bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Salvage Radiotherapy versus Observation for Biochemical Recurrence following Radical Prostatectomy for Prostate Cancer: A Matched Pair Analysis
Authors: Tilki Derya , Preisser Felix , Thamm Reinhard , Pompe Raisa S. , Chun Felix K.-H. , Graefen Markus , Siegmann Alessandra , Böhmer Dirk , Budach Volker , Wiegel Thomas
Published: January 2022

Background: Salvage radiotherapy (SRT) improves oncologic outcomes in prostate cancer (PCa) patients who develop biochemical recurrence (BCR) after radical prostatectomy (RP). However, evidence on hard clinical endpoints is scarce. We compare long-term oncologic outcomes of SRT versus no radiotherapy (noRT) in patients with BCR after RP. Patients and methods: Within a multi-institutional database, we identified patients with BCR after RP between 1989 and 2016 for PCa. Patients with lymph node invasion, with adjuvant radiotherapy, or with additional androgen deprivation therapy at BCR were excluded. In all patients with SRT, SRT was delivered to the prostatic bed only. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to account for differences in pathologic tumor characteristics. Kaplan–Meier analyses and Cox regression models tested the effect of SRT versus no RT on metastasis-free (MFS) and overall survival (OS). Results: Of 1832 patients with BCR, 32.9% (n = 603) received SRT without ADT. The median follow-up was 95.9 months. Median total SRT dose was 70.2 Gy. After 1:1 PSM, at 15 years after RP, MFS and OS rates were 84.3 versus 76.9% (p < 0.001) and 85.3 versus 74.4% (p = 0.04) for SRT and noRT, respectively. In multivariable Cox regression models, SRT was an independent predictor for metastasis (HR: 0.37, p < 0.001) and OS (HR: 0.64, p = 0.03). Conclusion: This is the first matched-pair analysis investigating the impact of SRT versus observation only in post-RP recurrent PCa. After compensating for established risk factors, SRT was associated with better long-term MFS and OS. These results on clinical endpoints underline the curative potential of SRT.
Removing the Oxamyl from Aqueous Solution by a Green Synthesized HTiO2@AC/SiO2 Nanocomposite: Combined Effects of Adsorption and Photocatalysis
Authors: El Shahawy Abeer , Ragab Ahmed H. , Mubarak Mahmoud F. , Ahmed Inas A. , Mousa Abdullah E. , Bader Dina M. D.
Published: January 2022

The photocatalytic degradation and adsorption of the oxamyl pesticide utilizing a nano-HTiO2@activated carbon-amorphous silica nanocomposite catalyst (HTiO2@AC/SiO2). Sol-gel Synthesis was used to produce HTiO2@AC/SiO2, which was examined using Scanning Electron Microscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy, and an X-ray diffractometer. The analyses confirmed that HTiO2 is mainly present in its crystalline form at a size of 7–9 nm. The efficiency of HTiO2@AC/SiO2 was assessed at various pHs, catalyst doses, agitating intensities, initial pesticide concentrations, contact times, and temperatures under visible light and in darkness. Oxamyl adsorption kinetics followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model, suggesting that the adsorption process is dominated by chemisorption, as supported by a calculated activation energy of −182.769 kJ/mol. The oxamyl adsorption is compatible with Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms, suggesting a maximum adsorption capacity of 312.76 mg g−1. The adsorption capacity increased slightly with increasing temperature (283 K < 323 K < 373 K), suggesting an exothermic process with the Gibbs free energy change ΔG, enthalpy change ΔH, and entropy change ΔS°, being –3.17 kJ/mol, −8.85 kJ/mol, and −0.019 J/mol K, respectively, at 310 K for HTiO2@AC/SiO2 under visible light. This indicates spontaneous adsorption, and negative (ΔS) explain a decreased randomness process. HTiO2@AC/SiO2 would be a promising material.
Estrogens—Origin of Centrosome Defects in Human Cancer?
Authors: Bühler Miriam , Stolz Ailine
Published: January 2022

