bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thin Reservoir Identification Based on Logging Interpretation by Using the Support Vector Machine Method
Authors: Zhou Xinmao , Li Yawen , Song Xiaodong , Jin Lingxuan , Wang Xixin
Published: February 2023

A reservoir with a thickness less than 0.5 m is generally considered to be a thin reservoir, in which it is difficult to directly identify oil-water layers with conventional logging data, and the identify result coincidence rate is low. Therefore, a support vector machine method (SVM) is introduced in the field of oil-water-dry layer identification. The basic approach is to map the nonlinear problem (input space) to a new high-dimensional feature space through the introduction of a kernel function, and then construct the optimal decision surface in the high-dimensional feature space and conduct sample classification. There are plenty of thin reservoirs in Wangguantun oilfield. Therefore, 63 samples are established by integrating general logging data and oil testing data from the study area, including 42 learning samples and 21 prediction samples, which are normalized. Then, the kernel function is selected, based on previous experience, and the fluid identification model of the thin reservoir is built. The model is used to identify 21 prediction samples; 18 are correct, and the prediction accuracy reaches 85.7%. The results show that the SVM method is feasible for fluid identification in thin reservoirs.
Enhancing Docosahexaenoic Acid Production of Isochrysis galbana from Starch-Rich Food Processing Byproducts
Authors: Ge Fengru , Song Kunyan , Yang Zixiang , Li Jinmeng , Yan Feng , Zhang Mengyan , Huang Binbin , Fu Guiming , Zheng Hongli
Published: February 2023

Leftover dough, a byproduct in steamed bread processing, is rich in starch, which is a carbohydrate source for microorganisms. Carbon and nitrogen are the two most abundant nutrients in the medium of Isochrysis galbana. In this study, the leftover dough hydrolysates were used as carbon resources for the cultivation of Isochrysis galbana for docosahexaenoic acid production under different NaNO3 concentrations. The results showed that hydrolysates and NaNO3 concentration affected cell growth and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) accumulation significantly. The maximum biomass concentration of 4.18 g L−1 and maximum DHA yield of 341.3 mg L−1 were obtained with 50.0 mL L−1 hydrolysates. The DHA yield of Isochrysis galbana with 300.0 mg L−1 NaNO3 was 8.9-fold higher than that of the control. The results showed that the DHA production of Isochrysis galbana from starch-rich food processing byproducts was enhanced.
Pesticide Residues and Metabolites in Greek Honey and Pollen: Bees and Human Health Risk Assessment
Authors: Kasiotis Konstantinos M. , Zafeiraki Effrosyni , Manea-Karga Electra , Anastasiadou Pelagia , Machera Kyriaki
Published: February 2023

Background: Bees encounter a plethora of environmental contaminants during nectar and pollen collection from plants. Consequently, after their entrance into the beehives, the transfer of numerous pollutants to apicultural products is inevitable. Methods: In this context, during the period of 2015–2020, 109 samples of honey, pollen, and beebread were sampled and analyzed for the determination of pesticides and their metabolites. More than 130 analytes were investigated in each sample by applying two validated multiresidue methods (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS). Results: Until the end of 2020, 40 determinations were reported in honey, resulting in a 26% positive to at least one active substance. The concentrations of pesticides ranged from 1.3 ng/g to 785 ng/g honey. For seven active substances in honey and pollen, maximum residue limits (MRLs) exceedances were observed. Coumaphos, imidacloprid, acetamiprid, amitraz metabolites (DMF and DMPF), and tau-fluvalinate were the predominant compounds detected in honey, while several pyrethroids such as λ-cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, and cyfluthrin were also found. Pollen and beebread, as expected, accumulated a higher number of active substances and metabolites (32 in total), exhibiting almost double the number of detections. Conclusions: Although the above findings verify the occurrence of numerous pesticide and metabolite residues in both honey and pollen, the human risk assessment in the majority of the cases does not raise any concerns, and the same applies to bee risk assessment.
Effect of Pulsed Electric Field on the Chicken Meat Quality and Taste-Related Amino Acid Stability: Flavor Simulation
Authors: Roobab Ume , Zeng Xin-An , Ahmed Waqar , Madni Ghulam Muhammad , Manzoor Muhammad Faisal , Aadil Rana Muhammad
Published: February 2023

Meat contains several amino acids related to taste, which have a significant impact on the overall acceptability of consumers. A number of volatile compounds have been studied in relation to meat flavor, but amino acids have not been fully explored in relation to the taste of raw or cooked meat. It would be interesting to find any changes in physicochemical characteristics, especially the level of taste-active compounds and flavor content during non-thermal processing such as pulsed electric fields (PEF), for commercial reasons. The effect of PEF at low intensity (LPEF; 1 kV/cm) and comparatively high intensity (HPEF; 3 kV/cm) with different pulse numbers (25, 50, and 100) was investigated on the physicochemical characteristics of chicken breast, including the free amino acid content (related to umami, sweet, bitter, or fresh pleasant taste). PEF is regarded as a “nonthermal” technology; however, HPEF induces moderate temperature rises as it increases with the treatment intensity (i.e., electric field strength and pulse number). The pH, shear force, and cook loss (%) of the LPEF and untreated samples were not affected by the treatments, but the shear force of the LPEF and untreated samples was lower than that of HPEF groups that showed PEF-induced slight structural modifications resulting in a more porous cell. In the case of color parameters, the lightness of meat (L*) was significantly higher with treatment intensity, whereas both a* and b* were unaffected by the PEF treatments. Moreover, PEF treatment significantly (p < 0.05) affected umami-related free amino acids (FAAs; glutamic acid and aspartic acid) and leucine and valine, which are precursors of flavor compounds. However, PEF decreases the level of bitter taste contributing FAAs such as lysine and tyrosine, which may prevent the formation of fermented flavors. In conclusion, both PEF treatments (LPEF and HPEF) did not adversely impact the physicochemical quality of chicken breast.
Examining the Hermite–Hadamard Inequalities for k-Fractional Operators Using the Green Function
Authors: Yildiz Çetin , Cotîrlă Luminiţa-Ioana
Published: February 2023

