bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mixed-Valence Compounds as a New Route for Electrochromic Devices with High Coloration Efficiency in the Whole Vis-NIR Region
Authors: Corrente Giuseppina Anna , Cospito Sante , Capodilupo Agostina Lina , Beneduci Amerigo
Published: November 2020

Electrochromic devices (ECDs) that allow the modulation of light transmission are very attractive in the research field of energy saving. Here all-in-one gel switchable ECDs based on mixed-valence electroactive compounds were developed. The use of the thienoviologen/ferrocene couple as cathode and anode, respectively, leads to a significant electrochromic band in the visible range (550–800 nm), with a color change from yellow to green, and to a lower band in the NIR region (1000–1700 nm), due to the presence of one electroactive-chromic species. Replacement of the electroactive ferrocene with a fluorene-diarylamine electroactive-chromic species, allows to extend and intensify the absorption in the NIR region, thus affording modulation of the solar radiation from 500 up to 2200 nm. High optical contrast, fast coloration and bleaching times and outstanding coloration efficiencies were measured for all observed absorption bands upon the application of small potential differences (1.4 V < DV < 2 V).
Effects of Smartphone Size and Hand Size on Grip Posture in One-Handed Hard Key Operations
Authors: Choi Younggeun , Yang Xiaopeng , Park Jangwoon , Lee Wonsup , You Heecheon
Published: November 2020

Greater understanding of the grip postures preferred by users is needed for the ergonomic design of smartphone user interfaces. The present study identifies user-preferred grip postures by smartphone size and hand size in one-handed hard key operations. Grip postures of 45 participants were photographed while major smartphone tasks were simulated in standing with smartphone mockups of nine screen sizes (3.0″–7.0″). The grip postures were encoded by the locations (left side: L, right side: R, top: T, bottom: B, front: F, back: K) of a smartphone and the number of fingers at each contact location. Three grip postures (L3-R1-K1: 70.0%, L4-R1: 13.3%, L3-R1-T1: 12.0%) were found dominant and the distribution of grip posture changed by smartphone size and hand size—the larger the smartphone size or hand size, the higher the frequency of L3-R1-K1. The grip posture frequency distribution by smartphone size would be of use to determine the optimal locations of hard keys on a smartphone of a particular size.
Improved Performance in the Detection of ACO-OFDM Modulated Signals Using Deep Learning Modules
Authors: Darwesh Laialy , Kopeika Natan
Published: November 2020

Free space optical communication (FSO) is widely deployed to transmit high data rates for rapid communication traffic increase. Asymmetrically clipped optical orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (ACO-OFDM) modulation is a very efficient FSO communication technique in terms of transmitted optical power. However, its performance is limited by atmospheric turbulence. When the channel includes strong turbulence or is non-deterministic, the bit error rate (BER) increases. To reach optimal performance, the ACO-OFDM decoder needs to know accurate channel state information (CSI). We propose novel detection using different deep learning (DL) algorithms. Our DL models are compared with minimum mean square error (MMSE) detection methods in different turbulent channels and improve performance especially for non-stationary and non-deterministic channels. Our models yield performance very close to that of the MMSE estimator when the channel is characterized by weak or strong turbulence and is stationary. However, when the channel is non-stationary and variable, our DL model succeeds in improving the performance of the system and decreasing the signal to noise ratio (SNR) by more than 8 dB compared to that of the MMSE estimator, and it succeeds in recovering the received data without needing to know accurate CSI. Our DL decoders also show notable speed and energy efficiency improvement.
Accounting for Carbon Footprint Flows in Wine Production Process. Case Study in Spanish Winery
Authors: Marco-Fondevila Miguel , Moneva José M. , Llena-Macarulla Fernando
Published: November 2020

Companies are gradually becoming conscious about the necessity of reducing their environmental impact and adopting low-carbon strategies in order to cope with increasing institutional and social demands. However, remaining competitive while reducing the environmental impact and improving the corporate image requires adopting sophisticated mechanisms boosting eco-efficiency and keeping costs tight. Material Flows Cost Accounting (MFCA) is an instrument that allows the monitoring of, measurement of, and accounting for physical and monetary processes along the production process. If extended to the supply chain, and applied to the energy usage and CO2 emissions, it allows one to account for the Carbon Footprint (CF) of a company and its products at any given stage of the value chain. The current paper presents a case study developed under the framework of a three-year project to introduce an energy use and carbon emissions monitoring and accounting system in a large winery company in Spain, based on the MFCA approach and CF accountability. Including the supply chain of the company and the whole farming cycle of its main input, the case study presents the method and phases adopted to implement the project, its direct and indirect results and outcomes, and the conclusions that can be extracted, which may be inspirational for practitioners and scholars envisaging similar projects.
Experimental Research of Rubber Composites Subjected to Impact Loading
Authors: Ambriško Ľubomír , Marasová Daniela
Published: November 2020

