bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Retrospective Study of Antimicrobial Resistant Bacteria Associated with Feline and Canine Urinary Tract Infection in Hong Kong SAR, China—A Case Study on Implication of First-Line Antibiotics Use
Authors: Chan Olivia S. K. , Baranger-Ete Myriam , Lam Wendy W. T. , Wu Peng , Yeung Michelle , Lee Elaine , Bond Helen , Swan Owen , Tun Hein Min
Published: August 2022

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common clinical diagnosis for which empirical antibiotics are used in veterinary medicine. For veterinarians, the description of canine and feline antibiograms can help with making prudent use decisions and guideline formulation. For public health officers and epidemiologists, a urinary antibiogram overview helps track and trend antimicrobial resistance (AMR). There is currently a knowledge gap in AMR prevalence associated with urinary tract infection in feline and canine patients and the resistance percentage of these microbes against some of the over-the-counter antibiotics available to local pet owners. This study has two aims. First, it aims to investigate the frequency of the bacteria and bacterial-resistance pattern in urine samples obtained from feline and canine patients. Second, it aims to determine the resistance of Escherichia coli (E. coli), the most frequently isolated bacteria, to first-line antibiotics. Results: We identified the five most-frequently isolated bacterial species and determined these isolates’ antibiotic sensitivity and resistance. The most-frequently isolated bacteria in feline and canine patients was Escherichia coli (E. coli). E. coli was identified, on average, in 37.2% of canine and 46.5% of feline urine samples. Among feline urinary samples, Enterococcus (14.7%) and Staphylococcus (14.5%) spp. were isolated more frequently, followed by Pseudomonas (4.8%) and Klebsiella (5.2%) spp. (). In canine samples, Proteus (17.9%) and Staphylococcus (13.2%) spp. were isolated more frequently, followed by Enterococcus (10.0%) and Klebsiella (8.59%) spp. Among these isolates, 40 to 70% of Staphylococcus spp. bacterial isolates from feline and canine patients were resistant to amoxicillin and ampicillin. During the three-year study period, among canine patients, 10 to 20% of Staphylococcus spp. bacterial isolates were resistance to fluoroquinolones, other quinolones, and third-generation cephalosporins. Among feline patients, 10% of Staphylococcus spp., 15 to 20% of E. coli, 50 to 60% of Klebsiella spp., and 90% of Pseudomonas spp. were resistant to cefovecin, a commonly used antibiotic.
Novel Phenothiazine/Donepezil-like Hybrids Endowed with Antioxidant Activity for a Multi-Target Approach to the Therapy of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Carocci Alessia , Barbarossa Alexia , Leuci Rosalba , Carrieri Antonio , Brunetti Leonardo , Laghezza Antonio , Catto Marco , Limongelli Francesco , Chaves Sílvia , Tortorella Paolo , Altomare Cosimo Damiano , Santos Maria Amélia , Loiodice Fulvio , Piemontese Luca
Published: August 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a complex multi-factorial neurodegenerative disorder for which only few drugs (including donepezil, DPZ) are available as symptomatic treatments; thus, researchers are focusing on the development of innovative multi-target directed ligands (MTDLs), which could also alter the course of the disease. Among other pathological factors, oxidative stress has emerged as an important factor in AD that could affect several pathways involved in the onset and progression of the pathology. Herein, we propose a new series of hybrid molecules obtained by linking a phenothiazine moiety, known for its antioxidant properties, with N-benzylpiperidine or N-benzylpiperazine fragments, mimicking the core substructure of DPZ. The investigation of the resulting hybrids showed, in addition to their antioxidant properties, their activity against some AD-related targets, such as the inhibition of cholinesterases (both AChE and BChE) and in vitro Aβ1-40 aggregation, as well as the inhibition of the innovative target fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). Furthermore, the drug-likeness properties of these compounds were assessed using cheminformatic tools. Compounds 11d and 12d showed the most interesting multi-target profiles, with all the assayed activities in the low micromolar range. In silico docking calculations supported the obtained results. Compound 13, on the other hand, while inactive in the DPPH assay, showed the best results in the in vitro antioxidant cell assays conducted on both HepG2 and SHSY-5Y cell lines. These results, paired with the low or absent cytotoxicity of these compounds at tested concentrations, allow us to aim our future research at the study of novel and effective drugs and pro-drugs with similar structural characteristics.
Nomilin from Yuzu Seed Has In Vitro Antioxidant Activity and Downregulates Melanogenesis in B16F10 Melanoma Cells through the PKA/CREB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Choi Moon-Hee , Yang Seung-Hwa , Kim Nam Doo , Shin Hyun-Jae
Published: August 2022

