bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short-Term Traffic Flow Prediction Based on CNN-BILSTM with Multicomponent Information
Authors: Zhuang Weiqing , Cao Yongbo
Published: August 2022

Problem definition: The intelligent transportation system (ITS) plays a vital role in the construction of smart cities. For the past few years, traffic flow prediction has been a hot study topic in the field of transportation. Facing the rapid increase in the amount of traffic information, finding out how to use dynamic traffic information to accurately predict its flow has become a challenge. Methodology: Thus, to figure out this issue, this study put forward a multistep prediction model based on a convolutional neural network and bidirectional long short-term memory (BILSTM) model. The spatial characteristics of traffic data were considered as input of the BILSTM model to extract the time series characteristics of the traffic. Results: The experimental results validated that the BILSTM model improved the prediction accuracy in comparison to the support vector regression and gated recurring unit models. Furthermore, the proposed model was comparatively analyzed in terms of mean absolute error, mean absolute percentage error, and root mean square error, which were reduced by 30.4%, 32.2%, and 39.6%, respectively. Managerial implications: Our study provides useful insights into predicting the short-term traffic flow on highways and will improve the management of traffic flow optimization.
Possible ELF/VLF Electric Field Disturbances Detected by Satellite CSES before Major Earthquakes
Authors: Zong Jiayi , Tao Dan , Shen Xuhui
Published: August 2022

The electric field data of ELF/VLF frequency bands recorded by space Electric Field Detector (EFD) on satellite CSES were utilized to analyze the abnormal electromagnetic (EM) emission associated with seismic activities. Two adjacent earthquakes (EQ), which are the Mw6.9 EQ on 7 July and the Mw7.2 EQ on 14 July 2019 in Indonesia, were selected as examples. The disturbance of the electric field in the ELF/VLF band was extracted by using observational and comparative analysis methods. The results of this study indicate the following. (1) The significant electric field anomalies in the ELF/VLF band (mainly from about 49 to 366 Hz) were detected near the epicenter, exactly in the northeast, of two strong low-latitude earthquakes by the electric field detector of CSES. (2) The electric field disturbances were mainly detected by satellite CSES over the epicenters at night, i.e., along the ascending orbits. (3) These abnormal enhancements will gradually diminish as the frequency increases. (4) The electric field anomalies started to appear in the northeast of the epicenters before the mainshocks and gradually moved closer to the sources after them. At the same time, a clear magnetically conjugated feature also gradually appeared before the first earthquake, but then faded away when approaching the next one.
Development and Evaluation of a Novel Deep-Learning-Based Framework for the Classification of Renal Histopathology Images
Authors: Abu Haeyeh Yasmine , Ghazal Mohammed , El-Baz Ayman , Talaat Iman M.
Published: August 2022

Kidney cancer has several types, with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) being the most prevalent and severe type, accounting for more than 85% of adult patients. The manual analysis of whole slide images (WSI) of renal tissues is the primary tool for RCC diagnosis and prognosis. However, the manual identification of RCC is time-consuming and prone to inter-subject variability. In this paper, we aim to distinguish between benign tissue and malignant RCC tumors and identify the tumor subtypes to support medical therapy management. We propose a novel multiscale weakly-supervised deep learning approach for RCC subtyping. Our system starts by applying the RGB-histogram specification stain normalization on the whole slide images to eliminate the effect of the color variations on the system performance. Then, we follow the multiple instance learning approach by dividing the input data into multiple overlapping patches to maintain the tissue connectivity. Finally, we train three multiscale convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and apply decision fusion to their predicted results to obtain the final classification decision. Our dataset comprises four classes of renal tissues: non-RCC renal parenchyma, non-RCC fat tissues, clear cell RCC (ccRCC), and clear cell papillary RCC (ccpRCC). The developed system demonstrates a high classification accuracy and sensitivity on the RCC biopsy samples at the slide level. Following a leave-one-subject-out cross-validation approach, the developed RCC subtype classification system achieves an overall classification accuracy of 93.0% ± 4.9%, a sensitivity of 91.3% ± 10.7%, and a high classification specificity of 95.6% ± 5.2%, in distinguishing ccRCC from ccpRCC or non-RCC tissues. Furthermore, our method outperformed the state-of-the-art Resnet-50 model.
J Proteins Counteract Amyloid Propagation and Toxicity in Yeast
Authors: Masison Daniel C. , Reidy Michael , Kumar Jyotsna
Published: August 2022

The accumulation of misfolded proteins as amyloids is associated with pathology in dozens of debilitating human disorders, including diabetes, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s diseases. Expressing human amyloid-forming proteins in yeast is toxic, and yeast prions that propagate as infectious amyloid forms of cellular proteins are also harmful. The yeast system, which has been useful for studying amyloids and their toxic effects, has provided much insight into how amyloids affect cells and how cells respond to them. Given that an amyloid is a protein folding problem, it is unsurprising that the factors found to counteract the propagation or toxicity of amyloids in yeast involve protein quality control. Here, we discuss such factors with an emphasis on J-domain proteins (JDPs), which are the most highly abundant and diverse regulators of Hsp70 chaperones. The anti-amyloid effects of JDPs can be direct or require interaction with Hsp70.
Dynamic Species Distribution Modeling Reveals the Pivotal Role of Human-Mediated Long-Distance Dispersal in Plant Invasion
Authors: Botella Christophe , Bonnet Pierre , Hui Cang , Joly Alexis , Richardson David M.
Published: August 2022

