bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RhoA/ROCK Pathway Is Upregulated in Experimental Autoimmune Myocarditis and Is Inhibited by Simvastatin at the Stage of Myosin Light Chain Phosphorylation
Authors: Skrzypiec-Spring Monika , Kaczorowski Maciej , Rak-Pasikowska Alina , Sapa-Wojciechowska Agnieszka , Kujawa Krzysztof , Żuryń Agnieszka , Bil-Lula Iwona , Hałoń Agnieszka , Szeląg Adam
Published: March 2024

Many studies have proven the involvement of the RhoA/ROCK pathway in autoimmune and cardiovascular diseases and the beneficial effects of its downregulation. Here, we examined whether the effect of simvastatin on experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM) may be through targeting the Ras homolog family member A/Rho-associated coiled-coil containing kinases (RhoA/ROCK) pathway and whether previously shown downregulation of metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) could be associated with MLC phosphorylation. Two doses of simvastatin were administered to experimental rats with autoimmune myocarditis by gastric gavage for 3 weeks, at the stage of development of the inflammatory process. Immunohistochemical staining for RhoA and ROCK1 was evaluated semi-quantitatively with H-score. The RhoA staining showed no significant differences in expression between the groups, but the ROCK1 expression was significantly upregulated in the hearts of the EAM group and was not downregulated by simvastatin. The Western blotting analysis of the last downstream product of the RhoA/ROCK axis, phosphorylated myosin light chain (phospho-MYL9), revealed that protein content increased in EAM hearts and it was prevented by the highest dose of simvastatin. Our findings suggest that the RhoA/ROCK pathway is upregulated in EAM, and simvastatin in EAM settings inhibits the RhoA/ROCK pathway at the stage of phosphorylation of myosin light chains and provides a new insight into the molecular pathology of autoimmune myocarditis.
An Integrated Approach Including CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Nanopore Sequencing, Mate Pair Sequencing, and Cytogenomic Methods to Characterize Complex Structural Rearrangements in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Phan Michael , Gomes Maria A. , Stinnett Victoria , Morsberger Laura , Hoppman Nicole L. , Pearce Kathryn E. , Smith Kirstin , Phan Brian , Jiang Liqun , Zou Ying S.
Published: March 2024

Complex structural chromosome abnormalities such as chromoanagenesis have been reported in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). They are usually not well characterized by conventional genetic methods, and the characterization of chromoanagenesis structural abnormalities from short-read sequencing still presents challenges. Here, we characterized complex structural abnormalities involving chromosomes 2, 3, and 7 in an AML patient using an integrated approach including CRISPR/Cas9-mediated nanopore sequencing, mate pair sequencing (MPseq), and SNP microarray analysis along with cytogenetic methods. SNP microarray analysis revealed chromoanagenesis involving chromosomes 3 and 7, and a pseudotricentric chromosome 7 was revealed by cytogenetic methods. MPseq revealed 138 structural variants (SVs) as putative junctions of complex rearrangements involving chromosomes 2, 3, and 7, which led to 16 novel gene fusions and 33 truncated genes. Thirty CRISPR RNA (crRNA) sequences were designed to map 29 SVs, of which 27 (93.1%) were on-target based on CRISPR/Cas9 crRNA nanopore sequencing. In addition to simple SVs, complex SVs involving over two breakpoints were also revealed. Twenty-one SVs (77.8% of the on-target SVs) were also revealed by MPseq with shared SV breakpoints. Approximately three-quarters of breakpoints were located within genes, especially intronic regions, and one-quarter of breakpoints were intergenic. Alu and LINE repeat elements were frequent among breakpoints. Amplification of the chromosome 7 centromere was also detected by nanopore sequencing. Given the high amplification of the chromosome 7 centromere, extra chromosome 7 centromere sequences (tricentric), and more gains than losses of genomic material, chromoanasynthesis and chromothripsis may be responsible for forming this highly complex structural abnormality. We showed this combination approach’s value in characterizing complex structural abnormalities for clinical and research applications. Characterization of these complex structural chromosome abnormalities not only will help understand the molecular mechanisms responsible for the process of chromoanagenesis, but also may identify specific molecular targets and their impact on therapy and overall survival.
Risk Factors Association with Transcriptional Activity of Metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP-1) Genes in Patients with Heart Failure
Authors: Dąbek Józefa , Korzeń Dariusz , Sierka Oskar , Paluszkiewicz Lech , Milting Hendrik , Gąsior Zbigniew
Published: March 2024

