bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ceramides Profile Identifies Patients with More Advanced Stages of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Markowski Adam R. , Błachnio-Zabielska Agnieszka U. , Guzińska-Ustymowicz Katarzyna , Markowska Agnieszka , Pogodzińska Karolina , Roszczyc Kamila , Zińczuk Justyna , Zabielski Piotr
Published: April 2020

Much attention is paid to different sphingolipid pathways because of their possible use in diagnostics and treatment. However, the activity status and significance of ceramide pathways in colorectal cancer are still unclear. We analyzed colorectal cancer patients to evaluate sphingolipid profiles in the blood, colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues, and healthy surrounding colorectal tissues of the same patient, simultaneously, using liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. Furthermore, we measured protein expression of de novo ceramide synthesis enzymes and mitochondrial markers in tissues using western blot. We confirmed the different sphingolipid contents in colorectal cancer tissue compared to healthy surrounding tissues. Furthermore, we showed changed amounts of several ceramides in more advanced colorectal cancer tissue and found a prominently higher circulating level of several of them. Moreover, we observed a relationship between the amounts of some ceramide species in colorectal cancer tissue and plasma depending on the stage of colorectal cancer according to TNM (tumors, nodes, metastasis) classification. We think that the combined measurement of several ceramide concentrations in plasma can help distinguish early-stage lesions from advanced colorectal cancer and can help produce a screening test to detect early colorectal cancer.
New Therapeutic Strategies for Osteoarthritis by Targeting Sialic Acid Receptors
Authors: Carpintero-Fernandez Paula , Varela-Eirin Marta , Lacetera Alessandra , Gago-Fuentes Raquel , Fonseca Eduardo , Martin-Santamaria Sonsoles , Mayan Maria D.
Published: April 2020

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common degenerative joint disease characterized by articular cartilage degradation and joint degeneration. The articular cartilage is mainly formed by chondrocytes and a collagen-proteoglycan extracellular matrix that contains high levels of glycosylated proteins. It was reported that the shift from glycoproteins containing α-2,6-linked sialic acids to those that contain α-2,3 was associated with the onset of common types of arthritis. However, the pathophysiology of α-2,3-sialylation in cartilage has not been yet elucidated. We show that cartilage from osteoarthritic patients expresses high levels of the α-2,3-sialylated transmembrane mucin receptor, known as podoplanin (PDPN). Additionally, the Maackia amurensis seed lectin (MASL), that can be utilized to target PDPN, attenuates the inflammatory response mediated by NF-kB activation in primary chondrocytes and protects human cartilage breakdown ex vivo and in an animal model of arthritis. These findings reveal that specific lectins targeting α-2,3-sialylated receptors on chondrocytes might effectively inhibit cartilage breakdown. We also present a computational 3D molecular model for this interaction. These findings provide mechanistic information on how a specific lectin could be used as a novel therapy to treat degenerative joint diseases such as osteoarthritis.
The Quest to Enhance the Efficacy of Berberine for Type-2 Diabetes and Associated Diseases: Physicochemical Modification Approaches
Authors: Habtemariam Solomon
Published: April 2020

Berberine is a quaternary isoquinoline alkaloid that has been isolated from numerous plants which are still in use today as medicine and herbal supplements. The great deal of enthusiasm for intense research on berberine to date is based on its diverse pharmacological effects via action on multiple biological targets. Its poor bioavailability resulting from low intestinal absorption coupled with its efflux by the action of P-glycoprotein is, however, the major limitation. In this communication, the chemical approach of improving berberine’s bioavailability and pharmacological efficacy is scrutinised with specific reference to type-2 diabetes and associated diseases such as hyperlipidaemia and obesity. The application of modern delivery systems, research from combination studies to preparation of berberine structural hybrids with known biologically active compounds (antidiabetic, antihyperlipidaemic and antioxidant), as well as synthesis approaches of berberine derivative are presented. Improvement of bioavailability and efficacy through in vitro and ex vivo transport studies, as well as animal models of bioavailability/efficacy in lipid metabolism and diabetes targets are discussed.
Aerobic Exercise Training Inhibits Neointimal Formation via Reduction of PCSK9 and LOX-1 in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Li Wei , Park Heegeun , Guo Erling , Jo Wooyeon , Sim Kyu Min , Lee Sang Ki
Published: April 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether aerobic exercise training inhibits atherosclerosis via the reduction of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) expression in balloon-induced common carotid arteries of a high-fat-diet rats. Male SD (Sprague Dawley) rats fed an eight-weeks high-fat diet were randomly divided into three groups; these were the sham-operated control (SC), the balloon-induced control (BIC) and the balloon-induced exercise (BIE). The aerobic exercise training groups were performed on a treadmill. The major findings were as follows: first, body weight gain was significantly decreased by aerobic exercise training compared to the BIC without change of energy intake. Second, neointimal formation was significantly inhibited by aerobic exercise training in the balloon-induced common carotid arteries of high-fat-diet rats compared to the BIC. Third, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor (LDLr) expression was significantly increased by aerobic exercise training in the livers of the high-fat diet group compared to the BIC, but not the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) expression. Fourth, aerobic exercise training significantly decreased the expression of PCSK9, the lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in balloon-induced common carotid arteries of high-fat-diet rats compared to the BIC. In conclusion, our results suggest that aerobic exercise training increases LDLr in the liver and inhibits neointimal formation via the reduction of PCSK9 and LOX-1 in balloon-induced common carotid arteries of high-fat-diet-induced rats.
Assessment on Embodied Energy of Non-Load Bearing Walls for Office Buildings
Authors: Salehian Sanaz , Ismail Muhammad , Ariffin Ati
Published: April 2020