Plant invasions generate massive ecological and economic costs worldwide. Predicting their spatial dynamics is crucial to the design of effective management strategies and the prevention of invasions. Earlier studies highlighted the crucial role of long-distance dispersal in explaining the speed of many invasions. In addition, invasion speed depends highly on the duration of its lag phase, which may depend on the scaling of fecundity with age, especially for woody plants, even though empirical proof is still rare. Bayesian dynamic species distribution models enable the fitting of process-based models to partial and heterogeneous observations using a state-space modeling approach, thus offering a tool to test such hypotheses on past invasions over large spatial scales. We use such a model to explore the roles of long-distance dispersal and age-structured fecundity in the transient invasion dynamics of Plectranthus barbatus, a woody plant invader in South Africa. Our lattice-based model accounts for both short and human-mediated long-distance dispersal, as well as age-structured fecundity. We fitted our model on opportunistic occurrences, accounting for the spatio-temporal variations of the sampling effort and the variable detection rates across datasets. The Bayesian framework enables us to integrate a priori knowledge on demographic parameters and control identifiability issues. The model revealed a massive wave of spatial spread driven by human-mediated long-distance dispersal during the first decade and a subsequent drastic population growth, leading to a global equilibrium in the mid-1990s. Without long-distance dispersal, the maximum population would have been equivalent to 30% of the current equilibrium population. We further identified the reproductive maturity at three years old, which contributed to the lag phase before the final wave of population growth. Our results highlighted the importance of the early eradication of weedy horticultural alien plants around urban areas to hamper and delay the invasive spread.
Optimization of Transcription Factor Genetic Circuits
Authors: Frank Steven
Published: August 2022

Transcription factors (TFs) affect the production of mRNAs. In essence, the TFs form a large computational network that controls many aspects of cellular function. This article introduces a computational method to optimize TF networks. The method extends recent advances in artificial neural network optimization. In a simple example, computational optimization discovers a four-dimensional TF network that maintains a circadian rhythm over many days, successfully buffering strong stochastic perturbations in molecular dynamics and entraining to an external day–night signal that randomly turns on and off at intervals of several days. This work highlights the similar challenges in understanding how computational TF and neural networks gain information and improve performance.
Dietary Choice Reshapes Metabolism in Drosophila by Affecting Consumption of Macronutrients
Authors: Strilbytska Olha , Semaniuk Uliana , Bubalo Volodymyr , Storey Kenneth B. , Lushchak Oleh
Published: August 2022

The precise regulation of metabolism and feeding behavior is important for preventing the development of metabolic diseases. Here we examine the effects on Drosophila metabolism of dietary choice. These changes are predicted to be dependent on both the quantity and quality of the chosen diet. Using a geometric framework for both no-choice and two-choice conditions, we found that feeding decisions led to higher glucose and trehalose levels but lower triglycerides pools. The feeding regimens had similar strategies for macronutrient balancing, and both maximized hemolymph glucose and glycogen content under low protein intake. In addition, the flies showed significant differences in the way they regulated trehalose and triglyceride levels in response to carbohydrate and protein consumption between choice and no-choice nutrition. Under choice conditions, trehalose and triglyceride levels were maximized at the lowest protein and carbohydrate consumption. Thus, we suggest that these changes in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism are caused by differences in the macronutrients consumed by flies. Food choice elicits rapid metabolic changes to maintain energy homeostasis. These results contribute to our understanding of how metabolism is regulated by the revealed nutrient variation in response to food decisions.
Serum Catestatin Levels Correlate with Ambulatory Blood Pressure and Indices of Arterial Stiffness in Patients with Primary Hypertension
Authors: Kumric Marko , Vrdoljak Josip , Dujic Goran , Supe-Domic Daniela , Ticinovic Kurir Tina , Dujic Zeljko , Bozic Josko
Published: August 2022

Accumulating data suggests that catestatin, an eclectic neuroendocrine peptide, is involved in the pathophysiology of primary hypertension (PH). Nevertheless, clinical studies concerning its role in PH are still scarce. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to explore an association between serum catestatin levels, ambulatory blood pressure (BP) and arterial stiffness in patients with PH and healthy controls. In this single-center study, 72 patients aged 40–70 diagnosed with PH, and 72 healthy controls were included. In patients with PH, serum catestatin concentrations were significantly higher in comparison to the healthy controls (29.70 (19.33–49.48) ng/mL vs. 5.83 (4.21–8.29) ng/mL, p < 0.001). Untreated patients had significantly higher serum catestatin than patients treated with antihypertensive drugs (41.61 (22.85–63.83) ng/mL vs. 24.77 (16.41–40.21) ng/mL, p = 0.005). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that serum catestatin levels retained a significant association with mean arterial pressure (β ± standard error, 0.8123 ± 0.3037, p < 0.009) after model adjustments for age, sex and body mass index. Finally, catestatin levels positively correlated with pulse wave velocity (r = 0.496, p < 0.001) and central augmentation index (r = 0.441, p < 0.001), but not with peripheral resistance. In summary, increased serum catestatin concentration in PH, predominantly in the untreated subgroup, and its association with ambulatory BP and arterial stiffness address the role of this peptide in PH.
Experimental Study on Aeroelastic Instability of Spherical Inflatable Membrane Structures with a Large Rise–Span Ratio
Authors: Chen Zhaoqing , Su Yong , Wang Junchao , Su Ning , Tang Lixiang
Published: August 2022

