bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Involvement of the ERK/HIF-1α/EMT Pathway in XCL1-Induced Migration of MDA-MB-231 and SK-BR-3 Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Do Ha Thi Thu , Cho Jungsook
Published: December 2020

Chemokine–receptor interactions play multiple roles in cancer progression. It was reported that the overexpression of X-C motif chemokine receptor 1 (XCR1), a specific receptor for chemokine X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (XCL1), stimulates the migration of MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer cells. However, the exact mechanisms of this process remain to be elucidated. Our study found that XCL1 treatment markedly enhanced MDA-MB-231 cell migration. Additionally, XCL1 treatment enhanced epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of MDA-MB-231 cells via E-cadherin downregulation and upregulation of N-cadherin and vimentin as well as increases in β-catenin nucleus translocation. Furthermore, XCL1 enhanced the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2. Notably, the effects of XCL1 on cell migration and intracellular signaling were negated by knockdown of XCR1 using siRNA, confirming XCR1-mediated actions. Treating MDA-MB-231 cells with U0126, a specific mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) 1/2 inhibitor, blocked XCL1-induced HIF-1α accumulation and cell migration. The effect of XCL1 on cell migration was also evaluated in ER-/HER2+ SK-BR-3 cells. XCL1 also promoted cell migration, EMT induction, HIF-1α accumulation, and ERK phosphorylation in SK-BR-3 cells. While XCL1 did not exhibit any significant impact on the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 expressions in MDA-MB-231 cells, it increased the expression of these enzymes in SK-BR-3 cells. Collectively, our results demonstrate that activation of the ERK/HIF-1α/EMT pathway is involved in the XCL1-induced migration of both MDA-MB-231 and SK-BR-3 breast cancer cells. Based on our findings, the XCL1–XCR1 interaction and its associated signaling molecules may serve as specific targets for the prevention of breast cancer cell migration and metastasis.
The Importance of Non-Coding RNAs in Neurodegenerative Processes of Diabetes-Related Molecular Pathways
Authors: Jarosz-Popek Joanna , Wolska Marta , Gasecka Aleksandra , Czajka Pamela , Jakubik Daniel , Sharif Lucia , Adem Taqwa , Liu Wei-Ling , Mirowska-Guzel Dagmara , Postula Marek , Eyileten Ceren
Published: December 2020

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex condition and serious health problem, with growing occurrence of DM-associated complications occurring globally. Persistent hyperglycemia is confirmed as promoting neurovascular dysfunction leading to irreversible endothelial cell dysfunction, increased neuronal cell apoptosis, oxidative stress and inflammation. These collaboratively and individually result in micro- and macroangiopathy as well as neuropathy demonstrated by progressive neuronal loss. Recently, major efforts have been pursued to select not only useful diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, but also novel therapeutic approaches. Both microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) belong to a class of non-coding RNAs identified in most of the body fluids i.e., peripheral blood, cerebrospinal fluid, brain tissue and neurons. Numerous miRNAs, lncRNAs and their target genes are able to modulate signaling pathways known to play a role in the pathophysiology of progressive neuronal dysfunction. Therefore, they pose as promising biomarkers and treatment for the vast majority of neurodegenerative disorders. This review provides an overall assessment of both miRNAs’ and lncRNAs’ utility in decelerating progressive nervous system impairment, including neurodegeneration in diabetic pathways.
The Role of Sleep Disturbance, Depression and Anxiety in Frail Patients with AF–Gender Differences
Authors: Jankowska-Polańska Beata , Polański Jacek , Dudek Krzysztof , Sławuta Agnieszka , Mazur Grzegorz , Gajek Jacek
Published: December 2020

The aim of the study was to assess the link between anxiety and depression and frailty syndrome (FS) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) with regard to gender differences. Material and methods. The study was conducted on 158 patients with AF (mean age 70.4 ± 7.6). The study used the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS-M), the Athens insomnia scale (AIS) and the Edmonton frailty scale to assess and compare anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbance between frail and non-frail patients with AF. Results. FS was diagnosed in 53.2% of patients. A comparative analysis showed a statistically significantly higher severity level of anxiety (12.0 ± 2.6 vs. 8.4 ± 2.5, p < 0.001) and depression (12.5 ± 2.5 vs. 7.2 ± 3.3, p < 0.001) in frail patients compared to non-frail patients. The analysis of the level of anxiety, depression and FS did not show any significant differences between the studied women and men. However, statistically, significant differences were observed when FS occurred, regardless of gender. Anxiety disorders were observed in 75.5% of patients with FS and in 16.7% without frailty, whereas depressive disorders were observed in 73.6% of frail patients and in 4.2% without frailty. In an analysis of the impact of cumulative variables on the level of frailty, the risk of FS in patients with anxiety/depression and sleep disturbance is almost 500 times higher compared to patients without anxiety/depression and sleep disturbance. The risk of frailty in patients with sleep disturbance only is thirteen times higher than in the reference group, i.e., in patients without depression/anxiety and sleep disturbances. Conclusions: Patients with AF and FS show deeper anxiety, depression and sleep disturbances. Gender does not influence the risk of frailty in AF patients. Frailty in patients with AF is associated with a higher risk of depression, sleep disturbances and anxiety.
Current Knowledge on Graves’ Orbitopathy
Authors: Gontarz-Nowak Katarzyna , Szychlińska Magdalena , Matuszewski Wojciech , Stefanowicz-Rutkowska Magdalena , Bandurska-Stankiewicz Elżbieta
Published: December 2020

