bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data Science in the Food Industry
Authors: Nychas George-John , Sims Emma , Tsakanikas Panagiotis , Mohareb Fady
Published: May 2021

Food safety is one of the main challenges of the agri-food industry that is expected to be addressed in the current environment of tremendous technological progress, where consumers’ lifestyles and preferences are in a constant state of flux. Food chain transparency and trust are drivers for food integrity control and for improvements in efficiency and economic growth. Similarly, the circular economy has great potential to reduce wastage and improve the efficiency of operations in multi-stakeholder ecosystems. Throughout the food chain cycle, all food commodities are exposed to multiple hazards, resulting in a high likelihood of contamination. Such biological or chemical hazards may be naturally present at any stage of food production, whether accidentally introduced or fraudulently imposed, risking consumers’ health and their faith in the food industry. Nowadays, a massive amount of data is generated, not only from the next generation of food safety monitoring systems and along the entire food chain (primary production included) but also from the Internet of things, media, and other devices. These data should be used for the benefit of society, and the scientific field of data science should be a vital player in helping to make this possible.
Low-Cost Pb-Co-Sn film for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction in Acid Media
Authors: Maril Marisol , Tobosque Pablo , Cisternas Nataly , Delplancke Marie-Paule , Delplancke Jean-Luc , Carrasco Claudia
Published: May 2021

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) plays an important role in several industrial processes. However, the high overpotential that the OER requires to take place, has resulted in high costs associated with precious metals used in anodes that catalyze this reaction. Substitute elements, among them Co, have been investigated in order to decrease their price, herein, highlight Pb-Co electrodes that achieved an important decrease in the overpotential needed for the OER. Even though the electrocatalyst ability showed by the Pb-Co anode was considerably high, the current densities achieved were too low to compete with commercial anodes. Therefore, the efficiency to produce O2should be increased. The aim of this work was to develop a Pb-Co-Sn film, through anodic electrodeposition, that enables an efficient production of O2coupled with stability, low-cost and low overpotential. In order to know the morphological, microstructural and chemical composition, a full characterization of the developed film was carried out. The obtained Pb-Co-Sn film showed higher electrochemical performance than conventional Pb-Ca-Sn anodes, with an overpotential of ∼0.27 V vs NHE at 500 Am−2, 68% lower than a conventional Pb-Ca-Sn anode.
Enhancement and Mechanism of Copper Nanoparticle Sintering in Activated Formic Acid Atmosphere at Low Temperature
Authors: Li Junlong , Xu Yang , Zhao Xuelong , Meng Ying , Yin Zhen , Wang Yinghui , Suga Tadatomo
Published: May 2021

Cu nanoparticle paste has become one of the alternative materials for conventional high-temperature packaging, but this sintering process is significantly inhibited by copper oxides. In this paper, the activated formic acid atmosphere was used to achieve high-strength Cu–Cu bonding at low temperature. When sintered at a temperature of 275 °C for 30 min with a pressure of 5 MPa, a shear strength of more than 70 MPa was achieved. In contrast to formic acid atmosphere, the hydrogen radicals generated by activated formic acid atmosphere facilitated the rapid evaporation of the solvent during preheating process. Moreover, the hydrogen radicals effectively reduced of the oxides on the surface of the Cu nanoparticle resulting in a higher shear strength. This Cu nanoparticle sintering method has great potential in the field of power device integration in future.
An Energy-Efficient Crosstalk Reduction Strategy for On-Chip Buses Using Carbon-Based Transistors and Interconnects
Authors: Azimi Parastoo , Moaiyeri Mohammad Hossein , Gharavi Hamedani Soheila
Published: May 2021

This paper presents a novel crosstalk reduction scheme based on quaternary logic that eliminates the harmful transition patterns and protects communication channels of system-on-chips (SoCs) against crosstalk. The proposed architecture is designed based on gate-all-around carbon nanotube field-effect transistor (GAA-CNTFET) codec and converter modules considering multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT), and multilayer graphene nanoribbon (MLGNR) interconnects at 10 nm technology. The simulation results indicate that our proposed approach reduces the delay and power-delay product (PDP) on average by 52% and 36%, respectively, for MWCNT interconnects compared to the basic architecture. These improvements are 50% and 35% for the MLGNR interconnects. Moreover, utilizing the MLGNR interconnects instead of MWCNT interconnects in the proposed coded system leads to a 61% shorter crosstalk delay and 65% lower PDP. In addition, the proposed coding scheme leads to 35% reduction in the occupied area and improves PDP, on average, by 37%, and 26% for the MWCNT and MLGNR buses, respectively, as compared to their binary counterparts.
CORP: quantification of human skeletal muscle carnosine concentration by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Lievens E. , Van Vossel K. , Van de Casteele F. , Krššák M. , Murdoch J. B. , Befroy D. E. , Derave W.
Published: May 2021