Spherical inflatable membrane structures are extremely prone to suffer aeroelastic instability under strong winds, which requires detailed investigation. In this paper, based on the digital image correlation technology (DIC), the displacement and strain response characteristics under wind loads are investigated. Furthermore, the aeroelastic instability characteristics and the criteria for determining the occurrence of this phenomenon are defined. The results show that the top, windward, and side parts of the structure deform upward, inward, and outward. The extreme value of the total displacement occurs at approximately 1/2 of the windward region. Maximum principal strains occur at the windward and leeward centers together with the top region. After the wind speed exceeds the critical value (the dimensionless critical wind speed is observed at 1.37), the structure undergoes a sudden change of dominant vibration mode, the damping ratio decreases dramatically and reaches nearly zero. It can be concluded that the aeroelastic instability of the spherical inflatable membrane structure is caused by vortex-induced resonance and is characterized by a sudden increase in deformation and amplitude, a sudden change of the dominant vibration mode, and a rapid decay of the damping ratio. The Reynolds number after reaching the instability critical wind speed is Re > 3.1 × 105.
Integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) with Stick-Built Construction to Implement Digital Construction: A Canadian General Contractor’s Perspective
Authors: Adel Mohamed , Cheng Zhuo , Lei Zhen
Published: August 2022

Building information modeling (BIM) and virtual design and construction (VDC) are useful management processes and methodologies to enhance project communication and coordination. Over the past few decades, researchers and practitioners have made efforts to promote the adoption of BIM and VDC in the construction industry. However, currently, the promotion and adoption of BIM and VDC are relatively slow in North America. This paper focuses on developing an approach to drive the adoption of the technologies through cooperation among project stakeholders and proposing a method of collaboration through a case study. In this paper, the authors surveyed and interviewed a major Canadian general contractor on its implementation of BIM and VDC in construction projects. The was to benchmark the status of BIM and VDC applications in the Atlantic region of Canada from a general contractor’s perspective. Both surveys and interviews were conducted with various project participants throughout the organization. Based on the results, a “Digital Construction Framework for the Future” is proposed to increase the adoption of BIM and VDC. This research can provide a general understanding of BIM and VDC adoption in this particular general contractor and areas of improvement in transitioning to a more digital working construction environment.
Comparison of Genomic Profiling Data with Clinical Parameters: Implications for Breast Cancer Prognosis
Authors: López-Ruiz José A. , Mieza Jon A. , Zabalza Ignacio , Vivanco María d. M.
Published: August 2022

Precise prognosis is crucial for selection of adjuvant therapy in breast cancer. Molecular subtyping is increasingly used to complement immunohistochemical and pathological classification and to predict recurrence. This study compares both outcomes in a clinical setting. Molecular subtyping (MammaPrint®, TargetPrint®, and BluePrint®) and pathological classification data were compared in a cohort of 143 breast cancer patients. High risk clinical factors were defined by a value of the proliferation factor Ki67 equal or higher than 14% and/or high histological grade. The results from molecular classification were considered as reference. Core needle biopsies were found to be comparable to surgery samples for molecular classification. Discrepancies were found between molecular and pathological subtyping of the samples, including misclassification of HER2-positive tumors and the identification of a significant percentage of genomic high risk T1N0 tumors. In addition, 20% of clinical low-risk tumors showed genomic high risk, while clinical high-risk samples included 42% of cases with genomic low risk. According to pathological subtyping, a considerable number of breast cancer patients would not receive the appropriate systemic therapy. Our findings support the need to determine the molecular subtype of invasive breast tumors to improve breast cancer management.
Stage-Specific Effect of Inositol Hexaphosphate on Cancer Stem Cell Pool during Growth and Progression of Prostate Tumorigenesis in TRAMP Model
Authors: Raina Komal , Kandhari Kushal , Jain Anil K. , Ravichandran Kameswaran , Maroni Paul , Agarwal Chapla , Agarwal Rajesh
Published: August 2022

Herein, we assessed the stage-specific efficacy of inositol hexaphosphate (IP6, phytic acid), a bioactive food component, on prostate cancer (PCa) growth and progression in a transgenic mouse model of prostate cancer (TRAMP). Starting at 4, 12, 20, and 30 weeks of age, male TRAMP mice were fed either regular drinking water or 2% IP6 in water for ~8–15 weeks. Pathological assessments at study endpoint indicated that tumor grade is arrested at earlier stages by IP6 treatment; IP6 also prevented progression to more advanced forms of the disease (~55–70% decrease in moderately and poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma incidence was observed in advanced stage TRAMP cohorts). Next, we determined whether the protective effects of IP6 are mediated via its effect on the expansion of the cancer stem cells (CSCs) pool; results indicated that the anti-PCa effects of IP6 are associated with its potential to eradicate the PCa CSC pool in TRAMP prostate tumors. Furthermore, in vitro assays corroborated the above findings as IP6 decreased the % of floating PC-3 prostaspheres (self-renewal of CSCs) by ~90%. Together, these findings suggest the multifaceted chemopreventive-translational potential of IP6 intervention in suppressing the growth and progression of PCa and controlling this malignancy at an early stage.
Low Prevalence of HPV Related Oropharyngeal Carcinogenesis in Northern Sardinia
Authors: Bussu Francesco , Muresu Narcisa , Crescio Claudia , Gallus Roberto , Rizzo Davide , Cossu Andrea , Sechi Illari , Fedeli Mariantonietta , Cossu Antonio , Delogu Giovanni , Piana Andrea
Published: August 2022