Estrogens are associated with a variety of diseases and play important roles in tumor development and progression. Centrosome defects are hallmarks of human cancers and contribute to ongoing chromosome missegragation and aneuploidy that manifest in genomic instability and tumor progression. Although several mechanisms underlie the etiology of centrosome aberrations in human cancer, upstream regulators are hardly known. Accumulating experimental and clinical evidence points to an important role of estrogens in deregulating centrosome homeostasis and promoting karyotype instability. Here, we will summarize existing literature of how natural and synthetic estrogens might contribute to structural and numerical centrosome defects, genomic instability and human carcinogenesis.
Mitochondria Fusion upon SERCA Inhibition Prevents Activation of the NLRP3 Inflammasome in Human Monocytes
Authors: Pereira Ana Catarina , Madeira Nuno , Morais Sofia , Macedo António , Cruz Maria Teresa , Pereira Cláudia M. F.
Published: January 2022

Sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA) is a crucial component of the cellular machinery responsible for Ca2+ homeostasis. The selective inhibition of SERCA by thapsigargin (TG) leads to perturbations in Ca2+ signaling, which can trigger endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. The unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway is activated in response to ER stress and induces an adaptive response to preserve cell survival or committee cells to programmed death, depending on stress duration and/or level. Early stages of ER stress stimulate mitochondrial metabolism to preserve survival but under chronic ER stress conditions, mitochondrial dysfunction is induced, which, in turn, can enhance inflammation through NLRP3 inflammasome activation. This study was aimed at investigating the role of SERCA inhibition on NLRP3 inflammasome activation in human monocytes, which was evaluated in primary monocytes isolated from healthy individuals and in the THP-1 human monocytic cell line. Findings obtained in both THP-1 and primary monocytes demonstrate that SERCA inhibition triggered by TG does not activate the NLRP3 inflammasome in these innate immune cells since IL-1β secretion was not affected. Results from THP-1 monocytes showing that SERCA inhibition increases mitochondrial Ca2+ content and fusion, in the absence of changes in ROS levels and membrane potential, support the view that human monocytes counteract ER stress that arises from inhibition of SERCA through modulation of mitochondrial morphology towards mitochondria fusion, thus preventing NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Overall, this work contributes to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms that modulate the activity of the NLRP3 inflammasome leading to sterile inflammation, which are still poorly understood.
Inhibition of Nigral Microglial Activation Reduces Age-Related Loss of Dopaminergic Neurons and Motor Deficits
Authors: Wang Tzu-Feng , Wu Shih-Ying , Pan Bo-Syong , Tsai Sheng-Feng , Kuo Yu-Min
Published: January 2022

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disease caused by a selective loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). Microglial activation is implicated in the pathogenesis of PD. This study aimed to characterize the role of microglial activation in aging-related nigral DA neuron loss and motor deficits in mice. We showed that, compared to 3-month-old mice, the number of DA neurons in the SN and the expression of dopamine transporter (DAT) in the striatum decreased during the period of 9 to 12 months of age. Motor deficits and microglial activation in the SN were also evident during these months. The number of DA neurons was negatively correlated with the degrees of microglial activation. The inhibition of age-related microglial activation by ibuprofen during these 3 months decreased DA neuron loss in the SN. Eliminating the microglia prevented systemic inflammation-induced DA neuron death. Forcing mice to run during these 3 months inhibited microglial activation and DA neuron loss. Blocking the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling eliminated the exercise-induced protective effects. In conclusion, nigral DA neurons were susceptible to local microglial activation. Running exercise upregulated BDNF-TrkB signaling and inhibited microglial activation during aging. Long-term exercise can be considered as a non-pharmacological strategy to ameliorate microglial activation and related neurodegeneration.
Secreted Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin Shows Stronger Ability to Inhibit Cyst Enlargement of ADPKD Cells Compared with Nonsecreted Form
Authors: Chuang Hsin-Yin , Jeng Wen-Yih , Wang Ellian , Jiang Si-Tse , Hsu Chen-Ming , Hsieh-Li Hsiu Mei , Chiou Yuan-Yow
Published: January 2022

