bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Korean Black Ginseng Extract through ER Stress Pathway
Authors: An Mi-Yeong , Lee So Rok , Hwang Hye-Jeong , Yoon Ju-Gyeong , Lee Hae-Jeung , Cho Jin Ah
Published: January 2021

The excessive release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can result in the development of chronic inflammation. The mechanisms involved in inflammation are various, with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress known to be among them. We have previously shown that black ginseng (BG) reduced lipid accumulation in and enhanced the antioxidant function of the liver in vitro and in vivo mostly due to ginsenoside Rb1, Rg3 and Rk1 components. Therefore, this study investigated the antioxidant effect of BG on the intestines and its possible mechanistic pathway through ER stress. The results showed that BG extract decreased ROS and nitric oxide (NO) production and reduced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression levels in vitro, and these results were confirmed by zebrafish embryos in vivo. However, this phenotype was abolished in the absence of inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1α) but not in the absence of protein kinase RNA (PKR)-like ER-resistant kinase (PERK) or X-box-binding protein 1 (XBP1) in the mouse embryo fibroblast (MEF) knockout (KO) cells, suggesting that BG elicits an antioxidant effect in an IRE1α-dependent manner. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects were assessed in the liver and intestines of the mouse model affected by nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which was induced by a high-fat/high-fructose diet. In the liver, BG treatment rescued NAFLD-induced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-6 expression. In the intestines, BG also rescued NAFLD-induced shortened villi, inflammatory immune cell infiltration, upregulated IL-6, cytosine-cytosine-adenosine-adenosine-thymidine (CCAAT)/enhancer-binding homologous protein (CHOP) and binding immunoglobulin protein (BiP) expression. In conclusion, our results show that BG reduces ROS and NO production followed by inflammation in an IRE1α-dependent and XBP1-independent manner. The results suggest that BG provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects through an ER stress mechanism.
Development of Fluorescence Imaging Technique to Detect Fresh-Cut Food Organic Residue on Processing Equipment Surface
Authors: Hwang Chansong , Mo Changyeun , Seo Youngwook , Lim Jongguk , Baek Insuck , Kim Moon S.
Published: January 2021

With increasing public demand for ready-to-eat fresh-cut food products, proper sanitation of food-processing equipment surfaces is essential to mitigate potential contamination of these products to ensure safe consumption. This study presents a sanitation monitoring technique using hyperspectral fluorescence images to detect fruit residues on food-processing equipment surfaces. An algorithm to detect residues on the surfaces of 2B-finished and #4-finished stainless-steel, both commonly used in food processing equipment, was developed. Honeydew, orange, apple, and watermelon were selected as representatives since they are mainly used as fresh-cut fruits. Hyperspectral fluorescence images were obtained for stainless steel sheets to which droplets of selected fruit juices at six concentrations were applied and allowed to dry. The most significant wavelengths for detecting juice at each concentration were selected through ANOVA analysis. Algorithms using a single waveband and using a ratio of two wavebands were developed for each sample and for all the samples combined. Results showed that detection accuracies were better for the samples with higher concentrations. The integrated algorithm had a detection accuracy of 100% and above 95%, respectively, for the original juice up to the 1:20 diluted samples and for the more dilute 1:50 to 1:100 samples, respectively. The results of this study establish that using hyperspectral imaging, even a small residual quantity that may exist on the surface of food processing equipment can be detected and that sanitation monitoring and management is possible.
Investigation of the Destruction Process of Potash Ore with a Single Cutter Using Promising Cross Cutting Pattern
Authors: Shishlyannikov Dmitriy , Zvonarev Ivan
Published: January 2021

The creation of modern machines and improvement of existing designs of rock cutting bodies of combines is constrained by the lack of experimental studies of the process of separation of successive elementary cleavages during the potash ore cutting with cutters of winning machines. The potential of the cross cutting pattern of potash ore is shown, since the formation of zones of localization of weakening and induced fractures on the surface of layer-by-layer cutting face determines the separation of the elementary cleavages with stable geometric parameters. The verification of the conclusions obtained theoretically was carried out during laboratory tastings on a specially designed bench. The research procedure provided for comparative tests of the potash block ore cutting, staggered and cross cuttings. It has been proven that the use of the cross pattern for set cutting parameters makes it possible to reduce the specific energy costs of the cutting of potash mass, to reduce the average load on the cutter, to reduce the root-mean-square deviation, and to reduce the number of fractions that are hard to enrich in the crushing products, compared to the traditional staggered cutting pattern.
Generation of Pedestrian Crossing Scenarios Using Ped-Cross Generative Adversarial Network
Authors: Spooner James , Palade Vasile , Cheah Madeline , Kanarachos Stratis , Daneshkhah Alireza
Published: January 2021

