bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Small Heat Shock Protein, HSPB1, Interacts with and Modulates the Physical Structure of Membranes
Authors: Csoboz Balint , Gombos Imre , Kóta Zoltán , Dukic Barbara , Klement Éva , Varga-Zsíros Vanda , Lipinszki Zoltán , Páli Tibor , Vígh László , Török Zsolt
Published: July 2022

Small heat shock proteins (sHSPs) have been demonstrated to interact with lipids and modulate the physical state of membranes across species. Through these interactions, sHSPs contribute to the maintenance of membrane integrity. HSPB1 is a major sHSP in mammals, but its lipid interaction profile has so far been unexplored. In this study, we characterized the interaction between HSPB1 and phospholipids. HSPB1 not only associated with membranes via membrane-forming lipids, but also showed a strong affinity towards highly fluid membranes. It participated in the modulation of the physical properties of the interacting membranes by altering rotational and lateral lipid mobility. In addition, the in vivo expression of HSPB1 greatly affected the phase behavior of the plasma membrane under membrane fluidizing stress conditions. In light of our current findings, we propose a new function for HSPB1 as a membrane chaperone.
VARS2 Depletion Leads to Activation of the Integrated Stress Response and Disruptions in Mitochondrial Fatty Acid Oxidation
Authors: Kayvanpour Elham , Wisdom Michael , Lackner Maximilian K. , Sedaghat-Hamedani Farbod , Boeckel Jes-Niels , Müller Marion , Eghbalian Rose , Dudek Jan , Doroudgar Shirin , Maack Christoph , Frey Norbert , Meder Benjamin
Published: July 2022

Mutations in mitochondrial aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (mtARSs) have been reported in patients with mitochondriopathies: most commonly encephalopathy, but also cardiomyopathy. Through a GWAS, we showed possible associations between mitochondrial valyl-tRNA synthetase (VARS2) dysregulations and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy. We aimed to investigate the possible consequences of VARS2 depletion in zebrafish and cultured HEK293A cells. Transient VARS2 loss-of-function was induced in zebrafish embryos using Morpholinos. The enzymatic activity of VARS2 was measured in VARS2-depleted cells via northern blot. Heterozygous VARS2 knockout was established in HEK293A cells using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. BN-PAGE and SDS-PAGE were used to investigate electron transport chain (ETC) complexes, and the oxygen consumption rate and extracellular acidification rate were measured using a Seahorse XFe96 Analyzer. The activation of the integrated stress response (ISR) and possible disruptions in mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation (FAO) were explored using RT-qPCR and western blot. Zebrafish embryos with transient VARS2 loss-of-function showed features of heart failure as well as indications of CNS and skeletal muscle involvements. The enzymatic activity of VARS2 was significantly reduced in VARS2-depleted cells. Heterozygous VARS2-knockout cells showed a rearrangement of ETC complexes in favor of complexes III2, III2 + IV, and supercomplexes without significant respiratory chain deficiencies. These cells also showed the enhanced activation of the ISR, as indicated by increased eIF-2α phosphorylation and a significant increase in the transcript levels of ATF4, ATF5, and DDIT3 (CHOP), as well as disruptions in FAO. The activation of the ISR and disruptions in mitochondrial FAO may underlie the adaptive changes in VARS2-depleted cells.
Enhancing Animal Disease Resistance, Production Efficiency, and Welfare through Precise Genome Editing
Authors: Liu Zhiguo , Wu Tianwen , Xiang Guangming , Wang Hui , Wang Bingyuan , Feng Zheng , Mu Yulian , Li Kui
Published: July 2022

The major goal of animal breeding is the genetic enhancement of economic traits. The CRISPR/Cas system, which includes nuclease-mediated and base editor mediated genome editing tools, provides an unprecedented approach to modify the mammalian genome. Thus, farm animal genetic engineering and genetic manipulation have been fundamentally revolutionized. Agricultural animals with traits of interest can be obtained in just one generation (and without long time selection). Here, we reviewed the advancements of the CRISPR (Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)/Cas (CRISPR associated proteins) genome editing tools and their applications in animal breeding, especially in improving disease resistance, production performance, and animal welfare. Additionally, we covered the regulations on genome-edited animals (GEAs) and ways to accelerate their use. Recommendations for how to produce GEAs were also discussed. Despite the current challenges, we believe that genome editing breeding and GEAs will be available in the near future.
Topology Rule-Based Methodology for Flow Separation Analysis in Turbomachinery
Authors: Duquesne Pierre , Chanéac Joffrey , Mondin Gabriel , Dombard Jérôme
Published: July 2022

