bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trajectory of Spike-Specific B Cells Elicited by Two Doses of BNT162b2 mRNA Vaccine
Authors: Ciabattini Annalisa , Pastore Gabiria , Lucchesi Simone , Montesi Giorgio , Costagli Simone , Polvere Jacopo , Fiorino Fabio , Pettini Elena , Lippi Arianna , Ancillotti Leonardo , Tumbarello Mario , Fabbiani Massimiliano , Montagnani Francesca , Medaglini Donata
Published: June 2023

The mRNA vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 have demonstrated efficacy and immunogenicity in the real-world setting. However, most of the research on vaccine immunogenicity has been centered on characterizing the antibody response, with limited exploration into the persistence of spike-specific memory B cells. Here we monitored the durability of the memory B cell response up to 9 months post-vaccination, and characterized the trajectory of spike-specific B cell phenotypes in healthy individuals who received two doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine. To profile the spike-specific B cell response, we applied the tSNE and Cytotree automated approaches. Spike-specific IgA+ and IgG+ plasmablasts and IgA+ activated cells were observed 7 days after the second dose and disappeared 3 months later, while subsets of spike-specific IgG+ resting memory B cells became predominant 9 months after vaccination, and they were capable of differentiating into spike-specific IgG secreting cells when restimulated in vitro. Other subsets of spike-specific B cells, such as IgM+ or unswitched IgM+IgD+ or IgG+ double negative/atypical cells, were also elicited by the BNT162b2 vaccine and persisted up to month 9. The analysis of circulating spike-specific IgG, IgA, and IgM was in line with the plasmablasts observed. The longitudinal analysis of the antigen-specific B cell response elicited by mRNA-based vaccines provides valuable insights into our understanding of the immunogenicity of this novel vaccine platform destined for future widespread use, and it can help in guiding future decisions and vaccination schedules.
Microvesicle-Mediated Tissue Regeneration Mitigates the Effects of Cellular Ageing
Authors: Panagiotou Nikolaos , McGuinness Dagmara , Jaminon Armand M. G. , Mees Barend , Selman Colin , Schurgers Leon , Shiels Paul G.
Published: June 2023

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), comprising microvesicles (MVs) and exosomes (Exos), are membranous vesicles secreted by cells which mediate the repair of cellular and tissue damage via paracrine mechanisms. The action of EVs under normative and morbid conditions in the context of ageing remains largely unexplored. We demonstrate that MVs, but not Exos, from Pathfinder cells (PCs), a putative stem cell regulatory cell type, enhance the repair of human dermal fibroblast (HDF) and mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) co-cultures, following both mechanical and genotoxic stress. Critically, this effect was found to be both cellular age and stress specific. Notably, MV treatment was unable to repair mechanical injury in older co-cultures but remained therapeutic following genotoxic stress. These observations were further confirmed in human dermal fibroblast (HDF) and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) co-cultures of increasing cellular age. In a model of comorbidity comprising co-cultures of HDFs and highly senescent abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) VSMCs, MV administration appeared to be senotherapeutic, following both mechanical and genotoxic stress. Our data provide insights into EVs and the specific roles they play during tissue repair and ageing. These data will potentiate the development of novel cell-free therapeutic interventions capable of attenuating age-associated morbidities and avoiding undesired effects.
Improved Media Formulations for Primary Cell Cultures Derived from a Colonial Urochordate
Authors: Qarri Andy , Kültz Dietmar , Gardell Alison M. , Rinkevich Baruch , Rinkevich Yuval
Published: June 2023

The cultivation of marine invertebrate cells in vitro has garnered significant attention due to the availability of diverse cell types and cellular potentialities in comparison to vertebrates and particularly in response to the demand for a multitude of applications. While cells in the colonial urochordate Botryllus schlosseri have a very high potential for omnipotent differentiation, no proliferating cell line has been established in Botryllus, with results indicating that cell divisions cease 24–72 h post initiation. This research assessed how various Botryllus blood cell types respond to in vitro conditions by utilizing five different refinements of cell culture media (TGM1–TGM5). During the initial week of culture, there was a noticeable medium-dependent increase in the proliferation and viability of distinct blood cell types. Within less than one month from initiation, we developed medium-specific primary cultures, a discovery that supports larger efforts to develop cell type-specific cultures. Specific cell types were easily distinguished and classified based on their natural fluorescence properties using confocal microscopy. These results are in agreement with recent advances in marine invertebrate cell cultures, demonstrating the significance of optimized nutrient media for cell culture development and for cell selection.
Establishment of a Murine Chronic Anorexia Nervosa Model
Authors: Staffeld Anna , Gill Sadaf , Zimmermann Annelie , Böge Natalie , Schuster Katharina , Lang Stephan , Kipp Markus , Palme Rupert , Frintrop Linda
Published: June 2023

