bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated Design of Structure and Material of Epoxy Asphalt Mixture Used in Steel Bridge Deck Pavement
Authors: Nie Wen , Wang Duanyi , Sun Yangguang , Xu Wei , Xiao Xiaoquan
Published: December 2021

To comprehensively investigate the integrated structural and material design of the epoxy asphalt mixture used in steel bridge deck pavement, the following works have been conducted: 1. The strain level of steel bridge deck pavement was calculated; 2. The ultimate strain level of fatigue endurance for epoxy asphalt concrete was measured; 3. The effect of water tightness of epoxy asphalt mixture on the bonding performance of steel plate interface was tested. 4. For better performance evaluation, quantitative analysis of the anti-skid performance of epoxy asphalt mixture was carried out by testing the structure depth using a laser texture tester. Results show the following findings: 1. The fatigue endurance limit strain level of epoxy asphalt mixture (600 με) was higher than that of the steel bridge deck pavement (<300 με), indicating that the use of epoxy asphalt concrete has better flexibility and can achieve a longer service life in theory; 2. The epoxy asphalt concrete has significant water tightness to protect the steel plate interface from corrosion and ensure good bonding performance; 3. The porosity of epoxy asphalt mixture used in steel bridge deck paving should be controlled within 3%; 4. In terms of anti-skid performance of bridge deck pavement, the FAC-10 graded epoxy asphalt mixture is recommended when compared with EA-10C.
Feasibility of Synthetic Computed Tomography Images Generated from Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scans Using Various Deep Learning Methods in the Planning of Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer
Authors: Yoo Gyu Sang , Luu Huan Minh , Kim Heejung , Park Won , Pyo Hongryull , Han Youngyih , Park Ju Young , Park Sung-Hong
Published: December 2021

We aimed to evaluate and compare the qualities of synthetic computed tomography (sCT) generated by various deep-learning methods in volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) planning for prostate cancer. Simulation computed tomography (CT) and T2-weighted simulation magnetic resonance image from 113 patients were used in the sCT generation by three deep-learning approaches: generative adversarial network (GAN), cycle-consistent GAN (CycGAN), and reference-guided CycGAN (RgGAN), a new model which performed further adjustment of sCTs generated by CycGAN with available paired images. VMAT plans on the original simulation CT images were recalculated on the sCTs and the dosimetric differences were evaluated. For soft tissue, a significant difference in the mean Hounsfield unites (HUs) was observed between the original CT images and only sCTs from GAN (p = 0.03). The mean relative dose differences for planning target volumes or organs at risk were within 2% among the sCTs from the three deep-learning approaches. The differences in dosimetric parameters for D98% and D95% from original CT were lowest in sCT from RgGAN. In conclusion, HU conservation for soft tissue was poorest for GAN. There was the trend that sCT generated from the RgGAN showed best performance in dosimetric conservation D98% and D95% than sCTs from other methodologies.
Quantification and Phenotypic Characterization of Extracellular Vesicles from Patients with Acute Myeloid and B-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Miljkovic-Licina Marijana , Arraud Nicolas , Zahra Aicha Dorra , Ropraz Patricia , Matthes Thomas
Published: December 2021

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) act in cell-to-cell communication, delivering cargo from donor to recipient cells and modulating their physiological condition. EVs secreted by leukemic blasts in patients with leukemia have been shown to influence the fate of recipient cells in the bone marrow microenvironment. Methods to quantify and to characterize them phenotypically are therefore urgently needed to study their functional role in leukemia development and to evaluate their potential as targets for therapy. We have used cryo-electron microscopy to study morphology and size of leukemic EVs, and nanoparticle tracking analysis and fluorescence triggering flow cytometry to quantify EVs in platelet-free plasma from a small cohort of leukemia patients and healthy blood donors. Additional studies with a capture bead-based assay allowed us to establish phenotypic signatures of leukemic EVs from 17 AML and 3 B-ALL patients by evaluating the expression of 37 surface antigens. In addition to tetraspanins and lineage-specific markers we found several adhesion molecules (CD29, and CD146) to be highly expressed by EVs from B-ALL and several leukemic stem cell antigens (CD44, CD105, CD133, and SSEA-4) to be expressed by EVs from AML patients. Further improvements in analytical methods to study EVs are needed before potentially using them as biomarkers for leukemia prognosis and follow-up.
Generation of Cobalt-Containing Nanoparticles on Carbon via Pyrolysis of a Cobalt Corrole and Its Application in the Hydrogenation of Nitroarenes
Authors: Michalke Jessica , Haas Michael , Krisch Dominik , Bögl Thomas , Bartling Stephan , Rockstroh Nils , Schöfberger Wolfgang , Topf Christoph
Published: December 2021