For k-Riemann–Liouville fractional integral operators, the Hermite–Hadamard inequality is already well-known in the literature. In this regard, this paper presents the Hermite–Hadamard inequalities for k-Riemann–Liouville fractional integral operators by using a novel method based on Green’s function. Additionally, applying these identities to the convex and monotone functions, new Hermite–Hadamard type inequalities are established. Furthermore, a different form of the Hermite–Hadamard inequality is also obtained by using this novel approach. In conclusion, we believe that the approach presented in this paper will inspire more research in this area.
Nonlinear Piecewise Caputo Fractional Pantograph System with Respect to Another Function
Authors: Abdo Mohammed S. , Shammakh Wafa , Alzumi Hadeel Z. , Alghamd Najla , Albalwi M. Daher
Published: February 2023

The existence, uniqueness, and various forms of Ulam–Hyers (UH)-type stability results for nonlocal pantograph equations are developed and extended in this study within the frame of novel psi-piecewise Caputo fractional derivatives, which generalize the piecewise operators recently presented in the literature. The required results are proven using Banach’s contraction mapping and Krasnoselskii’s fixed-point theorem. Additionally, results pertaining to UH stability are obtained using traditional procedures of nonlinear functional analysis. Additionally, in light of our current findings, a more general challenge for the pantograph system is presented that includes problems similar to the one considered. We provide a pertinent example as an application to support the theoretical findings.
Identify the Virus-like Models for COVID-19 as Bio-Threats: Combining Phage Display, Spectral Detection and Algorithms Analysis
Authors: Wu Yuting , Liu Zhiwei , Mao Sihan , Liu Bing , Tong Zhaoyang
Published: February 2023

The rapid identification and recognition of COVID-19 have been challenging since its outbreak. Multiple methods were developed to realize fast monitoring early to prevent and control the pandemic. In addition, it is difficult and unrealistic to apply the actual virus to study and research because of the highly infectious and pathogenic SARS-CoV-2. In this study, the virus-like models were designed and produced to replace the original virus as bio-threats. Three-dimensional excitation-emission matrix fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy were employed for differentiation and recognition among the produced bio-threats and other viruses, proteins, and bacteria. Combined with PCA and LDA analysis, the identification of the models for SARS-CoV-2 was achieved, reaching a correction of 88.9% and 96.3% after cross-validation, respectively. This idea might provide a possible pattern for detecting and controlling SARS-CoV-2 from the perspective of combining optics and algorithms, which could be applied in the early-warning system against COVID-19 or other bio-threats in the future.
Circular RNAs and Untranslated Regions in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Yeh Shih-Chia , Cheong Faith J. F. , Tay Yvonne
Published: February 2023

Before the advent of next-generation sequencing, research on acute myeloid leukemia (AML) mostly centered on protein-coding genes. In recent years, breakthroughs in RNA sequencing technologies and whole transcriptome analysis have led to the discovery that approximately 97.5% of the human genome is transcribed into non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). This paradigm shift has led to an explosion of research interest in different classes of non-coding RNAs, such as circular RNAs (circRNAs) as well as non-coding untranslated regions (UTRs) of protein-coding messenger RNAs. The critical roles of circRNAs and UTRs in AML pathogenesis have become increasingly apparent. In this review, we discuss the cellular mechanisms of circRNAs and summarize recent studies that reveal their biological roles in AML. Furthermore, we also review the contribution of 3′UTRs to disease progression. Finally, we discuss the potential of circRNAs and 3′UTRs as new biomarkers for disease stratification and/or the prediction of treatment response and targets for the development of RNA-directed therapeutic applications.
Ubiquitin-Specific Proteases (USPs) and Metabolic Disorders
Authors: Kitamura Hiroshi
Published: February 2023