The aim of the study was to assess the occurrence of classic risk factors in the study group of patients with heart failure and to link them with the transcriptional activity of the examined genes: metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP-1). A total of 150 (100%) patients qualified for the study, including 80 (53.33%) patients with heart failure in the course of coronary artery disease, 40 (26.67%) with coronary artery disease without heart failure, and 30 (20.00%) in whom the presence of atherosclerotic changes in the coronary arteries was excluded. The material for molecular tests was peripheral blood collected from patients within the first 24 h of hospitalisation. A quantitative analysis of transcriptional activity was performed using the RT-qPCR technique. The most common classic risk factors among the patients in the study group were arterial hypertension (117; 78.00%) and overweight/obesity (102; 68%). In the group of patients with coronary artery disease and heart failure burdened with overweight/obesity, a significantly higher transcriptional activity of the metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) gene was found in comparison to patients who were not burdened with this risk factor. The analysis also showed the statistically significant higher transcriptional activity of the metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) gene in a group of patients with coronary artery disease and heart failure who smoked. The examined patients with heart failure due to myocardial ischemia were burdened with numerous cardiovascular risk factors, the most common of which were arterial hypertension, obesity/overweight, and hypercholesterolemia. A significant increase in the transcriptional activity of the metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) gene in the presence of risk factors (male sex, overweight/obesity, smoking) indicates another pathomechanism of their action and participation in the development and progression of heart failure during myocardial ischemia. There is a need for systematic information and educational activities promoting a healthy lifestyle with the elimination of modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.
The Long and Winding Road to Real-Life Experiments: Remote Assessment of Executive Functions with Computerized Games—Results from 8 Years of Naturalistic Interventions
Authors: Vladisauskas Melina , Paz Gabriel , Nin Verónica , Guillén Jesús , Belloli Laouen , Delgado Hernán , Miguel Martín , Macario Cabral Daniela , Shalom Diego , Forés Anna , Carboni Alejandra , Fernández-Slezak Diego , Goldin Andrea
Published: March 2024

Mate Marote is an open-access cognitive training software aimed at children between 4 and 8 years old. It consists of a set of computerized games specifically tailored to train and evaluate Executive Functions (EF), a class of processes critical for purposeful, goal-directed behavior, including working memory, planning, flexibility, and inhibitory control. Since 2008, several studies were performed with this software at children’s own schools in interventions supervised in-person by cognitive scientists. After 2015, we incorporated naturalistic, yet controlled, interventions with children’s own teachers’ help. The platform includes a battery of standardized tests, disguised as games, to assess children’s EF. The main question that emerges is whether the results, obtained with these traditional tasks but conducted without the presence of researchers, are comparable to those widely reported in the literature, that were obtained in more supervised settings. In this study, we were able to replicate the expected difficulty and age effects in at least one of the analyzed dependent variables of each employed test. We also report important discrepancies between the expected and the observed response time patterns, specifically for time-constrained tasks. We hereby discuss the benefits and setbacks of a new possible strategy for this type of assessment in naturalistic settings. We conclude that this battery of established EF tasks adapted for its remote usage is appropriate to measure the expected mental processes in naturalistic settings, enriching opportunities to upscale cognitive training interventions at schools. These types of tools can constitute a concerted strategy to bring together educational neuroscience research and real-life practice.
Neurorehabilitation including Virtual-Reality-Based Balance Therapy: Factors Associated with Training Response
Authors: Wiskerke Evelyne , Kool Jan , Hilfiker Roger , Sattelmayer Martin , Verheyden Geert
Published: March 2024

Background: Virtual reality (VR) therapy is increasingly used and has shown encouraging effects. Yet, it is unknown which patients respond best to VR-based balance therapy as part of neurorehabilitation. Methods: Data from 30 persons with stroke and 51 persons with multiple sclerosis who performed three to four weeks of VR-based balance therapy during in-patient rehabilitation were analysed. Participants were divided into responders and nonresponders based on achievement of the minimal clinically important difference in functional balance post intervention. Measures of balance, trunk function, mobility, gait, motivation, and exergame parameters were compared between groups. Results: Post intervention, all clinical measurements significantly improved (p < 0.05; effect size: 0.45–0.59). Participants that achieved the minimal clinically important difference in functional balance (n = 49; 60%) had significantly lower preintervention functional and dynamic balance (median(IQR): 39(27–46) versus 45(37–50); p = 0.02 and 11(6–15) versus 16(11–18); p = 0.03). They spent less time on higher difficulty exercises (11(8–17) versus 14.5(10–12); p = 0.03) and demonstrated increased motivation over time compared with nonresponders (1(−1–5) versus −2(−7–3); p = 0.03). Conclusion: Lower baseline balance ability, spending more time on adequately challenging exercises, and increased motivation potentially influence response to therapy. These factors can support the personalisation of VR-based balance therapy.
Study on the Characteristics of Spatial Evolution and Influencing Factors of Green Buildings in China
Authors: Han Han , Chen Weihua , Zhang Jun , Wang Wei , Xiao Zhipeng , Wang Zhijin , Wan Yangtao
Published: March 2024

