bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Operational tolerance research in liver transplantation: a bibliometric analysis using a new web resource
Authors: Esteban-Gil Ángel , Martínez-García Juan José , Vidal-Correoso Daniel , Muñoz-Morales Ana M. , Ramírez Pablo , Pons José Antonio , Baroja-Mazo Alberto
Published: March 2024

Background

Operational tolerance in liver transplantation (OT-LT), defined as the graft survival with normal function in absence of immunosuppression, has been a field of intense research since the 1980s. Thereafter, tens of clinical trials and hundreds of articles have been published, making it challenging for researchers to assimilate all the information, more so outside of their disciplines. The aim of the present study was to analyze the research in OT-LT through a new web tool (https://tolerance.imib.es).

Methods

We have developed a web resource that allowed the identification of the present trends and potential research avenues in OL-LT, an overview biomedical terms that were most often cited, including which journals published the most articles, and an advanced search engine that exploited all the information in these publications.

Results

A total of 734 studies were analyzed until November 2023, with a mean of 15 articles published per year, a total sum of 3,751 impact factor points and a total of 26,542 citations. The analysis of citations allowed us to establish a ranking of the most prolific countries, authors, journals and institutions, in addition to the most influential publications in OT-LT. Likewise, keyword and co-occurrence analyses answered which themes involving OT-LT are the most popular, whereas cooperation analysis showed that principal authors in OT-LT form a network, although the lack of international cooperation, especially with regard to clinical trials, appears to be one of the main challenges.

Conclusion

Despite its limitations, our web tool will allow both OT-LT expert and novel researchers to be able to draw a comprehensive picture of the past, present and future of OT-LT research.
Enhancement of innate immunity in gingival epithelial cells by vitamin D and HDAC inhibitors
Authors: Figgins Erika L. , Arora Payal , Gao Denny , Porcelli Emily , Ahmed Rabab , Daep Carlo Amorin , Keele Garrett , Ryan Lisa K. , Diamond Gill
Published: March 2024

Introduction

The human host defense peptide LL-37 is a component of the innate immune defense mechanisms of the oral cavity against colonization by microbes associated with periodontal disease. We have previously shown that the active form of vitamin D, 1,25(OH)2D3, can induce the expression of LL-37 in gingival epithelial cells (GEC), and prevent the invasion and growth of periopathogenic bacteria in these cells. Further, experimental vitamin D deficiency resulted in increased gingival inflammation and alveolar bone loss. Epidemiological studies have shown associations between vitamin D deficiency and periodontal disease in humans, suggesting application of vitamin D could be a useful therapeutic approach. Further, since we have shown the local activation of vitamin D by enzymes expressed in the GEC, we hypothesized that we could observe this enhancement with the stable, and inexpensive inactive form of vitamin D, which could be further increased with epigenetic regulators.

Methods

We treated 3-dimensional primary cultures of GEC topically with the inactive form of vitamin D, in the presence and absence of selected histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors. LL-37 mRNA levels were quantified by quantitative RT-PCR, and inhibition of invasion of bacteria was measured by fluorescence microscopy.

Results

Vitamin D treatment led to an induction of LL-37 mRNA levels, as well as an inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion. This effect was further enhanced by HDAC inhibitors, most strongly when the HDAC inhibitor, phenyl butyrate (PBA) was combined with Vitamin D3. This was observed both in solution and in a prototype gel formulation using sodium butyrate. Finally, this combination treatment led to an increase in the antimicrobial activity against infection by Porphyromonas gingivalis and Filifactor alocis, bacteria associated with periodontal lesions, as well as herpes simplex virus, which has also been shown to be associated with periodontal lesions.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that a combination of inactive vitamin D and sodium butyrate could be developed as a safe treatment for periodontal disease.
Sea-Ice Organisms Face Human Threats
Authors: Genovese Cristina , Eronen-Rasimus Eeva , Corkill Matthew , Bach Mareike , Peeken Ilka
Published: March 2024

Sea ice, frozen seawater, is more than a “white desert” in the Earth’s polar regions. The solid part of sea ice is mostly pure ice, similar to what you could make by putting tap water in a freezer. It also contains an intricate network of pores, pockets, and channels—known as a brine network—which develops each season. The brine network is filled with a very salty solution that contains nutrients that ice-associated organisms (bacteria, algae, and small animals) use as food. Algae are especially important because they remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and provide some of the oxygen we breathe every day. However, ice organisms are witnessing the consequences of human pollution and climate change. Although the polar regions are located far from human areas, the ocean circulation carries pollutants to the poles. This article examines what is happening in the seemingly inhospitable but crowded brine network, including the latest observations on the accumulation of human pollution.
Evolution of attack in handball when playing 7 vs. 6 with empty goal between 2020 and 2023: coaches’ perception vs. observational results
Authors: Prudente João Nunes , Cardoso Américo Ramos , Rodrigues Ana José , Mendes João N. , Fernando Catarina , Lopes Helder , Trejo-Silva Alejandro , Sousa Duarte Filipe
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Recently, several studies on the 7 vs. 6 “empty goal” (EG) in handball have produced different and even contradictory results. The aim of the present study was to investigate the behavior of teams and players in the 7 vs. 6 EG attack in the European (Euro) and World Championships (WCh) between 2020 and 2023 and characterize the coaches’ perceptions.

