bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation-Based Design of Urban Bi-modal Transport Systems
Authors: Tilg Gabriel , Ul Abedin Zain , Amini Sasan , Busch Fritz
Published: December 2020

The three-dimensional passenger macroscopic fundamental diagram (pMFD) describes the relation of the network accumulation of public transport and private vehicles, and the passenger production. It allows for modeling the multi-modal traffic dynamics in urban networks and deriving innovative performance indicators. This paper integrates this concept into a multi-modal transport system design framework formulated as a simulation-based optimization problem. In doing so, we consider the competition for limited road space and the operational characteristics, such as congestion occurrences, at the strategic design level. We evaluate the proposed framework in a case study for the Sioux Falls network. Thereby, we deliver a proof of concept, and show that the proposed methodology indeed designs a transport system which benefits the overall system's performance. This paper further advances the integration of sequential model-based optimization techniques, macroscopic traffic flow concepts, and traffic simulation to design multi-modal transport systems. This supports transport planners and local authorities in composing efficient and robust transport networks.
Zinc Finger Transcription Factor Zbtb16 Coordinates the Response to Energy Deficit in the Mouse Hypothalamus
Authors: Cheng Helia , Pablico Schuyler J. , Lee Jisu , Chang Ji Suk , Yu Sangho
Published: December 2020

The central nervous system controls feeding behavior and energy expenditure in response to various internal and external stimuli to maintain energy balance. Here we report that the newly identified transcription factor zinc finger and BTB domain containing 16 (Zbtb16) is induced by energy deficit in the paraventricular (PVH) and arcuate (ARC) nuclei of the hypothalamus via glucocorticoid (GC) signaling. In the PVH, Zbtb16 is expressed in the anterior half of the PVH and co-expressed with many neuronal markers such as corticotropin-releasing hormone (Crh), thyrotropin-releasing hormone (Trh), oxytocin (Oxt), arginine vasopressin (Avp), and nitric oxide synthase 1 (Nos1). Knockdown (KD) of Zbtb16 in the PVH results in attenuated cold-induced thermogenesis and improved glucose tolerance without affecting food intake. In the meantime, Zbtb16 is predominantly expressed in agouti-related neuropeptide/neuropeptide Y (Agrp/Npy) neurons in the ARC and its KD in the ARC leads to reduced food intake. We further reveal that chemogenetic stimulation of PVH Zbtb16 neurons increases energy expenditure while that of ARC Zbtb16 neurons increases food intake. Taken together, we conclude that Zbtb16 is an important mediator that coordinates responses to energy deficit downstream of GCs by contributing to glycemic control through the PVH and feeding behavior regulation through the ARC, and additionally reveal its function in controlling energy expenditure during cold-evoked thermogenesis via the PVH. As a result, we hypothesize that Zbtb16 may be involved in promoting weight regain after weight loss.
The Effect of ICA and Non-negative Matrix Factorization Analysis for EMG Signals Recorded From Multi-Channel EMG Sensors
Authors: Kim Yeongdae , Stapornchaisit Sorawit , Miyakoshi Makoto , Yoshimura Natsue , Koike Yasuharu
Published: December 2020

Surface electromyography (EMG) measurements are affected by various noises such as power source and movement artifacts and adjacent muscle activities. Hardware solutions have been found that use multi-channel EMG signal to attenuate noise signals related to sensor positions. However, studies addressing the overcoming of crosstalk from EMG and the division of overlaid superficial and deep muscles are scarce. In this study, two signal decompositions—independent component analysis and non-negative matrix factorization—were used to create a low-dimensional input signal that divides noise, surface muscles, and deep muscles and utilizes them for movement classification based on direction. In the case of index finger movement, it was confirmed that the proposed decomposition method improved the classification performance with the least input dimensions. These results suggest a new method to analyze more dexterous movements of the hand by separating superficial and deep muscles in the future using multi-channel EMG signals.
Essential Functions of the Transcription Factor Npas4 in Neural Circuit Development, Plasticity, and Diseases
Authors: Fu Jian , Guo Ouyang , Zhen Zhihang , Zhen Junli
Published: December 2020

Signaling from the synapse to nucleus is mediated by the integration and propagation of both membrane potential changes (postsynaptic potentials) and intracellular second messenger cascades. The electrical propagation of postsynaptic potentials allows for rapid neural information processing, while propagating second messenger pathways link synaptic activity to the transcription of genes required for neuronal survival and adaptive changes (plasticity) underlying circuit formation and learning. The propagation of activity-induced calcium signals to the cell nucleus is a major synapse-to-nucleus communication pathway. Neuronal PAS domain protein 4 (Npas4) is a recently discovered calcium-dependent transcription factor that regulates the activation of genes involved in the homeostatic regulation of excitatory–inhibitory balance, which is critical for neural circuit formation, function, and ongoing plasticity, as well as for defense against diseases such as epilepsy. Here, we summarize recent findings on the neuroprotective functions of Npas4 and the potential of Npas4 as a therapeutic target for the treatment of acute and chronic diseases of the central nervous system.
A Novel Prognostic Model Incorporating Carcinoembryonic Antigen in 3-Week or Longer Postoperative Period for Stage III Colon Cancer: A Multicenter Retrospective Study
Authors: Fan Jin , Liu Yanlong , Cai Xin , Wang Jingwen , Guo Rui , Ji Yuan , Li Chao , Xu Ye , Li Xinxiang , Zhang Chundong , Zhang Rui , Zhu Ji , Cai Sanjun
Published: December 2020

Background

The prognostic stratification of colon cancer using only the tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage has some limitations. We sought to increase the accuracy of stratifying patients with stage III colon cancer by constructing a prognostic model combining carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) with TNM.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the data generated from stage III colon cancer patients who had early postoperative CEA measurement from 21 to 100 days after surgery from 2006 to 2017. CEA value was processed using restricted cubic splines (RCS) method. The prognostic model was developed using cox proportional hazards regression.