HPV infection is a clear etiopathogenetic factor in oropharyngeal carcinogenesis and is associated with a markedly better prognosis than in smoking- and alcohol-associated cases, as specified by AJCC classification. The aim of the present work is to evaluate the prevalence of HPV-induced OPSCC in an insular area in the Mediterranean and to assess the reliability of p16 IHC (immunohistochemistry) alone, as accepted by AJCC, in the diagnosis of HPV-driven carcinogenesis in such a setting. All patients with OPSCC consecutively managed by the referral center in North Sardinia of head and neck tumor board of AOU Sassari, were recruited. Diagnosis of HPV-related OPCSS was carried out combining p16 IHC and DNA testing on FFPE samples and compared with the results of p16 IHC alone. Roughly 14% (9/62) of cases were positive for HPV-DNA and p16 IHC. Three more cases showed overexpression of p16, which has a 100% sensitivity, but only 75% specificity as standalone method for diagnosing HPV-driven carcinogenesis. The Cohen’s kappa coefficient of p16 IHC alone is 0.83 (excellent). However, if HPV-driven carcinogenesis diagnosed by p16 IHC alone was considered the criterion for treatment deintensification, 25% of p16 positive cases would have been wrongly submitted to deintensified treatment for tumors as aggressive as a p16 negative OPSCC. The currently accepted standard by AJCC (p16 IHC alone) harbors a high rate of false positive results, which appears risky for recommending treatment deintensification, and for this aim, in areas with a low prevalence of HPV-related OPSCC, it should be confirmed with HPV nucleic acid detection.
Activation of the Anaphase Promoting Complex Reverses Multiple Drug Resistant Cancer in a Canine Model of Multiple Drug Resistant Lymphoma
Authors: Arnason Terra G. , MacDonald-Dickinson Valerie , Gaunt Matthew Casey , Davies Gerald F. , Lobanova Liubov , Trost Brett , Gillespie Zoe E. , Waldner Matthew , Baldwin Paige , Borrowman Devon , Marwood Hailey , Vizeacoumar Frederick S. , Vizeacoumar Franco J. , Eskiw Christopher H. , Kusalik Anthony , Harkness Troy A. A.
Published: August 2022

Like humans, canine lymphomas are treated by chemotherapy cocktails and frequently develop multiple drug resistance (MDR). Their shortened clinical timelines and tumor accessibility make canines excellent models to study MDR mechanisms. Insulin-sensitizers have been shown to reduce the incidence of cancer in humans prescribed them, and we previously demonstrated that they also reverse and delay MDR development in vitro. Here, we treated canines with MDR lymphoma with metformin to assess clinical and tumoral responses, including changes in MDR biomarkers, and used mRNA microarrays to determine differential gene expression. Metformin reduced MDR protein markers in all canines in the study. Microarrays performed on mRNAs gathered through longitudinal tumor sampling identified a 290 gene set that was enriched in Anaphase Promoting Complex (APC) substrates and additional mRNAs associated with slowed mitotic progression in MDR samples compared to skin controls. mRNAs from a canine that went into remission showed that APC substrate mRNAs were decreased, indicating that the APC was activated during remission. In vitro validation using canine lymphoma cells selected for resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs confirmed that APC activation restored MDR chemosensitivity, and that APC activity was reduced in MDR cells. This supports the idea that rapidly pushing MDR cells that harbor high loads of chromosome instability through mitosis, by activating the APC, contributes to improved survival and disease-free duration.
The Degradation of TMEM166 by Autophagy Promotes AMPK Activation to Protect SH-SY5Y Cells Exposed to MPP+
Authors: Liao Zhaozhong , Gong Zunshuang , Wang Zhe , Yang Weiyan , Liu Wenjing , Hou Lin , Liu Xiaokun , Hua Junnan , Wang Bin , Li Ning
Published: August 2022