Methods

A mixed-methods approach was used, consisting of the following: (i) an observational methodology and instrument developed and validated to collect observational data on player and team behavior; and (ii) a developed and validated questionnaire to coaches on their perceptions of the 7 vs. 6 game. Observational data were collected during the Euro 2020 and 2022 games (n = 62) and the WCh 2021 and 2023 games (n = 70). A total of 132 games and 391 situations of 7 vs. 6 attacking sequences were observed. In total, 156 coaches participated (146 men), with a mean age 42.33 ± 11.87 years, 19 nationalities, and with 12.77 ± 9.45 years of experience.

Results and discussion

The choice of 7 vs. 6 offensive play was mostly made in the second half (>73%). The effectiveness of 7 vs. 6 offensive sequences was higher in the top six teams than in the team's ranked 7th to 12th (Euro 2020 51.6%–50.0%; WCh 2021 52.0%–50.0%; Euro 2022 53.1%–41.7%; WCh 2023 50.0%–43.8%). Some patterns of association were found (p < 0.05 and with values >±1.96): (i) scoring a goal with a breakthrough shot was significantly associated with the effectiveness of the 7 vs. 6 attack (Euro 2020 2.61; WCh 2021 2.87; Euro 2022 2.68; WCh 2023 2.32); (ii) teams in the top six significantly used 7 vs. 6 when they were winning (Euro 2020 2.17; WCh 2021 3.52; Euro 2022 5.88; WCh 2023 2.54); and (iii) teams in the bottom six used it when they were losing by at least four goals (Euro 2020 7.56; Euro 2022 6.64; WCh 2023 4.37) or when they were winning by four goals or more (WCh 2021 2.58). Coaches that agree with the possibility of playing 7 vs. 6 (74.4%), rarely or never do so (55.6%) because it brings little or no advantage (52.6%). The results of the analysis confirmed the perception of the coaches, the low use of 7 vs. 6, the low advantage associated with it, and the influence of the result and the moment of the game on its use.
Intraoperative application of mixed and augmented reality for digital surgery: a systematic review of ethical issues
Authors: Ursin Frank , Timmermann Cristian , Benzinger Lasse , Salloch Sabine , Tietze Fabian-Alexander
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Head-mounted displays (HMDs) that superimpose holograms onto patients are of particular surgical interest as they are believed to dramatically change surgical procedures by including safety warning and allowing real-time offsite consultations. Although there are promising benefits of mixed and augmented reality (MR/AR) technologies in surgery, they also raise new ethical concerns. The aim of this systematic review is to determine the full spectrum of ethical issues that is raised for surgeons in the intraoperative application of MR/AR technology.

Methods

Five bibliographic databases were searched for publications on the use of MR/AR, HMDs and other devices, their intraoperative application in surgery, and ethical issues. We applied qualitative content analysis to the n = 50 articles included. Firstly, we coded the material with deductive categories derived from ethical frameworks for surgical innovations, complications and research. Secondly, clinical aspects with ethical relevance were inductively coded as ethical issues within the main categories. Thirdly, we pooled the ethical issues into themes and sub-themes. We report our findings according to the reporting guideline RESERVE.

Results

We found n = 143 ethical issues across ten main themes, namely patient-physician relationship, informed consent, professionalism, research and innovation, legal and regulatory issues, functioning equipment and optimal operating conditions, allocation of resources, minimizing harm, good communication skills and the ability to exercise sound judgement. The five most prevalent ethical issues are “Need for continuous research and innovation”, “Ensuring improvement of the learning curve”, “MR/AR enables new maneuvers for surgeons”, “Ensuring improvement of comfort, ergonomics, and usability of devices,” and “Not withholding MR/AR if it performs better”.

Conclusions

Recognizing the evidence-based limitations of the intraoperative MR/AR application is of paramount importance to avoid ethical issues, but clinical trials in surgery pose particular ethical risks for patients. Regarding the digital surgeon, long-term impact on human workforce, potentially harmful “negative training,” i.e., acquiring inappropriate behaviors, and the fear of surveillance need further attention. MR/AR technologies offer not only challenges but significant advantages, promoting a more equitable distribution of surgical expertise and optimizing healthcare. Aligned with the core principle of social justice, these technologies enable surgeons to collaborate globally, improving training conditions and addressing enduring global healthcare inequalities.
Effectiveness of the SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination in Preventing Severe Disease-Related Outcomes: A Population-Based Study in the Italian Province of Bolzano (South Tyrol)
Authors: Lorenzon Antonio , Palandri Lucia , Uguzzoni Francesco , Cristofor Catalina Doina , Lozza Filippo , Poluzzi Riccardo , Rizzi Cristiana , Bertoli Pierpaolo , Zerzer Florian , Righi Elena
Published: March 2024

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of SARS-CoV2 vaccination in preventing ordinary or intensive care unit (ICU) admissions and deaths among cases registered during a variant transitional pandemic phase in the geographically and culturally unique territory of the Province of Bolzano (South Tyrol), an Italian region with low vaccination coverage.