Ubiquitination and deubiquitination are reversible processes that modify the characteristics of target proteins, including stability, intracellular localization, and enzymatic activity. Ubiquitin-specific proteases (USPs) constitute the largest deubiquitinating enzyme family. To date, accumulating evidence indicates that several USPs positively and negatively affect metabolic diseases. USP22 in pancreatic β-cells, USP2 in adipose tissue macrophages, USP9X, 20, and 33 in myocytes, USP4, 7, 10, and 18 in hepatocytes, and USP2 in hypothalamus improve hyperglycemia, whereas USP19 in adipocytes, USP21 in myocytes, and USP2, 14, and 20 in hepatocytes promote hyperglycemia. In contrast, USP1, 5, 9X, 14, 15, 22, 36, and 48 modulate the progression of diabetic nephropathy, neuropathy, and/or retinopathy. USP4, 10, and 18 in hepatocytes ameliorates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), while hepatic USP2, 11, 14, 19, and 20 exacerbate it. The roles of USP7 and 22 in hepatic disorders are controversial. USP9X, 14, 17, and 20 in vascular cells are postulated to be determinants of atherosclerosis. Moreover, mutations in the Usp8 and Usp48 loci in pituitary tumors cause Cushing syndrome. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the modulatory roles of USPs in energy metabolic disorders.
Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Globotriaosylsphingosine and Its Analogues in Dried Blood Spots
Authors: Boutin Michel , Lavoie Pamela , Beaudon Margot , Kabala Ntumba Georges , Bichet Daniel G. , Maranda Bruno , Auray-Blais Christiane
Published: February 2023

Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder where impaired α-galactosidase A enzyme activity leads to the intracellular accumulation of undegraded glycosphingolipids, including globotriaosylsphingosine (lyso-Gb3) and related analogues. Lyso-Gb3 and related analogues are useful biomarkers for screening and should be routinely monitored for longitudinal patient evaluation. In recent years, a growing interest has emerged in the analysis of FD biomarkers in dried blood spots (DBSs), considering the several advantages compared to venipuncture as a technique for collecting whole-blood specimens. The focus of this study was to devise and validate a UHPLC-MS/MS method for the analysis of lyso-Gb3 and related analogues in DBSs to facilitate sample collection and shipment to reference laboratories. The assay was devised in conventional DBS collection cards and in Capitainer®B blood collection devices using both capillary and venous blood specimens from 12 healthy controls and 20 patients affected with FD. The measured biomarker concentrations were similar in capillary and venous blood specimens. The hematocrit (Hct) did not affect the correlation between plasma and DBS measurements in our cohort (Hct range: 34.3–52.2%). This UHPLC-MS/MS method using DBS would facilitate high-risk screening and the follow-up and monitoring of patients affected with FD.
Extracellular Histone-Induced Protein Kinase C Alpha Activation and Troponin Phosphorylation Is a Potential Mechanism of Cardiac Contractility Depression in Sepsis
Authors: Abrams Simon T. , Alhamdi Yasir , Zi Min , Guo Fengmei , Du Min , Wang Guozheng , Cartwright Elizabeth J. , Toh Cheng-Hock
Published: February 2023

Reduction in cardiac contractility is common in severe sepsis. However, the pathological mechanism is still not fully understood. Recently it has been found that circulating histones released after extensive immune cell death play important roles in multiple organ injury and disfunction, particularly in cardiomyocyte injury and contractility reduction. How extracellular histones cause cardiac contractility depression is still not fully clear. In this work, using cultured cardiomyocytes and a histone infusion mouse model, we demonstrate that clinically relevant histone concentrations cause significant increases in intracellular calcium concentrations with subsequent activation and enriched localization of calcium-dependent protein kinase C (PKC) α and βII into the myofilament fraction of cardiomyocytes in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, histones induced dose-dependent phosphorylation of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) at the PKC-regulated phosphorylation residues (S43 and T144) in cultured cardiomyocytes, which was also confirmed in murine cardiomyocytes following intravenous histone injection. Specific inhibitors against PKCα and PKCβII revealed that histone-induced cTnI phosphorylation was mainly mediated by PKCα activation, but not PKCβII. Blocking PKCα also significantly abrogated histone-induced deterioration in peak shortening, duration and the velocity of shortening, and re-lengthening of cardiomyocyte contractility. These in vitro and in vivo findings collectively indicate a potential mechanism of histone-induced cardiomyocyte dysfunction driven by PKCα activation with subsequent enhanced phosphorylation of cTnI. These findings also indicate a potential mechanism of clinical cardiac dysfunction in sepsis and other critical illnesses with high levels of circulating histones, which holds the potential translational benefit to these patients by targeting circulating histones and downstream pathways.
The Role of the Dopamine System in Post-Stroke Mood Disorders in Newborn Rats
Authors: Villa María , Martínez-Vega María , del Pozo Aarón , Muneta-Arrate Itziar , Gómez-Soria Ana , Muguruza Carolina , de Hoz-Rivera María , Romero Angela , Silva Laura , Callado Luis F. , Casarejos Maria José , Martínez-Orgado José
Published: February 2023

Post-stroke mood disorders (PSMD) affect disease prognosis in adults. Adult rodent models underlie the importance of the dopamine (DA) system in PSMD pathophysiology. There are no studies on PSMD after neonatal stroke. We induced neonatal stroke in 7-day-old (P7) rats by temporal left middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Performance in the tail suspension test (TST) at P14 and the forced swimming test (FST) and open field test (OFT) at P37 were studied to assess PSMD. DA neuron density in the ventral tegmental area, brain DA concentration and DA transporter (DAT) expression as well as D2 receptor (D2R) expression and G-protein functional coupling were also studied. MCAO animals revealed depressive-like symptoms at P14 associated with decreased DA concentration and reduced DA neuron population and DAT expression. At P37, MCAO rats showed hyperactive behavior associated with increased DA concentration, normalization of DA neuron density and decreased DAT expression. MCAO did not modify D2R expression but reduced D2R functionality at P37. MCAO-induced depressive-like symptoms were reversed by the DA reuptake inhibitor GBR-12909. In conclusion, MCAO in newborn rats induced depressive-like symptoms and hyperactive behavior in the medium and long term, respectively, that were associated with alterations in the DA system.
Evidence and Metabolic Implications for a New Non-Canonical Role of Cu-Zn Superoxide Dismutase
Authors: Sun Ziqiao , Lei Xin-Gen
Published: February 2023