We report on the manufacture of a state-of-the-art heterogeneous non-noble metal catalyst, which is based on a molecularly well-defined phosphine-tagged cobalt corrole complex. This precursor compound is readily synthesized from convenient starting materials while the active material is obtained through wet-impregnation of the pertinent metalliferous macrocycle onto carbon black followed by controlled pyrolysis of the loaded carrier material under an inert gas atmosphere. Thus, the obtained composite was then applied in the heterogeneous hydrogenation of various nitroarenes to yield a vast array of valuable aniline derivatives that were conveniently isolated as their hydrochloride salts. The introduced catalytic protocol is robust and user-friendly with the entire assembly of the reaction set-up enabling the conduction of the experiments on the laboratory bench without any protection from air.
Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Hepatocytes Inhibit T Cell Proliferation In Vitro through Tryptophan Starvation
Authors: Romano Marco , Elgueta Raul , McCluskey Daniel , Ortega-Prieto Ana Maria , Stolarczyk Emilie , Dazzi Francesco , Lucendo-Villarin Baltasar , Meseguer-Ripolles Jose , Williams James , Fanelli Giorgia , Hay David C. , Watt Fiona M. , Lombardi Giovanna
Published: December 2021

Regenerative medicine aims to replace damaged tissues by stimulating endogenous tissue repair or by transplanting autologous or allogeneic cells. Due to their capacity to produce unlimited numbers of cells of a given cell type, pluripotent stem cells, whether of embryonic origin or induced via the reprogramming of somatic cells, are of considerable therapeutic interest in the regenerative medicine field. However, regardless of the cell type, host immune responses present a barrier to success. The aim of this study was to investigate in vitro the immunological properties of human pluripotent stem cell (PSC)-derived hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs). These cells expressed MHC class I molecules while they lacked MHC class II and co-stimulatory molecules, such as CD80 and CD86. Following stimulation with IFN-γ, HLCs upregulated CD40, PD-L1 and MHC class I molecules. When co-cultured with allogeneic T cells, HLCs did not induce T cell proliferation; furthermore, when T cells were stimulated via αCD3/CD28 beads, HLCs inhibited their proliferation via IDO1 and tryptophan deprivation. These results demonstrate that PSC-derived HLCs possess immunoregulatory functions, at least in vitro.
WT1-AS/IGF2BP2 Axis Is a Potential Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker for Lung Adenocarcinoma According to ceRNA Network Comprehensive Analysis Combined with Experiments
Authors: Jia Mingxi , Shi Yi , Xie Yang , Li Wen , Deng Jing , Fu Da , Bai Jie , Ma Yushui , Zuberi Zavuga , Li Juan , Li Zheng
Published: December 2021

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is one of the most common malignancies, and there is still a lack of effective biomarkers for early detection and prognostic prediction. Here, we comprehensively analyze the characteristics of. an RNA sequencing data set of LUAD samples. In total, 395 long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), 89 microRNAs (miRNAs), and 872 mRNAs associated with c-Myc were identified, which were differentially expressed between tumor and normal tissues. The most relevant pathway was found to be WT1-AS–miR-200a-3p–IGF2BP2 according to the rules of competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulation. WT1-AS and IGF2BP2 expression were positively correlated and increased in LUAD samples, while miR-200a-3p had relatively low expression. The high expression of WT1-AS and IGF2BP2 was associated with poor prognosis in LUAD patients, while low expression of miR-200a-3p predicted reduced survival (p < 0.05). The analysis of the multi-gene regulation model indicated that the WT1-AS (downregulation)–miR-200a-3p (upregulation)–IGF2BP2 (downregulation) pattern significantly improved the survival of LUAD patients. Finally, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting were detected in LUAD cells, and the results are consistent with the bioinformatics analysis. In summary, the WT1-AS/IGF2BP2 axis is a potential prognostic biomarker in LUAD and is expected to become an effective target for diagnosis and treatment.
Expression of Proton-Sensitive GPR31, GPR151, TASK1 and TASK3 in Common Skin Tumors
Authors: Förch Antonia , Wallner Susanne , Zeman Florian , Ettl Tobias , Brochhausen Christoph , Schreml Stephan
Published: December 2021

TWIK-related acid-sensitive potassium channels TASK1 and TASK3, as well as the G-protein-coupled receptors GPR31 and GPR151, are proton-sensitive membrane proteins. They can be activated or inhibited by low extracellular pH (pHe), which is a hallmark of the tumor microenvironment in solid tumors. However, the role of these channels in the development of skin tumors is still unclear. In this study, we investigated the expression profiles of TASK1, TASK3, GPR31 and GPR151 in squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), nevus cell nevi (NCN), and malignant melanomas (MMs). We performed immunohistochemistry using paraffin-embedded tissue samples from patients and found that most skin tumors express TASK1/3 and GPR31/151. The results show that BCCs are often negative for GPR31/151 as well as for TASK1/3, while nearly all SCCs express these markers. MMs and NCN show similar expression patterns. However, some tumors show a decreasing TASK1/3 expression in deeper dermal tumor tissue, while GPCRs were expressed more evenly. The lower frequency of GPR31/151 and TSAK1/3 expression in BCCs when compared to SCCs is a novel histological feature distinguishing these two entities. Moreover, BCCs also show lower expression of GPR31/151 and TASK1/3 as compared to NCN and MMs.
Enhancer RNA Expression in Response to Glucocorticoid Treatment in Murine Macrophages
Authors: Greulich Franziska , Bielefeld Kirsten Adele , Scheundel Ronny , Mechtidou Aikaterini , Strickland Benjamin , Uhlenhaut Nina Henriette
Published: December 2021