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is one of the most common inherited diseases and is characterized by the development of fluid-filled cysts along multiple segments of the nephron. Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common form of PKD, which is caused by mutations in either PKD1 or PKD2 genes that encode polycystin-1 (PC1) and polycystin-2 (PC2), respectively. As ADPKD progresses, cysts enlarge and disrupt normal kidney architecture, eventually leading to kidney failure. Our previous study showed that overexpression of exogenous kidney-specific neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) reduced cyst progression and prolonged the lifespan of ADPKD mice (Pkd1L3/L3, 2L3 for short). In this study, we attempted to explore the underlying mechanism of reduced cyst progression in the presence of NGAL using immortalized 2L3 cells. The results of MTT and BrdU incorporation assays showed that recombinant mouse NGAL (mNGAL) protein significantly decreased the viability and proliferation of 2L3 cells. Flow cytometry and western blot analyses showed that mNGAL inhibited activation of the ERK and AKT pathways and induced apoptosis and autophagy in 2L3 cells. In addition, a 3D cell culture platform was established to identify cyst progression in 2L3 cells and showed that mNGAL significantly inhibited cyst enlargement in 2L3 cells. Overexpression of secreted mNGAL (pN + LS) and nonsecreted mNGAL (pN − LS) repressed cell proliferation and cyst enlargement in 2L3 cells and had effects on markers involved in proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy. However, secreted mNGAL had a more pronounced and consistent effect than that of nonsecreted form. These results reveal that secreted mNGAL has stronger ability to inhibit cyst enlargement of ADPKD cells than that of nonsecreted form. These findings could help to identify strategies for the future clinical treatment of ADPKD.
Competitive Endogenous RNA Network Activates Host Immune Response in SARS-CoV-2-, panH1N1 (A/California/07/2009)-, and H7N9 (A/Shanghai/1/2013)-Infected Cells
Authors: Yang Minghui , Li Jin , Deng Shoulong , Fan Hao , Peng Yun , Ye Guoguo , Wang Jun , Wei Jinli , Jiang Xiao , Xu Zhixiang , Qing Ling , Wang Fuxiang , Yang Yang , Liu Yingxia
Published: January 2022

The global outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is still ongoing, as is research on the molecular mechanisms underlying cellular infection by coronaviruses, with the hope of developing therapeutic agents against this pandemic. Other important respiratory viruses such as 2009 pandemic H1N1 and H7N9 avian influenza virus (AIV), influenza A viruses, are also responsible for a possible outbreak due to their respiratory susceptibility. However, the interaction of these viruses with host cells and the regulation of post-transcriptional genes remains unclear. In this study, we detected and analyzed the comparative transcriptome profiling of SARS-CoV-2, panH1N1 (A/California/07/2009), and H7N9 (A/Shanghai/1/2013) infected cells. The results showed that the commonly upregulated genes among the three groups were mainly involved in autophagy, pertussis, and tuberculosis, which indicated that autophagy plays an important role in viral pathogenicity. There are three groups of commonly downregulated genes involved in metabolic pathways. Notably, unlike panH1N1 and H7N9, SARS-CoV-2 infection can inhibit the m-TOR pathway and activate the p53 signaling pathway, which may be responsible for unique autophagy induction and cell apoptosis. Particularly, upregulated expression of IRF1 was found in SARS-CoV-2, panH1N1, and H7N9 infection. Further analysis showed SARS-CoV-2, panH1N1, and H7N9 infection-induced upregulation of lncRNA-34087.27 could serve as a competitive endogenous RNA to stabilize IRF1 mRNA by competitively binding with miR-302b-3p. This study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms of influenza A virus and SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Sinterability, Mechanical Properties and Wear Behavior of Ti3SiC2 and Cr2AlC MAX Phases
Authors: Tabares Eduardo , Kitzmantel Michael , Neubauer Erich , Jimenez-Morales Antonia , Tsipas Sophia A.
Published: January 2022

MAX phases are a promising family of materials for several demanding, high-temperature applications and severe conditions. Their combination of metallic and ceramic properties makes MAX phases great candidates to be applied in energy production processes, such as high temperature heat exchangers for catalytic devices. For their successful application, however, the effect of the processing method on properties such as wear and mechanical behavior needs to be further established. In this work, the mechanical and wear properties of self-synthesized Ti3SiC2 and Cr2AlC MAX phase powders consolidated by different powder metallurgy routes are evaluated. Uniaxial pressing and sintering, cold isostatic pressing and sintering and hot pressing were explored as processing routes, and samples were characterized by analyzing microstructure, phase constitution and porosity. Wear behavior was studied by reciprocating-sliding tests, evaluating the wear rate by the loss of material and the wear mechanism.
Impact of an Online Parenting Support Programme on Children’s Quality of Life
Authors: Nunes Cristina , Martins Cátia , Brás Marta , Carmo Cláudia , Gonçalves Andrea , Pina António
Published: January 2022

