bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Semi-Supervised Classification via Hypergraph Convolutional Extreme Learning Machine
Authors: Liu Zhewei , Zhang Zijia , Cai Yaoming , Miao Yilin , Chen Zhikun
Published: April 2021

Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) is characterized by simplicity, generalization ability, and computational efficiency. However, previous ELMs fail to consider the inherent high-order relationship among data points, resulting in being powerless on structured data and poor robustness on noise data. This paper presents a novel semi-supervised ELM, termed Hypergraph Convolutional ELM (HGCELM), based on using hypergraph convolution to extend ELM into the non-Euclidean domain. The method inherits all the advantages from ELM, and consists of a random hypergraph convolutional layer followed by a hypergraph convolutional regression layer, enabling it to model complex intraclass variations. We show that the traditional ELM is a special case of the HGCELM model in the regular Euclidean domain. Extensive experimental results show that HGCELM remarkably outperforms eight competitive methods on 26 classification benchmarks.
Climate Change Impacts and Strategies for Mitigation and Adaptation in Agriculture
Authors: McCarl Bruce A. , Yu Chin-Hsien , Attavanich Witsanu
Published: April 2021

Agriculture is highly vulnerable to climate change-induced shifts in means, variability and extremes [...]
Predictive Capacity of Rainfall Data to Estimate the Water Needs of Fruit Plants in Water Deficit Areas
Authors: Stachowski Piotr , Jagosz Barbara , Rolbiecki Stanisław , Rolbiecki Roman
Published: April 2021

This study investigated the usefulness of three methods: (1) Press, (2) Grabarczyk and Rzekanowski, and (3) Treder, in estimating the water needs of apple, pear, cherry and plum trees grown in central Poland, where particular water deficits are observed. The assessments were based on meteorological data for the growing seasons 1989–2020. Orchard irrigation requires a simple and accessible method of estimating plant water requirements. The average water needs assessed for apple ranged from 435 mm (Press) to 729 mm (Grabarczyk and Rzekanowski), for pear between 353–699 mm (Grabarczyk and Rzekanowski), for cherry between 315 mm (Press) and 660 mm (Grabarczyk and Rzekanowski), and plum ranged from 455 mm (Press) to 718 mm (Grabarczyk and Rzekanowski). Regardless of the method used, precipitation in the studied period did not cover the water needs of the fruit trees. Additionally, there was a tendency to increase the water requirements of the plants. In each method, water needs in the second and third decades were higher than in the first. The highest water needs of the fruit trees were calculated using the Treder method, and the lowest using the Press method. In practice, each of the methods can be used to forecast the water needs of fruit plants, but the Treder method seems to be the simplest and most accessible.
Singular Integral Neumann Boundary Conditions for Semilinear Elliptic PDEs
Authors: Agarwal Praveen , Merker Jochen , Schuldt Gregor
Published: April 2021

In this article, we discuss semilinear elliptic partial differential equations with singular integral Neumann boundary conditions. Such boundary value problems occur in applications as mathematical models of nonlocal interaction between interior points and boundary points. Particularly, we are interested in the uniqueness of solutions to such problems. For the sublinear and subcritical case, we calculate, on the one hand, illustrative, rather explicit solutions in the one-dimensional case. On the other hand, we prove in the general case the existence and—via the strong solution of an integro-PDE with a kind of fractional divergence as a lower order term—uniqueness up to a constant.
RNA-Binding Proteins Hold Key Roles in Function, Dysfunction, and Disease
Authors: Kelaini Sophia , Chan Celine , Cornelius Victoria A , Margariti Andriana
Published: April 2021

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are multi-faceted proteins in the regulation of RNA or its RNA splicing, localisation, stability, and translation. Amassing proof from many recent and dedicated studies reinforces the perception of RBPs exerting control through differing expression levels, cellular localization and post-transcriptional alterations. However, since the regulation of RBPs is reliant on the micro-environment and events like stress response and metabolism, their binding affinities and the resulting RNA-RBP networks may be affected. Therefore, any misregulation and disruption in the features of RNA and its related homeostasis can lead to a number of diseases that include diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other disorders such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. As such, correct regulation of RNA and RBPs is crucial to good health as the effect RBPs exert through loss of function can cause pathogenesis. In this review, we will discuss the significance of RBPs and their typical function and how this can be disrupted in disease.
Production of a Human Histamine Receptor for NMR Spectroscopy in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Mulry Emma , Ray Arka Prabha , Eddy Matthew T.
Published: April 2021

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) bind a broad array of extracellular molecules and transmit intracellular signals that initiate physiological responses. The signal transduction functions of GPCRs are inherently related to their structural plasticity, which can be experimentally observed by spectroscopic techniques. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy in particular is an especially advantageous method to study the dynamic behavior of GPCRs. The success of NMR studies critically relies on the production of functional GPCRs containing stable-isotope labeled probes, which remains a challenging endeavor for most human GPCRs. We report a protocol for the production of the human histamine H1 receptor (H1R) in the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris for NMR experiments. Systematic evaluation of multiple expression parameters resulted in a ten-fold increase in the yield of expressed H1R over initial efforts in defined media. The expressed receptor could be purified to homogeneity and was found to respond to the addition of known H1R ligands. Two-dimensional transverse relaxation-optimized spectroscopy (TROSY) NMR spectra of stable-isotope labeled H1R show well-dispersed and resolved signals consistent with a properly folded protein, and 19F-NMR data register a response of the protein to differences in efficacies of bound ligands.
Modulation of Blood–Brain Barrier Permeability by Activating Adenosine A2 Receptors in Oncological Treatment
Authors: Wala Kamila , Szlasa Wojciech , Saczko Jolanta , Rudno-Rudzińska Julia , Kulbacka Julita
Published: April 2021

