bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of High Sulfur Diet on Rumen Fermentation, Microflora, and Epithelial Barrier Function in Steers
Authors: Wu Hao , Li Yan , Meng Qingxiang , Zhou Zhenming
Published: August 2021

These experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of excessive sulfur on rumen fermentation, microflora, and epithelial barrier function in steers through in vitro gas production and animal feeding experiments. Nine and four levels of sulfur addition were evaluated in in vitro ruminal fermentation and animal feeding experiment, respectively. The results showed that increasing the level of sulfur in substrates decreased the total gas and methane production linearly, while increasing the production of hydrogen sulfide gas (p < 0.01). Volatile fatty acid concentrations, especially that of butyric acid, were increased by extra sulfur (p < 0.01). Sulfur content in the diet had no significant effect (p > 0.05) on most of the rumen microbes, except for Desulfovibrio, one of the major sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in the rumen, whose population increased by adding extra sulfur (p < 0.001). The changes in the morphology of rumen epithelium and thickening of the total epithelial layer were mainly attributed to the increase in the acanthosis cell layer and stratum basale (p < 0.05). Further, the relative expressions of two tight junction protein regulating genes, CLDN-1 and TJP1, were reduced (p < 0.05). Excessive sulfur in the diet can change the type of rumen fermentation, sulfate metabolism and SRB population, and the rumen epithelial barrier function. The results of this study demonstrated that sulfur can be used as a methane inhibitor with the mechanism that SRB competitively used protons to produce hydrogen sulfide. However, a higher level of sulfur in the diet could increase the inflammatory reaction of the rumen epithelium which may affect nutrient absorption.
Does Small-Scale Livestock Production Use a High Technological Level to Survive? Evidence from Dairy Production in Northeast-ern Michoacán, Mexico
Authors: Chávez-Pérez Luis Manuel , Soriano-Robles Ramón , Espinosa-Ortiz Valentín Efrén , Miguel-Estrada Mauricio , Rendón-Rendón María Camila , Jiménez-Jiménez Randy Alexis
Published: August 2021

The objective of this study was to identify the technological level used by dairy farmers in the northeastern region of Michoacán, Mexico, through a characterisation of small-scale dairy production units, as well as to learn about the socioeconomic conditions that have enabled them to survive in the current context. A semi-structured interview was applied to 114 production units, chosen by stratified random sampling. The interview included technological, production and socioeconomic aspects. Twenty-eight variables were initially explored and 12 were used for multivariate analysis, which included Principal Component Analysis, Hierarchical Cluster Analysis and K-means Cluster. The characterisation carried out showed that the production units that predominate in northeastern Michoacán have survived with a low technological level, having as strengths the diversification of their activities and the use of family labour. On the contrary, production units with a high technological level and high productivity are few and less diversified. This shows the need to generate differentiated public policies for each cluster, aimed at strengthening the aspects that have allowed them to survive and guaranteeing a market for their production, before promoting the use of technologies.
The Potential Role of Polyphenols in Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Induced by Gut Microbiota in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Shabbir Umair , Tyagi Akanksha , Elahi Fazle , Aloo Simon Okomo , Oh Deog-Hwan
Published: August 2021

Gut microbiota (GM) play a role in the metabolic health, gut eubiosis, nutrition, and physiology of humans. They are also involved in the regulation of inflammation, oxidative stress, immune responses, central and peripheral neurotransmission. Aging and unhealthy dietary patterns, along with oxidative and inflammatory responses due to gut dysbiosis, can lead to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, especially Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Although the exact mechanism between AD and GM dysbiosis is still unknown, recent studies claim that secretions from the gut can enhance hallmarks of AD by disturbing the intestinal permeability and blood–brain barrier via the microbiota–gut–brain axis. Dietary polyphenols are the secondary metabolites of plants that possess anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties and can ameliorate gut dysbiosis by enhancing the abundance of beneficial bacteria. Thus, modulation of gut by polyphenols can prevent and treat AD and other neurodegenerative diseases. This review summarizes the role of oxidative stress, inflammation, and GM in AD. Further, it provides an overview on the ability of polyphenols to modulate gut dysbiosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation against AD.
Isolation of Polysaccharides from Trichoderma harzianum with Antioxidant, Anticancer, and Enzyme Inhibition Properties
Authors: Saravanakumar Kandasamy , Park SeonJu , Sathiyaseelan Anbazhagan , Mariadoss Arokia Vijaya Anand , Park Soyoung , Kim Seong-Jung , Wang Myeong-Hyeon
Published: August 2021

In this work, a total of six polysaccharides were isolated from culture filtrate (EPS1, EPS2) and mycelia (IPS1–IPS4) of Trichoderma harzianum. The HPLC analysis results showed that EPS1, EPS2, IPS1, and IPS2 were composed of mannose, ribose, glucose, galactose, and arabinose. The FT-IR, 1H, and 13C NMR chemical shifts confirmed that the signals in EPS1 mainly consist of (1→4)-linked α-d-glucopyranose. EPS1 and IPS1 showed a smooth and clean surface, while EPS2, IPS2, and IPS3 exhibited a microporous structure. Among polysaccharides, EPS1 displayed higher ABTS+ (47.09 ± 2.25% and DPPH (26.44 ± 0.12%) scavenging activities, as well as higher α-amylase (69.30 ± 1.28%) and α-glucosidase (68.22 ± 0.64%) inhibition activity than the other polysaccharides. EPS1 exhibited high cytotoxicity to MDA-MB293 cells, with an IC50 of 0.437 mg/mL, and this was also confirmed by cell staining and FACS assays. These results report the physicochemical and bioactive properties of polysaccharides from T. harzianum.
Bisretinoids of the Retina: Photo-Oxidation, Iron-Catalyzed Oxidation, and Disease Consequences
Authors: Kim Hye Jin , Montenegro Diego , Zhao Jin , Sparrow Janet R.
Published: August 2021