Yuzu (Citrus junos) is a citrus plant native to Asian countries, including Korea, Japan, and China. Yuzu peel and seed contain abundant vitamin C, citric acid, and polyphenols. Although the antioxidative and antimelanogenic activities of other citrus fruits and yuzu extract have been reported, the tyrosinase inhibitory activity of the limonoid aglycone contained in yuzu seed extract is unknown. We separated yuzu seeds into the husk, shell, and meal and evaluated antioxidant activity of each. The limonoid glucoside fraction of the husk identified nomilin, a novel tyrosinase inhibitor. We performed tyrosinase inhibitory activity and noncompetitive inhibition assays and docking studies to determine nomilin binding sites. Furthermore, we evaluated the antioxidative mechanism and antimelanogenic activity of nomilin in B16F10 melanoma cells. The concentration of nomilin that did not show toxicity was <100 µg/mL. Nomilin suppressed protein expression of TYR, TRP-1, TRP-2, and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) in a concentration-dependent manner. Nomilin significantly reduced the levels of p-CREB and p-PKA at the protein level and decreased the levels of skin-whitening-related factors MITF, tyrosinase, TRP-1, and TRP-2 at the mRNA level in a concentration-dependent manner. Thus, nomilin from yuzu seed husk can be used as a skin-whitening agent in cosmetics.
Antioxidant Effects of Dietary Supplements on Adult COVID-19 Patients: Why Do We Not Also Use Them in Children?
Authors: Notarbartolo Veronica , Montante Claudio , Ferrante Giuliana , Giuffrè Mario
Published: August 2022

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are very common in children, especially in the first five years of life, and several viruses, such as the influenza virus, Respiratory Syncytial Virus, and Rhinovirus, are triggers for symptoms that usually affect the upper airways. It has been known that during respiratory viral infections, a condition of oxidative stress (OS) occurs, and many studies have suggested the potential use of antioxidants as complementary components in prophylaxis and/or therapy of respiratory viral infections. Preliminary data have demonstrated that antioxidants may also interfere with the new coronavirus 2’s entry and replication in human cells, and that they have a role in the downregulation of several pathogenetic mechanisms involved in disease severity. Starting from preclinical data, the aim of this narrative review is to evaluate the current evidence about the main antioxidants that are potentially useful for preventing and treating Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in adults and to speculate on their possible use in children by exploring the most relevant issues affecting their use in clinical practice, as well as the associated evidence gaps and research limitations.
MEMS High Aspect Ratio Trench Three-Dimensional Measurement Using Through-Focus Scanning Optical Microscopy and Deep Learning Method
Authors: Li Guannan , Shi Junkai , Gao Chao , Jiang Xingjian , Huo Shuchun , Cui Chengjun , Chen Xiaomei , Zhou Weihu
Published: August 2022

High-aspect-ratio structures have become increasingly important in MEMS devices. In situ, real-time critical dimension and depth measurement for high-aspect-ratio structures is critical for optimizing the deep etching process. Through-focus scanning optical microscopy (TSOM) is a high-throughput and inexpensive optical measurement method for critical dimension and depth measurement. Thus far, TSOM has only been used to measure targets with dimension of 1 μm or less, which is far from sufficient for MEMS. Deep learning is a powerful tool that improves the TSOM performance by taking advantage of additional intensity information. In this work, we propose a convolutional neural network model-based TSOM method for measuring individual high-aspect-ratio trenches on silicon with width up to 30 μm and depth up to 440 μm. Experimental demonstrations are conducted and the results show that the proposed method is suitable for measuring the width and depth of high-aspect-ratio trenches with a standard deviation and error of approximately a hundred nanometers or less. The proposed method can be applied to the semiconductor field.
Fractional Order Controller Design for Wind Turbines
Authors: Paducel Ioana , Safirescu Calin Ovidiu , Dulf Eva-H.
Published: August 2022

According to recent studies, it has been concluded that renewable electricity generation is being requested to replace all other fuels more often. In China and the USA, among renewable electricity sources, wind usage has increased significantly compared to 2020. Given these circumstances, the aim of this study was to develop a suitable speed control method for wind power systems in order to achieve maximum power generation while reducing mechanical loads. Several control strategies have been proposed in the literature, all of which offer a compromise between performance and robustness. The present research developed fractional order PID (FOPID) controllers and proved which would be the most suitable controller to address the challenges that wind turbine systems face. The parameters of the FOPID controllers (KP, KI, KD, λ and µ) were tuned with the help of the following optimization algorithms: a genetic algorithm (GA), a multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO). The results from these three turning methods were then compared to find the method that offered the best performance and system robustness.
A Review: Factors Affecting Internal Two-Phase Flow-Induced Vibrations
Authors: Khan Umair , Pao William , Sallih Nabihah
Published: August 2022

