bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of Ampelovirus and Nepovirus by Lab-on-a-Chip: A Promising Alternative to ELISA Test for Large Scale Health Screening of Grapevine
Authors: Buja Ilaria , Sabella Erika , Monteduro Anna Grazia , Rizzato Silvia , Bellis Luigi De , Elicio Vito , Formica Lilia , Luvisi Andrea , Maruccio Giuseppe
Published: February 2022

The Ampelovirus Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3 (GLRaV-3) and the Nepovirus Grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV) are pathogens reported in many grapevine-growing areas all over the world, main causal agents of grapevine leafroll disease and grapevine fanleaf disease, respectively. Prevention of virus spread thanks to rapid diagnosis of infected plants is a key factor for control of both diseases. Although serological (e.g., enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-ELISA test) and molecular methods are available to reveal the presence of the viruses, they turn out to be quite expensive, time-consuming and laborious, especially for large-scale health screening. Here we report the optimization of a lab-on-a-chip (LOC) for GLRaV-3 and GFLV detection, based on an electrochemical transduction and a microfluidic multichamber design for measurements in quadruplicate and simultaneous detection of both targets. The LOC detect GLRaV-3 and GFLV at dilution factors more than 15 times higher than ELISA, providing a higher sensitivity in the detection of both viruses. Furthermore, the platform offers several advantages as easy-to-use, rapid-test, portability and low costs, favoring its potential application for large-scale monitoring programs. Compared to other grapevine virus biosensors, our sensing platform is the first one to provide a dose-dependent calibration curve combined with a microfluidic module for sample analysis and a portable electronics providing an operator-independent read-out scheme.
Systematic Evaluation of the T30 Neurostimulator Treatment for Tinnitus: A Double-Blind Randomised Placebo-Controlled Trial with Open-Label Extension
Authors: Hall Deborah Ann , Pierzycki Robert Henryk , Thomas Holly , Greenberg David , Sereda Magdalena , Hoare Derek James
Published: February 2022

Tinnitus is often triggered by cochlear damage and has been linked with aberrant patterns of neuronal activity. Acoustic Coordinated Reset (CR®) Neuromodulation is a sound therapy hypothesised to reduce tinnitus symptoms by desynchronising pathological brain activity using a portable acoustic device (the T30 neurostimulator). We report results of a pivotal trial to test the efficacy of this intervention. This two-centre, double-blind randomised controlled trial with long-term open-label extension, was undertaken between February 2012 and February 2014 in the UK. Participants were 100 adults with tinnitus as a primary complaint, recruited through hearing clinics and media advertisements. Intervention was the device programmed either with the proprietary sound sequence or placebo algorithm, fit by one of five trained audiologists. Minimisation software provided group allocation (1:1 randomisation), with groups matched for age, gender, hearing loss and tinnitus severity. Allocation was masked from participants and assessors during the trial. The primary measure of efficacy was change in tinnitus symptom severity between groups, measured using the Tinnitus Handicap Questionnaire at 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes were other measures of tinnitus symptom severity, health-related quality of life, and perceptual characteristics (pitch, loudness, bandwidth) at 12 weeks, and Tinnitus Handicap Questionnaire at 36 weeks (open-label extension). A statistician blinded to the allocation conducted an intention-to-treat analysis that employed linear regressions on minimisation variables, trial centre and intervention group, with multiple imputations for missing data. The study was registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01541969). We screened 391 individuals and assigned interventions to 100 eligible participants. The primary outcome was not statistically significant between groups (mean group = −0.45, 95% CI −5.25 to 4.35; p = 0.85), nor were any of the secondary outcomes. Four adverse events occurred during the trial. Analysis of tinnitus symptom severity data collected across the 24-week open-label extension showed no statistically significant within-group changes after 12, 24, or 36 weeks treatment with the proprietary sound sequence. While individual participants may benefit from sound therapy, Acoustic CR® Neuromodulation did not lead to group-mean reductions on tinnitus symptom severity or other measures compared to placebo, or over time.
Imaging Kv1.3 Expressing Memory T Cells as a Marker of Immunotherapy Response
Authors: Goggi Julian L. , Khanapur Shivashankar , Ramasamy Boominathan , Hartimath Siddesh V. , Rong Tang Jun , Cheng Peter , Tan Yun Xuan , Yeo Xin Yi , Jung Sangyong , Goay Stephanie Shee Min , Ong Seow Theng , Hwang You Yi , Chandy K. George , Robins Edward G.
Published: February 2022

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown great promise, emerging as a new pillar of treatment for cancer; however, only a relatively small proportion of recipients show a durable response to treatment. Strategies that reliably differentiate durably-responding tumours from non-responsive tumours are a critical unmet need. Persistent and durable immunological responses are associated with the generation of memory T cells. Effector memory T cells associated with tumour response to immune therapies are characterized by substantial upregulation of the potassium channel Kv1.3 after repeated antigen stimulation. We have developed a new Kv1.3 targeting radiopharmaceutical, [18F]AlF-NOTA-KCNA3P, and evaluated whether it can reliably differentiate tumours successfully responding to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy targeting PD-1 alone or combined with CLTA4. In a syngeneic colon cancer model, we compared tumour retention of [18F]AlF-NOTA-KCNA3P with changes in the tumour immune microenvironment determined by flow cytometry. Imaging with [18F]AlF-NOTA-KCNA3P reliably differentiated tumours responding to ICI therapy from non-responding tumours and was associated with substantial tumour infiltration of T cells, especially Kv1.3-expressing CD8+ effector memory T cells.
Assessing Tumour Haemodynamic Heterogeneity and Response to Choline Kinase Inhibition Using Clustered Dynamic Contrast Enhanced MRI Parameters in Rodent Models of Glioblastoma
Authors: Bhaduri Sourav , Lesbats Clémentine , Sharkey Jack , Kelly Claire Louise , Mukherjee Soham , Taylor Arthur , Delikatny Edward J. , Kim Sungheon G. , Poptani Harish
Published: February 2022

