bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heat Capacity of Drained Peat Soils
Authors: Gnatowski Tomasz , Ostrowska-Ligęza Ewa , Kechavarzi Cedric , Kurzawski Grzegorz , Szatyłowicz Jan
Published: February 2022

Soil-specific heat capacity (cp) and volumetric heat capacity (Cv) are recognized as a fundamental soil property essential for the accurate prediction of soil temperature and heat flow. This study presents the analysis of these thermal properties for drained peat soils in Poland. The objectives of this study were to (i) measure and develop a method for determining cp, (ii) analyze the (Cv) data for undisturbed soil samples from surface layers, and (iii) test the applicability of the cp value for calculating Cv of drained peat soils using the mixing model concept. The cp value was measured under laboratory conditions using a modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC) for 18 soil layers sampled in six degraded peat soil profiles. The Cv was estimated for undisturbed triplicate soil samples from the 22 depths (66 samples) by using a dual-needle probe. The cp data for the organic soils were linearly temperature-dependent (MDSC) for the temperature range considered (−20–30 °C). The overall average cp value was equal to 1.202 J g−1 K−1 at a temperature of 0 °C. An increment in temperature of 1 °C corresponded to an increase in cp of 0.0043 J g−1 K−1 on average. Nevertheless, the lowest cp value was obtained for moss samples whereas the highest value represents alder peats. The Cv data measured using the heat thermal probe (HTP) method changed linearly with changes in the soil moisture content (θv) of the moorsh soils. The volumetric heat capacity calculated using the mixing model was comparable to the mean of measured values obtained on the triplicate samples.
Automated Transformation from Competency List to Tree: Way to Competency-Based Adaptive Knowledge E-Evaluation
Authors: Margienė Asta , Ramanauskaitė Simona , Nugaras Justas , Stefanovič Pavel
Published: February 2022

E-learning is rapidly gaining its application. While actively adapting student-oriented learning with the competency evaluation model, the standard of competency support in existing e-learning systems is not implemented and varies. This complicated integration of different e-learning systems or transfer from one system to another might be challenging if the student had his or her competency portfolio in list form, while another system supports tree-based competency portfolios. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a transformation model dedicated to converting the competency list to a competency tree. This solution incorporates text processing and analysis, competency ranking based on Bloom’s taxonomy, and competency topic area clustering. The case analysis illustrates the model’s capability to generate a qualitative tree from the competency list, where the average accuracy of competency assignment to appropriate parent competency is 72%, but, in some cases, it reaches just 50%.
Parameter Study for the Ice Adhesion Centrifuge Test
Authors: Rehfeld Nadine , Speckmann Björn , Stenzel Volkmar
Published: February 2022

In this study, we assessed the effects of ice types, test parameters, and surface properties on measurement data of the ice adhesion centrifuge test. This method is often used for the evaluation of low ice adhesion surfaces, although no test standard has been defined yet. The aim of this paper is to improve the understanding of the relevant test parameter and identify crucial criteria to be considered in harmonization and standardization efforts. Results clearly indicate that the ice type (static vs. impact ice) has the greatest impact on the test results, with static ice delivering higher values in a broader data span. This is beneficial for material developers as it eases the evaluation process, but it contradicts the technical efforts to design tests that are as close as possible to realistic technical environments. Additionally, the selected ice type has a significant impact on the relevance of the surface properties (roughness, wettability). Despite the complexity of interactions, a trend was observed that the roughness is the determining surface parameter for high impact velocity ice (95 m/s). In contrast, for tests with static ice, the wettability of the test surface is of higher relevance, leading to the risk of overestimating the icephobic performance of structured surfaces. The results of this paper contribute to the demanding future tasks of defining well-founded test standards and support the development of icephobic surfaces.
On the Modeling of Ship Stiffened Panels Subjected to Uniform Pressure Loads
Authors: Platypodis Efstathios L. , Anyfantis Konstantinos N.
Published: February 2022

Stiffened panels constitute structural assemblies of the entire ship hull, i.e., double bottom, side shell, deck areas, etc. Prescriptive dimensioning of the stiffeners (web thickness and height and flange thickness and breadth) is solely based on the application of beam bending theories. This work is divided into two parts. The first part involves the assessment of the structural response of one-way (single-bay) stiffened panels under uniform pressure. The objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of alternative approaches in obtaining accurate secondary stress fields. Both state-of-the-art analytical solutions (Paik, Schade, CSR, Miller) and numerical calculation tools (finite element analysis (FEA)) are employed and compared for this purpose. When it comes to cross-stiffened panels, numerical methods are usually used within the design process which is time demanding. The second part of this work focuses on the development of a fast, yet effective, prescriptive approach. This approach will allow the dimensioning of the longitudinal stiffeners by considering the secondary stress field. Combining finite element analysis and the Euler–Bernoulli bending theory, the effect of the transverse stiffeners to the longitudinal stiffeners is examined in order to estimate the type of support on the boundaries of the transverse stiffeners. Determining the type of support, will make it possible to apply the classical formula of bending stress instead of using finite element analysis, thus limiting the computational cost. Preliminary calculations show that most of the examined cases may be treated as fully clamped beams subjected to uniform pressure.
Sexual Dimorphism in Extracellular Matrix Composition and Viscoelasticity of the Healthy and Inflamed Mouse Brain
Authors: Batzdorf Clara Sophie , Morr Anna Sophie , Bertalan Gergely , Sack Ingolf , Silva Rafaela Vieira , Infante-Duarte Carmen
Published: February 2022

Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) has revealed sexual dimorphism in brain stiffness in healthy individuals and multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. In an animal model of MS, named experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), we have previously shown that inflammation-induced brain softening was associated with alterations of the extracellular matrix (ECM). However, it remained unclear whether the brain ECM presents sex-specific properties that can be visualized by MRE. Therefore, here we aimed at quantifying sexual dimorphism in brain viscoelasticity in association with ECM changes in healthy and inflamed brains. Multifrequency MRE was applied to the midbrain of healthy and EAE mice of both sexes to quantitatively map regional stiffness. To define differences in brain ECM composition, the gene expression of the key basement membrane components laminin (Lama4, Lama5), collagen (Col4a1, Col1a1), and fibronectin (Fn1) were investigated by RT-qPCR. We showed that the healthy male cortex expressed less Lama4, Lama5, and Col4a1, but more Fn1 (all p < 0.05) than the healthy female cortex, which was associated with 9% softer properties (p = 0.044) in that region. At peak EAE cortical softening was similar in both sexes compared to healthy tissue, with an 8% difference remaining between males and females (p = 0.006). Cortical Lama4, Lama5 and Col4a1 expression increased 2 to 3-fold in EAE in both sexes while Fn1 decreased only in males (all p < 0.05). No significant sex differences in stiffness were detected in other brain regions. In conclusion, sexual dimorphism in the ECM composition of cortical tissue in the mouse brain is reflected by in vivo stiffness measured with MRE and should be considered in future studies by sex-specific reference values.
Notch Signal Mediates the Cross-Interaction between M2 Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor and Neuregulin/ErbB Pathway: Effects on Schwann Cell Proliferation
Authors: Piovesana Roberta , Pisano Annalinda , Loreti Simona , Ricordy Ruggero , Talora Claudio , Tata Ada Maria
Published: February 2022

The cross-talk between axon and glial cells during development and in adulthood is mediated by several molecules. Among them are neurotransmitters and their receptors, which are involved in the control of myelinating and non-myelinating glial cell development and physiology. Our previous studies largely demonstrate the functional expression of cholinergic muscarinic receptors in Schwann cells. In particular, the M2 muscarinic receptor subtype, the most abundant cholinergic receptor expressed in Schwann cells, inhibits cell proliferation downregulating proteins expressed in the immature phenotype and triggers promyelinating differentiation genes. In this study, we analysed the in vitro modulation of the Neuregulin-1 (NRG1)/erbB pathway, mediated by the M2 receptor activation, through the selective agonist arecaidine propargyl ester (APE). M2 agonist treatment significantly downregulates NRG1 and erbB receptors expression, both at transcriptional and protein level, and causes the internalization and intracellular accumulation of the erbB2 receptor. Additionally, starting from our previous results concerning the negative modulation of Notch-active fragment NICD by M2 receptor activation, in this work, we clearly demonstrate that the M2 receptor subtype inhibits erbB2 receptors by Notch-1/NICD downregulation. Our data, together with our previous results, demonstrate the existence of a cross-interaction between the M2 receptor and NRG1/erbB pathway-Notch1 mediated, and that it is responsible for the modulation of Schwann cell proliferation/differentiation.
The Paracaspase MALT1 in Cancer
Authors: Gomez Solsona Beatriz , Schmitt Anja , Schulze-Osthoff Klaus , Hailfinger Stephan
Published: February 2022

Almost twenty years ago, the importance of the paracaspase MALT1 in antigen receptor-induced NF-κB activation was first described. Since then, several other immune receptors, G-protein-coupled receptors, and receptor tyrosine kinases were identified as relying on MALT1 to induce NF-κB activation. In various hematological malignancies and solid tumors, MALT1 is constitutively activated and drives chronic NF-κB target gene expression. Deregulated MALT1 activity in cancer thus promotes tumor cell survival, proliferation, and metastasis. Since the molecular function of MALT1 partially requires its protease activity, pharmacological targeting of MALT1 may represent a promising anti-cancer strategy. Here, we review the molecular features of MALT1 activation and function as well as the therapeutic potential of MALT1 inhibition in hematological malignancies and solid tumors.
A Novel Role of Galectin-3 and Thyroglobulin in Prognosis and Differentiation of Different Stages of Thyroid Cancer and Elucidation of the Potential Contribution of Bcl-2, IL-8 and TNF-α
Authors: Okda Tarek M. , Atwa Gamal M. K. , Eldehn Ahmed Fathy , Dahran Naief , Alsharif Khalaf F , Elmahallawy Ehab Kotb
Published: February 2022