The safety of vulnerable road users is of paramount importance as transport moves towards fully automated driving. The richness of real-world data required for testing autonomous vehicles is limited and furthermore, available data do not present a fair representation of different scenarios and rare events. Before deploying autonomous vehicles publicly, their abilities must reach a safety threshold, not least with regards to vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians. In this paper, we present a novel Generative Adversarial Networks named the Ped-Cross GAN. Ped-Cross GAN is able to generate crossing sequences of pedestrians in the form of human pose sequences. The Ped-Cross GAN is trained with the Pedestrian Scenario dataset. The novel Pedestrian Scenario dataset, derived from existing datasets, enables training on richer pedestrian scenarios. We demonstrate an example of its use through training and testing the Ped-Cross GAN. The results show that the Ped-Cross GAN is able to generate new crossing scenarios that are of the same distribution from those contained in the Pedestrian Scenario dataset. Having a method with these capabilities is important for the future of transport, as it will allow for the adequate testing of Connected and Autonomous Vehicles on how they correctly perceive the intention of pedestrians crossing the street, ultimately leading to fewer pedestrian casualties on our roads.
Special Issue on Deep Learning for Applications in Acoustics: Modeling, Synthesis, and Listening
Authors: Gabrielli Leonardo , Fazekas György , Nam Juhan
Published: January 2021

The recent introduction of Deep Learning has led to a vast array of breakthroughs in many fields of science and engineering [...]
Video Forensics: Identifying Colorized Images Using Deep Learning
Authors: Ulloa Carlos , Ballesteros Dora M. , Renza Diego
Published: January 2021

In recent years there has been a significant increase in images and videos circulating in social networks and media, edited with different techniques, including colorization. This has a negative impact on the forensic field because it is increasingly difficult to discern what is original content and what is fake. To address this problem, we propose two models (a custom architecture and a transfer-learning-based model) based on CNNs that allows a fast recognition of the colorized images (or videos). In the experimental test, the effect of three hyperparameters on the performance of the classifier were analyzed in terms of HTER (Half Total Error Rate). The best result was found for the Adam optimizer, with a dropout of 0.25 and an input image size of 400 × 400 pixels. Additionally, the proposed models are compared with each other in terms of performance and inference times and with some state-of-the-art approaches. In terms of inference times per image, the proposed custom model is 12x faster than the transfer-learning-based model; however, in terms of precision (P), recall and F1-score, the transfer-learning-based model is better than the custom model. Both models generalize better than other models reported in the literature.
Fe3O4-Water Nanofluid Free Convection within an Inclined 2D Rectangular Enclosure Heated by Solar Energy Using Finned Absorber Plate
Authors: Nciri Rached , Ali Rothan Yahya , Nasri Faouzi , Ali Chaouki
Published: January 2021

This work investigates a hydrodynamic problem involving the Fe3O4-Water nanofluid. The novelty of this investigation lies in the fact that the nanofluid free convection is evaluated within a specific rectangular enclosure having a finned absorber plate as the top wall, heated by solar energy. The fins below the absorber plate permit to enhance heat transfer towards the nanofluid. A numerical simulation is carried out in order to predict the influence of Rayleigh number, nanofluid layer position, enclosure inclination angle, and absorber plate fins height on the nanofluid flow (in terms of streamlines and velocity magnitude) and heat transfer (in terms of temperature and Nusselt number divided by a certain thermal conductivity ratio). Numerical results show a nanofluid buoyancy enhancement and a temperature distribution homogenization, when the Rayleigh number increases, all the more important and pushed to the right area of the enclosure, as the inclination angle of the enclosure is higher. For relatively low fin heights, the nanofluid buoyancy enhancement is all the more important and pushed to the right area of the enclosure as the inclination angle is high. As the fin height increases, the temperature distribution becomes more homogenous.
Dynamic Line Rating—An Effective Method to Increase the Safety of Power Lines
Authors: Rácz Levente , Németh Bálint
Published: January 2021

Exceeding the electric field’s limit value is not allowed in the vicinity of high-voltage power lines because of both legal and safety aspects. The design parameters of the line must be chosen so that such cases do not occur. However, analysis of several operating power lines in Europe found that the electric field strength in many cases exceeds the legally prescribed limit for the general public. To illustrate this issue and its importance, field measurement and finite element simulation results of the low-frequency electric field are presented for an active 400 kV power line. The purpose of this paper is to offer a new, economical expert system based on dynamic line rating (DLR) that utilizes the potential of real-time power line monitoring methods. The article describes the expert system’s strengths and benefits from both technical and financial points of view, highlighting DLR’s potential for application. With our proposed expert system, it is possible to increase a power line’s safety and security by ensuring that the electric field does not exceed its limit value. In this way, the authors demonstrate that DLR has other potential applications in addition to its capacity-increasing effect in the high voltage grid.
Effect of Small-Scale Wildfires on the Air Parameters near the Burning Centers
Authors: Loboda Egor , Kasymov Denis , Agafontsev Mikhail , Reyno Vladimir , Gordeev Yevgeniy , Tarakanova Veronika , Martynov Pavel , Loboda Yuliya , Orlov Konstantin , Savin Kirill , Dutov Andrey
Published: January 2021

