bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of F-Box/SPRY Domain-Containing Protein 1 (FBXO45) as a Prognostic Biomarker for TMPRSS2–ERG-Positive Primary Prostate Cancers
Authors: von Danwitz Marthe , Klümper Niklas , Bernhardt Marit , Cox Alexander , Krausewitz Philipp , Alajati Abdullah , Kristiansen Glen , Ritter Manuel , Ellinger Jörg , Stein Johannes
Published: March 2023

Background: F-box/SPRY domain-containing protein 1 (FBXO45) plays a crucial role in the regulation of apoptosis via the ubiquitylation and degradation of specific targets. Recent studies indicate the prognostic potential of FBXO45 in several cancers. However, its specific role in prostate carcinoma remains unclear. Methods: A systematic analysis of FBXO45 mRNA expression in PCA was performed using The Cancer Genome Atlas database and a publicly available Gene Expression Omnibus progression PCA cohort. Subsequently, FBXO45 protein expression was assessed via immunohistochemical analysis of a comprehensive tissue microarray cohort. The expression data were correlated with the clinicopathological parameters and biochemical-free survival. The immunohistochemical analyses were stratified according to the TMPRSS2–ERG rearrangement status. To assess the impact of FBXO45 knockdown on the tumour proliferation capacity of cells and metastatic potential, transfection with antisense-oligonucleotides was conducted within a cell culture model. Results: FBXO45 mRNA expression was associated with adverse clinicopathological parameters in the TCGA cohort and was enhanced throughout progression to distant metastasis. FBXO45 was associated with shortened biochemical-free survival, which was pronounced for the TMPRSS2–ERG-positive tumours. In vitro, FBXO45 knockdown led to a significant reduction in migration capacity in the PC3, DU145 and LNCaP cell cultures. Conclusions: Comprehensive expression analysis and functional data suggest FBXO45 as a prognostic biomarker in PCA.
Spectrum of High-Risk Mutations among Breast Cancer Patients Referred for Multigene Panel Testing in a Romanian Population
Authors: Goidescu Iulian Gabriel , Nemeti Georgiana , Surcel Mihai , Caracostea Gabriela , Florian Andreea Roxana , Cruciat Gheorghe , Staicu Adelina , Muresan Daniel , Goidescu Cerasela , Pintican Roxana , Eniu Dan Tudor
Published: March 2023

(1) Background: Multigene panel testing for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) using next generation sequencing (NGS) is becoming a standard in medical care. There are insufficient genetic studies reported on breast cancer (BC) patients from Romania and most of them are focused only on BRCA 1/2 genes (Breast cancer 1/2). (2) Methods: NGS was performed in 255 consecutive cases of BC referred for management in our clinic between 2015–2019. (3) Results: From the 171 mutations identified, 85 were in the high-penetrance BC susceptibility genes category, 72 were pathogenic genes, and 13 genes were in the (variants of uncertain significance) VUS genes category. Almost half of the mutations were in the BRCA 1 gene. The most frequent BRCA1 variant was c.3607C>T (14 cases), followed by c.5266dupC (11 cases). Regarding BRCA-2 mutations we identified c.9371A>T (nine cases), followed by c.8755-1G>A in three cases, and we diagnosed VUS mutations in three cases. We also identified six pathogenic variants in the PALB2 gene and two pathogenic variants in (tumor protein P 53) TP53. (4) Conclusions: The majority of pathogenic mutations in the Romanian population with BC were in the BRCA 1/ 2 genes, followed by PALB2 (partner and localizer of BRCA2) and TP53, while in the CDH1 (cadherin 1) and STK11 (Serine/Threonine-Protein Kinase) genes we only identified VUS mutations.
LncRNA ERVH48-1 Contributes to the Drug Resistance of Prostate Cancer and Proliferation through Sponging of miR-4784 to the Activation of the Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway
Authors: Chen Binshen , Xu Kai , Zhang Yiming , Xu Peng , Li Chaoming , Liu Jun , Xu Yawen
Published: March 2023

Long noncoding RNAs (LncRNAs) are very important in the way that docetaxel resistance (DR) happens in prostate cancer (PCa) patients. ImmuneScore and StromalScore were calculated using PCa-related expression data from TCGA and the ESTIMATE algorithm. We finally found the DEGs that were related to the immune system and the stroma of the patients by making profiles of the DEGs in ImmuneScore and StromalScore. The CancerSubtypes algorithm identified prognosis-related PCa subtypes, and the GSVA assessed their pathway activity. A UniCox regression analysis was used to identify a prognosis-related differential gene set. We then used intersection analysis to identify immunological and prognostic (IP)-related genes (IPGs). The coexpression of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and IPGs was used to identify IP-related lncRNAs (IPLs). Three methods (SVM-RFE, random forest, and LASSO) were used to find genes that overlap in the GEO database. A gene signature was then validated by building an ROC curve. CIBERSORT technology was used to look at the possibility of a link between the gene signature and immune cells. LncRNA–miRNA pairs and miRNA–mRNA pairs from the miRDB and TargetScan databases were used to construct the ERVH48-1-miR-4784-WNT2B ceRNA regulation network. The concentration of docetaxel elevated the expression of ERVH48-1. Overexpression of ERVH48-1 increased PCa-DR cell proliferation, invasion, and migration while inhibiting apoptosis. ERVH48-1 increased the tumorigenicity of PCa-DR cells in nude mice. ERVH48-1, acting as a ceRNA, targeted miR-4784 to increase WNT2B expression. ICG001 therapy increased Wnt/-catenin signaling activity in PCa-DR cells by inhibiting ERVH48-1. Finally, ERVH48-1 increased docetaxel resistance in a WNT2B-dependent manner via the miR-4784/Wnt/-catenin pathway.
Prediction of Surgical Outcome in Advanced Ovarian Cancer by Imaging and Laparoscopy: A Narrative Review
Authors: Pinto Patrícia , Burgetova Andrea , Cibula David , Haldorsen Ingfrid S. , Indrielle-Kelly Tereza , Fischerova Daniela
Published: March 2023