Neuronal oxidative stress caused by mitochondrial dysfunction plays a crucial role in the development of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Growing evidence shows that autophagy confers neuroprotection in oxidative-stress-associated PD. This work aims to investigate the involvement of TMEM166, an endoplasmic-reticulum-localized autophagy-regulating protein, in the process of PD-associated oxidative stress through the classic cellular PD model of neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells exposed to 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and mitochondrial membrane potential were checked to assess the oxidative stress induced by MPP+ and the cellular ATP generated was determined to evaluate mitochondrial function. The effect on autophagy induction was evaluated by analyzing p62 and LC3-II/I expression and by observing the LC3 puncta and the colocalization of LC3 with LAMP1/ LAMP2. The colocalization of mitochondria with LC3, the colocalization of Tom20 with LAMP1 and Tom20 expression were analyzed to evaluate mitophagy. We found that TMEM166 is up-regulated in transcript levels, but up-regulated first and then down-regulated by autophagic degradation in protein levels upon MPP+-treatment. Overexpression of TMEM166 induces mitochondria fragmentation and dysfunction and exacerbates MPP+-induced oxidative stress and cell viability reduction. Overexpression of TMEM166 is sufficient to induce autophagy and mitophagy and promotes autophagy and mitophagy under MPP+ treatment, while knockdown of TMEM166 inhibits basal autophagic degradation. In addition, overexpressed TMEM166 suppresses AMPK activation, while TMEM166 knockdown enhances AMPK activation. Pharmacological activation of AMPK alleviates the exacerbation of oxidative stress induced by TMEM166 overexpression and increases cell viability, while pharmacological inhibition mitophagy aggravates the oxidative stress induced by MPP+ treatment combined with TMEM166 overexpression. Finally, we find that overexpressed TMEM166 partially localizes to mitochondria and, simultaneously, the active AMPK in mitochondria is decreased. Collectively, these findings suggest that TMEM166 can translocate from ER to mitochondria and inhibit AMPK activation and, in response to mitochondrial oxidative stress, neuronal cells choose to up-regulate TMEM166 to promote autophagy/mitophagy; then, the enhancing autophagy/mitophagy degrades the TMEM166 to activate AMPK, by the two means to maintain cell survival. The continuous synthesis and degradation of TMEM166 in autophagy/mitochondria flux suggest that TMEM166 may act as an autophagy/mitochondria adaptor.
Double Deletion of PI3K and PTEN Modifies Lens Postnatal Growth and Homeostasis
Authors: Sellitto Caterina , Li Leping , White Thomas W.
Published: August 2022

We have previously shown that the conditional deletion of either the p110α catalytic subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), or its opposing phosphatase, phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), had distinct effects on lens growth and homeostasis. The deletion of p110α reduced the levels of phosphorylated Akt and equatorial epithelial cell proliferation, and resulted in smaller transparent lenses in adult mice. The deletion of PTEN increased levels of phosphorylated Akt, altered lens sodium transport, and caused lens rupture and cataract. Here, we have generated conditional p110α/PTEN double-knockout mice, and evaluated epithelial cell proliferation and lens homeostasis. The double deletion of p110α and PTEN rescued the defect in lens size seen after the single knockout of p110α, but accelerated the lens rupture phenotype seen in PTEN single-knockout mice. Levels of phosphorylated Akt in double-knockout lenses were significantly higher than in wild-type lenses, but not as elevated as those reported for PTEN single-knockout lenses. These results showed that the double deletion of the p110α catalytic subunit of PI3K and its opposing phosphatase, PTEN, exacerbated the rupture defect seen in the single PTEN knockout and alleviated the growth defect observed in the single p110α knockout. Thus, the integrity of the PI3K signaling pathway was absolutely essential for proper lens homeostasis, but not for lens growth.
Antibacterial Activity and Bioactivity of Zn-Doped TiO2 Coating for Implants
Authors: Kang Binbin , Lan Dongmei , Liu Lei , Dang Rui , Yao Chao , Liu Ping , Ma Fengcang , Qi Shengcai , Chen Xiaohong
Published: August 2022

Lacking osseointegration and peri-implantitis induced by bacterial infiltration are the pivotal issues for the long-term clinical success of implants. In order to improve the bioactivity and antibacterial properties of implant materials, volcano-shaped microporous TiO2 coatings doped with Zinc (Zn) were fabricated via a micro-arc oxidation (MAO) method on pure titanium (Ti). The microstructure, morphology, and chemical composition of the Zn-doped coatings were systematically studied. In cell culture tests, the formed coatings promoted the adhesion and proliferation of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), exhibiting good biocompatibility. The antibacterial experiments revealed that Zn-TiO2 coatings possess excellent antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis).
Management of Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Review for General Practitioners in Oncology
Authors: Stubbins Ryan J. , Francis Annabel , Kuchenbauer Florian , Sanford David
Published: August 2022

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematologic malignancy that most frequently develops in older adults. Overall, AML is associated with a high mortality although advancements in genetic risk stratification and new treatments are leading to improvements in outcomes for some subgroups. In this review, we discuss an individualized approach to intensive therapy with a focus on the role of recently approved novel therapies as well as the selection of post-remission therapies for patients in first remission. We discuss the management of patients with relapsed and refractory AML, including the role of targeted treatment and allogeneic stem cell transplant. Next, we review non-intensive treatment for older and unfit AML patients including the use of azacitidine and venetoclax. Finally, we discuss the integration of palliative care in the management of patients with AML.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, Pulmonary Edema, and Sodium Toxicity: A Grounded Theory
Authors: Brown Ronald B.
Published: August 2022

