bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Information technologies for development of educational resources in robotics
Authors: Chikurtev D S , Chikurteva A A , Spasova N R 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Digital learning resources are a major part of distance learning in education. In the engineering sciences, where the training is applied and it is often necessary to conduct practical exercises, it is necessary to create both standard digital training resources and specific ones. Specific digital educational resources aim to provide a reproduction of real experiments, through digital and virtual tools. The article discusses ICT for the development of standard and specific digital resources. Software tools and applications for creating various digital resources with application in robotics are presented: Gazebo, Robot Operating System, Arduino. The process and the technologies used to create a digital resource (simulation model) through a Gazebo simulator for working with robots and sensors are described. The created digital resource could be used in various engineering fields such as robotics, embedded systems, software engineering, sensor systems, electronics and others. The resource can be distributed and shared over the Internet (Github), as well as upgraded (modified) by teachers and students.
Prototype of Smart Monument with IoT-based System of Early Warning
Authors: Spasova V G , Georgiev B G , Stefanov P D , Stoyanov B P 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The preservation of cultural and historical monuments aims to draw public attention to the national heritage, which preserves history and traditions and distinguishes us from other nations. The preservation, restoration and maintenance of any historical monument require skills, knowledge, resources, time and effort. The aim of this article is to present developing a prototype of an early warning system for disasters, mounted on a biggest monument in Varna from the socialist history period. This multidisciplinary project consists of two parts-creating a model of the monument at a scale of 1:20 and installing an IoT based solution, built of sensors and controllers.
TEQUILA: a platform for rapid development of quantum algorithms
Authors: Kottmann Jakob S , Alperin-Lea Sumner , Tamayo-Mendoza Teresa , Cervera-Lierta Alba , Lavigne Cyrille , Yen Tzu-Ching , Verteletskyi Vladyslav , Schleich Philipp , Anand Abhinav , Degroote Matthias , Chaney Skylar , Kesibi Maha , Curnow Naomi Grace , Solo Brandon , Tsilimigkounakis Georgios , Zendejas-Morales Claudia , Izmaylov Artur F , Aspuru-Guzik Alán 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Variational quantum algorithms are currently the most promising class of algorithms for deployment on near-term quantum computers. In contrast to classical algorithms, there are almost no standardized methods in quantum algorithmic development yet, and the field continues to evolve rapidly. As in classical computing, heuristics play a crucial role in the development of new quantum algorithms, resulting in a high demand for flexible and reliable ways to implement, test, and share new ideas. Inspired by this demand, we introduce tequila, a development package for quantum algorithms in python, designed for fast and flexible implementation, prototyping and deployment of novel quantum algorithms in electronic structure and other fields. tequila operates with abstract expectation values which can be combined, transformed, differentiated, and optimized. On evaluation, the abstract data structures are compiled to run on state of the art quantum simulators or interfaces.
Is the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme Intervention Delivered as Planned? An Observational Study of Fidelity of Intervention Delivery
Authors: French David P , Hawkes Rhiannon E , Bower Peter , Cameron Elaine 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background
The NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NHS-DPP) has been delivered by four commercial organizations across England, to prevent people with impaired glucose tolerance developing Type 2 diabetes. Evidence reviews underpinning the NHS-DPP design specification identified 19 Behavior Change Techniques (BCTs) that are the intervention “active ingredients.” It is important to understand the discrepancies between BCTs specified in design and BCTs actually delivered.

Purpose
To compare observed fidelity of delivery of BCTs that were delivered to (a) the NHS-DPP design specification, and (b) the programme manuals of four provider organizations.

Methods
Audio-recordings were made of complete delivery of NHS-DPP courses at eight diverse sites (two courses per provider organization). The eight courses consisted of 111 group sessions, with 409 patients and 35 facilitators. BCT Taxonomy v1 was used to reliably code the contents of NHS-DPP design specification documents, programme manuals for each provider organization, and observed NHS-DPP group sessions.

Results
The NHS-DPP design specification indicated 19 BCTs that should be delivered, whereas only seven (37%) were delivered during the programme in all eight courses. By contrast, between 70% and 89% of BCTs specified in programme manuals were delivered. There was substantial under-delivery of BCTs that were designed to improve self-regulation of behavior, for example, those involving problem solving and self-monitoring of behavior.