The study aims to describe the parental use of an online parenting support programme, the ‘Open Window to Family’ (JAF) and to evaluate its impact on perceived children’s quality of life (QoL). This programme makes online resources available to support positive parenting. The study included 363 parents (nintervention group = 142) who completed measures to evaluate their children’s QoL. The results suggest that using the programme for a longer time and accessing more information/services are positively related to the perception of utility but not to the frequency of use. The programme proved to be more useful for specific difficulties and to search for specific information. We found high levels of parental perception of children’s well-being, both physical and psychological, and lower values in social support and relationships with peers. No differences were observed between the total QoL of children in the intervention group and control group. The differences in the dimensions of QoL are due to interaction with the level of education of the mother: mothers with higher education reported higher physical well-being, social support, relationships with peers, and school context. Guidelines are suggested to enhance the accessibility of this type of programme as well as enhance its impact on parents and children.
Multiwalled-Carbon-Nanotubes (MWCNTs)–GPTMS/Tannic-Acid-Nanocomposite-Coated Cotton Fabric for Sustainable Antibacterial Properties and Electrical Conductivity
Authors: Abd El-Hady Marwa M. , Farouk Asmaa , Sharaf Samar
Published: January 2022

We propose a method of crosslinking multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with cotton fabric. 3-Glycidoxypropyltrimethoxy silane (GPTMS) polymer was used for the stabilization and modification of the surfaces of MWCNTs. The presence of tannic acid in the finishing formulation adds a sustainable functionality to the treated surface. The formation of the GPTMS–MWCNTs nanocomposite as well as the MWCNTs–GPTMS tannic-epoxy nanocomposite on the fabric surface was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectra (FTIR). The surface morphology and physical properties were investigated. An assessment of antibacterial activity, UV-protective properties, and electrical conductivity was performed. The post-treatment results of the MWCNTs–GPTMS nanocomposite fabric with tannic acid exhibited superior antibacterial character with the highest inhibition zones for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli (26 mm, 24 mm). On the contrary, the electrical conductivity was negatively impacted. The treatment of cotton fabric with tannic acid showed a great UV-protection-factor estimation of 96.2, which was additionally improved by treatment with MWCNTs 152.1. Cotton fabric treated with cotton/GPTMS/tannic acid/MWCNTs as well as cotton/GPTMS/MWCNTs recorded the highest electrical-conductivity properties. Fabrication of MWCNTs–GPTMS/tannic-acid-nanocomposite-coated cotton fabric for durable antibacterial and UV protection with improved electrical and physical properties was successfully achieved.
Constructing Supramolecular Frameworks Based Imidazolate-Edge-Bridged Metallacalix[3]arenes via Hierarchical Self-Assemblies
Authors: Cui Bo , Zhao Lirong , Tong Jin , Wang Xiayan , Yu Shuyan
Published: January 2022

Hierarchical self-assembly of novel supramolecular structures has obtained increasing attention. Herein we design and synthesize the palladium(II)-based molecular basket-like structures, as structural analog of metallacalix[3]arene [M3L3]3+ (M = (dmbpy)Pd, (phen)Pd; dmbpy = 4,4’-dimethyl-bipyridine; phen = 1,10-phenanthroline), by coordination-driven self-assembly from imidazolate-containing ligand [4,5-bis(2,5-dimethylthiophen-3-yl)-1H-imidazole (HL) with palladium(II) nitrate precursors (dmbpy)Pd(NO3)2 and (phen)Pd(NO3)2. The difference of the palladium(II) nitrate precursors with π-surface in complex produces variations of the two-dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) high-ordered supramolecular architectures, constructed by π···π packing and hydrogen bonding interactions, with metallacalixarenes as building blocks. These results provide perceptions of further exploring the hierarchical assembly of supramolecular structures based on π···π packing and multiple hydrogen bonding.
Genetic Differentiation among Subspecies of Banksia nivea (Proteaceae) Associated with Expansion and Habitat Specialization
Authors: Sampson Jane , Byrne Margaret
Published: January 2022