This paper investigates rubber composites subjected to impact loading. One of the objectives was to determine the effect of the support system on the impact force value. Another objective was to identify the correlations between the force characteristics of the impact process, i.e., between the impact force and the tensile force. The identified correlations between the impact process characteristics have been subjected to regression analyses, and their outputs were regression models describing the dynamic stress of rubber composites during the testing of their impact resistance. At dynamic loading, the key factor was the support system, which eliminates the force effects of the falling material that damages the rubber composite, in particular a conveyor belt, and may even lead to the loss if its functionality. In real operations, conveyor belts are stressed by the impact of the transported material onto the belt surface at sites where the conveyor is filled or at chutes, and this often results in belt damage. In many cases, such a belt is no longer usable, and significant financial loss is therefore incurred due to the need for replacement of the damaged belt and due to consequent downtimes.
A Novel Optimization Algorithm for Echium amoenum Petals Drying
Authors: Nadi Fatemeh , Górnicki Krzysztof , Winiczenko Radosław
Published: November 2020

A novel multi-objective optimization algorithm was developed, which was successfully applied in the drying process. The effect of drying parameters (air velocity (vd), drying temperature (Td)) on the energy consumption (EC) and the quality parameters of Echium amoenum petals in fluidized drying were experimentally studied. The following quality parameters were examined: the color difference, the bioactive compounds as losses of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and losses of phenolic (TPC), flavonoids (TFC) and anthocyanin (A). The six optimization objectives included simultaneous minimization of the quality parameters and energy consumption. The objective functions represent relationships between process variables and optimization objectives. The relations were approximated using an Artificial Neural Network (ANN). The Pareto optimal set with a nondominated sorting genetic algorithm was developed. No unequivocal solution to the optimization problem was found. Cannot be obtained E. amoenum petals characterized a low color change at low energy consumption due to its fluidized drying. Unique Pareto optimal solutions were found: Td = 54 °C and vd = 1.0 m/s–for the strategy in which the lower losses of TAC, TFC and A are most important, and Td = 59.8 °C and vd = 0.52 m/s–for the strategy in which the lower losses of TPC and TFC are important with accepted EC values. The results of this research are essential for the improvement of industrial dehydration of E. amoenum petals in order to maintain their high content of bioactive compounds with low energy consumption and low colour change
TORC2-Dependent Ypk1-Mediated Phosphorylation of Lam2/Ltc4 Disrupts Its Association with the β-Propeller Protein Laf1 at Endoplasmic Reticulum-Plasma Membrane Contact Sites in the Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Topolska Magdalena , Roelants Françoise M. , Si Edward P. , Thorner Jeremy
Published: November 2020

Membrane-tethered sterol-binding Lam/Ltc proteins localize at junctions between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane and other organelles. Two of the six family members—Lam2/Ltc4 (initially Ysp2) and paralog Lam4/Ltc3—localize to ER-plasma membrane (PM) contact sites (CSs) and mediate retrograde ergosterol transport from the PM to the ER. Our prior work demonstrated that Lam2 and Lam4 are substrates of TORC2-regulated protein kinase Ypk1, that Ypk1-mediated phosphorylation inhibits their function in retrograde sterol transport, and that PM sterol retention bolsters cell survival under stressful conditions. At ER-PM CSs, Lam2 and Lam4 associate with Laf1/Ymr102c and Dgr2/Ykl121w (paralogous WD40 repeat-containing proteins) that reportedly bind sterol. Using fluorescent tags, we found that Lam2 and Lam4 remain at ER-PM CSs when Laf1 and Dgr2 are absent, whereas neither Laf1 nor Dgr2 remain at ER-PM CSs when Lam2 and Lam4 are absent. Loss of Laf1 (but not Dgr2) impedes retrograde ergosterol transport, and a laf1∆ mutation does not exacerbate the transport defect of lam2∆ lam4∆ cells, indicating a shared function. Lam2 and Lam4 bind Laf1 and Dgr2 in vitro in a pull-down assay, and the PH domain in Lam2 hinders its interaction with Laf1. Lam2 phosphorylated by Ypk1, and Lam2 with phosphomimetic (Glu) replacements at its Ypk1 sites, exhibited a marked reduction in Laf1 binding. Thus, phosphorylation prevents Lam2 interaction with Laf1 at ER-PM CSs, providing a mechanism by which Ypk1 action inhibits retrograde sterol transport.
Multiple Sclerosis in a Multi-Ethnic Population in Houston, Texas: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Mercado Vicki , Dongarwar Deepa , Fisher Kristen , Salihu Hamisu M. , Hutton George J. , Cuascut Fernando X.
Published: November 2020

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects more than 2 million people worldwide. Increasing knowledge about MS in different populations has advanced our understanding of disease epidemiology and variation in the natural history of MS among White and minority populations. In addition to differences in incidence, African American (AA) and Hispanic patients have greater disease burden and disability in earlier stages of disease compared to White patients. To further characterize MS in AA and Hispanic populations, we conducted a retrospective chart analysis of 112 patients treated at an MS center in Houston, Texas. Here, we describe similarities and differences in clinical presentation, MRI findings, treatment regimens, disability progression, and relapse rate. While we found several similarities between the groups regarding mean age, disability severity, and degree of brain atrophy at diagnosis, we also describe a few divergences. Interestingly, we found that patients who were evaluated by a neurologist at symptom onset had significantly decreased odds of greater disability [defined as Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) > 4.5] at last presentation compared to patients who were not evaluated by a neurologist (OR: 0.04, 95% CI: 0.16–0.9). We also found that active smokers had significantly increased odds of greater disability both at diagnosis and at last clinical encounter compared to nonsmokers (OR: 2.44, 95% CI: 1.10–7.10, OR= 2.44, 95% CI: 1.35–6.12, p = 0.01, respectively). Additionally, we observed significant differences in treatment adherence between groups. Assessment of the degree of brain atrophy and progression over time, along with an enumeration of T1, T2, and gadolinium-enhancing brain lesions, did not reveal differences across groups.
68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT-Guided Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy Retreatment in Prostate Cancer Patients with PSA Failure after Salvage Radiotherapy
Authors: Caroli Paola , Colangione Sarah Pia , De Giorgi Ugo , Ghigi Giulia , Celli Monica , Scarpi Emanuela , Monti Manuela , Di Iorio Valentina , Sarnelli Anna , Paganelli Giovanni , Matteucci Federica , Romeo Antonino
Published: November 2020