Two important factors that have been put in the limelight in the current age are environmental concerns and sustainable future. The building sector has emerged as an important player in this matter due to their contribution into the large share of resources and energy consumption as well as harmful greenhouse gas emission. This paper discusses the percentage of embodied energy (EE) in two common building wall materials in Malaysia: steel and concrete. Concrete is used in concrete non-load bearing walls and steel is used to manufacture curtain walls. Although there are more materials used in the selected case studies, steel and concrete possess the high amount of embodied energy. Thus, the concrete wall and curtain wall in the lifecycle analysis (LCA) pre-use phase in high-rise office buildings in Malaysia are considered in this research. GaBi software is used to evaluate and calculate embodied energy in the case studies. The functional unit for this LCA study is determined as one cubic meter of concrete non-load bearing wall and curtain wall. In order to determine the components included in the analysis, input-output flowcharts are created for each process. The comparison of these walls shows that curtain wall has more embodied energy than concrete. The highest amount of embodied energy in curtain wall construction for case B is 4873.89 MJ, and for the case A is 4851.09 MJ approximately. The amount of EE in the concrete non-load bearing wall for both case studies are the lowest amount, with 278.85 MJ for case A and 280.66 MJ for case B. Results also show that the manufacturing of materials is the biggest contribution to the amount of EE at more than 50%, whereas transportation is between 1.83% and 3.77% only.
Challenges for Immunotherapy in Multiple Myeloma: Bone Marrow Microenvironment-Mediated Immune Suppression and Immune Resistance
Authors: Holthof Lisa C. , Mutis Tuna
Published: April 2020

The power of immunotherapy in the battle of Multiple Myeloma (MM) started with allogeneic stem cell transplantation, and was rediscovered with immunomodulatory drugs and extended with the outstanding results achieved with targeted antibodies. Today, next to powerful antibodies Elotuzumab and Daratumumab, several T-cell-based immunotherapeutic approaches, such as bispecific antibodies and chimeric antigen receptor-transduced T-cells (CAR T-cells) are making their successful entry in the immunotherapy arena with highly promising results in clinical trials. Nonetheless, similar to what is observed in chemotherapy, MM appears capable to escape from immunotherapy, especially through tight interactions with the cells of the bone marrow microenvironment (BM-ME). This review will outline our current understanding on how BM-ME protects MM-cells from immunotherapy through immunosuppression and through induction of intrinsic resistance against cytotoxic effector mechanisms of T- and NK-cells.
Durable Complete Remission and Long-Term Survival in FDG-PET Staged Patients with Stage III Follicular Lymphoma, Treated with Wide-Field Radiation Therapy
Authors: MacManus Michael P. , Hicks Rodney J. , Bressel Mathias , Campbell Belinda A. , Wirth Andrew , Ryan Gail , Prince H. Miles , Wolf Max , Brown Rachel , Seymour John F.
Published: April 2020

Advanced-stage follicular lymphoma (FL) is generally considered incurable with conventional systemic therapies, but historic series describe long-term disease-free survival in stage III disease treated with wide-field radiation therapy (WFRT), encompassing all known disease sites. We report outcomes for patients staged with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) and treated with CT-planned WFRT, given as either comprehensive lymphatic irradiation (CLI) or total nodal irradiation (TNI). This analysis of a prospective cohort includes PET-staged patients given curative-intent WFRT as a component of initial therapy, or as sole treatment for stage III FL. Thirty-three PET-staged patients with stage III FL received WFRT to 24–30Gy between 1999 and 2017. Fifteen patients also received planned systemic therapy (containing rituximab in 11 cases) as part of their primary treatment. At 10 years, overall survival and freedom from progression (FFP) were 100% and 75%, respectively. None of the 11 rituximab-treated patients have relapsed. Nine relapses occurred; seven patients required treatment, and all responded to salvage therapies. A single death occurred at 16 years. The principal acute toxicity was transient hematologic; one patient had residual grade two toxicity at one year. With FDG-PET staging, most patients with stage III FL experience prolonged FFP after WFRT, especially when combined with rituximab.
Depletion of Trichoplein (TpMs) Causes Chromosome Mis-Segregation, DNA Damage and Chromosome Instability in Cancer Cells
Authors: Lauriola Angela , Martello Andrea , Fantini Sebastian , Marverti Gaetano , Zanocco-Marani Tommaso , Davalli Pierpaola , Guardavaccaro Daniele , Mai Sabine , Caporali Andrea , D’Arca Domenico
Published: April 2020

