bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Joint Characterization of Spatiotemporal Data Manifolds
Authors: Sousa Daniel , Small Christopher
Published: March 2022

Modeling spatiotemporal data can be a challenge due to the plethora of processes, both independent and interacting, which may or may not contribute to the measurements. Characterization can be considered a complement to modeling by helping guide assumptions about generative processes and their representation in the data. For high-D signals, Dimensionality Reduction (DR) is a frequently implemented type of characterization designed to mitigate the effects of the so-called “curse of dimensionality”. For decades, Principal Component (PC) and Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) analysis has been used as a linear, invertible approach to dimensionality reduction and spatiotemporal analysis. Recent years have seen the additional development of a suite of nonlinear DR algorithms, frequently categorized as “manifold learning”. Here, we explore the idea of joint characterization of spatiotemporal data manifolds using the PC/EOF approach alongside two nonlinear DR approaches: Laplacian Eigenmaps (LE) and t-distributed Stochastic Neighbor Embedding (t-SNE). Starting with a synthetic example and progressing to global, regional, and field scale spatiotemporal datasets spanning roughly 5 orders of spatial magnitude and 2 orders of temporal magnitude, we show these three DR approaches can yield complementary information about the topology of spatiotemporal data manifolds. Compared to the PC/EOF projections, the nonlinear DR approaches yield more compact manifolds with decreased ambiguity in temporal endmembers (LE) and/or in spatiotemporal clustering (t-SNE), compared to the relatively diffuse temporal feature space produced by the PC/EOF approach. However, these properties are compensated by the greater interpretability of PCs and EOFs than of the LE or t-SNE dimensions, as well as significantly lower computational demand and diminished sensitivity to spatial aliasing for PCs/EOFs than LE or t-SNE. Taken together, we find the joint characterization using the three complementary DR approaches capable of providing substantially greater insight about the generative processes represented in spatiotemporal datasets than is possible using any single approach alone. This parsimonious, complementary characterization of both local manifold structure and global variance can advance remote sensing time series analysis by providing important context to constrain and guide design of effective spatiotemporal models.
Analysis of Groundwater Recharge in Mongolian Drylands Using Composite Vadose Zone Modeling
Authors: Batsukh Khulan , Zlotnik Vitaly A. , Nasta Paolo
Published: March 2022

Knowledge of groundwater recharge (GR) is important for the effective management of water resources under semi-arid continental climates. Unfortunately, studies and data in Mongolia are limited due to the constraints in funding and lack of research infrastructures. Currently, the wide accessibility of freely available global-scale digital datasets of physical and chemical soil properties, weather data, vegetation characteristics, and depths to the water table offers new tools and basic information that can support low-cost physically based and process-oriented models. Estimates of GR over 41 study sites in Mongolia were obtained using HYDRUS-1D in a 2-m-thick soil profile with root depths of either 0.30 or 0.97 m by exploiting the daily precipitation and biome-specific potential evapotranspiration values. The GR simulated by HYDRUS-1D arrives at the water table and becomes the actual GR with a lag time that has been calculated using a simplified form of the Richards equation and a traveling wave model. The mean annual precipitation ranges from 57 to 316 mm year−1, and on average about 95% of it is lost by mean annual actual evapotranspiration. In the steppe region, the vegetation cover induces higher-than-normal actual transpiration losses and consequently lower GR. The mean annual GR rates span between 0.3 and 12.0 mm year−1, while travel times range between 4 and 558 years. Model prediction uncertainty was quantified by comparing actual evapotranspiration and GR with available maps and by a sensitivity assessment of lag time to the soil moisture in the deep vadose zone. The partial least squares regression (PLSR) was used to evaluate the impact of available environmental properties in explaining the 47.1 and 59.1% variability of the spatially averaged mean annual GR and travel time, respectively. The most relevant contributors are clay content, aridity index, and leaf area index for GR, and depth to the water table and silt content for the lag time. In data-poor, arid, and semi-arid regions such as Mongolia, where the mean annual GR rates are low and poorly correlated to precipitation, the ever-increasing availability of world databases and remote sensing products offers promise in estimating GR.
Blind Humans Can Develop the Superpower of Bats!
Authors: da Silva Chagas Luana , de Abreu Damasceno Júnior Daniel
Published: March 2022

In comic books, the superheroes have fascinating powers and abilities that help them to deal with all kinds of challenges that arise in their daily lives. Take Superman as an example. He uses his super-hearing ability to know what is going on in the city. Curiously, some of these exceptional abilities can be found where we least expect them—in animals like bats. Bats have an ability called echolocation that helps them to perceive obstacles, food, and potential dangers in the dark. Humans can also learn the superpower of echolocation. Scientists have found that some blind people can echolocate, and that they still use the vision area of the brain to understand the environment! In other words, they can “see with their ears”! Keep reading to find out what happens in the brain to allow humans to have an echolocation superpower like bats!
Metabolome Analysis of Banana (Musa acuminata) Treated With Chitosan Coating and Low Temperature Reveals Different Mechanisms Modulating Delayed Ripening
Authors: Parijadi Anjaritha Aulia Rizky , Yamamoto Kana , Ikram Muhammad Maulana Malikul , Dwivany Fenny M. , Wikantika Ketut , Putri Sastia Prama , Fukusaki Eiichiro
Published: March 2022