To investigate the utility of DCE-MRI derived pharmacokinetic parameters in evaluating tumour haemodynamic heterogeneity and treatment response in rodent models of glioblastoma, imaging was performed on intracranial F98 and GL261 glioblastoma bearing rodents. Clustering of the DCE-MRI-based parametric maps (using Tofts, extended Tofts, shutter speed, two-compartment, and the second generation shutter speed models) was performed using a hierarchical clustering algorithm, resulting in areas with poor fit (reflecting necrosis), low, medium, and high valued pixels representing parameters Ktrans, ve, Kep, vp, τi and Fp. There was a significant increase in the number of necrotic pixels with increasing tumour volume and a significant correlation between ve and tumour volume suggesting increased extracellular volume in larger tumours. In terms of therapeutic response in F98 rat GBMs, a sustained decrease in permeability and perfusion and a reduced cell density was observed during treatment with JAS239 based on Ktrans, Fp and ve as compared to control animals. No significant differences in these parameters were found for the GL261 tumour, indicating that this model may be less sensitive to JAS239 treatment regarding changes in vascular parameters. This study demonstrates that region-based clustered pharmacokinetic parameters derived from DCE-MRI may be useful in assessing tumour haemodynamic heterogeneity with the potential for assessing therapeutic response.
Multitask Learning Radiomics on Longitudinal Imaging to Predict Survival Outcomes following Risk-Adaptive Chemoradiation for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Forouzannezhad Parisa , Maes Dominic , Hippe Daniel S. , Thammasorn Phawis , Iranzad Reza , Han Jie , Duan Chunyan , Liu Xiao , Wang Shouyi , Chaovalitwongse W. Art , Zeng Jing , Bowen Stephen R.
Published: February 2022

Medical imaging provides quantitative and spatial information to evaluate treatment response in the management of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). High throughput extraction of radiomic features on these images can potentially phenotype tumors non-invasively and support risk stratification based on survival outcome prediction. The prognostic value of radiomics from different imaging modalities and time points prior to and during chemoradiation therapy of NSCLC, relative to conventional imaging biomarker or delta radiomics models, remains uncharacterized. We investigated the utility of multitask learning of multi-time point radiomic features, as opposed to single-task learning, for improving survival outcome prediction relative to conventional clinical imaging feature model benchmarks. Survival outcomes were prospectively collected for 45 patients with unresectable NSCLC enrolled on the FLARE-RT phase II trial of risk-adaptive chemoradiation and optional consolidation PD-L1 checkpoint blockade (NCT02773238). FDG-PET, CT, and perfusion SPECT imaging pretreatment and week 3 mid-treatment was performed and 110 IBSI-compliant pyradiomics shape-/intensity-/texture-based features from the metabolic tumor volume were extracted. Outcome modeling consisted of a fused Laplacian sparse group LASSO with component-wise gradient boosting survival regression in a multitask learning framework. Testing performance under stratified 10-fold cross-validation was evaluated for multitask learning radiomics of different imaging modalities and time points. Multitask learning models were benchmarked against conventional clinical imaging and delta radiomics models and evaluated with the concordance index (c-index) and index of prediction accuracy (IPA). FDG-PET radiomics had higher prognostic value for overall survival in test folds (c-index 0.71 [0.67, 0.75]) than CT radiomics (c-index 0.64 [0.60, 0.71]) or perfusion SPECT radiomics (c-index 0.60 [0.57, 0.63]). Multitask learning of pre-/mid-treatment FDG-PET radiomics (c-index 0.71 [0.67, 0.75]) outperformed benchmark clinical imaging (c-index 0.65 [0.59, 0.71]) and FDG-PET delta radiomics (c-index 0.52 [0.48, 0.58]) models. Similarly, the IPA for multitask learning FDG-PET radiomics (30%) was higher than clinical imaging (26%) and delta radiomics (15%) models. Radiomics models performed consistently under different voxel resampling conditions. Multitask learning radiomics for outcome modeling provides a clinical decision support platform that leverages longitudinal imaging information. This framework can reveal the relative importance of different imaging modalities and time points when designing risk-adaptive cancer treatment strategies.
Metabolic Contribution and Cerebral Blood Flow Regulation by Astrocytes in the Neurovascular Unit
Authors: Takahashi Shinichi
Published: February 2022