Results

The time later than 20 days after surgery was optimal for measuring CEA, which was determined by comparing the prognostic value for preoperative and postoperative CEA (N = 2,049), and by evaluating the relationship between the hazard ratio (HR) and postoperative CEA measuring time. Postoperative CEA, T stage and N stage were selected into the final model, and the mean integrated-AUC (iAUC) was 0.78 with 1,000 × bootstrap resampling, which was higher than the model using only T and N stages (TN model; mean iAUC, 0.66). The net reclassification improvement (NRI) was 15% when compared with TN model. Patients could be divided into high and low risk groups by the model, and 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) were 53.7% and 87.0%, respectively (HR, 4.30; 95% CI, 2.65 to 6.96; P < 0.001). Similar results were found in the validation set.

Conclusions

Stage III colon cancer could be stratified more accurately using the new prognostic model combining postoperative CEA with T and N stage.
In-Air Electron Streaming Effect for Esophageal Cancer Radiotherapy With a 1.5 T Perpendicular Magnetic Field: A Treatment Planning Study
Authors: Liu Hongdong , Ding Shouliang , Wang Bin , Li Yongbao , Sun Ying , Huang Xiaoyan
Published: December 2020

Purpose

To investigate the in-air out-of-field electron streaming effect (ESE) for esophageal cancer radiotherapy in the presence of 1.5 T perpendicular magnetic field.

Methods

Ten esophageal cancer patients treated with conventional Linac were retrospectively enrolled into a cohort of this study, with the prescription of 4,400 cGy/20 fx. All cases received IMRT replanning using Elekta Unity MR-Linac specified Monaco system, denoted as primary plan. To visualize the in-air dose outside the body in Monaco system, an auxiliary structure was created by extending the external structure. For each case, another comparable plan with no magnetic field was created using the same planning parameters. The plan was also recalculated by placing a bolus upon the neck and chin area to investigate its shielding effect for ESE. Dosimetric evaluations of the out-of-field neck and chin skin area and statistical analysis for these plans were then performed.

Results

Out-of-field ESE was also observed in esophageal cancer treatment planning under 1.5 T magnetic field, while totally absent for plans with no magnetic field. On average, the maximum dose to the neck and chin skin area of the primary plan (657.92 ± 69.07 cGy) was higher than that of plan with no magnetic field (281.78 ± 36.59 cGy, p = 0.005) and plan with bolus (398.43 ± 69.19 cGy, p = 0.007). DVH metrics D1cc (the minimum dose to 1 cc volume) of the neck and chin skin for primary plan was 382.06 ± 44.14 cGy, which can be reduced to 212.42 ± 23.65 cGy by using the 1 cm bolus (with p = 0.005), even lower than the plan without magnetic field (214.45 ± 23.82, p = 0.005). No statistically significant difference of the neck and chin skin dose between the plan with bolus and plan with no magnetic field was observed (all with p > 0.05).

Conclusion

For MRI guided esophageal cancer radiotherapy, a relatively high out-of-field neck and chin skin doses will be introduced by ESE in the presence of magnetic field. It is therefore recommended to take this into account during the planning phase. Adding bolus could effectively reduce the ESE dose contributions, achieve the shielding effect almost equivalent to the scenario with no magnetic field. Further explorations of measurement verifications for the ESE dose distributions are required.
Development of Computerized Adaptive Testing for Emotion Regulation
Authors: Xu Lingling , Jin Ruyi , Huang Feifei , Zhou Yanhui , Li Zonglong , Zhang Minqiang
Published: December 2020

Emotion regulation (ER) plays a vital role in individuals’ well-being and successful functioning. In this study, we attempted to develop a computerized adaptive testing (CAT) to efficiently evaluate ER, namely the CAT-ER. The initial CAT-ER item bank comprised 154 items from six commonly used ER scales, which were completed by 887 participants recruited in China. We conducted unidimensionality testing, item response theory (IRT) model comparison and selection, and IRT item analysis including local independence, item fit, differential item functioning, and item discrimination. Sixty-three items with good psychometric properties were retained in the final CAT-ER. Then, two CAT simulation studies were implemented to assess the CAT-ER, which revealed that the CAT-ER developed in this study performed reasonably well, considering that it greatly lessened the test items and time without losing measurement accuracy.
Prediction and Explanation in a Postmodern World
Authors: Krueger Joachim I.
Published: December 2020