Methods: We collected data from 93,643 patients registered as positive for SARS-CoV-2 by health authorities during the winter of 2021–22. The data were analyzed retrospectively using descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression.

Results: 925 patients were hospitalized (0.99%), 89 (0.10%) were in intensive care, and 194 (0.21%) died. Vaccinated patients had a significantly lower risk of being hospitalized: adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR): 0.39; 95% CI: 0.33–0.46, ICU admission: aOR: 0.16; 95% CI: 0.09–0.29 and death: aOR: 0.41; 95% CI: 0.29–0.58. Similar risk reductions were also observed in booster-vaccinated patients, independent of sex, age, and predominant variant. Furthermore, the median length of stay (LoS) in the ICU was significantly longer for unvaccinated individuals compared to vaccinated subjects (9 vs. 6 days; p < 0.003).

Conclusion: Primary series vaccination and ongoing campaign booster doses were effective in preventing all severe disease-related outcomes and in reducing ICU Length of Stay, even during a transitional pandemic phase and in a unique territorial context.
Az osteoporosis antirezorptív kezelésének biológiai alapjai és az állcsontok antirezorptív kezelés okozta osteonecrosisa
Authors: Gera István , Szücs Nikolette
Published: March 2024

Az ötven év feletti lakosság egyik leggyakoribb, az életminőséget súlyosan rontó állapota az osteoporosis, aminek pontospathomechanizmusa még a mai napig sem teljesen feltárt. Ma az életkorral együtt járó csonttömegvesztés lassításábanaz egyik legelfogadott gyógyszeres terápia a csontátépülésben fontos szerepet játszó osteoclastok blokkolása, az ún.antirezorptív szerek alkalmazása. Ezeket a szereket az osteoporosis mellett széles körben alkalmazzák metasztatikuscsonttumorok, hiperkalcémiával társuló daganatok és más, fokozott osteoclast aktivitással társuló kórképek gyógykezelésébenis. Az antirezorptív-kezelésben a leggyakrabban alkalmazott szer a biszfoszfonát csoport, azonban az utóbbiévtizedben a szelektív RANKL (receptor activator for nuclear factor-kappa B ligand), ellenes rekombináns monoclonalisantitest (denosumab) is széles körben alkalmazott. A két vegyület hatásmechanizmusa merőben eltérő. A biszfoszfonátokirreverzibilisen beépülnek a csont szervetlen vázába, és a csontátépülés során az osteoclastok ezeket bekebelezik,metabolizálják, de nem képesek teljesen lebontani. Végül olyan toxikus metabolitok képződnek a sejtben, amelyeksúlyosan károsítják a sejtek cytosceletonját, a sejt nem képes a csontmátrixra tapadni, és végül apoptosis áldozatalesz. Ugyanakkor a denosumab a RANKL blokkolása révén az osteoclast neogenezist gátolja, és ezáltal a funkcióképes,differenciálódott, érett osteoclastok száma csökken, Tehát, amíg a biszfoszfonátok az érett OC sejteken hatnak,a denosumab az OC neogenezist állítja le. Az eltérő hatásmechanizmusok ellenére mindkét szer egyik, bár nem gyakorimellékhatása az invazív fogászati kezeléseket követő csontnecrosis, angol terminológiában osteonecrosis of jaws.Mivel mindkét szer az osteoclast aktivitást blokkolja, ezért nagy valószínűséggel a csontnecrozisért is elsősorban az OCLsejtek aktivitásának hiánya felelős. Ma még az ONJ evidenciákon alapuló kezelése nem adott. Több alternatív kezelésistratégiáról jelentek meg közlemények. Ezek közül az egyik a rekombináns h-PTH 1–34 hormonkészítmények (teriparatid)alkalmazása, amely ismételten beindíthatja a korábban blokkolt összehangolt csontátépülést.
Response of Soil Nitrogen Components and nirK- and nirS-Type Denitrifying Bacterial Community Structures to Drip Irrigation Systems in the Semi-Arid Area of Northeast China
Authors: Qiang Ruowen , Wang Meng , Li Qian , Li Yingjie , Sun Huixian , Liang Wenyu , Li Cuilan , Zhang Jinjing , Liu Hang
Published: March 2024