(1) Background: Graves’ orbitopathy (GO) is an autoimmune inflammation of the orbital tissues and the most common extra-thyroid symptom of Graves’ disease (GD). Mild cases of GO are often misdiagnosed, which prolongs the diagnostic and therapeutic process, leading to exacerbation of the disease. A severe course of GO may cause permanent vision loss. (2) Methods: The article presents an analysis of GO—its etiopathogenesis, diagnostics, current treatment and potential future therapeutic options based on a review of the currently available literature of the subject. (3) Results: Current treatment of the active GO consists predominantly in intravenous glucocorticoids (GCs) administration in combination with orbital radiotherapy. The growing knowledge on the pathogenesis of the disease has contributed to multiple trials of the use of immunosuppressive drugs and monoclonal antibodies which may be potentially effective in the treatment of GO. Immunosuppressive treatment is not effective in patients in whom a chronic inflammatory process has caused fibrous changes in the orbits. In such cases surgical treatment is performed—including orbital decompression, adipose tissue removal, oculomotor muscle surgery, eyelid alignment and blepharoplasty. (4) Conclusions: Management of GO is difficult and requires interdisciplinary cooperation in endocrinology; ophthalmology, radiation oncology and surgery. The possibilities of undertaking a reliable assessment and comparison of the efficacy and safety of the therapeutic strategies are limited due to the heterogeneity of the available studies conducted mostly on small group of patients, with no comparison with classic systemic steroid therapy. The registration by FDA of Teprotumumab, an IGF1-R antagonist, in January 2020 may be a milestone in future management of active GO. However, many clinical questions require to be investigated first.
Effectiveness of a Home-Based Fragility Fracture Integrated Rehabilitation Management (FIRM) Program in Patients Surgically Treated for Hip Fractures
Authors: Choi Jun Hwan , Kim Bo Ryun , Nam Kwang Woo , Lee Sang Yoon , Beom Jaewon , Lee So Young , Suh Min Ji , Lim Jae-Young
Published: December 2020

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a home-based fragility fracture integrated rehabilitation management (H-FIRM) program following an inpatient FIRM (I-FIRM) program in patients surgically treated for hip fracture. Methods: This nonrandomized controlled trial included 32 patients who underwent hip surgery for a fragility hip fracture. The patients were divided into two groups: a prospective intervention group (n = 16) and a historical control group (n = 16). The intervention group performed a nine-week H-FIRM program combined with the I-FIRM program. The historical control group performed the I-FIRM program only. Functional outcomes included Koval’s grade, Functional Ambulatory Category (FAC), Functional Independence Measure (FIM) locomotion, Modified Rivermead Mobility Index (MRMI), 4 m walking speed test (4MWT), and the Korean version of Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI). All functional outcomes were assessed one week (before I-FIRM), three weeks (before I-FIRM), and three months (after H-FIRM) after surgery. Results: Both groups showed significant and clinically meaningful improvements in functional outcomes over time. Compared with the control group, the intervention group showed clinically meaningful improvements in Koval’s grade, FAC, FIM locomotion, MRMI, 4MWT, and K-MBI from baseline to three months. Conclusion: H-FIRM may be an effective intervention for improving functional outcomes in older people after fragility hip fractures.
Congenital Tufting Enteropathy: Biology, Pathogenesis and Mechanisms
Authors: Das Barun , Sivagnanam Mamata
Published: December 2020

Congenital tufting enteropathy (CTE) is an autosomal recessive disease of infancy that causes severe intestinal failure with electrolyte imbalances and impaired growth. CTE is typically diagnosed by its characteristic histological features, including villous atrophy, crypt hyperplasia and focal epithelial tufts consisting of densely packed enterocytes. Mutations in the EPCAM and SPINT2 genes have been identified as the etiology for this disease. The significant morbidity and mortality and lack of direct treatments for CTE patients demand a better understanding of disease pathophysiology. Here, the latest knowledge of CTE biology is systematically reviewed, including clinical aspects, disease genetics, and research model systems. Particular focus is paid to the pathogenesis of CTE and predicted mechanisms of the disease as these would provide insight for future therapeutic options. The contribution of intestinal homeostasis, including the role of intestinal cell differentiation, defective enterocytes, disrupted barrier and cell–cell junction, and cell-matrix adhesion, is vividly described here (see Graphical Abstract). Moreover, based on the known dynamics of EpCAM signaling, potential mechanistic pathways are highlighted that may contribute to the pathogenesis of CTE due to either loss of EpCAM function or EpCAM mutation. Although not fully elucidated, these pathways provide an improved understanding of this devastating disease.
Numerical Study on Wave-Ice Interaction in the Marginal Ice Zone
Authors: Wu Tiecheng , Luo Wanzhen , Jiang Dapeng , Deng Rui , Huang Shuo
Published: December 2020