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is associated with hyperactivity, amenorrhea, and brain atrophy. The underlying pathophysiology is mostly unknown, and new targets for therapeutic interventions are needed. This study aimed to systematically establish a murine AN model with the parameter extent of starvation, animal age, and length of starvation for functional studies. The activity-based anorexia (ABA) model combines food restriction with running wheel access. Early adolescent and adolescent mice received 40% of their baseline food intake until a 20% or 25% weight reduction was reached (acute starvation). To mimic chronic starvation, body weight loss was maintained for another two weeks. Running activity was examined using wheel sensors, while amenorrhea was investigated by analysis of vaginal smears. Brain sections were used to analyze cerebral cortex volumes. Acute starvation did not lead to either AN-related symptoms, whereas chronic starvation led to hyperactivity and amenorrhea except in the adolescent cohort with 20% weight reduction. Only ABA mice with 25% weight reduction revealed a cortex volume reduction. The optimal parameters to mirror AN-related symptoms included a 25% weight reduction, early adolescent or adolescent mice, and chronic starvation. The ABA model enables functional analysis of the impact of chronic AN on the underlying hormonal, behavioral, and brain pathophysiology.
Microvascular Thrombosis and Liver Fibrosis Progression: Mechanisms and Clinical Applications
Authors: Airola Carlo , Pallozzi Maria , Cerrito Lucia , Santopaolo Francesco , Stella Leonardo , Gasbarrini Antonio , Ponziani Francesca Romana
Published: June 2023

Fibrosis is an unavoidable consequence of chronic inflammation. Extracellular matrix deposition by fibroblasts, stimulated by multiple pathways, is the first step in the onset of chronic liver disease, and its propagation promotes liver dysfunction. At the same time, chronic liver disease is characterized by alterations in primary and secondary hemostasis but unlike previously thought, these changes are not associated with an increased risk of bleeding complications. In recent years, the role of coagulation imbalance has been postulated as one of the main mechanisms promoting hepatic fibrogenesis. In this review, we aim to investigate the function of microvascular thrombosis in the progression of liver disease and highlight the molecular and cellular networks linking hemostasis to fibrosis in this context. We analyze the predictive and prognostic role of coagulation products as biomarkers of liver decompensation (ascites, variceal hemorrhage, and hepatic encephalopathy) and liver-related mortality. Finally, we evaluate the current evidence on the application of antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapies for prophylaxis of hepatic decompensation or prevention of the progression of liver fibrosis.
Bi-Specific Killer Cell Engager Enhances NK Cell Activity against Interleukin-13 Receptor Alpha-2 Positive Gliomas
Authors: Pawlowski Kristen D. , Duffy Joseph T. , Tiwari Arushi , Zannikou Markella , Balyasnikova Irina V.
Published: June 2023

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a lethal brain tumor with limited therapeutic options. Bi-specific killer cell engagers (BiKEs) are novel immunotherapies designed to engage natural killer (NK) cells against cancer. We designed a BiKE molecule consisting of a single-domain CD16 antibody, an interleukin-15 linker, and a single-chain variable antibody against the glioma-associated antigen interleukin 13 receptor alpha 2 (IL13Rα2). Recombinant BiKE protein was expressed in HEK cells and purified. Flow cytometric analysis of co-cultures of peripheral blood-derived NK cells with GBM6 and GBM39 patient-derived xenograft lines revealed significantly increased activation of NK cells (CD25+CD69+) and increased glioma cell killing following BiKE treatment compared to controls (n = 4, p < 0.01). Glioma cell killing was also confirmed via immunofluorescence staining for cleaved caspase-3 (p < 0.05). In vivo, intracranial delivery of NK cells with BiKE extended median survival in mice bearing GBM6 (p < 0.01) and GBM12 (p < 0.01) tumors compared to controls. Finally, histological analysis of brain tissues revealed a higher frequency of peritumoral NK cells in mice treated with BiKE than with NK cells alone (p < 0.05). In conclusion, we demonstrate that a BiKE generated in a mammalian expression system is functional in augmenting NK cell targeting of IL13Rα2-positive gliomas.
Synaptonemal Complex in Human Biology and Disease
Authors: Llano Elena , Pendás Alberto M.
Published: June 2023

The synaptonemal complex (SC) is a meiosis-specific multiprotein complex that forms between homologous chromosomes during prophase of meiosis I. Upon assembly, the SC mediates the synapses of the homologous chromosomes, leading to the formation of bivalents, and physically supports the formation of programmed double-strand breaks (DSBs) and their subsequent repair and maturation into crossovers (COs), which are essential for genome haploidization. Defects in the assembly of the SC or in the function of the associated meiotic recombination machinery can lead to meiotic arrest and human infertility. The majority of proteins and complexes involved in these processes are exclusively expressed during meiosis or harbor meiosis-specific subunits, although some have dual functions in somatic DNA repair and meiosis. Consistent with their functions, aberrant expression and malfunctioning of these genes have been associated with cancer development. In this review, we focus on the significance of the SC and their meiotic-associated proteins in human fertility, as well as how human genetic variants encoding for these proteins affect the meiotic process and contribute to infertility and cancer development.
Causes and Outcomes of Intensive Care Admission Refusals: A Retrospective Audit from a Rural Teaching Hospital in Eastern Cape, South Africa
Authors: Ninise Ezile Julie , Mrara Busisiwe , Oladimeji Olanrewaju
Published: June 2023