The experimental research paradigm lies at the core of empirical psychology. New data analytical and computational tools continually enrich its methodological arsenal, while the paradigm’s mission remains the testing of theoretical predictions and causal explanations. Predictions regarding experimental results necessarily point to the future. Once the data are collected, the causal inferences refer to a hypothesis now lying in the past. The experimental paradigm is not designed to permit strong inferences about particular incidents that occurred before predictions were made. In contrast, historical research and scholarship in other humanities focus on this backward direction of inference. The disconnect between forward-looking experimental psychology and backward-looking historical (i.e., narrative) psychology is a challenge in the postmodern era, which can be addressed. To illustrate this possibility, I discuss three historical case studies in light of theory and research in contemporary psychology.
Differential Effects of Acute Treatment With Antipsychotic Drugs on Peripheral Catecholamines
Authors: Boyda Heidi N. , Ho Amanzo A. , Tse Lurdes , Procyshyn Ric M. , Yuen Jessica W. Y. , Kim David D. , Honer William G. , Barr Alasdair M.
Published: December 2020

Antipsychotic drugs represent the most effective treatment for chronic psychotic disorders. The newer second generation drugs offer the advantage of fewer neurological side-effects compared to prior drugs, but many cause serious metabolic side-effects. The underlying physiology of these side-effects is not well-understood, but evidence exists to indicate that the sympathetic nervous system may play an important role. In order to examine this possibility further, we treated separate groups of adult female rats acutely with either the first generation antipsychotic drug haloperidol (0.1 or 1 mg/kg) or the second generation drugs risperidone (0.25 or 2.5 mg/kg), clozapine (2 or 20 mg/kg), olanzapine (3 or 15 mg/kg) or vehicle by intraperitoneal injection. Blood samples were collected prior to drug and then 30, 60, 120, and 180 mins after treatment. Plasma samples were assayed by HPLC-ED for levels of norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine. Results confirmed that all antipsychotics increased peripheral catecholamines, although this was drug and dose dependent. For norepinephrine, haloperidol caused the smallest maximum increase (+158%], followed by risperidone (+793%), olanzapine (+952%) and clozapine (+1,684%). A similar pattern was observed for increases in epinephrine levels by haloperidol (+143%], olanzapine (+529%), risperidone (+617%) then clozapine (+806%). Dopamine levels increased moderately with olanzapine [+174%], risperidone [+271%], and clozapine [+430%]. Interestingly, levels of the catecholamines did not correlate strongly with each other prior to treatment at baseline, but were increasingly correlated after treatment as time proceeded. The results demonstrate antipsychotics can potently regulate peripheral catecholamines, in a manner consistent with their metabolic liability.
China's Particle Therapy Equipment Market: Opportunities Outweigh Challenges
Authors: Dai Zhongying , Ma Yuanyuan , Li Qiang
Published: December 2020

Since 2019, China has been the second largest medical device market in the world. At present, high-end radiotherapy equipment such as particle therapy system has a huge market potential due to the grim situation of cancer prevention and control and the growth of people's wealth in China. However, China's MedTech industry, especially the particle therapy equipment field, still faces the influence of policy, fluctuation of market demand, strengthening of industry supervision, and even geopolitical realities. This paper reviews the market prospect of particle therapy medical devices from the perspective of China's medical device policy and demand information analysis, which is conducive to the research on the industrial layout of particle therapy medical physics, and also helps high-performance medical device manufacturers to expand their business visions. MedTech manufacturers should actively adjust their business strategy and implement scientific and technological innovation on the basis of compliance with industry regulatory requirements in order to seize opportunities from challenges and gain profits growth.
Isolation and Identification of a Murine Norovirus Persistent Infection Strain in China
Authors: Na Zhao , Bo Jiang , Yifei Yang , Fuyuan Cao , Bin He , Yanshu Zhang , Huan Jin , Jingliang Su , Shuang Li
Published: December 2020

Murine Norovirus (MNV) is one of the most known viruses among viruses in mice. Because of the high prevalence of MNV in frequently used laboratory animals in biomedical researches, there is a significant impact of MNV. There may be different prevalence degrees and molecular characteristics of MNV in different regions around the world. Here, we reported an MNV strain “designated HBTS-1806” isolation from commercial mice's feces that caused a detectable cytopathic effect (CPE) in RAW264.7 cells. According to electron microscopy, the virus was 50–70 nm in diameter. The complete genome of HBTS-1806 is 7383 nucleotides with a structure similar to that of MNV reference strains. According to phylogenetic analysis on the basis of the whole genome, HBTS-1806 shared nucleotide sequence identities of 90.2–95.4% with other Chinese isolates reported. Analysis of amino acid sequence on the basis of ORF1 and ORF2 suggested that the isolated strain may be derived from recombination. Although no gross lesions or histopathological changes were found from mice infected with 5 × 105 TCLD50 of MNV by oral gavage inoculation, the intestinal virus loads lasted 12 weeks, suggesting a persistent infection strain of MNV isolate in China.
Changes in Root Architecture and Aboveground Traits of Red Clover Cultivars Driven by Breeding to Improve Persistence
Authors: Inostroza Luis , Ortega-Klose Fernando , Vásquez Catalina , Wilckens Rosemarie
Published: December 2020