Maximal-effort upfront or interval debulking surgery is the recommended approach for advanced-stage ovarian cancer. The role of diagnostic imaging is to provide a systematic and structured report on tumour dissemination with emphasis on key sites for resectability. Imaging methods, such as pelvic and abdominal ultrasound, contrast-enhanced computed tomography, whole-body diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography, yield high diagnostic performance for diagnosing bulky disease, but they are less accurate for depicting small-volume carcinomatosis, which may lead to unnecessary explorative laparotomies. Diagnostic laparoscopy, on the other hand, may directly visualize intraperitoneal involvement but has limitations in detecting tumours beyond the gastrosplenic ligament, in the lesser sac, mesenteric root or in the retroperitoneum. Laparoscopy has its place in combination with imaging in cases where ima-ging results regarding resectability are unclear. Different imaging models predicting tumour resectability have been developed as an adjunctional objective tool. Incorporating results from tumour quantitative analyses (e.g., radiomics), preoperative biopsies and biomarkers into predictive models may allow for more precise selection of patients eligible for extensive surgery. This review will discuss the ability of imaging and laparoscopy to predict non-resectable disease in patients with advanced ovarian cancer.
Prospects of POLD1 in Human Cancers: A Review
Authors: Gola Michał , Stefaniak Przemysław , Godlewski Janusz , Jereczek-Fossa Barbara , Starzyńska Anna
Published: March 2023

Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, exceeded only by cardiovascular disease. Despite the introduction of several survival-prolonging treatment modalities, including targeted therapy and immunotherapy, the overall prognosis for the metastatic disease remains challenging. Therefore, the identification of new molecular biomarkers and therapeutic targets related to cancer diagnosis and prognosis is of paramount importance. DNA polymerase delta 1 (POLD1), a catalytic and proofreading subunit of the DNA polymerase δ complex, performs a crucial role in DNA replication and repair processes. Recently, germline and somatic mutations of the POLD1 gene have been acknowledged in several malignancies. Moreover, diversified POLD1 expression profiles have been reported in association with clinicopathological features in a variety of tumor types. With this review, we aim to summarize the current knowledge on the role of POLD1 in cancers. In addition, we discuss the future prospects and clinical applications of the assessment of POLD1 mutation and expression patterns in tumors.
Electrochemical Thiocyanation/Cyclization Cascade to Access Thiocyanato-Containing Benzoxazines
Authors: Hu Jianguo , Wan Hao , Wang Shengchun , Yi Hong , Lei Aiwen
Published: March 2023

Due to the importance of SCN-containing heteroarenes, developing novel and green synthetic protocols for the synthesis of SCN-containing compounds has drawn much attention over the last decades. We reported here an electrochemical oxidative cyclization of ortho-vinyl aniline to access various SCN-containing benzoxazines. Mild conditions, an extra catalyst-free and oxidant-free system, and good tolerance for air highlight the application potential of this method.
Pluronic-123 Assisted Synthesis of Cobalt Vanadate Microparticles (µ-CoV MPs) for Durable Electrochemical Oxygen Evolution Reaction in Seawater and Connate Water
Authors: Khan Ibrahim
Published: March 2023

Exploring different catalytic material paradigms could drive the search for the best oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalyst to achieve industrially-feasible hydrogen fuel from water. Cobalt-based materials are considered good choices in this regard. Herein, we synthesized Pluronic-123 (P-123)-stabilized, unique, rough, globular-shaped cobalt vanadate microparticles (µ-CoV MPs) using an ultrasonic-assisted solvothermal method. The as-synthesized µ-CoV MPs were subjected to high-temperature annealing to improve the crystallinity and the surface polymer moieties were pyrolyzed. Conventional SEM, XRD, FTIR, and BET analyses evaluated the morphological and structural features. The temperature-controlled crystalline phase led to extensive OER performance in SW electrolytes. The OER onset potential (VOER) was observed at 1.557 V@10 mA/cm2 in seawater (SW) for µ-CoV MPs annealed at 400 °C compared to the VOER of 1.632 V of non-annealed µ-CoV MPs. The current density showed a steep increase beyond 1.557 V, confirming the excellent electrokinetics OER behavior of the µ-CoV MPs-deposited electrode. The chronoamperometric (I–t) OER stability comparison in SW and connate water (CW) electrolytes indicated only a <20% initial current density decrease after 8 h in the case of the SW electrolyte. However, the CW electrolyte posed serious challenges to the electrode and activity was completely lost after <2 h. The electrolytic comparison indicated that SW is highly suitable for µ-CoV MPs electrodes.
High-Throughput Screening Assay for Detecting Drug-Induced Changes in Synchronized Neuronal Oscillations and Potential Seizure Risk Based on Ca2+ Fluorescence Measurements in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (hiPSC)-Derived Neuronal 2D and 3D Cultures
Authors: Lu Hua-Rong , Seo Manabu , Kreir Mohamed , Tanaka Tetsuya , Yamoto Rie , Altrocchi Cristina , van Ammel Karel , Tekle Fetene , Pham Ly , Yao Xiang , Teisman Ard , Gallacher David J.
Published: March 2023