Glucocorticoids are potent anti-inflammatory drugs; however, their molecular mode of action remains complex and elusive. They bind to the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), a nuclear receptor that controls gene expression in almost all tissues in a cell type-specific manner. While GR’s transcriptional targets mediate beneficial reactions in immune cells, they also harbor the potential of adverse metabolic effects in other cell types such as hepatocytes. Here, we have profiled nascent transcription upon glucocorticoid stimulation in LPS-activated primary murine macrophages using 4sU-seq. We compared our results to publicly available nascent transcriptomics data from murine liver and bioinformatically identified non-coding RNAs transcribed from intergenic GR binding sites in a tissue-specific fashion. These tissue-specific enhancer RNAs (eRNAs) correlate with target gene expression, reflecting cell type-specific glucocorticoid responses. We further associate GR-mediated eRNA expression with changes in H3K27 acetylation and BRD4 recruitment in inflammatory macrophages upon glucocorticoid treatment. In summary, we propose a common mechanism by which GR-bound enhancers regulate target gene expression by changes in histone acetylation, BRD4 recruitment and eRNA expression. We argue that local eRNAs are potential therapeutic targets downstream of GR signaling which may modulate glucocorticoid response in a cell type-specific way.
Mitophagy: Molecular Mechanisms, New Concepts on Parkin Activation and the Emerging Role of AMPK/ULK1 Axis
Authors: Iorio Roberto , Celenza Giuseppe , Petricca Sabrina
Published: December 2021

Mitochondria are multifunctional subcellular organelles essential for cellular energy homeostasis and apoptotic cell death. It is, therefore, crucial to maintain mitochondrial fitness. Mitophagy, the selective removal of dysfunctional mitochondria by autophagy, is critical for regulating mitochondrial quality control in many physiological processes, including cell development and differentiation. On the other hand, both impaired and excessive mitophagy are involved in the pathogenesis of different ageing-associated diseases such as neurodegeneration, cancer, myocardial injury, liver disease, sarcopenia and diabetes. The best-characterized mitophagy pathway is the PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkin-dependent pathway. However, other Parkin-independent pathways are also reported to mediate the tethering of mitochondria to the autophagy apparatuses, directly activating mitophagy (mitophagy receptors and other E3 ligases). In addition, the existence of molecular mechanisms other than PINK1-mediated phosphorylation for Parkin activation was proposed. The adenosine5′-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is emerging as a key player in mitochondrial metabolism and mitophagy. Beyond its involvement in mitochondrial fission and autophagosomal engulfment, its interplay with the PINK1–Parkin pathway is also reported. Here, we review the recent advances in elucidating the canonical molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways that regulate mitophagy, focusing on the early role and spatial specificity of the AMPK/ULK1 axis.
Hyperuricemia and Associated Factors in Children with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Xu Jie , Tong Lingxiao , Mao Jianhua
Published: December 2021

Background: Hyperuricemia is increasingly recognized as a risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD) just in adults. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics of hyperuricemia and its associated factors in Chinese children with CKD at a single center. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 170 CKD children collected from the Department of Nephrology, The Zhejiang University Children’s Hospital was conducted. The clinical data, including anthropometric data, blood pressure measurements, and biochemical parameters, were recorded and analyzed retrospectively. The factors associated with hyperuricemia in CKD children were evaluated by Pearson and Spearman correlation analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: The mean age was 9.79 ± 4.10 years, and 72 (42.35%) were girls. Higher blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, cystatin C, D-dimer, lower hemoglobin, albumin, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were significantly associated with higher serum uric acid (SUA). In multiple logistic regression analysis, anemia and higher BUN were both positively associated factors, whereas eGFR ≥ 90 mL/min/1.73 m2 was a negatively associated factor for subjects with SUA ≥ 390 µmol/L (6.5 mg/dL). Conclusions: SUA was significantly associated with kidney risk factors in CKD children. Monitoring and controlling SUA, Hb, BUN, and Scr levels in CKD children may help to prevent the progression of CKD.
Investigation on Solar Absorption and Thermal Emittance of Al Films Deposited by Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Gu Jinxin , Zhao Xin , Ren Feifei , Wei Hang , Liang Shuhui , Geng Chenchen , Guan Huan , Zhang Xiang , Dou Shuliang , Li Yao
Published: December 2021

A metal layer with high reflectance is widely used as the bottom mirror of smart radiation devices. Reduced solar absorption and enhanced emittance tunability are required for smart radiation devices applied in aerospace. Thus, reducing the absorption in the metal is also necessary. Here, Al films have been prepared by direct current magnetron sputtering on the fused silica substrate. The structure, morphology, and optical properties of the films have been analyzed at various deposition temperatures and deposition times. The spectrum absorption tends to increase with the increase of surface roughness due to the agglomeration and size increase of Al particles, which has been further demonstrated by the simulated results. The optimized Al film exhibits small solar absorption of 0.14 and low emittance of 0.02, which benefits the application for smart radiation devices and solar reflectors.
Synthesis, Structure, and Properties of EuLnCuSe3 (Ln = Nd, Sm, Gd, Er)
Authors: Andreev Oleg , Atuchin Victor , Aleksandrovsky Alexander , Denisenko Yuriy , Zakharov Boris , Tyutyunnik Alexander , Habibullayev Navruzbek , Velikanov Dmitriy , Ulybin Dmitriy , Shpindyuk Daniil
Published: December 2021