The neurovascular unit (NVU) is a conceptual framework that has been proposed to better explain the relationships between the neural cells and blood vessels in the human brain, focused mainly on the brain gray matter. The major components of the NVU are the neurons, astrocytes (astroglia), microvessels, pericytes, and microglia. In addition, we believe that oligodendrocytes should also be included as an indispensable component of the NVU in the white matter. Of all these components, astrocytes in particular have attracted the interest of researchers because of their unique anatomical location; these cells are interposed between the neurons and the microvessels of the brain. Their location suggests that astrocytes might regulate the cerebral blood flow (CBF) in response to neuronal activity, so as to ensure an adequate supply of glucose and oxygen to meet the metabolic demands of the neurons. In fact, the adult human brain, which accounts for only 2% of the entire body weight, consumes approximately 20–25% of the total amount of glucose and oxygen consumed by the whole body. The brain needs a continuous supply of these essential energy sources through the CBF, because there are practically no stores of glucose or oxygen in the brain; both acute and chronic cessation of CBF can adversely affect brain functions. In addition, another important putative function of the NVU is the elimination of heat and waste materials produced by neuronal activity. Recent evidence suggests that astrocytes play pivotal roles not only in supplying glucose, but also fatty acids and amino acids to neurons. Loss of astrocytic support can be expected to lead to malfunction of the NVU as a whole, which underlies numerous neurological disorders. In this review, we shall focus on historical and recent findings with regard to the metabolic contributions of astrocytes in the NVU.
Sumoylation in Physiology, Pathology and Therapy
Authors: Sahin Umut , de Thé Hugues , Lallemand-Breitenbach Valérie
Published: February 2022

Sumoylation is an essential post-translational modification that has evolved to regulate intricate networks within emerging complexities of eukaryotic cells. Thousands of target substrates are modified by SUMO peptides, leading to changes in protein function, stability or localization, often by modulating interactions. At the cellular level, sumoylation functions as a key regulator of transcription, nuclear integrity, proliferation, senescence, lineage commitment and stemness. A growing number of prokaryotic and viral proteins are also emerging as prime sumoylation targets, highlighting the role of this modification during infection and in immune processes. Sumoylation also oversees epigenetic processes. Accordingly, at the physiological level, it acts as a crucial regulator of development. Yet, perhaps the most prominent function of sumoylation, from mammals to plants, is its role in orchestrating organismal responses to environmental stresses ranging from hypoxia to nutrient stress. Consequently, a growing list of pathological conditions, including cancer and neurodegeneration, have now been unambiguously associated with either aberrant sumoylation of specific proteins and/or dysregulated global cellular sumoylation. Therapeutic enforcement of sumoylation can also accomplish remarkable clinical responses in various diseases, notably acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). In this review, we will discuss how this modification is emerging as a novel drug target, highlighting from the perspective of translational medicine, its potential and limitations.
Accelerated Wound Healing and Keratinocyte Proliferation through PI3K/Akt/pS6 and VEGFR2 Signaling by Topical Use of Pleural Fluid
Authors: Tsai Chen-Liang , Changchien Chih-Ying , Chen Ying , Chang Hsin-Han , Tsai Wen-Chiuan , Wang Yi-Wen , Chou Kai-Chieh , Chiang Ming-Hsien , Tsai Yu-Ling , Tsai Hao-Chung , Wang Chieh-Yung , Shen Ming-Sheng , Cheng Li-Ting , Lin Hung-Yi , Yang Tse-Bin , Chian Chih-Feng
Published: February 2022

Impaired wound healing is an ongoing issue that cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy face. Our previous study regarding lung-cancer-associated pleural fluid (LCPF) demonstrated its propensity to promote endothelial proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis, which are crucial features during cutaneous wound healing. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the effect of pleural fluid on cutaneous wound closure in vitro and in vivo using HaCaT keratinocytes and a full-thickness skin wound model, respectively. Both heart-failure-associated pleural fluid (HFPF) and LCPF were sequentially centrifuged and filtered to obtain a cell-free status. Treatment with HFPF and LCPF homogeneously induced HaCaT proliferation with cell cycle progression, migration, and MMP2 upregulation. Western blotting revealed increased PI3K/Akt phosphorylation and VEGFR2/VEGFA expression in HaCaT cells. When treated with the PI3K inhibitor, LCPF-induced keratinocyte proliferation was attenuated with decreased pS6 levels. By applying the VEGFR2 inhibitor, LCPF-induced keratinocyte proliferation was ameliorated by pS6 and MMP2 downregulation. The effect of LCPF-induced cell junction rearrangement was disrupted by co-treatment with a VEGFR2 inhibitor. Compared with a 0.9% saline dressing, LCPF significantly accelerated wound closure and re-epithelization when used as a dressing material in a full-thickness wound model. Histological analysis revealed increased neo-epidermis thickness and dermis collagen synthesis in the LCPF-treated group. Furthermore, LCPF treatment activated basal keratinocytes at the wound edge with the upregulation of Ki-67, VEGFA, and MMP2. Our preliminaries provided the benefit of wet dressing with pleural fluid to improve cutaneous wound closure through enhanced re-epithelization and disclosed future autologous application in cancer wound treatment.
Genome-Wide Analysis of HSP70s in Hexaploid Wheat: Tandem Duplication, Heat Response, and Regulation
Authors: Lu Yunze , Zhao Peng , Zhang Aihua , Wang Junzhe , Ha Mingran
Published: February 2022