Drug-induced seizure liability is a significant safety issue and the basis for attrition in drug development. Occurrence in late development results in increased costs, human risk, and delayed market availability of novel therapeutics. Therefore, there is an urgent need for biologically relevant, in vitro high-throughput screening assays (HTS) to predict potential risks for drug-induced seizure early in drug discovery. We investigated drug-induced changes in neural Ca2+ oscillations, using fluorescent dyes as a potential indicator of seizure risk, in hiPSC-derived neurons co-cultured with human primary astrocytes in both 2D and 3D forms. The dynamics of synchronized neuronal calcium oscillations were measured with an FDSS kinetics reader. Drug responses in synchronized Ca2+ oscillations were recorded in both 2D and 3D hiPSC-derived neuron/primary astrocyte co-cultures using positive controls (4-aminopyridine and kainic acid) and negative control (acetaminophen). Subsequently, blinded tests were carried out for 25 drugs with known clinical seizure incidence. Positive predictive value (accuracy) based on significant changes in the peak number of Ca2+ oscillations among 25 reference drugs was 91% in 2D vs. 45% in 3D hiPSC-neuron/primary astrocyte co-cultures. These data suggest that drugs that alter neuronal activity and may have potential risk for seizures can be identified with high accuracy using an HTS approach using the measurements of Ca2+ oscillations in hiPSC-derived neurons co-cultured with primary astrocytes in 2D.
Biomarkers Assessing Endothelial Dysfunction in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Custodia Antía , Aramburu-Núñez Marta , Rodríguez-Arrizabalaga Mariña , Pías-Peleteiro Juan Manuel , Vázquez-Vázquez Laura , Camino-Castiñeiras Javier , Aldrey José Manuel , Castillo José , Ouro Alberto , Sobrino Tomás , Romaus-Sanjurjo Daniel
Published: March 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common degenerative disorder in the elderly in developed countries. Currently, growing evidence is pointing at endothelial dysfunction as a key player in the cognitive decline course of AD. As a main component of the blood–brain barrier (BBB), the dysfunction of endothelial cells driven by vascular risk factors associated with AD allows the passage of toxic substances to the cerebral parenchyma, producing chronic hypoperfusion that eventually causes an inflammatory and neurotoxic response. In this process, the levels of several biomarkers are disrupted, such as an increase in adhesion molecules that allow the passage of leukocytes to the cerebral parenchyma, increasing the permeability of the BBB; moreover, other vascular players, including endothelin-1, also mediate artery inflammation. As a consequence of the disruption of the BBB, a progressive neuroinflammatory response is produced that, added to the astrogliosis, eventually triggers neuronal degeneration (possibly responsible for cognitive deterioration). Recently, new molecules have been proposed as early biomarkers for endothelial dysfunction that can constitute new therapeutic targets as well as early diagnostic and prognostic markers for AD.
Psychedelic Targeting of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 2 and Its Implications for the Treatment of Alcoholism
Authors: Domanegg Kevin , Sommer Wolfgang H. , Meinhardt Marcus W.
Published: March 2023

Alcohol abuse is a leading risk factor for the public health burden worldwide. Approved pharmacotherapies have demonstrated limited effectiveness over the last few decades in treating alcohol use disorders (AUD). New therapeutic approaches are therefore urgently needed. Historical and recent clinical trials using psychedelics in conjunction with psychotherapy demonstrated encouraging results in reducing heavy drinking in AUD patients, with psilocybin being the most promising candidate. While psychedelics are known to induce changes in gene expression and neuroplasticity, we still lack crucial information about how this specifically counteracts the alterations that occur in neuronal circuits throughout the course of addiction. This review synthesizes well-established knowledge from addiction research about pathophysiological mechanisms related to the metabotropic glutamate receptor 2 (mGlu2), with findings and theories on how mGlu2 connects to the major signaling pathways induced by psychedelics via serotonin 2A receptors (2AR). We provide literature evidence that mGlu2 and 2AR are able to regulate each other’s downstream signaling pathways, either through monovalent crosstalk or through the formation of a 2AR-mGlu2 heteromer, and highlight epigenetic mechanisms by which 2ARs can modulate mGlu2 expression. Lastly, we discuss how these pathways might be targeted therapeutically to restore mGlu2 function in AUD patients, thereby reducing the propensity to relapse.
Stimuli-Responsive Designer Supramolecular Polymer Gel
Authors: Douzapau M. , Roy Chowdhury Srayoshi , Singh Surajit , Ibukun Olamilekan Joseph , Haldar Debasish
Published: March 2023