Boundary-layer flow separation is a common flow feature in many engineering applications. The consequences of flow separation in turbomachinery can be disastrous in terms of performance, stability and noise. In this context, flow separation is particularly difficult to understand because of its three-dimensional and confined aspects. Analyzing the skin friction lines is one key point to understanding and controlling this phenomenon. In the case of separation, the flow at the wall agglutinates around a manifold while the fluid from the boundary layer is ejected toward the flow away from the wall. The analysis of a three-dimensional separation zone based on topology is well addressed for a simple geometry. This paper aims at providing simple rules and methods, with a clear vocabulary based on mathematical background, to conduct a similar analysis with complex turbomachinery geometry (to understand a surface with a high genus). Such an analysis relies on physical principles that help in understanding the mechanisms of flow separation on complex geometries. This paper includes numerous typical turbomachinery surfaces: the stator row, vaneless diffuser, vaned diffuser, axial rotor and shrouded and unshrouded centrifugal impeller. Thanks to surface homeomorphisms, the generic examples presented can easily be converted into realistic shapes. Furthermore, classical turbomachinery problems are also addressed, such as periodicity or rotor clearance. In the last section, the proposed methodology is conducted on a radial diffuser of an industrial compressor. The flow at the wall is extracted from LES computations. This study presents the different closed separation zones in a high-efficiency operating condition.
Purification and Characterization of High Purity Nano Zirconia by Liquid-Liquid Extraction Using D2EHPA/p-Xylenes
Authors: Chu Manh Nhuong , Truong Mai Xuan , Nguyen Thi Hien Lan , Do Tra Huong , Duong Thi Tu Anh , Tran Thi Kim Ngan , Ngo Thi Cam Quyen , Nguyen Thi To Loan , Vu Thi Hau , Pham Mai An
Published: July 2022

In this paper, Zr(IV) nitrate solution decomposed from Viet Nam zircon concentrate was the source of zirconium extraction by liquid-liquid extraction (L.L.E). The FT-IR and UV-Vis spectra confirmed the extraction of Zr(IV) by D2EHPA/p-xylenes. There were four stages for the purification of impurities from the Zr matrix. First, the extraction of elements in 3.0 M HNO3 by 50% D2EHPA/p-xylenes was conducted. Second, two scrubbing cycles of impurities using 6.0 M HNO3, 76.5% of the total amount of Zr(IV) were retained in the organic phase, and 23.5% remained in the aqueous phase. Third, the stripping of a macro amount of zirconium from loaded D2EHPA has been effectively carried out using 1.5 M H2SO4 with a stripping efficiency of 99.6%. Fourth, concentrated ammonia was added to the solution Zr(IV) after stripping extraction to form precipitate for calcination at 550 °C for the final products. The refined products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), EDS, XRF, and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The ZrO2 has high purity, is nanospherical, and has a uniform sphere-like morphology with small grain size of less than 30 nm and a bandgap value of about 3.30 eV.
Comparative Mitogenome Analyses of Subgenera and Species Groups in Epeorus (Ephemeroptera: Heptageniidae)
Authors: Ma Zhenxing , Li Ran , Zhu Binqing , Zheng Xuhongyi , Zhou Changfa
Published: July 2022

Epeorus Eaton, 1881 is a diverse mayfly genus in Heptageniidae comprising more than 100 species which are further divided into nine subgenera and several species groups. However, the classification and the phylogenetic relationships among them are still uncertain. Here, 15 complete mitochondrial genomes of Epeorus were sequenced and compared together with six available ones of same genus in the NCBI database. Based on morphological classification, the 21 mitogenomes were classified into six subgenera (Proepeorus, Epeorus s.str., Belovius, Iron, Caucasiron and Siniron) and four species groups (G1, G2, montanus and longimanus). Among all analyzed mitogenomes, the gene rearrangement of trnI-trnM-trnQ-NCR-ND2 was first found occurring in three species of group G1, whereas the gene block trnI-trnM-trnQ-trnM-ND2 was observed in all other mitogenomes of Epeorus. Furthermore, the genetic composition and codon usage of species in group G1 were also significantly different from all other Epeorus species, except group longimanus. The intergenic spacer between trnA and trnR, which has the stem-loop secondary structure, occurred in all 21 mitogenomes, and the sequences of stems and loops were conserved within species groups. Furthermore, the phylogenetic analyses strongly support the monophyly of all species groups, although three of six recognized subgenera Proepeorus, Belovius, and Iron, were shown as the non-monophyletic groups.
Ultrastructure of Antennal Sensory Organs in Nine Flesh Flies (Diptera: Sarcophagidae): New Insight into the Definition of Family Sarcophagidae
Authors: Xu Wentian , Liu Genting , Wang Qike , Yan Liping , Liu Xianhui , Li Xinyu , Pape Thomas , Zhang Dong
Published: July 2022

The antennae are the main olfactory organ of flies, playing key roles in their survival and the success of all life stages. Antennal ultrastructural morphology has been well described in the representative species of most calyptrate families, yet only a few studies have focused on Sarcophagidae species, those with ecological and medical relevance. Antennal morphology and the types, shapes, distribution, and density of the antennal sensilla of nine Sarcophagidae species are studied in detail with scanning electron microscopy, including Miltogramminae: Metopia campestris (Fallén) and Mesomelena mesomelaena (Loew), Paramacronychiinae: Agria mihalyii (Rohdendorf & Verves), Wohlfahrtia bella (Macquart), and W. magnifica (Schiner); Sarcophaginae: Sarcophaga (Parasarcophaga) albiceps Meigen, S. (Bercaea) africa (Wiedemann), S. (Boettcherisca) peregrina (Robineau-Desvoidy), and S. (Liosarcophaga) portschinskyi (Rohdendorf), covering all three subfamilies of this family. The morphology of the three segments of the antennae has been described. The scape has only one type of chaetic sensilla, while three subtypes of chaetic sensilla were detected on the pedicel. The postpedicel has four types of sensilla: trichoid sensilla, coeloconic sensilla, clavate sensilla, and three subtypes of basiconic sensilla. Bottle-shaped sensilla were observed in sensory pits on the postpedicel in all nine species. These sensilla have not been discovered in other calyptrate species, suggesting that they are a potential sarcophagid synapomorphy.
Extending DC Bus Signaling and Droop Control for Hybrid Storage Units to Improve the Energy Management and Voltage Regulation
Authors: Malkawi Ahmad M. A. , Al-Quraan Ayman , Lopes Luiz A. C.
Published: July 2022