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) plays an important protective role in the central nervous system and maintains its homeostasis. It regulates transport into brain tissue and protects neurons against the toxic effects of substances circulating in the blood. However, in the case of neurological diseases or primary brain tumors, i.e., gliomas, the higher permeability of the blood-derived substances in the brain tissue is necessary. Currently applied methods of treatment for the primary brain neoplasms include surgical removal of the tumor, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Despite the abovementioned treatment methods, the prognosis of primary brain tumors remains bad. Moreover, chemotherapy options seem to be limited due to low drug penetration into the cancerous tissue. Modulation of the blood–brain barrier permeability may contribute to an increase in the concentration of the drug in the CNS and thus increase the effectiveness of therapy. Interestingly, endothelial cells in cerebral vessels are characterized by the presence of adenosine 2A receptors (A2AR). It has been shown that substances affecting these receptors regulate the permeability of the BBB. The mechanism of increasing the BBB permeability by A2AR agonists is the actin-cytoskeletal reorganization and acting on the tight junctions. In this case, the A2AR seems to be a promising therapy target. This article aims to assess the possibility of increasing the BBB permeability through A2AR agonists to increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy and to improve the results of cancer therapy.
S100P Interacts with p53 while Pentamidine Inhibits This Interaction
Authors: Katte Revansiddha H. , Dowarha Deepu , Chou Ruey-Hwang , Yu Chin
Published: April 2021

S100P, a small calcium-binding protein, associates with the p53 protein with micromolar affinity. It has been hypothesized that the oncogenic function of S100P may involve binding-induced inactivation of p53. We used 1H-15N HSQC experiments and molecular modeling to study the molecular interactions between S100P and p53 in the presence and absence of pentamidine. Our experimental analysis indicates that the S100P-53 complex formation is successfully disrupted by pentamidine, since S100P shares the same binding site for p53 and pentamidine. In addition, we showed that pentamidine treatment of ZR-75-1 breast cancer cells resulted in reduced proliferation and increased p53 and p21 protein levels, indicating that pentamidine is an effective antagonist that interferes with the S100P-p53 interaction, leading to re-activation of the p53-21 pathway and inhibition of cancer cell proliferation. Collectively, our findings suggest that blocking the association between S100P and p53 by pentamidine will prevent cancer progression and, therefore, provide a new avenue for cancer therapy by targeting the S100P-p53 interaction.
Association between Vitamin D Deficiency and High Serum Levels of Small Dense LDL in Middle-Aged Adults
Authors: Han Yin-Yi , Hsu Sandy Huey-Jen , Su Ta-Chen
Published: April 2021

Recent studies suggested a potential link between vitamin D deficiency and cardiovascular risk factors, including dyslipidemia. This study aimed to investigate the association between serum 25(OH)D levels and atherogenic lipid profiles, specifically, that of small dense low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (sdLDL-C). From 2009 to 2011, a total of 715 individuals aged 35–65 without evident cardiovascular disease (CVD) were enrolled. Their levels of serum 25(OH)D and lipid profiles were measured. Vitamin D deficiency was found to be more common in females, smokers, alcohol drinkers, individuals at a younger age, and those who do not exercise regularly. The analysis of lipid profiles revealed that high sdLDL-C levels were associated with low serum vitamin D levels and were more common among cigarette smokers; alcohol drinkers; individuals with hypertension; individuals with high BMI; and those with high levels of fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, LDL-C, and VLDL-C. The use of multivariate logistic regression verified a strong negative correlation between low vitamin D status (serum 25(OH)D < 15 ng/mL) and the three identified biomarkers of atherogenic dyslipidemia: high serum levels of sdLDL-C, triglycerides, and VLDL-C. This study provides strong evidence that vitamin D deficiency is associated with atherogenic dyslipidemia, and in particular, high sdLDL-C levels in middle-aged adults without CVD.
Elevated and Slowed EEG Oscillations in Patients with Post-Concussive Syndrome and Chronic Pain Following a Motor Vehicle Collision
Authors: Buchanan Derrick Matthew , Ros Tomas , Nahas Richard
Published: April 2021