The effect of waves on ice sheet is critical in the marginal ice zone (MIZ). Waves break large sea ice into small pieces and cause them to collide with each other. Simultaneously, the interaction between sea ice and waves attenuates these waves. In this study, a numerical research is conducted based on a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method to investigate the response of single ice floe to wave action. The obtained results demonstrate that the sea ice has a violent six degree of freedom (6DoF) motion in waves. Ice floes with different sizes, thicknesses, and shapes exhibit different 6DoF motions under the action of waves. The heave and surge response amplitude operator (RAO) of the sea ice are related to wavelength. Furthermore, the overwash phenomenon can be observed in the simulation. The obtained results are compared with the model test in the towing tank based on artificial ice, and they agree well with test results.
A New Method for the Collection of Marine Geomagnetic Information: Survey Application in the Colombian Caribbean
Authors: Oviedo Prada Karem , Jigena Antelo Bismarck , Otálora Murillo Nathalia , Romero Cózar Jeanette , Contreras-de-Villar Francisco , Muñoz-Pérez Juan José
Published: December 2020

In recent years, the Oceanographic and Hydrographic Research Center (part of the General Maritime Directorate of Colombia (DIMAR) has made important efforts to advance research in the field of marine geophysics, in particular, the techniques of geomagnetism, sub-bottom profiling, and side-scan sonar, the first being the most developed at the present time. A method is presented for the acquisition of geomagnetic data in marine environments, as used by DIMAR in the Colombian maritime territory. The development of the geomagnetic method not only offers the opportunity to advance basic scientific knowledge, but it is also of great importance in support of national sovereignty issues. Among other applications, the most representative uses of the geomagnetic method are the location of pipelines and metal plates, detection of buried ordnance, identification of sites of archaeological interest, and the identification and characterization of geological structures. As a result of testing the method, a grid of geomagnetic data was surveyed in an area close to the Island of San Andrés in the north-west of the Colombian maritime territory. The survey was prepared with a regional geometric arrangement, the result of which was compared with survey data obtained from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) magnetic data repository and carried out in the same study area. Despite the long time interval between the two surveys, almost 50 years, no significant differences were observed in terms of the analyzed variables. Finally, results show negligible differences between the magnetic data obtained for the years 1970 and 2018 for all the variables measured, such as the inclination, declination, and total magnetic field. These differences may be attributable to a geological component or also to the acquisition and processing methods used in the 1970s.
Sterol 14α-Demethylase Ligand-Binding Pocket-Mediated Acquired and Intrinsic Azole Resistance in Fungal Pathogens
Authors: Rosam Katharina , Monk Brian C. , Lackner Michaela
Published: December 2020

The fungal cytochrome P450 enzyme sterol 14α-demethylase (SDM) is a key enzyme in the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway. The binding of azoles to the active site of SDM results in a depletion of ergosterol, the accumulation of toxic intermediates and growth inhibition. The prevalence of azole-resistant strains and fungi is increasing in both agriculture and medicine. This can lead to major yield loss during food production and therapeutic failure in medical settings. Diverse mechanisms are responsible for azole resistance. They include amino acid (AA) substitutions in SDM and overexpression of SDM and/or efflux pumps. This review considers AA affecting the ligand-binding pocket of SDMs with a primary focus on substitutions that affect interactions between the active site and the substrate and inhibitory ligands. Some of these interactions are particularly important for the binding of short-tailed azoles (e.g., voriconazole). We highlight the occurrence throughout the fungal kingdom of some key AA substitutions. Elucidation of the role of these AAs and their substitutions may assist drug design in overcoming some common forms of innate and acquired azole resistance.
Functional Significance of Conserved Cysteines in the Extracellular Loops of the ATP Binding Cassette Transporter Pdr11p
Authors: Stanchev Lyubomir Dimitrov , Marek Magdalena , Xian Feng , Klöhn Mara , Silvestro Daniele , Dittmar Gunnar , López-Marqués Rosa Laura , Günther Pomorski Thomas
Published: December 2020

The pleiotropic drug resistance (PDR) transporter Pdr11p is expressed under anaerobic growth conditions at the plasma membrane of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, where it facilitates the uptake of exogenous sterols. Members of the fungal PDR family contain six conserved cysteines in their extracellular loops (ECL). For the functional analysis of these cysteine residues in Pdr11p, we generated a series of single cysteine-to-serine mutants. All mutant proteins expressed well and displayed robust ATPase activity upon purification. Mass-spectrometry analysis identified two cysteine residues (C582 and C603) in ECL3 forming a disulfide bond. Further characterization by cell-based assays showed that all mutants are compromised in facilitating sterol uptake, protein stability, and trafficking to the plasma membrane. Our data highlight the fundamental importance of all six extracellular cysteine residues for the functional integrity of Pdr11p and provide new structural insights into the PDR family of transporters.
Immune Sensing and Potential Immunotherapeutic Approaches to Control Chromoblastomycosis
Authors: Breda Leandro C. D. , Menezes Isabela G. , Paulo Larissa N. M. , de Almeida Sandro Rogério
Published: December 2020