Red clover persistence has been one of the major targets for the most breeding programs worldwide. A phenotypic characterization at above- and belowground level was performed to a set of highly persistent red clover populations. The objective was to identify phenotypic changes occurring after empirical selection for plant survival, which is the consensus criteria of persistence. Eleven red clover populations were established on mesocosms of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubes of 11 cm in diameter and 100 cm depth, containing as substrate a mixture (v/v) of sand, vermiculite, soil and perlite. The trial was organized in a randomized complete block design with four replicates, each replicate consisting of five mesocosms per population and one plant per mesocosm. In total, 220 mesocosms were handled. At aboveground level, growth parameters, specific leaf area (SLA) and shoot dry matter (ShootDM) were measured. At belowground level, root morphology (volume, diameter and length) and topology (altitude, external path length [EPL] and dichotomous branching index [DBI]) were measured through image analyses. Analyses of variance were performed implementing a phenotypic linear mixed model using the Restricted Maximum Likelihood method. Additionally, variance components were estimated and broad-sense heritability was calculated for each phenotypic trait. Highly persistent cultivars exhibited 30% higher ShootDM and 10% lower leaf size and SLA than the oldest low-persistent cultivar Quiñequeli. At root level, they showed 20, 50 and 50% higher crown diameter, root length density and root volume than Quiñequeli, respectively, but 20% lower DBI. Root traits exhibited medium-low values of genetic control; broad sense heritability ranged between 0.20 and 0.48. In conclusion, highly persistent red clover cultivars and experimental lines bred in Chile modified their phenotypic expression of individual plants at shoot and root levels relative to the oldest low persistent cultivar Quiñequeli. Associations among above- and belowground traits offer opportunities for designing more efficient selection strategies. For instance, the strong relationship between SLA and root traits offers tremendous potential for indirect phenotypic selection.
Phytocomplex Influences Antimicrobial and Health Properties of Concentrated Glycerine Macerates
Authors: Di Vito Maura , Gentile Margherita , Mattarelli Paola , Barbanti Lorenzo , Micheli Laura , Mazzuca Claudia , Garzoli Stefania , Titubante Mattia , Vitali Alberto , Cacaci Margherita , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Bugli Francesca
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this study was to correlate the chemical composition of four commercial concentrated glycerine macerates (C-GMs), produced through the same extraction method, with their in vitro antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties, in order to evaluate their potential for healing upper airway diseases. C-GMs of Carpinus betulus (CB), Ficus carica (FC), Alnus glutinosa (AG) and Ribes nigrum (RN) were studied. The quality was evaluated using HPLC and IM-SPME/GC-MS systems; anti-oxidant and anti-microbial activities were assessed by the respective DPPH test, and micro-broth dilution test performed against 10 strains of Streptococcus pyogenes and 10 probiotic strains. ELISA and MTT tests were used to assess the immunomodulatory activity and the cytotoxicity of C-GMs, respectively. A significant correlation was found between the number of active compounds and the in vitro C-GMs effectiveness. Furthermore, the C-GMs of AG showed the best anti-microbial activity on pathological strains and, together with CB, the best anti-oxidant activity. The ELISA test exhibited a good immunomodulatory activity of RN. In vitro data support the integrated use of C-GMs of CB, AG, and RN in presence of airway diseases, and highlight the importance of standard procedures in cultivation, harvest and post-harvest treatments, as a premise for C-GMs with consistent characteristics.
Finite Element Analysis and Investigation on Spinning of Quadrilateral Parts with Hollow Cross-Sections Based on Hypocycloid Theory
Authors: Ou Xibin , Zhu Xianyong , Gu Peng , Wang Baichao , Li Jing , Liu Xia , Liu Chuang , He Fei , Li Qiang
Published: December 2020

This paper presents research on a new high-efficiency, non-circular spinning method based on hypocycloid theory. The trajectory of the roller during the forming process was derived, and the non-circular spinning process was simulated in ABAQUS 2016/Explicit. The distribution of von Mises stresses and equivalent plastic strains after each spinning pass were analyzed. The spinning quality was also investigated. This research proves the feasibility of spinning the workpieces of a non-circular cross-section using hypocycloid theory. This new non-circular spinning method can be used in practice to produce workpieces with a specific geometry and to increase the rotational speed of the workpiece from 60–240 rpm to 600 rpm, thereby improving the efficiency by around 2.5 times while maintaining acceptable forming quality.
Wind-Based Parametric Design in the Changing Climate
Authors: Kabošová Lenka , Katunský Dušan , Kmet Stanislav
Published: December 2020

In the climate change era, the tendency to utilize computer-aided strategies in architectural design enables the incorporation of the influences of ambient conditions into the design process. Such a design strategy can consequently contribute to creating nature-based, sustainable architectural, and urban solutions. In this paper, it will be shown that the built environment can be designed, already from the first concepts, to affect and consequentially improve the local wind microclimate by addressing the unfavorable wind effects and proposing solutions for transforming them into an advantage. Utilizing the iterative Research Through Design (RTD) approach, the proposed data-driven wind-oriented shape optimization is introduced in a case study located in Stockholm. Three complex architectural shapes, resulting from the wind-oriented design approach, are parametrically designed in Grasshopper for Rhino and subsequently analyzed in a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) plug-in Swift for Grasshopper.
A User-Specific Hand Gesture Recognition Model Based on Feed-Forward Neural Networks, EMGs, and Correction of Sensor Orientation
Authors: Benalcázar Marco E. , Valdivieso Caraguay Ángel Leonardo , Barona López Lorena Isabel
Published: December 2020