DC bus-voltage signaling (DBS) and droop control are often used in DC nano and microgrids with decentralized distributed energy resources (DERs). This technique effectively enforces the appropriate contributions of power sources and energy storage systems (ESSs) in steady-state situations. The usage of super capacitors (SCs) in conjunction with batteries in a hybrid energy storage system (HESS) has recently been shown to reduce the influence of high and fast current changes on the losses and lifetime of the battery units. However, regulating the HESS as a single unit eliminates the SC’s potential contribution in improving power quality in a DC nanogrid due to its high-power capabilities. This work discusses employing a dual-droop coefficient to expand DC bus signaling and droop control by introducing a second droop constant in the range of the ESS’s droop constant. The suggested droop constant allows the SC to participate in power-sharing in the steady state. The voltage regulation will improve by decreasing the DC bus voltage variation with the load or power variation in the DC nanogrid. Furthermore, in the droop zone, the battery’s current variation is less, resulting in a smoother transition in the battery current. In addition to this, the contribution that SCs make to the slow component is variable, which is something that might be accomplished by having a changing threshold voltage in the I vs. V curve.
A Survey of Security Architectures for Edge Computing-Based IoT
Authors: Fazeldehkordi Elahe , Grønli Tor-Morten
Published: July 2022

The Internet of Things (IoT) is an innovative scheme providing massive applications that have become part of our daily lives. The number of IoT and connected devices are growing rapidly. However, transferring the corresponding huge, generated data from these IoT devices to the cloud produces challenges in terms of latency, bandwidth and network resources, data transmission costs, long transmission times leading to higher power consumption of IoT devices, service availability, as well as security and privacy issues. Edge computing (EC) is a promising strategy to overcome these challenges by bringing data processing and storage close to end users and IoT devices. In this paper, we first provide a comprehensive definition of edge computing and similar computing paradigms, including their similarities and differences. Then, we extensively discuss the major security and privacy attacks and threats in the context of EC-based IoT and provide possible countermeasures and solutions. Next, we propose a secure EC-based architecture for IoT applications. Furthermore, an application scenario of edge computing in IoT is introduced, and the advantages/disadvantages of the scenario based on edge computing and cloud computing are discussed. Finally, we discuss the most prominent security and privacy issues that can occur in EC-based IoT scenarios.
Clinical Outcomes after Endovascular Revascularisation of the Femoropopliteal Arterial Segment in Patients with Anticoagulant versus Antiplatelet Therapy: A Single-Centre Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Pelicon Kevin , Petek Klemen , Boc Anja , Boc Vinko , Kejžar Nataša , Vižintin Cuderman Tjaša , Blinc Aleš
Published: July 2022

To prevent atherothrombotic events, patients with peripheral arterial disease are typically prescribed antiplatelet therapy (APT). However, some of them receive anticoagulant therapy (ACT) due to comorbidities. Our aim was to determine possible differences in the effectiveness and safety of both treatments in patients after endovascular femoropopliteal revascularisation. We retrospectively analysed 1247 patients after successful femoropopliteal revascularisation performed in a single tertiary medical centre and classified them into the ACT or APT group, based on their prescribed treatment. The groups were characterised by descriptive statistics, and their characteristics were adjusted for confounders by propensity score matching. Effectiveness and safety outcomes were assessed within one year after revascularisation. The odds ratio for the composite outcome of all-cause death, PAD exacerbation, and major amputation due to vascular causes with ACT versus APT was 1.21 (95% CI 0.53–2.21; p = 0.484). The odds ratio for major bleeding as defined by the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis with ACT versus APT was 0.77 (95% CI 0.13–3.84; p = 0.251). We found no statistically significant difference in the effectiveness and safety of ACT, when compared to APT in patients with similar cardiovascular risk factors and other baseline characteristics. Further prospective research is warranted.
Novel Clinical Updates in Uremia
Authors: Clementi Anna , Virzì Grazia Maria
Published: July 2022

The progressive loss of kidney function is responsible for the retention of different metabolites due to a decrease in their renal clearance [...]
How Women Perceive Severity of Complications after Pelvic Floor Repair?
Authors: Pizzoferrato Anne-Cécile , Ragot Stéphanie , Vérité Louis , Naiditch Nicolas , Fritel Xavier
Published: July 2022