Utilizing panel data pertaining to green building across 333 prefecture-level administrative units in China (excluding Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan) during the period spanning 2008–2020, an exhaustive examination of the evolution of China’s spatial pattern in green building is conducted employing the nearest neighbor index method, spatial autocorrelation analysis method, and kernel density analysis method. Furthermore, geographic probes are employed to scrutinize the determinants influencing China’s spatial configuration of green buildings. The findings reveal that: (1) An alteration in the density distribution from a “unipolar nucleus and double sub-nuclei” configuration to a “triple polar nuclei and multiple sub-nuclei” manifestation has been discerned in the spatial agglomeration of green buildings in China, exhibiting annual growth. Additionally, the center of green building development has shifted from the northwest to the southwest. (2) Pronounced agglomerations are predominantly situated in the eastern, central, and western regions of the country. High-high agglomerations have gradually dissipated over time in the central provincial capitals of China, the Yangtze River Delta, the Pearl River Delta, and the city clusters of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei along the eastern seaboard. The western regions manifest a concentration of low-low and low-high aggregates, with high-low agglomeration primarily observed in the provincial capitals of the western regions. (3) The spatial differentiation of green buildings in China is attributable to a multitude of variables encompassing the environment, economy, society, and policies. Among these factors, economic, social, and innovative elements exert the most significant influence on the explicable degree of spatial differentiation.
Methodology for Determining the Correct Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity in Concrete
Authors: Lencis Uldis , Udris Aigars , Kara De Maeijer Patricia , Korjakins Aleksandrs
Published: March 2024

Quite often, concrete strength parameters must be determined in the shortest possible time. Due to the strong correlation between concrete’s mechanical and acoustic properties, ultrasonic devices can be used for this purpose. However, the ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) is influenced by a variety of factors, including the curing and exploitation conditions of the concrete, the presence of reinforcement, and other various physical factors. Ignoring these factors may contribute to the misinterpretation of the measurement data when determining the strength of the concrete. Typically, all these factors are analyzed independently. This publication consolidates the findings obtained from our research efforts and field expertise over the past two decades. It outlines the elaborated UPV measurement methodology based on the integration of a four-argument function: the hydration process phase of the hardened cement paste (or concrete aged three days and older), hardening (curing) condition, concrete moisture level, and ambient temperature. To understand the interactions of the key factors, different ultrasonic devices were used to measure the velocities of longitudinal and surface waves in concrete by applying direct and indirect transmission methods when concrete specimens were tested under different moisture and temperature conditions.
Rural Women Have a Prolonged Recovery Process after Esophagectomy
Authors: Schroeder Julia , Lagisetty Kiran , Lynch William , Lin Jules , Chang Andrew C. , Reddy Rishindra M.
Published: March 2024

Background: Gender and geographic access to care play a large role in health disparities in esophageal cancer care. The aim of our study was to evaluate disparities in peri-operative outcomes for patients undergoing esophagectomy based on gender and geographic location. Methods: A retrospective cohort of prospectively collected data from patients who underwent esophagectomy from 2003 to 2022 was identified and analyzed based on gender and county, which were aggregated into existing state-level “metropolitan” versus “rural” designations. The demographics, pre-operative treatment, surgical complications, post-operative outcomes, and length of stay (LOS) of each group were analyzed using chi-squared, paired t-tests and single-factor ANOVA. Results: Of the 1545 patients, men (83.6%) and women (16.4%) experienced similar rates of post-operative complications, but women experienced significantly longer hospital (p = 0.002) and ICU (p = 0.03) LOSs as compared with their male counterparts, with no differences in 30-day mortality. When separated by geographic criteria, rural women were further outliers, with significantly longer hospital LOSs (p < 0.001) and higher rates of ICU admission (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Rural female patients undergoing esophagectomy were more likely to have a longer inpatient recovery process compared with their female metropolitan or male counterparts, suggesting a need for more targeted interventions in this population.
Exploring the Link between Head and Neck Cancer and Elevated Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A National Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Kim Chulho , Yu Hyunjae , Kim Dong-Kyu
Published: March 2024

An increased risk of cancer among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been reported. However, the risk of RA events among patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) is unknown. Therefore, we investigated the incidence and risk of RA among patients with HNC. This study was based on a cohort dataset. Overall, 2824 individuals without HNC and 706 patients with HNC were selected using propensity score matching. The overall RA event rate was 12.19 for patients with HNC and 7.60 for those without HNC. A significantly increased risk of developing RA was also observed among patients with HNC. The risk of developing RA over time was relatively high within the first year after HNC diagnosis; further, it increased significantly during the follow-up period. Moreover, middle-aged male patients with HNC exhibited an increased risk of developing RA compared with the controls; however, no significant difference was noted among female patients or other age groups. Notably, subgroup analysis according to cancer subtype revealed that only oral cancer survivors had an increased risk of developing RA. These results underscore the importance of vigilant monitoring by clinicians to promptly identify the onset of RA in patients with HNC.
Characteristics of Cancer Stem Cells and Their Potential Role in Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Frąszczak Karolina , Barczyński Bartłomiej
Published: March 2024