Noninvasive techniques to quantify metabolites in skeletal muscle provide unique insight into human physiology and enable the translation of research into practice. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) permits the assessment of several abundant muscle metabolites in vivo, including carnosine, a dipeptide composed of the amino acids histidine and beta-alanine. Muscle carnosine loading, accomplished by chronic oral beta-alanine supplementation, improves muscle function and exercise capacity and has pathophysiological relevance in multiple diseases. Moreover, the marked difference in carnosine content between fast-twitch and slow-twitch muscle fibers has rendered carnosine an attractive candidate to estimate human muscle fiber type composition. However, the quantification of carnosine with1H-MRS requires technical expertise to obtain accurate and reproducible data. In this review, we describe the technical and physiological factors that impact the detection, analysis, and quantification of carnosine in muscle with1H-MRS. We discuss potential sources of error during the acquisition and preprocessing of the1H-MRS spectra and present best practices to enable the accurate, reliable, and reproducible application of this technique.
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation resistance training enhances oxygen uptake and ventilatory efficiency independent of mitochondrial complexes after spinal cord injury: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Gorgey Ashraf S. , Lai Raymond E. , Khalil Refka E. , Rivers Jeannie , Cardozo Christopher , Chen Qun , Lesnefsky Edward J.
Published: May 2021

Leg oxygen uptake (V̇o2) peak, ventilatory efficiency (V̇E/V̇co2 ratio), and substrate utilization were measured during functional electrical stimulation cycling FES-LEC testing following 12–16 wk of either electrically evoked resistance training or passive movement training; indirect calorimetry and mitochondrial complex levels in muscle biopsies were also determined. FES-LEC increased thigh muscle area and leg V̇o2 peak increased but decreased V̇E/V̇co2 ratio; there were no changes in mitochondrial complex levels. Leg V̇o2 peak was associated with hypertrophy of the paralyzed muscles and mitochondrial respiration of complex I following training.
Thunderclap Headache: A Primary Symptom of a Steroid-Responsive Encephalopathy with Autoimmune Thyroiditis
Authors: Zala Naman , Wirth Lena , Jordan Berit , Meredig Hagen , Rizos Timolaos
Published: May 2021

Thunderclap headache is frequently associated with serious intracranial vascular disorders and a usual reason for emergency department admissions. Association of thunderclap headaches with autoimmune disorders, such as steroid-responsive encephalopathy with autoimmune thyroiditis (SREAT), is highly unusual. Here, we report a patient who presented with high-intensity headache of abrupt onset. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis revealed moderate lymphocytic pleocytosis without evidence of infectious, neoplastic, or metabolic causes. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed no specific pathologies, and examinations for neuronal antibodies in serum and CSF were negative. The medical history revealed that seven years before, an episode of an aseptic meningoencephalitis with remarkable response to steroids was present. Finally, increased levels of serum anti-TPO antibodies were identified, and against the background of a previous steroid-responsive aseptic meningoencephalitis, diagnosis of SREAT was highly probable. Methylprednisolone therapy was initiated, and the patient recovered completely. In particular, because most SREAT patients respond very well to steroids, this case underlines the importance of taking SREAT into consideration during the assessment of a high-intensity headache of abrupt onset.
Picture Preview Generation for Interactive Educational Resources
Authors: Wang Jianxiong , Rao Yongsheng , Shi Xiaohong , Chen Xiangping
Published: May 2021

With the development of network technology, many online educational resource platforms have emerged, and the number of resources on these platforms is increasing dramatically. Compared with the traditional resources, the interactive educational resources (IERs) have hidden interactive information and dynamic content. Only when the users perform interactive operations correctly can they acquire the knowledge conveyed by the resources, which makes it a challenge to help the users understand the general content of resources and find the resources that they are interested in. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a method for generating picture previews of IERs. Firstly, we analyze the file that stores interactive resource information, obtain the interactive elements’ information, extract the dependencies, and generate an operation sequence. Secondly, we execute the operation sequence using an automated software tool to mimic the interaction process between the user and the resource and save the screenshots in the process to generate a picture preview of an IER. We apply this method to a dynamic geometry platform, NetPad, and conduct experiments. Experimental results demonstrate that the method can effectively extract interactive semantic information and simulate the interactive process, and the generated picture previews are of great help to the users to understand the content of IERs.
An Intelligent Medical Imaging Approach for Various Blood Structure Classifications
Authors: Alruwaili Madallah
Published: May 2021

Blood is a vital body fluid and can be instrumental in identifying various pathological conditions. Nowadays, a lot of people are suffering from COVID‐19 and every country has its own limited testing capacity. Consequently, a system is required to help doctors analyze a patient’s blood structure including COVID‐19. Therefore, in this paper, we extracted and selected blood features by proposing a new feature extraction and selection method named stepwise linear discriminant analysis (SWLDA). SWLDA emphasizes on picking confined features from blood structure images and discerning its class based on reversion value such as partial F value. SWLDA begins with picking an equivalence comprising the sole finest X variable and then puts in effort to add more Xs individually, providing the situations are adequate. The process of adding and picking is based on F value to determine which variable would be entered. Then, the picked or the default F‐to‐enter value is compared with the uppermost partial F value. After this step, the forward addition or backward removal begins and whether the partial test values for all the predictor variables already in the line are estimated is known. Then, the comparison is made between the lowermost partial test value (FL) and preselected or defaulting consequence levels such as F0 (i.e., if F0 > FL, the variable ZL is removed, and the F test is started again; otherwise, the regression equation is adopted). Finally, the system is trained by employing support vector machine (SVM) to label the blood images. The performance of the proposed approach is assessed by employing 8 different datasets of blood structures. It is assured that the proposed method has achieved significant results under different blood structure images including COVID‐19.
Performance Analysis of Identifier Locator Communication Cache Effects on ILNPv6 Stack
Authors: Kadi Mohsen , Suleiman Maher , Jammoul Samih
Published: May 2021