Banana (Musa acuminata) is one of the most important crop plants consumed in many countries. However, the commercial value decreases during storage and transportation. To maintain fruit quality, postharvest technologies have been developed. Storage at low temperature is a common method to prolong the shelf life of food products, especially during transportation and distribution. Another emerging approach is the use of chitosan biopolymer as an edible coating, which can extend the shelf life of fruit by preventing moisture and aroma loss, and inhibiting oxygen penetration into the plant tissue. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry metabolite profiling of the banana ripening process was performed to clarify the global metabolism changes in banana after chitosan coating or storage at low temperature. Both postharvest treatments were effective in delaying banana ripening. Interestingly, principal component analysis and orthogonal projection to latent structure regression analysis revealed significant differences of both treatments in the metabolite changes, indicating that the mechanism of prolonging the banana shelf life may be different. Chitosan (1.25% w/v) treatment stored for 11 days resulted in a distinct accumulation of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid metabolite, an important precursor of ethylene that is responsible for the climacteric fruit ripening process. Low temperature (LT, 14 ± 1°C) treatment stored for 9 days resulted in higher levels of putrescine, a polyamine that responds to plant stress, at the end of ripening days. The findings clarify how chitosan delays fruit ripening and provides a deeper understanding of how storage at low temperature affects banana metabolism. The results may aid in more effective development of banana postharvest strategies.
Histopathological Examination and Endoscopic Sinusectomy: Is It Possible?
Authors: Vertaldi Sara , Anoldo Pietro , Cantore Grazia , Chini Alessia , D'Amore Anna , D'Armiento Maria , Gennarelli Nicola , Maione Francesco , Manigrasso Michele , Marello Alessandra , Schettino Pietro , Sorrentino Carmen , Sosa Fernandez Loredana M. , De Palma Giovanni D. , Milone Marco
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Although carcinomatous degeneration is a rare occurrence, some authors support the need for a histopathological examination after pilonidal cyst excision. Today, minimally invasive techniques are widely spread for the treatment of pilonidal sinus disease but opposed to standard procedures, these techniques could not allow to perform a histopathological examination because of the absence of a specimen. The aim of this two-institutions study is to evaluate whether histopathological examination of the pilonidal sinus excision material can be successfully performed after an endoscopic ablation of the cyst.

Materials and Methods

We identified all consecutive patients from January 2021 to September 2021 with diagnosis of pilonidal sinus disease who underwent Video Assisted Ablation of Pilonidal Sinus (VAAPS) followed by histopathological examination.

Results

A total of 45 patients were included in the study. All patients were Caucasians and aged below 50 years. Nine of them underwent surgery due to recurrence of PSD. No evidence of malignancy was detected in the histopathological examination of the pilonidal sinus sampling material.

Discussion

We were able to send pilonidal sinus sampling material for a histopathological examination in all patients who underwent minimally invasive technique for the treatment of pilonidal sinus disease. No evidence of malignancy was found in any of the 45 samples. Our findings prove that minimally invasive ablation of pilonidal sinus does not preclude histopathological examination of the cysts.
Outcomes of Modified Tissue Selection Therapy Stapler in the Treatment of Prolapsing Hemorrhoids
Authors: Yuan Chenchen , Zhou Chongjun , Xue Rong , Jin Xiaofeng , Jin Chun , Zheng Chenguo
Published: March 2022

Objective

Tissue selection therapy staplers (TSTs) are widely used to treat prolapsing hemorrhoids; however, some disadvantages exist. We describe a modified technique for the treatment of prolapsing hemorrhoids, with the aim of minimizing the risk of anal stenosis and anal incontinence and reducing the impact of postoperative complications from the stapling technique. We applied a modified TST procedure, and the preliminary data were used to test the efficacy and safety of this new technique.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of patients who underwent modified TST for prolapsing hemorrhoids at our department between January 2018 and January 2020. All patients received a modified TST. Most prolapsing hemorrhoids were not segmentally resected and were instead selectively removed. The demographics, preoperative characteristics, postoperative complications, therapeutic effects, and patient satisfaction were collected and analyzed.

Results

A total of 106 patients were included in the study; 53 were men and 53 women (mean age, 49.24 years). The mean operative time was 55.01 min, and the mean hospital stay was 7.82 days. After surgery, three patients experienced bleeding (2.83%), 2 patients experienced anal discharge (1.89%), 2 patients experienced tenesmus (1.89%), and 5 patients experienced anal tags (4.72%). Anal incontinence, persistent post stapler pain, rectovaginal fistula and anal stenosis did not occur. Two patients developed recurrent symptomatic hemorrhoids (1.89%). The total effective rate of the surgery and the total satisfaction rate of the patients was 97.17%.