Endometrial cancer is one of most common types of gynaecological tumours in developing countries. It has been suggested that cancer stem cells play an important role in the development of endometrial cancer. These are a subset of highly tumorigenic cells with similar features to normal stem cells (unlimited proliferation, multi-potential differentiation, self-renewal, aggressiveness, invasion, recurrence, and chemo- and endocrine therapy resistance). Wnt/β-catenin, Hedghog, and Notch1 are the most frequently activated pathways in endometrial cancer stem cells. The presence of cancer stem cells is associated with the resistance to chemotherapy caused by different mechanisms. Various markers, including CD24, CD40, CD44, CD9, CD133, and CD 166, have been identified on the surface of these cells. A higher expression of such markers translates into enhanced tumorigenicity. However, there is no strong evidence showing that any of these identified markers can be used as the universal marker for endometrial cancer stem cells. Growing data from genomic and proteomic profiling shed some light on the understanding of the molecular basis of cancers in humans and the role of cancer stem cells. However, there is much left to discover. Therefore, more studies are needed to fully uncover their functional mechanisms in order to prevent the development and recurrence of cancer, as well as to enhance treatment effectiveness.
Correction: Bailey et al. Clinical Trials in High-Risk Medulloblastoma: Evolution of the SIOP-Europe HR-MB Trial. Cancers 2022, 14, 374
Authors: Bailey Simon , André Nicolas , Gandola Lorenza , Massimino Maura , Wheatley Keith , Gates Simon , Homer Victoria , Rutkowski Stefan , Clifford Steven C.
Published: March 2024

In the original publication [...]
Ni Doped Co-MOF-74 Synergized with 2D Ti3C2Tx MXene as an Efficient Electrocatalyst for Overall Water-Splitting
Authors: Yu Ke , Zhang Jingyuan , Hu Yuting , Wang Lanqi , Zhang Xiaofeng , Zhao Bin
Published: March 2024

Metal-organic framework (MOF)-based materials with abundant pore structure, large specific surface area, and atomically dispersed metal centers are considered as potential electrocatalysts for oxygen-evolution reaction (OER), while their ligand-saturated metal nodes are inert to electrocatalysis. In this work, heteroatom doping and interface engineering are proposed to improve the OER performance of Co-MOF-74. Using two-dimensional Ti3C2Tx MXene as a conductive support, Ni-doped Co-MOF-74 (CoNi-MOF-74/MXene/NF) was in situ synthesized through a hydrothermal process, which exhibits excellent OER and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) properties. For OER, the CoNi-MOF-74/MXene/NF achieves a current density of 100 mA/cm2 at an overpotential of only 256 mV, and a Tafel slope of 40.21 mV/dec. When used for HER catalysis, the current density of 10 mA/cm2 is reached at only 102 mV for the CoNi-MOF-74/MXene/NF. In addition, the two-electrode electrolyzer with CoNi-MOF-74/MXene/NF as both the cathode and anode only requires 1.49 V to reach the current density of 10 mA/cm2. This work provides a new approach for the development of bimetallic MOF-based electrocatalysts.
Cannabidiol Exerts Anticonvulsant Effects Alone and in Combination with Δ9-THC through the 5-HT1A Receptor in the Neocortex of Mice
Authors: Javadzadeh Yasaman , Santos Alexandra , Aquilino Mark S. , Mylvaganam Shanthini , Urban Karolina , Carlen Peter L.
Published: March 2024

Cannabinoids have shown potential in drug-resistant epilepsy treatment; however, we lack knowledge on which cannabinoid(s) to use, dosing, and their pharmacological targets. This study investigated (i) the anticonvulsant effect of Cannabidiol (CBD) alone and (ii) in combination with Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), as well as (iii) the serotonin (5-HT)1A receptor’s role in CBD’s mechanism of action. Seizure activity, induced by 4-aminopyridine, was measured by extracellular field recordings in cortex layer 2/3 of mouse brain slices. The anticonvulsant effect of 10, 30, and 100 µM CBD alone and combined with Δ9-THC was evaluated. To examine CBD’s mechanism of action, slices were pre-treated with a 5-HT1A receptor antagonist before CBD’s effect was evaluated. An amount of ≥30 µM CBD alone exerted significant anticonvulsant effects while 10 µM CBD did not. However, 10 µM CBD combined with low-dose Δ9-THC (20:3 ratio) displayed significantly greater anticonvulsant effects than either phytocannabinoid alone. Furthermore, blocking 5-HT1A receptors before CBD application significantly abolished CBD’s effects. Thus, our results demonstrate the efficacy of low-dose CBD and Δ9-THC combined and that CBD exerts its effects, at least in part, through 5-HT1A receptors. These results could address drug-resistance while providing insight into CBD’s mechanism of action, laying the groundwork for further testing of cannabinoids as anticonvulsants.
Glycogen Granules Are Degraded by Non-Selective Autophagy in Nitrogen-Starved Komagataella phaffii
Authors: Wijewantha Nimna V. , Kumar Ravinder , Nazarko Taras Y.
Published: March 2024