EuLnCuSe3 (Ln = Nd, Sm, Gd, Er), due to their complex composition, should be considered new materials with the ability to purposefully change the properties. Samples of the EuLnCuSe3 were prepared using Cu, rare earth metal, Se (99.99%) by the ampoule method. The samples were obtained by the crystallization from a melt and annealed at temperatures 1073 and 1273 K. The EuErCuSe3 crystal structure was established using the single-crystal particle. EuErCuSe3 crystallizes in the orthorhombic system, space group Cmcm, KCuZrS3 structure type, with cell parameters a = 4.0555 (3), b = 13.3570 (9), and c = 10.4602 (7) Å, V = 566.62 (6) Å3. In structure EuErCuSe3, erbium ions are coordinated by selenium ions in the octahedral polyhedron, copper ions are in the tetrahedral coordination, europium ions are between copper and erbium polyhedra layers and are coordinated by selenium ions as two-cap trigonal prisms. The optical band gap is 1.79 eV. At 4.7 K, a transition from the ferrimagnetic state to the paramagnetic state was detected in EuErCuSe3. At 85 and 293 K, the compound is in a paramagnetic state. According to XRPD data, EuLnCuSe3 (Ln = Nd, Sm, Gd) compounds have a Pnma orthorhombic space group of the Eu2CuS3 structure type. For EuSmCuSe3, a = 10.75704 (15) Å, b = 4.11120 (5) Å, c = 13.37778 (22) Å. In the series of EuLnCuSe3 compounds, the optical band gap increases 1.58 eV (Nd), 1.58 eV (Sm), 1.72 eV (Gd), 1.79 eV (Er), the microhardness of the 205 (Nd), 210 (Sm), 225 (Gd) 235 ± 4 HV (Er) phases increases, and the thermal stability of the phases increases significantly. According to the measurement data of differential scanning calorimetry, the EuNdCuSe3 decomposes, according to the solid-phase reaction T = 1296 K, ΔH = 8.2 ± 0.8 kJ/mol. EuSmCuSe3 melts incongruently T = 1449 K, ΔH = 18.8 ± 1.9 kJ/mol. For the EuGdCuSe3, two (Tα↔β = 1494 K, ΔHα↔β = 14.8 kJ/mol, Tβ↔γ = 1530 K, ΔHβ↔γ = 4.8 kJ/mol) and for EuErCuSe3 three polymorphic transitions (Tα↔β = 1561 K, ΔHα↔β = 30.3 kJ/mol, Tβ↔γ = 1579 K, ΔHβ↔γ = 4.4 kJ/mol, and Tγ↔δ = 1600 K, ΔHγ↔δ = 10.1 kJ/mol). The compounds melt incongruently at the temperature of 1588 K, ΔHmelt = 17.9 ± 1.8 kJ/mol and 1664 K, ΔHmelt = 25.6 ± 2.5 kJ/mol, respectively. Incongruent melting of the phases proceeds with the formation of a solid solution of EuSe and a liquid phase.
New Copper Bromide Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Molecular Compounds with Anionic Inorganic Core and Cationic Organic Ligands
Authors: Luo Dawei , Zhang Jian , Liang Yu , Ni Jianling , Wang Fangming , Liu Wei
Published: December 2021

Here, organic-inorganic hybrid molecular compounds based on copper(I) bromide have been synthesized by slow-diffusion method. The inorganic modules of these two structures are Cu2Br42− anion, and the inorganic modules are coordinated to cationic organic ligands via Cu-N coordinative bonds. Both of these compounds are luminescent, emitting green emissions under UV excitation.
Bulk and Single Crystal Growth Progress of Iron-Based Superconductors (FBS): 1111 and 1144
Authors: Singh Shiv J. , Sturza Mihai I.
Published: December 2021

The discovery of iron-based superconductors (FBS) and their superconducting properties has generated huge research interest and provided a very rich physics high Tc family for fundamental and experimental studies. The 1111 (REFeAsO, RE = Rare earth) and 1144 (AEAFe4As4, AE = Ca, Eu; A = K, Rb) families are the two most important families of FBS, which offer the high Tc of 58 K and 36 K with doping and without doping, respectively. Furthermore, the crystal growth of these families is not an easy process, and a lot of efforts have been reported in this direction. However, the preparation of high-quality and suitable-sized samples is still challenging. In this short review, we will summarize the growth of materials with their superconducting properties, especially polycrystals and single crystals, for the 1111 and 1144 families, and make a short comparison between them to understand the developmental issues.
Cluster Analysis of Cell Nuclei in H&E-Stained Histological Sections of Prostate Cancer and Classification Based on Traditional and Modern Artificial Intelligence Techniques
Authors: Bhattacharjee Subrata , Ikromjanov Kobiljon , Carole Kouayep Sonia , Madusanka Nuwan , Cho Nam-Hoon , Hwang Yeong-Byn , Sumon Rashadul Islam , Kim Hee-Cheol , Choi Heung-Kook
Published: December 2021