Mitotic perturbations frequently lead to chromosome mis-segregation that generates genome instability, thereby triggering tumor onset and/or progression. Error-free mitosis depends on fidelity-monitoring systems that ensure the temporal and spatial coordination of chromosome segregation. Recent investigations are focused on mitotic DNA damage response (DDR) and chromosome mis-segregations with the aim of developing more efficient anti-cancer therapies. We previously demonstrated that trichoplein keratin filament binding protein (TpMs) exhibits hallmarks of a tumor suppressor gene in cancer-derived cells and human tumors. Here, we show that silencing of TpMs expression results in chromosome mis-segregation, DNA damage and chromosomal instability. TpMs interacts with Mad2, and TpMs depletion results in decreased levels of Mad2 and Cyclin B1 proteins. All the genetic alterations observed are consistent with both defective activation of the spindle assembly checkpoint and mitotic progression. Thus, low levels of TpMs found in certain human tumors may contribute to cellular transformation by promoting genomic instability.
Zikavirus prME Envelope Pseudotyped Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type-1 as a Novel Tool for Glioblastoma-Directed Virotherapy
Authors: Kretschmer Maibritt , Kadlubowska Patrycja , Hoffmann Daniel , Schwalbe Birco , Auerswald Heidi , Schreiber Michael
Published: April 2020

Glioblastoma multiforme is the most lethal type of brain tumor that is not yet curable owing to its frequent resurgence after surgery. Resistance is mainly caused by the presence of a subpopulation of tumor cells, the glioma stem cells (GSCs), which are highly resistant to radiation and chemotherapy. In 2015, Zikavirus (ZIKV)-induced microcephaly emerged in newborns, indicating that ZIKV has a specific neurotropism. Accordingly, an oncolytic tropism for infecting GSCs was demonstrated in a murine tumor model. Like other flaviviruses, ZIKV is enveloped by two proteins, prM and E. The pME expression plasmid along with the HIV-1 vector pNL Luc AM generated prME pseudotyped viral particles. Four different prME envelopes, Z1 to Z4, were cloned, and the corresponding pseudotypes, Z1- to Z4-HIVluc, produced by this two-plasmid system, were tested for entry efficiency using Vero-B4 cells. The most efficient pseudotype, Z1-HIVluc, also infected glioma-derived cell lines U87 and 86HG39. The pseudotype system was then extended by using a three-plasmid system including pME-Z1, the HIV-1 packaging plasmid psPAX2, and the lentiviral vector pLenti-luciferase-P2A-Neo. The corresponding pseudotype, designated Z1-LENTIluc, also infected U87 and 86HG39 cells. Altogether, a pseudotyped virus especially targeting glioma-derived cells might be a promising candidate for a prospective glioblastoma-directed virotherapy.
A Combination of Radiotherapy, Hyperthermia, and Immunotherapy Inhibits Pancreatic Tumor Growth and Prolongs the Survival of Mice
Authors: Mahmood Javed , Alexander Allen A. , Samanta Santanu , Kamlapurkar Shriya , Singh Prerna , Saeed Ali , Carrier France , Cao Xuefang , Shukla Hem D , Vujaskovic Zeljko
Published: April 2020

Background: Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the fourth-most-deadly cancer in the United States with a 5-year survival rate of only 8%. Unfortunately, only 10–20% of PC patients are candidates for surgery, with the vast majority of patients with locally-advanced disease undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy (RT). Current treatments are clearly inadequate and novel strategies are crucially required. We investigated a novel tripartite treatment (combination of tumor targeted hyperthermia (HT), radiation therapy (RT), and immunotherapy (IT)) to alter immunosuppressive PC-tumor microenvironment (TME). (2). Methods: In a syngeneic PC murine tumor model, HT was delivered before tumor-targeted RT, by a small animal radiation research platform (SARRP) followed by intraperitoneal injections of cytotoxic T-cell agonist antibody against OX40 (also known as CD134 or Tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 4; TNFRSF4) that can promote T-effector cell activation and inhibit T-regulatory (T-reg) function. (3). Results: Tripartite treatment demonstrated significant inhibition of tumor growth (p < 0.01) up to 45 days post-treatment with an increased survival rate compared to any monotherapy. Flow cytometric analysis showed a significant increase (p < 0.01) in cytotoxic CD8 and CD4+ T-cells in the TME of the tripartite treatment groups. There was no tripartite-treatment-related toxicity observed in mice. (4). Conclusions: Tripartite treatment could be a novel therapeutic option for PC patients.
Preparation of Ruthenium Olefin Metathesis Catalysts Immobilized on MOF, SBA-15, and 13X for Probing Heterogeneous Boomerang Effect
Authors: Chołuj Artur , Nogaś Wojciech , Patrzałek Michał , Krzesiński Paweł , Chmielewski Michał J. , Kajetanowicz Anna , Grela Karol
Published: April 2020