(1) Purpose: To investigate the role of 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT in guiding retreatment stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in prostate cancer (PCa) patients in biochemical recurrence (BCR) after salvage radiotherapy (S-RT). (2) Methods: We retrospectively evaluated PCa patients previously treated with S-RT on the prostate bed and with proven serum prostate antigen (PSA) failure after S-RT. In all patients (pts), 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT was positive in the prostate bed only and guided retreatment SBRT. All retreatments were performed by applying the same radiotherapy protocol (median dose of 18 Gy/3 fractions; IQR 18–21 Gy). The median follow-up was 27 months (range 4–35 months). (3) Results: 38 consecutive patients were considered in this analysis. The overall median PSA level before RT was 1.10 ng/mL (IQR 0.82–2.59). PSA decreased at 3 and 6 months after treatment, with a median value of 0.60 ng/mL (IQR 0.31–0.96; p < 0.001) and 0.51 ng/mL (IQR 0.29–1.17; p < 0.001), respectively. Overall, biochemical recurrence-free survival (b-RFS) was 15.0 months (95% CI 13–23). Grade-1 toxicity was reported in 31.6% of patients (12/38). (4) Conclusion: These results confirm that 68Ga-PSMA-11-PET/CT is able to identify the site of recurrence in patients who have failed S-RT, thus supporting the use of metastases-directed radiotherapy as a safe and effective treatment.
Emotional Availability and Play in Mother–Child Dyads with ASD: Changes during a Parental Based Intervention
Authors: Perzolli Silvia , Bertamini Giulio , de Falco Simona , Venuti Paola , Bentenuto Arianna
Published: November 2020

(1) Background: Parental involvement during intervention with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has been demonstrated to be fundamental for children’s developmental outcomes. However, most research focused on child gains especially considering cognitive functioning and symptoms severity, whereas parental and dyadic changes during intervention need further investigation. (2) Methods: 29 mothers in interaction with their preschool children with ASD were analyzed through two standardized behavioral and observational measures to evaluate the dyadic Emotional Availability (EA) and play skills before (T1) and after (T2) a parental-based intervention. (3) Results: Results revealed mothers increased affective quality and major awareness in understanding the signals produced by the child, that in turn was more responsive, involving also using more complex play strategies. Interestingly, the role of specific factors able to predict parental characteristics was investigated, pointing out the important contribution of mothers’ perceptions of having a difficult child and child language communicative abilities. (4) Conclusions: the study enhances knowledge about child and caregiver variables that impact on dyadic outcomes, identifying important target areas to be addressed during intervention. Further, our results suggest that a parental-based intervention supports and facilitates improvements in both children’s and caregivers’ affective quality and cognitive abilities.
Promoting Effect of Mn on In Situ Synthesized Cu-SSZ-13 for NH3-SCR
Authors: Du Jinpeng , Wang Jingyi , Shi Xiaoyan , Shan Yulong , Zhang Yan , He Hong
Published: November 2020

The effect of Mn impregnation on the NH3-SCR (selective catalytic reduction of NOx by NH3) activity of in situ synthesized Cu-SSZ-13 was investigated in this work. It was found that Mn addition could efficiently improve the low-temperature activity of Cu-SSZ-13. The optimal amount of Mn was 5 wt.%, and NOx conversion was improved by more than 20% over a temperature range of 120 °C to 150 °C. SEM (scanning electron microscopy), XRD (X-ray diffraction), N2 adsorption-desorption, H2-TPR (temperature programmed reduction of H2), NH3-TPD (temperature programmed desorption of NH3) and in situ DRIFTS (diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy) experiments were conducted to investigate the changes in the zeolite structure, active sites, acid sites and reaction mechanism. The impregnated MnOx species caused a decline in the crystallinity of Cu-SSZ-13 but markedly improved the redox ability. Nitrate and nitrite species were observed in the Mn-modified Cu-SSZ-13, and the formation of these species was thought to cause the observed increase in low-temperature NH3-SCR activity. The results show that the addition of Mn is a promising method for promoting the low-temperature catalytic activity of Cu-SSZ-13.
Polarized Cytokine Release Triggered by P2X7 Receptor from Retinal Pigmented Epithelial Cells Dependent on Calcium Influx
Authors: Shao Xiaolei , Guha Sonia , Lu Wennan , Campagno Keith E. , Beckel Jonathan M. , Mills Jason A. , Yang Wenli , Mitchell Claire H.
Published: November 2020