Hand gesture recognition systems have several applications including medicine and engineering. A gesture recognition system should identify the class, time, and duration of a gesture executed by a user. Gesture recognition systems based on electromyographies (EMGs) produce good results when the EMG sensor is placed on the same orientation for training and testing. However, when the orientation of the sensor changes between training and testing, which is very common in practice, the classification and recognition accuracies degrade significantly. In this work, we propose a system for recognizing, in real time, five gestures of the right hand. These gestures are the same ones recognized by the proprietary system of the Myo armband. The proposed system is based on the use of a shallow artificial feed-forward neural network. This network takes as input the covariances between the channels of an EMG and the result of a bag of five functions applied to each channel of an EMG. To correct the rotation of the EMG sensor, we also present an algorithm based on finding the channel of maximum energy given a set of synchronization EMGs, which for this work correspond to the gesture waveout. The classification and recognition accuracies obtained here show that the recognition system, together with the algorithm for correcting the orientation, allows a user to wear the EMG sensor in different orientations for training and testing, without a significant performance reduction. Finally, to reproduce the results obtained in this paper, we have made the code and the dataset used here publicly available.
Manual Therapy Versus Closed Kinematic Exercises—The Influence on the Range of Movement in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Pilot Study
Authors: Hejdysz Krystyna , Goślińska Jagoda , Wareńczak Agnieszka , Dudzińska Joanna , Adamczyk Ewa , Sip Paweł , Gośliński Jarosław , Owczarek Piotr , Woźniak Adam , Lisiński Przemysław
Published: December 2020

Reduced range of motion is one of the main symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. These deficits are believed to have a negative impact on activities of daily living. The aim of the study was to examine how manual therapy and closed-chain kinematic exercises affect the range of motion in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Sixty-six patients with knee osteoarthritis were recruited and divided into three groups: manual therapy group, exercise group, and control group. The following parameters were evaluated before and after 10 days of rehabilitation: the range of motion in the open and closed kinematic chain using Orthyo sensors, pain intensity using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and the subjective functional assessment in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). The results indicate an increase in the range of motion after manual therapy in the open chain test and an increase in the possible range of motion in the closed chain test in the exercise group. Both study groups showed significant improvement of WOMAC-assessed function and a significant decrease of VAS-assessed pain following rehabilitation. Manual therapy and exercise affect the range of motion in patients with knee osteoarthritis. When examining the range of motion, it is worth taking into account various biomechanical conditions.
From Containing the Atom to Mitigating Residual Risk: The German Imaginary of Nuclear Emergency Preparedness
Authors: Ionescu Tudor B.
Published: December 2020

Grounded in a social scientific research approach, the present case study traces the shift in the German nuclear regulatory culture from prevention to preparedness, the latter of which builds upon decision support systems for nuclear emergency management. These systems integrate atmospheric dispersion models for tracing radioactive materials released accidentally from nuclear facilities. For atmospheric dispersion modelers and emergency managers, this article provides a critical historical perspective on the practical, epistemic, and organizational issues surrounding the use of decision support systems for nuclear emergency management. This perspective suggests that atmospheric dispersion models are embedded within an entire assemblage of institutions, technologies, and practices of preparedness, which are challenged by the uniqueness of each nuclear accident.
Elastomeric Electrospun Scaffolds of a Biodegradable Aliphatic Copolyester Containing PEG-Like Sequences for Dynamic Culture of Human Endothelial Cells
Authors: Fusaro Luca , Gualandi Chiara , Antonioli Diego , Soccio Michelina , Liguori Anna , Laus Michele , Lotti Nadia , Boccafoschi Francesca , Focarete Maria Letizia
Published: December 2020

In the field of artificial prostheses for damaged vessel replacement, polymeric scaffolds showing the right combination of mechanical performance, biocompatibility, and biodegradability are still demanded. In the present work, poly(butylene-co-triethylene trans-1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate), a biodegradable random aliphatic copolyester, has been synthesized and electrospun in form of aligned and random fibers properly designed for vascular applications. The obtained materials were analyzed through tensile and dynamic-mechanical tests, the latter performed under conditions simulating the mechanical contraction of vascular tissue. Furthermore, the in vitro biological characterization, in terms of hemocompatibility and cytocompatibility in static and dynamic conditions, was also carried out. The mechanical properties of the investigated scaffolds fit within the range of physiological properties for medium- and small-caliber blood vessels, and the aligned scaffolds displayed a strain-stiffening behavior typical of the blood vessels. Furthermore, all the produced scaffolds showed constant storage and loss moduli in the investigated timeframe (24 h), demonstrating the stability of the scaffolds under the applied conditions of mechanical deformation. The biological characterization highlighted that the mats showed high hemocompatibility and low probability of thrombus formation; finally, the cytocompatibility tests demonstrated that cyclic stretch of electrospun fibers increased endothelial cell activity and proliferation, in particular on aligned scaffolds.
Different Regulation of Glut1 Expression and Glucose Uptake during the Induction and Chronic Stages of TGFβ1-Induced EMT in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Nilchian Azadeh , Giotopoulou Nikolina , Sun Wenwen , Fuxe Jonas
Published: December 2020

Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) is associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), lymph metastasis, and poor prognosis in breast cancer. Paradoxically, TGF-β1 is also a potent inhibitor of cell proliferation. TGF-β1-induced EMT involves activation of several pathways including AKT, which also regulates glucose uptake. Recent data show that prolonged TGF-β1 exposure leads to a more stable EMT phenotype in breast cancer cells. However, whether this is linked to changes in glucose metabolism is not clear. Here, we used a model of TGF-β1-induced EMT in mammary epithelial cells to study the regulation of Glut1 and EMT markers during the induction compared to a prolonged phase of EMT by western blot, immunofluorescence and qPCR analysis. We also measured cell proliferation and uptake of the glucose analogue 2-NDBG. We found that EMT induction was associated with decreased Glut1 expression and glucose uptake. These effects were linked to reduced cell proliferation rather than EMT. Knockdown of Glut1 resulted in growth inhibition and less induction of vimentin during TGF-β1-induced EMT. Intriguingly, Glut1 levels, glucose uptake and cell proliferation were restored during prolonged EMT. The results link Glut1 repression to the anti-proliferative response of TGF-β1 and indicate that re-expression of Glut1 during chronic TGF-β1 exposure allows breast cancer cells to develop stable EMT and proliferate, in parallel.
MR Imaging Features to Differentiate Retinoblastoma from Coats’ Disease and Persistent Fetal Vasculature
Authors: Jansen Robin W. , de Bloeme Christiaan M. , Brisse Hervé J. , Galluzzi Paolo , Cardoen Liesbeth , Göricke Sophia , Maeder Philippe , Cassoux Nathalie , Gauthier Arnaud , Schlueter Sabrina , Hadjistilianou Theodora , Munier Francis L. , Castelijns Jonas A. , van der Valk Paul , Moll Annette C. , de Jong Marcus C. , de Graaf Pim
Published: December 2020

Retinoblastoma mimickers, or pseudoretinoblastoma, are conditions that show similarities with the pediatric cancer retinoblastoma. However, false-positive retinoblastoma diagnosis can cause mistreatment, while false-negative diagnosis can cause life-threatening treatment delay. The purpose of this study is to identify the MR imaging features that best differentiate between retinoblastoma and the most common pseudoretinoblastoma diagnoses: Coats’ disease and persistent fetal vasculature (PFV). Here, six expert radiologists performed retrospective assessments (blinded for diagnosis) of MR images of patients with a final diagnosis based on histopathology or clinical follow-up. Associations between 20 predefined imaging features and diagnosis were assessed with exact tests corrected for multiple hypothesis testing. Sixty-six patients were included, of which 33 (50%) were retinoblastoma and 33 (50%) pseudoretinoblastoma patients. A larger eye size, vitreous seeding, and sharp-V-shaped retinal detachment were almost exclusively found in retinoblastoma (p < 0.001–0.022, specificity 93–97%). Features that were almost exclusively found in pseudoretinoblastoma included smaller eye size, ciliary/lens deformations, optic nerve atrophy, a central stalk between optic disc and lens, Y-shaped retinal detachment, and absence of calcifications (p < 0.001–0.022, specificity 91–100%). Additionally, three newly identified imaging features were exclusively present in pseudoretinoblastoma: intraretinal macrocysts (p < 0.001, 38% [9/24] in Coats’ disease and 20% [2/10] in PFV), contrast enhancement outside the solid lesion (p < 0.001, 30% [7/23] in Coats’ disease and 57% [4/7] in PFV), and enhancing subfoveal nodules (38% [9/24] in Coats’ disease). An assessment strategy was proposed for MR imaging differentiation between retinoblastoma and pseudoretinoblastoma, including three newly identified differentiating MR imaging features.
The Multifaceted Roles of Copper in Cancer: A Trace Metal Element with Dysregulated Metabolism, but Also a Target or a Bullet for Therapy
Authors: Lelièvre Pierre , Sancey Lucie , Coll Jean-Luc , Deniaud Aurélien , Busser Benoit
Published: December 2020

In the human body, copper (Cu) is a major and essential player in a large number of cellular mechanisms and signaling pathways. The involvement of Cu in oxidation–reduction reactions requires close regulation of copper metabolism in order to avoid toxic effects. In many types of cancer, variations in copper protein levels have been demonstrated. These variations result in increased concentrations of intratumoral Cu and alterations in the systemic distribution of copper. Such alterations in Cu homeostasis may promote tumor growth or invasiveness or may even confer resistance to treatments. Once characterized, the dysregulated Cu metabolism is pinpointing several promising biomarkers for clinical use with prognostic or predictive capabilities. The altered Cu metabolism in cancer cells and the different responses of tumor cells to Cu are strongly supporting the development of treatments to disrupt, deplete, or increase Cu levels in tumors. The metallic nature of Cu as a chemical element is key for the development of anticancer agents via the synthesis of nanoparticles or copper-based complexes with antineoplastic properties for therapy. Finally, some of these new therapeutic strategies such as chelators or ionophores have shown promising results in a preclinical setting, and others are already in the clinic.
A Comparison of p53 Isoform Profiles and Apoptosis Induced by Camptothecin or a Herbal Khat Extract (Catha Edulis (Vahl) Forssk. ex Endl.) in Leukemic Cell Lines: Exploring Cellular Responses in Therapy Development
Authors: Onyango Therese Bredholt , Hjelle Sigrun M. , Haaland Ingvild , Vintermyr Olav K. , Johannessen Anne Christine , Gjertsen Bjørn Tore
Published: December 2020