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) occurs unexpectedly in an otherwise healthy infant with no identifiable cause of death following a thorough investigation. A general hypervolemic state has been identified in SIDS, and fluid in the lungs suggests the involvement of pulmonary edema and hypoxia as the cause of death. The present perspective paper reviews pathophysiological, epidemiological, and dietary evidence in SIDS. A grounded theory is presented that proposes an association of SIDS with sodium toxicity from excessive sodium chloride intake, mediated by noncardiogenic pulmonary edema, hypoxia, and alveolar damage. The peak of SIDS cases occurs in infants 2–4 months of age, who are less efficient in excreting excessive dietary sodium load. Evidence implicating sodium toxicity in SIDS includes increased levels of sodium associated with fever and with inflammatory/immune responses in the lungs. Conditions in near-miss SIDS cases are linked to dysregulated sodium, and increased sodium dietary intake suggests that sodium toxicity from a high-salt diet potentially mediates the association of seasonality and socioeconomic status with SIDS incidence. In addition, exposure to sodium toxicity meets three main criteria of the triple risk model of SIDS. The proposed pathophysiological effects of pulmonary edema related to sodium toxicity in SIDS merit further investigations.
Improving Network Representation Learning via Dynamic Random Walk, Self-Attention and Vertex Attributes-Driven Laplacian Space Optimization
Authors: Hu Shengxiang , Zhang Bofeng , Lv Hehe , Chang Furong , Zhou Chenyang , Wu Liangrui , Zou Guobing
Published: August 2022

Network data analysis is a crucial method for mining complicated object interactions. In recent years, random walk and neural-language-model-based network representation learning (NRL) approaches have been widely used for network data analysis. However, these NRL approaches suffer from the following deficiencies: firstly, because the random walk procedure is based on symmetric node similarity and fixed probability distribution, the sampled vertices’ sequences may lose local community structure information; secondly, because the feature extraction capacity of the shallow neural language model is limited, they can only extract the local structural features of networks; and thirdly, these approaches require specially designed mechanisms for different downstream tasks to integrate vertex attributes of various types. We conducted an in-depth investigation to address the aforementioned issues and propose a novel general NRL framework called dynamic structure and vertex attribute fusion network embedding, which firstly defines an asymmetric similarity and h-hop dynamic random walk strategy to guide the random walk process to preserve the network’s local community structure in walked vertex sequences. Next, we train a self-attention-based sequence prediction model on the walked vertex sequences to simultaneously learn the vertices’ local and global structural features. Finally, we introduce an attributes-driven Laplacian space optimization to converge the process of structural feature extraction and attribute feature extraction. The proposed approach is exhaustively evaluated by means of node visualization and classification on multiple benchmark datasets, and achieves superior results compared to baseline approaches.
Kaniadakis Entropy Leads to Particle–Hole Symmetric Distribution
Authors: Biró Tamás S.
Published: August 2022

We discuss generalized exponentials, whose inverse functions are at the core of generalized entropy formulas, with respect to particle–hole (KMS) symmetry. The latter is fundamental in field theory; so, possible statistical generalizations of the Boltzmann formula-based thermal field theory have to take this property into account. We demonstrate that Kaniadakis’ approach is KMS ready and discuss possible further generalizations.
A 26–30 GHz GaN HEMT Low-Noise Amplifier Employing a Series Inductor-Based Stability Enhancement Technique
Authors: Ahn Hyunbae , Ji Honggu , Kang Dongmin , Son Sung-Min , Lee Sanghun , Han Junghwan
Published: August 2022

This article presents a 26–30 GHz gallium nitride (GaN) high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) low-noise amplifier (LNA) for fifth-generation base station applications. In the proposed design, a series inductor-based stability enhancement technique was utilized to improve the reverse isolation and stability performance of the amplifier and to mitigate the effect of the parasitic capacitance of the GaN HEMT device. To validate the concept of the design, a three-stage GaN HEMT LNA was designed and fabricated in a 0.15-um GaN on silicon carbide technology. The demonstrated design achieved a gain of 20.2 dB, a noise figure of 2.4–2.5 dB, an output 1-dB compression point of 17.2 dBm, and an output third-order intercept point of 32.2 dBm. The design also attained stability (μ criterion) up to 7.7 at the operating frequency. The implemented design consumed power of 320 mW with a nominal supply of 10 V.
A Secure and Efficient Method to Protect Communications and Energy Consumption in IoT Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Hussein Safwan Mawlood , López Ramos Juan Antonio , Ashir Abubakar Muhammad
Published: August 2022

The rapid growth of technology has resulted in the deployment of a large number of interconnected devices, resulting in a wide range of new societal services. Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are a promising technology which is faced with the challenges of operating a large number of sensor nodes, information gathering, data transmission, and providing a means to act in different scenarios such as monitoring, surveillance, forest fire detection, and many others from the civil to military spectrum. The deployment scenario, the nature of the sensor-equipped nodes, and their communication methods make this architecture extremely vulnerable to attacks, tampering, and manipulation than conventional networks. Therefore, an optimal solution to ensure security in such networks which captures the major constraints of the network in terms of energy utilization, secured data transmission, bandwidth, and memory fingerprint to process data is required. This work proposes a fast, reliable, and secure method of key distribution and management that can be used to ensure the integrity of wireless sensor networks’ communications. Moreover, with regards to efficient energy utilization, an improvement of the Low Energy Adaptive Clustering Hierarchy (LEACH) algorithm (a cluster routing protocol that is mainly used in WSN) has been proposed to enhance the networks’ energy efficiency, simplicity, and load-balancing features. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a combination of a distributed key exchange and management methods based on elliptic curve cryptography to ensure security of node communication and an improved routing protocol based on the LEACH protocol to demonstrate better performance in parameters such as network lifespan, dead nodes, and energy consumption.
Comparison and Parametric Analysis of Thermoelectric Generator System for Industrial Waste Heat Recovery with Three Types of Heat Sinks: Numerical Study
Authors: Liu Jie , Shin Ki-Yeol , Kim Sung Chul
Published: August 2022