Cytokine release from non-inflammatory cells is a key step in innate immunity, and agonists triggering cytokine release are central in coordinating responses. P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) stimulation by extracellular ATP is best known to active the NLRP3 inflammasome and release IL-1β, but stimulation also leads to release of other cytokines. As cytokine signaling by retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells is implicated in retinal neurodegeneration, the role of P2X7R in release of cytokine IL-6 from RPE cells was investigated. P2X7R stimulation triggered IL-6 release from primary mouse RPE, human iPS-RPE and human ARPE-19 cells. IL-6 release was polarized, with predominant rise across apical membranes. IL-6 release was inhibited by P2X7R antagonists A438079, A839977, and AZ10606120, but not the NRTI lamivudine (3TC), P2X1R antagonist NF279, or P2Y1R antagonist MRS2179. P2X7R-mediated IL-6 release required extracellular Ca2+ and was blocked by Ca2+ chelator BAPTA. IL-6 release and Ca2+ elevation occurred rapidly, consistent with vesicular IL-6 staining in unstimulated cells. P2X7R stimulation did not trigger IL-1β release in these unprimed cells. P2X7R-mediated IL-6 release was enhanced in RPE cells from the ABCA4−/− mouse model of retinal degeneration. In summary, P2X7R stimulation triggers rapid Ca2+-dependent IL-6 release across the apical membrane of RPE cells.
The Effect of Statistical Downscaling on the Weighting of Multi-Model Ensembles of Precipitation
Authors: Wootten Adrienne , Massoud Elias , Sengupta Agniv , Waliser Duane , Lee Huikyo
Published: November 2020

Recently, assessments of global climate model (GCM) ensembles have transitioned from using unweighted means to weighted means designed to account for skill and interdependence among models. Although ensemble-weighting schemes are typically derived using a GCM ensemble, statistically downscaled projections are used in climate change assessments. This study applies four ensemble-weighting schemes for model averaging to precipitation projections in the south-central United States. The weighting schemes are applied to (1) a 26-member GCM ensemble and (2) those 26 members downscaled using Localized Canonical Analogs (LOCA). This study is distinct from prior research because it compares the interactions of ensemble-weighting schemes with GCMs and statistical downscaling to produce summarized climate projection products. The analysis indicates that statistical downscaling improves the ensemble accuracy (LOCA average root mean square error is 100 mm less than the CMIP5 average root mean square error) and reduces the uncertainty of the projected ensemble-mean change. Furthermore, averaging the LOCA ensemble using Bayesian Model Averaging reduces the uncertainty beyond any other combination of weighting schemes and ensemble (standard deviation of the mean projected change in the domain is reduced by 40–50 mm). The results also indicate that it is inappropriate to assume that a weighting scheme derived from a GCM ensemble matches the same weights derived using a downscaled ensemble.
Investigation of GaGG:Ce with TOFPET2 ASIC Readout for Applications in Gamma Imaging Systems
Authors: Makek Mihael , Bosnar Damir , Kožuljević Ana Marija , Pavelić Luka
Published: November 2020

We investigated two detector modules, each consisting of a 8 × 8 matrix of GaGG:Ce crystals with a crystal size of 3 × 3 × 20 mm3 and a 3.2 mm pitch. The light is collected by a 8 × 8 silicon photomultiplier array, with one silicon photomultiplier matching one crystal. The signals are read out and processed using the TOFPET2 ASIC. Performed laboratory tests of the detectors were performed using a 22Na source, where energy and coincidence time resolution with different optical coupling were examined between the crystals and silicon photomultipliers, as well as under various operating voltages. The mean energy resolution of 9.8±0.6% at 511 keV was observed and it was shown that the coincidence time resolution of 384±33 ps could be achieved. The results reassure that the GaGG scintillator is a very promising candidate for the development of imaging systems, in particular, ones utilizing Compton scattering where the energy resolution plays a critical role and a moderate timing performance is acceptable.
Interrater Agreement and Reliability of PERCIST and Visual Assessment When Using 18F-FDG-PET/CT for Response Monitoring of Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Sørensen Jonas S. , Vilstrup Mie H. , Holm Jorun , Vogsen Marianne , Bülow Jakob L. , Ljungstrøm Lasse , Braad Poul-Erik , Gerke Oke , Hildebrandt Malene G.
Published: November 2020