Subspecies are traditionally defined using phenotypic differences associated with different geographical areas. Yet patterns of morphological and genetic variation may not coincide and thereby fail to reflect species’ evolutionary history. The division of the shrub Banksia nivea Labill. into one widespread (B. nivea subsp. nivea) and two geographically localized subspecies (B. nivea subsp. uliginosa (A.S. George) A.R. Mast & K.R. Thiele and B. nivea subsp. Morangup (M. Pieroni 94/2)) in south-west Australia has been based mainly on variation in leaf shape and pistil length, although flowering time and habitat differences are also evident, and subsp. uliginosa occurs on a different substrate. To assess the genetic divergence of B. nivea subspecies, we genotyped representatives from each subspecies for nuclear microsatellite and non-coding chloroplast sequence variation. We used distance and parsimony-based methods to assess genetic relatedness. Patterns were consistent with the existing taxonomy of subsp. nivea and uliginosa but not subsp. Morangup. Phylogenetic analyses revealed evidence for a more recent divergence of subsp. uliginosa associated with expansion from dryer sandy soils into the winter-wet ironstone soils in the southwest of Western Australia, consistent with progressive long-term climatic drying. Nuclear microsatellites showed low to moderate diversity, high population differentiation overall, and genetic structuring of subspecies in different biogeographical areas. We propose this pattern reflects the predicted impact of a patchy distribution, small populations, and restrictions to gene flow driven by both distance and biogeographic differences in subspecies’ habitats.
Invasion of the Land of Samurai: Potential Spread of Old-World Screwworm to Japan under Climate Change
Authors: Hosni Eslam M. , Nasser Mohamed , Al-Khalaf Areej A. , Al-Shammery Kholoud A. , Al-Ashaal Sara , Soliman Doaa
Published: January 2022

Temperatures have fluctuated dramatically throughout our planet’s long history, and in recent decades, global warming has become a more visible indicator of climate change. Climate change has several effects on different economic sectors, especially the livestock industry. The Old-world screwworm (OWS), Chrysomya bezziana (Villeneuve, 1914), is one of the most destructive insect pests which is invading new regions as a result of climate change. The economic loss in livestock business due to invasion of OWS was previously assessed by FAO in Iraq to be USD 8,555,000. Other areas at risk of invasion with OWS in the future include Japan. Therefore, maximum entropy implemented in MaxEnt was used to model predictive risk maps of OWS invasion to Japan based on two representative concentration pathways (RCPs), 2.6 and 8.5, for 2050 and 2070. The Area Under Curve (AUC) indicates high model performance, with a value equal to 0.89 (±0.001). In addition, the True Skill Statistics (TSS) value was equal to 0.7. The resulting models indicate the unsuitability of the northern territory of Japan for invasion by OWS. The main island’s southern costs show high and very high invasion suitability, respectively, and both Kyushu and Okinawa are at high risk of invasion with OWS. The predicted risk maps can be considered a warning sign for the Japanese quarantine authority to hasten a control program in order to protect the livestock industry from this devastating pest.
Fine-Tuned Ecological Niche Models Unveil Climatic Suitability and Association with Vegetation Groups for Selected Chaetocnema Species in South Africa (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
Authors: Cerasoli Francesco , D’Alessandro Paola , Biondi Maurizio
Published: January 2022

Despite beetles (Coleoptera) representing most existing animal species, the ecological and biogeographical factors shaping their distribution are still unclear in many regions. We implemented state-of-the-art ecological niche models (ENMs) and niche overlap analysis to investigate climate–occurrence patterns for five flea beetle species of the genus Chaetocnema in South Africa (C. brincki, C. danielssoni, C. darwini, C. gahani, and C. natalensis). ENMs were fitted through Maxent and Random Forests, testing various parameterizations. For each species, tuned ENMs attaining good discrimination on spatially independent test data were selected to predict suitability across the study region and individuate its main climatic drivers. Percentage coverage of climatically suitable areas by seventeen Afrotropical vegetation formations was also computed. Predicted suitable areas do not extend far away from known presence localities, except for C. brincki and C. gahani in north-eastern South Africa. Temperate grasslands and shrublands cover most of suitable areas for C. brincki and C. gahani, along with warm temperate forests, as well as for C. danielssoni, in this case being followed by tropical flooded and swamp forests. Climatic suitability for C. darwini mainly relates to the Mediterranean grasslands and scrublands of the southern coastal region, while suitable areas for C. natalensis encompass various vegetation formations, coherently with its wide distribution. The environmental niche of C. danielssoni significantly overlaps with those of the wide-ranging C. darwini and C. natalensis, suggesting that historical factors, rather than low climatic tolerance, has determined its restricted distribution in the Western Cape Province. Maxent and Random Forests were confirmed to be of great help in disentangling the environment–occurrence relationships and in predicting suitability for the target species outside their known range, but they need to be properly tuned to perform at their best.
Diversity of Coral Reef Fishes in the Western Indian Ocean: Implications for Conservation
Authors: Samoilys Melita , Alvarez-Filip Lorenzo , Myers Robert , Chabanet Pascale
Published: January 2022