(1) Background: Mild traumatic brain injury produces significant changes in neurotransmission including brain oscillations. We investigated potential quantitative electroencephalography biomarkers in 57 patients with post-concussive syndrome and chronic pain following motor vehicle collision, and 54 healthy nearly age- and sex-matched controls. (2) Methods: Electroencephalography processing was completed in MATLAB, statistical modeling in SPSS, and machine learning modeling in Rapid Miner. Group differences were calculated using current-source density estimation, yielding whole-brain topographical distributions of absolute power, relative power and phase-locking functional connectivity. Groups were compared using independent sample Mann–Whitney U tests. Effect sizes and Pearson correlations were also computed. Machine learning analysis leveraged a post hoc supervised learning support vector non-probabilistic binary linear kernel classification to generate predictive models from the derived EEG signatures. (3) Results: Patients displayed significantly elevated and slowed power compared to controls: delta (p = 0.000000, r = 0.6) and theta power (p < 0.0001, r = 0.4), and relative delta power (p < 0.00001) and decreased relative alpha power (p < 0.001). Absolute delta and theta power together yielded the strongest machine learning classification accuracy (87.6%). Changes in absolute power were moderately correlated with duration and persistence of symptoms in the slow wave frequency spectrum (<15 Hz). (4) Conclusions: Distributed increases in slow wave oscillatory power are concurrent with post-concussive syndrome and chronic pain.
Comparison between Predicted and Measured Moisture Content and Climate in 12 Monitored Timber Structures in Switzerland
Authors: Schiere Marcus , Franke Bettina , Franke Steffen , Müller Andreas
Published: April 2021

Wood is a hygroscopic material that primarily adapts its moisture content to the surrounding relative humidity. The climate in a structure or building depends on the building type and the region the structure is located in. In this study, the effect of region on the moisture content of wood was investigated. Measurements taken in 12 ventilated timber structures were compared to the theoretical equilibrium moisture content calculated from the relative humidity and temperature in 107 meteorological stations across Switzerland. The monitored load-bearing elements were made of softwood and protected from the direct impact of weather. The climatic conditions around the Alps, a mountain range that runs from France to Austria and crosses Switzerland, can be divided into the following three different regions: (1) south of the Alps, where the climate is affected mainly by the Mediterranean sea; (2) north of the Alps, where the climate is affected by the Atlantic Ocean; and (3) the inner Alps, where the climate is considered to be relatively dry. The climatic conditions of the three separate regions were reflected in the measurements made in the monitored timber structures. Differences between the regions were quantified. The moisture content and relative humidity, similarly to temperature, depended on altitude (above sea level).
Structural Bases for the Synergistic Inhibition of Human Thymidylate Synthase and Ovarian Cancer Cell Growth by Drug Combinations
Authors: Pozzi Cecilia , Santucci Matteo , Marverti Gaetano , D’Arca Domenico , Tagliazucchi Lorenzo , Ferrari Stefania , Gozzi Gaia , Losi Lorena , Tassone Giusy , Mangani Stefano , Ponterini Glauco , Costi Maria Paola
Published: April 2021

Combining drugs represent an approach to efficiently prevent and overcome drug resistance and to reduce toxicity; yet it is a highly challenging task, particularly if combinations of inhibitors of the same enzyme target are considered. To show that crystallographic and inhibition kinetic information can provide indicators of cancer cell growth inhibition by combinations of two anti-human thymidylate synthase (hTS) drugs, we obtained the X-ray crystal structure of the hTS:raltitrexed:5-fluorodeoxyuridine monophosphate (FdUMP) complex. Its analysis showed a ternary complex with both molecules strongly bound inside the enzyme catalytic cavity. The synergistic inhibition of hTS and its mechanistic rationale were consistent with the structural analysis. When administered in combination to A2780 and A2780/CP ovarian cancer cells, the two drugs inhibited ovarian cancer cell growth additively/synergistically. Together, these results support the idea that X-ray crystallography can provide structural indicators for designing combinations of hTS (or any other target)-directed drugs to accelerate preclinical research for therapeutic application.
KLF5 Is Activated by Gene Amplification in Gastric Cancer and Is Essential for Gastric Cell Proliferation
Authors: Chen Wei , Zhang Jian , Fu Huafeng , Hou Xun , Su Qiao , He Yulong , Yang Dongjie
Published: April 2021

Gastric cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. In this study, we tried to clarify the function of KLF5 in gastric cancer. Copy number variation (CNV) and the expression of KLF5 were interrogated in public datasets. The clinical significance of KLF5 amplification and gene expression in gastric cancer were evaluated. The function of KLF5 in cell proliferation was studied in gastric cancer cell lines and organoids. We found that KLF5 amplification mainly occurred in the chromosome instable tumors (CIN) and was significantly associated with TP53 mutation. In addition, higher KLF5 expression correlated with more locally invasive gastric cancer and higher T stage. Next, a KLF5 gene expression signature was curated. The genes in the signature were involved in cell development, cell cycle regulation, cell death, suggesting potential roles played by KLF5. Functional studies using siRNAs revealed that KLF5 was essential for the proliferation of gastric cancer cells. Finally, using gastric organoid models, we revealed that the proliferation of organoids was significantly inhibited after the down regulation of KLF5. Our study revealed that KLF5 was amplified and over-expressed in gastric cancer, and it may play an oncogene-like role in gastric cancer by supporting cell proliferation.
Prenatal Skeletal Muscle Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Novel MicroRNA-mRNA Networks Associated with Intrauterine Growth Restriction in Pigs
Authors: Ali Asghar , Murani Eduard , Hadlich Frieder , Liu Xuan , Wimmers Klaus , Ponsuksili Siriluck
Published: April 2021