Identifier-locator network protocol (ILNP) is a host-based identifier/locator split architecture scheme (ILSA), which depends on address rewriting to support end-to-end mobility and multihoming. The address rewriting is performed by hosts using a network layer logical cache that stores state information related to the communicated hosts, which is called identifier-locator communication cache (ILCC). Since address rewriting is executed on a packet basis in ILNP, ILCC lookups are required at each packet reception and transmission. This leads to a strong correlation between the host’s network stack performance and ILCC performance. This paper presents a study of the effect of ILCC size on network stack performance. Within this paper, a direct comparison of the performance of two ILNP prototypes that differ by ILCC management mechanism is conducted. We present ILCC size measurements and study their effects on the host’s network stack performance. The results show that ILCC growth caused by correspondents increase has a significant effect on the latency of both network and transport layers. The obtained results show that controlling ILCC size through an effective policy strongly enhances ILNP network stack performance.
Leiomyosarcoma of the Renal Vein Mimicking a Primitive Renal Cell Carcinoma: Case Report of an Unusual Presentation
Authors: Fekkar Amal , Elouazzani Hafsa , Jahid Ahmed , Znati Kaoutar , Zouaidia Fouad , Bernoussi Zakia
Published: May 2021

Primary leiomyosarcomas (LMS) of vascular origin are rare tumors, and more than half of the cases arise in the inferior vena cava (IVC). Primary LMS of the renal vein are extremely rare tumors with only a few cases reported in the literature. Their diagnosis is made only by pathological features. Histologically, they are made of atypical spindle-shaped cells arranged in long intersecting fascicles. Tumor cells stain positive for myogenic markers in immunohistochemistry. Standard treatment consists of radical nephrectomy followed by chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Because of insufficient histological data and follow-up, the prognosis factors are not well identified. Overall prognosis of renal vein LMS is poor. We report here an exceptional case of a huge LMS of the right renal vein mimicking a primitive renal cell carcinoma, occurring in a 56-year-old male patient.
Bacteriological Analysis of Raw Beef Retailed in Selected Open Markets in Accra, Ghana
Authors: Olu-Taiwo Michael , Obeng Prince , Forson Akua Obeng
Published: May 2021

Beef is an important and popular source of protein and nutrients. Constant monitoring and evaluation of the microbiological contamination is pertinent for its safety and quality. This study aimed to assess the bacteriological profiles and the bacterial loads in beef, as well as investigate food safety practices among beef retailers in selected open markets in Accra, Ghana. This was a cross-sectional study with beef samples randomly purchased from six selected open markets in Accra metropolis. Beef samples were examined for total aerobic count (TAC) and total coliform count (TCC). Bacterial identification was performed by standard bacteriological methods and a well-structured questionnaire was administered to assess food safety and hygienic practices of beef retailers. Overall, mean TACs ranged between 2.2 × 103 and 1.3 × 104 CFU/g, while mean TCCs ranged between 1.9 × 102 and 7.4 × 102 CFU/g. Beef samples were mostly contaminated with Staphylococcus spp. (34%), Klebsiella oxytoca (17%), Enterobacter spp. (15%), and Proteus vulgaris (3%). This study showed varying levels of bacterial contamination of retailed beef sold in different Accra markets. According to the Health Protection Agency guidelines for assessing microbiological safety of ready-to-eat foods, our mean TACs were satisfactory, while mean TCCs were within borderline quality. The results of this study revealed that the majority of beef vended in open markets in Accra is contaminated with coliform and pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, more training in safe food handling and good hygiene practices is required for beef retailers. Conclusively, effective monitoring of the bacteriological profiles and bacterial loads of meat and meat products in abattoirs and points of sale should be established, since such a continuous monitoring system could help prevent potential health problems for consumers and provide information on possible sources of meat borne intoxication and infection.
Chinese Herbal Prescription Fu‐Zheng‐Qu‐Xie Prevents Recurrence and Metastasis of Postoperative Early‐Stage Lung Adenocarcinoma: A Prospective Cohort Study Followed with Potential Mechanism Exploration
Authors: Zhang Sufang , Chen Wanqing , Wang Yuli , Wu Jianchun , Xu Lili , Yu Yongchun , Tian Jianhui , Xu Rongzhong , Fang Zhihong , Jiang Lei , Luo Yingbin , Li Yan
Published: May 2021