Response evaluation at regular intervals is indicated for treatment of metastatic breast cancer (MBC). FDG-PET/CT has the potential to monitor treatment response accurately. Our purpose was to: (a) compare the interrater agreement and reliability of the semi-quantitative PERCIST criteria to qualitative visual assessment in response evaluation of MBC and (b) investigate the intrarater agreement when comparing visual assessment of each rater to their respective PERCIST assessment. We performed a retrospective study on FDG-PET/CT in women who received treatment for MBC. Three specialists in nuclear medicine categorized response evaluation by qualitative assessment and standardized one-lesion PERCIST assessment. The scans were categorized into complete metabolic response, partial metabolic response, stable metabolic disease, and progressive metabolic disease. 37 patients with 179 scans were included. Visual assessment categorization yielded moderate agreement with an overall proportion of agreement (PoA) between raters of 0.52 (95% CI 0.44–0.66) and a Fleiss kappa estimate of 0.54 (95% CI 0.46–0.62). PERCIST response categorization yielded substantial agreement with an overall PoA of 0.65 (95% CI 0.57–0.73) and a Fleiss kappa estimate of 0.68 (95% CI 0.60–0.75). The difference in PoA between overall estimates for PERCIST and visual assessment was 0.13 (95% CI 0.06–0.21; p = 0.001), that of kappa was 0.14 (95% CI 0.06–0.21; p < 0.001). The overall intrarater PoA was 0.80 (95% CI 0.75–0.84) with substantial agreement by a Fleiss kappa of 0.74 (95% CI 0.69–0.79). Semi-quantitative PERCIST assessment achieved significantly higher level of overall agreement and reliability compared with qualitative assessment among three raters. The achieved high levels of intrarater agreement indicated no obvious conflicting elements between the two methods. PERCIST assessment may, therefore, give more consistent interpretations between raters when using FDG-PET/CT for response evaluation in MBC.
Periostin Circulating Levels and Genetic Variants in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Smirne Carlo , Mulas Violante , Barbaglia Matteo Nazzareno , Mallela Venkata Ramana , Minisini Rosalba , Barizzone Nadia , Burlone Michela Emma , Pirisi Mario , Grossini Elena
Published: November 2020

Circulating periostin has been suggested as a possible biomarker in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in Asian studies. In the present study, we aimed to test its still controversial relevance in a Caucasian population. In patients with histologically-proven NAFLD (N. = 74; 10 with hepatocellular carcinoma, HCC) plasma periostin concentrations were analyzed. POSTN haplotype analysis was based on rs9603226, rs3829365, and rs1029728. Hepatitis C patients (N. = 81, 7 HCC) and healthy subjects (N. = 27) were used as controls. The median plasma periostin concentration was 11.6 ng/mL without differences amongst groups; it was not influenced by age, liver fibrosis or steatosis. However, possession of haplotype two (rs9603226 = G, rs3829365 = C, rs1028728 = A) was associated with lower circulating periostin compared to other haplotypes. Moreover, periostin was higher in HCC patients. At multivariate analysis, HCC remained the only predictor of high periostin. In conclusion, plasma periostin concentrations in Caucasians NAFLD patients are not influenced by the degree of liver disease, but are significantly higher in HCC. Genetically-determined differences may account for some of the variability. These data suggest extreme caution in predicting a possible future role of periostin antagonists as a rational therapeutic alternative for NAFLD, but show a potential periostin role in the management of NAFLD-associated HCC.
Association of Tumor PD-L1 Expression with the T790M Mutation and Progression-Free Survival in Patients with EGFR-Mutant Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Receiving EGFR-TKI Therapy
Authors: Inomata Minehiko , Azechi Kenji , Takata Naoki , Hayashi Kana , Tokui Kotaro , Taka Chihiro , Okazawa Seisuke , Kambara Kenta , Imanishi Shingo , Miwa Toshiro , Hayashi Ryuji , Matsui Shoko , Tobe Kazuyuki
Published: November 2020

Background: Among patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), we compared the progression-free survival (PFS) and proportion of acquisition of T790M mutation of the epidermal growth receptor gene (EGFR) after first-line treatment with epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) in patient groups with and without tumor expression of programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1). Methods: Data of patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLC were retrospectively analyzed. Tumor PD-L1 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry using the 22C3 antibody. T790M gene mutation was evaluated by Cobas EGFR assay using tissues or humoral specimens. Results: Data of 47 patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLC were analyzed. The median (95% confidence interval) PFS in the PD-L1-negative and -positive patient groups were 12.9 (9.7–15.4) months and 9.0 (5.1–12.3) months, respectively (p = 0.029). T790M gene mutation was analyzed in 27 patients. The proportion of acquisition of T790M mutation of EGFR after first-line treatment with an EGFR-TKI was higher in the PD-L1-negative patient group than in the PD-L1-positive patient group (8/11 patients (72.7%) vs. 4/16 patients (25.0%); p = 0.022). Conclusions: Patients with negative tumor PD-L1 expression showed longer PFS and a higher proportion of acquisition of T790M mutation of EGFR after first-line treatment with an EGFR-TKI.
Audience Response Software as a Learning Tool in University Courses
Authors: Díez-Pascual Ana María , García Díaz María Pilar García
Published: November 2020

The use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) has become a fundamental tool in all areas of today’s society, including higher education. Lessons cannot be envisaged without the use of tools such as computers, tablets or mobile devices. Many lecturers use audience response systems (ARS) to keep their classes engaged. ARS software allows teachers to interact with students via polls, text responses, or multiple-choice questions displayed via their mobile devices. A new example of the use of this type of devices in education is gamification, a technique that uses a set of activities with ludic character as a learning methodology in order to facilitate the acquisition of knowledge and competences. One of the most used gamification tools is Kahoot!, a free learning application based on a mixture of game and creativity, which encourages attention and participation of students through questions and answers formulated by the teacher and designed in a way that students respond via their mobile phones. This paper examines the use of Kahoot! in a subject belonging to the chemistry area. In order to assess the benefits of this tool, it was tested in a group of students to review the knowledge and skills acquired during the theoretical lessons prior to the exams, and the academic results were compared with those of a control group of students who did not use the tool. The results demonstrate that the use of Kahoot! led to an improvement in the teaching–learning process of the students and a noteworthy rise in their marks, and that its positive effects rise with increasing the frequency of use of this didactic tool.
A Low-Cost Digital Pulsed Coherent Spectrometer for Investigation of NQR in Layered Semiconductor GaSe and InSe Crystals
Authors: Hotra Oleksandra , Samila Andriy
Published: November 2020