The retina and, in particular, retinal pigment epithelial cells are unusual for being encumbered by exposure to visible light, while being oxygen-rich, and also amassing photoreactive molecules. These fluorophores (bisretinoids) are generated as a byproduct of the activity of vitamin A aldehyde—the chromophore necessary for vision. Bisretinoids form in photoreceptor cells due to random reactions of two molecules of vitamin A aldehyde with phosphatidylethanolamine; bisretinoids are subsequently transferred to retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, where they accumulate in the lysosomal compartment with age. Bisretinoids can generate reactive oxygen species by both energy and electron transfer, and they become photo-oxidized and photolyzed in the process. While these fluorescent molecules are accrued by RPE cells of all healthy eyes, they are also implicated in retinal disease.
The Alterations in Mitochondrial Dynamics Following Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Vongsfak Jirapong , Pratchayasakul Wasana , Apaijai Nattayaporn , Vaniyapong Tanat , Chattipakorn Nipon , Chattipakorn Siriporn C.
Published: August 2021

Cerebral ischemia results in a poor oxygen supply and cerebral infarction. Reperfusion to the ischemic area is the best therapeutic approach. Although reperfusion after ischemia has beneficial effects, it also causes ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Increases in oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cell death in the brain, resulting in brain infarction, have also been observed following cerebral I/R injury. Mitochondria are dynamic organelles, including mitochondrial fusion and fission. Both processes are essential for mitochondrial homeostasis and cell survival. Several studies demonstrated that an imbalance in mitochondrial dynamics after cerebral ischemia, with or without reperfusion injury, plays an important role in the regulation of cell survival and infarct area size. Mitochondrial dysmorphology/dysfunction and inflammatory processes also occur after cerebral ischemia. Knowledge surrounding the mechanisms involved in the imbalance in mitochondrial dynamics following cerebral ischemia with or without reperfusion injury would help in the prevention or treatment of the adverse effects of cerebral injury. Therefore, this review aims to summarize and discuss the roles of mitochondrial dynamics, mitochondrial function, and inflammatory processes in cerebral ischemia with or without reperfusion injury from in vitro and in vivo studies. Any contradictory findings are incorporated and discussed.
Characterization of Heat Shock Protein 60 as an Interacting Partner of Superoxide Dismutase 2 in the Silkworm, Bombyx mori, and Its Response to the Molting Hormone, 20-Hydroxyecdysone
Authors: Nojima Yosui
Published: August 2021

Oxidative stress promotes pupation in some holometabolous insects. The levels of superoxide, a reactive oxygen species (ROS), are increased and superoxide dismutase 1 (BmSod1) and superoxide dismutase 2 (BmSod2) are decreased during metamorphic events in silkworm (Bombyx mori). These observations strongly suggest that pupation is initiated by oxidative stress via the down-regulation of BmSod1 and BmSod2. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying ROS production during metamorphic events in silkworm remain unknown. To investigate these molecular mechanisms, the peripheral proteins of BmSod1 and BmSod2 were identified and characterized using dry and wet approaches in this study. Based on the results, silkworm heat shock protein 60 (BmHsp60) was identified as an interacting partner of BmSod2, which belongs to the Fe/MnSOD family. Furthermore, the present study results showed that BmHsp60 mRNA expression levels were increased in response to oxidative stress caused by ultraviolet radiation and that BmHsp60 protein levels (but not mRNA levels) were decreased during metamorphic events, which are regulated by the molting hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone. These findings improve our understanding of the mechanisms by which holometabolous insects control ROS during metamorphosis.
Ellagic Acid Prevents Binge Alcohol-Induced Leaky Gut and Liver Injury through Inhibiting Gut Dysbiosis and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Kim Dong-ha , Sim Yejin , Hwang Jin-hyeon , Kwun In-Sook , Lim Jae-Hwan , Kim Jihoon , Kim Jee-In , Baek Moon-Chang , Akbar Mohammed , Seo Wonhyo , Kim Do-Kyun , Song Byoung-Joon , Cho Young-Eun
Published: August 2021