The results of seminatural experiments on the study of steppe and field wildfires characteristic of the steppe and forest-steppe zones of Western Siberia are presented. Using infrared (IR) thermography methods, the main thermal characteristics of the fire front are derived, the flame turbulence scale is estimated, and changes in the structure function of the air refractive index are analyzed in the vicinity of a fire. The effect of a model fire on the change of meteorological parameters (wind velocity components, relative air humidity, and temperature) is ascertained. Large-scale turbulence is observed in the front of a seminatural fire, which is absent in laboratory conditions. The predominance of large-scale turbulence in a flame results in turbulization of the atmosphere in the vicinity of a combustion center. Strong heat release in the combustion zone and flame turbulence increase the vertical component of the wind velocity and produce fluctuations in the air refractive index, which is an indicator of atmospheric turbulization. This creates prerequisites for the formation of a proper wind during large fires. Variations in the gas and aerosol compositions of the atmosphere are measured in the vicinity of the experimental site.
Machine Learning Predictions of Transition Probabilities in Atomic Spectra
Authors: Michalenko Joshua J. , Murzyn Christopher M. , Zollweg Joshua D. , Wermer Lydia , Van Omen Alan J. , Clemenson Michael D.
Published: January 2021

Forward modeling of optical spectra with absolute radiometric intensities requires knowledge of the individual transition probabilities for every transition in the spectrum. In many cases, these transition probabilities, or Einstein A-coefficients, quickly become practically impossible to obtain through either theoretical or experimental methods. Complicated electronic orbitals with higher order effects will reduce the accuracy of theoretical models. Experimental measurements can be prohibitively expensive and are rarely comprehensive due to physical constraints and sheer volume of required measurements. Due to these limitations, spectral predictions for many element transitions are not attainable. In this work, we investigate the efficacy of using machine learning models, specifically fully connected neural networks (FCNN), to predict Einstein A-coefficients using data from the NIST Atomic Spectra Database. For simple elements where closed form quantum calculations are possible, the data-driven modeling workflow performs well but can still have lower precision than theoretical calculations. For more complicated nuclei, deep learning emerged more comparable to theoretical predictions, such as Hartree–Fock. Unlike experiment or theory, the deep learning approach scales favorably with the number of transitions in a spectrum, especially if the transition probabilities are distributed across a wide range of values. It is also capable of being trained on both theoretical and experimental values simultaneously. In addition, the model performance improves when training on multiple elements prior to testing. The scalability of the machine learning approach makes it a potentially promising technique for estimating transition probabilities in previously inaccessible regions of the spectral and thermal domains on a significantly reduced timeline.
Design Considerations for Fast Charging Lithium Ion Cells for NMC/MCMB Electrode Pairs
Authors: Yourey William , Fu Yanbao , Li Ning , Battaglia Vincent , Tong Wei
Published: January 2021

Lithium ion cells that can be quickly charged are of critical importance for the continued and accelerated penetration of electric vehicles (EV) into the consumer market. Considering this, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has set a cell recharge time goal of 10–15 min. The following study provides an investigation into the effect of cell design, specifically negative to positive matching ratio (1.2:1 vs. 1.7:1) on fast charging performance. By using specific charging procedures based on negative electrode performance, as opposed to the industrial standard constant current constant voltage procedures, we show that the cells with a higher N:P ratio can be charged to ~16% higher capacity in the ten-minute time frame. Cells with a higher N:P ratio also show similar cycle life performance to those with a conventional N:P ratio, despite the fact that these cells experience a much higher irreversible capacity loss, leading to a lower reversible specific capacity.
Distinct Shades of Adipocytes Control the Metabolic Roles of Adipose Tissues: From Their Origins to Their Relevance for Medical Applications
Authors: Ladoux Annie , Peraldi Pascal , Chignon-Sicard Bérengère , Dani Christian
Published: January 2021

Adipose tissue resides in specific depots scattered in peripheral or deeper locations all over the body and it enwraps most of the organs. This tissue is always in a dynamic evolution as it must adapt to the metabolic demand and constraints. It exhibits also endocrine functions important to regulate energy homeostasis. This complex organ is composed of depots able to produce opposite functions to monitor energy: the so called white adipose tissue acts to store energy as triglycerides preventing ectopic fat deposition while the brown adipose depots dissipate it. It is composed of many cell types. Different types of adipocytes constitute the mature cells specialized to store or burn energy. Immature adipose progenitors (AP) presenting stem cells properties contribute not only to the maintenance but also to the expansion of this tissue as observed in overweight or obese individuals. They display a high regeneration potential offering a great interest for cell therapy. In this review, we will depict the attributes of the distinct types of adipocytes and their contribution to the function and metabolic features of adipose tissue. We will examine the specific role and properties of distinct depots according to their location. We will consider their cellular heterogeneity to present an updated picture of this sophisticated tissue. We will also introduce new trends pointing out a rational targeting of adipose tissue for medical applications.
Photobiomodulation of Human Fibroblasts and Keratinocytes with Blue Light: Implications in Wound Healing
Authors: Rossi Francesca , Magni Giada , Tatini Francesca , Banchelli Martina , Cherchi Federica , Rossi Michele , Coppi Elisabetta , Pugliese Anna Maria , Rossi degl’Innocenti Duccio , Alfieri Domenico , Pavone Francesco S. , Pini Roberto , Matteini Paolo
Published: January 2021