A low-cost digital pulsed nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) radio-spectrometer is proposed, all main modules of digital processing and synthesis of which on the field-programmable gate array (FPGA) are implemented. The input sensitivity of the device is of the order of 3 μV to 5 μV which allows conducting NQR studies in samples of relatively small dimensions. The application of the developed methods of NQR pulsed radio spectroscopy made it possible to increase spectral resolution, improve spectral shape and significantly reduce the time of research. In the case of studying InSe and GaSe crystals, spectra with signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) values of 41.9 dB were observed in samples with a volume of 0.1 cm3. As the results of the research have shown, the characteristics of the proposed spectrometer make it effective when used to observe free induction decay (FID) signals of a significant number of isotopes of elements with quadrupolar nuclei.
Mitigating Thermal NOx by Changing the Secondary Air Injection Channel: A Case Study in the Cement Industry
Authors: Lahaye Domenico , Abbassi Mohamed el , Vuik Kees , Talice Marco , Juretić Franjo
Published: November 2020

This work studies how non-premixed turbulent combustion in a rotary kiln depends on the geometry of the secondary air inlet channel. We target a kiln in which temperatures can reach values above 1800 degrees Kelvin. Monitoring and possible mitigation of the thermal nitric-oxide (NOx) formation is of utmost importance. The performed reactive flow simulations result in detailed maps of the spatial distribution of the flow, thermodynamics and chemical conditions of the kiln. These maps provide valuable information to the operator of the kiln. The simulations show the difference between the existing and the newly proposed geometry of the secondary air inlet. In the existing configuration, the secondary air inlet is rectangular and located above the base of the burner pipe. The secondary air flows into the furnace from the top of the flame. The heat release by combustion is unevenly distributed throughout the flame. In the new geometry, the secondary air inlet is an annular ring placed around the burner pipe. The secondary air flows circumferentially around the burner pipe. The new secondary air inlet geometry is shown to result in a more homogeneous spatial distribution of the heat release throughout the flame. The peak temperatures of the flame and the production of thermal NOx are significantly reduced. Further research is required to resolve limitations of various choices in our modeling approach.
Long-Term Cryostorage of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Containing Hybrid Hydrogel Scaffolds Based on Fibrin and Collagen
Authors: Egorikhina Marfa N. , Rubtsova Yulia P. , Aleynik Diana Ya.
Published: November 2020

The most difficult issue when using tissue engineering products is enabling the ability to store them without losing their restorative capacity. The numbers and viability of mesenchymal stem cells encapsulated in a hydrogel scaffold after cryostorage at −80 °C (by using, individually, two kinds of cryoprotectors—Bambanker and 10% DMSO (Dimethyl sulfoxide) solution) for 3, 6, 9, and 12 months were determined, with subsequent assessment of cell proliferation after 96 h. The analysis of the cellular component was performed using fluorescence microscopy and the two fluorochromes—Hoechst 3334 and NucGreenTM Dead 488. The experimental protocol ensured the preservation of cells in the scaffold structure, retaining both high viability and proliferative activity during storage for 3 months. Longer storage of scaffolds led to their significant changes. Therefore, after 6 months, the proliferative activity of cells decreased. Cryostorage of scaffolds for 9 months led to a decrease in cells’ viability and proliferative activity. As a result of cryostorage of scaffolds for 12 months, a decrease in viability and proliferative activity of cells was observed, as well as pronounced changes in the structure of the hydrogel. The described scaffold cryostorage protocol could become the basis for the development of storage protocols for such tissue engineering products, and for helping to extend the possibilities of their clinical use while accelerating their commercialization.
The Relationship between Fruit Size and Phenolic and Enzymatic Composition of Avocado Byproducts (Persea americana Mill.): The Importance for Biorefinery Applications
Authors: Trujillo-Mayol Igor , Badillo-Muñoz Guillermo , Céspedes-Acuña Carlos , Alarcón-Enos Julio
Published: November 2020

Avocado byproducts are a rich source of health-promoting biomolecules. The purpose of this work is to study three groups of statistically different avocado fruit sizes (Persea americana Mill.) (small (S), medium (M), and large (L)), and their relationship with total phenolic and flavonoid contents (TPC and TFC, respectively), DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) scavenging capacity and individual phenolics, and the activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), chalcone synthase (CHS), and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) in avocado peel extract (APE). The results indicated that TPC, TFC, and antioxidant and enzymatic activities were higher in the APE of the S group (p < 0.05). The flavonoids (flavanols and flavonols) and phenolic acids were also significatively concentrated in S group’s APE. Overall, the phenolic content was significantly lower in the L group. Positive correlations (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.05) were observed between TPC, TPF, DPPH, and enzymatic activity, and negative correlations resulted for avocado weight and volume. The outstanding phenolic content and enzymatic activity of avocado peels from low-cost avocado byproducts are ideal for biorefinery applications, thereby increasing the bioeconomy of the avocado industry.
Co-Expression of a Homologous Cytochrome P450 Reductase Is Required for In Vivo Validation of the Tetranychus urticae CYP392A16-Based Abamectin Resistance in Drosophila
Authors: Riga Maria , Ilias Aris , Vontas John , Douris Vassilis
Published: November 2020