Copper–zinc superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) has long been recognized as a major redox enzyme in scavenging superoxide radicals. However, there is little information on its non-canonical role and metabolic implications. Using a protein complementation assay (PCA) and pull-down assay, we revealed novel protein–protein interactions (PPIs) between SOD1 and tyrosine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein zeta (YWHAZ) or epsilon (YWHAE) in this research. Through site-directed mutagenesis of SOD1, we studied the binding conditions of the two PPIs. Forming the SOD1 and YWHAE or YWHAZ protein complex enhanced enzyme activity of purified SOD1 in vitro by 40% (p < 0.05) and protein stability of over-expressed intracellular YWHAE (18%, p < 0.01) and YWHAZ (14%, p < 0.05). Functionally, these PPIs were associated with lipolysis, cell growth, and cell survival in HEK293T or HepG2 cells. In conclusion, our findings reveal two new PPIs between SOD1 and YWHAE or YWHAZ and their structural dependences, responses to redox status, mutual impacts on the enzyme function and protein degradation, and metabolic implications. Overall, our finding revealed a new unorthodox role of SOD1 and will provide novel perspectives and insights for diagnosing and treating diseases related to the protein.
Radiation Damage in Biomolecules and Cells 2.0
Authors: Carante Mario P. , Ramos Ricardo L. , Ballarini Francesca
Published: February 2023

It is well known that ionizing radiation, when it hits living cells, causes a plethora of different damage types at different levels [...]
Formation and Thermal Stability of Ordered Self-Assembled Monolayers by the Adsorption of Amide-Containing Alkanethiols on Au(111)
Authors: Son Young Ji , Han Jin Wook , Kang Hungu , Seong Sicheon , Han Seulki , Maeda Shoichi , Chikami Shunta , Hayashi Tomohiro , Hara Masahiko , Noh Jaegeun
Published: February 2023

We examined the surface structure, binding conditions, electrochemical behavior, and thermal stability of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on Au(111) formed by N-(2-mercaptoethyl)heptanamide (MEHA) containing an amide group in an inner alkyl chain using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and cyclic voltammetry (CV) to understand the effects of an internal amide group as a function of deposition time. The STM study clearly showed that the structural transitions of MEHA SAMs on Au(111) occurred from the liquid phase to the formation of a closely packed and well-ordered β-phase via a loosely packed α-phase as an intermediate phase, depending on the deposition time. XPS measurements showed that the relative peak intensities of chemisorbed sulfur against Au 4f for MEHA SAMs formed after deposition for 1 min, 10 min, and 1 h were calculated to be 0.0022, 0.0068, and 0.0070, respectively. Based on the STM and XPS results, it is expected that the formation of a well-ordered β-phase is due to an increased adsorption of chemisorbed sulfur and the structural rearrangement of molecular backbones to maximize lateral interactions resulting from a longer deposition period of 1 h. CV measurements showed a significant difference in the electrochemical behavior of MEHA and decanethiol (DT) SAMs as a result of the presence of an internal amide group in the MEHA SAMs. Herein, we report the first high-resolution STM image of well-ordered MEHA SAMs on Au(111) with a (3 × 2√3) superlattice (β-phase). We also found that amide-containing MEHA SAMs were thermally much more stable than DT SAMs due to the formation of internal hydrogen networks in MEHA SAMs. Our molecular-scale STM results provide new insight into the growth process, surface structure, and thermal stability of amide-containing alkanethiols on Au(111).
Cell Sorting-Directed Selection of Bacterial Cells in Bigger Sizes Analyzed by Imaging Flow Cytometry during Experimental Evolution
Authors: Tian Di , Wang Caiyan , Liu Yunfei , Zhang Yueyue , Caliari Adriano , Lu Hui , Xia Yang , Xu Boying , Xu Jian , Yomo Tetsuya
Published: February 2023

Cell morphology is an essential and phenotypic trait that can be easily tracked during adaptation and evolution to environmental changes. Thanks to the rapid development of quantitative analytical techniques for large populations of cells based on their optical properties, morphology can be easily determined and tracked during experimental evolution. Furthermore, the directed evolution of new culturable morphological phenotypes can find use in synthetic biology to refine fermentation processes. It remains unknown whether and how fast we can obtain a stable mutant with distinct morphologies using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS)-directed experimental evolution. Taking advantage of FACS and imaging flow cytometry (IFC), we direct the experimental evolution of the E. coli population undergoing continuous passage of sorted cells with specific optical properties. After ten rounds of sorting and culturing, a lineage with large cells resulting from incomplete closure of the division ring was obtained. Genome sequencing highlighted a stop-gain mutation in amiC, leading to a dysfunctional AmiC division protein. The combination of FACS-based selection with IFC analysis to track the evolution of the bacteria population in real-time holds promise to rapidly select and culture new morphologies and association tendencies with many potential applications.
Sustained Release of Antifungal and Antibacterial Agents from Novel Hybrid Degradable Nanofibers for the Treatment of Polymicrobial Osteomyelitis
Authors: Hsu Yung-Heng , Yu Yi-Hsun , Chou Ying-Chao , Lu Chia-Jung , Lin Yu-Ting , Ueng Steve Wen-Neng , Liu Shih-Jung
Published: February 2023