(1) Background: Patients who deserve intensive care unit (ICU) admission may be denied due to a lack of resources, complicating ICU triage decisions for intensive care unit (ICU) clinicians. Among the resources that may be unavailable are trained personnel and monitored beds. In South Africa, the distribution of healthcare resources is reflected in the availability of ICU beds, with more ICU beds available in more affluent areas. Data on ICU refusal rates, reasons for refusal, patient characteristics, and outcomes are scarce in resource-constrained rural settings. Hence, this study sheds light on the ICU refusal rates, reasons for refusal, characteristics, and outcomes of refused patients at NMAH. (2) Methods: This was a three-month retrospective cross-sectional record review of refused and admitted patients from January to March 2022. COVID-19 patients and those younger than 13 years old were excluded. Refusal rates, reasons for refusal, characteristics, and outcomes of refused patients were analysed quantitatively using SPSS VS 20 software. Reasons for refusal were categorised as “too well”, “too sick”, and “suitable for admission but no resources”. (3) Results: A total of 135 patients were discussed for ICU admission at NMAH during the study period; 73 (54.07%) were refused admission, and 62 (45.92%) were admitted. Being considered too sick to benefit from ICU was the most common reason for refusal (53.23%). Too well and no resources contributed 27.42% and 19.35%, respectively. Patients with poor functional status, comorbidities, medical diagnoses, and those referred from the ward or accident and emergency unit rather than the operating room were more likely to be refused ICU admission. Refused patients had a seven-day mortality rate of 47%. (4) Conclusions and recommendations: The study found an unmet need for critical care services at our institution, as well as a need for tools to help clinicians make objective triage decisions for critically ill patients. Therefore, the study suggests a need to improve the quality of services provided outside of the ICU, particularly for patients who were refused ICU admission, to improve their outcomes.
Time Spent Outdoors and Associations with Sleep, Optimism, Happiness and Health before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Austria
Authors: Schamilow Simon , Santonja Isabel , Weitzer Jakob , Strohmaier Susanne , Klösch Gerhard , Seidel Stefan , Schernhammer Eva , Papantoniou Kyriaki
Published: June 2023

Social restriction measures (SRM) implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic led to a reduction in time spent outdoors (TSO). The aim of this study was to describe TSO and evaluate its association with sleep outcomes, optimism, happiness and health-status before and during SRM. Two online surveys were conducted in 2017 (N = 1004) and 2020, during SRM (N = 1010), in samples representative of the age, sex and region of the Austrian population. Information on the duration of TSO, sleep, optimism, happiness and health-status was collected. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models were used to study the association of TSO with chronic insomnia, short sleep, late chronotype, optimism, happiness and self-rated health-status. The mean TSO was 3.6 h (SD: 2.18) in 2017 and 2.6 h (SD: 1.87) during times of SRM. Men and participants who were older, married or in a partnership and lived in a rural area reported longer TSO. Participants who spent less time outdoors were more likely to report short sleep or a late chronotype in both surveys and, in 2020, also chronic insomnia. Less TSO was associated with lower happiness and optimism levels and poor health-status. Our findings suggest that TSO may be a protective factor for sleep, mood and health, particularly during stressful and uncertain times.
Effect of Substrate Bias Voltage on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Cr-Nb-Ti-Zr-N-O Ceramic Thin Films Produced by Reactive Sputtering
Authors: Ataie Sayed Alireza , Qashqay S. Mahmoudi , Zamani-Meymian Mohammad Reza , Ferreira Fabio
Published: June 2023

Hard coatings are applied in various applications to protect substrates from wear and corrosion. In the present study, multi-element ceramic films are deposited by reactive sputtering. The level of substrate bias voltage (−50, −125 and −200 V) is changed to investigate the structural and mechanical properties of Cr-Nb-Ti-Zr-N thin films. Chemical analysis (using EDS, XRD and Raman spectroscopy) reveals that these thin films (with a high amount of oxygen) are composed of a nanocomposite phase structure (amorphous and nano-crystalline phases). CrO2 and NbxN crystalline phases exist in an amorphous matrix in the coatings. By increasing the substrate voltage (from −50 to −200 V), the nitrogen content (from 30 to 40 at. %) increases, and CrxN crystalline phases are generated in S125 and S200. Morphological, topological and image analysis (employing FESEM and AFM) data show that the intermediate level of substrate bias voltage (sample S125) can produce a uniform surface with minimum defect density (15%). In addition, S125 has the minimum level of roughness (16.6 nm), skewness (0.2) and kurtosis (2.8). Therefore, the hardness, toughness and wear resistance (extracted from indentation and scratch tests) of this sample is maximum (H is 24.5 GPa and H/E is 0.107), while sample S50 shows complete fracture and delamination.
Study on the Dynamic Performance of PU and SBS-Modified Asphalt Mixtures with Dense Gradation
Authors: Zhao Haisheng , Gao Wenbin , Cui Shiping , Zhang Wensheng , Ma Shijie , Miao Baoji , Su Chunhua , Zhang Peiyu , Wang Xiaoyan , Wei Jincheng
Published: June 2023