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a major liver disease worldwide and can range from simple steatosis or inflammation to fibrosis/cirrhosis, possibly through leaky gut and systemic endotoxemia. Many patients with alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH) die within 60 days after clinical diagnosis due to the lack of an approved drug, and thus, synthetic and/or dietary agents to prevent ASH and premature deaths are urgently needed. We recently reported that a pharmacologically high dose of pomegranate extract prevented binge alcohol-induced gut leakiness and hepatic inflammation by suppressing oxidative and nitrative stress. Herein, we investigate whether a dietary antioxidant ellagic acid (EA) contained in many fruits, including pomegranate and vegetables, can protect against binge alcohol-induced leaky gut, endotoxemia, and liver inflammation. Pretreatment with a physiologically-relevant dose of EA for 14 days significantly reduced the binge alcohol-induced gut barrier dysfunction, endotoxemia, and inflammatory liver injury in mice by inhibiting gut dysbiosis and the elevated oxidative stress and apoptosis marker proteins. Pretreatment with EA significantly prevented the decreased amounts of gut tight junction/adherent junction proteins and the elevated gut leakiness in alcohol-exposed mice. Taken together, our results suggest that EA could be used as a dietary supplement for alcoholic hepatitis patients.
Towards a Flexible Smart Factory with a Dynamic Resource Orchestration
Authors: Pisarić Milan , Dimitrieski Vladimir , Vještica Marko , Krajoski Goran , Kapetina Mirna
Published: August 2021

Amid the current industrial revolution, a total disruption of the existing production lines may seem to be the easiest approach, as the potential possibilities seem limitless when starting from the ground up. On the business side, an adaptation of existing production lines is always a preferred option. In support of adaptation as opposed to disruption, this paper presents a new approach of using production process orchestration in a smart factory, discussed in an industrial case-study example. A proposed smart factory has the Orchestrator component in its core, responsible for complete semantical orchestration of production processes on one hand, and various factory resources on the other hand, in order to produce the desired product. The Orchestrator is a complex, modular, highly scalable, and pluggable software product responsible for automatised planning, scheduling, and execution of the complete production process. According to their offered capabilities, non-smart and smart resources—machines, robots, humans—are simultaneously and dynamically assigned to execute their dedicated production steps.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Applications in Spine Disorders: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Baroncini Alice , Eschweiler Jörg , Kobbe Philipp , Quack Valentin , Smajic Samir , Trobisch Per , Hildebrand Frank , Migliorini Filippo
Published: August 2021

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are increasingly being employed in a number of orthopedic settings, in particular in the treatment of hip and knee osteoarthritis. Recently, the use MSCs has been investigated for different spine settings. However, the use of these cells is not yet widespread in the clinical practice. The aim of this review was to investigate the current literature regarding the use of MSCs in different spine conditions and discuss possible future applications. In particular, degenerative disc disease is the most studied field for MSC application, and is the only one that has already reached the clinical practice, albeit not routinely. Spinal cord injuries are another extensively investigated use of MSCs: despite encouraging preliminary results, a consensus on the efficacy of stem cell therapy for spinal cord injuries has not yet been reached, and their use is still only experimental.
Multi-Modal Emotion Recognition Using Speech Features and Text-Embedding
Authors: Byun Sung-Woo , Kim Ju-Hee , Lee Seok-Pil
Published: August 2021

Recently, intelligent personal assistants, chat-bots and AI speakers are being utilized more broadly as communication interfaces and the demands for more natural interaction measures have increased as well. Humans can express emotions in various ways, such as using voice tones or facial expressions; therefore, multimodal approaches to recognize human emotions have been studied. In this paper, we propose an emotion recognition method to deliver more accuracy by using speech and text data. The strengths of the data are also utilized in this method. We conducted 43 feature vectors such as spectral features, harmonic features and MFCC from speech datasets. In addition, 256 embedding vectors from transcripts using pre-trained Tacotron encoder were extracted. The acoustic feature vectors and embedding vectors were fed into each deep learning model which produced a probability for the predicted output classes. The results show that the proposed model exhibited more accurate performance than in previous research.
Sorrentina Peninsula: Geographical Distribution of the Indoor Radon Concentrations in Dwellings—Gini Index Application
Authors: Loffredo Filomena , Opoku-Ntim Irene , Quarto Maria
Published: August 2021

The radon isotope (222Rn, half-life 3.8 days) is a radioactive byproduct of the 238U decay chain. Because radon is the second biggest cause of lung cancer after smoking, dense maps of indoor radon concentration are required to implement effective locally based risk reduction strategies. In this regard, we present an innovative method for the construction of interpolated maps (kriging) based on the Gini index computation to characterize the distribution of Rn concentration. The Gini coefficient variogram has been shown to be an effective predictor of radon concentration inhomogeneity. It allows for a better constraint of the critical distance below which the radon geological source can be considered uniform, at least for the investigated length scales of variability; it also better distinguishes fluctuations due to environmental predisposing factors from those due to random spatially uncorrelated noise. This method has been shown to be effective in finding larger-scale geographical connections that can subsequently be connected to geological characteristics. It was tested using real dataset derived from indoor radon measurements conducted in the Sorrentina Peninsula in Campania, Italy. The measurement was carried out in different residences using passive detectors (CR-39) for two consecutive semesters, beginning in September–November 2019 and ending in September–November 2020, to estimate the yearly mean radon concentration. The measurements and analysis were conducted in accordance with the quality control plan. Radon concentrations ranged from 25 to 722 Bq/m3 before being normalized to ground level, and from 23 to 933 Bq/m3 after being normalized, with a geometric mean of 120 Bq/m3 and a geometric standard deviation of 1.35 before data normalization, and 139 Bq/m3 and a geometric standard deviation of 1.36 after data normalization. Approximately 13% of the tests conducted exceeded the 300 Bq/m3 reference level set by Italian Legislative Decree 101/2020. The data show that the municipalities under investigation had no influence on indoor radon levels. The geology of the monitored location is interesting, and because soil is the primary source of Rn, risk assessment and mitigation for radon exposure cannot be undertaken without first analyzing the local geology. This research examines the spatial link among radon readings using the mapping based on the Gini method (kriging).
An Exergame Solution for Personalized Multicomponent Training in Older Adults
Authors: Guimarães Vânia , Oliveira Elsa , Carvalho Alberto , Cardoso Nuno , Emerich Johannes , Dumoulin Chantale , Swinnen Nathalie , De Jong Jacqueline , de Bruin Eling D.
Published: August 2021