Conclusions
A lack of fidelity in delivery to the underlying evidence base was apparent, due to poor translation of design specification to programme manuals. By contrast, the fidelity of delivery to the programme manuals was relatively good. Future commissioning should focus on ensuring the evidence base is more accurately translated into the programme manual contents.
Negative Attitudes, Self-efficacy, and Relapse Management Mediate Long-Term Adherence to Exercise in Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Alonso Windy W , Kupzyk Kevin , Norman Joseph , Bills Sara E , Bosak Kelly , Dunn Susan L , Deka Pallav , Pozehl Bunny 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background
Exercise is safe and provides considerable benefits for patients with heart failure (HF) including improved function, quality of life, and symptoms. However, patients with HF have difficulty initiating and adhering to an exercise regimen. To improve adherence, our team developed Heart Failure Exercise and Resistance Training (HEART) Camp, a multicomponent, theory-driven intervention that was efficacious in a randomized controlled trial of long-term adherence to exercise in patients with HF. Identifying active components of efficacious interventions is a priority.

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to use mediation analysis to determine which interventional components accounted for long-term adherence to exercise in patients with HF.

Methods
This study included 204 patients with HF enrolled in a randomized controlled trial. Instruments measuring interventional components were completed at baseline, 6, 12, and 18 months. Hierarchical linear models generated slope estimates to be used as predictors in logistic regression models. Significant variables were tested for indirect effects using path analyses with 1,000 bootstrapped estimates.

Results
Significant mediation effects were observed for the interventional components of negative attitudes (β NA = 0.368, s.e. = 0.062, p &lt; .001), self-efficacy (β SE = 0.190, s.e. = 0.047, p &lt; .001), and relapse management (β RM = 0.243, s.e. = 0.076, p = .001).

Conclusions
These findings highlight improving attitudes, self-efficacy, and managing relapse as key interventional components to improve long-term adherence to exercise in patients with HF. Future interventions targeting adherence to exercise in patients with HF and other chronic illnesses should consider the incorporation of these active components.
Lessons Learned From Twenty-Eight Cases of Burns Following Breast Reconstruction: An Underestimated Complication Requiring Inclusion in Consent Information
Authors: Habibi Koohyar , Delay Emmanuel , Sarfati Isabelle , Duteille Franck , Clough Krishna B , Atlan Michael 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background
There has over recent years been a constant increase in annual breast reconstruction figures. Although reports indicate that burns following breast reconstruction are a rare occurrence, there has nevertheless been a relative increase in cases. The key underlying causes of this type of condition remain unknown.

Objectives
The authors launched a new study on the demographic characteristics of burns in the breast reconstruction population with the inclusion of up-to-date data to assess cases and contributing factors.

Methods
The study was a multicenter retrospective review of patients who underwent any type of breast reconstruction and subsequently sustained burn injuries.

Results
Twenty-eight cases of burn injury following breast reconstruction were documented; 6 involved autologous flaps and 22 involved implants. Nine of the 10 implant exposure cases had previous history of radiotherapy, but there was no statistically significant difference between previous radiotherapy history and implant exposure (P = 0.32). Of the 13 cases sustaining full-thickness burns, a large number included implant-based reconstruction (n = 12, 92%), although no statistically significant difference was observed between type of reconstruction and incidence of full-thickness burns (P = 0.17).

Conclusions
Each patient undergoing breast reconstruction should be advised of the potential risks and instructed to avoid significant heat exposure and steer clear of dark-colored bathing suits. At the time of writing, this information has yet to be included in the vast majority of surgery-related informed consent documents.