Conclusions

The modified tissue selection therapy stapler technique was a satisfactory and economical treatment for prolapsing hemorrhoids at a follow-up period of 1 year. The modified TST was associated with reduced anal stenosis and anal incontinence, less persistent post stapler pain and a minimal risk of rectovaginal fistula.
A Descriptive Comparative Analysis of the Surgical Management of Adrenal Tumors: The Open, Robotic, and Laparoscopic Approaches
Authors: Al-Thani Hassan , Al-Thani Noora , Al-Sulaiti Maryam , Tabeb Abdelhakem , Asim Mohammad , El-Menyar Ayman
Published: March 2022

Background

Currently, adrenalectomies are trending toward minimally invasive approach including robotic and laparoscopic surgery. We aimed to describe the clinical presentation and outcomes associated with the 3 different surgical approaches in patients who underwent adrenalectomy for adrenal mass at a single tertiary center.

Methods

A retrospective descriptive observational study was conducted to include all patients who underwent surgical interventions for adrenal gland mass between 2004 and 2019. Patients were categorized into three groups according to the interventional approach (open, robotic vs. laparoscopic adrenalectomy) and data were analyzed and compared.

Results

A total of 124 patients underwent adrenalectomies (61.3% robotic, 22.6% open, and 16.1% laparoscopic approach). Incidentally discovered adrenal mass was reported in 67% of patients, and hypertension was the most prevalent comorbidity (53%). The tendency for malignancy increased with increasing tumor size while the functioning tumors were more in the smaller tumor size. Larger tumors were more common in younger patients. The robotic approach showed shorter surgical intensive care and hospital length of stay. Patients in the open adrenalectomy group frequently presented with abdominal pain (p = 0.001), had more nonfunctional adrenal mass (p = 0.04), larger mean tumor size (p = 0.001), and were frequently operated on the right side (p = 0.03). There was no post-operative mortality; however, during follow-up, 8 patients died (3 open, 3 laparoscopic and, 2 robotic approach). The median follow-up was 746 days (range 7–5,840).

Conclusions

The study explored the three surgical adrenalectomy approaches in a dedicated center for patients with adrenal pathology. It showed that robotic adrenalectomy could be safe and effective surgical approach for patients with benign functioning adrenal tumors of a diameter <6 cm. However, the choice of a surgical approach varies according to the adrenal mass presentation, patient fitness for surgery, type and sizes of the tumor, surgeon's experience, and hospital resources. Open surgery is considered the first choice for larger, ruptured adrenal tumor or malignancy. However, the recent restructuring of the surgical department resulted in selection bias in favor of the robotic surgery. Further studies are required to address the risk factors, selection criteria for appropriate management, cost, and quality of life.
Analysis of the Effect of External Counterpulsation Combined With High-Intensity Aerobic Exercise on Cardiopulmonary Function and Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease After PCI
Authors: Zhao Shiming , Liu Shaowen , Wen Yuan , Qi Qiuhuan , Huang Peng
Published: March 2022

Purpose

To explore the intervention effect of external counterpulsation (ECP) combined with high-intensity aerobic exercise (HIAT) on patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) after PCI.

Methods

124 patients with stable CHD after PCI admitted to our hospital from June 2018 to June 2021 were selected, and all patients were divided into control group and observation group using the random number table method. The control group received conventional treatment, The observation group received ECP combined with HIAT based on the control group. The cardiorespiratory function indexes, exercise endurance indexes, incidence of major cardiovascular adverse events (MACE), Barthel index of the two groups were observed.

Results

After intervention, METs max, VO2max, VO2max/kg, VO2max/HR, and PP, ED, AT, and Barthel score in both groups were significantly higher than before intervention, and patients in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The incidence of MACE in the observation group (3.23%) was lower than in the control group (12.90%) (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

ECP combined with HIAT can improve the cardiopulmonary function of patients with CHD after PCI, and improve exercise endurance, reduce the incidence of MACE, improve patients' ability of daily living.
Dietary Moringa oleifera Alters Periparturient Plasma and Milk Biochemical Indicators and Promotes Productive Performance in Goats
Authors: Afzal Ali , Hussain Tarique , Hameed Amjad , Shahzad Muhammad , Mazhar Muhammad Usman , Yang Guan
Published: March 2022

The purpose of the current study was to explore the supplementing effects of Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOLP) on plasma and milk biochemical indices and productive/reproductive performance of goats. A total of 30 healthy pregnant goats were randomly distributed (n = 10) into three experimental groups: control (M0) group (basal diet without MOLP), M2% group (basal diet + 2% MOLP), and M3.5% group (basal diet + 3.5% MOLP). The experiment started 2 months before parturition and continued till the first month of lactation. The plasma flavonoids were significantly increased in the M3.5% group during the entire experiment, whereas the total phenolic contents were enhanced only during the lactation period depending on the supplementation percentage. The amount of vitamin C increased significantly in M2% and M3.5% groups as compared to the M0 group. Supplementation of MOLP improved the plasma total antioxidant capacity by declining malondialdehyde concentration and total oxidant status values. The activities of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase enzymes were modified in M2% and M3.5% supplemented groups throughout the experiment, while the catalase activity was significantly influenced only during the lactation stage. The protein and lycopene contents in plasma were significantly improved in the M3.5% group, whereas the total sugars and carotenoid level was increased in both M2% and M3.5% groups. Dietary supplementation with 3.5% MOLP more effectively enhanced protease and amylase activities as compared to 2% supplementation. MOLP also improved the biochemical indices and antioxidant status of colostrum and milk. The milk yield, weight gain of the kids, and reproductive performance were high in M2% and M3.5% groups in comparison to the M0 group. These findings disclose that supplementing the diet with 3.5% MOLP improves antioxidant status, milk yield, and reproductive performance in goats.
Genome-Wide Analysis of Long Noncoding RNA Profiles in Seneca Valley Virus–Infected PK15 Cells
Authors: Dong Jianguo , Rao Dan , Chen Mingrui , Zhao Pandeng , Huang Li
Published: March 2022