In addition to contributing to increased training motivation, exergames are a promising approach to counteract age-related impairments. Mobility limitations, cognitive impairment, and urinary incontinence are very common in older adults. To optimally address these conditions, exergames should include interventions for strength, balance, cognition, and pelvic floor muscle training. In this study, we develop a personalized multicomponent exergame solution for the geriatric rehabilitation of age-related impairments. The exergame can provide interventions for balance, strength, cognition, and urinary incontinence in one single session, accommodating the needs of older adults with multiple disabilities. For its development, we involved a multidisciplinary team that helped us to specify the structure and contents of the exergame considering training requirements, game design principles, and end-user characteristics. In addition to allowing the customization of the training components, the exergame includes automatic adaptation of difficulty/load, in line with player progress over time. The game mechanics ensures the fulfilment of training needs as defined by the therapist. The exergame is cross-platform compatible (web-based) and includes novel means of interaction with wearable sensors.
Numerical Simulation on Reflective Cracking Behavior of Asphalt Pavement
Authors: Wang Houzhi , Wu You , Yang Jun , Wang Haopeng
Published: August 2021

Cracks are one of the main problems that plague road workers. A correct understanding of the internal crack propagation mechanism of asphalt pavement will help road workers evaluate the road’s working status more comprehensively and make more reasonable decisions in design, construction, and maintenance work. This paper established a three-dimensional asphalt pavement layered model using the software ABAQUS and fracture mechanics theory and the extended finite element method were used to explore the mechanical response of the pavement base layer’s preset reflective cracks. This paper investigated the influence of the modulus of each layer, vehicle load on the principal stress, shear stress, J-integral, and two stress intensity factors (K1, K2) during the predetermined crack propagation process of the pavement base layer, and the entropy method was used to analyze the above-mentioned mechanical response. The results show that the main factor affecting the propagation of reflective cracks on asphalt pavements is the modulus of the bottom surface layer. However, from a modeling perspective, the effect of increasing load on crack growth is obvious. Therefore, in terms of technical feasibility, the prevention of reflective cracks should still be achieved by controlling the driving load and prohibiting overloading.
Optimization of the Electrical Demand of an Existing Building with Storage Management through Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Cordeiro-Costas Moisés , Villanueva Daniel , Eguía-Oller Pablo
Published: August 2021

Accurate prediction from electricity demand models is helpful in controlling and optimizing building energy performance. The application of machine learning techniques to adjust the electrical consumption of buildings has been a growing trend in recent years. Battery management systems through the machine learning models allow a control of the supply, adapting the building demand to the possible changes that take place during the day, increasing the users’ comfort, and ensuring greenhouse gas emission reduction and an economic benefit. Thus, an intelligent system that defines whether the storage system should be charged according to the electrical needs of that moment and the prediction of the subsequent periods of time is defined. Favoring consumption in the building in periods when energy prices are cheaper or the renewable origin is preferable. The aim of this study was to obtain a building electrical energy demand model in order to be combined with storage devices with the purpose of reducing electricity expenses. Specifically, multilayer perceptron neural network models were applied, and the battery usage optimization is obtained through mathematical modelling. This approach was applied to a public office building located in Bangkok, Thailand.
Speech-Based Support System to Supervise Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patient Status
Authors: Farrús Mireia , Codina-Filbà Joan , Reixach Elisenda , Andrés Erik , Sans Mireia , Garcia Noemí , Vilaseca Josep
Published: August 2021

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) suffer from voice changes with respect to the healthy population. However, two issues remain to be studied: how long-term speech elements such as prosody are affected; and whether physical effort and medication also affect the speech of patients with COPD, and if so, how an automatic speech-based detection system of COPD measurements can be influenced by these changes. The aim of the current study is to address both issues. To this end, long read speech from COPD and control groups was recorded, and the following experiments were performed: (a) a statistical analysis over the study and control groups to analyse the effects of physical effort and medication on speech; and (b) an automatic classification experiment to analyse how different recording conditions can affect the performance of a COPD detection system. The results obtained show that speech—especially prosodic features—is affected by physical effort and inhaled medication in both groups, though in opposite ways; and that the recording condition has a relevant role when designing an automatic COPD detection system. The current work takes a step forward in the understanding of speech in patients with COPD, and in turn, in the research on its automatic detection to help professionals supervising patient status.
Application of Simultaneous Symmetric and Cambered Airfoils in Novel Vertical Axis Wind Turbines
Authors: Maleki Dastjerdi Sajad , Gharali Kobra , Al-Haq Armughan , Nathwani Jatin
Published: August 2021