Promoted by homogeneous Ru-benzylidene complexes, the olefin metathesis reaction is a powerful methodology for C-C double bonds formation that can find a number of applications in green chemical production. A set of heterogeneous olefin metathesis pre-catalysts composed of ammonium-tagged Ru-benzylidene complexes 4 (commercial FixCat™ catalyst) and 6 (in-house made) immobilized on solid supports such as 13X zeolite, metal-organic framework (MOF), and SBA-15 silica were obtained and tested in catalysis. These hybrid materials were doped with various amounts of ammonium-tagged styrene derivative 5—a precursor of a spare benzylidene ligand—in order to enhance pre-catalyst regeneration via the so-called release-return “boomerang effect”. Although this effect was for the first time observed inside the solid support, we discovered that non-doped systems gave better results in terms of the resulting turnover number (TON) values, and the most productive were hybrid catalysts composed of 4@MOF, 4@SBA-15, and 6@SBA-15.
A Multi-Modal Family Peer Support-Based Program to Improve Quality of Life among Pediatric Brain Tumor Patients: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study
Authors: Wilford Justin G. , McCarty Ruth , Torno Lilibeth , Mucci Grace , Torres-Eaton Nadia , Shen Violet , Loudon William
Published: April 2020

Background: Pediatric brain tumor (PBT) survivors and their families are at risk for diminished psychosocial and quality of life outcomes. Community-based programs that leverage peer support in the context of integrative modalities such as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) represent a promising avenue for meeting the multidimensional needs of survivors and their families. Methods: Parents and children were enrolled in a 12-week program that included weekly group TCM, a moderated private Facebook support group designed through social support and modeling theory, and weekly parent-only health behavior education and yoga. Process measures and quantitative and qualitative survey data was collected to gauge participant adherence, acceptability, and satisfaction, as well as exploratory outcomes. Results: Eleven parents completed surveys at all time points. Six of nine families attended at least 80% of the group TCM sessions, and eight of nine families interacted in the Facebook support group at least five days a week. Parents reported high levels of satisfaction and perceived benefits for the program. Baseline emotional distress, health behaviors, and QoL measurements improved during the three-month intervention. Qualitative data indicated parents perceived both in-person and the Facebook group peer support contributed to the benefits of the program. Conclusion: This feasibility study demonstrated that a multimodal peer support-based intervention that included in-person and online group interaction is feasible and acceptable to parents of pediatric brain tumor patients. Further research on interventions for caregivers that include in-person and online group-based peer support is warranted, with the goal of exploring similar outcomes in other childhood cancer diagnoses.
Understanding the Knowledge and Data Landscape of Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation in the Chesapeake Bay Region: A Systematic Review
Authors: Teodoro Jose Daniel , Nairn Bruce
Published: April 2020

Climate change is increasingly threatening coastal communities around the world. This article reviews the literature on climate change impacts and adaptation in the Chesapeake Bay region (USA). We reviewed both climate impacts and adaptation literature (n = 283) published in the period 2007–2018 to answer the questions: (i) how are indicators of climate impacts measured and reported by different types of authors (e.g., scientists, government, and NGOs), document types (e.g., academic articles or reports), and geographic focus (e.g., State, region, county, or municipal level)? (ii) what are the current approaches for measuring the most pressing climate impacts in the Chesapeake Bay? We found that scientists produce the most amount of data but are increasingly shifting towards engaging with practitioners through reports and online resources. Most indicators focus on the Chesapeake Bay scale, but data is most needed at the local level where adaptive policies are implemented. Our analysis shows emerging approaches to monitoring climate hazards and areas where synergies between types of authors are likely to increase resilience in the 21st century. This review expands the understanding of the information network in the Chesapeake Bay and explores the institutional landscape of stakeholders involved in the production and consumption of environmental and social change data. The analysis and insights of this review may be extended to similar regions around the planet experiencing or anticipating similar climate hazards to the Chesapeake Bay.
Laser Cladding of Al0.5CoCrCuFeNiSi High Entropy Alloy Coating without and with Yttria Addition on H13 Steel
Authors: Liu Jingda , Guan Yuxin , Xia Xuechen , Peng Pai , Ding Qifeng , Liu Xiaotao
Published: April 2020

Al0.5CoCrCuFeNiSi high entropy alloy coating without and with a 1 wt.% Y2O3 addition was fabricated by laser cladding technique on H13 substrate. The results showed that the laser cladding coatings without and with Y2O3 addition consist of a mixture of body centered cubic (BCC) dendrites and face centered cubic (FCC) interdendrites. With the addition of Y2O3, the peaks of BCC dendrites in the coating shifted to leftwards, which is caused by the distortion of lattice due to the dissolution of Y with larger atomic radius. There exist cracks and porosities in the coating without Y2O3 addition. With Y2O3 addition, the cracks and porosities in the laser cladding coating were inhibited greatly. In addition, the microstructure of the coating with Y2O3 addition was refined due to the improving of the ratio of nucleation. The enhancement of properties, such as hardness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance, of the coating with Y2O3 addition came from the inhibition of cracks and porosities and the refinement of microstructure.
Coral Restoration Effectiveness: Multiregional Snapshots of the Long-Term Responses of Coral Assemblages to Restoration
Authors: Hein Margaux Y. , Beeden Roger , Birtles Alastair , Gardiner Naomi M. , Le Berre Thomas , Levy Jessica , Marshall Nadine , Scott Chad M. , Terry Lisa , Willis Bette L.
Published: April 2020