Level of Evidence: 4
Metabolomic analysis to elucidate the change of the n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in senescent osteoblasts
Authors: Wu Ying , Zhang Mengjun , Chen Xinwei , Zhou Yu , Chen Zhou 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACT
Senile osteoporosis is a major public health concern, and yet, effective treatment methods do not exist. Herein, we used metabolomics to analyze the change of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in senescent osteoblasts. We found that with an increase in the number of passages, the osteoblasts proliferative ability, alkaline phosphatase activity, and expression levels of bone metabolism genes decreased, the expression levels of aging-related genes increased, the damage caused by oxidative stress became more severe. Furthermore, levels of n-3 PUFA family members were downregulated in passage 10 than in passage 3 osteoblasts. These findings indicated that multiple passages led to more severe oxidative stress damage in senescent osteoblasts, which could be related to a decrease in n-3 PUFA levels. We believe that unsaturated fatty acid metabolism is a key factor involved in osteoblast senescence and that a proper dietary intake of n-3 PUFA may delay the occurrence senile osteoporosis.
Effect of radiofrequency heating of vacuum-packed nitrite-free sausage on quality properties and microorganism inactivation
Authors: Jantapirak Suveena , Takahashi Chieko , Uemura Kunihiko 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACT
The effect of radiofrequency (RF) heating technology at 27 MHz and 8 kW on the quality properties of vacuum-packed nitrite-free sausages was investigated. One of the several advantages of RF heating technology is the use of less time compared to retort heating. RF heating at 125 °C for a holding time of 2 min and retort heating at 121 °C for 7 min reduced Bacillus subtilis to 7 log cfu/g. In addition, the textural properties of the RF-heated sausages were better than those of retort-heated samples. Furthermore, the growth of B. subtilis and general live bacteria at 25 °C were not detected after 42 days of shelf life in the sausages that underwent RF heating at 125 °C with a holding time of 2 min.
Schisandrin B inhibits α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone-induced melanogenesis in B16F10 cells via downregulation of MAPK and CREB signaling pathways
Authors: Zhao Na , Su Xiaoming , Li He , Li Zhengyi , Wang Yueyang , Chen Jianguang , Zhuang Wenyue 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACT
Schisandrin B (Sch B), a lignan compound in Schisandra, possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiobesity activities. The effect of Sch B on melanogenesis and molecular mechanisms are still unknown. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the antimelanogenic effects of Sch B on α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone–induced B16F10 cells and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. We found that Sch B significantly suppressed melanin content and mushroom tyrosinase (TYR) activity. Sch B treatment decreased the expression of TYR, melanocyte-inducing transcription factor (MITF), tyrosinase-related protein (TRP) 1, and TRP2. Moreover, Sch B modulated the phosphorylation of p38, extracellular-regulated protein kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB), implying that these pathways may be involved in suppressing melanogenesis. Furthermore, we found that Sch B decreased melanogenesis by downregulating MITF and melanogenic enzymes via MAPK and CREB pathways. Overall, these findings indicate that Sch B has the potential use in whitening.
Studies on analogs of DAMASCENOLIDETM: Part 3. Synthesis and odor evaluation of dimethylated, cyclopropanated, and other analogs of DAMASCENOLIDETM
Authors: Miyazawa Yamato , Kawaguchi Kenji , Katsuta Ryo , Nukada Tomoo , Ishigami Ken 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACT
DAMASCENOLIDETM [1, 4-(4-methylpent-3-en-1-yl)furan-2(5H)-one], which has a citrus-like odor, is an important aroma component of roses. We have previously reported on the synthesis and odor evaluation of 24 analogs of 1 as part of our new aroma compound developing project. To accumulate more information on structure–odor relationships, 10 more promising analogs such as dimethylated and cyclopropanated analogs were synthesized and subjected to odor evaluation. As a result, it was found that dimethylation of the furanone ring affected the odor. It was also found that cyclopropanation of 1 affected the odor, whereas cyclopropanation of the double bond isomer of 1 did not significantly affect the odor. The effects on the odor caused by ring size expansion and replacement of the side chain were also investigated.
Characterization of lysine acetylation in the peripheral subunit-binding domain of the E2 subunit of the pyruvate dehydrogenase-2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase hybrid complex from Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Komine-Abe Ayano , Kondo Naoko , Kubo Shosei , Kawasaki Hisashi , Nishiyama Makoto , Kosono Saori 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACT
In Corynebacterium glutamicum, pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) and 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase (ODH) form a unique hybrid complex in which CgE1p and CgE1o are associated with the CgE2–CgE3 subcomplex. We analyzed the role of a lysine acetylation site in the peripheral subunit-binding domain of CgE2 in PDH and ODH functions. Acetylation-mimic substitution at Lys391 of CgE2 severely reduced the interaction of CgE2 with CgE1p and CgE3, but not with CgE1o, indicating the critical role of this residue in the assembly of CgE1p and CgE3 into the complex. It also suggested that Lys391 acetylation inhibited the binding of CgE1p and CgE3 to CgE2, thereby affecting PDH and ODH activities. Interestingly, the CgE2-K391R variant strain showed increased l-glutamate production and reduced pyruvate accumulation. Kinetic analysis suggested that the increased affinity of the K391R variant toward pyruvate might be advantageous for l-glutamate production.
Suppressive effects of sulfated polysaccharide ascophyllan isolated from Ascophyllum nodosum on the production of NO and ROS in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells
Authors: Liang Yan , Zha Shijiao , Tentaku Masanobu , Okimura Takasi , Jiang Zedong , Ueno Mikinori , Hirasaka Katsuya , Yamaguchi Kenichi , Oda Tatsuya 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACT
In this study, we found that a sulfated polysaccharide isolated from the brown alga Ascophyllum nodosum, ascophyllan, showed suppressive effects on stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Ascophyllan significantly inhibited expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA and excessive production of nitric oxide (NO) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells in a dose-dependent manner without affecting the viability of RAW264.7 cells. Ascophyllan also reduced the elevated level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Furthermore, preincubation with ascophyllan resulted in concentration-dependent decrease in ROS production in phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Our results suggest that ascophyllan can exhibit anti-inflammatory effects on stimulated macrophages mainly through the attenuation of NO and ROS productions.
Comparative evaluation for thermostability and gastrointestinal survival of probiotic Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856
Authors: Majeed Muhammed , Majeed Shaheen , Arumugam Sivakumar , Ali Furqan , Beede Kirankumar 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACT
Thermal stability (D-value and pasteurization) and gastric acid resistance of spore forming and nonspore forming probiotic strains were evaluated in this study. Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 spores showed highest thermal resistance (D-value 35.71 at 90 °C) when compared with other Bacillus strains and Lactobacillus species. B. coagulans strains exhibited significantly higher resistance to simulated gastric juice (pH 1.3, 1.5, and 2.0) compared to Lactobacillus strains. It also showed high resistance to cooking conditions of chapati (whole wheat flour-based flatbread) (88.94% viability) and wheat noodles (and 94.56% viability), suggesting remarkable thermal resistance during food processing. Furthermore, B. coagulans MTCC 5856 retained 73% viability after microwave cooking conditions (300 s, at 260 °C) and 98.52% in milk and juice at pasteurization temperature (420 min, at 72 °C). Thus, B. coagulans MTCC 5856 clearly demonstrated excellent resistance to gastric acid and high temperature (90 °C), thereby suggesting its extended application in functional foods (milk, fruit juices, chapati, and wheat noodles) wherein high temperature processing is involved.
Effects of a single dose of tablets containing lactononadecapeptide on cognitive function in healthy adults: a randomized, double-blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Sasai Masaki , Kato Megumi , Ohsawa Kazuhito , Sashihara Koichi , Nakamura Yasunori , Kaneko Toshiyuki 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACT
Lactononadecapeptide (LNDP; NIPPLTQTPVVVPPFLQPE) is a memory-improving peptide. The current study aimed to determine the effects of a single dose of tablets containing LNDP on cognitive function in healthy Japanese men aged 30-59 years. A randomized, double-blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in participants randomly assigned to receive LNDP or placebo tablets. The Uchida–Kraepelin test was used to induce cognitive load in participants as a model of work load. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Japanese version of the CNS Vital Signs. Composite memory and verbal memory were significantly higher following consumption of LNDP than placebo tablets. Carryover effects were observed in attention and concentration domains so that period 1 data was analyzed. LNDP consumption led to higher processing speed, executive function, and cognitive flexibility than placebo. Thus, supplementation with a single dose of LNDP tablets may improve cognitive functions including memory, attention, concentration, and information processing in daily life.
Development of a mito-CRISPR system for generating mitochondrial DNA-deleted strain in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Amai Takamitsu , Tsuji Tomoka , Ueda Mitsuyoshi , Kuroda Kouichi 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACT
Mitochondrial dysfunction can occur in a variety of ways, most often due to the deletion or mutation of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). The easy generation of yeasts with mtDNA deletion is attractive for analyzing the functions of the mtDNA gene. Treatment of yeasts with ethidium bromide is a well-known method for generating ρ° cells with complete deletion of mtDNA from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. However, the mutagenic effects of ethidium bromide on the nuclear genome cannot be excluded. In this study, we developed a “mito-CRISPR system” that specifically generates ρ° cells of yeasts. This system enabled the specific cleavage of mtDNA by introducing Cas9 fused with the mitochondrial target sequence at the N-terminus and guide RNA into mitochondria, resulting in the specific generation of ρ° cells in yeasts. The mito-CRISPR system provides a concise technology for deleting mtDNA in yeasts.
Integrated conditional moment test and beyond: when the number of covariates is divergent
Authors: Tan Falong , Zhu Lixing 
Published: February 2021