HSP70s play crucial roles in plant growth and development, as well as in stress response. Knowledge of the distribution and heat response of HSP70s is important to understand heat adaptation and facilitate thermotolerance improvement in wheat. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed the distribution of HSP70s in hexaploid wheat (TaHSP70s) and its relatives, and we found an obvious expansion of TaHSP70s in the D genome of hexaploid wheat. Meanwhile, a large portion of tandem duplication events occurred in hexaploid wheat. Among the 84 identified TaHSP70s, more than 64% were present as homeologs. The expression profiles of TaHSP70s in triads tended to be expressed more in non-stressful and heat stress conditions. Intriguingly, many TaHSP70s were especially heat responsive. Tandem duplicated TaHSP70s also participated in heat response and growth development. Further HSE analysis revealed divergent distribution of HSEs in the promoter regions of TaHSP70 homeologs, which suggested a distinct heat regulatory mechanism. Our results indicated that the heat response of TaHSP70s may experience a different regulation, and this regulation, together with the expression of tandem duplicated TaHSP70s, may help hexaploid wheat to adapt to heat conditions.
Static Magnetic Field Inhibits Growth of Escherichia coli Colonies via Restriction of Carbon Source Utilization
Authors: Li Haodong , Xie Runnan , Xu Xiang , Liao Xingru , Guo Jiaxin , Fang Yanwen , Fang Zhicai , Huang Jirong
Published: February 2022

Magnetobiological effects on growth and virulence have been widely reported in Escherichia coli (E. coli). However, published results are quite varied and sometimes conflicting because the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Here, we reported that the application of 250 mT static magnetic field (SMF) significantly reduces the diameter of E. coli colony-forming units (CFUs) but has no impact on the number of CFUs. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the inhibitory effect of SMF is attributed to differentially expressed genes (DEGs) primarily involved in carbon source utilization. Consistently, the addition of glycolate or glyoxylate to the culture media successfully restores the bacterial phenotype in SMF, and knockout mutants lacking glycolate oxidase are no longer sensitive to SMF. These results suggest that SMF treatment results in a decrease in glycolate oxidase activity. In addition, metabolomic assay showed that long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) accumulate while phosphatidylglycerol and middle-chain fatty acids decrease in the SMF-treated bacteria, suggesting that SMF inhibits LCFA degradation. Based on the published evidence together with ours derived from this study, we propose a model showing that free radicals generated by LCFA degradation are the primary target of SMF action, which triggers the bacterial oxidative stress response and ultimately leads to growth inhibition.
DNA Methylation Patterns According to Fatty Liver Index and Longitudinal Changes from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES)
Authors: Ko Young Kyung , Kim Hayeon , Lee Yoonseok , Lee Young-Sun , Gim Jeong-An
Published: February 2022

The role of differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is unclear. This study aimed to identify the role of DMR in NAFLD development and progression using the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES) cohort. We used laboratory evaluations and Illumina Methylation 450 k DNA methylation microarray data from KoGES. The correlation between fatty liver index (FLI) and genomic CpG sites was analyzed in 322 subjects. Longitudinal changes over 8 years were confirmed in 33 subjects. To identify CpG sites and genes related to FLI, we obtained enrichment terms for 6765 genes. DMRs were identified for both high (n = 128) and low (n = 194) groups on the basis of FLI 30 in 142 men and 180 women. To confirm longitudinal changes in 33 subjects, the ratio of follow-up and baseline investigation values was obtained. Correlations and group comparisons were performed for the 8 year change values. PITPNM3, RXFP3, and THRB were hypermethylated in the increased FLI groups, whereas SLC9A2 and FOXI3 were hypermethylated in the decreased FLI groups. DMRs describing NAFLD were determined, and functions related to inflammation were identified. Factors related to longitudinal changes are suggested, and blood circulation-related functions appear to be important in the management of NAFLD.
Bridge Structure Damage Identification Based on Dynamic Characteristics
Authors: Zhang Yunkai , Tan Xixue , Li Guohua , Dong Jun , Guo Jingyi , Liu Fanyue
Published: February 2022

With the increasing traffic volume and years of usage during the operation process, a bridge structure will experience aging and damage to different degrees, leading to the decline in bridge reliability and seriously affecting its operation safety. In this study, the bridge was abstracted into a beam structure for damage identification. Next, the influence of damage on the bridge structure was explored from the angles of its inherent frequency and displacement mode, respectively. Our results showed that whether the structure was damaged could be accurately judged by its inherent frequency, but the specific damage could not be further judged. Through the structural displacement curve, the rough range of structural damage could be judged; however, the damage could not be accurately positioned. The damage position could be accurately identified to some extent by taking the derivatives from the difference value of the structural displacement curve. The above conclusions were verified based on a double-span beam. We found that the above conclusions still held true for the double-span beam, thus proving their universality.
Synthesis, Characterization and Bio-Potential Activities of Co(II) and Ni(II) Complexes with O and N Donor Mixed Ligands
Authors: Muthuppalani M. , Otaibi Ahmed Al , Balasubramaniyan S. , Manikandan S. , Manimaran P. , Mathubala G. , Manikandan A. , Arshad Muhammad Nadeem , Puttegowda Madhu , Alorfi Hajer Saeed , Khan Anish , Asiri Abdullah M. , Rahman Mohammed M.
Published: February 2022