Coral restoration is rapidly becoming a mainstream strategic reef management response to address dramatic declines in coral cover worldwide. Restoration success can be defined as enhanced reef functions leading to improved ecosystem services, with multiple benefits at socio-ecological scales. However, there is often a mismatch between the objectives of coral restoration programs and the metrics used to assess their effectiveness. In particular, the scales of ecological benefits currently assessed are typically limited in both time and space, often being limited to short-term monitoring of the growth and survival of transplanted corals. In this paper, we explore reef-scale responses of coral assemblages to restoration practices applied in four well-established coral restoration programs. We found that hard coral cover and structural complexity were consistently greater at restored compared to unrestored (degraded) sites. However, patterns in coral diversity, coral recruitment, and coral health among restored, unrestored, and reference sites varied across locations, highlighting differences in methodologies among restoration programs. Altogether, differences in program objectives, methodologies, and the state of nearby coral communities were key drivers of variability in the responses of coral assemblages to restoration. The framework presented here provides guidance to improve qualitative and quantitative assessments of coral restoration efforts and can be applied to further understanding of the role of restoration within resilience-based reef management.
In Nitrate-Rich Soil, Fallopia x bohemica Modifies Functioning of N Cycle Compared to Native Monocultures
Authors: Cantarel Amélie A. M. , Rouifed Soraya , Simon Laurent , Bourg Julien , Gervaix Jonathan , Blazère Leslie , Poussineau Sophie , Creuzé des Châtelliers Charline , Piola Florence
Published: April 2020

The effects of invasive species at the ecosystem level remain an important component required to assess their impacts. Here, we conducted an experimental study with labeled nitrogen in two types of soil (low and high nitrate conditions), investigating the effects of (1) the presence of Fallopia x bohemica on the traits of three native species (Humulus lupulus, Sambucus ebulus, and Urtica dioica) and (2) interspecific competition (monoculture of the invasive species, monoculture of the native species, and a mixture of invasive/native species) on nitrification, denitrification, and related microbial communities (i.e., functional gene abundances). We found that the species with the higher nitrate assimilation rate (U. dioica) was affected differently by the invasive species, with no effect or even an increase in aboveground biomass and number of leaves. F. x bohemica also decreased denitrification, but only in the soil with high nitrate concentrations. The impacts of the invasive species on nitrification and soil microorganisms depended on the native species and the soil type, suggesting that competition for nitrogen between plants and between plants and microorganisms is highly dependent on species traits and environmental conditions. This research highlights that studies looking at the impacts of invasive species on ecosystems should consider the plant–soil–microorganism complex as a whole.
Choroidal Changes of Long-Term Type 1 Diabetic Patients without Retinopathy
Authors: Orduna-Hospital Elvira , Perdices Lorena , Sanchez-Cano Ana , Acha Javier , Cuenca Nicolás , Pinilla Isabel
Published: April 2020

The aim of the study is to assess choroidal thickness (CT) and choroidal volume (CV) in 90 type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) patients with no diabetic retinopathy (DR) and 60 control eyes using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and swept source (SS)-OCT in the areas of the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS). Mean ages were 42.93 ± 13.62 and 41.52 ± 13.05 years in the diabetic and control groups, respectively. Significant differences were obtained between both groups with Spectralis SD-OCT in all ETDRS areas and in the total CV, excluding the temporal perifoveal one. With Triton SS-OCT, statistically significant differences were obtained in the subfoveal CT and in the vertical areas. CT showed the same tendency with both OCTs, with greater CT and CV in the DM1 group than the mean values of the control group. To assess the influence of DM1 evolution in the CT modifications, DM1 patients were divided into Group 1, with less than 24 years of diagnosis, and Group 2, with ≥24 years of DM1 evolution. Using both OCTs, seven of the nine ETDRS areas and the CV had lower values in Group 2. CT and CV measured by OCT were higher in DM1 without DR. There is a choroidal thinning related to disease evolution in DM1. In patients with DM evolution greater than 24 years, the CT is statistically lower than in patients with less evolution of the disease.
Grip Strength: A Useful Marker for Composite Hepatic Events in Patients with Chronic Liver Diseases
Authors: Yoh Kazunori , Nishikawa Hiroki , Enomoto Hirayuki , Iwata Yoshinori , Ikeda Naoto , Aizawa Nobuhiro , Nishimura Takashi , Iijima Hiroko , Nishiguchi Shuhei
Published: April 2020

Here we sought to clarify the prognostic impact of sarcopenia-related markers (grip strength (GS), muscle mass using bioimpedance analysis and patient quality of life as assessed by the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF36)) in patients with chronic liver diseases (CLDs, n = 411; 160 liver cirrhosis patients; median age, 64 years) on the incidence of composite hepatic events (CHEs). A GS decrease was defined as <26 kg in men and <18 kg in women, while a skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) decrease was defined as <7.0 kg/m2 in men and <5.7 kg/m2 in women based on the current guidelines. The physical and metal component summary scores on the SF36 were also included into the analysis. Sixty-two patients (15.1%) had the first incidence of CHEs. The three-year cumulative incidence rates of CHEs in patients with GS decrease or non-decrease were 24.51% and 12.44% (p = 0.0057). The three-year cumulative incidence rates of CHEs in patients with an SMI decrease or non-decrease were 19.65% and 12.99% (p = 0.0982). Multivariate analysis revealed that GS decrease (p = 0.0350) and prothrombin time (p = 0.0293) were significantly associated with the incidence of CHEs. In conclusion, GS can be an independent predictor for CHE development in patients with CLDs.
Effects of Chemical Species and Nonlinear Thermal Radiation with 3D Maxwell Nanofluid Flow with Double Stratification—An Analytical Solution
Authors: Tlili Iskander , Naseer Sania , Ramzan Muhammad , Kadry Seifedine , Nam Yunyoung
Published: April 2020