This study aimed to develop a drug delivery system with hybrid biodegradable antifungal and antibacterial agents incorporated into poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanofibers, facilitating an extended release of fluconazole, vancomycin, and ceftazidime to treat polymicrobial osteomyelitis. The nanofibers were assessed using scanning electron microscopy, tensile testing, water contact angle analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The in vitro release of the antimicrobial agents was assessed using an elution method and a high-performance liquid chromatography assay. The in vivo elution pattern of nanofibrous mats was assessed using a rat femoral model. The experimental results demonstrated that the antimicrobial agent-loaded nanofibers released high levels of fluconazole, vancomycin, and ceftazidime for 30 and 56 days in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Histological assays revealed no notable tissue inflammation. Therefore, hybrid biodegradable PLGA nanofibers with a sustainable release of antifungal and antibacterial agents may be employed for the treatment of polymicrobial osteomyelitis.
A Multi-Omics Analysis of NASH-Related Prognostic Biomarkers Associated with Drug Sensitivity and Immune Infiltration in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Liu Yongting , Jiang Zhaohui , Zhou Xin , Li Yin , Liu Ping , Chen Yihong , Tan Jun , Cai Changjing , Han Ying , Zeng Shan , Shen Hong , Feng Ziyang
Published: February 2023

Background: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-driven hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is becoming a major health-related problem. The exploration of NASH-related prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets is necessary. Methods: Data were downloaded from the GEO database. The “glmnet” package was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The prognostic model was constructed by the univariate Cox and LASSO regression analyses. Validation of the expression and prognosis by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in vitro. Drug sensitivity and immune cell infiltration were analyzed by CTR-DB and ImmuCellAI. Results: We constructed a prognostic model that identified the NASH-related gene set (DLAT, IDH3B, and MAP3K4), which was validated in a real-world cohort. Next, seven prognostic transcription factors (TFs) were identified. The prognostic ceRNA network included three mRNAs, four miRNAs, and seven lncRNAs. Finally, we found that the gene set was associated with drug response which was validated in six clinical trial cohorts. Moreover, the expression level of the gene set was inversely correlated with CD8 T cell infiltration in HCC. Conclusions: We established a NASH-related prognostic model. Upstream transcriptome analysis and the ceRNA network provided clues for mechanism exploration. The mutant profile, drug sensitivity, and immune infiltration analysis further guided precise diagnosis and treatment strategies.
Impact of Arterial Calcification of the Lower Limbs on Long-Term Clinical Outcomes in Patients on Hemodialysis
Authors: Ohtake Takayasu , Mitomo Ayaka , Yamano Mizuki , Shimizu Toshihiro , Mochida Yasuhiro , Ishioka Kunihiro , Oka Machiko , Maesato Kyoko , Moriya Hidekazu , Hidaka Sumi , Mwanatambwe Milanga , Kobayashi Shuzo
Published: February 2023

Lower limbs’ arterial calcification is significantly associated with the clinical severity of lower extremity artery disease (LEAD) in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). However, the association between arterial calcification of the lower limbs and long-term clinical outcomes in patients on HD has not been elucidated. Calcification scores of the superficial femoral artery (SFACS) and below-knee arteries (BKACS) were quantitatively evaluated in 97 HD patients who were followed for 10 years. Clinical outcomes, including all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, cardiovascular events, and limb amputation were evaluated. Risk factors for clinical outcomes were evaluated using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard analyses. Furthermore, SFACS and BKACS were divided into three groups (low, middle, and high), and their associations with clinical outcomes were evaluated using Kaplan–Meier analysis. SFACS, BKACS, C-reactive protein, serum albumin, age, diabetes, presence of ischemic heart disease, and critical limb-threatening ischemia were significantly associated with 3-year and 10-year clinical outcomes in the univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis showed that SFACS was an independent factor associated with 10-year cardiovascular events and limb amputations. Kaplan–Meier life table analysis showed that higher SFACS and BKACS levels were significantly associated with cardiovascular events and mortality. In conclusion, long-term clinical outcomes and the risk factors in patients undergoing HD were evaluated. Arterial calcification of the lower limbs was strongly associated with 10-year cardiovascular events and mortality in patients undergoing HD.
The Importance of Optical Coherence Tomography in the Diagnosis of Atypical or Subclinical Optic Neuritis: A Case Series Study
Authors: Huang-Link Yumin , Yang Ge , Gustafsson Greta , Gauffin Helena , Landtblom Anne-Marie , Mirabelli Pierfrancesco , Link Hans
Published: February 2023