In recent years, photobiomodulation (PBM) has been recognized as a physical therapy in wound management. Despite several published research papers, the mechanism underlying photobiomodulation is still not completely understood. The investigation about application of blue light to improve wound healing is a relatively new research area. Tests in selected patients evidenced a stimulation of the healing process in superficial and chronic wounds treated with a blue LED light emitting at 420 nm; a study in animal model pointed out a faster healing process in superficial wound, with an important role of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. Here, we present a study aiming at evidencing the effects of blue light on the proliferation and metabolism in fibroblasts from healthy skin and keratinocytes. Different light doses (3.43, 6.87, 13.7, 20.6, 30.9 and 41.2 J/cm2) were used to treat the cells, evidencing inhibitory and stimulatory effects following a biphasic dose behavior. Electrophysiology was used to investigate the effects on membrane currents: healthy fibroblasts and keratinocytes showed no significant differences between treated and not treated cells. Raman spectroscopy revealed the mitochondrial Cytochrome C (Cyt C) oxidase dependence on blue light irradiation: a significant decrease in peak intensity of healthy fibroblast was evidenced, while it is less pronounced in keratinocytes. In conclusion, we observed that the blue LED light can be used to modulate metabolism and proliferation of human fibroblasts, and the effects in wound healing are particularly evident when studying the fibroblasts and keratinocytes co-cultures.
B Quiet: Autoantigen-Specific Strategies to Silence Raucous B Lymphocytes and Halt Cross-Talk with T Cells in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Felton Jamie L. , Conway Holly , Bonami Rachel H.
Published: January 2021

Islet autoantibodies are the primary biomarkers used to predict type 1 diabetes (T1D) disease risk. They signal immune tolerance breach by islet autoantigen-specific B lymphocytes. T-B lymphocyte interactions that lead to expansion of pathogenic T cells underlie T1D development. Promising strategies to broadly prevent this T-B crosstalk include T cell elimination (anti-CD3, teplizumab), B cell elimination (anti-CD20, rituximab), and disruption of T cell costimulation/activation (CTLA-4/Fc fusion, abatacept). However, global disruption or depletion of immune cell subsets is associated with significant risk, particularly in children. Therefore, antigen-specific therapy is an area of active investigation for T1D prevention. We provide an overview of strategies to eliminate antigen-specific B lymphocytes as a means to limit pathogenic T cell expansion to prevent beta cell attack in T1D. Such approaches could be used to prevent T1D in at-risk individuals. Patients with established T1D would also benefit from such targeted therapies if endogenous beta cell function can be recovered or islet transplant becomes clinically feasible for T1D treatment.
Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1B1 Is Associated with Altered Cell Morphology, Proliferation, Migration and Chemosensitivity in Human Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Cells
Authors: Tsochantaridis Ilias , Roupas Angelos , Voulgaridou Georgia-Persephoni , Giatromanolaki Alexandra , Koukourakis Michael I. , Panayiotidis Mihalis I. , Pappa Aglaia
Published: January 2021

Aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs) are NAD(P)+-dependent enzymes that catalyze the oxidation of endogenous and exogenous aldehydes to their corresponding carboxylic acids. ALDHs participate in a variety of cellular mechanisms, such as metabolism, cell proliferation and apoptosis, as well as differentiation and stemness. Over the last few years, ALDHs have emerged as cancer stem cell markers in a wide spectrum of solid tumors and hematological malignancies. In this study, the pathophysiological role of ALDH1B1 in human colorectal adenocarcinoma was investigated. Human colon cancer HT29 cells were stably transfected either with human green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged ALDH1B1 or with an empty lentiviral expression vector. The overexpression of ALDH1B1 was correlated with altered cell morphology, decreased proliferation rate and reduced clonogenic efficiency. Additionally, ALDH1B1 triggered a G2/M arrest at 24 h post-cell synchronization, probably through p53 and p21 upregulation. Furthermore, ALDH1B1-overexpressing HT29 cells exhibited enhanced resistance against doxorubicin, fluorouracil (5-FU) and etoposide. Finally, ALDH1B1 induced increased migratory potential and displayed epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) through the upregulation of ZEB1 and vimentin and the consequent downregulation of E-cadherin. Taken together, ALDH1B1 confers alterations in the cell morphology, cell cycle progression and gene expression, accompanied by significant changes in the chemosensitivity and migratory potential of HT29 cells, underlying its potential significance in cancer progression.
Effects of 6-Month Multimodal Physical Exercise Program on Bone Mineral Density, Fall Risk, Balance, and Gait in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease: A Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Puente-González A. Silvia , Sánchez-Sánchez M. Carmen , Fernández-Rodríguez Eduardo J. , Hernández-Xumet J. Elicio , Barbero-Iglesias Fausto J. , Méndez-Sánchez Roberto
Published: January 2021