Two novel four-blade H-darrieus vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) have been proposed for enhancing self-start capability and power production. The two different airfoil types for the turbines are assessed: a cambered S815 airfoil and a symmetric NACA0018 airfoil. For the first novel wind turbine configuration, the Non-Similar Airfoils 1 (NSA-1), two NACA0018 airfoils, and two S815 airfoils are opposite to each other. For the second novel configuration (NSA-2), each of the S815 airfoils is opposite to one NACA0018 airfoil. Using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, static and dynamic conditions are evaluated to establish self-starting ability and the power coefficient, respectively. Dynamic stall investigation of each blade of the turbines shows that NACA0018 under dynamic stall impacts the turbine’s performance and the onset of dynamic stall decreases the power coefficient of the turbine significantly. The results show that NSA-2 followed by NSA-1 has good potential to improve the self-starting ability (13.3%) compared to the turbine with symmetric airfoils called HT-NACA0018. In terms of self-starting ability, NSA-2 not only can perform in about 66.67% of 360° similar to the wind turbine with non-symmetric airfoils (named HT-S815) but the power coefficient of NSA-2 at the design tip speed ratio of 2.5 is also 4.5 times more than the power coefficient of HT-S815; the power coefficient difference between HT-NACA0018 and HT-S815 (=0.231) is decreased significantly when HT-S815 is replaced by NSA-2 (=0.076). These novel wind turbines are also simple.
Influence of Root Canal Sealers and Obturation Techniques on Vertical Root Fracture Resistance. An In Vitro Experiment
Authors: Alkahtany Mazen F. , Almadi Khalid H. , Alahmad Fahad A. , Alshehri Abdullah M. , AlSwayyed Abdulrahman A. , AlZahran Omar M. , AlHadan Ali , Almustafa Abdulaziz S. , Vohra Fahim , Abduljabbar Tariq
Published: August 2021

The aim of the present study was to determine the vertical root fracture (VRF) resistance of roots obturated with TotalFill BC Sealer and AH Plus sealer using lateral condensation and single cone techniques in comparison to untreated controls. Sixty single rooted mandibular premolars were sectioned and divided into six groups. Ten teeth were left untreated (positive control-Gp 1) and fifty teeth were cleaned and shaped. Ten root specimens were left unfilled (negative control-Gp 2) and the remaining roots were divided into 4 groups. Gp 3, GP and AH Plus sealer (AH Plus) using the cold lateral compaction (LC) technique; Gp 4, GP and AH Plus using the Single Cone (SC) technique; Gp 5: TotalFill GP and TotalFill BC sealer using the LC technique; Gp 6: TotalFill GP and TotalFill BC sealer with SC. VRF was performed for all specimens using a universal testing machine. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukeys post-hoc multiple comparison test was used to compare the means among tested study groups. Group 1 (positive control) displayed the highest fracture resistance (946.61 ± 166.465 N); however, the lowest fracture strength was demonstrated by the specimens in group 2 (negative control) (433.31 ± 129.350 N). Specimens treated with AH plus using different obturation techniques (group 3 and 4) showed comparable outcomes (p > 0.05). Similarly, specimens treated with TotalFill BC sealer with different obturation techniques showed statistically similar outcomes (p > 0.05). It was also observed that specimens in groups 3, 4, 5 and 6 demonstrated comparable outcomes of fracture strength (p > 0.05). The use of TotalFill-BC sealer showed similar vertical root fracture resistance as AH plus sealer in root canal treated teeth. Use of total fill-BC and AH Plus sealer in root canal treatment showed vertical root fracture resistance comparable to untreated natural teeth (positive controls).
Computational Investigation for Biomechanical Characteristics of Lumbar Spine with Various Porous Ti–6Al–4V Implant Systems
Authors: Song Chan-Hee , Park Jun-Sung , Choi Byung-Wan , Lee Jung Sub , Lee Chi-Seung
Published: August 2021

(1) Background: Metallic materials are predominantly used for spinal implants, and they can damage adjacent bones and intervertebral discs (IVDs) owing to their high elastic moduli. Consequently, there is a possibility that serious complications, such as kyphosis, may occur as the sequelae progresses. In this study, the behavior of the lumbar spine and implant system was evaluated using the finite element (FE) method, by applying the porous structure to the spinal implants to resolve the problem of metal spinal implants. (2) Methods: An FE model was developed for lumbar 3–5, and it was assumed that, owing to disease occurrence, spinal implants were placed in lumbar 3–4. Currently, Ti–6Al–4V is the most commonly used material for spinal implants. The shape of the porous structure was set in the form of a diamond, and porosity was varied over nine values ranging from 0 to 81%. Finally, equivalent material properties of the porous structure were derived using the Ramberg–Osgood formula, with reference to experimental study. (3) Results: The range of motion was increased, and the equivalent stress of adjacent IVD, and adjacent bone stress of the pedicle screw and spinal cage, decreased with increasing porosity of the spinal implants. As the porosity decreased, the safety factor exhibited a tendency to decrease rapidly. (4) Conclusion: Motor capacity of the spine was improved, and the equivalent stress of the spinal tissues decreased with the increasing porosity of the spinal implants. Therefore, in the future, porous structures can significantly contribute to the improvement of implants through continuous complementary research.
Vehicle Interior Noise Prediction Based on Elman Neural Network
Authors: Li Min , Zhou Wei , Liu Jiang , Zhang Xilong , Pan Fuquan , Yang Huan , Li Mengshan , Luo Dijia
Published: August 2021