Chinese herbal Fu‐Zheng‐Qu‐Xie (FZQX) prescription has been found to improve the immune function and survival of patients with early‐stage lung cancer. However, the therapeutic efficacy needs to be evaluated objectively, and the precise mechanism remains unclear. In the present study, a double‐center, prospective cohort study was carried out to assess the clinical efficacy of the FZQX prescription in preventing the recurrence and metastasis of postoperative early‐stage lung adenocarcinoma. Our results indicated that the FZQX prescription could significantly reduce the 3‐year postoperative recurrence rate and improve the life quality. Moreover, the peripheral blood indices showed that the positive immune index (CD4+T/CD8+T) increased and the negative immune indices (CD8+T, Myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), Treg) decreased after treatment with the FZQX prescription. Since the positive regulatory effect of the FZQX prescription on immune function, a series of experiments were conducted to verify the tumor‐suppressive effect and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Through the MDSC clearance xenograft model, we confirmed that the FZQX prescription could effectively suppress tumor growth with lesser side effects in vivo, and MDSCs may be involved in the biological process of the FZQX prescription’s intervention in lung cancer progression. By establishing the coculture system of MDSCs/LLC to simulate the immune microenvironment of lung cancer, the tumor suppression effect of the FZQX prescription was further validated by in vitro experiments. Besides, it was confirmed that the FZQX prescription could regulate MDSCs to remodel the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, thus exerting its preventive effect on relapse of lung cancer. Finally, the pathway activator and inhibitor were further used to explore the potential molecular mechanism. Results demonstrated that the IL‐1β/NF‐κB signaling pathway was one of the critical signaling pathways of FZQX prescription regulating MDSCs to prevent the recurrence and metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma.
Histomorphometric Evaluation of Socket Preservation Using Autogenous Tooth Biomaterial and BM-MSC in Dogs
Authors: Kim Jin-Hyun , Wadhwa Puneet , Cai HongXin , Kim Dong-Hyung , Zhao Bing Cheng , Lim Ho-Kyung , Jang Hyon-Seok , Lee Eui-Seok
Published: May 2021

This study is aimed at assessing the dimensional alterations occurring in the alveolar bone after premolar extraction in dogs with histomorphometric and histological analysis. After atraumatic premolar extraction, tooth-derived bone graft material was grafted in the extraction socket of the premolar region in the lower jaws of six dogs in two experimental groups. In the second experimental group, BM-MSCs were added together with the graft. The control was left untreated on the opposite side. After twelve weeks, all six animals were sacrificed. Differences in alveolar bone height crests lingually and buccally, and alveolar bone width at 1, 3, and 5 mm infracrestally, were examined. Histologic study revealed osteoconductive properties of tooth biomaterial. A statistically significant difference was detected between the test and control groups. In the test groups, a reduced loss of vertical and horizontal alveolar bone dimensions compared with the control group was observed. Tooth bone graft material may be considered useful for alveolar ridge preservation after tooth extraction, as it could limit the natural bone resorption process.
Active Disturbance Rejection Control for a Five-Level Cascaded H-Bridge Inverter Fed Induction Motor Sensorless Field-Oriented
Authors: El Bourhichi Salma , Oukassi Abdellah , El Bahir Lhoussain , El Adnani Mustapha
Published: May 2021

In this paper, a robust vector control sensorless based on three Active Disturbance Rejection Controllers (ADRC) for an induction motor fed by a five-level cascaded H-bridge was developed. The estimation of rotor position is achieved using a Luenberger estimator. The proposed model considers the disturbances and the inaccuracies of the system and compensates them using the extended state observer of ADRC. Moreover, a five-level cascaded H-bridge inverter is the best topology to minimize the torque ripples and to improve the current output of IMunder control. The suggested control system was simulated under different conditions using MATLAB-Simulink. The results demonstrate the effectiveness and the robustness of the proposed system against disturbances such as variations of parameters and load torque.
NSGA-III-Based Deep-Learning Model for Biomedical Search Engines
Authors: Gupta Manish , Kumar Naresh , Singh Bhupesh Kumar , Gupta Neha
Published: May 2021

With the advancements in biomedical imaging applications, it becomes more important to provide potential results for searching the biomedical imaging data. During the health emergency, tremors require efficient results at rapid speed to provide results to spatial queries using the Web. An efficient biomedical search engine can obtain the significant search intention and return additional important contents in which users have already indicated some interest. The development of biomedical search engines is still an open area of research. Recently, many researchers have utilized various deep-learning models to improve the performance of biomedical search engines. However, the existing deep-learning-based biomedical search engines suffer from the overfitting and hyperparameter tuning problems. Therefore, in this paper, a nondominated-sorting-genetic-algorithm-III- (NSGA-III-) based deep-learning model is proposed for biomedical search engines. Initially, the hyperparameters of the proposed deep-learning model are obtained using the NSGA-III. Thereafter, the proposed deep-learning model is trained by using the tuned parameters. Finally, the proposed model is validated on the testing dataset. Comparative analysis reveals that the proposed model outperforms the competitive biomedical search engine models.
Exploration and Practice of Pressure Relief by Slotting Coal Seams with a Diamond Wire Saw
Authors: Tang Zhu , Li Shuqing , Huang Fei , Huang Shouqing , Cai Kangxu
Published: May 2021

To safely and economically eliminate the threat of high geostress in the coal mining process, based on the engineering case study of pressure relief by slotting residual coal pillars at a mine in the Kailuan mining area, a method of pressure relief by slotting coal seams with a wire saw was explored, and numerical simulation was carried out. The results show that the wire saw can cut coal seams in a large area, with a cutting efficiency and slotting depth greater than those of hydraulic slotting; a stress concentration zone forms in front of the wire saw coal cutting working face and a stress reduction zone and a stress recovery zone form behind. The pressure relief range varies, increasing at first and then decreasing. The exploration and practice of pressure relief by slotting coal seams with a diamond wire provides theoretical guidance and practical reference for pressure relief by slotting coal seams.
Design of Micro‐Bluetooth Motion Acquisition System
Authors: Bao Benkun , Zhang Senhao , Orban Mostafa , Qiu Donghai , Yang Hongbo , Cheng Xiankai
Published: May 2021