We aimed to determine the short- and medium-term effects of a multimodal physical exercise program (MPEP) on bone health status, fall risk, balance, and gait in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. A single-blinded, controlled clinical trial was performed where 72 subjects were allocated in a 3:1 ratio to an intervention group (IG; n = 53) and control group (CG; n = 19), where the IG’s subjects were admitted to live in a State Reference Center of Alzheimer’s disease, which offers the targeted exercise program, while the CG’s subjects resided in independent living. A multidisciplinary health team assessed all patients before allocation, and dependent outcomes were again assessed at one, three, and six months. During the study, falls were recorded, and in all evaluations, bone mineral density was measured using a calcaneal quantitative ultrasound densitometer; balance and gait were measured using the performance-oriented mobility assessment (POMA), the timed up and go test (TUG), the one-leg balance test (OLB), and the functional reach test (FR). There were no differences between groups at baseline for all outcome measures. The prevalence of falls was significantly lower in the IG (15.09%) than in the CG (42.11%) (χ2 = 5.904; p = 0.015). We also found that there was a significant time*group interaction, with a post hoc Šidák test finding significant differences of improved physical function, especially in gait, for the IG, as assessed by POMA-Total, POMA-Gait, and TUG with a large effect size (ƞ2p = 0.185–0.201). In balance, we found significant differences between groups, regardless of time, and a medium effect size as assessed by POMA-Balance and the OLB (ƞ2p = 0.091–0.104). Clinically relevant effects were observed, although without significant differences in bone health, with a slowing of bone loss. These results show that a multimodal physical exercise program reduces fall risk and produces an improvement in gait, balance, and bone mineral density in the short and medium term in institutionalized patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
Fourier Transform Infrared Polarization Contrast Imaging Recognizes Proteins Degradation in Lungs upon Metastasis from Breast Cancer
Authors: Chrabaszcz Karolina , Kaminska Katarzyna , Song Cai Li , Morikawa Junko , Kujdowicz Monika , Michalczyk Ewelina , Smeda Marta , Stojak Marta , Jasztal Agnieszka , Kazarian Sergei G. , Malek Kamilla
Published: January 2021

The current understanding of mechanisms underlying the formation of metastatic tumors has required multi-parametric methods. The tissue micro-environment in secondary organs is not easily evaluated due to complex interpretation with existing tools. Here, we demonstrate the detection of structural modifications in proteins using emerging Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) imaging combined with light polarization. We investigated lungs affected by breast cancer metastasis in the orthotopic murine model from the pre-metastatic phase, through early micro-metastasis, up to an advanced phase, in which solid tumors are developed in lung parenchyma. The two IR-light polarization techniques revealed, for the first time, the orientational ordering of proteins upon the progression of pulmonary metastasis of breast cancer. Their distribution was complemented by detailed histological examination. Polarized contrast imaging recognised tissue structures of lungs and showed deformations in protein scaffolds induced by inflammatory infiltration, fibrosis, and tumor growth. This effect was recognised by not only changes in absorbance of the spectral bands but also by the band shifts and the appearance of new signals. Therefore, we proposed this approach as a useful tool for evaluation of progressive and irreversible molecular changes that occur sequentially in the metastatic process.
Cancer and Stress: Does It Make a Difference to the Patient When These Two Challenges Collide?
Authors: Iftikhar Anem , Islam Mohammad , Shepherd Simon , Jones Sarah , Ellis Ian
Published: January 2021

A single head and neck Cancer (HNC) is a globally growing challenge associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The diagnosis itself can affect the patients profoundly let alone the complex and disfiguring treatment. The highly important functions of structures of the head and neck such as mastication, speech, aesthetics, identity and social interactions make a cancer diagnosis in this region even more psychologically traumatic. The emotional distress engendered as a result of functional and social disruption is certain to negatively affect health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The key biological responses to stressful events are moderated through the combined action of two systems, the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPA) which releases glucocorticoids and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) which releases catecholamines. In acute stress, these hormones help the body to regain homeostasis; however, in chronic stress their increased levels and activation of their receptors may aid in the progression of cancer. Despite ample evidence on the existence of stress in patients diagnosed with HNC, studies looking at the effect of stress on the progression of disease are scarce, compared to other cancers. This review summarises the challenges associated with HNC that make it stressful and describes how stress signalling aids in the progression of cancer. Growing evidence on the relationship between stress and HNC makes it paramount to focus future research towards a better understanding of stress and its effect on head and neck cancer.
PD-L1/PD-1 Axis in Multiple Myeloma Microenvironment and a Possible Link with CD38-Mediated Immune-Suppression
Authors: Costa Federica , Marchica Valentina , Storti Paola , Malavasi Fabio , Giuliani Nicola
Published: January 2021