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been demonstrated to play key roles in various biological processes. However, the contributions of lncRNAs to Seneca Valley virus (SVV) infection and host defense remain largely unknown. In this study, differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs in SVV-infected PK15 cells were detected by genome-wide analysis. A total of 14,127 lncRNAs and 63,562 mRNAs were identified, and 1,780 lncRNAs were differentially expressed. The functional prediction of SVV-induced lncRNAs showed high associations with biological regulation and many immunity-related signaling pathways, including the B-cell receptor pathway, RIG-I-like receptor signaling pathway, and NF-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. We next screened lncRNAs and target genes related to immune response pathways and further demonstrated their differential expression in SVV-infected PK15 cells. Our study investigated the function of lncRNAs involved in SVV infection and provided new insight into the pathogenic mechanisms of SVV.
Eye Fatigue Detection through Machine Learning Based on Single Channel Electrooculography
Authors: Wang Yuqi , Zhang Lijun , Fang Zhen
Published: March 2022

Nowadays, eye fatigue is becoming more common globally. However, there was no objective and effective method for eye fatigue detection except the sample survey questionnaire. An eye fatigue detection method by machine learning based on the Single-Channel Electrooculography-based System is proposed. Subjects are required to finish the industry-standard questionnaires of eye fatigue; the results are used as data labels. Then, we collect their electrooculography signals through a single-channel device. From the electrooculography signals, the five most relevant feature values of eye fatigue are extracted. A machine learning model that uses the five feature values as its input is designed for eye fatigue detection. Experimental results show that there is an objective link between electrooculography and eye fatigue. This method could be used in daily eye fatigue detection and it is promised in the future.
Screening of Colistin-Resistant Bacteria in Domestic Pets from France
Authors: Hamame Afaf , Davoust Bernard , Rolain Jean-Marc , Diene Seydina M.
Published: March 2022

Background: Pets are the closest animals to humans with a considerable risk of zoonotic transmission. This study aimed to screen colistin-resistant bacteria from stools of dogs and cats from Marseille, France. Screening of mcr genes in pets has never been reported in France. Methods: Fecal samples (n = 157) were cultivated on the selective Lucie-Bardet Jean-Marc-Rolain medium (LBJMR). Bacteria were identified using Microflex LS MALDI-TOF. The antibiotic resistance phenotype was investigated for several antibiotics (β-lactams, aminoside, cephalosporine, tetracycline, and sulfonamide). PCR techniques were performed to detect mcr genes. Results: A total of 218 bacteria were identified. For cats, intrinsically colistin-resistant bacteria were significantly higher than mcr-1 gene carriers (n = 4). Dogs had more bacteria with the mcr-1 gene (n = 10). Furthermore, cats had a high prevalence of Gram-positive bacteria (GPB), whereas dogs had GNB equal to GPB. The diversity of identified bacteria was due to the constitution of the pets’ microorganisms. Even though colistin use is monitored in France, pets harbor various colistin-resistant bacteria. Additionally, in this geographical area, bacteria bearing mcr-1 gene from dogs and cats were detected for the first time. Conclusions: The current study opens a new perspective: the spread of colistin resistance is independent of colistin use. What are the most factors related to the emergence of colistin resistance? The surveillance of pets must be considered a priority to avoid the spread of mcr genes. It is important to know the contribution that pets make to the pool of multidrug-resistant mcr-1-containing bacteria.
Effects of Sophorolipid on Growth Performance, Organ Characteristics, Lipid Digestion Markers, and Gut Functionality and Integrity in Broiler Chickens
Authors: Kwak Min-Jin , Choi Sun-Woo , Choi Yong-Soon , Lee Hanbae , Park Min-Young , Whang Kwang-Youn
Published: March 2022