Chromoblastomycosis (CBM) is a neglected, chronic, and progressive subcutaneous mycosis caused by different species of fungi from the Herpotrichiellaceae family. CBM disease is usually associated with agricultural activities, and its infection is characterized by verrucous, erythematous papules, and atrophic lesions on the upper and lower limbs, leading to social stigma and impacts on patients’ welfare. The economic aspect of disease treatment is another relevant issue. There is no specific treatment for CBM, and different anti-fungal drug associations are used to treat the patients. However, the long period of the disease and the high cost of the treatment lead to treatment interruption and, consequently, relapse of the disease. In previous years, great progress had been made in the comprehension of the CBM pathophysiology. In this review, we discuss the differences in the cell wall composition of conidia, hyphae, and muriform cells, with a particular focus on the activation of the host immune response. We also highlight the importance of studies about the host skin immunology in CBM. Finally, we explore different immunotherapeutic studies, highlighting the importance of these approaches for future treatment strategies for CBM.
A 33-mRNA Classifier Is Able to Produce Inflammopathic, Adaptive, and Coagulopathic Endotypes with Prognostic Significance: The Outcomes of Metabolic Resuscitation Using Ascorbic Acid, Thiamine, and Glucocorticoids in the Early Treatment of Sepsis (ORANGES) Trial
Authors: Iglesias Jose , Vassallo Andrew V. , Liesenfeld Oliver , Levine Jerrold S. , Patel Vishal V. , Sullivan Jesse B. , Cavanaugh Joseph B. , Elbaga Yasmine , Sweeney Timothy E.
Published: December 2020

Background: Retrospective analysis of the transcriptomic host response in sepsis has demonstrated that sepsis can be separated into three endotypes—inflammatory (IE), adaptive (AE), and coagulopathic (CE), which have demonstrated prognostic significance. We undertook a prospective transcriptomic host response analysis in a subgroup of patients enrolled in the Outcomes of Metabolic Resuscitation Using Ascorbic Acid, Thiamine, and Glucocorticoids in the Early Treatment of Sepsis (ORANGES) trial. Methods: Blood was obtained from 51 patients and profiled using a pre-established 33-mRNA classifier to determine sepsis endotypes. Endotypes were compared to therapy subgroups and clinical outcomes. Results: We redemonstrated a statistically significant difference in mortality between IE, AE, and CE patients, with CE patients demonstrating the highest mortality (40%), and AE patients the lowest mortality (5%, p = 0.032). A higher CE score was a predictor of mortality; coronary artery disease (CAD) and elevated CE scores were associated with an increase in mortality (CAD: HR = 12.3, 95% CI 1.5–101; CE score: HR = 15.5 95% CI 1.15–211). Kaplan–Meier (KM) analysis of the entire cohort (n = 51) demonstrated a decrease survival in the CE group, p = 0.026. KM survival analysis of hydrocortisone, ascorbic acid, and thiamine (HAT) therapy and control patients not receiving steroids (n = 45) showed CE and IE was associated with a decrease in survival (p = 0.003); of interest, there was no difference in survival in CE patients after stratifying by HAT therapy (p = 0.18). These findings suggest a possible treatment effect of corticosteroids, HAT therapy, endotype, and outcome. Conclusion: This subset of patients from the ORANGES trial confirmed previous retrospective findings that a 33-mRNA classifier can group patients into IE, AE, and CE endotypes having prognostic significance. A novel finding of this study identifying an association between endotype and corticosteroid therapy warrants further study in support of future diagnostic use of the endotyping classifier.
Screening for Early Signs of Paternal Perinatal Affective Disorder in Expectant Fathers: A Cluster Analysis Approach
Authors: Mangialavori Sonia , Giannotti Michele , Cacioppo Marco , Spelzini Federico , Baldoni Franco
Published: December 2020

Previous studies documented gender-related differences in the expression of Perinatal Affective Disorders. However, little attention has been paid to screening the male population during the perinatal period. This study was based on three aims: (1) to investigate the mental health of expectant fathers based on their levels of depression, anxiety, addiction, anger attacks/hostility, and somatization, identifying psychological profiles; (2) to analyze the association between these profiles and the individual variable of perceived stress; (3) and to examine the association between these profiles and the couple’s variable of marital adjustment. A total of 350 Italian expectant fathers in the last trimester of pregnancy were asked to fill in questionnaires concerning perceived stress, dyadic adjustment, psychiatric symptomatology, and depression. Three different clusters were found: “psychologically healthy men” (68%) with low levels of symptoms on all the scales; “men at risk of externalized behavioral problems” (17.1%), characterized by one or more addictive or risky behaviors and moderate levels of scales scores; and “men experiencing psychological distress” (14.9%), with the highest scores on all the scales. A significant association emerged among the perceived stress, marital adjustment, and cluster membership. These results highlight the importance of screening fathers in perinatal health services, which are still predominantly mother-centered, and underscore the necessity to create tailored and personalized interventions.
Potentials and Pitfalls of Mapping Nature-Based Solutions with the Online Citizen Science Platform ClimateScan
Authors: Restemeyer Britta , Boogaard Floris C.
Published: December 2020