Summary
The classical integrated conditional moment test is a promising method for model checking and its basic idea has been applied to develop several variants. However, in diverging-dimension scenarios, the integrated conditional moment test may break down and has completely different limiting properties from the fixed-dimension case. Furthermore, the related wild bootstrap approximation can also be invalid. To extend this classical test to diverging dimension settings, we propose a projected adaptive-to-model version of the integrated conditional moment test. We study the asymptotic properties of the new test under both the null and alternative hypotheses to examine if it maintains significance level, and its sensitivity to the global and local alternatives that are distinct from the null at the rate $n^{-1/2}$. The corresponding wild bootstrap approximation can still work for the new test in diverging-dimension scenarios. We also derive the consistency and asymptotically linear representation of the least squares estimator when the parameter diverges at the fastest possible known rate in the literature. Numerical studies show that the new test can greatly enhance the performance of the integrated conditional moment test in high-dimensional cases. We also apply the test to a real dataset for illustration.
Aortic aneurysms with tricuspid aortic valve have more degeneration than unicuspid aortic valve aneurysms
Authors: Federspiel Jan M , Schnabel Philipp A , Tschernig Thomas , Balint Brittany , Schwab Tanja , Laschke Matthias W , Schäfers Hans-Joachim 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The unicuspid aortic valve (UAV) is a rare cardiac malformation and is associated with the formation of ascending aortic aneurysms. To characterize its associated aortic wall changes, normal and aneurysmatic ascending aortic wall specimens were analysed, focusing on the potential mechanisms of aneurysm formation. Patients with tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) served as controls.