Background: The Clavien-Dindo classification, used to describe postoperative complications, does not take into account patient perception of severity. Our main objective was to assess women’s perception of postoperative pelvic floor repair complications and compare it to the classification of Clavien-Dindo. Methods: Women and surgeons participating in the VIGI-MESH registry concerning pelvic floor repair surgery were invited to quote their perception of complication severity through a survey based on 30 clinical vignettes. For each vignette, four grades of severity were proposed: “not serious”, “a little serious”, “serious”, “very serious”. Results: Among the 1146 registered women, we received 529 responses (46.2%) and 70 of the 141 surgeons (49.6%) returned a completed questionnaire. A total of 25 of the 30 vignettes were considered classifiable according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. The women’s classification was concordant with Clavien-Dindo for 52.0% (13/25) of the classifiable vignettes. The women’s and surgeons’ responses were discordant for 20 of the 30 clinical vignettes (66.7%). Loss of autonomy (self-catheterization, long-term medication use) or occurrence of sequelae (organ damage or severe persistent pain) were perceived by women as more serious than Clavien-Dindo classification or than surgeons’ perceptions. Conclusions: Women’s perception of pelvic floor repair surgery seems different from the Clavien-Dindo classification. Lack of repair and long-term disability seem to be two major factors in favor of perception of the surgical complication as serious.
Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment of Gynecological Malignancies: A Special Issue in Line with 2030 Agenda
Authors: Roncati Luca
Published: July 2022

Among the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) of the United Nations 2030 Agenda, “good health and well-being” is point number 3 (SDG3), and all our efforts must be calibrated in this direction worldwide [...]
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Metabolic Bone Disease in Patients with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
Authors: Ionele Claudiu Marinel , Turcu-Stiolica Adina , Subtirelu Mihaela Simona , Ungureanu Bogdan Silviu , Cioroianu George Ovidiu , Rogoveanu Ion
Published: July 2022

Data about the association between primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and metabolic bone disease are still unclear. PSC is a chronic cholestatic liver disease (CCLD) which affects the biliary tract, and it has a highly variable natural history. We systematically searched until 28 February 2022 MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, the ISI Web of Science, and SCOPUS, for studies in patients with PSC. We identified 343 references to potential studies. After screening them, we included eight studies (893 PSC patients, 398 primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) patients, and 673 healthy controls) for the present meta-analysis. Pooled analyses found no difference in BMD-LS (Z = 0.02, p-value = 0.98) between PSC patients and healthy controls. BMD-LS was statistically lower in PBC patients than in PSC patients (Mean Difference, MD, 0.06, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.09, p-value = 0.0007). The lumbar spine T-score was higher in the PSC patients compared with PBC patients (MD 0.23, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.42, p-value = 0.02). Given the limited literature available, better designed, and larger scale primary studies will be required to confirm our conclusion.
Examining Humans’ Problem-Solving Styles in Technology-Rich Environments Using Log File Data
Authors: Gao Yizhu , Zhai Xiaoming , Bulut Okan , Cui Ying , Sun Xiaojian
Published: July 2022

This study investigated how one’s problem-solving style impacts his/her problem-solving performance in technology-rich environments. Drawing upon experiential learning theory, we extracted two behavioral indicators (i.e., planning duration for problem solving and human–computer interaction frequency) to model problem-solving styles in technology-rich environments. We employed an existing data set in which 7516 participants responded to 14 technology-based tasks of the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) 2012. Clustering analyses revealed three problem-solving styles: Acting indicates a preference for active explorations; Reflecting represents a tendency to observe; and Shirking shows an inclination toward scarce tryouts and few observations. Explanatory item response modeling analyses disclosed that individuals with the Acting style outperformed those with the Reflecting or the Shirking style, and this superiority persisted across tasks with different difficulties.
Implementation of Sacrificial Support Structures for Hybrid Manufacturing of Thin Walls
Authors: Vaughan Derek , Saldana Christopher , Kurfess Thomas , Nycz Andrzej
Published: July 2022

Thin-walled features can be difficult to produce with traditional machining methods which often rely on excess stock material for stiffness. This challenge is increased in hybrid manufacturing where the feature is already near net shape before machining. Significant workpiece deflection can result in poor geometric and surface finish tolerances on the finished part. A potential solution to this problem is to implement sacrificial support structures to the as-printed geometry. The supports are then machined away during the finishing portion of the hybrid process. In the present work, several different design parameters for these sacrificial supports were evaluated to determine their impact on the quality of representative thin wall geometry samples. The angle, height, and spacing of triangular support structures were varied for each sample and then machined and examined. The addition of these supports relative to an unsupported configuration provided a deflection reduction of around 0.2 mm. Surface roughness was improved by approximately 1.5 µm. Increasing values of support height were found to correspond to reduced wall deflection. Similarly, decreasing values of support angle and support spacing improved geometric accuracy. Efficiency comparisons showed that increases in print time corresponded to rapidly diminishing gains in geometric accuracy but continued to improve surface roughness. Implications for hybrid finishing of additively manufactured thin-walled structures is briefly discussed.
FBLS-Based Fusion Method for Unmanned Surface Vessel Positioning Considering Denoising Algorithm
Authors: Wang Qifu , Liu Songtao , Zhang Bingyan , Zhang Chuang
Published: July 2022