Online knowledge-sharing platforms could potentially contribute to an accelerated climate adaptation by promoting more green and blue spaces in urban areas. The implementation of small-scale nature-based solutions (NBS) such as bio(swales), green roofs, and green walls requires the involvement and enthusiasm of multiple stakeholders. This paper discusses how online citizen science platforms can stimulate stakeholder engagement and promote NBS, which is illustrated with the case of ClimateScan. Three main concerns related to online platforms are addressed: the period of relevance of the platform, the lack of knowledge about the inclusiveness and characteristics of the contributors, and the ability of sustaining a well-functioning community with limited resources. ClimateScan has adopted a “bottom–up” approach in which users have much freedom to create and update content. Within six years, this has resulted in an illustrated map with over 5000 NBS projects around the globe and an average of more than 100 visitors a day. However, points of concern are identified regarding the data quality and the aspect of community-building. Although the numbers of users are rising, only a few users have remained involved. Learning from these remaining top users and their motivations, we draw general lessons and make suggestions for stimulating long-term engagement on online knowledge-sharing platforms.
Gender Agreement Mismatches in Heritage Greek
Authors: Alexiadou Artemis , Rizou Vasiliki , Tsokanos Nikolaos , Karkaletsou Foteini
Published: December 2020

This paper investigates gender agreement mismatches between nominal expressions and the targets of agreement they control in two groups (adults and adolescents) of Heritage Greek speakers in the USA. On the basis of language production data elicited via a narration task, we show that USA Greek Heritage speakers, unlike monolingual controls, show mismatches in gender agreement. We will show that the mismatches observed differ with respect to the agreement target between groups, i.e., noun phrase internal agreement seems more affected in the adolescent group, while personal pronouns appear equally affected. We will argue that these patterns suggest retreat to default gender, namely neuter in Greek. Neuter emerges as default when no agreement pattern can be established. As adult speakers show less mismatches, we will explore the reasons why speakers improve across the life span.
Combinatorial Fusion Rules to Describe Codon Assignment in the Standard Genetic Code
Authors: Nesterov-Mueller Alexander , Popov Roman , Seligmann Hervé
Published: December 2020

We propose combinatorial fusion rules that describe the codon assignment in the standard genetic code simply and uniformly for all canonical amino acids. These rules become obvious if the origin of the standard genetic code is considered as a result of a fusion of four protocodes: Two dominant AU and GC protocodes and two recessive AU and GC protocodes. The biochemical meaning of the fusion rules consists of retaining the complementarity between cognate codons of the small hydrophobic amino acids and large charged or polar amino acids within the protocodes. The proto tRNAs were assembled in form of two kissing hairpins with 9-base and 10-base loops in the case of dominant protocodes and two 9-base loops in the case of recessive protocodes. The fusion rules reveal the connection between the stop codons, the non-canonical amino acids, pyrrolysine and selenocysteine, and deviations in the translation of mitochondria. Using fusion rules, we predicted the existence of additional amino acids that are essential for the development of the standard genetic code. The validity of the proposed partition of the genetic code into dominant and recessive protocodes is considered referring to state-of-the-art hypotheses. The formation of two aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase classes is compatible with four-protocode partition.
Comparison between XY Spin Chains with Spin 1/2 or 1 Interacting with Quantized Electromagnetic Field by One and Two Photon Jaynes-Cummings Model
Authors: Tonchev Hristo
Published: December 2020

This paper describes two cases of interaction between a quantized electromagnetic field and two different XY spin molecules; one with spins ½, and the other with spins 1. Both interact with a quantized electromagnetic field, with one of the spins in the chain interacting with the electromagnetic field. The interaction between the field mode and the spin chain with spins 1 is described by the one- and two-photon Jaynes-Cummings model (JC model). On the other hand, the interaction between the spins ½ and the electromagnetic field is described only by the one-photon Jaynes-Cummings model. Analytical and numerical calculations were made for the case of a different number of photons in the field mode, a different number of spins, and a different position of spin, interacting with the electromagnetic field. The invariant and block structures of such a chain are shown with a comparison made between the evolution of the magnetic moment and the number of photons in both cases.
Hermite Interpolation Based Interval Shannon-Cosine Wavelet and Its Application in Sparse Representation of Curve
Authors: Wang Aiping , Li Li , Mei Shuli , Meng Kexin
Published: December 2020