Khat (Catha edulis (Vahl) Forssk. ex Endl.) is habitually used as a natural stimulant by millions of people, but is associated with adverse effects on gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and central neural systems. At the cellular level khat toxicity involves p53 induction and cell cycle arrest, decreased mitochondrial function and activation of receptor- and mitochondria-mediated cell death pathways. In this study we have examined an extract of khat for induction of p53 post-translational modifications (PTMs) and the functional role of p53 in khat-mediated cell death. Khat was shown to induce phosphorylation and acetylation of p53 in both the khat-sensitive MOLM-13 and the khat-resistant MV-4-11 cell line, but accumulation of the full-length p53 isoform was only observed in the khat sensitive cell line. Small molecule inhibitors of p38 MAP kinase sensitized MV-4-11 cells for khat-treatment without concomitant stabilization of p53. Experiments using a p53 knock-down cell line and murine p53 knock-out bone marrow cells indicated that p53 was redundant in khat-mediated cell death in vitro. We suggest that analysis of isoform patterns and p53 PTMs are useful for elucidation of biological effects of complex plant extracts, and that p53 protein analysis is particularly useful in the search for new chemical probes and experimental cancer therapeutics.
Innovative Animal Model of DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Pseudo Germ-Free Mice
Authors: Gancarcikova Sona , Lauko Stanislav , Hrckova Gabriela , Andrejcakova Zuzana , Hajduckova Vanda , Madar Marian , Kolesar Fecskeova Livia , Mudronova Dagmar , Mravcova Kristina , Strkolcova Gabriela , Nemcova Radomira , Kacirova Jana , Staskova Andrea , Vilcek Stefan , Bomba Alojz
Published: December 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate the use of a standardized animal model subjected to antibiotic treatment, and the effects of this treatment on the course of dextran sodium sulphate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. By decontamination with selective antibiotics and observation of pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC) induced chemically by exposure of mice to various concentrations of DSS, we obtained an optimum animal PGF model of acute UC manifested by mucin depletion, epithelial degeneration and necrosis, leading to the disappearance of epithelial cells, infiltration of lamina propria and submucosa with neutrophils, cryptitis, and accompanied by decreased viability of intestinal microbiota, loss of body weight, dehydration, moderate rectal bleeding, and a decrease in the selected markers of cellular proliferation and apoptosis. The obtained PGF model did not exhibit changes that could contribute to inflammation by means of alteration of the metabolic status and the induced dysbiosis did not serve as a bearer of pathogenic microorganisms participating in development of ulcerative colitis. The inflammatory process was induced particularly by exposure to DSS and its toxic action on compactness and integrity of mucosal barrier in the large intestine. This offers new possibilities of the use of this animal model in studies with or without participation of pathogenic microbiota in IBD pathogenesis.
Hidden Formaldehyde Content in Cosmeceuticals Containing Preservatives that Release Formaldehyde and Their Compliance Behaviors: Bridging the Gap between Compliance and Local Regulation
Authors: Jairoun Ammar Abdulrahman , Al-Hemyari Sabaa Saleh , Shahwan Moyad , Zyoud Sa’ed H. , Ashames Akram
Published: December 2020

Background: Many personal care products, and particularly cosmetic products, contain preservatives that release formaldehyde. These are potentially harmful to consumer health, especially considering that the levels of formaldehyde in some products are hidden and excessive. Objectives: To study the formaldehyde levels of preservatives in personal care products and cosmetics on the UAE market and determine the extent of compliance with health and safety requirements. Methods and Materials: Sixty-nine personal care and cosmetic product samples from the UAE market were collected and prepared to determine their formaldehyde content. According to the Second European Commission Directive 82/434/EEC of 2000 and as per the Gulf Technical Regulation, Safety Requirements of Cosmetics and Personal Care Products in GSO 1943:2016, quantitative analyses were performed to identify and quantify the content of formaldehyde as free formaldehyde. Results: With a maximum permissible limit of ≤0.2% w/w, the average formaldehyde content was found to be 0.083 with a 95% CI (0.039–0.13). Nine of the tested personal care and cosmetic products exceeded the recommended formaldehyde level, corresponding to 13% of all samples. None of these samples listed the free formaldehyde content or formaldehyde releaser. Conclusion: Applying good manufacturing practices (GMP), education, and regulatory control to improve the regulation and inspection of cosmetics containing formaldehyde releasers as preservatives, conducting research, and reporting the adverse side effects are highly recommended. There is an urgent need to monitor the incidence of skin sensitivity resulting from the use of cosmetics containing formaldehyde releasers as preservatives.
Diversity of Bird Communities in Tea (Camellia sinensis) Plantations in Fujian Province, South-Eastern China
Authors: Imboma Titus S. , Ferrante Marco , You Min-sheng , You Shijun , Lövei Gábor L.
Published: December 2020