This article elucidates the magnetohydrodynamic 3D Maxwell nanofluid flow with heat absorption/generation effects. The impact of the nonlinear thermal radiation with a chemical reaction is also an added feature of the presented model. The phenomenon of flow is supported by thermal and concentration stratified boundary conditions. The boundary layer set of non-linear PDEs (partial differential equation) are converted into ODEs (ordinary differential equation) with high nonlinearity via suitable transformations. The homotopy analysis technique is engaged to regulate the mathematical analysis. The obtained results for concentration, temperature and velocity profiles are analyzed graphically for various admissible parameters. A comparative statement with an already published article in limiting case is also added to corroborate our presented model. An excellent harmony in this regard is obtained. The impact of the Nusselt number for distinct parameters is also explored and discussed. It is found that the impacts of Brownian motion on the concentration and temperature distributions are opposite. It is also comprehended that the thermally stratified parameter decreases the fluid temperature.
Image Encryption Using Elliptic Curves and Rossby/Drift Wave Triads
Authors: Ullah Ikram , Hayat Umar , Bustamante Miguel D.
Published: April 2020

We propose an image encryption scheme based on quasi-resonant Rossby/drift wave triads (related to elliptic surfaces) and Mordell elliptic curves (MECs). By defining a total order on quasi-resonant triads, at a first stage we construct quasi-resonant triads using auxiliary parameters of elliptic surfaces in order to generate pseudo-random numbers. At a second stage, we employ an MEC to construct a dynamic substitution box (S-box) for the plain image. The generated pseudo-random numbers and S-box are used to provide diffusion and confusion, respectively, in the tested image. We test the proposed scheme against well-known attacks by encrypting all gray images taken from the USC-SIPI image database. Our experimental results indicate the high security of the newly developed scheme. Finally, via extensive comparisons we show that the new scheme outperforms other popular schemes.
Regime-Switching Discrete ARMA Models for Categorical Time Series
Authors: Weiß Christian H.
Published: April 2020

For the modeling of categorical time series, both nominal or ordinal time series, an extension of the basic discrete autoregressive moving-average (ARMA) models is proposed. It uses an observation-driven regime-switching mechanism, leading to the family of RS-DARMA models. After having discussed the stochastic properties of RS-DARMA models in general, we focus on the particular case of the first-order RS-DAR model. This RS-DAR ( 1 ) model constitutes a parsimoniously parameterized type of Markov chain, which has an easy-to-interpret data-generating mechanism and may also handle negative forms of serial dependence. Approaches for model fitting are elaborated on, and they are illustrated by two real-data examples: the modeling of a nominal sequence from biology, and of an ordinal time series regarding cloudiness. For future research, one might use the RS-DAR ( 1 ) model for constructing parsimonious advanced models, and one might adapt techniques for smoother regime transitions.
Simulation of S-Entropy Production during the Transport of Non-Electrolyte Solutions in the Double-Membrane System
Authors: Ślęzak Andrzej , Bajdur Wioletta M. , Batko Kornelia M. , Šcurek Radomir
Published: April 2020

Using the classical Kedem–Katchalsky’ membrane transport theory, a mathematical model was developed and the original concentration volume flux (Jv), solute flux (Js) characteristics, and S-entropy production by Jv, ( ( ψ S ) J v ) and by Js ( ( ψ S ) J s ) in a double-membrane system were simulated. In this system, M1 and Mr membranes separated the l, m, and r compartments containing homogeneous solutions of one non-electrolytic substance. The compartment m consists of the infinitesimal layer of solution and its volume fulfills the condition Vm → 0. The volume of compartments l and r fulfills the condition Vl = Vr → ∞. At the initial moment, the concentrations of the solution in the cell satisfy the condition Cl < Cm < Cr. Based on this model, for fixed values of transport parameters of membranes (i.e., the reflection (σl, σr), hydraulic permeability (Lpl, Lpr), and solute permeability (ωl, ωr) coefficients), the original dependencies Cm = f(Cl − Cr), Jv = f(Cl − Cr), Js = f(Cl − Cr), ( Ψ S ) J v = f(Cl − Cr), ( Ψ S ) J s = f(Cl − Cr), Rv = f(Cl − Cr), and Rs = f(Cl − Cr) were calculated. Each of the obtained features was specially arranged as a pair of parabola, hyperbola, or other complex curves.
Tsallis Entropy, Likelihood, and the Robust Seismic Inversion
Authors: de Lima Igo Pedro , da Silva Sérgio Luiz E. F. , Corso Gilberto , de Araújo João M.
Published: April 2020