Dietary fat and oil could aid in reaching the high-energy requirements of fast-growing birds; however, these inclusions could lead to nutrient waste. This is because young birds have limited lipid digestion due to the low secretion of lipase and bile salt. Sophorolipid (SPL), a glycolipid emulsifier with lower toxicity and higher biodegradability, can upregulate fat utilization by increasing digestibility. Accordingly, a five-week-long experiment was conducted with 720 one-day-old chicks (Ross 308) to investigate the effects of dietary SPL on growth, organ characteristics, and gut health. The allotment was partitioned into four treatment groups according to their body weight with six replications (30 chick/pen). The three treatment diets comprised a basal diet with a formulation that met the Ross 308 standard and 5, 10, and 15 ppm SPL in the basal diet. During the experiment, the birds had free access to feed, and body weight and feed intake were measured at the end of each phase. Chickens were put down at the end of the growing and finishing phases, and jejunum and cecal samples were obtained to investigate organ characteristics and gut environments. The data were analyzed using the generalized linear model procedures of SAS 9.4, and all data were assessed for linear, quadratic, and cubic effects of dietary SPL-supplemented dosages. Body weight was significantly increased with 10 ppm of SPL supplementation in the grower phase without affecting feed efficiency. The relative weights of the intestine and the bursa of Fabricius were quadratically decreased by SPL supplementation with a lower population of Streptococcus and higher propionate and butyrate concentrations. Additionally, the dietary SPL supplementation groups showed a significantly increased villus/crypt ratio with higher intestinal expression levels of fatty acid translocase, diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2, and fatty acid transporter 4. Collectively, proper SPL supplementation in the chicken diet could improve growth performance by down-regulating immune modulation and up-regulating lipid digestion and absorption via modulation of gut microenvironments.
Assessing the Accuracy of Leg Mounted Sensors for Recording Dairy Cow Behavioural Activity at Pasture, in Cubicle Housing and a Straw Yard
Authors: Charlton Gemma , Gauld Carrie , Veronesi Fabio , Rutter Steven Mark , Bleach Emma
Published: March 2022

The accuracy of CowAlert IceQube sensors (IceRobotics Ltd., Edinburgh, UK) for recording lying duration, standing and lying transitions and number of steps when dairy cows where at pasture, in cubicle housing and in a straw yard, was investigated. Holstein Friesian cows at Harper Adams University, UK were fitted with IceQube sensors; one on the back left (BL) leg and one on the front left (FL) leg. Cows at pasture (n = 48), in cubicle housing (n = 46) and in a straw yard (n = 45) were visually observed. Data were analysed in two stages: (1) an initial exploratory phase determined the correlation level between sensor measurements andvisual observations. Subsequently, (2) a mixed effects modelling framework was used to check whether sensors provide significantly different measures of cow’s activities compared to the observations. Results indicate that lying and standing times are similar between the observed and recorded times, in all three locations. In terms of sensor placement, significant differences were found between the number of steps recorded between BL and FL on straw and pasture, but all other activities were similar, in each location. The accuracy of CowAlert IceQube sensors on the BL leg gives them the potential to be used as lifelong sensors.
In Its Southern Edge of Distribution, the Tawny Owl (Strix aluco) Is More Sensitive to Extreme Temperatures Than to Rural Development
Authors: Comay Orr , Ezov Efrayim , Yom-Tov Yoram , Dayan Tamar
Published: March 2022

Populations at the warm edge of distribution are more genetically diverse, and at the same time are more susceptible to climate change. Between 1987–1996, we studied Tawny Owls in Israel, the species’ global southern edge of distribution and a country undergoing a rapid land cover transformation for over a century. To assess the potential impacts of land cover transformation, we modelled the species’ most suitable habitat and climate and analyzed how climate and habitat affected the nesting success and prey selection. Moreover, we monitored Tawny Owl juveniles’ survival and ontogeny from eggs to dietary independent young, to find out whether the Israeli population is a sink. While the species distribution model correctly predicted the Tawny Owl’s densest areas of occurrence, it failed to predict its occurrence in adjacent regions. The model also predicted that areas included in the species’ historical range remained suitable habitats. The number of fledglings increased with precipitation and in rural settings but was adversely affected by extreme temperatures. While voles dominated the diet in all habitats, the Tawny Owl’s diet is considerably more variable than other Israeli owls. Our results suggest that the Tawny Owl can adapt to rural-agricultural environments, but is susceptible to climate change.
Investigations of Working Characteristics of Transferred Arc Plasma Torch Volume Reactor
Authors: Kavaliauskas Žydrūnas , Uscila Rolandas , Kėželis Romualdas , Valinčius Vitas , Grigaitienė Viktorija , Gimžauskaitė Dovilė , Milieška Mindaugas
Published: March 2022

A transferred arc plasma torch chemical rector was used to process waste formed from mixtures of dry clay powder and hydroquinone. Such reactors are best suited for the treatment of electrically conductive waste. In these types of reactors, the electric arc moves chaotically throughout the entire reactor volume, making it possible to ensure an even temperature distribution in the reaction zones. An analysis of the literature has shown that there are not many study results related to this type of reactor. The novelty of the work is that the behavior of the operating electric arc inside the reactor was recorded by using a high-speed camera. The distribution of the temperature profile at the cooled reactor wall was investigated. The electrical potential difference inside the reactor was also investigated. To better understand the behavioral properties of the electric arc when the reactor is filled with treated material, hydroquinone-contaminated clay was used. In this case, the movement of the electric arc, as well as the probability of its formation, is the greatest at the location where the thinnest layer of the material to be processed is located. In addition, it has been observed that the use of a graphite anode poses problems because, over time, the anode of such a design deforms due to interactions with the electric arc. While analyzing research results, it can be observed that these types of reactors are very suitable for the treatment of electrically conductive materials and for the treatment of small amounts of nonconductive materials when the material occupies a relatively small part of the reactor. A further development of these studies in the future is planned in order to make the reactors as versatile as possible and as suitable as possible for handling the widest range of materials possible.
Learning Calibration Functions on the Fly: Hybrid Batch Online Stacking Ensembles for the Calibration of Low-Cost Air Quality Sensor Networks in the Presence of Concept Drift
Authors: Bagkis Evangelos , Kassandros Theodosios , Karatzas Kostas
Published: March 2022