Two-phase flow is commonly encountered in various engineering systems. Momentum fluctuation in two-phase flow can create undesirable and destructive vibrations. These vibrations are known as flow-induced vibrations, which are a fundamental phenomenon in fluid–structure interactions, and have been the center of this type of research in the past few decades. Flow-induced vibrations due to the multiphase flow are a complex phenomenon and its understanding is still immature. Various accidents related to flow-induced vibrations have been reported in heat exchangers and piping systems and it is very important to develop a deeper understanding of flow-induced vibrations in multiphase flow. The present review article aims to discuss the literature related to flow-induced vibrations, with special focus on factors affecting flow-induced vibrations in internal two-phase flow. Various factors affecting the magnitude and dominant frequency of forces are narrated and the correlations previously developed to estimate these quantities are discussed. Dimensionless forces are extracted from the literature and plotted against Weber number, to provide a database for comparison and to serve as a validation tool for any studies conducted using computational fluid dynamics. Furthermore, some important literature on flow-induced vibrations under different conditions is presented in tabular form to better understand these findings. Finally, some concluding remarks and comments on future research prospects and challenges are outlined.
A System for Sustainable Usage of Computing Resources Leveraging Deep Learning Predictions
Authors: Cioca Marius , Schuszter Ioan Cristian
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we present the benefit of using deep learning time-series analysis techniques in order to reduce computing resource usage, with the final goal of having greener and more sustainable data centers. Modern enterprises and agile ways-of-working have led to a complete revolution of the way that software engineers develop and deploy software, with the proliferation of container-based technology, such as Kubernetes and Docker. Modern systems tend to use up a large amount of resources, even when idle, and intelligent scaling is one of the methods that could be used to prevent waste. We have developed a system for predicting and influencing computer resource usage based on historical data of real production software systems at CERN, allowing us to scale down the number of machines or containers running a certain service during periods that have been identified as idle. The system leverages recurring neural network models in order to accurately predict the future usage of a software system given its past activity. Using the data obtained from conducting several experiments with the forecasted data, we present the potential reductions on the carbon footprint of these computing services, from the perspective of CPU usage. The results show significant improvements to the computing power usage of the service (60% to 80%) as opposed to just keeping machines running or using simple heuristics that do not look too far into the past.
Up-to-Date Optimization of the 90Y-PET/CT Reconstruction Protocol for Volumetric Quantification in Trans-Arterial RadioEmbolization (TARE) Procedures in the Era of Theranostics
Authors: Capotosti Amedeo , Moretti Roberto , Milano Alessia , Nardini Matteo , Cusumano Davide , Annunziata Salvatore , Capogni Marco , D’Arienzo Marco , Placidi Lorenzo , Indovina Luca
Published: August 2022

(1) Background: New generation of PET-CT scanners allows performing volumetric dosimetry based on 90Y-activity distribution. The aim of this study was to perform an up-to-date evaluation of the optimal 90Y-PET-CT reconstruction parameters for a Siemens Biograph mCT scanner. (2) Methods: A cylindrical uniform phantom (P1), IEC NEMA Body-phantom (P2) and IEC NEMA Torso-phantom (P3) filled with 90Y were acquired. The matrix size and number of Equivalent Iterations (E.I.) were evaluated through the Recovery Coefficient (RC) and the Coefficient of Variation (CoV). The optimal post-reconstruction Gaussian Filter (GF) was assessed through an analysis of Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Full Width at Half Maximum (FWHM) in DVHs. (3) Results: For P1, RC values showed constant trends varying the matrix size (slope m = 1.25 × 10−3) or E.I. (slope m = −2.16 × 10−4). For P2, CoV decreased increasing the matrix size and it grew increasing the E.I. For P3, RMSE and mean dose values showed constant trends varying the Gaussian filter (slope m = 1.51 × 10−2) while FWHM decreased increasing filter. For smaller volumes, RMSE grew increasing the filter (from 34% to 74%) and the use of larger filters resulted in a dose underestimation (from 172 to 133 Gy). (4) Conclusions: The optimal reconstruction parameters for the Siemens Biograph mCT PET/CT scanner are presented, combining old metrics with new ones involving a dosimetric approach.
Optimum Pressurization Mechanism for a Non-Electrical Piston-Driven Infusion Pump
Authors: Cheong Kar-Hooi , Doihara Ryouji , Furuichi Noriyuki , Nakagawa Masaharu , Karasawa Ruriko , Kato Yoshihiro , Kageyama Kazunori , Akasaka Takuro , Onuma Yuki , Kato Takashi
Published: August 2022

Intravenous (IV) fluid therapy is a common current medical practice, and the method has remained unchanged for more than a century. The IV bag is suspended from an IV stand or pole, and the pressure created by gravity is used to administer the drug. However, this method inevitably reduces the mobility of patients, and may cause accidents such as falls during movement. To solve these problems faced in home care, nursing home, and hospital settings, this study aims to develop a non-hanging, non-electrically driven IV infusion pump with reasonable portability and operability. In this study, instead of gravity, atmospheric pressure was used as the driving force. We developed several prototypes based on different pressurization mechanisms using vacuum piston cylinders as the driving mechanism, in order to find an optimum mechanism capable of producing a stable flow rate comparable to the suspended drip system. Tests on performance in terms of discharge flow rate were conducted on three feasible prototypes, based on three different pressurization mechanisms, using a gravimetric test bench built for this purpose. The tests showed that the pressurization mechanism using an inflating sleeping-bag-shaped air bag to compress a drip bag achieved the best performance in terms of flow rate stability.
A Study of Urban Planning in Tsunami-Prone Areas of Sri Lanka
Authors: Perera U. T. G. , De Zoysa Chandula , Abeysinghe A. A. S. E. , Haigh Richard , Amaratunga Dilanthi , Dissanayake Ranjith
Published: August 2022