Using the wavelet transform defined in the infinite domain to process the signal defined in finite interval, the wavelet transform coefficients at the boundary are usually very large. It will bring severe boundary effect, which reduces the calculation accuracy. The construction of interval wavelet is the most common method to reduce the boundary effect. By studying the properties of Shannon-Cosine interpolation wavelet, an improved version of the wavelet function is proposed, and the corresponding interval interpolation wavelet based on Hermite interpolation extension and variational principle is designed, which possesses almost all of the excellent properties such as interpolation, smoothness, compact support and normalization. Then, the multi-scale interpolation operator is constructed, which can be applied to select the sparse feature points and reconstruct signal based on these sparse points adaptively. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed method, we compare the proposed method with Shannon-Cosine interpolation wavelet method, Akima method, Bezier method and cubic spline method by taking infinitesimal derivable function cos(x) and irregular piecewise function as an example. In the reconstruction of cos(x) and piecewise function, the proposed method reduces the boundary effect at the endpoints. When the interpolation points are the same, the maximum error, average absolute error, mean square error and running time are 1.20 × 10−4, 2.52 × 10−3, 2.76 × 10−5, 1.68 × 10−2 and 4.02 × 10−3, 4.94 × 10−4, 1.11 × 10−3, 9.27 × 10−3, respectively. The four indicators mentioned above are all lower than the other three methods. When reconstructing an infinitely derivable function, the curve reconstructed by our method is smoother, and it satisfies C2 and G2 continuity. Therefore, the proposed method can better realize the reconstruction of smooth curves, improve the reconstruction efficiency and provide new ideas to the curve reconstruction method.
Sub-Additive Aggregation Functions and Their Applications in Construction of Coherent Upper Previsions
Authors: Doria Serena , Mesiar Radko , Šeliga Adam
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we explore the use of aggregation functions in the construction of coherent upper previsions. Sub-additivity is one of the defining properties of a coherent upper prevision defined on a linear space of random variables and thus we introduce a new sub-additive transformation of aggregation functions, called a revenue transformation, whose output is a sub-additive aggregation function bounded below by the transformed aggregation function, if it exists. Method of constructing coherent upper previsions by means of shift-invariant, positively homogeneous and sub-additive aggregation functions is given and a full characterization of shift-invariant, positively homogeneous and idempotent aggregation functions on [0,∞[n is presented. Lastly, some concluding remarks are added.
Smart Machinery Monitoring System with Reduced Information Transmission and Fault Prediction Methods Using Industrial Internet of Things
Authors: Tsai Ming-Fong , Chu Yen-Ching , Li Min-Hao , Chen Lien-Wu
Published: December 2020

A monitoring system for smart machinery has been considered to be one of the most important goals in recent enterprises. This monitoring system will encounter huge difficulties, such as more data uploaded by smart machines, and the available internet bandwidth will influence the transmission speed of data and the reliability of the equipment monitoring platform. This paper proposes reducing the periodical information that has been uploaded to the monitoring platform by setting an upload event through the traits of production data from machines. The proposed methods reduce bandwidth and power consumption. The monitoring information is reconstructed by the proposed methods, so history data will not reduce storage in the cloud server database. In order to reduce the halt time caused by machine error, the proposed system uses machine-learning technology to model the operating status of machinery for fault prediction. In the experimental results, the smart machinery monitoring system using the Industrial Internet of Things reduces the volume of information uploaded by 54.57% and obtains a 98% prediction accuracy.
An Approach Integrating Simulated Annealing and Variable Neighborhood Search for the Bidirectional Loop Layout Problem
Authors: Palubeckis Gintaras
Published: December 2020

In the bidirectional loop layout problem (BLLP), we are given a set of machines, a set of locations arranged in a loop configuration, and a flow cost matrix. The problem asks to assign machines to locations so as to minimize the sum of the products of the flow costs and distances between machines. The distance between two locations is calculated either in the clockwise or in the counterclockwise direction, whichever path is shorter. We propose a hybrid approach for the BLLP which combines the simulated annealing (SA) technique with the variable neighborhood search (VNS) method. The VNS algorithm uses an innovative local search technique which is based on a fast insertion neighborhood exploration procedure. The computational complexity of this procedure is commensurate with the size of the neighborhood, that is, it performs O(1) operations per move. Computational results are reported for BLLP instances with up to 300 machines. They show that the SA and VNS hybrid algorithm is superior to both SA and VNS used stand-alone. Additionally, we tested our algorithm on two sets of benchmark tool indexing problem instances. The results demonstrate that our hybrid technique outperforms the harmony search (HS) heuristic which is the state-of-the-art algorithm for this problem. In particular, for the 4 Anjos instances and 4 sko instances, new best solutions were found. The proposed algorithm provided better average solutions than HS for all 24 Anjos and sko instances. It has shown robust performance on these benchmarks. For 20 instances, the best known solution was obtained in more than 50% of the runs. The average time per run was below 10 s. The source code implementing our algorithm is made publicly available as a benchmark for future comparisons.
Non-Linear Interdependencies between International Stock Markets: The Polish and Spanish Case
Authors: Jareño Francisco , Escribano Ana , Koczar Monika W.
Published: December 2020