Biomarker identification is very important to differentiate the grade groups in the histopathological sections of prostate cancer (PCa). Assessing the cluster of cell nuclei is essential for pathological investigation. In this study, we present a computer-based method for cluster analyses of cell nuclei and performed traditional (i.e., unsupervised method) and modern (i.e., supervised method) artificial intelligence (AI) techniques for distinguishing the grade groups of PCa. Two datasets on PCa were collected to carry out this research. Histopathology samples were obtained from whole slides stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). In this research, state-of-the-art approaches were proposed for color normalization, cell nuclei segmentation, feature selection, and classification. A traditional minimum spanning tree (MST) algorithm was employed to identify the clusters and better capture the proliferation and community structure of cell nuclei. K-medoids clustering and stacked ensemble machine learning (ML) approaches were used to perform traditional and modern AI-based classification. The binary and multiclass classification was derived to compare the model quality and results between the grades of PCa. Furthermore, a comparative analysis was carried out between traditional and modern AI techniques using different performance metrics (i.e., statistical parameters). Cluster features of the cell nuclei can be useful information for cancer grading. However, further validation of cluster analysis is required to accomplish astounding classification results.
Fractional Flow Reserve in the Diagnosis of Ischemic Heart Disease in a Patient with Coronary Artery Ectasia
Authors: Zalewska-Adamiec Malgorzata , Kuzma Lukasz , Bachorzewska-Gajewska Hanna , Dobrzycki Slawomir
Published: December 2021

Coronary artery ectasias (CAE) are diffuse dilatations of coronary artery segments with a diameter 1.5 times greater than the largest adjacent normal segment of the vessel. They are found in 0.3–5.0% of coronary angiography. Risk factors for CAE include atherosclerosis, previous percutaneous coronary interventions, arterial inflammation and connective tissue diseases. The diagnosis of CEA in a patient is a considerable diagnostic and therapeutic problem due to the unfavorable prognosis and the lack of guidelines. We present a case of a 69-year-old male patient with a history of retrosternal pain admitted to the clinic for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. In coronary angiography, numerous ectases of the main coronary arteries and atherosclerotic lesions causing border stenosis of the left anterior descending (LAD), diagonal (2D) and marginal branch (OM). The heart team decided to assess the significance of the changes with the fractional flow reserve (FFR). The FFR was performed and haemodynamically insignificant stenoses of the ectatically dilated coronary arteries were found. The patient was qualified for conservative treatment.
Evaluation of Depth of Invasion and Tumor Thickness as a Prognostic Factor for Early-Stage Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Lee You-Jung , Kwon Tae-Geon , Kim Jin-Wook , Lee Sung-Tak , Hong Su-Hyung , Choi So-Young
Published: December 2021

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of using depth of invasion (DOI) versus tumor thickness (TT) as a prognostic factor for early-stage oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). A total of 57 patients with early-stage OSCC treated surgically from 2009 to 2014 at our institution were reviewed retrospectively. Histopathological measurement of DOI and TT was performed. The validation of DOI and TT as prognostic factors was conducted using a Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. TT had no association with disease-specific survival (DSS) or progression-free survival (PFS) in this cohort; however, increased DOI was significantly associated with decreased DSS but not correlated to decreased PFS. The T category of the 7th edition of AJCC was statistically associated with both DSS and PFS; however, the T category of the 8th edition of the AJCC was only associated with DSS. In this study group, TT could not be used as a prognostic factor, and DOI was not by itself sufficient to predict prognosis for early-stage OSCC. The T category in AJCC 8th Edition cannot be considered the sole prognostic factor for early OSCC, so additional prognostic factors may need to be considered.
Incarceration of the Gravid Uterus: Proposal for a Shared Definition. Comment on Tachibana et al. Incarcerated Gravid Uterus: Spontaneous Resolution Is Not Rare. Diagnostics 2021, 11, 1544
Authors: Orsi Michele , Somigliana Edgardo
Published: December 2021

We read with great interest the paper entitled “Incarcerated gravid uterus: spontaneous resolution is not rare” by Tachibana et al. [...]
Interleaving Automatic Segmentation and Expert Opinion for Retinal Conditions
Authors: Bilc Sergiu , Groza Adrian , Muntean George , Nicoara Simona Delia
Published: December 2021

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has become the leading diagnostic tool in modern ophthalmology. We are interested here in developing a support tool for the segmentation of retina layers. The proposed method relies on graph theory and geodesic distance. As each retina layer is characterised by different features, the proposed method interleaves various gradients during detection, such as horizontal and vertical gradients or open-closed gradients. The method was tested on a dataset of 750 OCT B-Scan Spectralis provided by the Ophthalmology Department of the County Emergency Hospital Cluj-Napoca. The method has smaller signed error on layers B1, B7 and B8, with the highest value of 0.43 pixels. The average value of signed error on all layers is −1.99 ± 1.14 px. The average value for mean absolute error is 2.60 ± 0.95 px. Since the target is a support tool for the human agent, the ophthalmologist can intervene after each automatic step. Human intervention includes validation or fine tuning of the automatic segmentation. In line with design criteria advocated by explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) and human-centered AI, this approach gives more control and transparency as well as more of a global perspective on the segmentation process.
Feasibility of Portable Microwave Imaging Device for Breast Cancer Detection
Authors: Adachi Mio , Nakagawa Tsuyoshi , Fujioka Tomoyuki , Mori Mio , Kubota Kazunori , Oda Goshi , Kikkawa Takamaro
Published: December 2021