Tsunamis pose significant challenges for disaster reduction efforts due to the multi-hazard, cascading nature of these events, including a range of different potential triggering and consequential hazards. Although infrequent, they have the potential to cause devastating human and economic losses. Effective urban planning has been recognised as an important strategy for reducing disaster risk in cities. However, there have been limited studies on urban planning for tsunami-prone areas, and there have been wide ranging strategies adopted globally. This is an international study aimed at exploring the status of urban planning in tsunami areas and better understanding potential urban planning strategies to reduce disaster risk in coastal regions. Drawing upon the work of an international collaborative research team, in this article, we present the findings of a systematic review of the urban planning literature. Using the PRISMA guidelines, 56 papers were selected, and three guiding questions informed the review. Further empirical investigations were carried out in Sri Lanka by a local research team, including twelve semi-structured interviews with representatives from agencies in urban planning, construction, and disaster management, and a focus group representing town and country planning, architecture, structural engineering, disaster management, landscape and geospatial planning, building services, green buildings and infrastructure and environmental management fields. The combined analysis reveals insights into the characteristics of the literature, as well as the nature of existing strategies for urban planning in tsunami-prone areas, grouped into six broad themes: community participation, spatial planning, soft and hard engineering;,evacuation planning, and resilience thinking. The findings also reveal limitations in existing strategies, including their failure to address multi-hazard threats and systemic risk, as well as inadequate community participation, and limited access to timely disaster risk information. The findings are used to inform an initial model of urban planning strategies in tsunami-prone areas that can be used before a hazard event occurs, during and in the immediate response to a hazard event, and during recovery and reconstruction following a disaster.
Humidity-Induced Degradation of Lithium-Stabilized Sodium-Beta Alumina Solid Electrolytes
Authors: Fertig Micha P. , Dirksen Cornelius , Schulz Matthias , Stelter Michael
Published: August 2022

Sodium-beta alumina is a solid-state electrolyte with outstanding chemical, electrochemical, and mechanical properties. Sodium polyaluminate is successfully employed in established Na–S and Na–NiCl2 cell systems. It is a promising candidate for all-solid-state sodium batteries. However, humidity affects the performance of this solid electrolyte. In this work, the effect of humidity on disk-shaped samples of Li-stabilized sodium-beta alumina stored in three different environments is quantified. We used impedance analysis and additional characterizations to investigate the consequences of the occurring degradation, namely ion exchange and subsequent buildup of surface layers. Sodium-beta alumina’s ionic conductivity gradually deteriorates up to two orders of magnitude. This is due to layers developed superficially during storage, while its fracture strength of 240 MPa remains unaffected. Changes in microstructure, composition, and cycle life of Na|BASE|Na cells highlight the importance of proper storage conditions: In just one week of improper storage, the critical current density collapsed from the maximum of 9.1 mA cm−2, one of the highest values reported for sodium-beta alumina, to 1.7 mA cm−2 at 25 °C. The results validate former observations regarding sodium-beta alumina’s moisture sensitivity and suggest how to handle sodium-beta alumina used in electrochemical cell systems.
Cytosolic Hsp90 Isoform-Specific Functions and Clinical Significance
Authors: Maiti Samarpan , Picard Didier
Published: August 2022

The heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is a molecular chaperone and a key regulator of proteostasis under both physiological and stress conditions. In mammals, there are two cytosolic Hsp90 isoforms: Hsp90α and Hsp90β. These two isoforms are 85% identical and encoded by two different genes. Hsp90β is constitutively expressed and essential for early mouse development, while Hsp90α is stress-inducible and not necessary for survivability. These two isoforms are known to have largely overlapping functions and to interact with a large fraction of the proteome. To what extent there are isoform-specific functions at the protein level has only relatively recently begun to emerge. There are studies indicating that one isoform is more involved in the functionality of a specific tissue or cell type. Moreover, in many diseases, functionally altered cells appear to be more dependent on one particular isoform. This leaves space for designing therapeutic strategies in an isoform-specific way, which may overcome the unfavorable outcome of pan-Hsp90 inhibition encountered in previous clinical trials. For this to succeed, isoform-specific functions must be understood in more detail. In this review, we summarize the available information on isoform-specific functions of mammalian Hsp90 and connect it to possible clinical applications.
Bioavailability Enhancement Techniques for Poorly Aqueous Soluble Drugs and Therapeutics
Authors: Bhalani Dixit V. , Nutan Bhingaradiya , Kumar Avinash , Singh Chandel Arvind K.
Published: August 2022

The low water solubility of pharmacoactive molecules limits their pharmacological potential, but the solubility parameter cannot compromise, and so different approaches are employed to enhance their bioavailability. Pharmaceutically active molecules with low solubility convey a higher risk of failure for drug innovation and development. Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and several other parameters, such as drug distribution, protein binding and absorption, are majorly affected by their solubility. Among all pharmaceutical dosage forms, oral dosage forms cover more than 50%, and the drug molecule should be water-soluble. For good therapeutic activity by the drug molecule on the target site, solubility and bioavailability are crucial factors. The pharmaceutical industry’s screening programs identified that around 40% of new chemical entities (NCEs) face various difficulties at the formulation and development stages. These pharmaceuticals demonstrate less solubility and bioavailability. Enhancement of the bioavailability and solubility of drugs is a significant challenge in the area of pharmaceutical formulations. According to the Classification of Biopharmaceutics, Class II and IV drugs (APIs) exhibit poor solubility, lower bioavailability, and less dissolution. Various technologies are discussed in this article to improve the solubility of poorly water-soluble drugs, for example, the complexation of active molecules, the utilization of emulsion formation, micelles, microemulsions, cosolvents, polymeric micelle preparation, particle size reduction technologies, pharmaceutical salts, prodrugs, the solid-state alternation technique, soft gel technology, drug nanocrystals, solid dispersion methods, crystal engineering techniques and nanomorph technology. This review mainly describes several other advanced methodologies for solubility and bioavailability enhancement, such as crystal engineering, micronization, solid dispersions, nano sizing, the use of cyclodextrins, solid lipid nanoparticles, colloidal drug delivery systems and drug conjugates, referring to a number of appropriate research reports.
Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis Is Associated with Reduced Expression of Interleukin-10 and Worse Prospective Disease Activity
Authors: Gilio Luana , Buttari Fabio , Pavone Luigi , Iezzi Ennio , Galifi Giovanni , Dolcetti Ettore , Azzolini Federica , Bruno Antonio , Borrelli Angela , Storto Marianna , Furlan Roberto , Finardi Annamaria , Pekmezovic Tatjana , Drulovic Jelena , Mandolesi Georgia , Fresegna Diego , Vanni Valentina , Centonze Diego , Stampanoni Bassi Mario
Published: August 2022