This research analyzes non-linear interdependencies between the Polish (WIG20) and the Spanish (IBEX 35) stock market returns with some other relevant international stock market returns, such as the German (DAX-30), the British (FTSE-100), the American (S&P 500) and the Chinese (SSE Composite) stock markets. In addition, this research focuses on the impact of the stage of the economy on these interdependencies, in concrete, on the influence of the 2008 Global Financial Crisis. To that end, we use a nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) approach in the sample period between January 1998 to December 2018. Our results show positive interdependencies between the Polish and the Spanish stock markets with the international reference stock markets analyzed in this research, as well as significant long-run relations between most of the stock markets. Furthermore, the Polish and the Spanish stock market returns may similarly react to positive and negative changes in international stock market returns, evidencing strong short-run asymmetry. In addition, both countries show great persistence in response to both positive and negative changes in stock market returns in the other mayor international markets. Finally, the NARDL model proposed in this research would show good explanatory power, mainly to changes in the international stock market returns, except for the Chinese market.
Boundary Values in Ultradistribution Spaces Related to Extended Gevrey Regularity
Authors: Pilipović Stevan , Teofanov Nenad , Tomić Filip
Published: December 2020

Following the well-known theory of Beurling and Roumieu ultradistributions, we investigate new spaces of ultradistributions as dual spaces of test functions which correspond to associated functions of logarithmic-type growth at infinity. In the given framework we prove that boundary values of analytic functions with the corresponding logarithmic growth rate towards the real domain are ultradistributions. The essential condition for that purpose, known as stability under ultradifferential operators in the classical ultradistribution theory, is replaced by a weaker condition, in which the growth properties are controlled by an additional parameter. For that reason, new techniques were used in the proofs. As an application, we discuss the corresponding wave front sets.
A Multiple Criteria Decision Making Approach to Designing Teaching Plans in Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Laguna-Sánchez Pilar , Palomo Jesús , de la Fuente-Cabrero Concepción , de Castro-Pardo Mónica
Published: December 2020

The involvement of competences in the teaching–learning planning process in Higher Education is essential for their success in the European Higher Education Area. This study presents a participatory multi-criteria model based on Voting Analytic Hierarchy Process (VAHP) analysis, focusing on the attainment of competences that permits consensus between lecturers and students in the design of teaching plans using two assessments: the assessment of competences by students and the lecturers’ assessment of the contribution of teaching strategies to the attainment of each competence. To validate the methodology, a survey was carried out to determine the preferences of 211 students on the competences of a quantitative subject in several business degrees and a survey of 11 lecturers to assess the contribution of the teaching strategies in the acquisition of each competence. The results show that practical lessons and group work should receive more importance in the teaching plans of the subject Financial Management according to the defined competences, the students’ preferences and the criterion of each lecturer for each teaching strategy. The results show the applicability of the participatory methodology proposed to formally agree on the design of teaching plans in higher education organizations between lecturers and students.
Orbital Reversibility of Planar Vector Fields
Authors: Algaba Antonio , García Cristóbal , Giné Jaume
Published: December 2020

In this work we use the normal form theory to establish an algorithm to determine if a planar vector field is orbitally reversible. In previous works only algorithms to determine the reversibility and conjugate reversibility have been given. The procedure is useful in the center problem because any nondegenerate and nilpotent center is orbitally reversible. Moreover, using this algorithm is possible to find degenerate centers which are orbitally reversible.
Defocused Image Deep Learning Designed for Wavefront Reconstruction in Tomographic Pupil Image Sensors
Authors: Suárez Gómez Sergio Luis , García Riesgo Francisco , González Gutiérrez Carlos , Rodríguez Ramos Luis Fernando , Santos Jesús Daniel
Published: December 2020

Mathematical modelling methods have several limitations when addressing complex physics whose calculations require considerable amount of time. This is the case of adaptive optics, a series of techniques used to process and improve the resolution of astronomical images acquired from ground-based telescopes due to the aberrations introduced by the atmosphere. Usually, with adaptive optics the wavefront is measured with sensors and then reconstructed and corrected by means of a deformable mirror. An improvement in the reconstruction of the wavefront is presented in this work, using convolutional neural networks (CNN) for data obtained from the Tomographic Pupil Image Wavefront Sensor (TPI-WFS). The TPI-WFS is a modified curvature sensor, designed for measuring atmospheric turbulences with defocused wavefront images. CNNs are well-known techniques for its capacity to model and predict complex systems. The results obtained from the presented reconstructor, named Convolutional Neural Networks in Defocused Pupil Images (CRONOS), are compared with the results of Wave-Front Reconstruction (WFR) software, initially developed for the TPI-WFS measurements, based on the least-squares fit. The performance of both reconstruction techniques is tested for 153 Zernike modes and with simulated noise. In general, CRONOS showed better performance than the reconstruction from WFR in most of the turbulent profiles, with significant improvements found for the most turbulent profiles; overall, obtaining around 7% of improvements in wavefront restoration, and 18% of improvements in Strehl.
Fundamentals of Synthesized Optimal Control
Authors: Diveev Askhat , Shmalko Elizaveta , Serebrenny Vladimir , Zentay Peter
Published: December 2020