The synthesis and characterization of Co(II) and Ni(II) mixed ligand complexes are derived from isoniazid, 9-fluorenoneandoxalate. The metal complexes were characterized on the basis of elemental analysis, IR, UV-visible, CV, PXRD, and molar conductance analytical data, viz., all the metal complexes were suggested in an octahedral geometry, respectively. The mixed ligand complexes are formed in the 1:1:2:1 (M:L1:L2:L3) ratios, as found from the elemental analyses, and originate to have the formula [M(L1)(L2)2(L3)]. Where M = Co(II), Ni(II), L1 = isoniazid, L2 = 9-fluorenone, and L3 = oxalate. The molar conductance data reveals that the complexes are non-electrolytes. The cyclic voltammogram of the Co(II) complex revealed that the quasi-reversible single electron transfer process and Ni(II) complex corresponding to a one-electron transfer process were observed during controlled potential electrolysis. IR spectra show that the ligands are coordinated to the metal ions through N and O donor sites of isoniazid-N, 9-fluorenone-O and oxalate-O. Magnetic moment values and UV-visible spectra were used to infer the coordinating of the geometrics of these complexes found to be octahedral. The PXRD patterns suggest that all the complexes are crystalline phases. The metal chelates have been screened for antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, and our findings have been reported, explained and compared with some known antibiotics.
Composition, Distribution, and Factors Affecting Invasive Plants in Grasslands of Guizhou Province of Southwest China
Authors: Yang Qin , Jin Baocheng , Zhao Xuechun , Chen Chao , Cheng Hua , Wang Huanhuan , He Dengming , Zhang Yaoyao , Peng Jing , Li Zhongcai , Han Min
Published: February 2022

Southwest China is an important route for invasive species. In this study, 49 invasive plants of 15 families and 41 genera were found within 373 grassland sampling sites of Guizhou Province, a typical karst mountainous region with a high invasion risk located in Southwest China. Invasive plants could be found within over 90% of the grassland sampling sites, and malignant invasive species were found in 60% of the sites. In about 30% of the sampling sites, more than one malignant species coexisted. The malignant invasive species were mainly distributed in the southwestern part of Guizhou Province. Their distribution patterns were affected by environmental and traffic factors; they preferred areas with low elevation, high temperature, high rainfall, high soil nutrient content, and traffic accessibility and could adversely affect plant cover and biomass. Conversely, seriously invasive species and other low-level invasive species had a positive or neutral effect on grassland communities. Therefore, the focus of invasive plant control measures should be on malignant invasive species. Specific control policies and practices, especially in areas with resource-rich environments and well-developed traffic networks, should be carried out to facilitate grassland ecosystem sustainability and to prevent the spread of invasive species to inland China.
Riparian Buffers as a Critical Landscape Feature: Insights for Riverscape Conservation and Policy Renovations
Authors: Graziano Michael P. , Deguire Amanda K. , Surasinghe Thilina D.
Published: February 2022

Riparian zones are critical for functional integrity of riverscapes and conservation of riverscape biodiversity. The synergism of intermediate flood-induced disturbances, moist microclimates, constant nutrient influx, high productivity, and resource heterogeneity make riparian zones disproportionately rich in biodiversity. Riparian vegetation intercepts surface-runoff, filters pollutants, and supplies woody debris as well as coarse particulate organic matter (e.g., leaf litter) to the stream channel. Riparian zones provide critical habitat and climatic refugia for wildlife. Numerous conservation applications have been implemented for riparian-buffer conservation. Although fixed-width buffers have been widely applied as a conservation measure, the effectiveness of these fixed buffer widths is debatable. As an alternative to fixed-width buffers, we suggest adoption of variable buffer widths, which include multiple tiers that vary in habitat structure and ecological function, with each tier subjected to variable management interventions and land-use restrictions. The riparian-buffer design we proposed can be delineated throughout the watershed, harmonizes with the riverscape concept, thus, a prudent approach to preserve biodiversity and ecosystem functions at variable spatial extents. We posit remodeling existing conservation policies to include riparian buffers into a broader conservation framework as a keystone structure of the riverscape. Watershed-scale riparian conservation is compatible with landscape-scale conservation of fluvial systems, freshwater protected-area networks, and aligns with enhancing environmental resilience to global change. Sustainable multiple-use strategies can be retrofitted into watershed-scale buffer reservations and may harmonize socio-economic goals with those of biodiversity conservation.
Comparison Study of the Two Biometers Based on Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography Technology
Authors: Dong Jing , Yao Jinhan , Chang Shuimiao , Kanclerz Piotr , Khoramnia Ramin , Wang Xiaogang
Published: February 2022