In multiple sclerosis (MS), fatigue is a frequent symptom that negatively affects quality of life. The pathogenesis of fatigue is multifactorial and inflammation may play a specific role. To explore the association between fatigue, central inflammation and disease course in MS in 106 relapsing-remitting (RR)-MS patients, clinical characteristics, including fatigue and mood, were explored at the time of diagnosis. NEDA (no evidence of disease activity)-3 status after one-year follow up was calculated. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of a set of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory molecules and peripheral blood markers of inflammation were also analyzed. MRI structural measures were explored in 35 patients. A significant negative correlation was found at diagnosis between fatigue measured with the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) and the CSF levels of interleukin (IL)-10. Conversely, no significant associations were found with peripheral markers of inflammation. Higher MFIS scores were associated with reduced probability to reach NEDA-3 status after 1-year follow up. Finally, T2 lesion load showed a positive correlation with MFIS scores and a negative correlation with CSF IL-10 levels at diagnosis. CSF inflammation, and particularly the reduced expression of the anti-inflammatory molecule IL-10, may exacerbate fatigue. Fatigue in MS may reflect subclinical CSF inflammation, predisposing to greater disease activity.
Analysis and Modeling of Innovations in the Global Microalgae Lipids Market
Authors: Carvalho Natália Santana , Pessôa Luiggi Cavalcanti , Deamici Kricelle Mosquera , da Silva Jania Betânia Alves , de Souza Parga Fernanda Aleluia , de Souza Carolina Oliveira , Tavares Pedro Paulo Lordelo Guimarães , de Jesus Assis Denilson
Published: August 2022

Microalgae lipids offer numerous advantages over those of plants and animals, enabling the sustainable commercialization of high value-added products in different markets. Although these markets are in a vertiginous annual expansion, technological life cycle modeling is a tool that has been rarely used for microalgae. Life cycle modeling is capable of assisting with decision-making based on data and is considered as a versatile model, usable in multiple software analyzing and diagnostic tasks. Modeling technological trends makes it possible to categorize the development level of the market and predict phase changes, reducing uncertainties and increasing investments. This study aims to fill this gap by performing a global analysis and modeling of microalgal lipid innovations. The Espacenet and Orbit platforms were used by crossing the keywords “microalgae”, “lipid*”, and the IPC code C12 (biochemistry and microbiology). Different sigmoid growth models were used in the present study. A successive repetition of the Chlorella genus category was found in the keyword clusters regarding extraction and separation of lipids. The life cycle S curve indicates a market starting at the maturity phase, where the BiDoseResp model stands out. The main countries and institutions at the technological forefront are shown, as well as potential technological domains for opening new markets.
Improving Risk Assessment for Metastatic Disease in Endometrioid Endometrial Cancer Patients Using Molecular and Clinical Features: An NRG Oncology/Gynecologic Oncology Group Study
Authors: Casablanca Yovanni , Wang Guisong , Lankes Heather A. , Tian Chunqiao , Bateman Nicholas W. , Miller Caela R. , Chappell Nicole P. , Havrilesky Laura J. , Wallace Amy Hooks , Ramirez Nilsa C. , Miller David S. , Oliver Julie , Mitchell Dave , Litzi Tracy , Blanton Brian E. , Lowery William J. , Risinger John I. , Hamilton Chad A. , Phippen Neil T. , Conrads Thomas P. , Mutch David , Moxley Katherine , Lee Roger B. , Backes Floor , Birrer Michael J. , Darcy Kathleen M. , Maxwell George Larry
Published: August 2022