In this study, a fluid–thermal–electrical multiphysics numerical model was developed for the thermal and electrical analyses of a heat sink-based thermoelectric generator (TEG) in a waste heat recovery system used for casting a bronze ingot mold. Moreover, the model was validated based on experimental data. Heat sinks were installed on the hot side of the TEG module to recover the waste heat from the flue gas generated in the casting process. The numerical results of the thermal and electrical characteristics of a plate fin (PF)-based TEG showed good agreement with the experimental findings. Numerical simulations of heat sinks with three different fin structures—PF, cylinder pin fin (CPF), and rectangular pin fin (RPF)—were conducted. The simulated system pressure drop, hot- and cold-side temperature difference in the TEG module, TEG power output, and TEG efficiency were compared for the differently designed fin structures. The results showed that for the same fin area, the CPF heat sink-based TEG system achieved a lower pressure drop, higher power output, and higher efficiency than the other two designs. This was particularly true when the velocity of the flue gas and the fin height exceed 5 m/s and 28.6 mm, respectively. Therefore, for low and high flue gas velocities, PF and CPF heat sinks are recommended as the best choices, respectively.
A State-of-the-Art Review on SARS-CoV-2 Virus Removal Using Different Wastewater Treatment Strategies
Authors: Paital Biswaranjan , Das Kajari , Malekdar Fatemeh , Sandoval Miguel A. , Niaragh Elnaz Karamati , Frontistis Zacharias , Behera Tapas Ranjan , Balacco Gabriella , Sangkham Sarawut , Hati Akshaya Kumar , Mousazadeh Milad
Published: August 2022

In addition to the numerous health effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the scientific community has considered other emerging effects such as water-related impacts worthy of deep investigation. In this regard, the transmission cycles of the SARS-CoV-2 virus from fecal, vomiting, and sputum routes to sewage have led health authorities to diagnose, prevent, and use novel wastewater treatment technologies. Once they enter the gastrointestinal canal of a healthy person, viral particles can infect via the nominal amount of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) present in alimentary canal epithelial cell surfaces and further infect lung, heart, kidney, and other organs. The current review highlights the detection, status, and fate of SARS-CoV-2 from sewage treatment facilities to water bodies. Besides, it addresses the potential wastewater treatment processes to cope with various viruses, especially SARS-CoV-2. Many processes can manage contaminated wastewater and solid wastes over the long term, including membrane technologies, disinfectants, UV-light and advanced oxidation methods like photocatalysis, ozonation, hydrogen peroxide, nanomaterials, and algae. Future work must focus on implementing the selected actions for the treatment of the wastewater released from the COVID-19 hospitals and self-quarantine centers to better regulate future waves of SARS-CoV-2.
Comment on Sinkovič et al. Isotope Fingerprints of Common and Tartary Buckwheat Grains and Milling Fractions: A Preliminary Study. Foods 2022, 11, 1414
Authors: Horacek Micha , Cannavan Andrew
Published: August 2022

We read with interest the publication by Sinkovic et al. [...]
Effect of Brown Seaweed (Macrocystis pyrifera) Addition on Nutritional and Quality Characteristics of Yellow, Blue, and Red Maize Tortillas
Authors: Pérez-Alva Alexa , Baigts-Allende Diana K. , Ramírez-Rodrigues Melissa A. , Ramírez-Rodrigues Milena M.
Published: August 2022

The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of incorporating Macrocystis pyrifera into yellow, blue, and red maize masa and tortillas. The nutritional composition and mineral content of tortillas was determined, and the color, texture, total phenolic compounds (TPC), and antioxidant capacity of masas and tortillas were measured. The addition of seaweed led to a significant decrease in moisture and a significant increase in ash, protein, and fiber, while no differences were observed in the lipid and carbohydrate content. There was a significant increase in all analyzed minerals (Na, Ca, P, K, and Mg). Tortillas weighed 24.54 ± 1.02 g, had a diameter of 11.00 ± 0.79 cm, and a thickness of 0.32 ± 0.09 cm. All color parameters were significantly affected by seaweed concentration. The hardness of the masas was 2.18–22.32 N, and the values of the perforation test of the tortillas were 1.40–4.55 N. The TPC of the masas and tortillas was measured in water and methanol:water extracts. Results were higher in the water extracts (1141.59–23,323.48 mg GAE/100 g masa and 838.06–2142.34 mg GAE/100 g tortilla). Antioxidant capacity (ORAC) was higher for methanol:water extracts (14,051.96–44,928.75 µmol TE/100 g masa and 14,631.47–47,327.69 µmol TE/100 g tortilla).
Case Reports of Aortic Aneurism in Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Lewis Sivan , DePass Andrew , Hagerman Randi J. , Lozano Reymundo
Published: August 2022