Vehicle interior noise is an important factor affecting ride comfort. To reduce the noise inside the vehicle at the vehicle body design stage, a finite element model of the vehicle body must be established. While taking the first-order global modal of the body-in-white, the maximum sound pressure level of the target point in the vehicle, the body mass, and the side impact conditions into account, the thickness of the body panel as determined via sensitivity analysis is treated as the input variable, and the sample is determined by following the Hamersley experimental design. Specifically, the Elman neural network predicts the noise value in the vehicle, and a vehicle body structure optimization method that comprehensively considers NVH performance and side impact safety is established. The prediction errors of the Elman neural network algorithm were within 3%, which meets the prediction accuracy requirements. To achieve satisfactory restraint performance, the maximum sound pressure level of the target point in the vehicle is reduced by 5.92 dB, and the maximum intrusions of the two points on the B-pillar inner panel are reduced by 31.1 mm and 33.71 mm, respectively. The side impact performance is improved while the noise inside the vehicle is reduced. This study provides a reference method for multidisciplinary research aiming to optimize the design of vehicle body structures.
Study on the Interference Process of Liquid Radial Reflux on the Stability of a Shaped Charge Jet
Authors: Cai Youer , Zu Xudong , Tan Yaping , Huang Zhengxiang
Published: August 2021

The process of liquid radial reflux interference during jet penetration in a liquid-filled composite structure is divided in this study into three stages: bottom plate reflection interference, side-wall reflection interference, and side-wall secondary reflection interference. The calculation model of the velocity interval of the disturbed jet and the residual penetration depth of the jet has been established through theoretical analysis. Results show that the liquid-filled composite structure can interfere with the high-speed section of the shaped charge jet. The accuracy of the theoretical analysis in this paper has been verified through numerical simulation, X-ray, and depth-of-penetration experiments. Among the results, those of the X-ray experiment show that the liquid-filled composite structure has interference on the tip of the shaped charge jet, which provides a possibility for the application of the liquid-filled composite structure to ammunition safety and other extreme cases.
Existence of Incompressible Vortex-Class Phenomena and Variational Formulation of Raleigh–Plesset Cavitation Dynamics
Authors: Moschandreou Terry Eleftherios , Afas Keith Christian
Published: August 2021

The following article extends a decomposition to the Navier–Stokes Equations (NSEs) demonstrated in earlier studies by corresponding author, in order to now demonstrate the existence of a vortex elliptical set inherent to the NSEs. These vortice elliptical sets are used to comment on the existence of solutions relative to the NSEs and to identify a potential manner of investigation into the classical Millennial Problem encompassed in Fefferman’s presentation. The article also presents the utilization of a recently developed versatile variational framework by both authors in order to study a related fluid-mechanics phenomena, namely the Raleigh–Plesset equations, which are ultimately obtained from the NSEs. The article develops, for the first time, a Lagrangian density functional for a closed surface which when minimized produced the Raleigh–Plesset equations. The article then proceeds with the demonstration that the Raleigh–Plesset equations may be obtained from this energy functional and identifies the energy dissipation predicted by the proposed Lagrangian density. The importance of the novel Raleigh–Plesset functional in the greater scheme of fluid mechanics is commented upon.
Spatial Distribution and Chemical Composition of Road Dust in Two High-Altitude Latin American Cities
Authors: Vanegas Sebastián , Trejos Erika M. , Aristizábal Beatriz H. , Pereira Guilherme M. , Hernández Julio M. , Murillo Jorge Herrera , Ramírez Omar , Amato Fulvio , Silva Luis F. O. , Rojas Néstor Y. , Zafra Carlos , Pachón Jorge E.
Published: August 2021

Road dust (RD) resuspension is one of the main sources of particulate matter in cities with adverse impacts on air quality, health, and climate. Studies on the variability of the deposited PM10 fraction of RD (RD10) have been limited in Latin America, whereby our understanding of the central factors that control this pollutant remains incomplete. In this study, forty-one RD10 samples were collected in two Andean cities (Bogotá and Manizales) and analyzed for ions, minerals, and trace elements. RD10 levels varied between 1.8–45.7 mg/m2, with an average of 11.8 mg/m2, in Bogotá and between 0.8–26.7 mg/m2, with an average of 5.7 mg/m2, in Manizales. Minerals were the most abundant species in both cities, with a fraction significantly larger in Manizales (38%) than Bogotá (9%). The difference could be explained mainly by the complex topography and the composition of soil derived from volcanic ash in Manizales. The volcanic activity was also associated with SO4−2 and Cl−. Enrichment factors and principal component analysis were conducted to explore potential factors associated to sources of RD10. Elements such as Cu, Pb, Cr, Ni, V, Sb, and Mo were mainly associated with exhaust and non-exhaust traffic emissions.
Environmental Impact of District Heating System Retrofitting
Authors: Zajacs Aleksandrs , Borodinecs Anatolijs , Vatin Nikolai
Published: August 2021