Objectives: A risk assessment model for metastasis in endometrioid endometrial cancer (EEC) was developed using molecular and clinical features, and prognostic association was examined. Methods: Patients had stage I, IIIC, or IV EEC with tumor-derived RNA-sequencing or microarray-based data. Metastasis-associated transcripts and platform-centric diagnostic algorithms were selected and evaluated using regression modeling and receiver operating characteristic curves. Results: Seven metastasis-associated transcripts were selected from analysis in the training cohorts using 10-fold cross validation and incorporated into an MS7 classifier using platform-specific coefficients. The predictive accuracy of the MS7 classifier in Training-1 was superior to that of other clinical and molecular features, with an area under the curve (95% confidence interval) of 0.89 (0.80–0.98) for MS7 compared with 0.69 (0.59–0.80) and 0.71 (0.58–0.83) for the top evaluated clinical and molecular features, respectively. The performance of MS7 was independently validated in 245 patients using RNA sequencing and in 81 patients using microarray-based data. MS7 + MI (myometrial invasion) was preferrable to individual features and exhibited 100% sensitivity and negative predictive value. The MS7 classifier was associated with lower progression-free and overall survival (p ≤ 0.003). Conclusion: A risk assessment classifier for metastasis and prognosis in EEC patients with primary tumor derived MS7 + MI is available for further development and optimization as a companion clinical support tool.
BMS-986158, a Small Molecule Inhibitor of the Bromodomain and Extraterminal Domain Proteins, in Patients with Selected Advanced Solid Tumors: Results from a Phase 1/2a Trial
Authors: Hilton John , Cristea Mihaela , Postel-Vinay Sophie , Baldini Capucine , Voskoboynik Mark , Edenfield William , Shapiro Geoffrey I. , Cheng Michael L. , Vuky Jacqueline , Corr Bradley , Das Sharmila , Apfel Abraham , Xu Ke , Kozicki Martin , Ünsal-Kaçmaz Keziban , Hammell Amy , Wang Guan , Ravindran Palanikumar , Kollia Georgia , Esposito Oriana , Coker Shodeinde , Diamond Jennifer R.
Published: August 2022

This phase 1/2a, open-label study (NCT02419417) evaluated the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics of BMS-986158, a selective bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) inhibitor. Dose escalation was performed with 3 BMS-986158 dosing schedules: A (5 days on, 2 days off; range, 0.75–4.5 mg), B (14 days on, 7 days off; 2.0–3.0 mg), and C (7 days on, 14 days off; 2.0–4.5 mg). Eighty-three patients were enrolled and received ≥1 BMS-986158 dose. Diarrhea (43%) and thrombocytopenia (39%) were the most common treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs). A lower incidence of TRAEs was found with schedules A (72%) and C (72%) vs. B (100%). Stable disease was achieved in 12 (26.1%), 3 (37.5%), and 9 (31.0%) patients on schedules A, B, and C, respectively. Two patients on schedule A with a 4.5-mg starting dose (ovarian cancer, n = 1; nuclear protein in testis [NUT] carcinoma, n = 1) experienced a partial response. BMS-986158 demonstrated rapid-to-moderate absorption (median time to maximum observed plasma concentration, 1–4 h). As expected with an epigenetic modifier, expression changes in select BET-regulated genes occurred with BMS-986158 treatment. Schedule A dosing (5 days on, 2 days off) yielded tolerable safety, preliminary antitumor activity, and a dose-proportional PK profile.
Understanding Breast Cancers through Spatial and High-Resolution Visualization Using Imaging Technologies
Authors: Takahashi Haruko , Kawahara Daisuke , Kikuchi Yutaka
Published: August 2022

Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women worldwide. Although many analyses and treatments have traditionally targeted the breast cancer cells themselves, recent studies have focused on investigating entire cancer tissues, including breast cancer cells. To understand the structure of breast cancer tissues, including breast cancer cells, it is necessary to investigate the three-dimensional location of the cells and/or proteins comprising the tissues and to clarify the relationship between the three-dimensional structure and malignant transformation or metastasis of breast cancers. In this review, we aim to summarize the methods for analyzing the three-dimensional structure of breast cancer tissue, paying particular attention to the recent technological advances in the combination of the tissue-clearing method and optical three-dimensional imaging. We also aimed to identify the latest methods for exploring the relationship between the three-dimensional cell arrangement in breast cancer tissues and the gene expression of each cell. Finally, we aimed to describe the three-dimensional imaging features of breast cancer tissues using noninvasive photoacoustic imaging methods.
Prostate-Specific Antigen Doubling Time Kinetics following Radical Prostatectomy to Guide Need for Treatment Intervention: Validation of Low-Risk Recurrences
Authors: Huang Erica , Tran Joshua , Huynh Linda My , Skarecky Douglas , Wilson Robert H. , Ahlering Thomas
Published: August 2022

Biochemical recurrence (BCR) following radical prostatectomy (RP) has a limited ability to predict prostate cancer (PC) progression, leading to overtreatment, decreased quality of life, and additional expenses. Previously, we established that one-third of men with BCR in our group experienced low-risk recurrences that were safely observed without treatment. Our retrospective cohort analysis of 407 BCR patients post RP validates the use of PSA doubling time (DT) kinetics to direct active observation (AO) versus treatment following RP. The primary outcome was no need for treatment according to the predictive value of models of ROC analysis. The secondary outcome was PC-specific mortality (PCSM) according to Kaplan–Meier analysis. A total of 1864 men underwent RP (June 2002–September 2019); 407 experienced BCR (PSA > 0.2 ng/dL, ×2), with a median follow-up of 7.6 years. In adjusted regression analysis, initial PSADT > 12 months and increasing DT were significant predictors for AO (p < 0.001). This model (initial PSADT and DT change) was an excellent predictor of AO in ROC analysis (AUC = 0.83). No patients with initial PSADT > 12 months and increasing DT experienced PCSM. In conclusion, the combination of PSADT > 12 months and increasing DT was an excellent predictor of AO. This is the first demonstration that one-third of BCRs are at low risk of PCSM and can be managed without treatment via DT kinetics.
Nanowire Gas Sensor to Support Optical and Volatile Changes in the Production Chain of Fruit Jams
Authors: Núñez-Carmona Estefanía , Greco Giuseppe , Genzardi Dario , Piccoli Pierpaolo , Zottele Ivano , Tamanini Armando , Sberveglieri Giorgio , Sberveglieri Veronica
Published: August 2022