Denitrification is a key process in soil available nitrogen (N) loss. However, the effects of different water-saving irrigation systems on soil N components and denitrifying bacterial communities are still unclear. In this study, quantitative fluorescence PCR and Illumina MiSeq sequencing were used to investigate the effects of three main irrigation systems, conventional flooding irrigation (FP), shallow buried drip irrigation (DI), and mulched drip irrigation (MF), on the abundance, community composition, and diversity of soil nirK- and nirS-type denitrifying bacteria in the semi-arid area of Northeast China, and to clarify the driving factors of nirK- and nirS-type denitrifying bacterial community variations. The results showed that, compared with FP, MF significantly increased soil moisture, alkaline hydrolyzed nitrogen (AHN), nitrate nitrogen (NO3−-N), non-acid hydrolyzed nitrogen (AIN), and amino sugar nitrogen (ASN), but significantly decreased the contents of ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N) and acid hydrolyzed ammonium nitrogen (AN). The irrigation system changed the relative abundance of the dominant genera of denitrifying bacteria, DI and MF significantly increased nitrate reductase (NR) and nitrite reductase (NiR) activities, and MF significantly increased the diversity of nirK- and nirS-type denitrifying bacteria but significantly decreased the richness. The community structure of nirK- and nirS-type denitrifying bacteria was significantly different among the three irrigation systems. NO3−-N was the main driving factor affecting the community structure of nirS-type denitrifying bacteria, and moisture significantly affected the community structure of nirK-type denitrifying bacteria. DI and MF significantly increased the abundance of nirK- and nirS-type denitrifying bacteria and also increased the abundance ratio of nirS/nirK genes. Therefore, although DI and MF significantly increased the abundance of denitrifying microorganisms, they did not lead to an increase in the N2O emission potential.
Evolution of Crop Planting Structure in Traditional Agricultural Areas and Its Influence Factors: A Case Study in Alar Reclamation
Authors: Jiang Shuqi , Yu Jiankui , Li Shenglin , Liu Junming , Yang Guang , Wang Guangshuai , Wang Jinglei , Song Ni
Published: March 2024

This research provides a comprehensive analysis of the spatiotemporal evolution of the regional cropping structure and its influencing factors. Using Landsat satellite images, field surveys, and yearbook data, we developed a planting structure extraction model employing the classification regression tree algorithm to obtain data on the major crop cultivation and structural characteristics of Alar reclamation from 1990 to 2023. A dynamic model and transfer matrix were used to analyze temporal changes, and a centroid migration model was used to study spatial changes in the cropping structure. Nonparametric mutation tests and through-traffic coefficient analysis were utilized to quantify the main driving factors influencing the cropping structure. During the period of 1990–2023, the cotton area in the Alar reclamation region expanded by 722.08 km2, while the jujube exhibited an initial increase followed by a decrease in the same period. The primary reasons are linked to the cost of purchase, agricultural mechanization, and crop compatibility. In the Alar reclamation area, cotton, chili, and jujube are the primary cultivated crops. Cotton is mainly grown on the southern side of the Tarim River, while chili cultivation is concentrated on the northern bank of the river. Over the years, there has been a noticeable spatial complementarity in the distribution and density of rice and cotton crops in this region. In the Alar reclamation, the main factors influencing the change in cultivated land area are cotton price, agricultural machinery gross power, and population. Consequently, implementing measures such as providing planting subsidies and other policy incentives to enhance planting income can effectively stimulate farmers’ willingness to engage in planting activities.
Impact of Body Reserves Dynamic on Productivity and Reproductive Performance in Fat-Tail and Thin-Tail Sheep Breeds over Contrasting Production Cycles
Authors: Yagoubi Yathreb , Smeti Samir , Mahouachi Mokhtar , Nasraoui Massara , Ben Saïd Samia , Mohamed-Brahmi Aziza , Atti Naziha
Published: March 2024

Under climate change, animal breeding faces severe nutritional challenges, exhibiting their resilience and efficiency to survive and produce. The animals’ robustness can be evaluated through the use and reconstitution of body reserves (BR). This study investigated the dynamics of ewes’ BR, measured through body weight (BW) and the body condition score (BCS), and their effect on production performances of 480 ewes belonging to fat-tailed Barbarine (BB) and thin-tailed Queue Fine de l’Ouest (QFO) ewes over two consecutive years. The BW and BCS were recorded across physiological stages. Reproductive parameters and lambs’ growth were calculated. For both years and breeds, the decrease in the BCS between mating and lambing showed BR mobilization to balance nutritional restrictions, which continues until suckling; after weaning, a BR accretion was noted. The lambs’ birth weight was similar regardless of the dams’ BCS at lambing, though it was lower in the second year (3.5 vs. 4 kg). Lambs’ growth parameters depended on ewes’ BCS at lambing and weaning. Fertility rates changed with BCS changes and the higher values (80%) were recorded for ewes with BCSs between 2 and 2.5. However, prolificacy was similar for both breeds and years (p > 0.05). In conclusion, ewes have developed adaptative capacities through BR mobilization to cope with environmental challenges and successfully rear their offspring. To maintain a high offspring growth rate, it is recommended to plan correct flock nutrition during suckling.
Norcantharidin Sensitizes Colorectal Cancer Cells to Radiotherapy via Reactive Oxygen Species–DRP1-Mediated Mitochondrial Damage
Authors: Xu Qiong , Zhang Heng , Qin Haoren , Wang Huaqing , Wang Hui
Published: March 2024