This paper reports a stimuli-responsive designer supramolecular polymer gel in dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO)/water (1:2) based on a dipeptide amphiphile and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) The dipeptide amphiphile contains caproic acid at the N terminus and methyl ester at the C terminus. From X-ray single crystal diffraction, the amphiphile adopts a kink-like conformation. The amphiphile self-assembled to form a parallel sheet-like structure stabilized by multiple intermolecular hydrogen bonds. Moreover, the parallel sheet-like structure is also stabilized by edge-to-edge π–π stacking interactions. In higher-order packing, it forms a corrugated sheet-like structure stabilized by hydrophobic interactions. The dipeptide amphiphile interacts with β-cyclodextrin and forms gel through supramolecular polymer formation in (DMSO)/water (1:2) by a simple heating-cooling cycle. The sol-to-gel transformation is because of a host–guest complex between compound 1 and β-CD and the formation of supramolecular polymer accompanied by microstructure changes from nanofibers to microrods. The gel is temperature responsive with a Tgel of 70 °C. The supramolecular polymer gel is also responsive to stimuli such aspicric acid and HCl. The extensive spectroscopic studies show that the aromatic hydrophobic side chain of compound 1 forms a host–guest complex with β-CD. These results will be helpful for the design of advanced programable eco-friendly functional materials.
Organic Thin Film Transistor for Effective Biomarker Detection in Early Disease Diagnosis
Authors: Wang Yifan , Cheng Si , Sun Chenfang , Wang Tie
Published: March 2023

Recently, people are becoming more concerned about their physical health and putting forward higher requirements for an early and painless diagnosis of diseases. Traditional methods, such as surface plasmon resonance (SPR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), surface-enhanced raman spectroscopy (SERS), and colorimetric methods have been used for the detection of biomarkers with high selectivity and sensitivity; however, these methods still need to be further improved for immediate and rapid diagnosis. Herein, organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs)-based biosensors offer the advantages of good flexibility, low-cost fabrication, reasonable sensitivity, and great biocompatibility for efficient determination of biomarkers in complex samples, including saliva, sweat, urine, and blood, respectively, exhibiting great potential in early disease diagnosis and clinical treatment.
Stroke-Associating Acute Limb Ischemia Due to the Rupture of a Hydatid Cyst
Authors: Lungu Mihaela , Oprea Violeta Diana , Zaharia Andrei Lucian , Stan Bianca , Rebegea Laura , Mocanu Dan Iulian , Elkan Eva Maria , Niculet Elena , Croitoru Ana
Published: March 2023

(1) Background: Hydatidosis, or human cystic echinococcosis, is a zoonotic disease. Endemic in some areas, recently it has an increasing incidence in wider regions, determined by population migration. Clinical features depend on the localization and level of infection: asymptomatic or with signs related to hypersensitivity, organic functional deficiencies, expanding mass effects, cyst infection and sudden death. In rare cases, the rupture of a hydatid cyst causes emboli formation by the residual laminated membrane. (2) Methods: We performed an extensive literature review, starting from the case of a 25-year-old patient presenting with neurologic symptoms relevant for acute stroke, associating right upper limb ischemia. (3) Results: Imaging investigations revealed the source of the emboli as the rupture of a hydatid cyst, the patient presenting multiple pericardial and mediastinal localizations. Cerebral imaging confirmed an acute left occipital ischemic lesion, with complete recovery of the neurological deficit after therapy, while surgery for acute brachial artery ischemia had a favorable postoperative evolution. Specific anthelmintic therapy was initiated. An extensive literature review using available databases revealed the scarcity of data on embolism as a consequence of cyst rupture, highlighting the significant risk of clinicians overlooking this possible etiology. (4) Conclusions: An associated allergic reaction should raise the hypothesis of a hydatid cyst rupture as a cause of any level acute ischemic lesion.
Mountain Cryosphere Landscapes in South America: Value and Protection
Authors: Ruiz-Pereira Sebastián , Alvarado Peterson Voltaire , Trombotto Liaudat Darío
Published: March 2023

Mountain landscapes support hydric and biodiversity potential under different ownership and land use perspectives. A focal point justifying their preservation is often the legislation’s ethical endorsement. Yet, when scales for assessment diverge without a common analytical purpose, the protective measures may become either ambiguous or insufficient. By considering that mountain cryosphere landscapes have both subjective and supply values, we focused on approaches to protect them and examined conceptual dissonances in their assessment. This ambiguity was examined by analyzing the hydric storage potential of the mountain cryosphere in semi-arid regions in the Andes. We reviewed the technical aspects of cryosphere hydrology and how current legislation aims to preserve freshwater supply and non-instrumental value. The analysis found a clash between instrumental and non-instrumental values and, most importantly, the neglect of a temporal dimension for landscape evolution. Particularly, landscape protection becomes suboptimal as scales of analysis for use and non-use values diverge. Therefore, we recommend analyzing mountain cryosphere landscapes as overlapped sub-units bearing a unified potential (future value) as a hydric resource. This analysis should fit the most inclusive scale on which transaction costs reflecting needs and insurance values reflecting management quality are optimal.
Nanocrystalline Sulfided NiMoW Catalyst Supported on Mesoporous Aluminas for the Hydrodesulfurization of 4,6-Dimethyldibenzothiophene
Authors: Palcheva Radostina , Kaluža Luděk , Petrova Tanya , Dimitrov Lubomir , Karashanova Daniela , Tyuliev Georgi , Jirátová Květuše
Published: March 2023