Deployment of an air quality low-cost sensor network (AQLCSN), with proper calibration of low-cost sensors (LCS), offers the potential to substantially increase the ability to monitor air pollution. However, to leverage this potential, several drawbacks must be ameliorated, thus the calibration of such sensors is becoming an essential component in their use. Commonly, calibration takes place in a laboratory environment using gasses of known composition to measure the response and a linear calibration is often reached. On site calibration is a promising complementary technique where an LCS and a reference instrument are collocated with the former being calibrated to match the measurements of the latter. In a scenario where an AQLCSN is already operational, both calibration approaches are resource and time demanding procedures to be implemented as frequently repeated actions. Furthermore, sensors are sensitive to the local meteorology and adaptation is a slow process making relocation a complex and expensive option. We concentrate our efforts in keeping the LCS positions fixed and propose to blend a genetic algorithm (GA) with a hybrid stacking (HS) ensemble into the GAHS framework. GAHS employs a combination of batch machine learning algorithms and regularly updated online machine learning calibration function(s) for the whole network when a small number of reference instruments are present. Furthermore, we introduce the concept of spatial online learning to achieve better spatial generalization. The frameworks are tested for the case of Thessaloniki where a total of 33 devices are installed. The AQLCSN is calibrated on the basis of on-site matching with high quality observations from three reference station measurements. The O3 LCS are successfully calibrated for 8–10 months and the PM10 LCS calibration is evaluated for 13–24 months showing a strong seasonal dependence on their ability to correctly capture the pollution levels.
UALGORITMO, a New Instrument of the University of Algarve for Scientific Outreach
Authors: Bragança José , Figueiredo Sónia , Rego Carla Alexandra , dos Reis Conceição Filomena , Neves de Jesus Saúl
Published: March 2022

Researchers at Universities generate and convey the knowledge acquired through communications in specialized (inter)national journals and congresses. An effort to share the scientific achievements with the general public is extremely important. For this purpose, we have launched the UALGORITMO, a journal freely accessible online, written in lay Portuguese language by Researchers of the University of the Algarve, to summarize recent communications published in peer reviewed journals. After submission, the manuscripts are revised by High Schools Students of the Algarve, under the guidance of a schoolteacher, for further simplification of the language and general improvement of the manuscript and figures. The revised manuscripts by the authors are edited and published, with an acknowledgment and a presentation of the reviewers at the end of each article. To maximize the outreach, the articles include a summarized biography of the authors, and links to their research centers and teaching courses. We believe that the UALGORITMO is a valuable instrument to promote scientific literacy and culture amongst all communities.
C-Reactive Protein to Albumin Ratio as Prognostic Marker in Locally Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treated with Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Frey Alina , Martin Daniel , D’Cruz Louisa , Fokas Emmanouil , Rödel Claus , Fleischmann Maximilian
Published: March 2022

Despite the implementation of consolidative immune checkpoint inhibition after definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT), the prognosis for locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains poor. We assessed the impact of the C-reactive protein (CRP) to albumin ratio (CAR) as an inflammation-based prognostic score in patients with locally advanced NSCLC treated with CRT. We retrospectively identified and analyzed 52 patients with primary unresectable NSCLC (UICC Stage III) treated with definitive/neoadjuvant CRT between 2014 and 2019. CAR was calculated by dividing baseline CRP by baseline albumin levels and correlated with clinicopathologic parameters to evaluate prognostic impact. After dichotomizing patients by the median, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed. An increased CAR was associated with advanced T-stage (p = 0.018) and poor performance status (p = 0.004). Patients with pre-therapeutic elevated CAR had significantly lower hemoglobin and higher leukocyte levels (hemoglobin p = 0.001, leukocytes p = 0.018). High baseline CAR was shown to be associated with worse local control (LPFS, p = 0.006), shorter progression-free survival (PFS, p = 0.038) and overall survival (OS, p = 0.022), but not distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS). Multivariate analysis confirmed an impaired outcome in patients with high CAR (LPFS: HR 3.562, 95% CI 1.294–9.802, p = 0.011). CAR is an easily available and independent prognostic marker after CRT in locally advanced NSCLC. CAR may be a useful biomarker for patient stratification to individualize treatment concepts.
Effect of Audiovisual Cross-Modal Conflict during Working Memory Tasks: A Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Study
Authors: Cui Jiahong , Sawamura Daisuke , Sakuraba Satoshi , Saito Ryuji , Tanabe Yoshinobu , Miura Hiroshi , Sugi Masaaki , Yoshida Kazuki , Watanabe Akihiro , Tokikuni Yukina , Yoshida Susumu , Sakai Shinya
Published: March 2022