Retrofitting of district heating systems is a comprehensive process which covers all stages of district heating (DH) systems: production, distribution and consumption. This study quantitatively shows the effect of retrofitting measures and represents strengths and weaknesses of different development scenarios. Improvements in production units show improvements in fuel use efficiency and thus indirectly reduce CO2 emissions due to unburned fuel. For this purpose, validated district planning tools have been used. Tool uses mathematical model for calculation and evaluation of all three main components of the DH system. For the quantitative evaluation, nine efficiency and balance indicators were used. For each indicator, recommended boundary values were proposed. In total, six simulation scenarios were simulated, and the last scenario have shown significant reduction in CO2 emissions by 40% (from 3376 to 2000 t CO2 compared to the actual state), while share of biomass has reached 47%.
Approximation of Directional Step Derivative of Complex-Valued Functions Using a Generalized Quaternion System
Authors: Kim Ji-Eun
Published: August 2021

The step derivative of a complex function can be defined with various methods. The step direction defines a basis that is distinct from that of a complex number; the derivative can then be treated by using Taylor series expansion in this direction. In this study, we define step derivatives based on complex numbers and quaternions that are orthogonal to the complex basis while simultaneously being distinct from it. Considering previous studies, the step derivative defined using quaternions was insufficient for applying the properties of quaternions by setting a quaternion basis distinct from the complex basis or setting the step direction to which only a part of the quaternion basis was applied. Therefore, in this study, we examine the definition of quaternions and define the step derivative in the direction of a generalized quaternion basis including a complex basis. We find that the step derivative based on the definition of a quaternion has a relative error in some domains; however, it can be used as a substitute derivative in specific domains.
Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteocytic Cell Death in a Hypoxic Environment Is Associated with Necroptosis
Authors: Ueda Shusuke , Ichiseki Toru , Shimasaki Miyako , Hirata Hiroaki , Kawahara Norio , Ueda Yoshimichi
Published: August 2021

Neither the underlying pathophysiology of nor prophylactic strategies for glucocorticoid-associated femoral head osteonecrosis have yet been established. In neurovascular and cardiac ischemic disorders, necroptosis has been reported as a new concept of cell death. Here we investigated the involvement of necroptosis in glucocorticoid-induced osteonecrosis in vitro, the putative cause of which is ischemia. Murine osteocytic cells (MLO-Y4) to which 1 µM dexamethasone (Dex) was added and were cultured in 1% O2 (hypoxia) are thought to resemble the in vivo environment in which glucocorticoid-induced osteonecrosis occurs (H-D stress environment). Using such cells cultured for 24 h (Dex(+)/hypoxia(+) group), immunofluorescent staining and Western blotting were performed with receptor-interacting protein (RIP) 1 and RIP3, which are necroptosis expression factors. In addition, the necroptosis inhibitor necrostatin-1 (Nec-1) was added to Dex(+)/hypoxia(+) and cultured for 12 h and 24 h. Then using an Apoptotic/Necrotic Cells Detection Kit the numbers of apoptotic and necrotic cells were counted and compared. In Dex(+)/hypoxia(+) group, expression of both RIP1 and RIP3 was found. Additionally, in Western blotting, the addition of Nec-1 attenuated their expression. A decrease in the number of cell deaths was also found following Nec-1 administration. Necroptosis has been implicated as a cause of death in osteocytic cell necrosis. Use of the necroptosis inhibitor, Nec-1, suggests a possible approach to preventing osteocytic cell necrosis even in an H-D stress environment when given within 12 h.
In Planta Transcriptome and Proteome Profiles of Spongospora subterranea in Resistant and Susceptible Host Environments Illuminates Regulatory Principles Underlying Host–Pathogen Interaction
Authors: Balotf Sadegh , Wilson Richard , Tegg Robert S. , Nichols David S. , Wilson Calum R.
Published: August 2021

Spongospora subterranea is an obligate biotrophic pathogen, causing substantial economic loss to potato industries globally. Currently, there are no fully effective management strategies for the control of potato diseases caused by S. subterranea. To further our understanding of S. subterranea biology during infection, we characterized the transcriptome and proteome of the pathogen during the invasion of roots of a susceptible and a resistant potato cultivar. A total of 7650 transcripts from S. subterranea were identified in the transcriptome analysis in which 1377 transcripts were differentially expressed between two cultivars. In proteome analysis, we identified 117 proteins with 42 proteins significantly changed in comparisons between resistant and susceptible cultivars. The functional annotation of transcriptome data indicated that the gene ontology terms related to the transportation and actin processes were induced in the resistant cultivar. The downregulation of enzyme activity and nucleic acid metabolism in the resistant cultivar suggests a probable influence of these processes in the virulence of S. subterranea. The protein analysis results indicated that the majority of differentially expressed proteins were related to the metabolic processes and transporter activity. The present study provides a comprehensive molecular insight into the multiple layers of gene regulation that contribute to S. subterranea infection and development in planta and illuminates the role of host immunity in affecting pathogen responses.
Cytoskeleton Response to Ionizing Radiation: A Brief Review on Adhesion and Migration Effects
Authors: La Verde Giuseppe , Artiola Valeria , Panzetta Valeria , Pugliese Mariagabriella , Netti Paolo A. , Fusco Sabato
Published: August 2021