Tri-metallic NiMoW catalysts prepared by impregnating mesoporous aluminas (pore sizes of ~9 nm and surface areas of ~225 m2/g) obtained by sol-gel (NiMoW/Al) and hydrothermal (NiMoW/AlHYDT) processes were investigated in the hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of thiophene and 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene (4,6-DMDBT) at H2 pressures of 1 MPa and 5.0 MPa, respectively. The supports and catalysts were characterized by N2 physisorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS), temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The NiMoW/AlHYDT catalyst, which was the most active in both test HDS reactions, was characterized by a pore size of 7.5 nm, whereas the pore size of the catalyst on sol-gel alumina (NiMoW/Al) was only 4.8 nm. Moreover, the NiMoW/AlHYDT catalyst exhibited reduction peaks shifted to a lower temperature during TPR, indicating weaker metal support interactions, a higher degree of Mo (79%) and W (48%) sulfidation, and an optimal layer slab length distribution of Mo(W)S2 nanocrystals preferentially between 2–4 nm with an average layer stacking of 1.7 compared to the NiMoW/Al counterpart.
Temperature Dependence of Optical Bistability in Superconductor–Semiconductor Photonic Crystals Embedded with Graphene
Authors: Qian Libing , Hu Yonghong , Chen Zhiyuan , Zhao Dong , Dong Junjie , Chen Xiaoling
Published: March 2023

We theoretically investigate the optical bistability in superconductor–semiconductor photonic crystals composed of graphene. The photonic crystals are symmetric to the center and arranged alternately by the superconductor (HgBa2Ca2Cu3O8+δ) and semiconductor (GaAs) layers. The system supports a defect mode, and graphene is located at the layer interface where the local electric field is the strongest. Consequently, the optical nonlinearity of graphene has been greatly enhanced, and low-threshold optical bistability can be achieved with an incident wavelength red-detuning to the defect mode. The upper and lower thresholds of bistability increase with the increase in the value of low environmental temperature, while the interval between the upper and lower thresholds decreases. This research has a potential application in temperature-controlled optical switches and temperature-controlled optical memory.
How Common Are Lesions on the Tails of Sauropods? Two New Pathologies in Titanosaurs from the Late Cretaceous of Argentine Patagonia
Authors: Cruzado-Caballero Penélope , Filippi Leonardo Sebastián , González-Dionis Javier , Canudo José Ignacio
Published: March 2023

Studies of the paleopathology of the vertebrae provide an interesting, oblique approach to their paleobiology and even paleoethology. They tell us about possible ethological causes such as accidental blows with objects, social interactions within a group, and defense against predators, etc. There are numerous works on the anatomical and phylogenetic aspects of sauropod dinosaurs, and in recent years paleopathological studies have also increased. Here, we describe the injuries recorded in the caudal vertebrae of two indeterminate titanosaurids, and undertake a compilation and analysis of the pathological fossil record worldwide, focusing on the tails of sauropods. Two pathologies have been identified as present in the indeterminate titanosaurids under study: a possible case of spondyloarthropathy in MAU-Pv-LI-601, and a case of suppurative spinal osteomyelitis in MAU-Pv-LJ-472/1. Both titanosaurids are from Gondwana. In the world registry of pathologies associated with the tails of sauropod dinosaurs, it is observed that titanosaurs are the sauropods with the highest percentage of diagnosed pathologies (69% including the two new records from the province of Neuquén) and that all of these have been described in Gondwanan specimens.
Long-Term Population Trends and Diversity Shifts among Shorebirds: A Predictor of Biodiversity Loss along the Arabian Gulf Coasts
Authors: Shamna H. , Rubeena K. A. , Naser Humood A. , Athira T. R. , Singh Ajay Kumar , Almusabeh Ali H. , Zogaris Stamatis , Al-Sheikhly Omar F. , Xu Yanjie , Nefla Aymen , Gijjappu Durga Rao , Muzaffar Sabir Bin , Aarif K. M.
Published: March 2023

Bahrain is a cluster of islands in the mid-section of the Arabian Gulf that serves as an important wintering and stop-over ground for many migratory shorebirds in the Central Asian Flyway (CAF). However, natural and anthropogenic factors have had a significant impact on these ecosystems over the last few decades. Long-term, systematic studies based on standardized survey observations are needed to understand the population dynamics and diversity changes of shorebirds in these critical sites. We systematically surveyed the shorebird population and community in Bahrain between 2010 January to 2021 December. This is the first comprehensive study from the entire Kingdom of Bahrain, and covered 13 sites over 12 years to establish the results. A total of 39 species were encountered during the study period from all 13 sites in Bahrain, of which 27 species were common and regular migrants to all the study sites; these were selected to analyze the population trend. Five species represented 77% or more of the total wintering shorebird population. All the shorebird species assessed exhibited significant declining trends over the years, and majority of them had over 1% relative abundance. Shorebirds in Bahrain were severely threatened at these sites, indicating that their population trend in the area could be crucially affected. Further conservation efforts are needed, aided by an understanding of the mechanisms driving the decline and diversity changes of shorebirds in the most stressed coastal regions of Bahrain. Further studies organized throughout the country’s coasts may aid in establishing improved conservation measures to protect the shorebirds of the CAF in Bahrain.
Sensor Data Quality in Ships: A Time Series Forecasting Approach to Compensate for Missing Data and Drift in Measurements of Speed through Water Sensors
Authors: Alexiou Kiriakos , Pariotis Efthimios , Leligou Helen
Published: March 2023