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) occurs in 15–20% of pig neonates and poses huge economic losses to the pig industry. IUGR piglets have reduced skeletal muscle growth, which may persist after birth. Prenatal muscle growth is regulated by complex molecular pathways that are not well understood. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as the main regulators of vital pathways and biological processes in the body. This study was designed to identify miRNA–mRNA networks regulating prenatal skeletal muscle development in pigs. We performed an integrative miRNA–mRNA transcriptomic analysis in longissimus dorsi muscle from IUGR fetuses and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) fetuses at 63 days post conception. Our data showed that 47 miRNAs and 3257 mRNAs were significantly upregulated, and six miRNAs and 477 mRNAs were significantly downregulated in IUGR compared to AGA fetuses. Moreover, 47 upregulated miRNAs were negatively correlated and can potentially target 326 downregulated genes, whereas six downregulated miRNAs were negatively correlated and can potentially target 1291 upregulated genes. These miRNA–mRNA networks showed enrichment in biological processes and pathways critical for fetal growth, development, and metabolism. The miRNA–mRNA networks identified in this study can potentially serve as indicators of prenatal fetal growth and development as well as postnatal carcass quality.
Traumatic Brain Injury: Ultrastructural Features in Neuronal Ferroptosis, Glial Cell Activation and Polarization, and Blood–Brain Barrier Breakdown
Authors: Qin Delong , Wang Junmin , Le Anh , Wang Tom J. , Chen Xuemei , Wang Jian
Published: April 2021

The secondary injury process after traumatic brain injury (TBI) results in motor dysfunction, cognitive and emotional impairment, and poor outcomes. These injury cascades include excitotoxic injury, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, ion imbalance, inflammation, and increased vascular permeability. Electron microscopy is an irreplaceable tool to understand the complex pathogenesis of TBI as the secondary injury is usually accompanied by a series of pathologic changes at the ultra-micro level of the brain cells. These changes include the ultrastructural changes in different parts of the neurons (cell body, axon, and synapses), glial cells, and blood–brain barrier, etc. In view of the current difficulties in the treatment of TBI, identifying the changes in subcellular structures can help us better understand the complex pathologic cascade reactions after TBI and improve clinical diagnosis and treatment. The purpose of this review is to summarize and discuss the ultrastructural changes related to neurons (e.g., condensed mitochondrial membrane in ferroptosis), glial cells, and blood–brain barrier in the existing reports of TBI, to deepen the in-depth study of TBI pathomechanism, hoping to provide a future research direction of pathogenesis and treatment, with the ultimate aim of improving the prognosis of patients with TBI.
Oxidative Free Radicals and Other Species: Selective Messengers with a Reactive Capacity for Unselective Tissue Damage
Authors: Vadgama Pankaj
Published: April 2021

Oxygen and nitrogen free radicals (RONS) form an exceptionally reactive molecular assembly within eukaryote cells. This perspective article gives a combined overview of different facets of research covering molecular reactivity, resultant tissue damage and final tissue outcomes as they relate to major disease. There is an emphasis on cardiovascular disease, as the damage processes are best liked to the pathology. The overriding importance of inflammation in driving damage across all tissues is highlighted. Brief coverage is also provided of measurement approaches, respectively for antioxidant status, using potentiometry, and voltammetry for selected target species. Whilst damage due to RONS is a common focus, the fundamental importance of RONS to biological signalling is also covered here as an indispensable basis for life. The article thus provides a global overview of this topic for anyone wishing to understand the current status across multiple fronts.
Antioxidant, Antigenotoxic, and Hepatic Ameliorative Effects of Quercetin/Zinc Complex on Cadmium-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Alterations in Hepatic Tissue Structure
Authors: Refat Moamen S. , Hamza Reham Z. , A. Adam Abdel Majid , Saad Hosam A. , Gobouri Adil A. , Azab Ehab , Al-Salmi Fawziah A. , Altalhi Tariq A. , Khojah Ebtihal , Gaber Ahmed , El-Megharbel Samy M.
Published: April 2021

Applications of medicinal uses of metals and their complexes have been gaining major clinical significance, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ligation behavior of quercetin (Q), a flavonoid, and Zn metal, i.e., the Zn/Q complex, was fully characterized based on molar conductance, infrared (IR) spectra, elemental analysis, electronic spectra, thermogravimetric analysis, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in our lab. Hepatotoxicity was induced by cadmium (CdCl2). A total of 40 male albino rats were randomly distributed into the following four groups: Control, hepatotoxic group (CdCl2), Zn/Q-treated group, and group treated with a combination of CdCl2 and Zn/Q. Serum hepatic enzymes (AST, ALT, and LDH), total protein, and enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant levels were determined. Histology and TEM for hepatic tissues, in addition to the gene expression of SOD as an antioxidant enzyme in the hepatic tissues, were evaluated. The Q/Zn treatment demonstrated potent protective effects against CdCl2-induced sever oxidative stress and suppressed hepatic toxicity, genotoxicity, liver enzyme disturbances, and structural alterations. In conclusion, the Zn/Q complex produced a high potent antioxidant effect against the oxidative injury and genotoxicity induced by CdCl2 and could be considered to be a potent ameliorative hepatoprotective agent against CdCl2 hepatotoxicity, which could be beneficial during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Preparation and Mechanical Properties of Layered Cu/Gr Composite Film
Authors: Li Qifeng , Qin Zhenbo , Chen Jingyun , Xia Da-Hai , Deng Yida , Zhang Yiwen , Wu Zhong , Hu Wenbin
Published: April 2021