Communities of coral reef fishes are changing due to global warming and overfishing. To understand these changes and inform conservation, knowledge of species diversity and distributions is needed. The western Indian Ocean (WIO) contains the second highest coral reef biodiversity hotspot globally, yet a detailed analysis of the diversity of coral reef fishes is lacking. This study developed a timed visual census method and recorded 356 species from 19 families across four countries in the WIO to examine patterns in species diversity. Species richness and composition differed most between the island countries of Madagascar and Comoros and both these locations differed from locations in Tanzania and Mozambique which were similar. These three regional groupings helped define WIO ecoregions for conservation planning. The highest species richness was found in Tanzania and Mozambique, and the lowest and most different species composition was found in Comoros. Biogeography explains these differences with naturally lower species diversity expected from the small, oceanic, and isolated islands of Comoros. Present day ocean currents maintain these diversity patterns and help explain the species composition in northeast Madagascar. Species distributions were driven by 46 of the 356 species; these provide guidance on important species for ongoing monitoring. The results provide a benchmark for testing future changes in reef fish species richness.
CT-Guided Transthoracic Biopsy of Pulmonary Lesions: Diagnostic versus Nondiagnostic Results
Authors: Borelli Cristina , Vergara Doriana , Simeone Anna , Pazienza Luca , Castorani Giulia , Graziano Paolo , Di Micco Concetta , Quarato Carla Maria Irene , Sperandeo Marco
Published: January 2022

(1) Background: Despite the high accuracy of CT-guided transthoracic biopsy for diagnosis of pulmonary lesions, in a certain amount of cases biopsy results may indicate the presence of nonspecific findings or insufficient material. We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of CT-guided transthoracic biopsy of pulmonary lesions in providing a specific diagnosis and to analyze the variables affecting biopsy results. (2) Methods: In this retrospective study, a total of 170 patients undergoing 183 CT-guided transthoracic biopsies of pulmonary lesions were included. The clinical, radiological and pathological data were reviewed to classify biopsy results as diagnostic or nondiagnostic and to identify which variables were associated with the two groups. (3) Results: The biopsy results were diagnostic in 150 cases (82.0%), of which 131 (87.3%) positive for malignancy and 19 (12.7%) with specific benign lesions, and nondiagnostic in 33 cases (18.0%). Twenty-two of the thirty-three (66.7%) nondiagnostic cases were finally determined as malignancies and eleven (33.3%) as benign lesions. In the diagnostic group, all the 131 biopsies positive for malignancy were confirmed to be malignant at final diagnosis (87.3%); of 19 biopsies with specific benign lesions, 13 cases were confirmed to be benign (8.7%), whereas six cases had a final diagnosis of malignancy (4%). Multivariate analysis showed increased risk of nondiagnostic biopsy for lesions ≤ 20 mm (p = 0.006) and lesions with final diagnosis of benignity (p = 0.001). (4) Conclusions: CT-guided transthoracic lung biopsy is an effective technique for the specific diagnosis of pulmonary lesions, with a relatively acceptable proportion of nondiagnostic cases. Small lesion size and final benign diagnosis are risk factors for nondiagnostic biopsy results.
D-Amino Acids as a Biomarker in Schizophrenia
Authors: Taniguchi Kurumi , Sawamura Haruka , Ikeda Yuka , Tsuji Ai , Kitagishi Yasuko , Matsuda Satoru
Published: January 2022

D-amino acids may play key roles for specific physiological functions in different organs including the brain. Importantly, D-amino acids have been detected in several neurological disorders such as schizophrenia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and age-related disorders, reflecting the disease conditions. Relationships between D-amino acids and neurophysiology may involve the significant contribution of D-Serine or D-Aspartate to the synaptic function, including neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity. Gut-microbiota could play important roles in the brain-function, since bacteria in the gut provide a significant contribution to the host pool of D-amino acids. In addition, the alteration of the composition of the gut microbiota might lead to schizophrenia. Furthermore, D-amino acids are known as a physiologically active substance, constituting useful biomarkers of several brain disorders including schizophrenia. In this review, we wish to provide an outline of the roles of D-amino acids in brain health and neuropsychiatric disorders with a focus on schizophrenia, which may shed light on some of the superior diagnoses and/or treatments of schizophrenia.
Discriminant Analysis under f-Divergence Measures
Authors: Dwivedi Anmol , Wang Sihui , Tajer Ali
Published: January 2022