Cognitive conflict effects are well characterized within unimodality. However, little is known about cross-modal conflicts and their neural bases. This study characterizes the two types of visual and auditory cross-modal conflicts through working memory tasks and brain activities. The participants consisted of 31 healthy, right-handed, young male adults. The Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) and the Paced Visual Serial Addition Test (PVSAT) were performed under distractor and no distractor conditions. Distractor conditions comprised two conditions in which either the PASAT or PVSAT was the target task, and the other was used as a distractor stimulus. Additionally, oxygenated hemoglobin (Oxy-Hb) concentration changes in the frontoparietal regions were measured during tasks. The results showed significantly lower PASAT performance under distractor conditions than under no distractor conditions, but not in the PVSAT. Oxy-Hb changes in the bilateral ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC) and inferior parietal cortex (IPC) significantly increased in the PASAT with distractor compared with no distractor conditions, but not in the PVSAT. Furthermore, there were significant positive correlations between Δtask performance accuracy and ΔOxy-Hb in the bilateral IPC only in the PASAT. Visual cross-modal conflict significantly impairs auditory task performance, and bilateral VLPFC and IPC are key regions in inhibiting visual cross-modal distractors.
Cell-Type Resolved Insights into the Cis-Regulatory Genome of NAFLD
Authors: Dam Trine V. , Toft Nicolaj I. , Grøntved Lars
Published: March 2022

The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing rapidly, and unmet treatment can result in the development of hepatitis, fibrosis, and liver failure. There are difficulties involved in diagnosing NAFLD early and for this reason there are challenges involved in its treatment. Furthermore, no drugs are currently approved to alleviate complications, a fact which highlights the need for further insight into disease mechanisms. NAFLD pathogenesis is associated with complex cellular changes, including hepatocyte steatosis, immune cell infiltration, endothelial dysfunction, hepatic stellate cell activation, and epithelial ductular reaction. Many of these cellular changes are controlled by dramatic changes in gene expression orchestrated by the cis-regulatory genome and associated transcription factors. Thus, to understand disease mechanisms, we need extensive insights into the gene regulatory mechanisms associated with tissue remodeling. Mapping cis-regulatory regions genome-wide is a step towards this objective and several current and emerging technologies allow detection of accessible chromatin and specific histone modifications in enriched cell populations of the liver, as well as in single cells. Here, we discuss recent insights into the cis-regulatory genome in NAFLD both at the organ-level and in specific cell populations of the liver. Moreover, we highlight emerging technologies that enable single-cell resolved analysis of the cis-regulatory genome of the liver.
Modulation of Intestinal Epithelial Permeability via Protease-Activated Receptor-2-Induced Autophagy
Authors: Kim Yuju , Lee Yunna , Heo Gwangbeom , Jeong Sihyun , Park Soyeong , Yoo Jin-Wook , Jung Yunjin , Im Eunok
Published: March 2022

Protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) alleviates intestinal inflammation by upregulating autophagy. PAR2 also modulates tight junctions through β-arrestin signaling. Therefore, we investigated the effect of PAR2-induced autophagy on intestinal epithelial tight junctions and permeability. RT-PCR, Western blot analysis, and immunoprecipitation were performed to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms by which PAR2 regulates autophagy and intestinal epithelial tight junctions. Inhibition of PAR2 by GB83, a PAR2 antagonist, decreased the expression of autophagy-related and tight-junction-related factors in Caco-2 cells. Moreover, inhibition of PAR2 decreased intestinal transepithelial electrical resistance. When PAR2 was activated, intestinal permeability was maintained, but when autophagy was suppressed by chloroquine, intestinal permeability was significantly increased. In addition, the prolongation of ERK1/2 phosphorylation by PAR2–ERK1/2–β-arrestin assembly was reduced under autophagy inhibition conditions. Therefore, PAR2 induces autophagy to regulate intestinal epithelial permeability, suggesting that it is related to the β-arrestin–ERK1/2 pathway. In conclusion, regulating intestinal epithelial permeability through PAR2-induced autophagy can help maintain mucosal barrier integrity. Therefore, these findings suggest that the regulation of PAR2 can be a suitable strategy to treat intestinal diseases caused by permeability dysfunction.
The Growth of Hexagonal Boron Nitride Quantum Dots on Polycrystalline Nickel Films by Plasma-Assisted Molecular Beam Epitaxy
Authors: Nurzal Nurzal , Huang Wei-Cyuan , Liu Cheng-Yu , Chen Su-Hua , Yu Ing-Song
Published: March 2022

In this report, quantum dots of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) were fabricated on the surface of polycrystalline Ni film at low growth temperatures (700, 750, and 800 °C) by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy. Reflection high-energy electron diffraction could trace the surface condition during the growth and perform the formation of BN. The observation of surface morphology by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy showed the nanodots of BN on Ni films. The existence of crystal h-BN quantum dots was determined by the analysis of Raman spectra and Kevin probe force microscopy. The cathodoluminescence of h-BN quantum dots performed at the wavelength of 546 and 610 nm, attributed to the trapping centers involving impurities and vacancies. Moreover, the influence of temperatures for the substrate and boron source cell was also investigated in the report. When the k-cell temperature of boron and growth temperature of substrate increased, the emission intensity of cathodoluminescence spectra increased, indicating the better growth parameters for h-BN quantum dots.
Barriers to Oncofertility Care among Female Adolescent Cancer Patients in Canada
Authors: Glazer Tali Sara , Schulte Fiona
Published: March 2022