The marmalade and jam market is growing worldwide, with the European countries being the main producers in this sector. The market has ancient origins and the production is aimed at conserving the surplus fruits during some period of the year. Nowadays, the automatic production processes are wide-ranging but start with high-quality raw materials and follow an appropriate cooking process to conserve the main features of the final product. On the other hand, cases of overcooking may occur which lead to the production of hydroxy-methyl-furfural and derivatives with consequent browning and poor organoleptic characteristics of the final product. This study aimed to use chemical oxide nanowire gas sensors device S3 coupled with optical techniques and recognizing algorithms to create a multi-actor platform able to control the production process of jams and marmalades with a fast response time, to assist the production process and avoid economical losses in the sector. PCA shows that this innovative technology can recognize changes in the volatile fingerprint, distinguishing when the positive and more natural organoleptic characteristics of the fruit are still present from the appearance of the organoleptic defects due to a faulty production process.
Investigation of Mechanical and Thermal Performance of Concrete with Scallop Shells as Partial Cement Replacement: Alternative Binder and Life Cycle Assessment
Authors: El Mendili Yassine , Benzaama Mohammed-Hichem
Published: August 2022

The adverse environmental impacts of building materials can be achieved by reducing the amount of cement in cementitious composites, specifically when incorporating wastes as partial replacement for Portland cement. In this work, we substitute cement with shell by-products while keeping useful specific properties. Scallop shells are good candidates to replace part of the Portland cement as they contain calcium and are available in abundance. We present an experimental and numerical study on the mechanics, hygrothermal behavior, and life cycle analysis of scallop shell concrete. In the fresh state, the replacement of cement by up to 10 wt.% of scallop shells does not significantly affect mortar properties. The results indicate that including 10% shells represents a decrease of up to 40% in the environmental impact, depending on the category of impact considered. Furthermore, the addition of Scallop shells makes the material more porous, leading to the facilitation of moisture transfer.
Modeling of 2R Planar Dumbbell Stacker Robot Locomotion Using Force Control for Gripper Dexterous Manipulation
Authors: Kondratev Sergei , Meshcheryakov Victor
Published: August 2022

This paper describes a novel approach to the robotic system’s dexterous manipulator arm design. A simulation model of the robotic system is developed in the MATLAB/Simulink environment. The designed gripper moves the dumbbells from one shelf to another using impedance and dynamics control. The novel approach to contact force control was tested. For the most accurate simulation, the size and mass parameters of the manipulator and dumbbells are determined. In addition, various force parameters such as normal, friction and damping were evaluated. The dynamic behavior of the robotic system was described by the Lagrange dynamics equations to find the acceleration of the robot’s joints during friction interaction, and the energy performance was described. The corresponding dynamic model and its analysis are the starting point for its successful solution. The analytical and numerical descriptions are obtained and can be further used for computer simulation of the system, calculation of dynamic constraints, optimization of manipulator design, synthesis of trajectory planner and motion control algorithms of dexterous manipulative robotic systems.
A Deep Learning Methodology for the Detection of Abnormal Parathyroid Glands via Scintigraphy with 99mTc-Sestamibi
Authors: Apostolopoulos Ioannis D. , Papathanasiou Nikolaos D. , Apostolopoulos Dimitris J.
Published: August 2022

Background: Parathyroid proliferative disorder encompasses a wide spectrum of diseases, including parathyroid adenoma (PTA), parathyroid hyperplasia, and parathyroid carcinoma. Imaging modalities that deliver their results preoperatively help in the localisation of parathyroid glands (PGs) and assist in surgery. Artificial intelligence and, more specifically, image detection methods, can assist medical experts and reduce the workload in their everyday routine. Methods: The present study employs an innovative CNN topology called ParaNet, to analyse early MIBI, late MIBI, and TcO4 thyroid scan images simultaneously to perform first-level discrimination between patients with abnormal PGs (aPG) and patients with normal PGs (nPG). The study includes 632 parathyroid scans. Results: ParaNet exhibits a top performance, reaching an accuracy of 96.56% in distinguishing between aPG and nPG scans. Its sensitivity and specificity are 96.38% and 97.02%, respectively. PPV and NPV values are 98.76% and 91.57%, respectively. Conclusions: The proposed network is the first to introduce the automatic discrimination of PG and nPG scans acquired by scintigraphy with 99mTc-sestamibi (MIBI). This methodology could be applied to the everyday routine of medics for real-time evaluation or educational purposes.
Successive Trajectory Privacy Protection with Semantics Prediction Differential Privacy
Authors: Zhang Jing , Li Yanzi , Ding Qian , Lin Liwei , Ye Xiucai
Published: August 2022