In statistical inference, the information-theoretic performance limits can often be expressed in terms of a statistical divergence between the underlying statistical models (e.g., in binary hypothesis testing, the error probability is related to the total variation distance between the statistical models). As the data dimension grows, computing the statistics involved in decision-making and the attendant performance limits (divergence measures) face complexity and stability challenges. Dimensionality reduction addresses these challenges at the expense of compromising the performance (the divergence reduces by the data-processing inequality). This paper considers linear dimensionality reduction such that the divergence between the models is maximally preserved. Specifically, this paper focuses on Gaussian models where we investigate discriminant analysis under five f-divergence measures (Kullback–Leibler, symmetrized Kullback–Leibler, Hellinger, total variation, and χ2). We characterize the optimal design of the linear transformation of the data onto a lower-dimensional subspace for zero-mean Gaussian models and employ numerical algorithms to find the design for general Gaussian models with non-zero means. There are two key observations for zero-mean Gaussian models. First, projections are not necessarily along the largest modes of the covariance matrix of the data, and, in some situations, they can even be along the smallest modes. Secondly, under specific regimes, the optimal design of subspace projection is identical under all the f-divergence measures considered, rendering a degree of universality to the design, independent of the inference problem of interest.
Scientific Reasoning in Science Education: From Global Measures to Fine-Grained Descriptions of Students’ Competencies
Authors: Krell Moritz , Vorholzer Andreas , Nehring Andreas
Published: January 2022

In modern science- and technology-based societies, competencies that allow citizens to reason scientifically play a key role for science- and technology-based careers as well as for democratic co-determination (e [...]
Intelligent One-Class Classifiers for the Development of an Intrusion Detection System: The MQTT Case Study
Authors: Jove Esteban , Aveleira-Mata Jose , Alaiz-Moretón Héctor , Casteleiro-Roca José-Luis , Marcos del Blanco David Yeregui , Zayas-Gato Francisco , Quintián Héctor , Calvo-Rolle José Luis
Published: January 2022

The ever-increasing number of smart devices connected to the internet poses an unprecedented security challenge. This article presents the implementation of an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) based on the deployment of different one-class classifiers to prevent attacks over the Internet of Things (IoT) protocol Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT). The utilization of real data sets has allowed us to train the one-class algorithms, showing a remarkable performance in detecting attacks.
A Unified Topology for the Integration of Electric Vehicle, Renewable Energy Source, and Active Filtering for the Power Quality Improvement of the Electrical Power Grid: An Experimental Validation
Authors: Monteiro Vitor , Afonso Joao L.
Published: January 2022

Electrical power grids are facing challenges concerning new linked technologies and associated contributions of power electronics, both regarding innovative topologies of power converters and advanced power management algorithms. Additionally, technologies related to renewables and electric mobility have several points in common, especially about the interface with the power grid, which allows to foresee a convergence for unified solutions in the power grid interface, without jeopardizing the functionalities and added values of each technology. Encompassing this purpose, this paper presents a unified topology, based on a three-phase structure, which, in addition to a collaborative operation with the power grid targeting the compensation of power quality problems, also enables the integration of a renewable energy source and an electric vehicle. The main contribution of this paper resides in the fact that only an interface with the power grid is necessary to involve three central features of smart grids: renewables, electric mobility, and power quality. Overall, the unified topology presents a four-quadrant structure, both in the perspective of AC and DC interfaces, offering multiple functionalities, mainly to the power grid. In the AC interface, the structure operates in interleaved mode, while in the DC interface, the structure operates in multilevel mode. The global control algorithm is presented, covering the interconnection between the mentioned technologies, as well as the details of implementation of the individual control algorithms regarding each interface. A laboratory prototype, connected to a three-phase 400 V-50 Hz power grid, was used to obtain an experimental validation for a maximum operating power of 12.5 kW, corroborating the essential advantage characteristics and the correct functioning of the presented unified topology.
Change Detection in Remote Sensing Image Data Comparing Algebraic and Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Goswami Anjali , Sharma Deepak , Mathuku Harani , Gangadharan Syam Machinathu Parambil , Yadav Chandra Shekhar , Sahu Saroj Kumar , Pradhan Manoj Kumar , Singh Jagendra , Imran Hazra
Published: January 2022