This research aimed to investigate the potential differences in the parameters, including axial length (AL), central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness (LT), flat keratometry (Kf), steep keratometry (Ks), mean keratometry (Km), astigmatism, white-to-white (WTW) distance, acquired rate, and intraocular lens (IOL) power, between the two swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) biometers, the ANTERION (biometer A) and IOLMaster 700 (biometer B). In a prospective observational comparative case series study, we enrolled 198 eyes undergoing cataract surgery. The AL, CCT, ACD, LT, Kf, Ks, Km, astigmatism, WTW, acquired rate, and IOL power were assessed. McNemar tests compared the acquired rate, and the paired sample t-test compared the quantitative measurement results between the groups. Nineteen eyes were excluded owing to missing AL data for either biometer. Finally, data from 179 eyes were analyzed. Between the two devices, no significant difference was found in AL, astigmatism magnitude, J0, and J45, while significant differences existed in CCT, ACD, LT, Kf, Ks, Km, WTW, astigmatism axis, and IOL power; no statistical significance was found in the AL acquired rate (biometer A, 90.9% and biometer B, 93.9%). Approximately 65.4% of eyes demonstrated ≥0.5-D difference in IOL power between the two biometers. In conclusion, the two biometers showed significant differences in all measurements (CCT, ACD, LT, K, WTW, astigmatism axis, and IOL power), except for AL.
Efficacy of Radiofrequency as Therapy and Diagnostic Support in the Management of Musculoskeletal Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Farì Giacomo , de Sire Alessandro , Fallea Cettina , Albano Mariantonia , Grossi Gianluca , Bettoni Elisa , Di Paolo Stefano , Agostini Francesco , Bernetti Andrea , Puntillo Filomena , Mariconda Carlo
Published: February 2022

Radiofrequency (RF) is a minimally invasive procedure used to interrupt or alter nociceptive pathways for treating musculoskeletal pain. It seems a useful tool to relieve chronic pain syndromes, even if, to date, solid evidence is still needed about the effectiveness of this therapy. By this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of RF in treating musculoskeletal pain. PubMed, Medline, Cochrane, and PEDro databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) presenting the following: patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain as participants; RF as intervention; placebo, anesthetic injection, corticosteroid injection, prolotherapy, conservative treatment, physiotherapy, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation as comparisons; and pain and functioning as outcomes. Continuous random-effect models with standardized mean difference (SMD) were used to compare the clinical outcomes. Overall, 26 RCTs were eligible and included in the systematic review. All of them analyzed the efficacy of RF in four different regions: cervical and lumbar spine, knee, sacroiliac (SI) joint, shoulder. The outcomes measures were pain, disability, and quality of life. A medium and large effect in favor of the RF treatment group (SMD < 0) was found for the shoulder according to the Visual Analogical Scale and for the SI joint according to the Oswestry Disability Index. A small effect in favor of the RF treatment group (SMD > 0) was found for the spine according to the 36-item Short Form Survey. Non-significant SMD was found for the other outcomes. RF represents a promising therapy for the treatment of chronic musculoskeletal pain, especially when other approaches are ineffective or not practicable. Further studies are warranted to better deepen the effectiveness of RF for pain and joint function for each anatomical region of common application.
Changes in T2 Relaxation Time Mapping of Intervertebral Discs Adjacent to Vertebrae after Kyphoplasty Correlate with the Physical Clinical Outcome of Patients
Authors: Wegener Lisa C. , Werner Felix , Kleyer Arnd , Simon David , Uder Michael , Janka Rolf , Trattnig Siegfried , Welsch Goetz H. , Pachowsky Milena L.
Published: February 2022

(1) Background: To assess whether clinical outcomes correlate with tissue changes in the intervertebral discs (IVDs) after kyphoplasty as treatment for vertebral fractures, quantitative MRI was applied. (2) Methods: Quantitative T2 mapping acquired in a 3 T MRI scanner of the thoracolumbar spine was performed in 20 patients two years after kyphoplasty. The IVDs adjacent and nonadjacent to the treated vertebrae were divided into six regions of interest (ROI), which were further categorised into inner (ROI 2–5) and outer (ROI 1 and 6) parts of the IVDs, and the T2 values were analysed. T2 values of adjacent discs were correlated with the items of questionnaires evaluating the clinical outcome (i.e., 36-Item Short Form Survey). (3) Results: Lower T2 values in adjacent IVDs correlated with poorer physical outcome two years after kyphoplasty. The inner part of the IVDs adjacent to treated vertebrae showed statistically significant lower T2 values in segments L2/L3 and L3/L4 compared to nonadjacent ones. Patients with lower T2 values showed more pain and physical limitations in everyday life. (4) Conclusions: Quantitative T2 mapping can detect IVD degeneration in patients after kyphoplasty and correlates with the physical outcome. This technique could help to gain better insights into alterations in tissue composition following kyphoplasty and the consequences for the patients’ quality of life.
Cuproof: Range Proof with Constant Size
Authors: Deng Cong , You Lin , Tang Xianghong , Hu Gengran , Gao Shuhong
Published: February 2022

Zero-Knowledge Proof is widely used in blockchains. For example, zk-SNARK is used in Zcash as its core technology to identifying transactions without the exposure of the actual transaction values. Up to now, various range proofs have been proposed, and their efficiency and range-flexibility have also been improved. Bootle et al. used the inner product method and recursion to construct an efficient Zero-Knowledge Proof in 2016. Later, Benediky Bünz et al. proposed an efficient range proof scheme called Bulletproofs, which can convince the verifier that a secret number lies in [0,2κ−1] with κ being a positive integer. By combining the inner-product and Lagrange’s four-square theorem, we propose a range proof scheme called Cuproof. Our Cuproof can make a range proof to show that a secret number v lies in an interval [a,b] with no exposure of the real value v or other extra information leakage about v. It is a good and practical method to protect privacy and information security. In Bulletproofs, the communication cost is 6+2logκ, while in our Cuproof, all the communication cost, the proving time and the verification time are of constant sizes.
A Variational Bayesian Deep Network with Data Self-Screening Layer for Massive Time-Series Data Forecasting
Authors: Jin Xue-Bo , Gong Wen-Tao , Kong Jian-Lei , Bai Yu-Ting , Su Ting-Li
Published: February 2022