The nonextensive statistical mechanics proposed by Tsallis have been successfully used to model and analyze many complex phenomena. Here, we study the role of the generalized Tsallis statistics on the inverse problem theory. Most inverse problems are formulated as an optimisation problem that aims to estimate the physical parameters of a system from indirect and partial observations. In the conventional approach, the misfit function that is to be minimized is based on the least-squares distance between the observed data and the modelled data (residuals or errors), in which the residuals are assumed to follow a Gaussian distribution. However, in many real situations, the error is typically non-Gaussian, and therefore this technique tends to fail. This problem has motivated us to study misfit functions based on non-Gaussian statistics. In this work, we derive a misfit function based on the q-Gaussian distribution associated with the maximum entropy principle in the Tsallis formalism. We tested our method in a typical geophysical data inverse problem, called post-stack inversion (PSI), in which the physical parameters to be estimated are the Earth’s reflectivity. Our results show that the PSI based on Tsallis statistics outperforms the conventional PSI, especially in the non-Gaussian noisy-data case.
Early Detection of Alzheimer’s Disease: Detecting Asymmetries with a Return Random Walk Link Predictor
Authors: Curado Manuel , Escolano Francisco , Lozano Miguel A. , Hancock Edwin R.
Published: April 2020

Alzheimer’s disease has been extensively studied using undirected graphs to represent the correlations of BOLD signals in different anatomical regions through functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). However, there has been relatively little analysis of this kind of data using directed graphs, which potentially offer the potential to capture asymmetries in the interactions between different anatomical brain regions. The detection of these asymmetries is relevant to detect the disease in an early stage. For this reason, in this paper, we analyze data extracted from fMRI images using the net4Lap algorithm to infer a directed graph from the available BOLD signals, and then seek to determine asymmetries between the left and right hemispheres of the brain using a directed version of the Return Random Walk (RRW). Experimental evaluation of this method reveals that it leads to the identification of anatomical brain regions known to be implicated in the early development of Alzheimer’s disease in clinical studies.
Feature Extraction of Ship-Radiated Noise Based on Enhanced Variational Mode Decomposition, Normalized Correlation Coefficient and Permutation Entropy
Authors: Xie Dongri , Esmaiel Hamada , Sun Haixin , Qi Jie , Qasem Zeyad A. H.
Published: April 2020

Due to the complexity and variability of underwater acoustic channels, ship-radiated noise (SRN) detected using the passive sonar is prone to be distorted. The entropy-based feature extraction method can improve this situation, to some extent. However, it is impractical to directly extract the entropy feature for the detected SRN signals. In addition, the existing conventional methods have a lack of suitable de-noising processing under the presence of marine environmental noise. To this end, this paper proposes a novel feature extraction method based on enhanced variational mode decomposition (EVMD), normalized correlation coefficient (norCC), permutation entropy (PE), and the particle swarm optimization-based support vector machine (PSO-SVM). Firstly, EVMD is utilized to obtain a group of intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) from the SRN signals. The noise-dominant IMFs are then eliminated by a de-noising processing prior to PE calculation. Next, the correlation coefficient between each signal-dominant IMF and the raw signal and PE of each signal-dominant IMF are calculated, respectively. After this, the norCC is used to weigh the corresponding PE and the sum of these weighted PE is considered as the final feature parameter. Finally, the feature vectors are fed into the PSO-SVM multi-class classifier to classify the SRN samples. The experimental results demonstrate that the recognition rate of the proposed methodology is up to 100%, which is much higher than the currently existing methods. Hence, the method proposed in this paper is more suitable for the feature extraction of SRN signals.
Constructal Design of an Arrow-Shaped High Thermal Conductivity Channel in a Square Heat Generation Body
Authors: Zhang Fengyin , Feng Huijun , Chen Lingen , You Jiang , Xie Zhihui
Published: April 2020

A heat conduction model with an arrow-shaped high thermal conductivity channel (ASHTCC) in a square heat generation body (SHGB) is established in this paper. By taking the minimum maximum temperature difference (MMTD) as the optimization goal, constructal designs of the ASHTCC are conducted based on single, two, and three degrees of freedom optimizations under the condition of fixed ASHTCC material. The outcomes illustrate that the heat conduction performance (HCP) of the SHGB is better when the structure of the ASHTCC tends to be flat. Increasing the thermal conductivity ratio and area fraction of the ASHTCC material can improve the HCP of the SHGB. In the discussed numerical examples, the MMTD obtained by three degrees of freedom optimization are reduced by 8.42% and 4.40%, respectively, compared with those obtained by single and two degrees of freedom optimizations. Therefore, three degrees of freedom optimization can further improve the HCP of the SHGB. Compared the HCPs of the SHGBs with ASHTCC and the T-shaped one, the MMTD of the former is reduced by 13.0%. Thus, the structure of the ASHTCC is proven to be superior to that of the T-shaped one. The optimization results gained in this paper have reference values for the optimal structure designs for the heat dissipations of various electronic devices.
The Boomerang Effects: An Analysis of the Pre and Post Dollarisation Era in Zimbabwe
Authors: Pasara Michael Takudzwa , Garidzirai Rufaro
Published: April 2020