Purpose: Microwave radar-based breast imaging technology utilizes the principle of radar, in which radio waves reflect at the interface between target and normal tissues, which have different permittivities. This study aims to investigate the feasibility and safety of a portable microwave breast imaging device in clinical practice. Materials and methods: We retrospectively collected the imaging data of ten breast cancers in nine women (median age: 66.0 years; range: 37–78 years) who had undergone microwave imaging examination before surgery. All were Japanese and the tumor sizes were from 4 to 10 cm. Using a five-point scale (1 = very poor; 2 = poor; 3 = fair; 4 = good; and 5 = excellent), a radiologist specialized in breast imaging evaluated the ability of microwave imaging to detect breast cancer and delineate its location and size in comparison with conventional mammography and the pathological findings. Results: Microwave imaging detected 10/10 pathologically proven breast cancers, including non-invasive ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and micro-invasive carcinoma, whereas mammography failed to detect 2/10 breast cancers due to dense breast tissue. In the five-point evaluation, median score of location and size were 4.5 and 4.0, respectively. Conclusion: The results of the evaluation suggest that the microwave imaging device is a safe examination that can be used repeatedly and has the potential to be useful in detecting breast cancer.
Epidemiological Characteristics of Hospitalized Patients with Moderate versus Severe COVID-19 Infection: A Retrospective Cohort Single Centre Study
Authors: Khamis Faryal , Al Awaidy Salah , Shaaibi Muna Al , Shukeili Mubarak Al , Chhetri Shabnam , Balushi Afra Al , Sulaimi Sumaiya Al , Balushi Amal Al , Wesonga Ronald
Published: December 2021

COVID-19 has a devastating impact worldwide. Recognizing factors that cause its progression is important for the utilization of appropriate resources and improving clinical outcomes. In this study, we aimed to identify the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients who were hospitalized with moderate versus severe COVID-19 illness. A single-center, retrospective cohort study was conducted between 3 March and 9 September 2020. Following the CDC guidelines, a two-category variable for COVID-19 severity (moderate versus severe) based on length of stay, need for intensive care or mechanical ventilation and mortality was developed. Data including demographic, clinical characteristics, laboratory parameters, therapeutic interventions and clinical outcomes were assessed using descriptive and inferential analysis. A total of 1002 patients were included, the majority were male (n = 646, 64.5%), Omani citizen (n = 770, 76.8%) and with an average age of 54.2 years. At the bivariate level, patients classified as severe were older (Mean = 55.2, SD = 16) than the moderate patients (Mean = 51.5, SD = 15.8). Diabetes mellitus was the only significant comorbidity potential factor that was more prevalent in severe patients than moderate (n = 321, 46.6%; versus n = 178, 42.4%; p < 0.001). Under the laboratory factors; total white cell count (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), D-dimer and corrected calcium were significant. All selected clinical characteristics and therapeutics were significant. At the multivariate level, under demographic factors, only nationality was significant and no significant comorbidity was identified. Three clinical factors were identified, including; sepsis, Acute respiratory disease syndrome (ARDS) and requirement of non-invasive ventilation (NIV). CRP and steroids were also identified under laboratory and therapeutic factors, respectively. Overall, our study identified only five factors from a total of eighteen proposed due to their significant values (p < 0.05) from the bivariate analysis. There are noticeable differences in levels of COVID-19 severity among nationalities. All the selected clinical and therapeutic factors were significant, implying that they should be a key priority when assessing severity in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. An elevated level of CRP may be a valuable early marker in predicting the progression in non-severe patients with COVID-19. Early recognition and intervention of these factors could ease the management of hospitalized COVID-19 patients and reduce case fatalities as well medical expenditure.
Does a Strong Bicultural Identity Matter for Emotional, Cognitive, and Behavioral Engagement?
Authors: Preusche Zuzanna M. , Göbel Kerstin
Published: December 2021

In the course of their acculturation process, minority students need to negotiate the adaption to the host society’s culture and the maintenance of the culture of their country of origin. This identity construction is complex and may encompass contradicting and competing goals. The adjustment to school is seen as a relevant acculturation marker. An increasingly prominent multidimensional construct is students’ school engagement because it can provide an insight into the way students feel and interact with the emotional, cognitive, and behavioral domains of school. Successful adjustment to school culture, and acculturation in general, can be closely related to school engagement. There is yet no common knowledge about the role bicultural national and/or ethnic identity plays for the three dimensions of school engagement. The present study focusses on minority students in Germany who report a strong bicultural identity (in comparison with single stronger ethnic or national identities, as well as weaker bicultural identification) to explain students’ emotional, cognitive, and behavioral school engagement when controlling for gender, SES, and cultural capital. Data is derived from paper–pencil questionnaires administered in secondary schools in Germany. Regression analyses show that students with a stronger bicultural identity have a significantly higher emotional, cognitive, and behavioral school engagement than their peers with a weaker bicultural identity, when controlling for gender, SES, and cultural capital. The results hint at the relevance of fostering students’ ethnic, but also their national, cultural identity to support their school engagement. Implications for teacher education are discussed.
DGG: A Novel Framework for Crowd Gathering Detection
Authors: Xu Jianqiang , Zhao Haoyu , Min Weidong , Zou Yi , Fu Qiyan
Published: December 2021