To realize the digitization of infant motion information and explore more abundant human health information with motion information to facilitate early treatment, a micro‐Bluetooth motion acquisition system is designed. The low‐power design of the micro‐Bluetooth motion capture sensor in the system and intelligent algorithm for optimizing the precision of the infant movement measured angles can realize the system’s sustainable use and data reliability. With the help of collecting and analyzing human arm, leg, and head movement information, we can recognize that the system can carry out more research and experiments on natural infant movements.
Application of Data-Driven Iterative Learning Algorithm in Transmission Line Defect Detection
Authors: Chen Yuquan , Wang Hongxing , Shen Jie , Zhang Xingwei , Gao Xiaowei
Published: May 2021

Deep learning technology has received extensive consideration in recent years, and its application value in target detection is also increasing day by day. In order to accelerate the practical process of deep learning technology in electric transmission line defect detection, the current work used the improved Faster R-CNN algorithm to achieve data-driven iterative training and defect detection functions for typical transmission line defect targets. Based on Faster R-CNN, we proposed an improved network that combines deformable convolution and feature pyramid modules and combined it with a data-driven iterative learning algorithm; it achieves extremely automated and intelligent transmission line defect target detection, forming an intelligent closed-loop image processing. The experimental results show that the increase of the recognition of improved Faster R-CNN network combined with data-driven iterative learning algorithm for the pin defect target is 31.7% more than Faster R-CNN. In the future, the proposed method can quickly improve the accuracy of transmission line defect target detection in a small sample and save manpower. It also provides some theoretical guidance for the practical work of transmission line defect target detection.
Alteration of MDM2 by the Small Molecule YF438 Exerts Antitumor Effects in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Shan Peipei , Yang Feifei , Qi Hongzhao , Hu Yunjie , Zhu Sujie , Sun Zhenqing , Zhang Zhe , Wang Chuanxiao , Hou Caixia , Yu Jie , Wang Lirong , Zhou Zhixia , Li Peifeng , Zhang Hua , Wang Kun
Published: May 2021

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) exhibits a high mortality rate and is the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer. As previous studies have shown that histone deacetylases (HDAC) may represent molecular targets for TNBC treatment, we screened a small library of synthetic molecules and identified a potent HDAC inhibitor (HDACi), YF438, which exerts effective anti-TNBC activity both in vitro and in vivo. Proteomic and biochemical studies revealed that YF438 significantly downregulated mouse double minute 2 homolog (MDM2) expression. In parallel, loss of MDM2 expression or blocking MDM2 E3 ligase activity rendered TNBC cells less sensitive to YF438 treatment, revealing an essential role of MDM2 E3 ligase activity in YF438-induced inhibition of TNBC. Mechanistically, YF438 disturbed the interaction between HDAC1 and MDM2, induced the dissociation of MDM2-MDMX, and subsequently increased MDM2 self-ubiquitination to accelerate its degradation, which ultimately inhibited growth and metastasis of TNBC cells. In addition, analysis of clinical tissue samples demonstrated high expression levels of MDM2 in TNBC, and MDM2 protein levels closely correlated with TNBC progression and metastasis. Collectively, these findings show that MDM2 plays an essential role in TNBC progression and targeting the HDAC1–MDM2–MDMX signaling axis with YF438 may provide a promising therapeutic option for TNBC. Furthermore, this novel underlying mechanism of a hydroxamate-based HDACi in altering MDM2 highlights the need for further development of HDACi for TNBC treatment.

Significance:

This study uncovers the essential role of MDM2 in TNBC progression and suggests that targeting the HDAC1–MDM2–MDMX axis with a hydroxamate-based HDACi could be a promising therapeutic strategy for TNBC.
Putting the Microenvironment into the Immunotherapy Companion Diagnostic
Authors: Moutafi Myrto , Rimm David L.
Published: May 2021

A post hoc analysis in advanced gastric cancer showed stronger association of programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) with immunotherapy efficacy measured by combined positive score (CPS) compared with tumor cells (TC%). This finding suggests expression in immune cells in the tumor microenvironment increases the value of the companion diagnostic test.

See related article by Lei et al., p. 3926
Did Everolimus Break the Rules?
Authors: Kato Shumei , Cohen Ezra E.W.
Published: May 2021

A phase II study with everolimus (mTORC1 inhibitor) among advanced solid tumors patients with TSC1/TSC2 or MTOR alterations was recently published. Although efficacy was limited, the study provided the future groundwork to advance the targeted therapy approach.