Compared with mechanism-based modeling methods, data-driven modeling based on big data has become a popular research field in recent years because of its applicability. However, it is not always better to have more data when building a forecasting model in practical areas. Due to the noise and conflict, redundancy, and inconsistency of big time-series data, the forecasting accuracy may reduce on the contrary. This paper proposes a deep network by selecting and understanding data to improve performance. Firstly, a data self-screening layer (DSSL) with a maximal information distance coefficient (MIDC) is designed to filter input data with high correlation and low redundancy; then, a variational Bayesian gated recurrent unit (VBGRU) is used to improve the anti-noise ability and robustness of the model. Beijing’s air quality and meteorological data are conducted in a verification experiment of 24 h PM2.5 concentration forecasting, proving that the proposed model is superior to other models in accuracy.
Prefixed-Threshold Real-Time Selection for Free-Space Sending-or-Not Twin-Field Quantum Key Distribution
Authors: Yu Yang , Xu Rui , Wang Le , Mao Qianping , Zhao Shengmei
Published: February 2022

As a variant of the twin-field quantum key distribution (TF-QKD), the sending-or-not twin-field quantum key distribution (SNS TF-QKD) is famous for its higher tolerance of misalignment error, in addition to the capacity of surpassing the rate–distance limit. Importantly, the free-space SNS TF-QKD will guarantee the security of the communications between mobile parties. In the paper, we first discuss the influence of atmospheric turbulence (AT) on the channel transmittance characterized by the probability distribution of the transmission coefficient (PDTC). Then, we present a method called prefixed-threshold real-time selection (P-RTS) to mitigate the interference of AT on the free-space SNS TF-QKD. The simulations of the free-space SNS TF-QKD with and without P-RTS are both given for comparison. The results showed that it is possible to share the secure key by using the free-space SNS TF-QKD. Simultaneously, the P-RTS method can make the free-space SNS TF-QKD achieve better and more stable performance at a short distance.
Scalable Path Search for Automated Test Case Generation
Authors: Ma Enze , Fu Xiufeng , Wang Xi
Published: February 2022

Test case generation is an important task during software testing. In this paper, we present a new test-case generation framework for C programs. This approach combines dataflow analysis and dynamic symbolic execution together, and more importantly, it efficiently searches the program path space for potential faults based on the tabu search strategy and the program fault statistics. Unlike the traditional symbolic execution, which explores the program space exhaustively and is difficult to apply to complicated programs effectively, our approach automatically explores the feasible paths of hidden faults with high probability. The scalable and efficient path search strategy facilitates bug finding with much fewer test cases generated. We implemented this approach, and the experimental results presented in this paper are attractive.
Reliability of Commercial UVC LEDs: 2022 State-of-the-Art
Authors: Trivellin Nicola , Fiorimonte Davide , Piva Francesco , Buffolo Matteo , De Santi Carlo , Meneghesso Gaudenzio , Zanoni Enrico , Meneghini Matteo
Published: February 2022

With this study, we report on the reliability of the most recent commercial UVC LED devices. The current COVID-19 pandemic urged the development of antiviral technologies, and one of the most effective is based on UVC irradiation, which can be effectively achieved by means of Deep UV LEDs. The development of antiviral systems based on UVC LEDs strongly depends on their efficacy and reliability. We propose an in-depth analysis of four different state-of-the-art commercial LEDs suitable for disinfection applications. LEDs have been subjected to a controlled stress test near their application limits, and their reliability and characteristics have been analyzed and studied. Results indicate a still limited reliability, with a degradation possibly related to an increase in Shockley–Read–Hall (SRH) recombination. Finally, some relevant product design suggestions will be proposed based on the results of this work.
Suppression of Radiated Emissions from Inductive-Resonant Wireless Power Transfer Systems by Using Spread-Spectrum Technique
Authors: Stepins Deniss , Zakis Janis , Padmanaban Padmapriya , Deveshkumar Shah Dhruv
Published: February 2022

Inductive-resonant wireless power transfer systems are often used for wireless transfer of electric power. However, they are significant sources of radiated electromagnetic emissions. The effect of spread-spectrum approach based on classical switching frequency modulation of inductive-resonant wireless power transfer system inverter operating frequency and multi-frequency technique on the radiated emissions and efficiency is studied experimentally in detail. The influence of the classical frequency modulation and multi-frequency technique parameters on the peak radiated emission levels and the efficiency of the inductive-resonant wireless power transfer system are investigated more comprehensively. It is shown in the paper that the spread-spectrum approaches can lead to an appreciable radiated emissions reduction with small or large impact on the system’s efficiency. Some useful recommendations on how to choose parameters of the periodic switching frequency modulation or the multi-frequency technique considering a trade-off between the radiated emissions reduction and the efficiency are also proposed.
Numerical Investigation of the Ignition Delay Time of Kerosene Premixed Combustion in an SI Engine
Authors: Zhao Yuxuan , Wang Enhua , Shi Zhicheng
Published: February 2022