Thyroid cancer is among the most prevalent cancers with different types and stages. New markers are required for the prognosis and diagnosis of the disease. The present study aimed to detect the role of new markers, including galectin-3 (Gal-3) and thyroglobulin (TG), in the prognosis and staging of thyroid cancer. The study also investigated the potential apoptotic and inflammatory mechanisms involved in thyroid cancer through the determination of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) during the different stages of the cancer using a series of molecular methods. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations were also performed. A total of 300 subjects were classified into: 100 normal healthy subjects matched in age and sex, 100 patients with thyroid carcinoma stage I (T1N0M0) and 100 patients with thyroid carcinoma stage 2 (T2N1M1). Interestingly, the present study revealed a significant increase in the levels of TG and Gal-3 in thyroid cancer patients compared to the control group. Furthermore, the levels of Bcl-2, IL-8 and TNF-α significantly increased in the patient serum. The histopathological examination and immunohistochemical observations confirmed the molecular and hematological findings. Collectively, the present study concluded that serum TG and Gal-3 could be useful markers in the prognosis and staging of patients with thyroid cancer. Furthermore, the determination of Bax, Bcl-2, IL-8 and TNF-α levels constitute a major important marker for investigation of the mechanisms of apoptosis and inflammation in thyroid cancer. To our knowledge, this is the first study that used both galectin-3 and TG as tumor markers in the prognosis and differentiation between the different stages of cancer.
Double-Clad Fiber-Based Multifunctional Biosensors and Multimodal Bioimaging Systems: Technology and Applications
Authors: Beaudette Kathy , Li Jiawen , Lamarre Joseph , Majeau Lucas , Boudoux Caroline
Published: February 2022

Optical fibers have been used to probe various tissue properties such as temperature, pH, absorption, and scattering. Combining different sensing and imaging modalities within a single fiber allows for increased sensitivity without compromising the compactness of an optical fiber probe. A double-clad fiber (DCF) can sustain concurrent propagation modes (single-mode, through its core, and multimode, through an inner cladding), making DCFs ideally suited for multimodal approaches. This study provides a technological review of how DCFs are used to combine multiple sensing functionalities and imaging modalities. Specifically, we discuss the working principles of DCF-based sensors and relevant instrumentation as well as fiber probe designs and functionalization schemes. Secondly, we review different applications using a DCF-based probe to perform multifunctional sensing and multimodal bioimaging.
Impact of Land Use Diversity on Daytime Social Segregation Patterns in Santiago de Chile
Authors: Fuentes Luis , Truffello Ricardo , Flores Mónica
Published: February 2022

Latin American cities are known for their high levels of marginality, segregation and inequality. As such, these issues have been the subject of substantial discussions in academia, with the predominant approach being the study of residential segregation, or what we call “nighttime segregation”. Another dimension of urban sociability, related to labor, is what we call “daytime segregation”, which has been far less studied. This article makes an original methodological contribution to the measurement of non-residential or daytime segregation based on data from mobility surveys. It seeks to explain this segregation measurement according to the diversity and distribution of land uses, as well as other characteristics of the built stock, such as land price and built-up density. We measured daytime social mix in urban spaces, and we show how it highly relates to land use diversity in a Latin American megacity, such as Santiago, Chile. We found that land use diversity plays a key role in enhancing the daytime social diversity of urban spaces, contributing to generate a more heterogeneous city and social gatherings during working days. This research is not only a contribution to the understanding of sociability patterns in cities but is also a contribution to public policy and the work of urban planners, as it informs the development of more diverse and integrated cities, which is a key tool for strengthening democracy, the exchange of ideas, the economy and social welfare.
Influence of the Roofing System on the Seismic Performance of Single-Layer Spherical Reticulated Shell Structures
Authors: Li Wenliang , Zhi Xudong , Fan Feng
Published: February 2022

The seismic performance of a single-layer spherical reticulated shell is the key problem to be solved in the design and analysis of this structure. In previous studies, the influences of roofing systems on the seismic performance of shells were usually ignored, resulting in large discrepancies between the results of analyses and the actual stress states of shells. In this paper, the finite element analysis method is applied to a shell with a roofing system, and the applicability of the method is proven by static loading experiments. The influences of roofing systems on the seismic performance of shells are obtained from seismic response curves, the proportions and distributions of plastic members and the failure behaviours of the shells during strong earthquakes. The mechanism of the influence of the roofing system on the seismic response of a shell is revealed by analysing the damage of purlin joints and the energy consumption of the components of the shell. The relationships that describe the influence of different parameters of reticulated shells and roofing systems on the seismic response of the shells are studied, and the results show that the roofing system can greatly change the seismic response and failure of a shell under strong earthquake conditions.
Synthesis and Characterization of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Loaded with Pt Catalysts
Authors: Lyu Xingyi , Wu Xun , Liu Yuzi , Huang Wenyu , Lee Byeongdu , Li Tao
Published: February 2022