See related article by Adib et al., p. 3845
Mastermind Like Transcriptional Coactivator 3 (MAML3) Drives Neuroendocrine Tumor Progression
Authors: Alzofon Nathaniel , Koc Katrina , Panwell Kristin , Pozdeyev Nikita , Marshall Carrie B. , Albuja-Cruz Maria , Raeburn Christopher D. , Nathanson Katherine L. , Cohen Debbie L. , Wierman Margaret E. , Kiseljak-Vassiliades Katja , Fishbein Lauren
Published: May 2021

Metastatic disease in pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PCC/PGL) is not well-understood. The Cancer Genome Atlas discovered recurrent MAML3 fusion genes in a subset of tumors that lacked known germline or somatic driver mutations and were associated with aggressive disease. Here, we aimed to investigate the role of MAML3 in tumorigenesis. Human PCC/PGLs were used for IHC and genetic analysis. Three neuroendocrine tumor cell lines, SK-N-SH, QGP-1, and BON-1, were transiently transfected with MAML3 (FL) or exon 1 deleted MAML3 (dEx1; mimicking the fusion), and biologic effects of overexpression were examined in vitro. We found 7% (4/55) of human PCC/PGL have UBTF∼MAML3 fusions and all were sporadic cases with metastatic disease. Fusion-positive tumors had intense MAML3 nuclear staining and increased β-catenin by IHC and showed increased WNT4 expression. In vitro, overexpression of FL and dEx1 MAML3 increased invasion in SK-N-SH, QGP-1, and BON-1 (all P < 0.05) and increased soft-agar colony formation in QGP-1 and BON-1 (all P < 0.05). Cotransfection with FL or dEx1 MAML3 and β-catenin increased TCF/LEF promoter activation by luciferase activity and coimmunoprecipitation confirmed interaction between MAML3 and β-catenin. These data suggest MAML3 is involved in WNT signaling pathway activation. In summary, UBTF∼MAML3 fusions are present in a subset of PCC/PGL and associated with metastatic disease without other known drivers. MAML3 overexpression led to increased tumorigenicity in neuroendocrine tumor cells and the mechanism of action may involve WNT signaling pathways.

Implications:

MAML3 increases tumorigenicity and invasion in neuroendocrine tumor cells and may be a prognostic marker for aggressive disease.
Blocking FcγRIIB in Smooth Muscle Cells Reduces Hypertension
Authors: Song Xiaomin , Zou Xuan , Ge Weipeng , Hou Cuiliu , Cao Zhujie , Zhao Hongmei , Zhang Tiantian , Jin Ling , Fu Yi , Kong Wei , Yan Chen , Cai Jun , Wang Jing
Published: May 2021

Rationale:

Hypertension is a common chronic disease, and its prevalence is increasing. Immunoglobulins play crucial roles in adaptive immune response and have been implicated in the pathogenesis of hypertension. However, which immunoglobulins and receptors as well as underlying mechanisms participating in hypertension remains unknown. We found that IgG is significantly increased in hypertensive patients, suggesting a potential association between IgG signaling and hypertension.

Objective:

This study is aimed to investigate the role and underlying mechanism of IgG and its receptor in hypertension.

Methods and Results:

We showed that serum IgG and the expression of IgG receptor FcγR (Fcγ receptor) IIB in vessel were significantly increased in hypertensive mice. Blockade of FcγRIIB function significantly reduced Ang II (angiotensin II)–induced vascular remodeling and hypertension in mice with genetic ablation of FcγRIIB or with systemic anti-FcγRIIB antibody treatment in mice. The studies with bone marrow transplantation approach or smooth muscle cell (SMC)–specific FcγRIIB ablation revealed that the role of FcγRIIB in vascular remodeling and hypertension is largely dependent on SMCs but not bone marrow–derived cells. Interestingly, we found that FcγRIIB expressed in SMCs is important in SMC-dependent vascular contraction ex vivo, as well as Ang II–induced SMC hypertrophy and matrix protein expression in vitro. Mechanistic studies further revealed that IgG stimulates FcγRIIB association with AT1R (Ang II type 1 receptor) in SMCs and inhibits AT1R internalization, thus increasing the cell membrane AT1R level. Furthermore, FcγRIIB-mediated regulation of AT1R internalization is critical for Ang II–induced SMC ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) 1/2 activation and hypertrophy, as well as for Ang II–induced arterial contraction.

Conclusions:

Taken together, our findings indicate that IgG/FcγRIIB contributes to vascular remodeling and hypertension, at least partially through suppressing AT1R internalization in SMCs. Our findings also suggest that FcγRIIB may represent an innovative therapeutic target for hypertension, especially for patients with autoimmune diseases.
The Complex and Diverse Genetic Architecture of Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Hershberger Ray E. , Cowan Jason , Jordan Elizabeth , Kinnamon Daniel D.
Published: May 2021

Our insight into the diverse and complex nature of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) genetic architecture continues to evolve rapidly. The foundations of DCM genetics rest on marked locus and allelic heterogeneity. While DCM exhibits a Mendelian, monogenic architecture in some families, preliminary data from our studies and others suggests that at least 20% to 30% of DCM may have an oligogenic basis, meaning that multiple rare variants from different, unlinked loci, determine the DCM phenotype. It is also likely that low-frequency and common genetic variation contribute to DCM complexity, but neither has been examined within a rare variant context. Other types of genetic variation are also likely relevant for DCM, along with gene-by-environment interaction, now established for alcohol- and chemotherapy-related DCM. Collectively, this suggests that the genetic architecture of DCM is broader in scope and more complex than previously understood. All of this elevates the impact of DCM genetics research, as greater insight into the causes of DCM can lead to interventions to mitigate or even prevent it and thus avoid the morbid and mortal scourge of human heart failure.
Audiovisual Simultaneity Judgements in Synaesthesia
Authors: Borgolte Anna , Bransi Ahmad , Seifert Johanna , Toto Sermin , Szycik Gregor R. , Sinke Christopher
Published: May 2021