Autophagy was initially recognized as a bulk degradation process that randomly sequesters and degrades cytoplasmic material in lysosomes (vacuoles in yeast). In recent years, various types of selective autophagy have been discovered. Glycophagy, the selective autophagy of glycogen granules, is one of them. While autophagy of glycogen is an important contributor to Pompe disease, which is characterized by the lysosomal accumulation of glycogen, its selectivity is still a matter of debate. Here, we developed the Komagataella phaffii yeast as a simple model of glycogen autophagy under nitrogen starvation conditions to address the question of its selectivity. For this, we turned the self-glucosylating initiator of glycogen synthesis, Glg1, which is covalently bound to glycogen, into the Glg1-GFP autophagic reporter. Our results revealed that vacuolar delivery of Glg1-GFP and its processing to free GFP were strictly dependent on autophagic machinery and vacuolar proteolysis. Notably, this process was independent of Atg11, the scaffold protein common for many selective autophagy pathways. Importantly, the non-mutated Glg1-GFP (which synthesizes and marks glycogen) and mutated Glg1Y212F-GFP (which does not synthesize glycogen and is degraded by non-selective autophagy as cytosolic Pgk1-GFP) were equally well delivered to the vacuole and had similar levels of released GFP. Therefore, we concluded that glycogen autophagy is a non-selective process in K. phaffii yeast under nitrogen starvation conditions.
Synthetic Biology Meets Ca2+ Release-Activated Ca2+ Channel-Dependent Immunomodulation
Authors: Bacsa Bernadett , Hopl Valentina , Derler Isabella
Published: March 2024

Many essential biological processes are triggered by the proximity of molecules. Meanwhile, diverse approaches in synthetic biology, such as new biological parts or engineered cells, have opened up avenues to precisely control the proximity of molecules and eventually downstream signaling processes. This also applies to a main Ca2+ entry pathway into the cell, the so-called Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channel. CRAC channels are among other channels are essential in the immune response and are activated by receptor–ligand binding at the cell membrane. The latter initiates a signaling cascade within the cell, which finally triggers the coupling of the two key molecular components of the CRAC channel, namely the stromal interaction molecule, STIM, in the ER membrane and the plasma membrane Ca2+ ion channel, Orai. Ca2+ entry, established via STIM/Orai coupling, is essential for various immune cell functions, including cytokine release, proliferation, and cytotoxicity. In this review, we summarize the tools of synthetic biology that have been used so far to achieve precise control over the CRAC channel pathway and thus over downstream signaling events related to the immune response.
Functional Conservation of the Small GTPase Rho5/Rac1—A Tale of Yeast and Men
Authors: Bischof Linnet , Schweitzer Franziska , Heinisch Jürgen J.
Published: March 2024

Small GTPases are molecular switches that participate in many essential cellular processes. Amongst them, human Rac1 was first described for its role in regulating actin cytoskeleton dynamics and cell migration, with a close relation to carcinogenesis. More recently, the role of Rac1 in regulating the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), both as a subunit of NADPH oxidase complexes and through its association with mitochondrial functions, has drawn attention. Malfunctions in this context affect cellular plasticity and apoptosis, related to neurodegenerative diseases and diabetes. Some of these features of Rac1 are conserved in its yeast homologue Rho5. Here, we review the structural and functional similarities and differences between these two evolutionary distant proteins and propose yeast as a useful model and a device for high-throughput screens for specific drugs.
The Importance and Scientific Value of Long Weather and Climate Records; Examples of Historical Marine Data Efforts across the Globe
Authors: Luterbacher Jürg , Allan Rob , Wilkinson Clive , Hawkins Ed , Teleti Praveen , Lorrey Andrew , Brönnimann Stefan , Hechler Peer , Velikou Kondylia , Xoplaki Elena
Published: March 2024

The rescue, digitization, quality control, preservation, and utilization of long and high quality meteorological and climate records, particularly related to historical marine data, are crucial for advancing our understanding of the Earth’s climate system. In combination with land and air measurements, historical marine records serve as foundational pillars in linking present and past weather and climate information, offering essential insights into natural climate variability, extreme events in marine areas, baseline data for assessing current changes, and inputs for enhancing predictive climate models and reanalyses. This paper provides an overview of rescue activities covering marine weather data over the past centuries and presents and highlights several ongoing projects across the world and how the data are used in an integrative and international framework. Current and future continuous efforts in data rescue, digitization, quality control, and the development of temporally high-resolution meteorological and climatological observations from oceans, will greatly help to further complete our understanding and knowledge of the Earth’s climate system, including extremes, as well as improve the quality of reanalysis.
Low Resource Competition, Availability of Nutrients and Water Level Fluctuations Facilitate Invasions of Australian Swamp Stonecrop (Crassula helmsii)
Authors: van Kleef Hein H. , van der Loop Janneke M. M. , van Veenhuisen Laura S.
Published: March 2024