Overexpression of the cytochrome P450 monooxygenase CYP392A16 has been previously associated with abamectin resistance using transcriptional analysis in the two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae, an important pest species worldwide; however, this association has not been functionally validated in vivo despite the demonstrated ability of CYP392A16 to metabolize abamectin in vitro. We expressed CYP392A16 in vivo via a Gal4 transcription activator protein/Upstream Activating Sequence (GAL4/UAS) system in Drosophila melanogaster flies, driving expression with detoxification tissue-specific drivers. We demonstrated that CYP392A16 expression confers statistically significant abamectin resistance in toxicity bioassays in Drosophila only when its homologous redox partner, cytochrome P450 reductase (TuCPR), is co-expressed in transgenic flies. Our study shows that the Drosophila model can be further improved, to facilitate the functional analysis of insecticide resistance mechanisms acting alone or in combination.
Psychosocial Stress Hastens Disease Progression and Sudden Death in Mice with Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Agrimi Jacopo , Scalco Arianna , Agafonova Julia , Williams III Larry , Pansari Nainika , Keceli Gizem , Jun Seungho , Wang Nadan , Mastorci Francesca , Tichnell Crystal , Murray Brittney , James Cynthia A. , Calkins Hugh , Zaglia Tania , Paolocci Nazareno , Chelko Stephen P.
Published: November 2020

Physiological stressors, such as exercise, can precipitate sudden cardiac death or heart failure progression in patients with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM). Yet, whether and to what extent a highly prevalent and more elusive environmental factor, such as psychosocial stress (PSS), can also increase ACM disease progression is unexplored. Here, we first quantified perceived stress levels in patients with ACM and found these levels correlated with the extent of arrhythmias and cardiac dysfunction. To determine whether the observed correlation is due to causation, we inflicted PSS-via the resident-intruder (RI) paradigm—upon Desmoglein-2 mutant mice, a vigorously used mammalian model of ACM. We found that ACM mice succumbed to abnormally high in-trial, PSS mortality. Conversely, no sudden deaths occurred in wildtype (WT) counterparts. Desmoglein-2 mice that survived RI challenge manifested markedly worse cardiac dysfunction and remodeling, namely apoptosis and fibrosis. Furthermore, WT and ACM mice displayed similar behavior at baseline, but Desmoglein-2 mice exhibited heightened anxiety following RI-induced PSS. This outcome correlated with the worsening of cardiac phenotypes. Our mouse model demonstrates that in ACM-like subjects, PSS is incisive enough to deteriorate cardiac structure and function per se, i.e., in the absence of any pre-existing anxious behavior. Hence, PSS may represent a previously underappreciated risk factor in ACM disease penetrance.
Sphinganine-Analog Mycotoxins (SAMs): Chemical Structures, Bioactivities, and Genetic Controls
Authors: Chen Jia , Li Zhimin , Cheng Yi , Gao Chunsheng , Guo Litao , Wang Tuhong , Xu Jianping
Published: November 2020

Sphinganine-analog mycotoxins (SAMs) including fumonisins and A. alternata f. sp. Lycopersici (AAL) toxins are a group of related mycotoxins produced by plant pathogenic fungi in the Fusarium genus and in Alternaria alternata f. sp. Lycopersici, respectively. SAMs have shown diverse cytotoxicity and phytotoxicity, causing adverse impacts on plants, animals, and humans, and are a destructive force to crop production worldwide. This review summarizes the structural diversity of SAMs and encapsulates the relationships between their structures and biological activities. The toxicity of SAMs on plants and animals is mainly attributed to their inhibitory activity against the ceramide biosynthesis enzyme, influencing the sphingolipid metabolism and causing programmed cell death. We also reviewed the detoxification methods against SAMs and how plants develop resistance to SAMs. Genetic and evolutionary analyses revealed that the FUM (fumonisins biosynthetic) gene cluster was responsible for fumonisin biosynthesis in Fusarium spp. Sequence comparisons among species within the genus Fusarium suggested that mutations and multiple horizontal gene transfers involving the FUM gene cluster were responsible for the interspecific difference in fumonisin synthesis. We finish by describing methods for monitoring and quantifying SAMs in food and agricultural products.
Ten Most Highly Cited Papers in Journal of Risk and Financial Management (JRFM), 2018–2020
Authors: McAleer Michael
Published: November 2020

Of the numerous important, significant, and high-quality papers that have been published in the Journal of Risk and Financial Management (JRFM), the journal’s highly dedicated and efficient team have determined the top 10 cited papers for 2018–2020, as listed in the references, two of which are included in the World Health Organization’s (2020a, 2020b) list of “WHO COVID-19 Global literature on coronavirus disease”, and three of which are sole-authored papers [...]
VegeT: An Easy Tool to Classify and Facilitate the Management of Seminatural Grasslands and Dynamically Connected Vegetation of the Alps
Authors: Giupponi Luca , Leoni Valeria
Published: November 2020