Synaesthesia is a multimodal phenomenon in which the activation of one sensory modality leads to an involuntary additional experience in another sensory modality. To date, normal multisensory processing has hardly been investigated in synaesthetes. In the present study we examine processes of audiovisual separation in synaesthesia by using a simultaneity judgement task. Subjects were asked to indicate whether an acoustic and a visual stimulus occurred simultaneously or not. Stimulus onset asynchronies (SOA) as well as the temporal order of the stimuli were systematically varied. Our results demonstrate that synaesthetes are better in separating auditory and visual events than control subjects, but only when vision leads.
Typical Crossmodal Numerosity Perception in Preterm Newborns
Authors: Anobile Giovanni , Morrone Maria C. , Ricci Daniela , Gallini Francesca , Merusi Ilaria , Tinelli Francesca
Published: May 2021

Premature birth is associated with a high risk of damage in the parietal cortex, a key area for numerical and non-numerical magnitude perception and mathematical reasoning. Children born preterm have higher rates of learning difficulties for school mathematics. In this study, we investigated how preterm newborns (born at 28–34 weeks of gestation age) and full-term newborns respond to visual numerosity after habituation to auditory stimuli of different numerosities. The results show that the two groups have a similar preferential looking response to visual numerosity, both preferring the incongruent set after crossmodal habituation. These results suggest that the numerosity system is resistant to prematurity.
A Migrant Woman Sustaining la lucha: A Feminist Takeover of the Organization Process of on-Demand Delivery Workers in Ecuador
Authors: Hidalgo Cordero Kruskaya , Salazar Daza Carolina
Published: May 2021

This article focuses on the multiple violations of labor rights that on-demand delivery workers are facing in Ecuador—as well as their resistance. By presenting a case study of a recent organizational process to raise awareness of workers’ demands, we bring forward the role of women in platform workers organizations. Our reflections are based on data collected and analyzed from a survey of 148 anonymous delivery workers from three Ecuadorian cities; an in-depth interview; and our involvement in the project “Platform Observatory”. The analysis draws upon theoretical, methodological, and analytical frameworks developed by Feminist Economics. Our findings highlight how a migrant woman sustains la lucha—the fight—in a masculinized sector and her struggles to keep the organization alive. Moreover, we contribute to generating an archive of workers’ demands and their organization process in the country.
History from Fragments: Art, Family, and Biography in Sato Moughalian’s Feast of Ashes: The Life and Art of David Ohannessian
Authors: Lessersohn Nora , Piñon Erin
Published: May 2021

This is a co-authored piece which gives each author the opportunity to draw from their areas of expertise, and to speak to the multiple dimensions of a given work. These review essays are part of a larger effort to make interdisciplinary connections and extend the reach of Armenian Studies.
Review Essay
Authors: Bobelian Michael , Mamigonian Marc A.
Published: May 2021

In this essay, the authors respond to Laura Robson’s “Memorialization and Assimilation: Armenian Genocide Memorials in North America,” published in Mashriq & Mahjar in 2017, regarding analysis of the history of Armenian Genocide memorials in the U.S., the relationship between these memorials and Holocaust memorials, and Armenian assimilation in America.
Heracleum piliferum (Apiaceae), a new species from central Nepal
Authors: KLJUYKOV EUGENE , LYSKOV DMITRY , UKRAINSKAJA ULIANA , SAMIGULLIN TAHIR , TERENTIEVA ELENA
Published: May 2021

A new species, Heracleum piliferum (Apiaceae), is described from the Annapurna mountain massif, central Nepal. The new species is related to H. forrestii and H. hemsleyanum and differs from them in dense pubescence of petioles, short triangular sheaths of stem leaves, 2-pinnate leaf blades, shallow notched terminal leaf segments, crenulate leaf margin, larger terminal umbels, and broadly winged lateral ribs of the mericarps.
Paepalanthus mellosilvae (Eriocaulaceae), a new species from the Mantiqueira Range in Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: TROVÓ MARCELO
Published: May 2021

Paepalanthus mellosilvae is here described and illustrated as a new species of Eriocaulaceae from the Atlantic Forest domain in Minas Gerais state, Brazil. The new species is known from a single locality in the Mantiqueira Range, growing along trails through cloud forests. According to the IUCN criteria, it is suggested here as critically endangered. Paepalanthus mellosilvae is compared to P. harmsii, a morphologically similar species also growing in the Mantiqueira Range, being mainly distinguished by the presence of a rhizome, narrower leaves, more numerous scapes, narrower capitula, sparsely pilose involucral bracts, and obdeltate floral bracts. Additional comments on the taxonomy, morphology, and distribution of the species, along with illustrations are provided. The specific epithet is a tribute to Prof. Dr. Renato de Mello-Silva.
Three new Helicopsyche from Laos (Trichoptera: Helicopsychidae)
Authors: JOHANSON KJELL ARNE , MALM TOBIAS
Published: May 2021

Three new species, Helicopsyche pathoumthongi, Helicopsyche vongsombathi, and Helicopsyche laoensis, are described and illustrated based on material collected in northern Laos from April–May, 2005. With Helicopsyche antikleia Malicky, 1997, originally described from Laos, and the discovery of a single male of the widespread Oriental species Helicopsyche angusta (Ulmer, 1951) the Laotian Helicopsyche fauna now contains 5 recorded species.
The Neotropical green lacewing genus Ceraeochrysa Adams (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae)—new synonymies and combinations, a new species, and an updated key to species
Authors: SOSA-DUQUE FRANCISCO JOSÉ , TAUBER CATHERINE A.
Published: May 2021