Australian swamp stonecrop (Crassula helmsii (Kirk) Cockayne) is invasive in Western Europe. Its small size and high potential for regeneration make it difficult to eliminate. Short-term experiments have demonstrated that the growth of C. helmsii depends on nutrient availability and resource competition. In order to confirm those mechanisms in the field, we studied the abundance of C. helmsii in Northern Europe over a longer period of time in relation to nutrient availability and co-occurring plant communities and plant species. C. helmsii impacted native species mainly by limiting their abundance. The native plant species present indicated that previous or periodic elevated nutrient availability were likely responsible for the proliferation of C. helmsii. When growing in submerged conditions, the dominance of C. helmsii depended on a high availability of CO2. A series of exceptionally dry summers allowed C. helmsii to increase in cover due to weakened biotic resistance and a loss of carbon limitation. Only Littorella uniflora (L.) Asch. and Juncus effusus L. were able to remain dominant and continue to provide biotic resistance. Based on our findings, minimizing nutrient (C and N) availability and optimizing hydrology provides native species with stable growth conditions. This optimizes resource competition and may prevent the proliferation of C. helmsii.
Nanopore Sequencing Technology as an Emerging Tool for Diversity Studies of Plant Organellar Genomes
Authors: Sawicki Jakub , Krawczyk Katarzyna , Paukszto Łukasz , Maździarz Mateusz , Kurzyński Mateusz , Szablińska-Piernik Joanna , Szczecińska Monika
Published: March 2024

In this comprehensive review, we explore the significant role that nanopore sequencing technology plays in the study of plant organellar genomes, particularly mitochondrial and chloroplast DNA. To date, the application of nanopore sequencing has led to the successful sequencing of over 100 plant mitochondrial genomes and around 80 chloroplast genomes. These figures not only demonstrate the technology’s robustness but also mark a substantial advancement in the field, highlighting its efficacy in decoding the complex and dynamic nature of these genomes. Nanopore sequencing, known for its long-read capabilities, significantly surpasses traditional sequencing techniques, especially in addressing challenges like structural complexity and sequence repetitiveness in organellar DNA. This review delves into the nuances of nanopore sequencing, elaborating on its benefits compared to conventional methods and the groundbreaking applications it has fostered in plant organellar genomics. While its transformative impact is clear, the technology’s limitations, including error rates and computational requirements, are discussed, alongside potential solutions and prospects for technological refinement.
Deep Convolutional Neural Networks Provide Motion Grading for High-Resolution Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography of the Scaphoid
Authors: Benedikt Stefan , Zelger Philipp , Horling Lukas , Stock Kerstin , Pallua Johannes , Schirmer Michael , Degenhart Gerald , Ruzicka Alexander , Arora Rohit
Published: March 2024

In vivo high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) studies on bone characteristics are limited, partly due to the lack of standardized and objective techniques to describe motion artifacts responsible for lower-quality images. This study investigates the ability of such deep-learning techniques to assess image quality in HR-pQCT datasets of human scaphoids. In total, 1451 stacks of 482 scaphoid images from 53 patients, each with up to six follow-ups within one year, and each with one non-displaced fractured and one contralateral intact scaphoid, were independently graded by three observers using a visual grading scale for motion artifacts. A 3D-CNN was used to assess image quality. The accuracy of the 3D-CNN to assess the image quality compared to the mean results of three skilled operators was between 92% and 96%. The 3D-CNN classifier reached an ROC-AUC score of 0.94. The average assessment time for one scaphoid was 2.5 s. This study demonstrates that a deep-learning approach for rating radiological image quality provides objective assessments of motion grading for the scaphoid with a high accuracy and a short assessment time. In the future, such a 3D-CNN approach can be used as a resource-saving and cost-effective tool to classify the image quality of HR-pQCT datasets in a reliable, reproducible and objective way.
Analysis of IVIM Perfusion Fraction Improves Detection of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Nadolska Katarzyna , Białecka Agnieszka , Zawada Elżbieta , Kazimierczak Wojciech , Serafin Zbigniew
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) parameters can enhance the diagnostic performance of MRI in differentiating normal pancreatic parenchyma from solid pancreatic adenocarcinomas. This study included 113 participants: 66 patients diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinoma and 47 healthy volunteers. An MRI was conducted at 1.5 T MR unit, using nine b-values. Postprocessing involved analyzing both conventional monoexponential apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and IVIM parameters (diffusion coefficient D-pure molecular diffusion coefficient, perfusion-dependent diffusion coefficient D*-pseudodiffusion coeffitient, and perfusion fraction coefficient (f)) across four different b-value selections. Significantly higher parameters were found in the control group when using high b-values for the pure diffusion analysis and all b-values for the monoexponential analysis. Conversely, in the study group, the parameters were affected by low b-values. Most parameters could differentiate between normal and cancerous tissue, with D* showing the highest diagnostic performance (AUC 98–100%). A marked decrease in perfusion in the patients with pancreatic cancer, indicated by the significant differences in the D* medians between groups, was found. In conclusion, standard ADC maps alone may not suffice for a definitive pancreatic cancer diagnosis, and incorporating IVIM into MRI protocols is recommended, as the reduced tissue perfusion detected by the IVIM parameters is a promising marker for pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
The Association of Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference with Sepsis-Related Mortality in South Korea
Authors: Oh Tak-Kyu , Song In-Ae
Published: March 2024