Coating the catalyst with a nanoporous layer has been demonstrated to be an effective approach to improve catalyst stability. Herein, we systematically investigate two types of core-shell mesoporous silica nanoparticles with a platinum nanocatalyst using a variety of characterization methods. One of the mesoporous particles has a unique amine ring structure in the middle of a shell (Ring-mSiO2/Pt-5.0/SiO2), and the other one has no ring structure (mSiO2/Pt-5.0/SiO2). Brunauer–Emmett–Teller/Barrett–Joyner–Halenda (BET/BJH) presented a similar surface area for both particles, and the pore size was 2.4 nm. Ultra-Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (USAXS)/ Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) showed the size of mSiO2/Pt-5.0/SiO2 and Ring-mSiO2/Pt-5.0/SiO2 were 420 nm and 272 nm, respectively. It also showed that the ring structure was 30 nm above the silica core. Using high-resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), it was found that the platinum nanoparticles are loaded evenly on the surface of the silica. In situ SAXS heating experiments and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) indicated that the mSiO2/Pt-5.0/SiO2 were more stable during the high temperature, while the Ring-mSiO2/Pt-5.0/SiO2 had more change in the particle.
Current Progress in Vascular Engineering and Its Clinical Applications
Authors: Jouda Hatem , Larrea Murillo Luis , Wang Tao
Published: February 2022

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is caused by narrowing or blockage of coronary arteries due to atherosclerosis. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is widely used for the treatment of severe CHD cases. Although autologous vessels are a preferred choice, healthy autologous vessels are not always available; hence there is a demand for tissue engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) to be used as alternatives. However, producing clinical grade implantable TEVGs that could healthily survive in the host with long-term patency is still a great challenge. There are additional difficulties in producing small diameter (<6 mm) vascular conduits. As a result, there have not been TEVGs that are commercially available. Properties of vascular scaffolds such as tensile strength, thrombogenicity and immunogenicity are key factors that determine the biocompatibility of TEVGs. The source of vascular cells employed to produce TEVGs is a limiting factor for large-scale productions. Advanced technologies including the combined use of natural and biodegradable synthetic materials for scaffolds in conjunction with the use of mesenchyme stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) provide promising solutions for vascular tissue engineering. The aim of this review is to provide an update on various aspects in this field and the current status of TEVG clinical applications.
Comparative Transcriptomic Profiles of Differentiated Adipocytes Provide Insights into Adipogenesis Mechanisms of Subcutaneous and Intramuscular Fat Tissues in Pigs
Authors: Zhang Pan , Zhang Bo , Shang Peng , Fu Yu , Nie Ruixue , Chamba Yangzom , Zhang Hao
Published: February 2022

Subcutaneous fat thickness and intramuscular fat content are closely related to meat production and quality in the pig industry. Adipogenesis in adipocytes from subcutaneous and intramuscular fat tissues involves different genes and regulatory mechanisms. Analyzing the data of mRNA and miRNA transcriptomes during the differentiation of adipocytes from these two sources will help identify the different mechanisms of subcutaneous and intramuscular fat deposition. In this study, RNA sequencing technology was used to analyze the differential expression of genes and miRNAs in subcutaneous and intramuscular adipocytes at days 0, 2, 4, and 8 of differentiation. We mainly attributed the difference between fat depositions of the two types of adipocytes to variations in the expression patterns of related genes. Through combined weighted gene co-expression network analysis and K-MEANS, we identified 30 and 22 genes that mainly regulated the differentiation of subcutaneous adipocytes and intramuscular adipocytes, respectively. A total of 17 important candidate miRNAs were identified. This study provides valuable reference for the study of different mechanisms of adipogenesis among subcutaneous and intramuscular fat and contributes to improving pig breeding.
Comparative Properties of Porous Phyllosilicate-Based Ceramics Shaped by Freeze-Tape Casting
Authors: Barry Kassoum , Lecomte-Nana Gisèle Laure , Seynou Mohamed , Faucher Michael , Blanchart Philippe , Peyratout Claire
Published: February 2022

Porous phyllosilicate-based ceramics were manufactured by freeze-tape casting from clays of different particle size and morphology in order to characterize their microstructure and stress to rupture changes before and after firing. Three raw clays were selected: HCR (77% Halloysite–10Å), KORS (29% kaolinite), and KCR kaolin (98% kaolinite). These clays exhibited a monomodal distribution and were used to prepare four slurries, three with each clay material and one consisting of a mixture of KCR and HCR labeled KHCR. After shaping by freeze-tape casting, the porosity and stress to rupture obtained by a biaxial flexural test were collected for disk-like samples after drying and sintering at 1200 °C. Results showed that KCR ceramic materials had the highest biaxial bending strength (70 ± 1.1 MPa) and those from KORS had the highest porosity value (80 ± 1%). SEM observation revealed a difference in microstructure and texture for the manufactured porous ceramic materials. In the KCR ceramic disks, the flattened pores appeared more textured, and the primary mullite crystallites formed a rigid skeleton within the amorphous phase. KORS ceramic materials showed a small quantity of secondary mullite needles which were randomly dispersed in a vitreous phase. The relatively important vitreous phase in the porous materials of HCR led to the bulk formation of small mullite particles. The biaxial flexural strength values were related to the presence of the mullite, as well as to the microstructure (volume, morphology, and size distribution of pores) after sintering.
Effect of Ultrafast Broadband Nonlinear Optical Responses by Doping Silver into Ti3C2 Nanosheets at Visible Spectra
Authors: Shao Yabin , Chen Chen , He Qing , Xiang Lingling , Lai Xianjing
Published: February 2022