Although a USV navigation system is an important application of unmanned systems, combining Inertial Navigation System (INS) with Global Positioning System (GPS) can provide reliable and continuous solutions of positioning and navigation based on its several advantages; the random error characteristics of INS and the instability derived from the GPS signal blockage represent a potential threat to the INS/GPS integration of USV. Under this background, a composition framework based on nonlinear generalization capability of support vector machines (SVM) and multi-resolution ability of wavelet transform is used to solve the difficulty that the INS suffers from the interference of stochastic errors, and the dynamic information of the USV is not influenced. An innovative fuzzy broad learning structure based on the broad learning (BL) method is utilized in the INS/GPS integration of USV, in which the navigation information of INS and GPS are deemed as the input of the Fuzzy Broad Learning System (FBLS) to train the network, and then the trained network of FBLS and navigation information of INS are applied for estimating the optimal navigation solution during the GPS signal blockage. Based on the USV platform, a sea trial was carried out to confirm the validity and feasibility of the proposed method by comparing with existing algorithms for INS/GPS integration. The experimental results show that the proposed approach could achieve the better denoising effect from random errors of INS and provide high-accuracy navigation solutions during GPS signal blockage.
Exploring Maritime Search and Rescue Resource Allocation via an Enhanced Particle Swarm Optimization Method
Authors: Sun Yang , Ling Jun , Chen Xinqiang , Kong Fancun , Hu Qinyou , Biancardo Salvatore Antonio
Published: July 2022

Maritime search and rescue (SAR) plays a very important role in emergency waterway traffic situations, which is supposed to trigger severe personal casualties and property loss in maritime traffic accidents. The study aims to exploit an optimal allocation strategy with limited SAR resources deployed at navigation-constrained coastal islands. The study formulates the problem of SAR resource allocation in coastal areas into a non-linear optimization model. We explore the optimal solution for the SAR resource allocation problem under constraints of different ship and aircraft base station settings with the help of an enhanced particle swarm optimization (EPSO) model. Experimental results suggest that the proposed EPSO model can reasonably allocate the maritime rescue resources with a large coverage area and low time cost. The particle swarm optimization and genetic algorithm are further implemented for the purpose of model performance comparison. The research findings can help maritime traffic regulation departments to make more reasonable decisions for establishing SAR base stations.
Illustrative Application of the nth-Order Comprehensive Adjoint Sensitivity Analysis Methodology for Nonlinear Systems to the Nordheim–Fuchs Reactor Dynamics/Safety Model
Authors: Cacuci Dan Gabriel
Published: July 2022

The application of the recently developed “nth-order comprehensive sensitivity analysis methodology for nonlinear systems” (abbreviated as “nth-CASAM-N”) has been previously illustrated on paradigm nonlinear space-dependent problems. To complement these illustrative applications, this work illustrates the application of the nth-CASAM-N to a paradigm nonlinear time-dependent model chosen from the field of reactor dynamics/safety, namely the well-known Nordheim–Fuchs model. This phenomenological model describes a short-time self-limiting power transient in a nuclear reactor system having a negative temperature coefficient in which a large amount of reactivity is suddenly inserted, either intentionally or by accident. This model is sufficiently complex to demonstrate all the important features of applying the nth-CASAM-N methodology yet admits exact closed-form solutions for the energy released in the transient, which is the most important system response. All of the expressions of the first- and second-level adjoint functions and, subsequently, the first- and second-order sensitivities of the released energy to the model’s parameters are obtained analytically in closed form. The principles underlying the application of the 3rd-CASAM-N methodology for the computation of the third-order sensitivities are demonstrated for both mixed and unmixed second-order sensitivities. For the Nordheim–Fuchs model, a single adjoint computation suffices to obtain the six 1st-order sensitivities, while two adjoint computations suffice to obtain all of the 36 second-order sensitivities (of which 21 are distinct). This illustrative example demonstrates that the number of (large-scale) adjoint computations increases at most linearly within the nth-CASAM-N methodology, as opposed to the exponential increase in the parameter-dimensional space which occurs when applying conventional statistical and/or finite difference schemes to compute higher-order sensitivities. For very large and complex models, the nth-CASAM-N is the only practical methodology for computing response sensitivities comprehensively and accurately, overcoming the curse of dimensionality in sensitivity analysis of nonlinear systems.
Establishment of CRISPR/Cas9 Genome-Editing System Based on Dual sgRNAs in Flammulina filiformis
Authors: Liu Xiaotian , Dong Jianghan , Liao Jian , Tian Li , Qiu Hao , Wu Tao , Ge Feng , Zhu Jing , Shi Liang , Jiang Ailiang , Yu Hanshou , Zhao Mingwen , Ren Ang
Published: July 2022