Norcantharidin (NCTD), a cantharidin derivative, induces ROS generation and is widely used to treat CRC. In this study, we clarified the role and mechanism of action of norcantharidin in increasing CRC sensitivity to radiotherapy. We treated the CRC cell lines LoVo and DLD-1 with NCTD (10 or 50 μmol/L), ionizing radiation (IR, 6 Gy), and a combination of the two and found that NCTD significantly inhibited the proliferation of CRC cells and enhanced their sensitivity to radiotherapy. NCTD induced ROS generation by decreasing the mitochondrial membrane potential, increasing mitochondrial membrane permeability, and promoting cytochrome C release from mitochondria into the cytoplasm. IR combined with NCTD induced ROS production, which activated the mitochondrial fission protein DRP1, leading to increased mitochondrial fission and CRC sensitivity to radiotherapy. NCTD also reduced CRC cell resistance to radiotherapy by blocking the cell cycle at the G2/M phase and decreasing p-CHK2, cyclin B1, and p-CDC2 expression. NCTD and IR also inhibited radiation resistance by causing DNA damage. Our findings provide evidence for the potential therapeutic use of NCTD and IR against CRC. Moreover, this study elucidates whether NCTD can overcome CRC radiation tolerance and provides insights into the underlying mechanisms.
Game Theory-Based Interactive Control for Human–Machine Cooperative Driving
Authors: Zhou Yangyang , Huang Chao , Hang Peng
Published: March 2024

To address the safety and efficient driving issues of human–machine shared control vehicles (HSCVs) in future complex traffic environments, this paper proposes a game theory-based interactive control method between HSCVs and surrounding autonomous vehicles (SVs) and involves considering different driving behaviors. In HSCV, a comprehensive driver model integrating steering control and speed control is designed based on the brain emotional learning circuit model (BELCM), and the control authority between the driver and the automation system is dynamically allocated through the evaluation of the driving safety field. Factors such as driving safety and travel efficiency that reflect personalized driving style are considered for modeling the uncertain behavior of SVs. In the interaction between HSCVs and SVs, a method based on game theory and distributed model predictive control (DMPC) that considers the uncertainty of SVs’ driving behavior is established and is finally integrated into a multi-objective constraint problem. The driver control input in an HSCV will also be introduced into the solution process. To demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method, two test scenarios considering the driving characteristics of different SVs are established. The test results show that automation control systems can promptly stop the human driver’s dangerous operations in an HSCV and safely interact with multiple AVs with different driving characteristics.
Cause Analysis and Preventive Measures against False Bottoms in Echosounder Data
Authors: Xiong Xinquan , He Ruilin , Fan Wei , Wu Zuli , Yu Shengchi , Wang Zhongqiu , Wang Yongjin , Dai Yang
Published: March 2024

This article presents a summary of three common false-bottom occurrences in echosounder imaging based on an analysis of echosounder data. Utilizing the imaging principle of the echosounder, a comprehensive analysis was conducted and an explanation of each situation’s causes, imaging characteristics, impacts, and solutions is presented. Additionally, the article includes calculations to determine the precise location of the false bottom, which were subsequently validated through actual data collection. To address the two most impactful false-bottom scenarios in target detection, solutions are proposed from two perspectives. By accurately judging the position and imaging characteristics of these false bottoms, the article concludes with an analysis of the causes of false bottoms and presents corresponding solutions. The article aims to facilitate the rapid identification and elimination of false bottoms, thus mitigating their adverse effects on target detection.
Digitalization of Pulse Signal Processing for Ex-Core Instrumentation System in Nuclear Power Plants
Authors: Konishi Ryo , Sasano Makoto , Hayashi Masateru , Azuma Tetsushi
Published: March 2024

Nuclear power plants (NPPs) are globally important sources of clean energy. However, high operation and maintenance (O&M) costs are one of the factors hindering the development of NPPs. In this study, we focused on the development of a digital algorithm for ex-core instrumentation systems (EISs) to reduce O&M costs, given that the digitalization of EISs is not progressing compared with other instrumentation and control systems in NPPs. Specifically, we developed a digital algorithm for pulse signal processing in EISs, which traditionally require a significant amount of hardware and maintenance efforts. Our purposes were to simplify the configuration and reduce the O&M costs associated with pulse signal processing. To validate the algorithm, we used a detector emulator and a research reactor. Additionally, we explored a new approach to reduce the workload associated with a discrimination characteristics test (DCT) in EISs. The results of this study demonstrated that the proposed algorithm is effective in achieving good linearity within ±5% of the span and response performance with a delay time of 5 ms, which are required for EISs. Furthermore, the proposed method for the DCT shows promising results in reducing the time required for the test compared with conventional methods.
Improvement of a Conditional Privacy-Preserving and Desynchronization-Resistant Authentication Protocol for IoV
Authors: Xie Qi , Huang Juanjuan
Published: March 2024

In Internet of Vehicles (IoV), the secure data transmission between vehicles and transportation infrastructure effectively ensures the safety and fast driving of vehicles, while authentication and key agreement protocols between vehicles and transportation infrastructure (V2I) play an important role in ensuring data security and user privacy. However, how to design a provably secure and lightweight V2I authentication protocol for IoV is a challenge. Recently, Kumar et al. proposed a conditional privacy-preserving and desynchronization-resistant authentication protocol for IoV, but we find that Kumar et al.’s scheme is vulnerable to identity guessing attacks, impersonation attacks, and a lack of session key secrecy once the attacker obtains data stored in smart card through side-channel attacks. We also point out that Kumar et al.’s protocol is vulnerable to Roadside Unit (RSU) captured attacks and lacks perfect forward secrecy. Therefore, we propose an improved V2I authentication protocol for IoV, which uses the Physical Unclonable Function (PUF) to resist RSU captured attacks, and designed a three-factor secrecy strategy to resist side-channel attacks; a conditional privacy-preserving strategy was also adopted to achieve anonymity and malicious user tracking. Furthermore, the proposed protocol is provably secure under the random oracle model and has low computation and communication costs.
The Production of Complement Inhibitor Proteins in Mammalian Cell Lines—Light at the End of the Tunnel?
Authors: Szvetnik Attila , Tubak Vilmos
Published: March 2024