High survival rates in adolescent cancer patients have shifted the medical focus to the long-term outcomes of cancer treatments. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation increase the risk of infertility and infertility-related distress in adolescent cancer patients and survivors. The aims of this narrative review were to (1) describe the psychosocial impacts of cancer-related infertility in adolescents, (2) identify multilevel barriers to fertility preservation (FP) conversations and referrals, and (3) conclude with evidence-based clinical solutions for improving the oncofertility support available to Canadian adolescents. The results of this review revealed that FP decisions occur within the patient, parent, and health care provider (HCP) triad, and are influenced by factors such as parent attitudes, patient maturity, and HCP knowledge. Decision tools and HCP education can promote the occurrence of developmentally appropriate fertility discussions. At the systems level, cost and resource barriers prevent patients from receiving sufficient fertility information and referrals. Clinical models of care (MOCs) can define interdisciplinary roles and referral pathways to improve the integration of oncofertility services into adolescent cancer care. The continued integration of oncofertility care will ensure that all Canadian adolescents receive the exemplary medical and psychological support necessary to make empowered decisions about their own fertility.
Symptom Burden and Complexity in the Last 12 Months of Life among Cancer Patients Choosing Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Watson Linda , Link Claire , Qi Siwei , DeIure Andrea , Russell K. Brooke , Schulte Fiona , Forbes Caitlin , Silvius James , Kelly Brian , Bultz Barry D.
Published: March 2022

Background: In 2019, cancer patients comprised over 65% of all individuals who requested and received Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) in Canada. This descriptive study sought to understand the self-reported symptom burden and complexity of cancer patients in the 12 months prior to receiving MAID in Alberta. Methods: Between July 2017 and January 2019, 337 cancer patients received MAID in Alberta. Patient characteristics were descriptively analyzed. As such, 193 patients (57.3%) completed at least one routine symptom-reporting questionnaire in their last year of life. Mixed effects models and generalized estimating equations were utilized to examine the trajectories of individual symptoms and overall symptom complexity within the cohort over this time. Results: The results revealed that all nine self-reported symptoms, and the overall symptom complexity of the cohort, increased as patients’ MAID provision date approached, particularly in the last 3 months of life. While less than 20% of patients experienced high symptom complexity 12 months prior to MAID, this increased to 60% in the month of MAID provision. Conclusions: Cancer patients in this cohort experienced increased symptom burden and complexity leading up to their death. These findings could serve as a flag to clinicians to closely monitor advanced cancer patients’ symptoms, and provide appropriate support and interventions as needed.
Power-Optimal Control of a Stirling Engine’s Frictional Piston Motion
Authors: Paul Raphael , Khodja Abdellah , Fischer Andreas , Masser Robin , Hoffmann Karl Heinz
Published: March 2022

The power output of Stirling engines can be optimized by several means. In this study, the focus is on potential performance improvements that can be achieved by optimizing the piston motion of an alpha-Stirling engine in the presence of dissipative processes, in particular mechanical friction. We use a low-effort endoreversible Stirling engine model, which allows for the incorporation of finite heat and mass transfer as well as the friction caused by the piston motion. Instead of performing a parameterization of the piston motion and optimizing these parameters, we here use an indirect iterative gradient method that is based on Pontryagin’s maximum principle. For the varying friction coefficient, the optimization results are compared to both, a harmonic piston motion and optimization results found in a previous study, where a parameterized piston motion had been used. Thus we show how much performance can be improved by using the more sophisticated and numerically more expensive iterative gradient method.
A Method of Domain Dictionary Construction for Electric Vehicles Disassembly
Authors: Ren Wei , Zhang Hengwei , Chen Ming
Published: March 2022

Currently, there is no domain dictionary in the field of electric vehicles disassembly and other domain dictionary construction algorithms do not accurately extract terminology from disassembly text, because the terminology is complex and variable. Herein, the construction of a domain dictionary for the disassembly of electric vehicles is a research work that has important research significance. Extracting high-quality keywords from text and categorizing them widely uses information mining, which is the basis of named entity recognition, relation extraction, knowledge questions and answers and other disassembly domain information recognition and extraction. In this paper, we propose a supervised learning dictionary construction algorithm based on multi-dimensional features that combines different features of extraction candidate keywords from the text of each scientific study. Keywords recognition is regarded as a binary classification problem using the LightGBM model to filter each keyword, and then expand the domain dictionary based on the pointwise mutual information value between keywords and its category. Here, we make use of Chinese disassembly manuals, patents and papers in order to establish a general corpus about the disassembly information and then use our model to mine the disassembly parts, disassembly tools, disassembly methods, disassembly process, and other categories of disassembly keywords. The experiment evidenced that our algorithms can significantly improve extraction and category performance better than traditional algorithms in the disassembly domain. We also investigated the performance algorithms and attempts to describe them. Our work sets a benchmark for domain dictionary construction in the field of disassembly of electric vehicles that is based on the newly developed dataset using a multi-class terminology classification.