Graphene (Gr) has proved its significant role as a reinforcement material in improving the strength of metal matrix composites due to its excellent mechanical properties. In this paper, Gr/Cu composite film with a layered structure was prepared by layering electrodeposition. The directional distribution of Gr in the Cu film was insured by this method, which gives play to its ultra-high-strength in a two-dimensional plane. In the meantime, the effect of electrodeposition time on the distribution structure of the Gr layer was studied. The structure analysis and mechanical properties test show that the strength of the layered Gr/Cu composite film is greatly improved compared to the pure Cu film. Furthermore, the strength of the composite film increases at the beginning and then decreases with the electrodeposition time of the Gr layer increasing, while the coverage and the degree for the layer stacking of Gr gradually increase in this process. In conclusion, the influence of different Gr distributions on the mechanical properties of the composite film has been studied by combining the experimental results with molecular dynamics simulation, which lays an effective foundation for further optimizing the structure of Gr in the layered composite film and improving the mechanical properties.
Serum Osteoprotegerin and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Are Related to High Arterial Stiffness in Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction
Authors: Fehérvári Lajos , Frigy Attila , Kocsis Lóránd , Szabó István Adorján , Szabo Timea Magdolna , Urkon Melinda , Jakó Zita , Nagy Előd Ernő
Published: April 2021

Arterial stiffness (AS) is a complex vascular phenomenon with consequences for central hemodynamics and left-ventricular performance. Circulating biomarkers have been associated with AS; however, their value in heart failure is poorly characterized. Our aim was to evaluate the clinical and biomarker correlates of AS in the setting of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). In 78 hospitalized, hemodynamically stable patients (20 women, 58 men, mean age 65.8 ± 1.41 years) with HFrEF, AS was measured using aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV). Serum OPG, RANKL, sclerostin, and DKK-1 were determined, and the relationships between the clinical variables, vascular-calcification-related biomarkers, and PWV were evaluated by correlation analysis and linear and logistic regression models. OPG and the OPG/RANKL ratio were significantly higher in the group of patients (n = 37, 47.4%) with increased PWV (>10 m/s). PWV was positively correlated with age, left-ventricular ejection fraction, and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), and negatively correlated with the glomerular filtration rate. OPG and cIMT were significantly associated with PWV in the logistic regression models when adjusted for hypertension, EF, and the presence of atherosclerotic manifestations. Elevated serum OPG, together with cIMT, were significantly related to increased AS in the setting of HFrEF.
Diagnostic Utility of SOX4 Expression in Adult T-Cell Leukemia/Lymphoma
Authors: Nasu Atsuko , Gion Yuka , Nishimura Yoshito , Nishikori Asami , Sakamoto Misa , Egusa Yuria , Fujita Azusa , Yoshino Tadashi , Sato Yasuharu
Published: April 2021

Differentiation between adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) and peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS), is often challenging based on pathological findings alone. Although serum anti-HTLV-1 antibody positivity is required for ATLL diagnosis, this information is often not available at the time of pathological diagnosis. Therefore, we examined whether the expression of SOX4 and p16 would be helpful for differentiating the two disease entities. We immunohistochemically examined SOX4 and p16 expression (which have been implicated in ATLL carcinogenesis) in 11 ATLL patients and 20 PTCL-NOS patients and classified them into four stages according to the percentage of positive cells. Among the ATLL cases, 8/11 (73%) were SOX4-positive, while only 2/20 (10%) PTCL-NOS cases expressed SOX4. The mean total score was 4.2 (standard deviation (SD): 0.61) in the ATLL group and 0.50 (SD: 0.46) in the PTCL-NOS group (p < 0.001). Positive expression of p16 was noted in 4/11 (36%) patients with ATLL and 3/20 (15%) patients with PTCL-NOS, with mean total scores of 1.9 (SD: 0.64) and 0.70 (SD: 0.48) in the ATLL and PTCL-NOS groups, respectively (p = 0.141). These results suggest that SOX4 may be strongly expressed in ATLL compared to PTCL-NOS cases. Therefore, it may be helpful to perform immunohistochemical staining of SOX4 when pathologists face challenges discriminating between ATLL and PTCL-NOS.
Four-Dimensional Flow MRI of Abdominal Veins: A Systematic Review
Authors: Haarbye Simon O. , Nielsen Michael B. , Hansen Adam E. , Lauridsen Carsten A.
Published: April 2021