Ti3C2 nanosheet is a newly discovered two-dimensional (2D) clan. It turns out to have encouraging applications for electromagnetic shielding and energy storage. Here, Ag@ Ti3C2 hybrids are precisely synthesized by using the one-step solution processing method. Also, their ultrafast broadband nonlinear optical responses in the visible region are studied systematically through nanosecond open-aperture Z-scan and transient absorption techniques. The mechanism of two-photon absorption (TPA) is disclosed in the visible region (409–532 nm). When the laser energy is low and the wavelength is longer than 400 nm, nonlinear absorption cannot happen. Meanwhile, as the laser energy increases, two photons will be absorbed by the electrons in the valence band and the electrons will jump to the conduction band. The process is named as two-photon absorption which will make the specimen show reverse saturable absorption (RSA) properties. What is more, the ultrafast carrier dynamics of the specimen are studied by using the transient absorption. The result shows that the decay contains two phases: the fast and then the slow one. The two phases first come from electron–phonon and then from phonon–phonon interactions, respectively. The electron transfer and charge carrier trapping processes are further verified by the outcomes of similar measurements on Ag@ Ti3C2 hybrids. Besides, the two decay processes increase together with the pump fluence. These results show that Ti3C2 nanosheet has potential applications in broadband optical limiter.
Differences in Metal Ions Released from Orthodontic Appliances in an In Vitro and In Vivo Setting
Authors: Kovac Vito , Poljsak Borut , Bergant Matic , Scancar Janez , Mezeg Uros , Primozic Jasmina
Published: February 2022

The aim was to assess the composition of released metal ions from fixed orthodontic appliances both in an in vitro and in vivo setting and to compare their quantities to evaluate any possible health risks associated with them. For the in vitro setting, a set of 24 as-received sterile SS brackets, 2 SS sterile archwires, and 2 NiTi sterile archwires were aged for 90 days in artificial saliva, and released metal ion concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), using matrix-matched standards for calibration. For the in vivo setting, 15 brackets, 15 SS, and 15 NiTi archwires were retrieved after 90 days of intraoral exposure in 15 subjects. Debris composition on each part of the orthodontic appliance was assessed using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). The present study evidenced a difference in the composition of released metal ions from fixed orthodontic appliances detected in an in vitro and in vivo setting. Generally, the relative content of metal ions was higher in the retrieved debris than that released in artificial saliva. The concentration of released metal ions from all tested alloys was below the upper recommended limit of daily intake; however, possible local effects in terms of hypersensitivity due to their accumulation in the debris cannot be excluded even with such concentrations.
Tangible and Personalized DS Application Approach in Cultural Heritage: The CHATS Project
Authors: Trichopoulos Giorgos , Aliprantis John , Konstantakis Markos , Michalakis Konstantinos , Caridakis George
Published: February 2022

Storytelling is widely used to project cultural elements and engage people emotionally. Digital storytelling enhances the process by integrating images, music, narrative, and voice along with traditional storytelling methods. Newer visualization technologies such as Augmented Reality allow more vivid representations and further influence the way museums present their narratives. Cultural institutions aim towards integrating such technologies in order to provide a more engaging experience, which is also tailored to the user by exploiting personalization and context-awareness. This paper presents CHATS, a system for personalized digital storytelling in cultural heritage sites. Storytelling is based on a tangible interface, which adds a gamification aspect and improves interactivity for people with visual impairment. Technologies of AR and Smart Glasses are used to enhance visitors’ experience. To test CHATS, a case study was implemented and evaluated.
Comprehensive Laboratory Diagnostic Workup for Patients with Suspected Intraocular Lymphoma including Flow Cytometry, Molecular Genetics and Cytopathology
Authors: Shumilov Evgenii , Mazzeo Paolo , Zinkernagel Martin S. , Legros Myriam , Porret Naomi , Romagna Lorenz , Haase Detlef , Lenz Georg , Novak Urban , Banz Yara , Pabst Thomas , Bacher Ulrike
Published: February 2022

Background: Intraocular lymphoma (IOL) presents a real challenge in daily diagnostics. Cyto- and/or histopathology of vitreous body represent the diagnostic cornerstones. Yet, false negative results remain common. Therefore, we analyzed the diagnostic significance of flow cytometry (FC) within the workup algorithm of IOL and compared its sensitivity with the results obtained from routine cytopathology and molecular genetics; Methods: Seven patients undergoing vitrectomy due to suspected IOL were investigated by FC and parallel cytopathology and, if available, digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) for MYD88 L265P; Results: Four out of seven patients were finally diagnosed with IOL. Among the IOL patients, cytopathology confirmed the presence of lymphoma cells in only two cases. In contrast, FC was positive for IOL in all four cases, and FC additionally confirmed the lack of IOL in the remaining patients. In IOL patients diagnosed by FC and with available ddPCR, the diagnosis of IOL was confirmed by the presence of the MYD88 L265P mutation in all three patients; Conclusions: The combination with FC was superior to cytopathology alone in the diagnostic work-up of IOL, and it showed an excellent correlation with ddPCR results. A comprehensive diagnostic panel consisting of cytopathology, FC and molecular genetics should be considered for the work-up of suspected IOL.
Visual Aura Secondary to Supratentorial Lipomatous Meningioma: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Lapolla Pierfrancesco , Bruzzaniti Placido , Zancana Giuseppa , Stoppacciaro Antonella , Relucenti Michela , Chen Rui , Li Xiaobo , Mingoli Andrea , Frati Alessandro , Familiari Pietro
Published: February 2022