Crowd gathering detection plays an important role in security supervision of public areas. Existing image-processing-based methods are not robust for complex scenes, and deep-learning-based methods for gathering detection mainly focus on the design of the network, which ignores the inner feature of the crowd gathering action. To alleviate such problems, this work proposes a novel framework Detection of Group Gathering (DGG) based on the crowd counting method using deep learning approaches and statistics to detect crowd gathering. The DGG mainly contains three parts, i.e., Detecting Candidate Frame of Gathering (DCFG), Gathering Area Detection (GAD), and Gathering Judgement (GJ). The DCFG is proposed to find the frame index in a video that has the maximum people number based on the crowd counting method. This frame means that the crowd has gathered and the specific gathering area will be detected next. The GAD detects the local area that has the maximum crowd density in a frame with a slide search box. The local area contains the inner feature of the gathering action and represents that the crowd gathering in this local area, which is denoted by grid coordinates in a video frame. Based on the detected results of the DCFG and the GAD, the GJ is proposed to analyze the statistical relationship between the local area and the global area to find the stable pattern for the crowd gathering action. Experiments based on benchmarks show that the proposed DGG has a robust representation of the gathering feature and a high detection accuracy. There is the potential that the DGG can be used in social security and smart city domains.
Four-Port MIMO Antenna System for 5G n79 Band RF Devices
Authors: Ali Haider , Ren Xin-Cheng , Bari Inam , Bashir Muhammad Adil , Hashmi Anas M. , Khan Muhammad Abbas , Majid Saad Ijaz , Jan Naveed , Tareen Wajahat Ullah Khan , Anjum Muhammad Rizwan
Published: December 2021

In this article, a compact four-port MIMO antenna system resonating from 4.7–5.1 GHz on −6 dB criteria is discussed. The proposed antennas are arranged in a perpendicular manner providing diversity with good isolation characteristics. The proposed antenna was fabricated and designed on a commercially available low-cost FR-4 substrate with a relative permittivity of 4.4. The total size of the antenna is 40 × 40 mm2, and a minimum isolation of 25 dB was observed at most nearby resonating elements. The proposed antenna was fabricated and tested at an in-house facility, and the measured results agree well with the simulations. The MIMO antenna characteristics, such as the envelope correlation coefficient (ECC) among any two radiating elements, have been found to be less than 0.1, and the diversity gain (DG) value evaluated showed that the proposed antenna is well designed. Furthermore, the SAR analysis showed that the desired antenna system is safe for users, with a value of 0.94 W/Kg. The channel capacity (cc) was found to be 18.7 bps/Hz, approximately 2.7 times more than SISO systems. Through its robust and reliable performance and its peak gain of 2.8 dBi, the proposed compact antenna is a good candidate for future 5G devices.
Floquet Spectral Almost-Periodic Modulation of Massive Finite and Infinite Strongly Coupled Arrays: Dense-Massive-MIMO, Intelligent-Surfaces, 5G, and 6G Applications
Authors: Bilel Hamdi , Taoufik Aguili
Published: December 2021

In this study, we introduce a new formulation based on Floquet (Fourier) spectral analysis combined with a spectral modulation technique (and its spatial form) to study strongly coupled sublattices predefined in the infinite and large finite extent of almost-periodic antenna arrays (e.g., metasurfaces). This analysis is very relevant for dense-massive-MIMO, intelligent-surfaces, 5G, and 6G applications (used for very small areas with a large number of elements such as millimeter and terahertz waves applications). The numerical method that is adopted to model the structure is the method of moments simplified by equivalent circuits MoM GEC. Other numerical methods (such as the ASM-array scanning method and the windowing Fourier method) used this analysis in their kernel to treat periodic and pseudo-periodic (or quasi-periodic) arrays.
Artificial Neural Network Assisted Variable Step Size Incremental Conductance MPPT Method with Adaptive Scaling Factor
Authors: Ye Song-Pei , Liu Yi-Hua , Liu Chun-Yu , Ho Kun-Che , Luo Yi-Feng
Published: December 2021

In conventional adaptive variable step size (VSS) maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms, a scaling factor is utilized to determine the required perturbation step. However, the performance of the adaptive VSS MPPT algorithm is essentially decided by the choice of scaling factor. In this paper, a neural network assisted variable step size (VSS) incremental conductance (IncCond) MPPT method is proposed. The proposed method utilizes a neural network to obtain an optimal scaling factor that should be used in current irradiance level for the VSS IncCond MPPT method. Only two operating points on the characteristic curve are needed to acquire the optimal scaling factor. Hence, expensive irradiance and temperature sensors are not required. By adopting a proper scaling factor, the performance of the conventional VSS IncCond method can be improved, especially under rapid varying irradiance conditions. To validate the studied algorithm, a 400 W prototyping circuit is built and experiments are carried out accordingly. Comparing with perturb and observe (P&O), α-P&O, golden section and conventional VSS IncCond MPPT methods, the proposed method can improve the tracking loss by 95.58%, 42.51%, 93.66%, and 66.14% under EN50530 testing condition, respectively.
Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of Two Populations of Dastarcus helophoroides (Fairmaire) under High Temperature Stress
Authors: Shen Haiyan , He Huan , Lu Ciding , Liang Yun , Wu Hongmin , Zheng Lingzhi , Wang Xiaoyi , Liang Guanghong
Published: December 2021