Therapeutic recombinant proteins are powerful tools used for the treatment of many detrimental diseases such as diabetes, cancer, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis, and many more. Their importance in disease therapy is growing over small molecule drugs because of their advantages like specificity and reduced side effects. However, the large-scale production of certain recombinant proteins is still challenging despite impressive advancements in biomanufacturing. The complement cascade is considered a rich source of drug targets and natural regulator proteins with great therapeutic potential. However, the versatility of such proteins has been hampered by low production rates. The recent discoveries highlighted here may bring definite improvement in the large-scale recombinant production of complement inhibitor proteins or other difficult-to-express proteins in mammalian cell lines.
Optical Genome Mapping Reveals Genomic Alterations upon Gene Editing in hiPSCs: Implications for Neural Tissue Differentiation and Brain Organoid Research
Authors: Gallego Villarejo Lucia , Gerding Wanda M. , Bachmann Lisa , Hardt Luzie H. I. , Bormann Stefan , Nguyen Huu Phuc , Müller Thorsten
Published: March 2024

Genome editing, notably CRISPR (cluster regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)/Cas9 (CRISPR-associated protein 9), has revolutionized genetic engineering allowing for precise targeted modifications. This technique’s combination with human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) is a particularly valuable tool in cerebral organoid (CO) research. In this study, CRISPR/Cas9-generated fluorescently labeled hiPSCs exhibited no significant morphological or growth rate differences compared with unedited controls. However, genomic aberrations during gene editing necessitate efficient genome integrity assessment methods. Optical genome mapping, a high-resolution genome-wide technique, revealed genomic alterations, including chromosomal copy number gain and losses affecting numerous genes. Despite these genomic alterations, hiPSCs retain their pluripotency and capacity to generate COs without major phenotypic changes but one edited cell line showed potential neuroectodermal differentiation impairment. Thus, this study highlights optical genome mapping in assessing genome integrity in CRISPR/Cas9-edited hiPSCs emphasizing the need for comprehensive integration of genomic and morphological analysis to ensure the robustness of hiPSC-based models in cerebral organoid research.
Fabrication of pH-Responsive PDPAEMA Thin Film Using a One-Step Environmentally Friendly Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Gürsoy Mehmet
Published: March 2024

In recent years, there has been growing interest in pH-responsive polymers. Polymers with ionizable tertiary amine groups, which have the potential to be used in many critical application areas due to their pKa values, have an important place in pH-responsive polymers. In this study, poly(2-Diisopropyl aminoethyl methacrylate) (PDPAEMA) thin films were coated on various substrates such as glass, fabric, and silicon wafer using a one-step environmentally friendly plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) method. The effects of typical PECVD plasma processing parameters such as substrate temperature, plasma power, and reactor pressure on the deposition rate were studied. The highest deposition rate was obtained at a substrate temperature of 40 °C, a reactor pressure of 300 mtorr, and a plasma power of 60 W. The apparent activation energy was found to be 17.56 kJ/mol. Based on the results of this study, uniform film thickness and surface roughness were observed in a large area. The PDPAEMA thin film was exposed to successive acid/base cycles. The results showed that the pH sensitivity of the thin film produced by the PECVD method is permanent and reversible.
The Effect of Annealing Treatment on the Microstructure and Texture of a Cold-Rolled TiNiFe Shape Memory Alloy Tube
Authors: Wen Jianxian , Song Xiaoyun , Li Yanfeng , Liu Shuwei , Yu Yang , Ye Wenjun , Hui Songxiao
Published: March 2024

The effect of annealing treatment on the microstructure and texture of a Ti50Ni47Fe3 shape memory alloy tube was studied. The results show that the recrystallization process of a cold-rolled Ti50Ni47Fe3 alloy tube occurs at 600 °C. The microstructure changes from long striped grains to equiaxed recrystallized grains. The main texture of the alloy tube is the fiber texture <111> parallel to RD. With the increase in the annealing temperature, the crystal orientation of the alloy gradually turned to (111)<112>, and a series of secondary textures were distributed along the γ orientation line when the alloy was annealed at a lower temperature (450~600 °C). When the alloy was annealed at 650 °C, the growth of recrystallized grains made the grain orientation change, which led to the weakening of the γ-fiber texture and the formation of recrystallization textures.
Lifestyle Medicine for the Prevention and Treatment of Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Subramanian Sruthi Kapliyil , Brahmbhatt Bhaumik , Bailey-Lundberg Jennifer M. , Thosani Nirav C. , Mutha Pritesh
Published: March 2024