A polyurethane (PU) mixture with excellent strength is regarded as an alternative to a modified asphalt mixture, but characteristic analysis on them is lacking. In this paper, the dynamic modulus of PU- and SBS-modified asphalt mixtures with the same gradation, aggregate type, and binder content was investigated and compared in terms of dynamic and viscoelastic properties. Compared with the SBS-modified asphalt mixture, the PU mixture with an extremely high dynamic modulus and reduced phase angle at high temperatures had lower temperature sensitivity, which allowed it to resist high-temperature deformation. While the phase angle did not show a statistically significant correlation, the dynamic modulus between the two mixtures did. The dynamic modulus and phase angle values of the PU mixture showed relatively small deviations and could be fitted to produce acceptable master curves, which exhibited obvious differences compared to those of the SBS-modified asphalt mixture. The PU mixture exhibited elastic properties during the test temperature range and, since its thermal rheological property is much smaller than that of the SBS-modified asphalt mixture, it is closer to viscoelastic material. This study provides an understanding of the PU mixture’s dynamic and viscoelastic properties, as well as material information for pavement design and performance prediction with PU mixture layers.
Improving Bug Assignment and Developer Allocation in Software Engineering through Interpretable Machine Learning Models
Authors: Samir Mina , Sherief Nada , Abdelmoez Walid
Published: June 2023

Software engineering is a comprehensive process that requires developers and team members to collaborate across multiple tasks. In software testing, bug triaging is a tedious and time-consuming process. Assigning bugs to the appropriate developers can save time and maintain their motivation. However, without knowledge about a bug’s class, triaging is difficult. Motivated by this challenge, this paper focuses on the problem of assigning a suitable developer to a new bug by analyzing the history of developers’ profiles and analyzing the history of bugs for all developers using machine learning-based recommender systems. Explainable AI (XAI) is AI that humans can understand. It contrasts with “black box” AI, which even its designers cannot explain. By providing appropriate explanations for results, users can better comprehend the underlying insight behind the outcomes, boosting the recommender system’s effectiveness, transparency, and confidence. The trained model is utilized in the recommendation stage to calculate relevance scores for developers based on expertise and past bug handling performance, ultimately presenting the developers with the highest scores as recommendations for new bugs. This approach aims to strike a balance between computational efficiency and accurate predictions, enabling efficient bug assignment while considering developer expertise and historical performance. In this paper, we propose two explainable models for recommendation. The first is an explainable recommender model for personalized developers generated from bug history to know what the preferred type of bug is for each developer. The second model is an explainable recommender model based on bugs to identify the most suitable developer for each bug from bug history.
Tiny Deep Learning Architectures Enabling Sensor-Near Acoustic Data Processing and Defect Localization
Authors: Donati Giacomo , Zonzini Federica , De Marchi Luca
Published: June 2023

The timely diagnosis of defects at their incipient stage of formation is crucial to extending the life-cycle of technical appliances. This is the case of mechanical-related stress, either due to long aging degradation processes (e.g., corrosion) or in-operation forces (e.g., impact events), which might provoke detrimental damage, such as cracks, disbonding or delaminations, most commonly followed by the release of acoustic energy. The localization of these sources can be successfully fulfilled via adoption of acoustic emission (AE)-based inspection techniques through the computation of the time of arrival (ToA), namely the time at which the induced mechanical wave released at the occurrence of the acoustic event arrives to the acquisition unit. However, the accurate estimation of the ToA may be hampered by poor signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs). In these conditions, standard statistical methods typically fail. In this work, two alternative deep learning methods are proposed for ToA retrieval in processing AE signals, namely a dilated convolutional neural network (DilCNN) and a capsule neural network for ToA (CapsToA). These methods have the additional benefit of being portable on resource-constrained microprocessors. Their performance has been extensively studied on both synthetic and experimental data, focusing on the problem of ToA identification for the case of a metallic plate. Results show that the two methods can achieve localization errors which are up to 70% more precise than those yielded by conventional strategies, even when the SNR is severely compromised (i.e., down to 2 dB). Moreover, DilCNN and CapsNet have been implemented in a tiny machine learning environment and then deployed on microcontroller units, showing a negligible loss of performance with respect to offline realizations.
Research Progress of Micro-LED Display Technology
Authors: Zhang Shenghao , Zheng Hua , Zhou Lv , Li Huadan , Chen Yuanrui , Wei Chenchen , Wu Tao , Lv Wei , Zhang Geng , Zhang Shaoqiang , Gong Zheng , Jia Baohua , Lin Han , Gao Zhiwen , Xu Wei , Ning Honglong
Published: June 2023

Micro-LED display technology is considered to be the next generation of display technology, which has the characteristics of high miniaturization, thin film and integration, as well as the advantages of high brightness, high contrast, fast response speed and long service life. However, in the development of Micro-LED display technology, there are still some technical and cost problems to be solved. This paper focuses on the key technologies involved in Micro-LED display technology, such as chip technology, mass transfer, full-color display, bonding and driving technology, the research history and frontier progress of these technologies are reviewed in detail. For chip epitaxy technology, the wavelength uniformity, current density and defect control are emphasized; for chip process, the two main chip structures and the challenges brought by miniaturization are discussed emphatically; for chip integration, full-color display, backplane bonding and driving, several mainstream technical schemes are summarized in turn. Finally, the chip detection and repair technologies and commercial application are introduced.
Enhanced Electromagnetic Wave Absorption Properties of FeCo-C Alloy by Exploiting Metamaterial Structure
Authors: Duong Tang Xuan , Tung Do Khanh , Khuyen Bui Xuan , Anh Nguyen Thi Ngoc , Tung Bui Son , Lam Vu Dinh , Chen Liangyao , Zheng Haiyu , Lee YoungPak
Published: June 2023