METHODS
In a retrospective observational study, 74 specimens (dilated and non-dilated aortas; individuals with UAV and TAV) obtained intraoperatively were studied. Standard stains and immunohistochemical labelling of cleaved caspase-3, cluster of differentiation 31 and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) were performed to assess the degree of apoptosis, distribution of eNOS within the aortic wall, smooth muscle cell (SMC) nuclei loss and mucoid extracellular matrix accumulation (MEMA).

RESULTS
Deeper ingrowth of vasa vasorum was found in dilated aortas. Interestingly, eNOS was expressed mostly in vasa vasorum. More apoptosis was seen in UAV aortas compared to TAV aortas (P &lt; 0.001). Both UAV and TAV aortas were comparable regarding SMC nuclei loss (P = 0.419). In dilated compared to non-dilated aortas regardless valve morphology SMC nuclei loss was increased (P = 0.005) and more pronounced translamellar MEMA was present (P = 0.011). The highest grade of distribution (P = 0.043) and the highest severity (P = 0.005) regarding MEMA were seen in TAV dilated specimens compared to UAV dilated specimens.

CONCLUSIONS
Aneurysms with UAV show increased apoptosis, the role of which is unclear. Strikingly, more severe MEMA was found in TAV aneurysms compared to UAV aneurysms. Thus, UAV-associated aortic wall changes and resulting aneurysm may be less aggressive than aneurysms with TAV.