The incidence of pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer is on the upswing in the USA. These conditions often lead to higher healthcare costs due to the complex nature of diagnosis and the need for specialized medical interventions, surgical procedures, and prolonged medical management. The economic ramification encompasses direct healthcare expenses and indirect costs related to productivity losses, disability, and potential long-term care requirements. Increasing evidence underscores the importance of a healthy lifestyle in preventing and managing these conditions. Lifestyle medicine employs evidence-based interventions to promote health through six key pillars: embracing a whole-food, plant-predominant dietary pattern; regular physical activity; ensuring restorative sleep; managing stress effectively; removing harmful substances; and fostering positive social connections. This review provides a comprehensive overview of lifestyle interventions for managing and preventing the development of pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.
The Role of Visual Representations in Undergraduate Students’ Learning about Genetic Inheritance
Authors: Menendez David , Donovan Andrea Marquardt , Mathiaparanam Olympia N. , Klapper Rebecca E. , Yoo Seung Heon , Rosengren Karl S. , Alibali Martha W.
Published: March 2024

Prior work has shown that many undergraduate students have misconceptions about genetic inheritance, even after they take genetics courses. Visual representations, such as pedigree diagrams, are commonly used in genetics instruction, and they help students quickly visualize the phenotypes of multiple generations. In Study 1, we examined whether presenting a pedigree diagram of a wolf’s eye color in a rich and realistic manner (i.e., with rich perceptual images that resemble real animals) or in an abstract manner (i.e., with circles and squares representing animals) would help undergraduates learn from a brief, online lesson on inheritance of the wolf’s eye color, and whether they would transfer what they learned when reasoning about eye color in other species (near transfer) and other traits in other species (mid- and far transfer). Counter to our hypothesis, students transferred more with the rich diagram. In Study 2, we compared the rich diagram from Study 1 to a perceptually bland diagram (i.e., with color and textural features removed). There were no differences in students’ learning or transfer between the diagrams. These results suggest that realistic elements that are attention grabbing and easily interpretable by students can be beneficial for transfer in online lessons.
Sex Education Actions at Universities: The Creation, Validity and Reliability of a Satisfaction Scale
Authors: Soto-Fernández Irene , Perez-Perez Jorge , Gómez-Cantarino Sagrario , Frade Fátima , Frias Ana , Palma Sara , Días Helia , Aaberg Vicki , Castagnaro Elena , Mecugni Daniela , Fernández-Cézar Raquel
Published: March 2024

Higher education is key to developing a competent and engaged society. Therefore, holistic learning is a fundamental element. This study aimed to test the validity and reliability of a questionnaire for extracurricular teaching actions in higher education. The questionnaire was delivered online to nursing and teaching students participating in the extracurricular action organized by the universities participating in the EdSeX Project, in all cases worded in English. Reliability was measured through internal consistency provided by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, yielding a value of 0.638 for the 19 items. The internal consistency for each latent variable measured by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.816 for F1 (N = 6) and 0.625 for F2 (N = 3). This means that in the applicable satisfaction questionnaire, the professor interactions and the quality of the organization of the teaching activity of the topic are the most influential elements in the training action. The questionnaire proved to have a good validity and is therefore a reliable instrument to measure the level of higher education students’ satisfaction with learning.
A Central Array Method to Locate Chips in AOI Systems in Semiconductor Manufacturing
Authors: Fu Huichu , Lai Yiming , Pan Chunrong , Zhang Siwei , Bai Liping , Li Jie
Published: March 2024

For semiconductor manufacturing, automatic optical inspections (AOIs) are important for chip quality inspection. An AOI system contains a robot arm, an industrial camera, a x-y platform, and a visual inspection module. Using the industrial camera, a wafer map can be obtained and then sent to the visual inspection module to compare with qualified chip features. There is a baseline in the x-y platform. Due to the limitations of the robot arm flexibility, it is difficult for the robot arm to control the angles between the chip orientation and the baseline every time, which decreases the defect recognition accuracy. This work aims to improve the defect recognition accuracy and efficiency of the AOI system. Specifically, an efficient method is presented to calculate the angle between the baseline and chip orientation. Then, the wafer map can be rotated, such that the angle equals to zero. Further, a powerful system is established to recode the rotated chip coordinate, such that the unqualified chip positions can be located efficiently. This method is called a central array method. The central array method with deep learning methods forms an AI-based AOI system. Extensive experiments demonstrate that our proposed method performs well in improving the chip quality inspection efficiency and accuracy. Nevertheless, the proposed method still has challenges in implementation since it requires integration with the manufacturing line.
Learn-IDS: Bridging Gaps between Datasets and Learning-Based Network Intrusion Detection
Authors: Wang Minxiao , Yang Ning , Guo Yanhui , Weng Ning
Published: March 2024