The aim of this systematic review is to provide an overview of the use of Four-Dimensional Magnetic Resonance Imaging of vector blood flow (4D Flow MRI) in the abdominal veins. This study was composed according to the PRISMA guidelines 2009. The literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Web of Science. Quality assessment of the included studies was performed using the QUADAS-2 tool. The initial search yielded 781 studies and 21 studies were included. All studies successfully applied 4D Flow MRI in abdominal veins. Four-Dimensional Flow MRI was capable of discerning between healthy subjects and patients with cirrhosis and/or portal hypertension. The visual quality and inter-observer agreement of 4D Flow MRI were rated as excellent and good to excellent, respectively, and the studies utilized several different MRI data sampling strategies. By applying spiral sampling with compressed sensing to 4D Flow MRI, the blood flow of several abdominal veins could be imaged simultaneously in 18–25 s, without a significant loss of visual quality. Four-Dimensional Flow MRI might be a useful alternative to Doppler sonography for the diagnosis of cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Further clinical studies need to establish consensus regarding MRI sampling strategies in patients and healthy subjects.
Application of Parameter Optimized Variational Mode Decomposition Method in Fault Feature Extraction of Rolling Bearing
Authors: Liang Tao , Lu Hao , Sun Hexu
Published: April 2021

The decomposition effect of variational mode decomposition (VMD) mainly depends on the choice of decomposition number K and penalty factor α. For the selection of two parameters, the empirical method and single objective optimization method are usually used, but the aforementioned methods often have limitations and cannot achieve the optimal effects. Therefore, a multi-objective multi-island genetic algorithm (MIGA) is proposed to optimize the parameters of VMD and apply it to feature extraction of bearing fault. First, the envelope entropy (Ee) can reflect the sparsity of the signal, and Renyi entropy (Re) can reflect the energy aggregation degree of the time-frequency distribution of the signal. Therefore, Ee and Re are selected as fitness functions, and the optimal solution of VMD parameters is obtained by the MIGA algorithm. Second, the improved VMD algorithm is used to decompose the bearing fault signal, and then two intrinsic mode functions (IMF) with the most fault information are selected by improved kurtosis and Holder coefficient for reconstruction. Finally, the envelope spectrum of the reconstructed signal is analyzed. The analysis of comparative experiments shows that the feature extraction method can extract bearing fault features more accurately, and the fault diagnosis model based on this method has higher accuracy.
Thermodynamics of Heat Pump and Refrigeration Cycles
Authors: Poredoš Alojz
Published: April 2021

Energy consumption for heating and cooling in buildings and industry accounts for almost half of total energy consumption in all sectors [...]
Learning Mathematics in an Inclusive and Open Environment: An Interdisciplinary Approach
Authors: Demo Heidrun , Garzetti Marzia , Santi George , Tarini Giulia
Published: April 2021

In this article, we present the first results of the project OPEN-MATH. The research project aims at acknowledging the need for learning environments with differentiation strategies for all. We developed a model for inclusive mathematics learning, based on the Theory of Objectification and a broad idea of differentiation realized through Open Learning. It poses an interdisciplinary research issue that requires the collaboration of two sub-disciplines pertaining to the area of educational studies: Inclusive Education and Mathematics Education. The results we present here are related to the dialogue between theory and practice, whose outcome is a teaching and learning model for inclusion in mathematics. The construction of the teaching and learning model moves along two complementary paths: (1) concerning the theoretical point of view, we implemented connecting theory strategies to network Open Education and the Theory of Objectification; (2) concerning the methodological point of view, we implemented Educational Design Research. The new teaching–learning model is the result of theoretical and methodological validation in real contexts according to an interdisciplinary approach. This study shows the strengths of interdisciplinary research for the pursuit of inclusive mathematics and high standards of learning.
The Development of the Teacher Attitudes to Discrimination in Language Education Scale: A Measurement Tool of Critical Consciousness for Language Teachers
Authors: Leal Priscila
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this study is to develop a measurement instrument to be used as an assessment tool of teachers’ development of conscientização (i.e., critical consciousness), defined as an individual’s ability “to perceive social, political, and economic contradictions and to take action against the oppressive elements of reality”. After examining the different stages and components of conscientização, the author describes the process of generating initial items, determining the instrument’s format and content validity, and revising the instrument. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted with a diverse sample of Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), resulting in four internally consistent factors: (a) teacher beliefs about schooling and emotions towards inequality, (b) teacher as activists, (c) teacher awareness of local educational context, and (d) content selection and teaching strategies in the classroom. Psychometric properties of the scale are included.
Human Perceptuality-Aware Tone-Mapping-Based Dynamic Voltage Scaling for an AMOLED Display Smartphone
Authors: Suh Simon , Hong Seok Min , Kim Young-Jin , Park Jong Sung
Published: April 2021

In recent years, people have wanted to watch high dynamic range imagery which can give high human visual satisfaction on smartphones and demand longer smartphone battery time. However, compression of dynamic range using tone-mapping operators is required in smartphones because most smartphone displays currently have a low dynamic range, and this causes loss of local contrast and details to compress dynamic range. Thus, in this paper we propose a novel dynamic voltage scaling scheme tightly coupled with a modified tone-mapping operator to achieve high power saving as well as good human perceptuality on an AMOLED display smartphone. In order to perform a human perceptuality-aware voltage control, we control display panel voltage to save power consumption and use a well-adjusted global tone-mapping operator to convert image brightness and unsharp masking to enhance local contrast and details and control. We implement the proposed scheme on the AMOLED display Android smartphone and experiment with various high dynamic range image databases. Experimental results show that not only tone-mapped images but also general images are improved in terms of human visual satisfaction and power saving, compared to conventional techniques.
A Framework for Service Semantic Description Based on Knowledge Graph
Authors: Sun Qitong , Han Jun , Ma Dianfu
Published: April 2021