This study presents a tri-layer broadband metamaterial absorber that operates in the GHz range. The absorber was composed of a polyhedral iron-cobalt alloy/graphite nanosheet material arranged in a flat sheet with two punched-in rings for the top layer, a continuous FR-4 layer at the middle, and a continuous copper layer at the bottom. For the normal incidence of the electromagnetic wave, the proposed absorber demonstrated an exceptional broadband absorption in a frequency range of 7.9–14.6 GHz, revealing an absorption exceeding 90%. The absorption magnitude remains to be above 90% in a frequency range of 8–11.1 GHz for transverse-electric-polarized waves at incident angles up to 55°. For both the transverse-magnetic- and electric-polarized waves, the absorption exceeds 90% in a frequency range of 9.5–14.6 GHz. The physical mechanism behind the absorption properties is analyzed thoroughly through the electric and magnetic field distributions. The obtained results could contribute potentially to the development of microwave applications based on metamaterial absorbers, such as radar-stealth technology, electromagnetic shielding for health safety, and reduced electromagnetic interferences for high-performance communications and electronic devices.
Mimicking Natural-Colored Photonic Structures with Cellulose-Based Materials
Authors: Quelhas Ana Rita , Trindade Ana Catarina
Published: June 2023

Structural coloration has become a fascinating field of research, inspiring scientists and engineers to explore the vibrant colors observed in nature and develop bio-inspired photonic structures for various applications. Cellulose-based materials derived from plant fibers offer a promising platform for mimicking natural photonic structures. Their abundance, renewability, and versatility in form and structure make them ideal for engineering specific optical properties. Self-assembly techniques enable the creation of ordered, periodic structures at the nanoscale by manipulating the interactions between cellulose fibers through chemical modification or physical manipulation. Alternatively, additive manufacturing techniques like 3D printing and nanoimprint lithography can directly fabricate desired structures. By em-ulating natural photonic structures, cellulose-based materials hold immense potential for applications such as colorimetric sensors, optoelectronic devices, camouflage, and decorative materials. However, further research is needed to fully com-prehend and control their optical properties, as well as develop cost-effective and scalable manufacturing processes. This article presents a comprehensive review of the fundaments behind natural structural colors exhibited by living organisms and their bio-inspired artificial counterparts. Emphasis is placed on understanding the underlying mechanisms, strategies for tunability, and potential applications of these photonic nanostructures, with special focus on the utilization of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) for fabricating photonic materials with visible structural color. The challenges and future prospects of these materials are also discussed, highlighting the potential for advancements to unlock the full potential of cellulose-based materials with structural color.
Sodium Intercalation in Nitrogen-Doped Graphene-Based Anode: A First-Principles Study
Authors: Ding Henry , Zhang Xu
Published: June 2023

Density functional theory (DFT) and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations were performed to study the adsorption and distribution of Na ions on nitrogen-doped graphenes (NGs). DFT simulations revealed that both pyridinic and pyrrolic NGs enhanced Na adsorption even at higher Na concentrations by introducing electron-deficient vacancies. While Na ions tend to cluster on a pristine graphene, they separate when absorbed on pyridinic NGs due to stronger Na adsorption and Na-Na repulsion. Based on DFT energies, MC simulations were performed to study the distribution of Na on a pyridinic NG as a function of the pyridinic defect concentration and Na concentration. The average size of Na clusters decreases with increasing pyridinic defect concentration. The theoretical specific capacity increases monotonically as the pyridinic defect concentration is increased and reaches a maximum value at a concentration of ~7.5%. This theoretical study suggests that the pyridinic NGs hold promise as anode materials for sodium-ion batteries capable of enhancing Na adsorption, preventing Na clustering, and increasing the anode’s specific capacity.
Detection of Porosity in Impregnated Die-Cast Aluminum Alloy Piece by Metallography and Computer Tomography
Authors: Réger Mihály , Gáti József , Oláh Ferenc , Horváth Richárd , Fábián Enikő Réka , Bubonyi Tamás
Published: June 2023

The porosity of die-cast aluminum alloys is a determining factor for the quality of the product. In this paper, we studied the porosity of a selected part of a die-cast AlSi9Cu3(Fe) compressor part by computer tomography and metallography. In the case of this part, the achievable resolution by CT, a non-destructive testing method, was 30 μm—this method could not detect smaller cavities. Based on metallographic analysis, the percentage of defects larger than 30 μm ranges from 10 to 30% of the total number of defects, which represents 75–95% of the defective area (area ratio). Impregnation with methacrylate resin (used to seal cavities to prevent leakage) can be detected with UV-illuminated optical microscopic examination on metallographically prepared specimens. As confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, partial filling and partial impregnation can occur in a system of shrinkage cavities.
Investigation of Microstructure and Density of Atmospheric Ice Formed by High-Wind-Speed In-Cloud Icing
Authors: Liu Ruidi , Liu Yu , Wang Qiang , Yi Xian
Published: June 2023