The differentially expressed genes (DEGs), key genes and metabolic pathways of the parasitic beetle, Dastarcus helophoroides (Fairmaire), were compared between the fiftieth commercially reared population and the first natural population to reveal the adaptive mechanism in response to high temperature stress. The high-throughput sequencing technique was employed for transcriptome sequencing of two populations of D. helophoroides. In total, 47,763 non-redundant transcripts with the average length of 989.31 bp and the N50 of 1607 bp were obtained. Under high temperature stress, 1108 DEGs were found in the commercial population; while there were 3946 DEGs in the natural population, which were higher than those in the commercial population (3.56 times). High temperature stress of D. helophoroides promoted the expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) and metabolism-related genes in both populations, but metabolism synthesis and hydrolysis of natural population was much higher, allowing them to produce more resistant substances (such as HSPs, superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxiredoxin (Prx), etc.). Therefore, HSPs may play a major role in the high temperature adaptation of a commercial population, while the natural population probably respond to heat stress with more resistant substances (such as HSPs, SOD, Prx, etc.). These results provide a reference to select and domesticate a specific ecotype with stronger adaptability to the high temperature weather in the forest and further improve the efficiency of D. helophoroides as a bio-control factor.
Variability in Soil Macronutrient Stocks across a Chronosequence of Masson Pine Plantations
Authors: He Jie , Dai Quanhou , Xu Fengwei , Yan Youjin , Peng Xudong
Published: December 2021

Plantations play a vital role in the global nutrient cycle because they have large stocks of soil macronutrients. However, the impacts of plantations on soil macronutrient stocks combined with stand age and soil physicochemical properties have not been well quantified. We compared soil macronutrient stocks at soil depths of 0−20 and 20−40 cm across a 7-, 14-, 25-, and 30-year chronosequence of Masson pine (Pinus massoniana Lamb.) plantations. The results showed that the nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) stocks first increased and then decreased with stand age. The highest N and P stocks were observed in the 14-year-old plantation, and the 25-year-old plantation displayed the highest K stock. The C, N, and P stocks declined with increasing soil depth across all sites, whereas the reverse trend was found in the K stock. Carbon stocks were highest for all plantations, followed by the K, N, and P stocks. Plantation soils exhibited a higher C:P ratio and a lower P:K ratio at various soil depths. The dominant controlling factors for the soil macronutrient stocks varied significantly at different stand ages and soil depths according to statistical analysis. For the total soil system, the C stock was affected by the available nutrients, organic matter, and stoichiometry; the available nutrients and organic matter were the determinant factors of the N and P stocks. Aggregate stability could be the primary parameter affecting the K stock. Organic matter explained most of the variation in soil macronutrient stocks, followed by the P:K ratio and available K. Collectively, our results suggest that the response of soil macronutrient stocks to stand age and soil depth will be dependent on different soil physicochemical properties, and P and K may be important limiting factors in Masson pine plantation ecosystems.
Sustainability in Heritage Wood Conservation: Challenges and Directions for Future Research
Authors: Walsh-Korb Zarah
Published: December 2021

Conserving the world’s cultural and natural heritage is considered a key contributor to achieving the targets set out in the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, yet how much attention do we pay to the methods we use to conserve and protect this heritage? With a specific focus on wooden objects of cultural heritage, this review discusses the current state-of-the-art in heritage conservation in terms of sustainability, sustainable alternatives to currently used consolidants, and new research directions that could lead to more sustainable consolidants in the future. Within each stage a thorough discussion of the synthesis mechanisms and/or extraction protocols, particularly for bio-based resources is provided, evaluating resource usage and environmental impact. This is intended to give the reader a better understanding of the overall sustainability of each different approach and better evaluate consolidant choices for a more sustainable approach. The challenges facing the development of sustainable consolidants and recent research that is likely to lead to highly sustainable new consolidant strategies in the future are also discussed. This review aims to contribute to the ongoing discussion of sustainable conservation and highlight the role that consolidants play in truly sustainable heritage conservation.
Pathogenicity of Phytophthora× alni Isolates Obtained from Symptomatic Trees, Soil and Water against Alder
Authors: Trzewik Aleksandra , Maciorowski Robert , Orlikowska Teresa
Published: December 2021

Phytophthora alni complex (P. × alni, P. × multiformis, P. uniformis) are pathogens attacking alder seedlings and trees, causing significant losses in nurseries and natural tree stands. Decay of alder trees has been observed in Poland for over a dozen years. Overall, 25 Polish isolates of P. × alni obtained from symptomatic alder trunks, rhizosphere soil surrounding infected trees, and nearby natural streams were compared with isolates from symptomatic trunks obtained in France, Belgium and Hungary. Morphologic characterization of mycelium, vegetative and generative organs, temperature effect on mycelium growth, and their pathogenicity were studied. The mycelium growth rate of isolates from symptomatic plants was fastest on Carrot Agar (CA) medium, and from soil and water on Vegetable Agar (V8A) medium. The sizes of zoosporangia varied depending on their origin. The isolates that originated from the soil had the largest zoosporangia. The diameter of the oogonia and antheridia did not differ regardless of their origin. The results of pathogenicity tests of P. × alni isolates obtained from different sources showed that the soil isolates were the most aggressive in each test, followed by the isolates from the trunks and water. A simple test of leaf colonization can give an idea of the aggressiveness of the isolate towards the shoots and roots. No morphological or physiological markers of aggressiveness have been found.