This paper presents a new formulation of the optimal control problem with uncertainty, in which an additive bounded function is considered as uncertainty. The purpose of the control is to ensure the achievement of terminal conditions with the optimal value of the quality functional, while the uncertainty has a limited impact on the change in the value of the functional. The article introduces the concept of feasibility of the mathematical model of the object, which is associated with the contraction property of mappings if we consider the model of the object as a one-parameter mapping. It is shown that this property is sufficient for the development of stable practical systems. To find a solution to the stated problem, which would ensure the feasibility of the system, the synthesized optimal control method is proposed. This article formulates the theoretical foundations of the synthesized optimal control. The method consists in making the control object stable relative to some point in the state space and to control the object by changing the position of the equilibrium points. The article provides evidence that this approach is insensitive to the uncertainties of the mathematical model of the object. An example of the application of the method for optimal control of a group of robots is given. A comparison of the synthesized optimal control method with the direct method on the model without disturbances and with them is presented.
Occurrence of Antibiotics, Antibiotic Resistance Genes and Viral Genomes in Wastewater Effluents and Their Treatment by a Pilot Scale Nanofiltration Unit
Authors: Cristóvão Maria Beatriz , Tela Solomon , Silva Andreia Filipa , Oliveira Micaela , Bento-Silva Andreia , Bronze Maria Rosário , Crespo Maria Teresa Barreto , Crespo João Goulão , Nunes Mónica , Pereira Vanessa Jorge
Published: December 2020

Broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotics (ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin), carbapenem and fluoroquinolone resistance genes, as well as viral genomes, were detected in grab samples of wastewater effluents. Passive samplers, which are simpler and easier to use and provide information about the concentrations and combination of contaminants present in a certain fluid matrix over time, proved to be extremely promising devices to monitor the presence of the target antibiotics in wastewater effluents. Nanofiltration was tested with a pilot-scale unit installed at a domestic wastewater treatment facility, using a Desal 5DK membrane operated at a constant transmembrane pressure of 6 bar and 70% recovery rate. In a 24 h experimental assay, the variation of the membrane permeance was low (6.3%). High rejections of the target contaminants from the wastewater effluent were obtained by the pilot-scale treatment. Hence, nanofiltration using the Desal 5DK membrane is considered to be a promising treatment to cope with chemical and biological contaminants present in wastewater effluents.
Special Issue: Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli
Authors: Moxley Rodney A.
Published: December 2020

Globally, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is an important cause of diarrheal disease, most notably hemorrhagic colitis, and post-diarrheal sequela, such as hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) [...]
Comparative Proteomics of Marinobacter sp. TT1 Reveals Corexit Impacts on Hydrocarbon Metabolism, Chemotactic Motility, and Biofilm Formation
Authors: Rughöft Saskia , Jehmlich Nico , Gutierrez Tony , Kleindienst Sara
Published: December 2020

The application of chemical dispersants during marine oil spills can affect the community composition and activity of marine microorganisms. Several studies have indicated that certain marine hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria, such as Marinobacter spp., can be inhibited by chemical dispersants, resulting in lower abundances and/or reduced biodegradation rates. However, a major knowledge gap exists regarding the mechanisms underlying these physiological effects. Here, we performed comparative proteomics of the Deepwater Horizon isolate Marinobacter sp. TT1 grown under different conditions. Strain TT1 received different carbon sources (pyruvate vs. n-hexadecane) with and without added dispersant (Corexit EC9500A). Additional treatments contained crude oil in the form of a water-accommodated fraction (WAF) or chemically-enhanced WAF (CEWAF; with Corexit). For the first time, we identified the proteins associated with alkane metabolism and alginate biosynthesis in strain TT1, report on its potential for aromatic hydrocarbon biodegradation and present a protein-based proposed metabolism of Corexit components as carbon substrates. Our findings revealed that Corexit exposure affects hydrocarbon metabolism, chemotactic motility, biofilm formation, and induces solvent tolerance mechanisms, like efflux pumps, in strain TT1. This study provides novel insights into dispersant impacts on microbial hydrocarbon degraders that should be taken into consideration for future oil spill response actions.
Exploring the Ecology of Bifidobacteria and Their Genetic Adaptation to the Mammalian Gut
Authors: Duranti Sabrina , Longhi Giulia , Ventura Marco , van Sinderen Douwe , Turroni Francesca
Published: December 2020

The mammalian gut is densely inhabited by microorganisms that have coevolved with their host. Amongst these latter microorganisms, bifidobacteria represent a key model to study host–microbe interaction within the mammalian gut. Remarkably, bifidobacteria naturally occur in a range of ecological niches that are either directly or indirectly connected to the animal gastrointestinal tract. They constitute one of the dominant bacterial members of the intestinal microbiota and are among the first colonizers of the mammalian gut. Notably, the presence of bifidobacteria in the gut has been associated with several health-promoting activities. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of current knowledge on the genetic diversity and ecology of bifidobacteria. Furthermore, we will discuss how this important group of gut bacteria is able to colonize and survive in the mammalian gut, so as to facilitate host interactions.