To construct a large-scale service knowledge graph is necessary. We propose a method, namely semantic information extension, for service knowledge graphs. We insist on the information of services described by Web Services Description Language (WSDL) and we design the ontology layer of web service knowledge graph and construct the service graph, and using the WSDL document data set, the generated service knowledge graph contains 3738 service entities. In particular, our method can give a full performance to its effect in service discovery. To evaluate our approach, we conducted two sets of experiments to explore the relationship between services and classify services that develop by service descriptions. We constructed two experimental data sets, then designed and trained two different deep neural networks for the two tasks to extract the semantics of the natural language used in the service discovery task. In the prediction task of exploring the relationship between services, the prediction accuracy rate reached 95.1%, and in the service classification experiment, the accuracy rate of TOP5 reached 60.8%. Our experience shows that the service knowledge graph has additional advantages over traditional file storage when managing additional semantic information is effective and the new service representation method is helpful for service discovery and composition tasks.
Design and Energy Analysis of a Solar Desiccant Evaporative Cooling System with Built-In Daily Energy Storage
Authors: Riaz Fahid , Qyyum Muhammad Abdul , Bokhari Awais , Klemeš Jiří Jaromír , Usman Muhammad , Asim Muhammad , Awan Muhammad Rizwan , Imran Muhammad , Lee Moonyong
Published: April 2021

Heat storage with thermochemical (TC) materials is a promising technology for solar energy storage. In this paper, a solar-driven desiccant evaporative cooling (DEC) system for air-conditioning is proposed, which converts solar heat energy into cooling with built-in daily storage. The system utilises thermochemical heat storage along with the DEC technology in a unique way. Magnesium Chloride (MgCl2·6H2O) has been used, which serves as both a desiccant and a thermochemical heat storage medium. The system has been designed for the subtropical climate of Lahore, Pakistan, for a bedroom with 8 h of cooling requirements during the night. MATLAB has been employed for modelling the system. The simulation results show that 57 kg of magnesium chloride is sufficient to meet 98.8% of cooling demand for the entire month of July at an elevated cooling requirement. It was found that the cooling output of the system increased with increasing heat exchanger effectiveness. The heat exchangers’ effectiveness was increased from 0.7 to 0.8, with the solar fraction increased from 70.4% to 82.44%. The cooled air supplied to the building meets the fresh air requirements for proper ventilation.
Critical Issues and Opportunities for Producing Biomethane in Italy
Authors: Murano Roberto , Maisano Natascia , Selvaggi Roberta , Pappalardo Gioacchino , Pecorino Biagio
Published: April 2021

Nowadays, most Italian biogas produces electricity even though recent political incentives are promoting biomethane from biogas by “upgrading” it. The aim of this paper is to focus on the regulatory framework for producing biomethane from new or already-existent anaerobic digestion plants. The complexity and lack of knowledge of the regulations on biofuel production and of anaerobic digested biomethane from waste and by-products create difficulties of both interpretation and application. Consequently, the aim of this paper is to analyze the regulations for producing biomethane, underline the critical issues and opportunities, and evaluate whether an electrical plant built in the last 10 years in Italy can really be converted to a biomethane plant, thereby lengthening its lifespan. Three case studies were considered to look more closely into applying Italian biomethane incentives and to simulate the types of incentivization in agriculture with examples based on certain fuel types typical of a standard biomethane plant of 500 standard cubic meter per hour. All the considered cases put in evidence that biomethane is a further opportunity for development with a high level of efficiency for all biogas producers, especially for many biogas plants whose incentivization period is about to finish.
Two-Phase Liquid–Liquid Flow in the Aspect of Reduction of Pumping Power of Hydrophobic Substances with High Viscosity
Authors: Hapanowicz Jerzy
Published: April 2021

The paper reports the results of a study into a method of estimating the level of power/energy reduction needed for pumping highly viscous hydrophobic liquids. The effect of reducing the flow resistance resulting from feeding an adequate volume of water into the flow tube is considered. The polar parameters of water selected for analysis are different than oil. Experimental studies were not carried out in this regard, since the commonly accessible equation expressing the resistance of two-phase liquid–liquid flow was utilized to develop the method discussed in this study. On its basis, simulations were carried out to determine the conditions and level of reduction of the two-phase flow resistance in comparison to the single-phase flow resistance of a highly viscous oily liquid. The analysis of the results provided means for determination of such ranges of variations in the flow parameters of the two-phase liquid–liquid system, in which the total power of pumps applied to pump both liquids is smaller than the power of one pump feeding oil into the pipeline in the conditions of single-phase flow. Calculations were performed for selected constant mass flux densities of oil with various viscosities as well as for water. The proposed method can be applied in the procedure of optimization calculations for pipeline installations and their feed systems. The given example of its use was preceded by a description of the reasons and effects associated with the reduction of flow resistance in liquid–liquid systems and a detailed presentation of how to use the equation that forms the essence of the described calculation method. Attention was also paid to other phenomena accompanying two-phase liquid–liquid flows, i.e., interfacial slip, phase inversion, specific flow structures, and the viscosity of the unstable mixture of two liquids flowing in the pipe.
Enhanced Electrochemical Performances of Hollow-Structured N-Doped Carbon Derived from a Zeolitic Imidazole Framework (ZIF-8) Coated by Polydopamine as an Anode for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Lee Da-Won , Maulana Achmad Yanuar , Lee Chaeeun , Song Jungwook , Futalan Cybelle M. , Kim Jongsik
Published: April 2021