In this paper, four machine learning algorithms are examined regarding their effectiveness in dealing with a complete lack of sensor drift values for a crucial parameter for ship performance evaluation, such as a ship’s speed through water (STW). A basic Linear Regression algorithm, a more sophisticated ensemble model (Random Forest) and two modern Recurrent Neural Networks i.e., Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and Neural Basis Expansion Analysis for Time Series (N-Beats) are evaluated. A computational algorithm written in python language with the use of the Darts library was developed for this scope. The results regarding the selected parameter (STW) are provided on a real- or near-to-real-time basis. The algorithms were able to estimate the speed through water in a progressive manner, with no initial values needed, making it possible to replace the complete missingness of the label data. A physical model developed with the simulation platform of Siemens Simcenter Amesim is used to calculate the ship STW under the real operating conditions of a banker ship type during a period of six months. These theoretically obtained values are used as reference values (“ground-truth” values) to evaluate the performance of each of the four machine learning algorithms examined.
SARS-CoV-2 Neutralizing Antibodies in Mexican Population: A Five Vaccine Comparison
Authors: Alcorta-Nuñez Fernando , Pérez-Ibave Diana Cristina , Burciaga-Flores Carlos Horacio , Garza Miguel Ángel , González-Escamilla Moisés , Rodríguez-Niño Patricia , González-Guerrero Juan Francisco , Alcorta-Garza Adelina , Vidal-Gutiérrez Oscar , Ramírez-Correa Genaro A. , Garza-Rodríguez María Lourdes
Published: March 2023

Neutralizing antibodies (NAs) are key immunological markers and are part of the humoral response of the adaptive immune system. NA assays determine the presence of functional antibodies to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection. We performed a real-world evidence study to detect NAs that confer protection against SARS-CoV-2 after the application of five vaccines (Pfizer/BioNTech, AstraZeneca, Sinovac, Moderna, and CanSino) in the Mexican population. Side effects of COVID-19 vaccines and clinical and demographic factors associated with low immunogenicity were also evaluated. A total of 242 SARS-CoV-2-vaccinated subjects were recruited. Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna proved the highest percentage of inhibition in a mono-vaccine scheme. Muscular pain, headache, and fatigue were the most common adverse events. None of the patients reported severe adverse events. We found an estimated contagion-free time of 207 (IQR: 182–231) and 187 (IQR: 184–189) days for Pfizer/BioNTech and CanSino in 12 cases in each group. On the basis of our results, we consider that the emerging vaccination strategy in Mexico is effective and safe.
Involvement of APOBEC3A/B Deletion in Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus (MMTV)-like Positive Human Breast Cancer
Authors: de Sousa Pereira Nathália , Vitiello Glauco Akelinghton Freire , Amarante Marla Karine
Published: March 2023

The association between mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV)-like sequences and human breast cancer (BC) is largely documented in the literature, but further research is needed to determine how they influence carcinogenesis. APOBEC3 cytidine deaminases are viral restriction factors that have been implicated in cancer mutagenesis, and a germline deletion that results in the fusion of the APOBEC3A coding region with the APOBEC3B 3′-UTR has been linked to increased mutagenic potential, enhanced risk of BC development, and poor prognosis. However, little is known about factors influencing APOBEC3 family activation in cancer. Thus, we hypothesized that MMTV infection and APOBEC3-mediated mutagenesis may be linked in the pathogenesis of BC. We investigated APOBEC3A/B genotyping, MMTV-like positivity, and clinicopathological parameters of 209 BC patients. We show evidence for active APOBEC3-mediated mutagenesis in human-derived MMTV sequences and comparatively investigate the impact of APOBEC3A/B germline deletion in MMTV-like env positive and negative BC in a Brazilian cohort. In MMTV-like negative samples, APOBEC3A/B deletion was negatively correlated with tumor stage while being positively correlated with estrogen receptor expression. Although APOBEC3A/B was not associated with MMTV-like positivity, samples carrying both MMTV-like positivity and APOBEC3A/B deletion had the lowest age-at-diagnosis of all study groups, with all patients being less than 50 years old. These results indicate that APOBEC3 mutagenesis is active against MMTV-like sequences, and that APOBEC3A/B deletion might act along with the MMTV-like presence to predispose people to early-onset BC.
Participation, Legal Capacity, and Gender: Reflections from the United Nations Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Project in Serbia
Authors: Wescott Holly , Ferri Delia , MacLachlan Malcolm
Published: March 2023