Does dollarisation influence economic activity in Zimbabwe? The question has incited a lot of debates among researchers and analysts. In an attempt to answer this question, the study used an Auto Regressive Distributive Lag (ARDL) procedure, to investigate the effects of dollarisation on economic growth in Zimbabwe. The study employed quarterly data over a 14-year period between 2000 and 2014. The results of the study indicate that dollarisation, gross domestic investment and trade openness are positively related to economic growth. Based on the findings of the study, the paper recommends that Zimbabwean policy makers should establish additional complementary policies which foster economic integration with anchor countries to reduce credit risk. On the other hand, dollarisation should be maintained since it resulted in economic stability and improved financial sector credibility. It is therefore still premature to de-dollarise the economy until a sufficient level of credibility is gained by the central bank.
Findings about LORETA Applied to High-Density EEG—A Review
Authors: Dattola Serena , Morabito Francesco Carlo , Mammone Nadia , La Foresta Fabio
Published: April 2020

Electroencephalography (EEG) is a non-invasive diagnostic technique for recording brain electric activity. The EEG source localization has been an area of research widely explored during the last decades because it provides helpful information about brain physiology and abnormalities. Source localization consists in solving the so-called EEG inverse problem. Over the years, one of the most employed method for solving it has been LORETA (Low Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography). In particular, in this review, we focused on the findings about the LORETA family algorithms applied to high-density EEGs (HD-EEGs), used for improving the low spatial resolution deriving from the traditional EEG systems. The results were classified according to their clinical application and some aspects arisen from the analyzed papers were discussed. Finally, suggestions were provided for future improvement. In this way, the combination of LORETA with HD-EEGs could become an even more valuable tool for noninvasive clinical evaluation in the field of applied neuroscience.
Verifying the Effectiveness of New Face Spoofing DB with Capture Angle and Distance
Authors: Bok Jin Yeong , Suh Kun Ha , Lee Eui Chul
Published: April 2020

Face recognition is a representative biometric that can be easily used; however, spoofing attacks threaten the security of face biometric systems by generating fake faces. Thus, it is not advisable to only consider sophisticated spoofing cases, such as three-dimensional masks, because they require additional equipment, thereby increasing the implementation cost. To prevent easy face spoofing attacks through print and display, the two-dimensional (2D) image analysis method using existing face recognition systems is reasonable. Therefore, we proposed a new database called the “pattern recognition-face spoofing advancement database” that can be used to prevent such attacks based on 2D image analysis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first face spoofing database that considers the changes in both the angle and distance. Therefore, it can be used to train various positional relationships between a face and camera. We conducted various experiments to verify the efficiency of this database. The spoofing detection accuracy of our database using ResNet-18 was found to be 96.75%. The experimental results for various scenarios demonstrated that the spoof detection performances were better for images with pinch angle, near distance images, and replay attacks than those for front images, far distance images, and print attacks, respectively. In the cross-database verification result, the performance when tested with other databases (DBs) after training with our DB was better than the opposite. The results of cross-device verification in terms of camera type showed negligible difference; thus, it was concluded that the type of image sensor does not affect the detection accuracy. Consequently, it was confirmed that the proposed DB that considers various distances, capture angles, lighting conditions, and backgrounds can be used as a training DB to detect spoofing attacks in general face recognition systems.
Novel Exertion of Intelligent Static Compensator Based Smart Inverters for Ancillary Services in a Distribution Utility Network-Review
Authors: Srinivasarangan Rangarajan Shriram , Sharma Jayant , Sundarabalan C. K.
Published: April 2020

Integration of distributed energy resources (DER) has always posed a challenge. Smart inverters have started playing a crucial role in efficient integration of DERs. With the basic functionalities of traditional inverters in place, smart inverters can provide grids with related ancillary services either from the customer side or from the utility as well. The ancillary/augmented service from smart inverters includes the concept of reactive power exchange with the grid. Such grid support functions includes the functionalities of photovoltaic/plug in electric vehicles (PV/PEV) inverters as a static synchronous compensators (STATCOMs) by performing virtual detuning, temporary over voltage (TOV) mitigation, voltage regulation, frequency support and ride through capabilities. As the penetration levels of DERs have gone up, the need for such ancillary services has grown as well. This paper is organized in such a way that it will serve as a benchmark for smart inverter technologies in the form of a review. It includes several domains involving the applications, advanced and coordinated control, topologies and many more aspects that are associated with smart inverters based on reactive power compensation schemes for ancillary services. Apart from that, the applications those are associated with smart inverters in the smart grid domain are also highlighted in this paper.
An Approach towards the Protection for Printed Documents by Means of Latent Elements with Fractal Grids and Electronic Determination of Its Authenticity
Authors: Nazarkevych Mariya , Izonin Ivan , Gregus ml. Michal , Lotoshynska Nataliia
Published: April 2020

An electronic method of protection for printed documents based on which latent elements are formed in a printed way has been developed. The development of security features has been done electronically. Protection using latent elements has been improved by overlapping fractal grids, which allows creation of graphics traps. The printing of designed security elements has been investigated on 15 paper samples. The security elements were printed on an offset printing machine. Prints were copied and compared with originals using the electronic method of pixel-by-pixel comparison based on a peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR). The comparison results between originals and their copies are presented in this paper.