The emerging role of the PD-1/PD-L1 axis in MM immune-microenvironment has been highlighted by several studies. However, discordant data have been reported on PD-1/PD-L1 distribution within the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment of patients with monoclonal gammopathies. In addition, the efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade as a therapeutic strategy to reverse myeloma immune suppression and inhibit myeloma cell survival still remains unknown. Recent data suggest that, among the potential mechanisms behind the lack of responsiveness or resistance to anti-PD-L1/PD-1 antibodies, the CD38 metabolic pathways involving the immune-suppressive factor, adenosine, could play an important role. This review summarizes the available data on PD-1/PD-L1 expression in patients with MM, reporting the main mechanisms of regulation of PD-1/PD-L1 axis. The possible link between the CD38 and PD-1/PD-L1 pathways is also reported, highlighting the rationale for the potential use of a combined therapeutic approach with CD38 blocking agents and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies in order to improve their anti-tumoral effect in MM patients.
Predicting Radiotherapy Impact on Late Bladder Toxicity in Prostate Cancer Patients: An Observational Study
Authors: Catucci Francesco , Alitto Anna Rita , Masciocchi Carlotta , Dinapoli Nicola , Gatta Roberto , Martino Antonella , Mazzarella Ciro , Fionda Bruno , Frascino Vincenzo , Piras Antonio , D’Aviero Andrea , Preziosi Francesco , Palazzoni Giovanni , Valentini Vincenzo , Mantini Giovanna
Published: January 2021

Background and purpose: The aim of our study was to elaborate a suitable model on bladder late toxicity in prostate cancer (PC) patients treated by radiotherapy with volumetric technique. Materials and methods: PC patients treated between September 2010 and April 2017 were included in the analysis. An observational study was performed collecting late toxicity data of any grade, according to RTOG and CTCAE 4.03 scales, cumulative dose volumes histograms were exported for each patient. Vdose, the value of dose to a specific volume of organ at risk (OAR), impact was analyzed through the Mann–Whitney rank-sum test. Logistic regression was used as the final model. The model performance was estimated by taking 1000 samples with replacement from the original dataset and calculating the AUC average. In addition, the calibration plot (Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test) was used to evaluate the performance of internal validation. RStudio Software version 3.3.1 and an in house developed software package “Moddicom” were used. Results: Data from 175 patients were collected. The median follow-up was 39 months (min–max 3.00–113.00). We performed Mann–Whitney rank-sum test with continuity correction in the subset of patients with late bladder toxicity grade ≥ 2: a statistically significant p-value with a Vdose of 51.43 Gy by applying a logistic regression model (coefficient 4.3, p value 0.025) for the prediction of the development of late G ≥ 2 GU toxicity was observed. The performance for the model’s internal validation was evaluated, with an AUC equal to 0.626. Accuracy was estimated through the elaboration of a calibration plot. Conclusions: Our preliminary results could help to optimize treatment planning procedures and customize treatments.
Play in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Psychometric Properties of a Parent Report Measure ‘My Child’s Play’
Authors: Romero-Ayuso Dulce , Ruiz-Salcedo María , Barrios-Fernández Sabina , Triviño-Juárez José , Maciver Donald , Richmond Janet , Muñoz Miguel
Published: January 2021

Play is essential in childhood, allowing for a positive trend in development and learning. Health professionals need useful tools to assess it, especially in the case of children with neurodevelopmental disorders. The aim of this study was to validate and cross-culturally adapt the My Child’s Play questionnaire and to find out if this instrument allows us to differentiate the play of children with neurodevelopmental disorders from the play of children with neurotypical development. A total of 594 parents completed the questionnaire. A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted, which showed a similar structure to the English version: (1) executive functions; (2) environmental context; (3) play characteristics; and (4) play preferences and interpersonal interactions. The reliability of the analysis was high, both for the whole questionnaire and for the factors it comprises. The results provide evidence of the potential usefulness of the My Child’s Play questionnaire for determining play needs and difficulties of children; moreover, this tool can also be used to plan intervention programs according to the needs of each child and family.
Examination of the Hydrogen Incorporation into Radio Frequency-Sputtered Hydrogenated SiNx Thin Films
Authors: Hegedüs Nikolett , Lovics Riku , Serényi Miklós , Zolnai Zsolt , Petrik Péter , Mihály Judit , Fogarassy Zsolt , Balázsi Csaba , Balázsi Katalin
Published: January 2021

In this work, amorphous hydrogen-free silicon nitride (a-SiNx) and amorphous hydrogenated silicon nitride (a-SiNx:H) films were deposited by radio frequency (RF) sputtering applying various amounts of hydrogen gas. Structural and optical properties were investigated as a function of hydrogen concentration. The refractive index of 1.96 was characteristic for hydrogen-free SiNx thin film and with increasing H2 flow it decreased to 1.89. The hydrogenation during the sputtering process affected the porosity of the thin film compared with hydrogen-free SiNx. A higher porosity is consistent with a lower refractive index. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the presence of 4 at.% of bounded hydrogen, while elastic recoil detection analysis (ERDA) confirmed that 6 at.% hydrogen was incorporated during the growing mechanism. The molecular form of hydrogen was released at a temperature of ~65 °C from the film after annealing, while the blisters with 100 nm diameter were created on the thin film surface. The low activation energy deduced from the Arrhenius method indicated the diffusion of hydrogen molecules.
Simulation and Analysis of Self-Replicating Robot Decision-Making Systems
Authors: Jones Andrew , Straub Jeremy
Published: January 2021