Obesity is a major public health problem worldwide and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. However, studies have shown that obesity has sepsis-related mortality benefits. We aimed to determine whether there is an improved sepsis-related survival rate in patients with obesity in South Korea. We included data from 77,810 adults with sepsis between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2020, extracted from the National Health Insurance Service database in South Korea. The patients underwent standard health examinations within a year before sepsis, and body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were used to reflect obesity. Lower 30-day and 1-year mortality rates were observed in the overweight and obesity groups after adjusting for confounders, including WC. However, there was no difference in mortality between the patients with severe obesity and those with normal BMI. Underweight was associated with higher 30-day and 1-year mortality. Higher 30-day and 1-year mortality was found in the high and very high WC groups. In conclusion, patients with abdominal obesity and overweight and obesity and with sepsis showed reduced mortality, whereas underweight patients with sepsis showed increased mortality in South Korea.
In Vitro Risk Assessment of Dental Acid Erosion Caused by Long-Term Exposure to Oral Liquid Bandages
Authors: Satou Ryouichi , Sugihara Naoki
Published: March 2024

Oral mucosa inflammation can cause severe pain and interfere with eating, reducing quality of life. However, few options for self-care are available. An oral liquid bandage forms a protective film over the affected area. We aimed to assess the acid erosion risk when a newly developed oral liquid bandage (ORAPLA) is accidentally deposited on teeth and to examine the relative acid erosion risk at multiple time points of the maximum recommended duration of continuous use. ORAPLA was applied to both enamel and dentin blocks from 45 bovine anterior mandibular teeth, and an acid challenge was performed in a simulated oral cavity with artificial saliva, with one exposure cycle lasting 6 h. The enamel showed substantial defects and a decrease in Vickers hardness after nine cycles, with no change in surface roughness. Dentin showed an increase in parenchymal defects and surface roughness and a trend toward decreased Vickers hardness with increasing exposure time. We found no significant acid corrosion in enamel after up to nine times the upper limit of normal use time or in dentin after up to six times the upper limit. We conclude that the acid erosion risk due to accidental attachment to teeth is low, and in the human oral cavity with salivary buffering and remineralization, likely even lower.
Vacuum Plasma Treatment Device for Enhancing Fibroblast Activity on Machined and Rough Titanium Surfaces
Authors: Canullo Luigi , Genova Tullio , Chinigò Giorgia , Iacono Roberta , Pesce Paolo , Menini Maria , Mussano Federico
Published: March 2024

This study was conducted to compare the effects of an innovative plasma surface treatment device that does not need a gas supply for titanium disks with two different surface topographies: the prototypical machined surface (MAC) and one of the most diffused roughened ones (SL) obtained through grit blasting and acid etching. A total of 200-MAC and 200-SL titanium disks were used. Each group of disks was divided into four sub-groups of 40 samples each that were subjected to five different tests. Among these, 150-MAC and 150-SL were considered the test group, and they were treated with plasma for 15, 30, and 60 s after being removed from the sterile packaging. On the other hand, 50-MAC and 50-SL were considered the control group, and they were only removed from sterile plastic vials. The samples were analyzed to evaluate the capability of the plasma treatment in influencing protein adsorption, cell adhesion, proliferation, and microbial growth on the test group disks when compared to the untreated disks. Protein adsorption was significantly enhanced after 20 min of plasma treatment for 15 and 30 s on the MAC and SL disks. Plasma treatment for 15 and 30 s significantly increased the level of adhesion in both treated samples after 30 min. Furthermore, the MAC samples showed a significant increase in cell adhesion 4 h after plasma treatment for 15 s. The SEM analysis highlighted that, on the treated samples (especially on the MAC disks), the cells with a polygonal and flat shape prevailed, while the fusiform- and globular-shaped cells were rare. The encouraging results obtained further confirm the effectiveness of plasma treatments on cell adhesion and fibroblast activity.
Quantity Monitor Based on Differential Weighing Sensors for Storage Tank of Agricultural UAV
Authors: Huang Junhao , He Weizhuo , Yang Deshuai , Lin Jianqin , Ou Yuanzhen , Jiang Rui , Zhou Zhiyan
Published: March 2024

Nowadays, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) play a pivotal role in agricultural production. In scenarios involving the release of particulate materials, the precision of quantity monitors for the storage tank of UAVs directly impacts its operational accuracy. Therefore, this paper introduces a novel noise-mitigation design for agricultural UAVs’ quantity monitors, utilizing differential weighing sensors. The design effectively addresses three primary noise sources: sensor-intrinsic noise, vibration noise, and weight-loading uncertainty. Additionally, two comprehensive data processing methods are proposed for noise reduction: the first combines the Butterworth low-pass filter, the Kalman filter, and the moving average filter (BKM), while the second integrates the Least Mean Squares (LMS) adaptive filter, the Kalman filter, and the moving average filter (LKM). Rigorous data processing has been conducted, and the monitor’s performance has been assessed in three UAV typical states: static, hovering, and flighting. Specifically, compared to the BKM, the LKM’s maximum relative error ranges between 1.24% and 2.74%, with an average relative error of 0.31%~0.58% when the UAV was in a hovering state. In flight mode, the LKM’s maximum relative error varies from 1.68% to 10.06%, while the average relative error ranges between 0.74% and 2.54%. Furthermore, LKM can effectively suppress noise interference near 75 Hz and 150 Hz. The results reveal that the LKM technology demonstrated superior adaptability to noise and effectively mitigates its impact in the quantity monitoring for storage tank of agricultural UAVs.
Distributed Cubature Information Filtering Method for State Estimation in Bearing-Only Sensor Network
Authors: Chen Zhan , Fu Wenxing , Zhang Ruitao , Fang Yangwang , Xiao Zhun
Published: March 2024