Flammulina filiformis, previously known as Asian Flammulina velutipes, is one of the most commercially important edible fungi, with nutritional value and medicinal properties worldwide. However, precision genome editing using CRISPR/Cas9, which is a revolutionary technology and provides a powerful tool for molecular breeding, has not been established in F. filiformis. Here, plasmids harboring expression cassettes of Basidiomycete codon-optimized Cas9 and dual sgRNAs targeting pyrG under the control of the gpd promoter and FfU6 promoter, respectively, were delivered into protoplasts of F. filiformis Dan3 strain through PEG-mediated transformation. The results showed that an efficient native U6 promoter of F. filiformis was identified, and ultimately several pyrG mutants exhibiting 5-fluorooric acid (5-FOA) resistance were obtained. Additionally, diagnostic PCR followed by Sanger sequencing revealed that fragment deletion between the two sgRNA target sites or small insertions and deletions (indels) were introduced in these pyrG mutants through the nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway, resulting in heritable changes in genomic information. Taken together, this is the first report in which a successful CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing system based on dual sgRNAs was established in F. filiformis, which broadens the application of this advanced tool in Basidiomycetes.
Stilbocrea banihashemiana sp. nov. a New Fungal Pathogen Causing Stem Cankers and Twig Dieback of Fruit Trees
Authors: Bolboli Zeinab , Tavakolian Behnaz , Mostowfizadeh-Ghalamfarsa Reza , Jafari Moslem , Cacciola Santa Olga
Published: July 2022

Stem cankers and twig dieback were the most serious disease of fig (Ficus carica) and loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) noticed in a survey of fruit tree orchards in the Fars Province, Iran. Isolates of Bionectriaceae were consistently recovered from symptomatic fig and loquat trees. Phylogenetic analyses of multiple nuclear loci, internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS) of rDNA, RNA polymerase II subunit 2 (rpb2), and translation elongation factor 1-α (tef1), combined with morphological observations, revealed that isolates could be referred to a still unknown taxon, which was formally described as Stilbocrea banihashemiana sp. nov. Phylogenetically, isolates from fig and loquat trees clustered in a well-supported monophyletic group within the Stilbocrea clade of Bionectriaceae, closely related to S. walteri. Stilbocrea banihashemiana sp. nov. was characterized by the lack of stilbella-like asexual structure in both natural substrates and pure cultures and produced two morphologically distinct types of conidia, globose and cylindrical, formed on short and long simple phialides. In pathogenicity tests, S. banihashemiana sp. nov. induced stem cankers in both fig and loquat, wood discoloration in fig and twig dieback in loquat. Pathogenicity tests also showed that the potential host range of this novel pathogen includes other economically relevant horticultural trees.
Temperature versus Relative Humidity: Which Is More Important for Indoor Mold Prevention?
Authors: Wu Haoxiang , Wong Jonathan Woon Chung
Published: July 2022

Temperature is known as one of the abiotic factors that can affect mold growth. Many mold growth prediction models consider temperature as one of the parameters that can significantly impact mold growth indoors, and hence temperature has been targeted by different indoor mold prevention strategies on different premises. For example, European guidelines for libraries suggest a temperature of 19 °C to preserve books. However, running low temperature air-conditioning (AC) costs substantially more energy, and thus a higher temperature (e.g., 25.5 °C) has been regularly proposed as the recommended indoor temperature for general indoor environments in Hong Kong. It is, therefore, needed to understand whether or not the reduction of indoor temperature would lead to better effectiveness of mold prevention. Using Cladosporium cladosporioides (C. cladosporioides) as the model, its germinating spores were challenged in C. cladosporioides to wet-dry cycles with different combinations of relative humidity (RH, 40%, 60% and 80%) and temperature (19 °C and 28 °C) levels. The survival, lipid peroxidation and catalase (CAT) activity of the treated spores were monitored and compared. C. cladosporioides spores showed similar levels of viability, lipid peroxidation and CAT activity when they were exposed to 19 °C and 28 °C at the same RH, but substantially lower survival and higher oxidative stress were observed under the wet-dry cycles with 40% RH dry periods compared with 60% and 80% RH at both temperatures, suggesting that indoor temperature does not tend to affect the resistance of C. cladosporioides to wet-dry cycles as significantly as the RH level of the dry period. Collectively, this study suggests a more important role for moisture over temperature in indoor mold prevention. The outcome of this study may facilitate the sustainable management of indoor mold problems in buildings.
Risk Factors Associated with Cartilage Defects after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture in Military Draftees
Authors: Sun Ting-Yi , Hsu Chun-Liang , Tseng Wei-Cheng , Yeh Tsu-Te , Huang Guo-Shu , Shen Pei-Hung
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the different clinical results and factors associated with cartilage defects in military draftees who underwent different treatments after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. Overall, 105 patients who had sustained ACL rupture were military draftees who underwent a conscription examination for physical status assessment from January 2012 to December 2020. Patients were divided into three groups: conservative treatment after ACL rupture, status post-anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), but graft rupture, and status post-ACLR with graft intact. Inter-group comparisons and statistical analyses were performed for age, body mass index (BMI), thigh circumference difference, side-to-side difference in anterior knee translation by KT-2000, meniscus tear, and cartilage defect. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with cartilage defects. The multivariable regression model showed that BMI (odds ratio OR: 1.303; 95% CI: 1.016–1.672; p = 0.037), thigh circumference difference (OR: 1.403; 95% CI: 1.003–1.084; p = 0.034), tear of lateral meniscus (LM) and medial meniscus (MM) (OR: 13.773; 95% CI: 1.354–140.09; p = 0.027), and graft rupture group (OR: 5.191; 95% CI: 1.388–19.419; p = 0.014) increased the risk of cartilage defects. There was no correlation between cartilage defects and age, KT-2000 difference, tear of LM or MM, or graft intact group. Progression of osteoarthritis was concerned after ACL rupture, and this study identified several factors of post-ACLR graft rupture, greater thigh circumference difference, BMI, and meniscus tear of both LM and MM affecting cartilage defects, which represent early degenerative osteoarthritis changes of the knee. The results of this study should be customized for rehabilitation and military training, especially in military draftees with ACL injuries.
Ability of the LACE Index to Predict 30-Day Readmissions in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Rajaguru Vasuki , Kim Tae Hyun , Shin Jaeyong , Lee Sang Gyu , Han Whiejong
Published: July 2022