Self-replicating robot systems (SRRSs) are a new prospective paradigm for robotic exploration. They can potentially facilitate lower mission costs and enhance mission capabilities by allowing some materials, which are needed for robotic system construction, to be collected in situ and used for robot fabrication. The use of a self-replicating robot system can potentially lower risk aversion, due to the ability to potentially replenish lost or damaged robots, and may increase the likelihood of mission success. This paper proposes and compares system configurations of an SRRS. A simulation system was designed and is used to model how an SRRS performs based on its system configuration, attributes, and operating environment. Experiments were conducted using this simulation and the results are presented.
Crystal Plasticity
Authors: Polkowski Wojciech
Published: January 2021

The Special Issue on “Crystal Plasticity” is a collection of 25 original articles (including one review paper) dedicated to theoretical and experimental research works providing new insights and practical findings in the field of crystal plasticity-related topics [...]
Parrot Ownership and Capture in Coastal Ecuador: Developing a Trapping Pressure Index
Authors: Biddle Rebecca , Solis-Ponce Ivette , Jones Martin , Pilgrim Mark , Marsden Stuart
Published: January 2021

We located rural communities with pet parrots and used these locations to predict the probability of illegal parrot ownership across coastal Ecuador, using variables related to demand for pets, parrot availability, and trapping accessibility. In 12 pet keeping communities, we carried out in-depth interviews with 106 people, to quantify ownership, trapping, and interviewees’ attitudes towards these behaviours. We combined these data to calculate a trapping pressure index for four key roosting, feeding and nesting sites for the Critically Endangered Lilacine or Ecuadorian Amazon Parrot Amazona lilacina. We found that 66% of all communities had pet parrots and 31% had pet Lilacines. Our predictive models showed that pet parrot ownership occurs throughout coastal Ecuador, but ownership of Lilacines by rural communities, is more likely to occur within the natural distribution of the species. The number of people per community who had owned Lilacines in the last three years varied from 0–50%, as did the number of people who had trapped them—from 0–26%. We interviewed 10 people who had captured the species in the last three years who reported motives of either to sell or keep birds as pets. Attitudes towards pet keeping and trapping differed among the 12 communities: 20–52% believed it was acceptable to keep pet parrots, and for 32–74%, it was acceptable to catch parrots to sell. This being said, most people believed that wild parrots were important for nature and that local people had a responsibility to protect them. We conclude that trapping pressure is greatest in the southern part of the Lilacine’s range, and urgent conservation measures such as nest and roost protection, and local community engagement are needed.
Unraveling of a Strongly Correlated Dynamical Network of Residues Controlling the Permeation of Potassium in KcsA Ion Channel
Authors: Cosseddu Salvatore M. , Choe Eunju Julia , Khovanov Igor A.
Published: January 2021

The complicated patterns of the single-channel currents in potassium ion channel KcsA are governed by the structural variability of the selectivity filter. A comparative analysis of the dynamics of the wild type KcsA channel and several of its mutants showing different conducting patterns was performed. A strongly correlated dynamical network of interacting residues is found to play a key role in regulating the state of the wild type channel. The network is centered on the aspartate D80 which plays the role of a hub by strong interacting via hydrogen bonds with residues E71, R64, R89, and W67. Residue D80 also affects the selectivity filter via its backbones. This network further compromises ions and water molecules located inside the channel that results in the mutual influence: the permeation depends on the configuration of residues in the network, and the dynamics of network’s residues depends on locations of ions and water molecules inside the selectivity filter. Some features of the network provide a further understanding of experimental results describing the KcsA activity. In particular, the necessity of anionic lipids to be present for functioning the channel is explained by the interaction between the lipids and the arginine residues R64 and R89 that prevents destabilizing the structure of the selectivity filter.
Gamification in Science Education. A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Kalogiannakis Michail , Papadakis Stamatios , Zourmpakis Alkinoos-Ioannis
Published: January 2021

The implementation of gamification in education has attracted many researchers to increase engagement and achieve learning more effectively. Implementing technology in science curricula has seen a massive influx over the past years to stop the decline in students’ motivation towards science learning and promote scientific thinking. This study’s objective is to present the empirical findings of the state-of-the-art literature on the use of gamification in science education. Therefore, we performed a systematic literature review of 24 empirical research papers published in various electronic databases and the web search engine for scholarly literature and academic resources, Google Scholar, between 2012 and 2020. This review reveals the latest emerging trends of gamification in science education while revealing the literature gap, challenges, impediments, and extending the possibilities for future research directions. It examines the conflicting findings of other studies and provides a framework and insight for future researchers regarding content areas, educational levels, theoretical models, outcomes, methodologies, game elements, and assessment tools.
Investigation on 220 GHz Taper Cascaded Over-Mode Circular Waveguide TE0n Mode Converter
Authors: Yang Tongbin , Guan Xiaotong , Fu Wenjie , Lu Dun , Yuan Xuesong , Yan Yang
Published: January 2021