SI engines are installed widely in small aircrafts as they have good fuel economy. Currently, these SI engines are fueled with gasoline, although their safety can be improved if kerosene is used. However, the combustion performance of kerosene cannot fulfil the requirements due to the differences in physicochemical properties. This study investigates the ignition delay time of kerosene at a pressure range of 15–35 bar and a temperature range of 600–1000 K. A detailed chemical reaction mechanism is employed for the premixed combustion process. Under the initial conditions of 1000 K and 35 bar, with an equivalence ratio of 1, the total ignition delay time of kerosene is 0.401 ms. The NTC range of kerosene is determined as roughly 750–920 K. Subsequently, the chemical reaction paths with an equivalence ratio of 0.8, 1, and 1.2 and an initial pressure of 15, 20, and 25 bar were analyzed. The rate-determined elementary reactions were obtained based on a sensitivity analysis. The difference between kerosene and gasoline are also compared, and the rate-determining reactions that affect the ignition of kerosene and gasoline are discussed. The results of this study can provide a reference for the combustion performance improvement and knock suppression of SI engines fueled with kerosene.
Prediction of Electric Buses Energy Consumption from Trip Parameters Using Deep Learning
Authors: Pamuła Teresa , Pamuła Danuta
Published: February 2022

The energy demand of electric buses (EBs) is a very important parameter that should be considered by transport companies when introducing electric buses into the urban bus fleet. This article proposes a novel deep-learning-based model for predicting energy consumption of an electric bus traveling in an urban area. The model addresses two important issues: accuracy and cost of prediction. The aim of the research was to develop the deep-learning-based prediction model, which requires only the data readily available to bus fleet operators, such as location of the bus stops (coordinates, altitude), route traveled, schedule, travel time between stops, and to find the most suitable type and configuration of neural network to evaluate the model. The developed prediction model was assessed with different types of deep neural networks using real data collected for several bus lines in a medium-sized city in Poland. Conducted research has shown that the deep learning network with autoencoders (DLNA) neural network allows for the most accurate energy consumption estimation of 93%. The proposed model can be used by public transport companies to plan driving schedules and energy management when introducing electric buses.
Exploring Supply Chain Collaboration for Green Innovations: Evidence from the High-Tech Industry in Poland
Authors: Ocicka Barbara , Baraniecka Anna , Jefmański Bartłomiej
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this article is to investigate whether the wide scope of supply chain collaboration including both customers and suppliers (Upstream–downstream External Collaboration) determines the greening of innovation more significantly than the scope limited only to suppliers (Upstream External Collaboration) or customers (Downstream External Collaboration). This goal was achieved as part of extensive research on the impact of relational capital on the innovativeness of high-tech companies in Poland. The results of the research were analysed using fuzzy conversion scales and descriptive statistics based on triangular fuzzy numbers. The application of the achievements of the fuzzy sets theory made it possible to test the hypotheses presented in the article with the use of fuzzy analysis of variance (fuzzy ANOVA). The findings confirm that the subjective scope of collaboration in the supply chain is important for greening innovation. Companies that cooperate with both suppliers and customers (Upstream–downstream External Collaboration) declared a greater tendency to green their innovations than those that cooperate with only one group of partners. The research findings contribute to the literature on the role of collaboration in the ecological responsibility and environmental performance of supply chain partners. The conclusions may have practical implications for the design and implementation of strategies in sustainable supply chain management. The study provides important lessons for SC managers facing the challenge of sustainable management during and after the COVID-19 outbreak.
Smart Grid Energy Optimization and Scheduling Appliances Priority for Residential Buildings through Meta-Heuristic Hybrid Approaches
Authors: Hassan Ch Anwar ul , Iqbal Jawaid , Ayub Nasir , Hussain Saddam , Alroobaea Roobaea , Ullah Syed Sajid
Published: February 2022

Smart grid technology has given users the ability to regulate their home energy use more efficiently and effectively. Home Energy Management (HEM) is a difficult undertaking in this regard, as it necessitates the optimal scheduling of smart appliances to reduce energy usage. In this research, we introduce a metaheuristic-based HEM system which incorporates Earth Worm Algorithm (EWA) and Harmony Search Algorithms (HSA). In addition, a hybridization based on the EWA and HSA operators is used to optimize energy consumption in terms of electricity cost and Peak-to-Average Ratio (PAR) reduction. Hybridization has been demonstrated to be beneficial in achieving many objectives at the same time. Extensive simulations in MATLAB were used to test the performance of the proposed hybrid technique. The simulations were run for multiple homes with multiple appliances, which were categorized according to the usage and nature of the appliance, taking advantage of appliance scheduling in terms of the time-varying retail pricing enabled by the smart grid two-way communication infrastructure algorithms EWA and HSA, along with a Real-Time Price scheme. These techniques helped us to find the best usage pattern for energy consumption to reduce electricity costs. These metaheuristic techniques efficiently reduced and shifted the load from peak hours to off-peak hours and reduced electricity costs. In comparison to HSA, the simulation results suggest that EWA performed better in terms of cost reduction. In comparison to EWA and HSA, HSA was more efficient in terms of PAR. However, the proposed hybrid approach EHSA gave the maximum reduction in cost which was 2.668%, 2.247%, and 2.535% in the case of 10, 30, and 50 homes, respectively, as compared to EWA and HSA.