In-cloud icing occurred on cables, wind turbines, and aircraft wings and may cause power transmission paralysis, energy dissipation, and unsafe flight. The study of atmospheric ice is crucial to facilitate the development of in-cloud icing prediction/detection and anti-/de-icing systems. Herein, atmospheric ice formed by high-wind-speed, in-cloud icing was obtained and reserved during icing tests in the 3 m × 2 m icing wind tunnel located at CARDC. Microstructures of atmospheric ice formed by high-wind-speed, in-cloud icing were observed and analysed using the microscopic observation method. A better description was established to explore the influence of the icing environment on ice microstructures, such as the size and shape of air bubbles and the boundaries of ice grains. Furthermore, an accurate density measurement was developed to allow a better practical density expression to consider the characteristics of the impacted surface and the effect of the flow field.
Laser Machining of Nickel Oxide–Yttria Stabilized Zirconia Composite for Surface Modification in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Morales Miguel , García-González Sandra , Plch Michaela , Montinaro Dario , Jiménez-Piqué Emilio
Published: June 2023

Laser machining of the nickel oxide–yttria-stabilized zirconia (NiO–YSZ) composite in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) may be an effective approach to enlarge the electrode–electrolyte interface and improve the cell performance. However, laser energy can cause thermal damage to the composite surface during the machined operation. In this work, the microstructure changes and the collateral damage caused by pulsed laser machining on the sintered NiO–YSZ of the state-of-the-art SOFCs were evaluated using complementary analysis techniques. Laser patterns consisting of parallel tracks on sintered NiO–YSZ were processed, varying the laser parameters such as frequency and laser beam energy density. The analyses evidenced a heat-affected zone (HAZ) limited to around 2 µm with microcracking, porosity reduction, and recrystallization. The changes in chemical composition, phase transformation of YSZ and mechanical properties at the machined surface were quite limited.
Plasma Thermogram Parameters Differentiate Status and Overall Survival of Melanoma Patients
Authors: Nguyen Taylor Q. , Schneider Gabriela , Kaliappan Alagammai , Buscaglia Robert , Brock Guy N. , Hall Melissa Barousse , Miller Donald M. , Chesney Jason A. , Garbett Nichola C.
Published: June 2023

Melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in the United States and the deadliest of all skin cancers. Even with recent advancements in treatment, there is still a 13% two-year recurrence rate, with approximately 30% of recurrences being distant metastases. Identifying patients at high risk for recurrence or advanced disease is critical for optimal clinical decision-making. Currently, there is substantial variability in the selection of screening tests and imaging, with most modalities characterized by relatively low accuracy. In the current study, we built upon a preliminary examination of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) in the melanoma setting to examine its utility for diagnostic and prognostic assessment. Using regression analysis, we found that selected DSC profile (thermogram) parameters were useful for differentiation between melanoma patients and healthy controls, with more complex models distinguishing melanoma patients with no evidence of disease from patients with active disease. Thermogram features contributing to the third principal component (PC3) were useful for differentiation between controls and melanoma patients, and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis indicated that PC3 was useful for predicting the overall survival of active melanoma patients. With the further development and optimization of the classification method, DSC could complement current diagnostic strategies to improve screening, diagnosis, and prognosis of melanoma patients.
Exploring the Epidemiology and Survival Trends in Pediatric Major Salivary Gland Malignancies: Insights from the National Cancer Database
Authors: Coleman Madison , Liang Jia , Rastatter Jeffrey C. , Arch Rebecca S. , Gartrell Jessica , Chelius Daniel C. , Sheyn Anthony , Li Cai , Richard Celine
Published: June 2023

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological, therapeutic, and survival data on pediatric major salivary gland cancers. Materials and Methods: National Cancer Database (NCDB) query from 2004 to 2018. Results: In total, 967 cases of individuals under the age of 21 were identified. Most cancers affected the parotid gland (86%). Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (41.3%) and acinic cell adenocarcinoma (33.6%) were the most common. Tumors occurred more often from age 11 to 21, and females were more affected. Histology varied by age, gender, and race. In the 0–5 age group, mucoepidermoid carcinoma and myoepithelial carcinoma/sarcoma/rhabdomyosarcoma were the most common pathologies. In patients over 5 years old, mucoepidermoid carcinoma was the most frequent tumor in boys, while acinic cell adenocarcinoma was more common in girls. African American patients had a higher incidence of mucoepidermoid carcinoma, while White patients in the 0–5 age group had a higher incidence of myoepithelial carcinoma/sarcoma/rhabdomyosarcoma tumors. Low-grade tumors were commonly diagnosed at stage I, but the 0–5 age group had a high frequency of stage IV tumors. The overall 5-year survival rate was 94.9%, with 90% for the 0–5 years age group and 96% for the 11–15 years age group. Negative margins were associated with higher 5-year survival rates in high-stage tumors (93%) compared to positive margins (80%). Submandibular malignancies had worse 5-year survival rates across all age groups. Conclusions: Major salivary gland malignancies in pediatric patients exhibit variations in histopathologic characteristics by age, gender, and race. Negative margins impact 5-year survival rates, especially in high-stage tumors.
Diversity of Botryosphaeriaceae Species Associated with Grapevine Trunk Diseases in the Czech Republic
Authors: Spetik Milan , Tekielska Dorota Anna , Berraf-Tebbal Akila , Pecenka Jakub , Stuskova Katerina , Mahamedi Alla Eddine , Eichmeier Ales
Published: June 2023