Aims: This study aimed to utilize the existing LACE index (length of stay, acuity of admission, comorbidity index and emergency room visit in the past six months) to predict the risk of 30-day readmission and to find the associated factors in patients with AMI. Methods: This was a retrospective study and LACE index scores were calculated for patients admitted with AMI between 2015 and 2019. Data were utilized from the hospital’s electronic medical record. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to find the association between covariates and 30-day readmission. The risk prediction ability of the LACE index for 30-day readmission was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic curves with the C statistic. Results: A total of 205 (5.7%) patients were readmitted within 30 days. The odds ratio of older age group (OR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.54–2.05), admission via emergency ward (OR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.42–1.54) and LACE score ≥10 (OR = 2.71; 95% CI: 1.03–4.37) were highly associated with 30-day readmissions and statistically significant. The receiver operating characteristic curve C statistic of the LACE index for AMI patients was 0.78 (95% CI: 0.75–0.80) and showed favorable discrimination in the prediction of 30-day readmission. Conclusion: The LACE index showed a good discrimination to predict the risk of 30-day readmission for hospitalized patients with AMI. Further study would be recommended to focus on additional factors that can be used to predict the risk of 30-day readmission; this should be considered to improve the model performance of the LACE index for other acute conditions by using the national-based administrative data.
Eosinophilic Asthma, Phenotypes-Endotypes and Current Biomarkers of Choice
Authors: Porpodis Konstantinos , Tsiouprou Ioanna , Apostolopoulos Apostolos , Ntontsi Polyxeni , Fouka Evangelia , Papakosta Despoina , Vliagoftis Harissios , Domvri Kalliopi
Published: July 2022

Asthma phenotyping and endotyping are constantly evolving. Currently, several biologic agents have been developed towards a personalized approach to asthma management. This review will focus on different eosinophilic phenotypes and Th2-associated endotypes with eosinophilic inflammation. Additionally, airway remodeling is analyzed as a key feature of asthmatic eosinophilic endotypes. In addition, evidence of biomarkers is examined with a predictive value to identify patients with severe, uncontrolled asthma who may benefit from new treatment options. Finally, there will be a discussion on the results from clinical trials regarding severe eosinophilic asthma and how the inhibition of the eosinophilic pathway by targeted treatments has led to the reduction of recurrent exacerbations.
Impact of TRAF3IP2, IL10 and HCP5 Genetic Polymorphisms in the Response to TNF-i Treatment in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: De Benedittis Giada , Latini Andrea , Ciccacci Cinzia , Conigliaro Paola , Triggianese Paola , Fatica Mauro , Novelli Lucia , Chimenti Maria Sole , Borgiani Paola
Published: July 2022

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease. The introduction of therapy with biological drugs is promising, even if the efficacy is very variable. Since the response to drugs is a complex trait, identifying genetic factors associated to treatment response could help define new biomarkers for a more effective and personalized therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the potential role of polymorphisms in genes involved in PsA susceptibility as predictors of therapy efficacy. Nine polymorphisms were analyzed in a cohort of 163 PsA patients treated with TNF-i. To evaluate the treatment response, the DAPsA score was estimated for each patient. The possible association between the selected SNPs and mean values of DAPsA differences, at 22 and 54 weeks from the beginning of the treatment, were evaluated by t-test. Patients carrying the variant allele of TRAF3IP2 seemed to respond better to treatment, both at 22 and 54 weeks. This variant allele was also associated with an improvement in joint involvement. In contrast, patients carrying the IL10 variant allele showed an improvement lower than patients with the wild-type genotype at 54 weeks. Our results suggest that polymorphisms in genes associated with PsA susceptibility could also play a role in TNF-i treatment response.
Management of Patients with Severe Asthma and Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps: A Multidisciplinary Shared Approach
Authors: Seccia Veronica , D’Amato Maria , Scioscia Giulia , Bagnasco Diego , Di Marco Fabiano , Fadda Gianluca , Menzella Francesco , Pasquini Ernesto , Pelaia Girolamo , Tremante Eugenio , De Corso Eugenio , Bonini Matteo
Published: July 2022