Background: Optic neuritis (ON) is an inflammatory condition of the optic nerve. ON is associated with development of demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). CNS lesions visualized by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the finding of oligoclonal IgG bands (OB) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are used to stratify the risk of MS after a “first” episode of ON. However, the diagnosis of ON in absence of typical clinical manifestations can be challenging. Methods and Materials: Here we present three cases with changes in the optic nerve and ganglion cell layer in the retina over the disease course. (1) A 34-year-old female with a history of migraine and hypertension had suspect amaurosis fugax (transient vision loss) in the right eye. This patient developed MS four years later. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) showed dynamic changes of the thickness of peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) over time. (2) A 29-year-old male with spastic hemiparesis and lesions in the spinal cord and brainstem. Six years later he showed bilateral subclinical ON identified using OCT, visual evoked potentials (VEP) and MRI. The patient fulfilled diagnosis criteria of seronegative neuromyelitis optica (NMO). (3) A 23-year-old female with overweight and headache had bilateral optic disc swelling. With OCT and lumbar puncture, idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) was excluded. Further investigation showed positive antibody for myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG). Conclusions: These three cases illustrate the importance of using OCT to facilitate quick, objective and accurate diagnosis of atypical or subclinical ON, and thus proper therapy.
Association of Circulating Anti-HLA Donor-Specific Antibodies and Their Characteristics, including C1q-Binding Capacity, in Kidney Transplant Recipients with Long-Term Renal Graft Outcomes
Authors: Gniewkiewicz Michal , Czerwinska Katarzyna , Zielniok Katarzyna , Durlik Magdalena
Published: February 2023

Post-transplant antihuman leukocyte antigen donor-specific antibodies (anti-HLA DSAs) monitoring in kidney transplant recipients remains unclear and is currently under investigation. The pathogenicity of anti-HLA DSAs is determined by antibody classes, specificity, mean fluorescent intensity (MFI), C1q-binding capacity, and IgG subclasses. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of circulating DSAs and their characteristics with renal allograft long-term outcomes. The study included 108 consecutive patients from our transplant center who underwent kidney allograft biopsy between November 2018 and November 2020, 3 to 24 months after kidney transplantation. At the time of biopsy, patients’ sera were collected for analysis of anti-HLA DSAs. Patients were followed for a median time of 39.0 months (Q1–Q3, 29.8–45.0). Detection of anti-HLA DSAs at the time of biopsy (HR = 5.133, 95% CI 2.150–12.253, p = 0.0002) and their C1q-binding capacity (HR = 14.639, 95% CI 5.320–40.283, p ≤ 0.0001) were independent predictors of the composite of sustained 30% reduction from estimated glomerular filtration rate or death-censored graft failure. Identification of anti-HLA DSAs and their C1q-binding capacity could be useful in identifying kidney transplant recipients at risk for inferior renal allograft function and graft failure. Analysis of C1q is noninvasive, accessible, and should be considered in clinical practice in post-transplant monitoring.
A 1.1 V 25 ppm/°C Relaxation Oscillator with 0.045%/V Line Sensitivity for Low Power Applications
Authors: Liao Yizhuo , Chan Pak Kwong
Published: February 2023

A fully-integrated CMOS relaxation oscillator, realized in 40 nm CMOS technology, is presented. The oscillator includes a stable two-transistor based voltage reference without an operational amplifier, a simple current reference employing the temperature-compensated composite resistor, and the approximated complementary to absolute temperature (CTAT) delay-based comparators compensate for the approximated proportional to absolute temperature (PTAT) delay arising from the leakage currents in the switches. This relaxation oscillator is designed to output a square wave with a frequency of 64 kHz in a duty cycle of 50% at a 1.1 V supply. The simulation results demonstrated that the circuit can generate a square wave, with stable frequency, against temperature and supply variation, while exhibiting low current consumption. For the temperature range from −20 °C to 80 °C at a 1.1 V supply, the oscillator’ output frequency achieved a temperature coefficient (T.C.) of 12.4 ppm/°C in a typical corner in one sample simulation. For a 200-sample Monte Carlo simulation, the obtained T.C. is 25 ppm/°C. Under typical corners and room temperatures, the simulated line sensitivity is 0.045%/V with the supply from 1.1 V to 1.6 V, and the dynamic current consumption is 552 nA. A better figure-of-merit (FoM), which equals 0.129%, is displayed when compared to the representative prior-art works.
Transcriptome Analysis of T. asperellum GDFS 1009 Revealed the Role of MUP1 Gene on the Methionine-Based Induction of Morphogenesis and Biological Control Activity
Authors: Karuppiah Valliappan , Zhang Cheng , Liu Tong , Li Yi , Chen Jie
Published: February 2023

Trichoderma spp. are biological control agents extensively used against various plant pathogens. However, the key genes shared for the growth, development and biological activity are unclear. In this study, we explored the genes responsible for the growth and development of T. asperellum GDFS 1009 under liquid-shaking culture compared to solid-surface culture. Transcriptome analysis revealed 2744 differentially expressed genes, and RT-qPCR validation showed that the high-affinity methionine permease MUP1 was the key gene for growth under different media. Deletion of the MUP1 inhibited the transport of amino acids, especially methionine, thereby inhibiting mycelial growth and sporulation, whereas inhibition could be mitigated by adding methionine metabolites such as SAM, spermidine and spermine. The MUP1 gene responsible for the methionine-dependent growth of T. asperellum was confirmed to be promoted through the PKA pathway but not the MAPK pathway. Furthermore, the MUP1 gene also increased the mycoparasitic activity of T. asperellum against Fusarium graminearum. Greenhouse experiments revealed that MUP1 strengthens the Trichoderma-induced crop growth promotion effect and SA-induced pathogen defense potential in maize. Our study highlights the effect of the MUP1 gene on growth and morphological differentiation and its importance for the agricultural application of Trichoderma against plant diseases.
Econometric Modeling of Input-Driven Output Risk through a Versatile CES Production Function
Authors: Zeytoon-Nejad Ali , Goodwin Barry K.
Published: February 2023

