed. Numerical and graphical data for velocity, temperature, nanoparticles concentration and microorganism profiles are obtained by considering various estimations of prominent physical parameters. Our computations depict that the temperature field has direct relation with the thermal Biot number and Burgers’ fluid parameter. Here, temperature field is enhanced for growing estimations of thermal Biot number and Burgers’ fluid parameter.
Apply Fuzzy DEMATEL to Explore the Decisive Factors of the Auto Lighting Aftermarket Industry in Taiwan
Authors: Li Jing , Wu Chi-Hui , Chen Chien-Wen , Huang Yi-Fen , Lin Ching-Torng
Published: July 2020

Continuous improvement and innovation are solid foundations for the company to maintain excellent performance and competitive advantage. As the limited resources possessed by companies generally result in the incapability of implementing several improving plans simultaneously, researchers advocate that companies should evaluate the influential relationships among key success factors (KSFs) to explore the more dominant determinants for designing improving actions. This study focused on the auto lighting aftermarket (AM) industry in which the KSFs have not yet been adequately performed to explore the decisive criteria of an improvement strategy. After a literature review and a survey of experts, a preliminary list of suitable evaluation criteria was derived. Consequently, the fuzzy and decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method were employed to analyze and establish the causal relationship among criteria. This study contributes to the auto lighting AM industry by using a novel approach for identifying and prioritizing the KSFs. The result indicates that product integrity was the “cause” construct on the constructs of operating cost, quality and brand, technology development, and customer satisfaction. These findings contribute to help practitioners better design effective improvement strategies.
Analytical Estimation of Temperature in Living Tissues Using the TPL Bioheat Model with Experimental Verification
Authors: Hobiny Aatef , Alzahrani Faris , Abbas Ibrahim
Published: July 2020

The aim of this study is to propose the analytical method associated with Laplace transforms and experimental verification to estimate thermal damages and temperature due to laser irradiation by utilizing measurement information of skin surface. The thermal damages to the tissues are totally estimated by denatured protein ranges using the formulations of Arrhenius. By using Laplace transformations, the exact solution of all physical variables is obtained. Numerical results for the temperature and thermal damage are presented graphically. Furthermore, the comparisons between the numerical calculations with experimental verification show that the three-phase lag bioheat mathematical model is an efficient tool for estimating the bioheat transfer in skin tissue.
The Ideal of σ-Nuclear Operators and Its Associated Tensor Norm
Authors: Kim Ju Myung , Lee Keun Young
Published: July 2020

We introduce a new tensor norm ( σ -tensor norm) and show that it is associated with the ideal of σ -nuclear operators. In this paper, we investigate the ideal of σ -nuclear operators and the σ -tensor norm.
Prediction of Fatigue Crack Growth in Metallic Specimens under Constant Amplitude Loading Using Virtual Crack Closure and Forman Model
Authors: Krscanski Sanjin , Brnic Josip
Published: July 2020

This paper considers the applicability of virtual crack closure technique (VCCT) for calculation of stress intensity factor range for crack propagation in standard metal specimen geometries with sharp through thickness cracks. To determine crack propagation rate and fatigue lifetime of a dynamically loaded metallic specimen, in addition to VCCT, standard Forman model was used. Values of stress intensity factor (SIF) ranges ΔK for various crack lengths were calculated by VCCT and used in conjunction with material parameters available from several research papers. VCCT was chosen as a method of choice for the calculation of stress intensity factor of a crack as it is simple and relatively straightforward to implement. It is relatively easy for implementation on top of any finite element (FE) code and it does not require the use of any special finite elements. It is usually utilized for fracture analysis of brittle materials when plastic dissipation is negligible, i.e., plastic dissipation belongs to small-scale yielding due to low load on a structural element. Obtained results showed that the application of VCCT yields good results. Results for crack propagation rate and total lifetime for three test cases were compared to available experimental data and showed satisfactory correlation.
Biosynthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of Pseudodesmin and Viscosinamide Cyclic Lipopeptides Produced by Pseudomonads Associated with the Cocoyam Rhizosphere
Authors: Oni Feyisara E. , Geudens Niels , Adiobo Amayana , Omoboye Olumide O. , Enow Elsie A. , Onyeka Joseph T. , Salami Ayodeji E. , De Mot René , Martins José C. , Höfte Monica
Published: July 2020

Pseudomonas cyclic lipopeptides (CLPs) are encoded non-ribosomally by biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) and possess diverse biological activities. In this study, we conducted chemical structure and BGC analyses with antimicrobial activity assays for two CLPs produced by Pseudomonas strains isolated from the cocoyam rhizosphere in Cameroon and Nigeria. LC-MS and NMR analyses showed that the Pseudomonas sp. COR52 and A2W4.9 produce pseudodesmin and viscosinamide, respectively. These CLPs belong to the Viscosin group characterized by a nonapeptidic moiety with a 7-membered macrocycle. Similar to other Viscosin-group CLPs, the initiatory non-ribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) gene of the viscosinamide BGC is situated remotely from the other two NRPS genes. In contrast, the pseudodesmin genes are all clustered in a single genomic locus. Nano- to micromolar levels of pseudodesmin and viscosinamide led to the hyphal distortion and/or disintegration of Rhizoctonia solani AG2-2 and Pythium myriotylum CMR1, whereas similar levels of White Line-Inducing Principle (WLIP), another member of the Viscosin group, resulted in complete lysis of both soil-borne phytopathogens. In addition to the identification of the biosynthetic genes of these two CLPs and the demonstration of their interaction with soil-borne pathogens, this study provides further insights regarding evolutionary divergence within the Viscosin group.