Background/Aim: Lipomatous meningioma is a rare type of meningioma that is formed as the result of an accumulation of lipids inside the cell due to metabolic activity dysregulation. It differs from other types of meningiomas in its radiological and immunohistochemical characteristics. We report a rare case of a patient treated in our department for this particular type of meningioma who developed a type of migraine with the aura component as the first clinical symptom. Case Report: A 55-year-old woman presented with a migraine and reported having phosphenes in recent years. Head Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans were performed; these showed an extensive hypodense and hypointense formation located in the left parieto-occipital region. This formation was implanted in the tentorium region, with a prevailingly adipose-type signal intensity. The patient underwent an occipital craniotomy with the total removal of the lesion. The histological examination indicated a lipomatous metaplastic meningioma. Conclusion: We reported the first case of a lipomatous meningioma presenting with a migraine with a visual aura. Seizures and headaches can be included as possible symptoms. According to the current literature, lipomatous meningiomas affect women more commonly than men. The patient of our reported case presented visual disturbances in the form of a visual aura, which occurred 10 years before finding the meningioma, and surgery dramatically improved the symptoms and quality of life.
EPHA2, EPHA4, and EPHA7 Expression in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Nikas Ilias , Giaginis Constantinos , Petrouska Kalliopi , Alexandrou Paraskevi , Michail Artemis , Sarantis Panagiotis , Tsourouflis Gerasimos , Danas Eugene , Pergaris Alexandros , Politis Panagiotis , Nakopoulou Lydia , Theocharis Stamatios
Published: February 2022

Ongoing research continues to elucidate the complex role of ephrin receptors (EPHs) and their ligands (ephrins) in breast cancer pathogenesis, with their varying expression patterns implied to have an important impact on patients’ outcome. The current study aims to investigate the clinical significance of EPHA2, EPHA4, and EPHA7 expression in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cases. EPHA2, EPHA4, and EPHA7 protein expression was assessed immunohistochemically on formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) TNBC tissue sections from 52 TNBC patients and correlated with key clinicopathologic parameters and patients’ survival data (overall survival (OS); disease-free survival (DFS)). EPHA2, EPHA4, and EPHA7 expression was further examined in TNBC cell lines. EPHA2 overexpression was observed in 26 (50%) of the TNBC cases, who exhibited a shorter OS and DFS than their low-expression counterparts, with EPHA2 representing an independent prognostic factor for OS and DFS (p = 0.0041 and p = 0.0232, respectively). EPHA4 overexpression was associated with lymph node metastasis in TNBC patients (p = 0.0546). Alterations in EPHA2, EPHA4, and EPHA7 expression levels were also noted in the examined TNBC cell lines. Our study stresses that EPHA2 expression constitutes a potential prognostic factor for TNBC patients. Given the limited treatment options and poorer outcome that accompany the TNBC subtype, EPHA2 could also pose as a target for novel, more personalized, and effective therapeutic approaches for those patients.
Molecular Landscape in Infant High-Grade Gliomas: A Single Center Experience
Authors: Di Ruscio Valentina , Carai Andrea , Del Baldo Giada , Vinci Maria , Cacchione Antonella , Miele Evelina , Rossi Sabrina , Antonelli Manila , Barresi Sabina , Caulo Massimo , Colafati Giovanna Stefania , Mastronuzzi Angela
Published: February 2022

High-grade gliomas (HGG) represent about 15% of all pediatric brain tumors, with a dismal prognosis and survival rates ranging from 15 to 35%. Approximately 10–12% of pediatric HGGs (pHGG) occur in children younger than five years of age at diagnosis, specifically infants (iHGG), with an unexpected overall survival rate (OS) in 60–70% of cases. In the literature, iHGGs include a large variety of heterogeneous lesions with different molecular profiles that likely explain their different outcomes. We report our single-institution experience of iHGG including 11 children under five years of age with newly diagnosed HGG between 2011 and 2021. All patients received surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy; only two patients received radiotherapy because their age at diagnosis was more than four years-old. Molecular investigations, including next generation sequencing (NGS) and DNA methylation, detected three NTRK-fusions, one ROS1-fusions, one MN1-rearrangement, and two PATZ1-fusions. According to the molecular results, when chemotherapy failed to control the disease, two patients benefited from target therapy with a NTRK-Inhibitor larotrectinib, achieving a complete remission and a very good partial response, respectively, and no severe side-effects. In conclusion, molecular investigations play a fundamental role in the diagnostic work-up and also in the therapeutic decision. Their routine use in clinical practice could help to replace highly toxic chemotherapy regimens with a target therapy that has moderate adverse effects, even in long-term follow-up.
A Flexible and Low-Cost UHF RFID Tag Antenna for Blood Bag Traceability
Authors: Khamlichi Mohamed El , Alvarez-Melcon Alejandro , Mrabet Otman El , Ennasar Mohammed Ali , Hinojosa Juan
Published: February 2022