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is an inherited genetic condition that is the leading known cause of inherited intellectual developmental disability. Phenotypically, individuals with FXS also present with distinct physical features including, elongated face, prominent ears, pectus excavatum, macroorchidism, and joint laxity, which suggests connective tissue dysplasia. In addition to mitral valve prolapse, aortic dilatation has been identified within individuals with FXS. Abnormal elastin fiber networks have been found in the skin, valves, and aorta in individual cases. Aortic dilatation has been described in other connective tissue disorders, particularly Marfan syndrome. However, while aortic aneurysms are characteristic of Marfan syndrome, no similar cases have been reported in FXS patients to date. This case report details the presentation of two patients with FXS and aortic aneurysm. Our two cases highlight the risks of aortic pathology in FXS, and the need for monitoring in asymptomatic patients with significant aortic dilatation.
The Assessment of Sealants’ Effectiveness in Arresting Non-Cavitated Caries Lesion—A 24-Month Follow-Up
Authors: Beresescu Liana , Păcurar Mariana , Bica Cristina Ioana , Vlasa Alexandru , Stoica Oana Elena , Dako Timea , Petcu Blanka , Esian Daniela
Published: August 2022

Dental sealants are excellent means to prevent pits and fissure caries. Nowadays, the application of sealants is extended to therapeutic use in arresting non-cavitated carious lesions. This relatively new concept still lacks evidence to support its routine use. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a resin-based sealant applied on first permanent molars with carious lesions (ICDAS 1–3), in comparison with its effectiveness when applied on sound surfaces (ICDAS 0). Included in the study were 114 children aged between six and eight years old, with a high caries risk (according to the CAMBRA system), with all four permanent molars erupted and with deep pits and fissures. A total number of 407 molars were sealed and assessed. A total of 49 were excluded (they had caries, which according to the ICDAS II classification were classified with code 4–6 or had older sealants or fillings). Out of these 407 molars, 213 were sound (code 0) and 194 had caries lesions as follows: 56 teeth classified as code 1, 79 teeth classified as code 2, and 59 teeth classified as code 3 according to the ICDAS II classification. The retention of the sealant and carious lesions were assessed clinically at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Regarding sealant retention, a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) among the two types of sealed teeth, sound (ICDAS 0) and decayed (ICDAS 3), showed at 18- and 24-month follow-up intervals. Regarding caries lesions, a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) showed between sound (ICDAS 0) and decayed (ICDAS 3) molars at 24-month follow-up. Our study results supported the resin-based sealant effectiveness in arresting incipient carious lesions, which according to the ICDAS II classification have received codes 1 and 2 but did not support sealant effectiveness in arresting caries lesions classified according to the same classification with code 3.
Hemoperitoneum as a Life-Threatening Complication of an Acute Cholecystitis in a Patient with Hemophilia A with Inhibitors: A Case Report
Authors: Badulescu Oana Viola , Papancea Adelina , Filip Nina , Ciuntu Bogdan Mihnea , Cirdeiu Ciprian , Bordeianu Gabriela , Vintila Dan , Badescu Minerva Codruta , Ciocoiu Manuela , Georgescu Stefan Octavian
Published: August 2022

We present the case of a 52-year-old male with severe hemophilia A with inhibitors, who was diagnosticated with acute lithiasic cholecystitis that required surgical intervention due to lack of favorable response to conservatory treatment. During surgery, hemostatic support was performed with activated recombinant factor VII (rFVIIa, NovoSeven®). The surgery was performed first laparoscopically with adhesiolysis, followed by subcostal laparotomy and cholecystectomy because of the findings of a pericholecystic plastron with abscess and massive inflammatory anatomical modifications. The patient presented postoperative complications, requiring a second surgical intervention, due to the installation of a hemoperitoneum. Hemostatic treatment with rFVIIa was given for a further 3 weeks postoperatively, and the patient was discharged in safe condition. A surgical intervention increases the risk of bleeding in hemophilic patients, which may have vital complications in the absence of adequate hemostatic support and the support of a multidisciplinary team with experience in hemophilic surgery.
Decision Making in Addictive Behaviors Based on Prospect Theory: A Systematic Review
Authors: Cabedo-Peris Javier , González-Sala Francisco , Merino-Soto César , Pablo José Ángel Cahua , Toledano-Toledano Filiberto
Published: August 2022

Traditionally, research on addictive behaviors has been based on the study of their risk factors, with impulsivity being the main risk factor. However, this study aims to approach this topic from the analysis of decision making. According to the prospect theory, low levels of loss and risk aversion will increase the probability of showing addictive behaviors. A systematic review of the possible relationships between these behaviors and prospect theory was carried out. To this end, the works that have studied loss and risk aversion in populations with addictive behaviors to date (N = 15) were compiled. Apart from other eligibility criteria, the selection process was only performed with studies that included the prospect theory or cumulative prospect theory, in English or Spanish, since 1979. WoS, Scopus, Dialnet and PsycInfo were the information sources selected. For this purpose, PRISMA guidelines have been followed. It was found that users of addictive substances show less loss aversion than nonusers. These results cannot be transferred to pathological gamblers. The significance of this work for future research and the implementation of prevention and intervention programs is highlighted. The results show an approach to addictions from a novel perspective.