The publication of trajectory data provides critical information for various location-based services, and it is critical to publish trajectory data safely while ensuring its availability. Differential privacy is a promising privacy protection technology for publishing trajectory data securely. Most of the existing trajectory privacy protection schemes do not take into account the user’s preference for location and the influence of semantic location. Besides, differential privacy for trajectory protection still has the problem of balance between the privacy budget and service quality. In this paper, a semantics- and prediction-based differential privacy protection scheme for trajectory data is proposed. Firstly, trajectory data are transformed into a prefix tree structure to ensure that they satisfy differential privacy. Secondly, considering the influence of semantic location on trajectory, semantic sensitivity combined with location check-in frequency is used to calculate the sensitivity of each position in the trajectory. The privacy level of the position is classified by setting thresholds. Moreover, the corresponding privacy budget is allocated according to the location privacy level. Finally, a Markov chain is used to predict the attack probability of each position in the trajectory. On this basis, the allocation of the privacy budget is further adjusted and its utilization rate is improved. Thus, the problem of the balance between the privacy budget and service quality is solved. Experimental results show that the proposed scheme is able to ensure data availability while protecting data privacy.
A Unified Lattice Boltzmann Model for Fourth Order Partial Differential Equations with Variable Coefficients
Authors: Yang Wei , Li Chunguang
Published: August 2022

In this work, a unified lattice Boltzmann model is proposed for the fourth order partial differential equation with time-dependent variable coefficients, which has the form ut+α(t)(p1(u))x+β(t)(p2(u))xx+γ(t)(p3(u))xxx+η(t)(p4(u))xxxx=0. A compensation function is added to the evolution equation to recover the macroscopic equation. Applying Chapman-Enskog expansion and the Taylor expansion method, we recover the macroscopic equation correctly. Through analyzing the error, our model reaches second-order accuracy in time. A series of constant-coefficient and variable-coefficient partial differential equations are successfully simulated, which tests the effectiveness and stability of the present model.
Evaluation of Fast Sample Entropy Algorithms on FPGAs: From Performance to Energy Efficiency
Authors: Chen Chao , da Silva Bruno , Chen Ruiqi , Li Shun , Li Jianqing , Liu Chengyu
Published: August 2022

Entropy is one of the most fundamental notions for understanding complexity. Among all the methods to calculate the entropy, sample entropy (SampEn) is a practical and common method to estimate time-series complexity. Unfortunately, SampEn is a time-consuming method growing in quadratic times with the number of elements, which makes this method unviable when processing large data series. In this work, we evaluate hardware SampEn architectures to offload computation weight, using improved SampEn algorithms and exploiting reconfigurable technologies, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a reconfigurable technology well-known for its high performance and power efficiency. In addition to the fundamental disclosed straightforward SampEn (SF) calculation method, this study evaluates optimized strategies, such as bucket-assist (BA) SampEn and lightweight SampEn based on BubbleSort (BS-LW) and MergeSort (MS-LW) on an embedded CPU, a high-performance CPU and on an FPGA using simulated data and real-world electrocardiograms (ECG) as input data. Irregular storage space and memory access of enhanced algorithms is also studied and estimated in this work. These fast SampEn algorithms are evaluated and profiled using metrics such as execution time, resource use, power and energy consumption based on input data length. Finally, although the implementation of fast SampEn is not significantly faster than versions running on a high-performance CPU, FPGA implementations consume one or two orders of magnitude less energy than a high-performance CPU.
Categorized and Correlated Multiple-Choice Questions: A Tool for Assessing Comprehensive Physics Knowledge of Students
Authors: Siddiqui Shabnam
Published: August 2022

An efficacious assessment tool is as necessary for improving physics education as are innovative and effective methods of teaching physics. Most tests focus on evaluating students knowledge in specific areas such as conceptual understating, quantitative, and analytical problem-solving skills. Testing students’ critical thinking has remained a difficult task. Further, testing students comprehensive knowledge is even more challenging. We present here a new assessment tool with the acronym “Categorized and Correlated Multiple Choice Questions” (CCMCQs) for evaluating the comprehensive physics knowledge level of students. This tool consists of correlated questions posed in three different sub-categories of physics. Those sub-categories are: (i) Conceptual understanding, (ii) Critical thinking, and (iii) Quantitative understanding. The questions are structured to first pose a conceptual question which is then correlated with a critical thinking question and that critical thinking question is further correlated with a quantitative question. Thus, all three questions are correlated with each other, and such correlated questions aid the student and teacher alike to identify learning deficiency more accurately, and guide students to self-correct their knowledge of physics by providing appropriate direction. Further, we discuss the outcomes of a one semester study on CCMCQs using data obtained from an introductory physics course.
Influences of the Reflector Subtended Angle on the Performance of Parabolic Antennas with Feed Displacement
Authors: Zhang Yangyang , Liu Huijie , Liu Xingfu
Published: August 2022

In this work, the comprehensive influence of different reflector subtended angle values and the displacement of feed on a parabolic reflector antenna was studied. There are two main reasons for this research; one is that the actual performance of antennas is worse than indicated in theoretical analysis, and the other is that the deep or derived impacts of some deviations cannot be taken into sufficient account for antenna design. Differing from the ideal theoretical analysis and calculation, a parabolic reflector antenna with a pyramidal horn feed was designed to make the antenna design more suitable for the actual project. The performance of the antenna with different deviations of the feed under different reflector subtended angles was then given. This research has higher practical guiding significance in terms of margin consideration for the design of antennas in engineering.