A new low-profile flexible RFID tag antenna operating in the ultra-high frequency (UHF) European band (865 MHz–868 MHz) is proposed for blood bag traceability. Its structure combines inductive and capacitive parts with nested slots allowing for the achieving of conjugate impedance matching with the IC-chip. The whole electrical parameters of the environment (substrate, bag, and blood) were considered for the design of the tag antenna. A good agreement was obtained between the measurements and electromagnetic simulations for the input impedance of the tag antenna in the UHF band. A reading range close to 2.5 m was experimentally obtained. Therefore, this tag antenna could be effective and useful in future RFID systems for blood bag monitoring, thus improving patient safety in healthcare infrastructures.
Reinforcement Learning-Based UAVs Resource Allocation for Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) System
Authors: Wang Min , Chen Peng , Cao Zhenxin , Chen Yun
Published: February 2022

Due to the limited ability of a single unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), group unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have attracted more attention in communication and radar fields. The use of an integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) system can make communication and radar modules share a radar module’s resources, coupled with efficient resource allocation methods. It can effectively solve the problem of inadequate UAV resources and the low utilization rate of resources. In this paper, the resource allocation problem is addressed for group UAVs to achieve a trade-off between the detection and communication performance, where the ISAC system is equipped in group UAVs. The resource allocation problem is described by an optimization problem, but with group UAVs, the problem is complex and cannot be solved efficiently. Compared with the traditional resource allocation scheme, which needs a lot of calculation or sample set problems, a novel reinforcement-learning-based method is proposed. We formulate a new reward function by combining mutual information (MI) and the communication rate (CR). The MI describes the radar detection performance, and the CR is for wireless communication. Simulation results show that compared with the traditional Kuhn Munkres (KM) or the deep neural network (DNN) methods, this method has better performance with the increase in problem complexity. Additionally, the execution time of this scheme is close to that of the DNN scheme, and it is better than the KM algorithm.
Unraveling Drug Response from Pharmacogenomic Data to Advance Systems Pharmacology Decisions in Tumor Therapeutics
Authors: Kardamiliotis Konstantinos , Karanatsiou Evangelina , Aslanidou Ioanna , Stergiou Eirini , Vizirianakis Ioannis S. , Malousi Andigoni
Published: February 2022

The availability of systematic drug response registries for hundreds cell lines, coupled with the comprehensive profiling of their genomes/transcriptomes enabled the development of computational methods that investigate the molecular basis of drug responsiveness. Herein, we propose an automated, multi-omics systems pharmacology method that identifies genomic markers of anti-cancer drug response. Given a cancer type and a therapeutic compound, the method builds two cell line groups on the antipodes of the drug response spectrum, based on the outer quartiles of the maximum micromolar screening concentration. The method intersects cell lines that share common features in their mutation status, gene expression levels or copy number variants, and a pool of drug response biomarkers (core genes) is built, using genes with mutually exclusive alterations in the two cell line groups. The relevance with the drug target pathways is then quantified, using the combined interaction score of the core genes and an accessory protein network having strong, physical/functional interactions. We demonstrate the applicability and effectiveness of our methodology in three use cases that end up in known drug-gene interactions. The method steps into explainable bioinformatics approaches for novel anticancer drug-gene interactions, offering high accuracy and increased interpretability of the analysis results. Availability: https://github.com/PGxAUTH/PGxGDSC.
Optimization of Design Parameters for Gravitational Wave Detector DECIGO Including Fundamental Noises
Authors: Kawasaki Yuki , Shimizu Ryuma , Ishikawa Tomohiro , Nagano Koji , Iwaguchi Shoki , Watanabe Izumi , Wu Bin , Yokoyama Shuichiro , Kawamura Seiji
Published: February 2022

The DECi-hertz Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (DECIGO) is a space gravitational wave (GW) detector. DECIGO was originally designed to be sensitive enough to observe primordial GW background (PGW). However, due to the lowered upper limit of the PGW by the Planck observation, further improvement of the target sensitivity of DECIGO is required. In the previous studies, DECIGO’s parameters were optimized to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the PGW to quantum noise including the effect of diffraction loss. To simulate the SNR more realistically, we optimize DECIGO’s parameters considering the GWs from double white dwarfs (DWDs) and the thermal noise of test masses. We consider two cases of the cutoff frequency of GWs from DWDs. In addition, we consider two kinds of thermal noise: thermal noise in a residual gas and internal thermal noise. To investigate how the mirror geometry affects the sensitivity, we calculate it by changing the mirror mass, keeping the mirror thickness, and vice versa. As a result, we obtained the optimums for the parameters that maximize the SNR that depends on the mirror radius. This result shows that a thick mirror with a large radius gives a good SNR and enables us to optimize the design of DECIGO based on the feasibility study of the mirror size in the future.
Ontogenetic Trends of Sutural Complexity in Jurassic Ammonites
Authors: Marriott Katherine , Olson Sara , Balassa Daniella , Cleaveland Casey , Watmore Kristin I. , LaVine Rhiannon J. , Olson Robert , Prothero Donald R.
Published: February 2022