Doping heteroatoms such as nitrogen (N) and boron (B) into the framework of carbon materials is one of the most efficient methods to improve the electrical performance of carbon-based electrodes. In this study, N-doped carbon has been facilely synthesized using a ZIF-8/polydopamine precursor. The polyhedral structure of ZIF-8 and the effective surface-coating capability of dopamine enabled the formation of N-doped carbon with a hollow structure. The ZIF-8 polyhedron served as a sacrificial template for hollow structures, and dopamine participated as a donor of the nitrogen element. When compared to ZIF-8-derived carbon, the HSNC electrode showed an improved reversible capacity of approximately 1398 mAh·g−1 after 100 cycles, with excellent cycling retention at a voltage range of 0.01 to 3.0 V using a current density of 0.1 A·g−1.
Inside Forest Diplomacy: A Case Study of the Congo Basin under Global Environmental Governance
Authors: Nago Minette , Ongolo Symphorien
Published: April 2021

The growing global interest in biodiversity conservation and the role of forestland sustainability in climate change mitigation has led to the emergence of a new specific field of global environmental governance that we called ‘forest diplomacy’. With the largest tropical forest area after the Amazon, Congo Basin countries (CBc) constitute a major negotiation bloc within global forest-related governance arenas. Despite this position, CBc seem embedded in a failure trap with respect to their participation in forest diplomacy arenas. This paper examines the major causes of the recurrent failures of CBc within forest diplomacy. A qualitative empirical approach (including key informant interviews, groups discussion, participant observation, and policy document review) was used. From a conceptual and theoretical perspective, this research combines global and political sociology approaches including environmentality and blame avoidance works. The main finding reveals that the recurrent failures of CBc in forest diplomacy are partly due to the lack of strategic and bureaucratic autonomy of CBc that strongly depend on financial, technical, and knowledge resources from Western cooperation agencies or consultancy firms. Our discussion highlights that this dependency is maintained by most of the key actor groups involved in forest diplomacy related to CBc, as they exploit these failures to serve their private interests while avoiding the blame of not reducing deforestation and biodiversity loss in the Congo Basin.
What Is the Supply and Demand for Coloured Wood Products? An Empirical Study in Slovakian Practice
Authors: Sedliačiková Mariana , Moresová Mária , Aláč Patrik , Malá Denisa
Published: April 2021

The paper deals with the issue of the colour tones of wood and furniture products. The main aim is to identify the supply of the colour tones of wood and furniture products and to map the interest in these wood colour tones at potential customers in Slovakia. By means of two independent surveys of supply and demand for colour tones of wood and furniture products, various shortcomings have been identified. It is necessary to increase the supply of wood and furniture products with the natural colour of the wood and at the same time in colour tones of grey, white and brown. The current demand for thermowood and modified alder wood is significantly higher than the supply of such products in the Slovak market. The results of the study represent an opportunity for Slovak woodworking and furniture enterprises to adjust their range of products according to the needs of potential customers, which will bring them higher turnover and help to overcome the current problems associated with the “COVID crisis”.
Proteolytic Traits of Psychrotrophic Bacteria Potentially Causative of Sterilized Milk Instability: Genotypic, Phenotypic and Peptidomic Insight
Authors: Morandi Stefano , Pica Valentina , Masotti Fabio , Cattaneo Stefano , Brasca Milena , De Noni Ivano , Silvetti Tiziana
Published: April 2021

The proteolytic traits of the psychrotrophic strains Pseudomonas poae LP5, Pseudomonas fluorescens LPF3, Chryseobacterium joostei LPR1, Pseudomonas fulva PS1, Citrobacter freundii PS37, Hafnia alvei PS46, and Serratia marcescens PS92 were initially investigated by phenotypic and genotypic approaches. Six strains elicited extracellular proteolytic activity, and five expressed the thermostable AprX or (likely) Ser1 enzymes. Then, the strains were inoculated (104 CFU/mL) in microfiltered pasteurized milk and kept at 4 °C for five days. All of the strains reached 108 CFU/mL at the end of storage and five produced thermostable extracellular proteolytic enzymes. The freshly inoculated samples and the corresponding samples at 108 CFU/mL were batch-sterilized (131 °C, 30 s) and kept at 45 °C up to 100 days. The former samples did not gel until the end of incubation, whereas the latter, containing P. poae, P. fluorescens, C. joostei, C. freundii, and S. marcescens, gelled within a few days of incubation. The thermostable proteolytic activity of strains affected the peptidomic profile, and specific proteolyzed zones of β-CN were recognized in the gelled samples. Overall, the results confirm some proteolytic traits of psychrotrophic Pseudomonas spp. strains and provide additional insights on the proteolytic activity of psychrotrophic bacteria potentially responsible for sterilized milk destabilization.