Ceraeochrysa Adams, 1982, with ~60 species, is a diverse and relatively well studied New World genus of green lacewings. However, nomenclatural problems and misidentifications persist; undescribed species continue to be found; and species determinations remain difficult. Here, we address several problematic issues within the genus, and we justify the following taxonomic changes: Part 1 synonymizes Ceraeochrysa rafaeli Adams & Penny syn. n. and Chrysopodes (Chrysopodes) nigropictus Freitas & Penny syn. n. with Ceraeochrysa discolor (Navás). Part 2 identifies Ceraeochrysa adynatos (Freitas & Penny) comb. n. as the new name for Chrysopodes (Chrysopodes) adynatos Freitas & Penny. Part 3 renames Chrysopa sarta Banks as Ceraeochrysa sarta (Banks) comb. n, and identifies it as conspecific with Ceraeochrysa berlandi (Navás) syn. n. Part 4 names Chrysopa poujadei Navás as Ceraeochrysa poujadei (Navás) comb. n. and also identifies its new synonyms—Chrysopodes (Chrysopodes) laevus (Navás) syn. n. and Ceraeochrysa forcipata Freitas & Penny syn. n. Part 5 redescribes the enigmatic Ceraeochrysa silvanoi (Navás) and recognizes Ceraeochrysa tucumana (Navás) syn. n. as its junior synonym. Part 6 describes a new Ceraeochrysa species: Ceraeochrysa paraensis Sosa sp. n. from Brazil. Finally, to help facilitate species identifications, Part 7 incorporates all new species and all taxonomic changes made since the last revision of the genus (2009) into an updated key to the currently valid species of Ceraeochrysa. Lectotypes are designated for three species: C. discolor Navás, C. sarta Banks, and C. tucumana Navás.
On the exact position of the tribe Incolacridini in the modern classification of grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Acrididae)
Authors: STOROZHENKO SERGEY YU.
Published: May 2021

Incolacridinae is considered as a separate subfamily, not as a tribe of subfamily Catantopinae. It consists of four genera: Incolacris C. Willemse, 1932, stat. resurr., Stolzia C. Willemse, 1930, Bettotania C. Willemse, 1933, and Asymmetritania gen. nov. (type species: Stolzia vietnamensis Storozhenko, 2020). New combinations are proposed: Incolacris jianfengensis (Zheng et Ma, 1989), comb. nov., Asymmetritania asymmetrica (Ingrisch, 1989), comb. nov., and A. vietnamensis (Storozhenko, 2020), comb. nov. The diagnosis of subfamily and genera, a key to genera and an annotated list of the species of Incolacridinae are also given.
Two new species of Promalactis and one newly recorded from Japan (Lepidoptera, Oecophoridae)
Authors: TOMURA SHUNSUKE , KOMATSU TOSHITAMI , YAGI SADAHISA , HIROWATARI TOSHIYA
Published: May 2021

Two new species of the genus Promalactis Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Oecophoridae) are described from Japan: P. inokoi Tomura & Komatsu sp. nov. and P. kogii Tomura, Yagi & Hirowatari sp. nov. Additionally, Promalactis hoenei Lvovsky, 2000, originally described from China is newly recorded from Japan. Images of the imagoes and male and female genitalia are provided.
A remarkable new genus and two new species of the Gigantometopini (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Miridae, Isometopinae) from Brunei
Authors: TASZAKOWSKI ARTUR , KIM JUNGGON , DAMKEN CLAAS , WAHAB RODZAY A. , HERCZEK ALEKSANDER , JUNG SUNGHOON
Published: May 2021

The new genus Megalofaciatus gen. nov. represented by two new species M. foliotibialis Taszakowski, Kim & Herczek sp. nov. (the type species) and M. gibbosus sp. nov. Taszakowski, Kim & Herczek (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Miridae, Isometopinae, Gigantometopini), is described from Brunei. Photographs of the adult males and genital structures, as well as detailed SEM micrographs, are presented. The first finding of the largely modified leg in Gigantometopini is also reported.
Separation of Rare-Earth Ions from Mine Wastewater Using B12S Nanoflakes as a Capacitive Deionization Electrode Material
Authors: Xiang Huan Dong , Liu Peng , Deng Miao , Tong Dong Ge
Published: May 2021

In this study, nanoflakes of B12S were fabricated by plasma-assisted reaction of sulfur dichloride in an ionic liquid at room temperature using europium boride as a hard template. The nanoflakes had an average width and thickness of about 3 1urn and 9.6 nm, respectively,
and a large specific surface area of 1197.2 m2 g 1. They behaved like typical electric double-layer capacitors with a capacitance of 201.2 F g 1 at 0.2 mA cm 2 During capacitive deionization to recover rare-earth ions, the nanoflakes had higher adsorption
selectivity for Sm3+ than for other competing ions present in real mine waste water. This is due to the strong interaction of the electron-concentered S-groups (S’’’) of the nanoflakes with S m3+. This provides an alternative to construct efficient systems
to specifically remove Sm3+ from aqueous solution using B12S nanoflakes. This process demonstrates that other boron sulfide compounds can be used to recover valuable ions by capacitive deionization.