This paper proposes a taper cascaded over-mode circular waveguide TE0n mode converter for the millimeter and terahertz wave gyrotron. The mode converter of this structure can effectively reduce the difficulty of high frequency mode converter in fabrication. This paper verifies the feasibility of this new structure from theory, simulation, and experiment. Based on coupled wave theory calculations, three TE02-TE01 mode converters with lengths of 65.43 mm (4 segments), 119.3 mm (6 segments) and 136 mm (8 segments) and a TE03-TE02 mode converter with a length of 92 mm (8 segments) are optimized. The conversion efficiency in the frequency band 215–225 GHz is 91.8–94%, 93–95%, 95–98.78% and 95–98.44%. Because the length of the mode converter is clearly limited, this paper selects the TE02-TE01 mode converter with a length of 65.43 mm (4 segments) and the TE03-TE02 mode converter with 92 mm (8 segments) for simulation and experimental verification. In the simulation software Computer simulation technology (CST), the TE02-TE01 and TE03-TE02 mode converters and their composed TE03-TE01 mode converters are selected for modeling and analyzing. The simulation results and theoretical calculation results of the three mode converters only have different degrees of frequency deviation, and the frequency deviation of the 4-stage TE02-TE01 mode converter can be ignored; the frequency deviations of TE03-TE02 mode converter and TE03-TE01 mode converter are 2 GHz and 3 GHz, respectively. The experimental system is a field scanning system based on a vector network analyzer (VNA), which scans the input and output of the mode converter respectively. The experimental result is that when the input mode purity is 92% in TE01 mode, the output mode TE03 mode has a mode purity of 82%, and it has lower transmission loss. In this paper, the results from theory, simulation and experiment are in good agreement. This type of mode converter is easy to prepare, which makes it an effective alternative for high frequency curvilinear waveguide mode converter.
A Computer Tool for Modelling CO2 Emissions in Driving Tests for Vehicles with Diesel Engines
Authors: Tucki Karol
Published: January 2021

The dynamic development of transport in recent decades reflects the level of economic development in the world. The transport sector today is one of the main barriers to the achievement of the European Union’s climate protection objectives. More and more restrictive legal regulations define permissible emission limits for the amounts of toxic substances emitted into the atmosphere. Numerical CO2 modeling tools are one way to replace costly on-road testing. Driving cycles, which are an approximation of the vehicle’s on-road operating conditions, are the basis of any vehicle approval procedure. The paper presents a computer tool that uses neural networks to simulate driving tests. Data obtained from tests on the Mercedes E350 chassis dynamometer were used for the construction of the neural model. All the collected operational parameters of the vehicle, which are the input data for the built model, were used to create simulation control runs for driving tests: Environmental Protection Agency, Supplemental Federal Test Procedure, Highway Fuel Economy Driving Schedule, Federal Test Procedure, New European Driving Cycle, Random Cycle Low, Random Cycle High, Mobile Air Conditioning Test Procedure, Common Artemis Driving Cycles, Worldwide Harmonized Light-Duty Vehicle Test Procedure. Using the developed computer simulation tool, the impact on CO2 emissions was analyzed in the context of driving tests of four types of fuels: Diesel, Fatty Acid Methyl Esters, rapeseed oil, butanol (butyl alcohol). As a result of the processing of this same computer tool, mass consumption of fuels and CO2 emissions were analyzed in driving tests for the given analyzed vehicle.
Impact of Dropwise Condensation on the Biomass Production Rate in Covered Raceway Ponds
Authors: Hoeniges Jack , Zhu Keyong , Pruvost Jeremy , Legrand Jack , Si-Ahmed El-khider , Pilon Laurent
Published: January 2021

This study investigates the effect of condensed water droplets on the areal biomass productivity of outdoor culture systems with a free surface, protected by a transparent window or cover to prevent contamination and to control the growth conditions. Under solar radiation, evaporation from the culture causes droplets to condense on the interior surface of the cover. To quantify the effect of droplets on the system’s performance, the bidirectional transmittance of a droplet-covered window was predicted using the Monte Carlo ray-tracing method. It was combined with a growth kinetics model of Chlorella vulgaris to predict the temporal evolution of the biomass concentration on 21 June and 23 September in Los Angeles, CA. A droplet contact angle of 30∘ or 90∘ and a surface area coverage of 50% or 90% were considered. Light scattering by the condensed droplets changed the direction of the incident sunlight while reducing the amount of light reaching the culture by up to 37%. The combined effect decreased the daily areal biomass productivity with increasing droplet contact angle and surface area coverage by as much as 18%. Furthermore, the areal biomass productivity of the system was found to scale with the ratio X0/a of the initial biomass concentration X0 and the specific illuminated area a, as previously established for different photobioreactor geometries, but even in the presence of droplets. Finally, for a given day of the year, the optical thickness of the culture that yielded the maximum productivity was independent of the window condition. Thus, the design and operation of such a system should focus on maintaining a small droplet contact angle and surface area coverage and an optimum optical thickness to maximize productivity.