Ontogenetic sequencing of suture fractal dimensions from a single ammonite specimen was not previously accessible without extreme measures. The necessity for destruction of the full conch due to whorl overlap or, alternatively, the prohibitively expensive or inaccessible imaging equipment for use by paleontologists has led to this rich source of data remaining elusive. Tracings of ontogenetic sequences of sutures have rarely been published since the middle of the last century. These studies only focused on the outermost whorl of a given specimen or composited several specimens. Oftentimes, they focused only on the umbilical and juvenile stages of shell growth. Complete or multi-whorled ontogenetic sequences, including those of subadult and mature specimens, are especially uncommon. Using methods published in 2021 to address the accessibility problem in sutural ontogenies, our paper represents the first comparisons of the fractal trajectories of ammonoids and includes several significant Jurassic ammonite families. We found that ammonite sutures did not steadily increase in complexity, as was previously suggested. Instead, juvenile ammonoids were more likely to exhibit ups and downs in their fractal ontogeny. We also found that pathologies must be considered as extremely common phenomena for ammonoids. Finally, we explored the ways that the unsteady ontogenetic trends of fractal complexity in ammonoids offer insights into the formation mechanism of ammonoid septa.
OpenForecast: An Assessment of the Operational Run in 2020–2021
Authors: Ayzel Georgy , Abramov Dmitriy
Published: February 2022

OpenForecast is the first openly available national-scale operational runoff forecasting system in Russia. Launched in March 2020, it routinely provides 7-day ahead predictions for 834 gauges across the country. Here, we provide an assessment of the OpenForecast performance on the long-term evaluation period from 14 March 2020 to 31 October 2021 (597 days) for 252 gauges for which operational data are available and quality-controlled. Results show that OpenForecast is a robust system based on reliable data and solid computational routines that secures efficient runoff forecasts for a diverse set of gauges.
Scenic Railway Mapping: An Analysis of Spatial Patterns in France Based on Historical GIS
Authors: Lin Guiye , Xiang Luoning , Sang Kun
Published: February 2022

Scenic railway refers to the trains that operate for tourism purposes, which are mainly maintained for facilitating leisure activities, scenic tours, and heritage experiences. As both an extension of railway heritage and an important redevelopment method, this concept is meaningful for the touristic development of historical railways but has received less attention in academia. To understand the tourism and landscape values of scenic railways from a geo-historical perspective and discuss the recent techniques and methods for railway tourism, this article first introduces the relationship between railway and landscape and the concept of scenic railway in French literature. Secondly, it analyzes the current distribution of French scenic railways based on geographic information system (GIS) tools. Through georeferencing, mapping, data relating and joining, calculating, and classifying, different groups of scenic railways are systemized and published online. Following statistical treatment, the pattern of distribution of scenic railways in comparison with the standard-gauge railway system in France is revealed. Based on the discussions on scenic railways, further study should focus more on the landscape evaluation of scenic railways and its integration with other spatial technologies for deeper geo-analysis. Moreover, the research results can serve as a reference for the development of relative railway heritage and tourist activities.
Deep Learning of High-Resolution Aerial Imagery for Coastal Marsh Change Detection: A Comparative Study
Authors: Morgan Grayson R. , Wang Cuizhen , Li Zhenlong , Schill Steven R. , Morgan Daniel R.
Published: February 2022

Deep learning techniques are increasingly being recognized as effective image classifiers. Aside from their successful performance in past studies, the accuracies have varied in complex environments, in comparison with the popularly of applied machine learning classifiers. This study seeks to explore the feasibility of using a U-Net deep learning architecture to classify bi-temporal, high-resolution, county-scale aerial images to determine the spatial extent and changes of land cover classes that directly or indirectly impact tidal marsh. The image set used in the analysis is a collection of a 1-m resolution collection of National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP) tiles from 2009 and 2019, covering Beaufort County, South Carolina. The U-Net CNN classification results were compared with two machine learning classifiers, the random trees (RT) and support vector machine (SVM). The results revealed a significant accuracy advantage in using the U-Net classifier (92.4%), as opposed to the SVM (81.6%) and RT (75.7%) classifiers, for overall accuracy. From the perspective of a GIS analyst or coastal manager, the U-Net classifier is now an easily accessible and powerful tool for mapping large areas. Change detection analysis indicated little areal change on marsh extent, though increased land development throughout the county has the potential to negatively impact the health of the marshes. Future work should explore applying the constructed U-Net classifier to coastal environments in large geographic areas, while also implementing other data sources (e.g., LIDAR and multispectral data) to enhance classification accuracy.