The conventional functional form of the Constant-Elasticity-of-Substitution (CES) production function is a general production function nesting a number of other forms of production functions. Examples of such functions include Leontief, Cobb–Douglas, and linear production functions. Nevertheless, the conventional form of the CES production specification is still restrictive in multiple aspects. One example is the fact that the marginal effect of increasing input use always has to be to increase the variability of output quantity by the conventional construction of this function. This paper proposes a generalized variant of the CES production function that allows for various input effects on the probability distribution of output. Failure to allow for this possible input–output risk structure is indeed one of the limitations of the conventional form of the CES production function. This limitation may result in false inferences about input-driven output risk. In light of this, the present paper proposes a solution to this problem. First, it is shown that the familiar CES formulation suffers from very restrictive structural assumptions regarding risk considerations, and that such restrictions may lead to biased and inefficient estimates of production quantity and production risk. Following the general theme of Just and Pope’s approach, a CES-based production-function specification that overcomes this shortcoming of the original CES production function is introduced, and a three-stage Nonlinear Least-Squares (NLS) estimation procedure for the estimation of the proposed functional form is presented. To illustrate the proposed approaches in this paper, two empirical applications in irrigation and fertilizer response using the famous Hexem–Heady experimental dataset are provided. Finally, implications for modeling input-driven production risks are discussed.
Financing for a Sustainable Dry Bulk Shipping Industry: What Are the Potential Routes for Financial Innovation in Sustainability and Alternative Energy in the Dry Bulk Shipping Industry?
Authors: Pangalos George
Published: February 2023

Environmental, regulatory, and economic exogenous disruptions force companies within the maritime shipping industry to become more sustainable. Financing for implementing the necessary changes is particularly challenging for these companies, considering their narrow margins. With the changes in the shipping industry being intrinsically capital-intensive, funding is a particular issue, as few institutional or individual investors can provide the capital required. This paper investigates the challenges of financing. Drawing from the theory of pecking order on debt and equity, it conceptualizes the relation between the modes of financing for the maritime shipping companies and the nature of the disruptions. Initially, we analyze the various IMO decarbonization regulations, GHG emissions, alternative fuels, and green energy. Moreover, the relationship between fleet operation and management and finance is explored. The paper provides a framework to illustrate from a financial perspective the plethora of challenges and disruptions that have troubled the industry. We then recommend more suitable funding routes for companies to gauge the proper mix of equity and debt levels, bonds, and leverage, based on the company’s characteristics, such as size or ESG performance, as analyzed via the lens of corporate financing, along with the nature of the disruption, such as high inflation or geopolitical conflicts. In more detail, the paper focuses on key environmental, social, and governance (ESG) drivers both in the short-term and the long-term within the dry bulk shipping industry: impact investing and ESG factors are driving new investment opportunities and contributing to risk mitigation and long-term investment returns. The most pressing financial and economic questions of the time are wildly extended equity and bond valuations, inflation, and the conundrum most central banks face. Given these uncertainties, from an investment perspective for equity markets, the risk/return outlook for risk assets is skewed to the downside, making a cautious approach prudent for maritime shipping companies.
Study on the Carbon and Nitrogen Isotope Characteristics and Sources and Their Influence on Carbon Sinks in Karst Reservoirs
Authors: Zhou Zhongfa , Kong Jie , Zhang Fuqiang , Zou Yan , Xie Jiangting , Wen Chaocheng
Published: February 2023

The hydrochemical analysis method was used to reveal the sources and spatiotemporal variations of carbon and nitrogen elements in the Pingzhai Reservoir, and the C–N coupling cycle and its influence on the karst carbon sink are discussed. The results show the following: (1) The hydrochemical type of the study area is HCO3-Ca. (2) From the river to the reservoir and then to the reservoir outlet, the values of HCO3− and δ13CDIC showed an opposite trend. The values of NO3−, δ15N-NO3−, and δ18O-NO3− were different in each stage of the river. (3) HCO3− mainly comes from the weathering of carbonate rocks and the oxidative decomposition of organic matter. Nitrate mainly comes from chemical fertilizers, soil organic nitrogen, sewage, and livestock manure. (4) The average proportion of HCO3− produced by HNO3 dissolving carbonate rock is 8.38%, but this part does not constitute a carbon sink. Compared with rivers, the proportion of HCO3− and (Ca2+ + Mg2+) produced by HNO3 dissolving carbonate rock in reservoir water is relatively large. The input of nitrate not only pollutes the water body with NO3− but also changes the carbon source/sink pattern of the water–rock interaction.
Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Activity of Algae
Authors: Abo-Shady Atef Mohamed , Gheda Saly Farouk , Ismail Gehan Ahmed , Cotas João , Pereira Leonel , Abdel-Karim Omnia Hamdy
Published: February 2023