Alpine pastures and meadows are agroecosystems of biological, cultural-historical, and economic importance that are undergoing profound imbalances and which are in a rapid decline due to changes in management and/or abandonment. The European Union is making efforts to protect this heritage and resource. However, the dialog among the different professionals in charge of studying and managing these agroecosystems needs to be as easy and comprehensible as possible for grasslands conservation/restoration actions to be successful. This research introduces VegeT, an easy-to-use tool to facilitate information transfer between botanists and practitioners responsible for providing guidelines for the correct management of mountain grasslands. VegeT is a Microsoft Excel® worksheet that allows the classification of seminatural grasslands and dynamically connected vegetation (shrublands and forests) of the Alps employing two ecological indexes: the index of nutrients (N) and the index of mowing tolerance (MV). VegeT was elaborated upon the floristic-ecological analysis of the vegetation of Taleggio Valley (Italian Alps) performed applying multivariate analysis techniques. From the analyses, it emerged that N and MV are the main variables on which to base a classification system of alpine mountain grasslands and dynamically connected vegetation able to facilitate the interpretation of floristic-vegetation data and to return useful information for management decisions.
Theory of Mind, Executive Functions, and Syntax in Bilingual Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Andreou Maria , Tsimpli Ianthi Maria , Durrleman Stephanie , Peristeri Eleni
Published: November 2020

Impairments in Theory of Mind (ToM) are a core feature of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ToM may be enhanced by various factors, including bilingualism, executive functions (EF), and complex syntax. This work investigates the language-cognition interface in ASD by exploring whether ToM can be enhanced by bilingualism, whether such ToM boosts would be due to EF or syntax, and whether routes to mentalizing would differ between bilinguals and monolinguals on the spectrum. Twenty-seven monolingual Greek-speaking and twenty-nine bilingual Albanian-Greek children with ASD were tested on ToM reasoning in verbal and low-verbal ToM tasks, an executive function 2-back task, and a sentence repetition task. Results revealed that bilingual children with ASD performed better than monolinguals with ASD in the low-verbal ToM and the 2-back tasks. In the sentence repetition task, bilinguals scored higher than monolinguals in complex sentences, and specifically in adverbials and relatives. Regarding the relations between ToM, EF, and sentence repetition, the monolingual group’s performance in the verbal ToM tasks was associated with complement syntax, whereas, for the bilingual children with ASD, performance in both verbal and low-verbal ToM tasks was associated with EF and adverbial clause repetition. The overall pattern of results suggests that mentalizing may follow distinct pathways across the two groups.
Optimal Control Problem Solution with Phase Constraints for Group of Robots by Pontryagin Maximum Principle and Evolutionary Algorithm
Authors: Diveev Askhat , Sofronova Elena , Zelinka Ivan
Published: November 2020

A numerical method based on the Pontryagin maximum principle for solving an optimal control problem with static and dynamic phase constraints for a group of objects is considered. Dynamic phase constraints are introduced to avoid collisions between objects. Phase constraints are included in the functional in the form of smooth penalty functions. Additional parameters for special control modes and the terminal time of the control process were introduced. The search for additional parameters and the initial conditions for the conjugate variables was performed by the modified self-organizing migrating algorithm. An example of using this approach to solve the optimal control problem for the oncoming movement of two mobile robots is given. Simulation and comparison with direct approach showed that the problem is multimodal, and it approves application of the evolutionary algorithm for its solution.
TET2/IDH1/2/WT1 and NPM1 Mutations Influence the RUNX1 Expression Correlations in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Pasca Sergiu , Jurj Ancuta , Tomuleasa Ciprian , Zdrenghea Mihnea
Published: November 2020

Background and objectives: Mutational analysis has led to a better understanding of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) biology and to an improvement in clinical management. Some of the most important mutations that affect AML biology are represented by mutations in genes related to methylation, more specifically: TET2, IDH1, IDH2 and WT1. Because it has been shown in numerous studies that mutations in these genes lead to similar expression profiles and phenotypes in AML, we decided to assess if mutations in any of those genes interact with other genes important for AML. Materials and Methods: We downloaded the clinical data, mutational profile and expression profile from the TCGA LAML dataset via cBioPortal. Data were analyzed using classical statistical methods and functional enrichment analysis software represented by STRING and GOrilla. Results: The first step we took was to assess the 196 AML cases that had a mutational profile available and observe the mutations that overlapped with TET2/IDH1/2/WT1 mutations. We observed that RUNX1 mutations significantly overlap with TET2/IDH1/2/WT1 mutations. Because of this, we decided to further investigate the role of RUNX1 mutations in modulating the level of RUNX1 mRNA and observed that RUNX1 mutant cases presented higher levels of RUNX1 mRNA. Because there were only 16 cases of RUNX1 mutant samples and that mutations in this gene determined a change in mRNA expression, we further observed the correlation between RUNX1 and other mRNAs in subgroups regarding the presence of hypermethylating mutations and NPM1. Here, we observed that both TET2/IDH1/2/WT1 and NPM1 mutations increase the number of genes negatively correlated with RUNX1 and that these genes were significantly linked to myeloid activation. Conclusions: In the current study, we have shown that NPM1 and TET2/IDH1/2/WT1 mutations increase the number of negative correlations of RUNX1 with other transcripts involved in myeloid differentiation.