During a study of Botryosphaeriaceae species associated with grapevine trunk diseases in the Czech Republic, a collection of 22 Botryosphaeriaceae-like strains were isolated from four cultivars (Blaufränkisch, Pálava, Pinot Noir, and Welschriesling) in four distinct vineyards. Based on morphology and DNA sequence data (ITS, tub2, and tef), four species were identified: Botryosphaeria dothidea, Diplodia mutila, D. seriata, and Neofusicoccum parvum. These species are reported for the first time from grapevine in the Czech Republic. Relationships between vascular lesions and particular species were highlighted in this study. Diplodia seriata was the most frequently isolated species, present in all four sampled cultivars, while D. mutila was the least frequent, present only in ‘Pálava’. The cultivar Pinot Noir was the most tolerant host for Botryosphaeriaceae fungi.
How Do Moth Clicks Decrease the Capture Success of Horseshoe Bats?
Authors: Hu Yinli , Li Jiqian , Zhong Maojun , Lin Aiqing
Published: June 2023

Moths are among the most diverse and abundant animals. They have evolved a suite of acoustic defenses, such as producing ultrasound to guard against predation by low-duty-cycle bats. Recently, we found that the ultrasonic clicks of several moth species can also help decrease the capture success of high-duty-cycle bats. We tested whether moth clicks could advertise moth toxicity and/or jam the echolocation calls of high-duty-cycle bats. We examined the acoustic response of a hawkmoth (Cechenena minor) and a tiger moth (Creatonotos transiens) to free-flying horseshoe bats, Rhinolophus osgoodi. C. minor and C. transiens produced anti-bat ultrasonic clicks with an average duty cycle of 22.3% and 4.9%, respectively. The clicks of C. minor overlapped spectrally with the echolocation calls of R. osgoodi. C. minor occasionally emitted clicks immediately after the end of bat feeding buzzes. The clicks of C. transiens did not overlap spectrally with the echolocation calls of R. osgoodi. More than half the click sequences of C. transiens were produced before the emergence of bat feeding buzzes and did not overlap temporally with the feeding buzzes. Moreover, we found that C. minor was palatable and C. transiens was unpalatable to R. osgoodi. These results suggest that C. minor might be capable of jamming R. osgoodi and might also use ultrasonic clicks as warning signals. The clicks of C. transiens probably function to advertise moth toxicity. This study highlights the diversity of moth anti-bat sounds and illustrates the potential mechanisms of moth acoustic defense against high-duty-cycle bats.
Psychometric Values of a New Scale: The Rett Syndrome Fear of Movement Scale (RSFMS)
Authors: Lotan Meir , Zwilling Moti , Romano Alberto
Published: June 2023

(1) Background: One of the characteristics associated with Rett syndrome (RTT) is a fear of movement (FOM). Despite the grave consequences on health, function, and the caregiver’s burden associated with bradykinesia accompanying FOM, there is no specific FOM assessment tool for RTT. (2) Objective: To construct and assess the psychometric values of a scale evaluating FOM in RTT (Rett syndrome fear of movement scale—RSFMS). (3) Methods: Twenty-five girls aged 5–33, including a research group (N = 12 individuals with RTT) and control group (N = 13 typically developing girls at equivalent ages). The Pain and Discomfort Scale (PADS) and Facial Action Coding System (FACS) assessed the participants’ behavior and facial expressions in rest and movement situations. (4) Results: Significant behavioral differences were recorded in these rest and movement situations within the research groups using the RSFMS (p = 0.003), FACS (p = 0.002) and PADS (p = 0.002). No differences in reactions were found within the control group. The new scale, RSFMS, was found to show a high inter- and intra-rater reliability (r = 0.993, p < 0.001; r = 0.958, p < 0.001; respectively), good internal consistency (α = 0.77), and high accuracy (94.4%). (5) Conclusions: The new scale for measuring FOM in RTT, the RSFMS, was validated using the FACS and PADS. The RSFMS was found to be a tool that holds excellent psychometric values. The new scale can help clinicians working with individuals with RTT to plan appropriate management strategies for this population.
18F-FDG and 18F-NaF PET/CT Global Assessment of Large Joint Inflammation and Bone Turnover in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Reddy Natasha , Raynor William Y. , Werner Thomas J. , Baker Joshua F. , Alavi Abass , Revheim Mona-Elisabeth
Published: June 2023