Habitat conversion in mountain areas threatens their biodiversity. The effect on biodiversity of creating a mountain landscape with a network of forest fragments and a cultivated habitat matrix is poorly documented in China. Bird communities in forest fragments and tea plantations were censused by field observations in two years (2018–2019) in three tea-growing locations, Anxi, Beifeng, and Wuyishan in Fujian Province, south-eastern China. Out of a potential pool of 247 forest-associated bird species, we detected the presence of 82, mostly resident species, 32–47 of those regularly visiting tea plantations. Species-accumulation curves indicated the near-completeness of the census. The Rényi diversity profiles indicated a more diverse community in forest fragments than nearby tea plantations at Anxi and Beifeng, but the tea plantations at Wuyishan supported a more diverse bird community than the forest. Avian communities in tea plantations were a significantly nested subset of the forest communities. Tea plantations can provide resources for forest-associated birds, but the effectiveness of preserving avian diversity depends on natural forest fragments and can be enhanced by landscape-scale management, when the biocontrol potential of birds can also be enhanced.
Dual-Input Photovoltaic System Based on Parallel Z-Source Inverters
Authors: Shahparasti Mahdi , Savaghebi Mehdi , Adabi Ebrahim , Ebel Thomas
Published: December 2020

This paper aims to present a new structure of the parallel Z-source inverters (ZSIs) for dual-input single-phase grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems. The ZSI is a single-stage buck-boost converter that uses an inductor-capacitor network between the inverter bridge and the PV string and follows the maximum power point by applying the shoot-through vector. Therefore, a DC/DC converter is no longer needed to track the maximum power point, and the cost and complexity of the power conditioning system (PCS) are reduced. For controlling the proposed PCS, a cascade control structure is employed in this paper. The inner current loop injects the maximum active power with unity power factor sinusoidal current to the grid. The outer capacitor voltage loop is applied to control capacitors voltages in the Z-source networks. Additionally, an enhanced dual-string maximum power point tracking (eDS-MPPT) method is proposed to find MPPs with minimum burden competitional. The eDS-MPPT does not need the PVs voltages measurements compared to other MPPT methods. The simulation results confirm the accuracy of the performance of the system.
Median Filtering Using First-Order and Second-Order Neighborhood Pixels to Reduce Fixed Value Impulse Noise from Grayscale Digital Images
Authors: Mursal Ali Salim Nasar , Ibrahim Haidi
Published: December 2020

It is essential to restore digital images corrupted by noise to make them more useful. Many approaches have been proposed to restore images affected by fixed value impulse noise, but they still do not perform well at high noise density. This paper presents a new method to improve the detection and removal of fixed value impulse noise from digital images. The proposed method consists of two stages. The first stage is the noise detection stage, where the difference values between the pixels and their surrounding pixels are computed to decide whether they are noisy pixels or not. The second stage is the image denoising stage. In this stage, the original intensity value of the noisy pixels is estimated using only their first-order and second-order neighborhood pixels. These neighboring orders are based on the Euclidean distance between the noisy pixel and its neighboring pixels. The proposed method was evaluated by comparing it with some of the recent methods using 50 images at 18 noise densities. The experimental results confirm that the proposed method outperforms the existing filters, excelling in noise removal capability with structure and edge information preservation.
Experimental Assessment of the Thermal Performance of a Heat Pump Dryer System Based on the Variations in Compressor Discharge Pressure on Oregano Drying
Authors: Salazar-Hincapié Arley , Delgado-Mejía Alvaro , Romero-Maya Andrés Felipe , Duque-Grisales Eduardo
Published: December 2020

The current study shows an empirical analysis to establish the effects of the variations in compressor discharge pressure on the drying performance of aromatic herbs, in terms of the coefficient of performance (CoP), moisture content (MC), specific moisture extraction rate (SMER), drying temperature, drying time and energy consumption. In conducting the research, a heat pump drying system was utilized as a mechanism for dehydrating herbs, seeds, and fruits. It was used thanks to its benefits like higher efficiency and its low power consumption. Three levels of discharge pressure were considered, 1380 kPa, 1100 kPa, and 827 kPa, using 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (R134a) as a refrigerant and oregano leaves as the main product. The findings show that, concerning the same oregano moisture sample, the lower the compressor discharge pressure, the lower drying temperature, also, the higher drying time was obtained. Despite the fact that the CoP decreased with the compressor discharge pressure, in comparison with the baseline case, it remained essentially the same for the other two cases.
Focussed Review of Utilization of Graphene-Based Materials in Electron Transport Layer in Halide Perovskite Solar Cells: Materials-Based Issues
Authors: Dai Xinchen , Koshy Pramod , Sorrell Charles Christopher , Lim Jongchul , Yun Jae Sung
Published: December 2020

The present work applies a focal point of materials-related issues to review the major case studies of electron transport layers (ETLs) of metal halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) that contain graphene-based materials (GBMs), including graphene (GR), graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (RGO), and graphene quantum dots (GQDs). The coverage includes the principal components of ETLs, which are compact and mesoporous TiO2, SnO2, ZnO and the fullerene derivative PCBM. Basic considerations of solar cell design are provided and the effects of the different ETL materials on the power conversion efficiency (PCE) have been surveyed. The strategy of adding GBMs is based on a range of phenomenological outcomes, including enhanced electron transport, enhanced current density-voltage (J-V) characteristics and parameters, potential for band gap (Eg) tuning, and enhanced device stability (chemical and environmental). These characteristics are made complicated by the variable effects of GBM size, amount, morphology, and distribution on the nanostructure, the resultant performance, and the associated effects on the potential for charge recombination. A further complication is the uncertain nature of the interfaces between the ETL and perovskite as well as between phases within the ETL.