In an era marked by the escalating architectural complexity of the Internet, network intrusion detection stands as a pivotal element in cybersecurity. This paper introduces Learn-IDS, an innovative framework crafted to bridge existing gaps between datasets and the training process within deep learning (DL) models for Network Intrusion Detection Systems (NIDS). To elevate conventional DL-based NIDS methods, which are frequently challenged by the evolving cyber threat landscape and exhibit limited generalizability across various environments, Learn-IDS works as a potent and adaptable platform and effectively tackles the challenges associated with datasets used in deep learning model training. Learn-IDS takes advantage of the raw data to address three challenges of existing published datasets, which are (1) the provided tabular format is not suitable for the diversity of DL models; (2) the fixed traffic instances are not suitable for the dynamic network scenarios; (3) the isolated published datasets cannot meet the cross-dataset requirement of DL-based NIDS studies. The data processing results illustrate that the proposed framework can correctly process and label the raw data with an average of 90% accuracy across three published datasets. To demonstrate how to use Learn-IDS for a DL-based NIDS study, we present two simple case studies. The case study on cross-dataset sampling function reports an average of 30.3% OOD accuracy improvement. The case study on data formatting function shows that introducing temporal information can enhance the detection accuracy by 4.1%.The experimental results illustrate that the proposed framework, through the synergistic fusion of datasets and DL models, not only enhances detection precision but also dynamically adapts to emerging threats within complex scenarios.
Composite Sliding Mode Control of Phase Circulating Current for the Parallel Three-Phase Inverter Systems
Authors: Zhang Weiqi , Wang Yanmin , Han Fengling , Yang Rebeca
Published: March 2024

The phase circulating current (PCC) of the parallel three-phase inverter systems dramatically affects the power quality and conversion efficiency of the power grid. In this paper, a composite suppression strategy is proposed to solve the PCC issue by using the sliding mode control (SMC) approach and improved virtual impedance droop control. Taking the commonly used 2-group parallel three-phase inverter as an example, an inter- and intra-classification model is established by analyzing the sources of PCC. In order to suppress the inter-PCC, the traditional virtual impedance droop control is given, following the improved substitute by combining SMC. And the variables of the bus voltage, Q-U loop, P-f loop, and the virtual-induced reactance are also introduced for the robust control of the impedance droop. On the other side, a SMC-based suppression approach is designed to solve the issue of the intra-PCC. Its idea is to introduce a regulation factor for the space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) so that the zero-sequence voltage can be eliminated and the influence of the intra-PCC can be relieved. Comparative simulations and experiments validate the effectiveness of the methods proposed in this paper.
Effects of Drying Process and High Hydrostatic Pressure on Extraction of Antioxidant Ergothioneine from Pleurotus citrinopileatus Singer
Authors: Zhang Changge , Xie Yitong , Liu Danyi , Liu Rongxu , Han Jianchun
Published: March 2024

This study evaluated the effects of different drying techniques on the physicochemical properties of Pleurotus citrinopileatus Singer (P. citrinopileatus), focusing on the ergothioneine (EGT) contents. The P. citrinopileatus was subjected to natural ventilation drying (ND), freeze-drying (FD), and hot-air drying (HD). EGT was extracted using high-hydrostatic-pressure extraction (HHPE), and response surface methodology (RSM) was employed with four variables to optimize the extraction parameters. The crude EGT extract was purified by ultrafiltration and anion resin purification, and its antioxidant activity was investigated. The results showed that the ND method effectively disrupted mushroom tissues, promoting amino acid anabolism, thereby increasing the EGT content of mushrooms. Based on RSM, the optimum extracting conditions were pressure of 250 MPa, extraction time of 52 min, distilled water (dH2O) as the extraction solvent, and a 1:10 liquid–solid ratio, which yielded the highest EGT content of 4.03 ± 0.01 mg/g d.w. UPLC-Q-TOF-MSE was performed to assess the purity of the samples (purity: 86.34 ± 3.52%), and MS2 information of the main peak showed primary ions (m/z 230.1) and secondary cations (m/z 186.1050, m/z 127.0323) consistent with standard products. In addition, compared with ascorbic acid (VC), EGT showed strong free radical scavenging ability, especially for hydroxyl and ATBS radicals, at more than 5 mmol/L. These findings indicate that the extraction and purification methods used were optimal and suggest a possible synthetic path of EGT in P. citrinopileatus, which will help better explore the application of EGT.
The Impact of Candida albicans in the Development, Kinetics, Structure, and Cell Viability of Biofilms on Implant Surfaces—An In Vitro Study with a Validated Multispecies Biofilm Model
Authors: Bravo Enrique , Arce Marion , Ribeiro-Vidal Honorato , Herrera David , Sanz Mariano
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Candida albicans on subgingival biofilm formation on dental implant surfaces. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) were used to compare biofilm structure and microbial biomass in the presence and absence of the fungus after periods of 24, 48, and 72 h. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to quantify the number of viable and total micro-organisms for each of the biofilm-forming strains. A general linear model was applied to compare CLSM and qPCR results between the control and test conditions. The biofilm developed with C. albicans at 72 h had a higher bacterial biomass and a significantly higher cell viability (p < 0.05). After both 48 and 72 h of incubation, in the presence of C. albicans, there was a significant increase in counts of Fusobacterium nucleatum and Porphyromonas gingivalis and in the cell viability of Streptococcus oralis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, F. nucleatum, and P. gingivalis. Using a dynamic in vitro multispecies biofilm model, C. albicans exacerbated the development of the biofilm grown on dental implant surfaces, significantly increasing the number and cell viability of periodontal bacteria.