The problem of state estimation based on bearing-only sensors is increasingly important while existing research on distributed filtering solutions is rather limited. Therefore, this paper proposed the novel distributed cubature information filtering (DCIF) method for addressing the state estimation challenge in bearing-only sensor networks. Firstly, the system model of the bearing-only sensor network was constructed, and the observability of the system was analyzed. The sensor nodes are paired to measure relative angle information. Subsequently, the coordinated consistency theory is employed to achieve a unified state estimation of the maneuvering target. The DCIF method enhances the observability of the system, addressing the issues of large accuracy errors and divergence in traditional nonlinear filtering algorithms. Building upon the theoretical proof of consistency convergence in DCIF, four simulation experiments were conducted for comparison. These experiments validate the effectiveness and superiority of the DCIF method in bearing-only sensor networks.
Methods to Calculate Entropy Generation
Authors: Osara Jude A. , Bryant Michael D.
Published: March 2024

Entropy generation, formulated by combining the first and second laws of thermodynamics with an appropriate thermodynamic potential, emerges as the difference between a phenomenological entropy function and a reversible entropy function. The phenomenological entropy function is evaluated over an irreversible path through thermodynamic state space via real-time measurements of thermodynamic states. The reversible entropy function is calculated along an ideal reversible path through the same state space. Entropy generation models for various classes of systems—thermal, externally loaded, internally reactive, open and closed—are developed via selection of suitable thermodynamic potentials. Here we simplify thermodynamic principles to specify convenient and consistently accurate system governing equations and characterization models. The formulations introduce a new and universal Phenomenological Entropy Generation (PEG) theorem. The systems and methods presented—and demonstrated on frictional wear, grease degradation, battery charging and discharging, metal fatigue and pump flow—can be used for design, analysis, and support of diagnostic monitoring and optimization.
An Efficient Checkpoint Strategy for Federated Learning on Heterogeneous Fault-Prone Nodes
Authors: Kim Jeonghun , Lee Sunggu
Published: March 2024

Federated learning (FL) is a distributed machine learning method in which client nodes train deep neural network models locally using their own training data and then send that trained model to a server, which then aggregates all of the trained models into a globally trained model. This protects personal information while enabling machine learning with vast amounts of data through parallel learning. Nodes that train local models are typically mobile or edge devices from which data can be easily obtained. These devices typically run on batteries and use wireless communication, which limits their power, making their computing performance and reliability significantly lower than that of high-performance computing servers. Therefore, training takes a long time, and if something goes wrong, the client may have to start training again from the beginning. If this happens frequently, the training of the global model may slow down and the final performance may deteriorate. In a general computing system, a checkpointing method can be used to solve this problem, but applying an existing checkpointing method to FL may result in excessive overheads. This paper proposes a new FL method for situations with many fault-prone nodes that efficiently utilizes checkpoints.
Multiscale Feature Fusion and Graph Convolutional Network for Detecting Ethereum Phishing Scams
Authors: Chen Zhen , Huang Jia , Liu Shengzheng , Long Haixia
Published: March 2024

With the emergence of blockchain technology, the cryptocurrency market has experienced significant growth in recent years, simultaneously fostering environments conducive to cybercrimes such as phishing scams. Phishing scams on blockchain platforms like Ethereum have become a grave economic threat. Consequently, there is a pressing demand for effective detection mechanisms for these phishing activities to establish a secure financial transaction environment. However, existing methods typically utilize only the most recent transaction record when constructing features, resulting in the loss of vast amounts of transaction data and failing to adequately reflect the characteristics of nodes. Addressing this need, this study introduces a multiscale feature fusion approach integrated with a graph convolutional network model to detect phishing scams on Ethereum. A node basic feature set comprising 12 features is initially designed based on the Ethereum transaction dataset in the basic feature module. Subsequently, in the edge embedding representation module, all transaction times and amounts between two nodes are sorted, and a gate recurrent unit (GRU) neural network is employed to capture the temporal features within this transaction sequence, generating a fixed-length edge embedding representation from variable-length input. In the time trading feature module, attention weights are allocated to all embedding representations surrounding a node, aggregating the edge embedding representations and structural relationships into the node. Finally, combining basic and time trading features of the node, graph convolutional networks (GCNs), SAGEConv, and graph attention networks (GATs) are utilized to classify phishing nodes. The performance of these three graph convolution-based deep learning models is validated on a real Ethereum phishing scam dataset, demonstrating commendable efficiency. Among these, SAGEConv achieves an F1-score of 0.958, an AUC-ROC value of 0.956, and an AUC-PR value of 0.949, outperforming existing methods and baseline models.