Currently, algae arouse a growing interest in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic area due to the fact that they have a great diversity of bioactive compounds with the potential for pharmacological and nutraceutical applications. Due to lifestyle modifications brought on by rapid urbanization, diabetes mellitus, a metabolic illness, is the third largest cause of death globally. The hunt for an efficient natural-based antidiabetic therapy is crucial to battling diabetes and the associated consequences due to the unfavorable side effects of currently available antidiabetic medications. Finding the possible advantages of algae for the control of diabetes is crucial for the creation of natural drugs. Many of algae’s metabolic processes produce bioactive secondary metabolites, which give algae their diverse chemical and biological features. Numerous studies have demonstrated the antioxidant and antidiabetic benefits of algae, mostly by blocking carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzyme activity, such as α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Additionally, bioactive components from algae can lessen diabetic symptoms in vivo. Therefore, the current review concentrates on the role of various secondary bioactive substances found naturally in algae and their potential as antioxidants and antidiabetic materials, as well as the urgent need to apply these substances in the pharmaceutical industry.
Improved Prediction Model of the Friction Error of CNC Machine Tools Based on the Long Short Term Memory Method
Authors: Wang Tao , Zhang Dailin
Published: February 2023

Friction is one of important factors that cause contouring errors, and the friction error is difficult to predict because of its nonlinearity. In this paper, a prediction model of the friction error of a servo system is proposed based on the Long Short-Term Memory method (LSTM). Firstly, the transfer function is used to predict the position of the servo system, and then the prediction error of the transfer function is obtained. Secondly, the nonlinear friction error is extracted and predicted by a LSTM network. Finally, the accurate tracking error can be predicted by the proposed combined model. The experimental results show that the proposed model can improve the prediction accuracy of tracking errors dramatically.
Supporting Students’ Visualization of Multivariable Calculus Partial Derivatives via Virtual Reality
Authors: Cheong Kang Hao , Chen Jacob Shihang , Kang Keegan , Yeo Darren J.
Published: February 2023

Multivariable calculus is a subject undertaken by engineering students as a core module at the freshman level. One of the intended learning outcomes (ILOs) in multivariable calculus is to gain an intuition for visualizing three-dimensional surfaces and deducing their properties. For students to visualize more complex multivariable calculus concepts, a virtual reality (VR) application has been created. Tapping on existing infrastructures, we investigate the effectiveness of visualization through VR usage vis-à-vis a two-dimensional digital screen. We have conducted a controlled trial on a group of N=119 students across two groups. The first group (control group) comprises students who participated in an online quiz (as a baseline test). The second group (treatment group) is given two sets of tests, the first is the same baseline test that the control group participated in, before administering the test questions on the VR platform (termed the treatment test) to the same group of students. Our analysis reveals that students, in general, perform better on questions pertaining to the identification of the sign of partial derivatives in the treatment test, but for other intended learning outcomes linked to other questions, students have performance similar to the baseline test. Furthermore, low-progress students in the treatment group exhibited improvement after the treatment. Our work here has the potential to be developed into a future-ready smart classroom through VR usage.
A Heuristic Approach for Determining Efficient Vaccination Plans under a SARS-CoV-2 Epidemic Model
Authors: Hazard-Valdés Claudia , Montero Elizabeth
Published: February 2023

In this work, we propose a local search-based strategy to determine high-quality allocation of vaccines under restricted budgets and time periods. For this, disease spread is modeled as a SEAIR pandemic model. Subgroups are used to understand and evaluate movement restrictions and their effect on interactions between geographical divisions. A tabu search heuristic method is used to determine the number of vaccines and the groups to allocate them in each time period, minimizing the maximum number of infected people at the same time and the total infected population. Available data for COVID-19 daily cases was used to adjust the parameters of the SEAIR models in four study cases: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, and Chile. From these, we can analyze how different vaccination schemes are more beneficial for the population as a whole based on different reproduction numbers, interaction levels, and the availability of resources in each study case. Moreover, from these experiments, a strong relationship between the defined objectives is noticed.
Brenner Tumor of the Ovary: A 10-Year Single Institution Experience and Comprehensive Review of the Literature
Authors: Alloush Ferial , Bahmad Hisham F. , Lutz Brendan , Poppiti Robert , Recine Monica , Alghamdi Sarah , Goldenberg Larry E.
Published: February 2023

Brenner tumors (BTs) are surface-epithelial stromal cell tumors that are categorized by the World Health Organization as benign, borderline, and malignant. Due to the rarity of BTs, the published literature on these tumors is comprised primarily of case reports and small retrospective studies. We performed a pathology database review spanning the last ten years at our institution revealing nine reported benign BTs. We collected the clinical and pathological data of patients associated with those BTs, describing the clinical presentation and imaging results, and assessing the possible risk factors associated with them. The average age at diagnosis was 58 years. BTs were discovered incidentally in 7/9 cases. The tumor was multifocal and bilateral in 1/9 cases and ranged in size from 0.2 cm to 7.5 cm. Associated Walthard rests were found in 6/9 cases and transitional metaplasia of surface ovarian and/or tubal epithelium was found in 4/9 cases. One patient had an associated mucinous cystadenoma in the ipsilateral ovary. Another patient had an associated mucinous cystadenoma in the contralateral ovary. In conclusion, we found that Walthard rests and transitional metaplasia are common findings in association with BTs. Additionally, pathologists and surgeons need to be aware of the association between mucinous cystadenomas and BTs.