The cytoskeleton is involved in several biological processes, including adhesion, motility, and intracellular transport. Alterations in the cytoskeletal components (actin filaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules) are strictly correlated to several diseases, such as cancer. Furthermore, alterations in the cytoskeletal structure can lead to anomalies in cells’ properties and increase their invasiveness. This review aims to analyse several studies which have examined the alteration of the cell cytoskeleton induced by ionizing radiations. In particular, the radiation effects on the actin cytoskeleton, cell adhesion, and migration have been considered to gain a deeper knowledge of the biophysical properties of the cell. In fact, the results found in the analysed works can not only aid in developing new diagnostic tools but also improve the current cancer treatments.
Impact of Frailty on Hippocampal Volume in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Takahashi Shun , Hirano Tsunahiko , Yasuda Kasumi , Donishi Tomohiro , Suga Kazuyoshi , Doi Keiko , Oishi Keiji , Ohata Shuichiro , Murata Yoriyuki , Yamaji Yoshikazu , Asami-Noyama Maki , Edakuni Nobutaka , Matsunaga Kazuto
Published: August 2021

Brain frailty may be related to the pathophysiology of poor clinical outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study examines the relationship between hippocampal subfield volumes and frailty and depressive symptoms, and their combined association with quality of life (QOL) in patients with COPD. The study involved 40 patients with COPD. Frailty, depressive symptoms and QOL were assessed using Kihon Checklist (KCL), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment (WHO/QOL-26). Anatomical MRI data were acquired, and volumes of the hippocampal subfields were obtained using FreeSurfer (version 6.0). Statistically, HADS score had significant association with WHO/QOL-26 and KCL scores. KCL scores were significantly associated with volumes of left and right whole hippocampi, presubiculum and subiculum, but HADS score had no significant association with whole hippocampi or hippocampal subfield volumes. Meanwhile, WHO/QOL-26 score was significantly associated with volume of the left CA1. There was a significant association between frailty, depression, and QOL. Hippocampal pathology was related to frailty and, to some extent, with QOL in patients with COPD. Our results suggest the impact of frailty on hippocampal volume and their combined associations with poor QOL in COPD.
Betulinic Acid Decorated with Polar Groups and Blue Emitting BODIPY Dye: Synthesis, Cytotoxicity, Cell-Cycle Analysis and Anti-HIV Profiling
Authors: Kodr David , Stanková Jarmila , Rumlová Michaela , Džubák Petr , Řehulka Jiří , Zimmermann Tomáš , Křížová Ivana , Gurská Soňa , Hajdúch Marián , Drašar Pavel B. , Jurášek Michal
Published: August 2021

Betulinic acid (BA) is a potent triterpene, which has shown promising potential in cancer and HIV-1 treatment. Here, we report a synthesis and biological evaluation of 17 new compounds, including BODIPY labelled analogues derived from BA. The analogues terminated by amino moiety showed increased cytotoxicity (e.g., BA had on CCRF-CEM IC50 > 50 μM, amine 3 IC50 0.21 and amine 14 IC50 0.29). The cell-cycle arrest was evaluated and did not show general features for all the tested compounds. A fluorescence microscopy study of six derivatives revealed that only 4 and 6 were detected in living cells. These compounds were colocalized with the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, indicating possible targets in these organelles. The study of anti-HIV-1 activity showed that 8, 10, 16, 17 and 18 have had IC50i > 10 μM. Only completely processed p24 CA was identified in the viruses formed in the presence of compounds 4 and 12. In the cases of 2, 8, 9, 10, 16, 17 and 18, we identified not fully processed p24 CA and p25 CA-SP1 protein. This observation suggests a similar mechanism of inhibition as described for bevirimat.
Low Blood-As Levels and Selected Genotypes Appears to Be Promising Biomarkers for Occurrence of Colorectal Cancer in Women
Authors: Baszuk Piotr , Stadnik Paulina , Marciniak Wojciech , Derkacz Róża , Jakubowska Anna , Cybulski Cezary , Huzarski Tomasz , Gronwald Jacek , Dębniak Tadeusz , Białkowska Katarzyna , Pietrzak Sandra , Kładny Józef , Scott Rodney J. , Lubiński Jan , Lener Marcin R.
Published: August 2021

In following study we examined whether blood arsenic (As) levels combined with specific polymorphisms in MT1B, GSTP1, ABCB1, NQO1, CRTC3, GPX1, SOD2, CAT, XRCC1, ERCC2 can be used as a marker for the detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) among Polish women. A retrospective case-control study of CRC included 83 CRC cases and 78 healthy controls. From each study participant pre-treatment peripheral blood was collected for As level measurement by inductively coupled–plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). We estimated the odds ratio (OR) of the association between blood-As levels and CRC using multivariable unconditional logistic regression models. A low blood-As level (0.27–0.67 µg/L) was associated with an increased frequency of CRC (OR: 3.69; p = 0.005). This correlation was significantly greater when participants carried particular gene variants: CAT, rs1001179-nonCC (OR: 19.4; p = 0.001); ABCB1 rs2032582–CC (OR: 14.8; p = 0.024); GPX1 rs1050450-CC (OR: 11.6; p = 0.002) and CRTC3 rs12915189-nonGG (OR: 10.3; p = 0.003). Our study provides strong evidence that low blood-As levels are significantly associated with increased CRC occurrence and that particular gene variants significantly enhanced this correlation however, due to the novelty of these findings, we suggest further validation before a definitive statement that the combined effect of low blood-As levels with specific gene polymorphisms is a suitable CRC biomarker.