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) establishes that people with disabilities shall enjoy their human rights on an equal basis with others. Those rights include the right to legal capacity and to protection against discrimination, including intersectional and multiple forms of discrimination on the basis of disability and gender. In an effort to support the realisation of the CRPD, the United Nations team in Serbia undertook a project to address the implementation of these rights under the UN Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNPRPD) programme. Namely, by bringing together stakeholders from the UN, government and civil society, the UNPRPD project in Serbia sought to create structural changes to uphold the rights of people with disabilities. With a view of understanding the process of change within, rather than the outcomes of, this UPRPD project, twenty-eight semi-structured interviews were conducted using the Most Significant Change Technique (MSCT) with key stakeholders involved in such a project. The interviews were analysed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to preserve the unique and diverse perspectives of participants who had differing roles across the project. The analysis allowed us to identify a number of facets of the process that facilitate structural change: coalition-building events; strengthening stakeholder capacity and relationships; the participation of persons with disabilities; and innovation in terms of what made the project significant, novel and in itself a change. All these facets are discussed in this article, with the purpose of supporting global efforts in alignment with the CRPD. On the whole, this article aims to support a better understanding of disability-inclusive development projects in line with the CRPD and to give evidence on how countries may begin to tackle the structural exclusion of persons with disabilities in society.
Multi-Conflict-Based Optimal Algorithm for Multi-UAV Cooperative Path Planning
Authors: Liu Xiaoxiong , Su Yuzhan , Wu Yan , Guo Yicong
Published: March 2023

Multi-UAV cooperative path planning can improve the efficiency of task completion. To deal with the space and time conflicts of multi-UAVs in complex environments, a multi-collision-based multi-UAV cooperative path planning algorithm, multi-conflict-based search (MCBS), is proposed. First, the flight and cooperative constraints of UAV are analyzed, and a three-dimensional environment model is established that incorporates geographical information. Then, hierarchical optimization is used to design collaborative algorithms. In the low-level path design, UAV flight constraints are combined with a sparse A* algorithm, and by improving the cost function, the search space is reduced, and the search time is shortened. In high-level cooperation, the priorities of different conflicts are set, heuristic information is introduced to guide the constraint tree to grow in the direction of satisfying the constraints, and the optimal path set is searched by the best priority search algorithm to reduce the convergence time. Finally, the planning results of the proposed algorithm, the traditional CBS algorithm, and the sparse A* algorithm for different UAV tasks are compared, and the influence of the optimization parameters on the calculation results is discussed. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can solve cooperative conflict between UAVs, improve the efficiency of path searches, and quickly find the optimal safe cooperative path that satisfies flight and cooperative constraints.
Robust Planning System for Fast Autonomous Flight in Complex Unknown Environment Using Sparse Directed Frontier Points
Authors: Zhao Yinghao , Yan Li , Dai Jicheng , Hu Xiao , Wei Pengcheng , Xie Hong
Published: March 2023

Path planning is one of the key parts of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) fast autonomous flight in cluttered environments. However, it remains a challenge to efficiently generate a high-quality trajectory for flight tasks with a high success rate. In this paper, a robust planning framework is proposed, which can stably support autonomous flight tasks in complex unknown environments with limited onboard computing resources. Firstly, we propose the directed frontier point information structure (DFP), which can roughly capture the frontier information of the explored environment. The planning direction of a local planner can be evaluated and rectified efficiently based on the DFP to avoid falling into traps with limited cost. Secondly, an adaptive fusion replanning method is designed to generate a high-quality trajectory efficiently by incorporating two optimization methods with different characteristics, which can both take advantage of different optimization methods while avoiding disadvantages as much as possible, but also adjust the focus of the optimization according to the actual situation to improve the success rate of the planning method. Finally, sufficient comparison and evaluation experiments in simulation environments are presented. Experimental results show the proposed method has better performance, especially in terms of adaptability and robustness, compared to typical and state-of-the-art methods in unknown complex scenarios. Moreover, the proposed system is integrated into a fully autonomous quadrotor, and the effectiveness of the proposed method is further evaluated by using the quadrotor in real-world environments.
Impacts of Problem-Based Instruction on Students’ Beliefs about Physics and Learning Physics
Authors: Lee May , Larkin Cormac J. K. , Hoekstra Steven
Published: March 2023

To help prepare students to address future challenges in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), they need to develop 21st-century skills. These skills are mediated by their beliefs about the nature of scientific knowledge and practices, or epistemological beliefs. One approach shown to support students’ development of these beliefs and skills is problem-based instruction (PBI), which encourages collaborative self-directed learning while working on open-ended problems. We used a mixed-method qualitative approach to examine how implementing PBI in a physics course taught at a Dutch university affected students’ beliefs about physics and learning physics. Analysis of the responses to the course surveys (41–74% response rates) from the first implementation indicated students appreciated opportunities for social interactions with peers and use of scientific equipment with PBI but found difficulties connecting to the Internet given the COVID-19 restrictions. The Colorado Learning Attitudes towards Science Survey (CLASS), a validated survey on epistemological beliefs about physics and learning physics, was completed by a second cohort of students in a subsequent implementation of PBI for the same course; analysis of the students’ pre- and post-responses (28% response rate) showed a slight shift towards more expert-like perspectives despite challenges (e.g., access to lab). Findings from this study may inform teachers with an interest in supporting the development of students’ epistemological beliefs about STEM and the implementation of PBI in undergraduate STEM courses.
Career Profiles of University Students: How STEM Students Distinguish Regarding Interests, Prestige and Sextype
Authors: Mouton Divan , Hartmann Florian G. , Ertl Bernhard
Published: March 2023