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) involves chronic inflammation of synovial joints, causing pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. 18F-sodium fluoride (NaF) is a PET tracer whose uptake reflects bone turnover, while 18F-fludeoxyglucose (FDG) shows glucose metabolism and can serve as a marker for inflammation. The aim of this study is to determine the feasibility of calculating the FDG and NaF mean standardized uptake value (SUVmean) in the knee joint, hip joint, and sacroiliac (SI) joint of RA patients and to determine their association with patient characteristics. Prospective FDG-PET/CT as well as NaF-PET/CT imaging was performed on 18 RA patients. The global SUVmean was calculated on FDG-PET/CT and NaF-PET/CT images using a semiautomated CT-based method of segmentation. FDG and NaF uptake were found to be significantly correlated in the knee (r = 0.77, p < 0.001), but not in the hip and SI joints. In the knee, both NaF SUVmean and FDG SUVmean were significantly correlated with body weight, BMI, leptin, and sclerostin levels (p < 0.05). NaF SUVmean was significantly positively correlated with BMI and leptin for both the hip and SI joints (p < 0.05). No significant correlation was observed between either PET parameter and age, height, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and interleukins 1 and 6 (IL-1 and IL-6); however, FDG was correlated with inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and patient global visual analogue scale (VAS-PtGlobal) in some joints. In this study, both FDG and NaF uptake were quantified in large joints of patients with RA using CT segmentation. NaF and FDG SUVmean were correlated with clinical variables related to body weight and adiposity, suggesting that degenerative joint disease may play a larger role in influencing the uptake of these tracers in large joints than RA disease activity. FDG and its correlation with markers of inflammation such as CRP and VAS-PtGlobal suggests that this tracer may serve as a more specific marker for RA disease activity than NaF. Larger prospective and longitudinal data are necessary to gain a better understanding of the roles of FDG and NaF in evaluating RA joint activity in these joints.
Ultrasound Features and Ultrasound Scores in the Differentiation between Benign and Malignant Adnexal Masses
Authors: Pelayo Mar , Sancho-Sauco Javier , Sanchez-Zurdo Javier , Abarca-Martinez Leopoldo , Borrero-Gonzalez Carlota , Sainz-Bueno Jose Antonio , Alcazar Juan Luis , Pelayo-Delgado Irene
Published: June 2023

Background: Several ultrasound (US) features help ultrasound experts in the classification of benign vs. malignant adnexal masses. US scores serve in this differentiation, but they all have misdiagnoses. The main objective of this study is to evaluate what ultrasound characteristics are associated with malignancy influencing ultrasound scores. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of ultrasound features of adnexal lesions of women managed surgically. Ultrasound characteristics were analyzed, and masses were classified by subjective assessment of the ultrasonographer (SA) and other ultrasound scores (IOTA Simple Rules Risk Assessment SRRA, ADNEX model, and O-RADS). Results: Of a total of 187 adnexal masses studied, 134 were benign (71.7%) and 53 were malignant (28.3%). SA, IOTA SRRA, ADNEX model with or without CA125 and O-RADS had high levels of sensitivity (93.9%, 81.1%, 94.3%, 88.7%, 98.1%) but lower specificity (80.2%, 82.1%, 82.8%, 77.6%, 73.1%) with similar AUC (0.87, 0.87, 0.92, 0.90, 0.86). Ultrasound features significantly related with malignancy were the presence of irregular contour, absence of acoustic shadowing, vascularized solid areas, ≥1 papillae, vascularized septum, and moderate-severe ascites. Conclusion: IOTA SRRA, ADNEX model, and O-RADS can help in the classification of benign and malignant masses. Certain ultrasound characteristics studied in ultrasound scores are associated with malignancy.
Design of a Protocol for Soil-Transmitted Helminths (in Light of the Nematode Toxocara canis) DNA Extraction from Feces by Combining Commercially Available Solutions
Authors: Devyatov Alexander A. , Davydova Ekaterina E. , Luparev Andrey R. , Karseka Sofia A. , Shuryaeva Anna K. , Zagainova Angelica V. , Shipulin German A.
Published: June 2023

One of the main challenges for the mass introduction of the molecular diagnostics of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) into clinical practice is the lack of a generally recognized effective method for isolating parasitic DNA from fecal samples. In the present study, we assessed the effects of various pretreatment procedures on the efficiency of removing PCR inhibitors and extracting Toxocara canis DNA from feces. We evaluated the effectiveness of four destructive methods (bead beating, the action of temperature-dependent enzymes, freeze-heat cycles, and incubation in a lysis buffer) on the integrity of T. canis eggs and the efficiency of DNA extraction. Also, we evaluated the effects of prewashes and the use of commercial concentrators on DNA extraction from fecal samples contaminated with T. canis eggs. A bead beating procedure was sufficient to destroy the T. canis eggs, while the effects of enzymes and freeze-heat cycles did not lead to a significant destruction of the eggs or the release of Toxocara DNA. Helminth DNA isolation protocols that do not include a bead beating step are not preferred. The preconcentration of STH eggs from feces using a commercial concentrator and subsequent washing can significantly increase the yield of DNA from STHs and reduce PCR inhibition.