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is one of the most frequent comorbidities associated with asthma and it contributes to an amplified global disease burden in asthmatics. CRS prevalence is much higher in asthmatic patients compared to the general population and it is more frequently related to severe asthma, especially in presence of nasal polyps (chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, CRSwNP). Moreover, asthma exacerbation has a higher occurrence in CRSwNP. From a pathologic point of view, CRS and asthma share similar and connected mechanisms (e.g., type-2 inflammation). A multidisciplinary approach represents a crucial aspect for the optimal management of patients with concomitant asthma and CRSwNP and improvement of patient quality of life. An Italian panel of clinicians with different clinical expertise (pulmonologists, ear, nose and throat specialists, immunologists and allergy physicians) identified three different profiles of patients with coexisting asthma and nasal symptoms and discussed the specific tracks to guide a comprehensive approach to their diagnostic and therapeutic management. Currently available biological agents for the treatment of severe asthma act either on eosinophil-centered signaling network or type-2 inflammation, resulting to be effective also in CRSwNP and representing a valid option for patients with concomitant conditions.
How Can European Regulation on ESG Impact Business Globally?
Authors: Redondo Alamillos Rocío , de Mariz Frédéric
Published: July 2022

The European Union (EU) has impacted regulation worldwide in areas ranging from data protection to trade or antitrust. In select fields, it has defined stringent standards and has had an impact on global business because of the size of its market and the price of participating in it. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the main provisions of the EU regulation on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and determine whether and how it will have an impact on business globally, including regulations around disclosure for companies, taxonomy for the asset management sector, supply chain due diligence requirements, new mechanisms such as carbon markets, or non-tariffs restrictions on international trade. For this, our analysis includes an in-depth review of the literature on EU regulation of the past 20 years, complemented with interviews with experts in the field, in order to understand the main tools used by European policymakers in ESG regulations to understand their effect. The analysis adds to the body of research pertaining to the impact of regulation on business and the growing body of research on sustainable finance. We find that the new ESG regulation impacts countries outside of the EU, influencing regulation worldwide, and raising the question of possible regulatory arbitrage.
Refined LSTM Based Intrusion Detection for Denial-of-Service Attack in Internet of Things
Authors: Adefemi Alimi Kuburat Oyeranti , Ouahada Khmaies , Abu-Mahfouz Adnan M. , Rimer Suvendi , Alimi Oyeniyi Akeem
Published: July 2022

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a promising technology that allows numerous devices to be connected for ease of communication. The heterogeneity and ubiquity of the various connected devices, openness to devices in the network, and, importantly, the increasing number of connected smart objects (or devices) have exposed the IoT network to various security challenges and vulnerabilities which include manipulative data injection and cyberattacks such as a denial of service (DoS) attack. Any form of intrusive data injection or attacks on the IoT networks can create devastating consequences on the individual connected device or the entire network. Hence, there is a crucial need to employ modern security measures that can protect the network from various forms of attacks and other security challenges. Intrusion detection systems (IDS) and intrusion prevention systems have been identified globally as viable security solutions. Several traditional machine learning methods have been deployed as IoT IDS. However, the methods have been heavily criticized for poor performances in handling voluminous datasets, as they rely on domain expertise for feature extraction among other reasons. Thus, there is a need to devise better IDS models that can handle the IoT voluminous datasets efficiently, cater to feature extraction, and perform reasonably well in terms of overall performance. In this paper, an IDS based on redefined long short-term memory deep learning approach is proposed for detecting DoS attacks in IoT networks. The model was tested on benchmark datasets; CICIDS-2017 and NSL-KDS datasets. Three pre-processing procedures, which include encoding, dimensionality reduction, and normalization were deployed for the datasets. Using key classification metrics, experimental results obtained show that the proposed model can effectively detect DoS attacks in IoT networks as it performs better compared to other methods including models from related works.
Dynamic Modeling of Land Use and Coverage Changes in the Dryland Pernambuco, Brazil
Authors: de Oliveira Cinthia Pereira , de Lima Robson Borges , Alves Junior Francisco Tarcísio , de Lima Pessoa Mayara Maria , da Silva Anderson Francisco , dos Santos Nattan Adler Tavares , Lopes Iran Jorge Corrêa , de Melo Cybelle Laís Souto-Maior Sales , Silva Emanuel Araújo , da Silva José Antônio Aleixo , Ferreira Rinaldo Luiz Caraciolo
Published: July 2022

The objective of this work was to carry out a multitemporal analysis of changes in land use and land cover in the municipality of Floresta, Pernambuco State in Brazil. Landsat images were used in the years 1985, 1989, 1993, 1997, 2001, 2005, 2009, 2014, and 2019, and the classes were broken down into areas: water, exposed soil, agriculture, and forestry, and using the Bhattacharya classifier, the classification was carried out for generating land use maps. The data was validated by the Kappa index and points collected in the field, and the projection of the dynamics of use for 2024 was constructed. The thematic maps of land use and coverage from 1985 to 2019 show more significant changes in the forest and exposed soil classes. The increase in the forest class and the consequent reduction in exposed soil are consequences of the interaction between climate and human activities and the quality of the spatial resolution of the satellite images used between the years analyzed.