Various factors may be important while individuals develop vocational aspirations. Although occupations that fit one’s personal interests appear to be attractive, contextual factors may repel groups, such as young girls, to develop towards areas such as STEM. Especially, the sextype of STEM occupations, that is often considered as male, could limit STEM career choice of young girls. This study investigates career profiles of n = 9277 German university freshmen based on interests, prestige, and sextype. Eleven latent profiles were found. Five profiles can be characterized by their prestige levels and two further by their sextype. Certain profiles are significantly associated with study outcomes and study satisfaction, which allows to identify at-risk profiles. Of note, especially female students in STEM subjects with a low proportion of females distributed widely across the 11 profiles. The implications of this study suggest that career choice profiles according to Gottfredson’s framework can help to identify at-risk students.
Practical Implementation of an Analogue and Digital Electronics System for a Modular Cosmic Ray Detector—MCORD
Authors: Bielewicz Marcin , Bancer Aleksandr , Dziedzic Andrzej , Grzyb Jaroslaw , Jaworska Elzbieta , Kasprowicz Grzegorz , Kiecana Michal , Kolasinski Piotr , Kuc Michal , Kuklewski Michal , Pietrzak Marcin , Pozniak Krzysztof , Sitek Maciej , Sowinski Mikolaj , Świderski Łukasz , Syntfeld-Kazuch Agnieszka , Szewinski Jaroslaw , Zabołotny Wojciech Marek
Published: March 2023

A Modular COsmic Ray Detector (MCORD) was prepared for use in various physics experiments. MCORD detectors can be used in laboratory measurements or can become a part of large measurement sets. MCORD can be used as a muon detector, a veto system, or a tool supporting the testing and calibration of other detectors. MCORD can also work as a stand-alone device for scientific and commercial purposes. The basic element of MCORD is one section consisting of eight oblong scintillators with a double-sided light reading performed by silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs). This work presents a practical description of testing, calibration, and programming of analogue and digital electronics modules. The characterisation and calibration methods of the analogue front-end electronic modules, the obtained results, and their implementation into an operating system are presented. In addition, we describe the development environment and the procedures used to prepare our kit for practical use. The architecture of the FPGAs is also presented with a description of their programming as a data-collecting system in a simple coincidence circuit. We also present the possibilities of extending the data analysis system for large experiments.
RSP-DST: Revisable State Prediction for Dialogue State Tracking
Authors: Li Qianyu , Zhang Wensheng , Huang Mengxing , Feng Siling , Wu Yuanyuan
Published: March 2023

Task-oriented dialogue systems depend on dialogue state tracking to keep track of the intentions of users in the course of conversations. Although recent models in dialogue state tracking exhibit good performance, the errors in predicting the value of each slot at the current dialogue turn of these models are easily carried over to the next turn, and unlikely to be revised in the next turn, resulting in error propagation. In this paper, we propose a revisable state prediction for dialogue state tracking, which constructs a two-stage slot value prediction process composed of an original prediction and a revising prediction. The original prediction process jointly models the previous dialogue state and dialogue context to predict the original dialogue state of the current dialogue turn. Then, in order to avoid the errors existing in the original dialogue state continuing to the next dialogue turn, a revising prediction process utilizes the dialogue context to revise errors, alleviating the error propagation. Experiments are conducted on MultiWOZ 2.0, MultiWOZ 2.1, and MultiWOZ 2.4 and results indicate that our model outperforms previous state-of-the-art works, achieving new state-of-the-art performances with 56.35, 58.09, and 75.65% joint goal accuracy, respectively, which has a significant improvement (2.15, 1.73, and 2.03%) over the previous best results.
Characteristics of Stress-Displacement-Fracture Multi-Field Evolution around Gas Extraction Borehole
Authors: Sun Xiaoyan , Ran Qican , Liu Hao , Ning Yanhao , Ma Tengfei
Published: March 2023

To ensure the effectiveness of the gas extraction borehole, it is necessary to investigate the stress-displacement-fracture evolution of the coal around the borehole. In this study, by constructing a numerical model of a gas extraction borehole, the burial depth and side pressure coefficient are used to characterize the overall stress level of the borehole and the difference in stress distribution caused by complex stress conditions. First, the stress time-varying pattern and force chain distribution of coal around the borehole were revealed. Then, the displacement time-varying pattern and displacement distribution of coal around the borehole were elucidated. Then, the microfracture distribution of coal around the borehole, which characterizes the microfractures, was analyzed. Finally, the validity of the numerical results was verified. The results showed that, after the stress field of the coal around the borehole was adjusted, the force chain of the borehole was unevenly distributed and the stress concentration phenomenon appeared. With the increase in burial depth, the stress around the borehole gradually increased, while the range of stress concentration zone in the borehole kept increasing, and the borehole changed from unilateral instability to bilateral instability. Moreover, the displacement field around the borehole was distributed in the shape of a ”disk leaf”. With the increase in burial depth, the deformation of coal around the borehole increased. With the increase in the side pressure coefficient, the vertical and horizontal displacement also increased gradually. Furthermore, there was a certain correspondence between the development of fracture and the deformation around the coal. With the increase in burial depth, the development of fractures was gradually obvious, and the distribution characteristics were concentrated in the middle and dispersed around. This study provides a theoretical reference for the stability of gas extraction boreholes, aiming to improve the gas extraction effect.