Remote sensing technology has penetrated all the natural resource segments as it provides precise information in an image mode. Remote sensing satellites are currently the fastest-growing source of geographic area information. With the continuous change in the earth’s surface and the wide application of remote sensing, change detection is very useful for monitoring environmental and human needs. So, it is necessary to develop automatic change detection techniques to improve the quality and reduce the time required by manual image analysis. This work focuses on the improvement of the classification accuracy of the machine learning techniques by reviewing the training samples and comparing the post-classification comparison with the image differencing in the algebraic technique. Landsat data are medium spatial resolution data; that is why pixel-wise computation has been applied. Two change detection techniques have been studied by applying a decision tree algorithm using a separability matrix and image differencing. The first change detection, e.g., the separability matrix, is a post-classification comparison in which individual images are classified by a decision tree algorithm. The second change detection is, e.g., the image differencing change detection technique in which changed and unchanged pixels are determined by applying the corner method to calculate the threshold on the changing image. The performance of the machine learning algorithm has been validated by 10-fold cross-validation. The experimental results show that the change detection using the post-classification method produced better results when compared to the image differencing of the algebraic change detection technique.
Design of a Dual-Mode Input Structure for K/Ka-Band Gyrotron TWT
Authors: Ma Mengshi , Zhao Qixiang , Mo Kunshan , Zheng Shuquan , Peng Lin , Lv You , Feng Jinjun
Published: January 2022

A dual-band gyrotron traveling wave amplifier (Gyro-TWT) can reduce the size, cost, and weight of a transmitter in dual-band radar and communication systems. In this paper, a dual-mode input coupler for K/Ka dual-band gyrotron traveling wave amplifier (Gyro-TWT) is designed. This structure is composed of two different types of input couplers, one is the coaxial input coupler for the Ka-band TE2,1 Gyro-TWT and the other is a Y-type input coupler for the K-band TE1,1 Gyro-TWT. For reducing the backward wave of the TE2,1 mode reflecting into the Y-type input coupler to influence the operating bandwidth, a Bragg reflector with a strong mode selective characteristic is inserted between these two couplers, which can make the reflection coefficient of the TE2,1 mode better than −1 dB and the phase matched in the whole bandwidth, and the transmission coefficient of the TE1,1 mode can reach better than −1 dB. Based on the simulation results, the −1 dB bandwidth of the Ka-band TE1,0⬜-TE2,1◯ mode input coupler reaches 3.32 GHz and the −1 dB bandwidth of K-band TE1,0⬜-TE1,1◯ mode input coupler reaches 3.15 GHz. The designed dual-mode input coupler has the advantages of broad bandwidth and low loss and can be well used in dual-band Gyro-TWTs.
Analog Frontend for Reliable Human Body Temperature Measurement for IoT Devices
Authors: Narczyk Paweł , Pleskacz Witold Adam
Published: January 2022

In this paper an analog frontend for a reliable measurement of the human body temperature is presented. A new and novel temperature calibration technique using an on-chip resistor was developed specifically for the analog frontend. The discussed analog frontend consists of a bandgap current reference, a precision current source, a programmable gain amplifier, a voltage source proportional to absolute temperature and an on-chip calibration resistor. The developed calibration technique enables very high accuracy, even 0.1 °C, to be obtained in a very wide temperature range. This calibration method was elaborated for integrated circuits operating in temperatures from −40 °C to +125 °C. The presented analog frontend consumes no more than 185 μA and was designed and manufactured with United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC) CMOS 130 nm technology. The data presented in the paper were obtained from process corner and Monte Carlo simulations as well as from measurements. The measurements were taken using a manual wafer prober with climate-controlled microchamber, at temperatures ranging from −40 °C to +125 °C.
Hybrid Energy Efficiency Friendly Frequency Domain TR Algorithm Based on PSO Algorithm Evaluated by Novel Maximizing HPA Efficiency Evaluation Criteria
Authors: Hu Feng , Lu Yuan , Jin Libiao , Liu Jianbo , Xia Zhiping , Zhang Guoting , Xiao Jingting
Published: January 2022

Smart Grids (SGs) expedite secure, large-scale and efficient two-way communication between the power supply and management, but under a sophisticated 5G communication infrastructure, the multi carrier system is the principle system. The high peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) is one of the significant limitations of the 5G multi carrier (MC) system, as it impedes the efficient design of the 5G analogue front end. Tone reservation (TR) is a highly efficient scheme without signal distortion, which is designed by increasing the freedom in the frequency domain for PAPR reduction. In this paper, a particle swarm optimization (PSO) based TR (PSO-TR) scheme proceeding with an optimal input power back off-modulation error ratio (IBO-MER) convergence criterion is proposed to improve high power amplifier (HPA) efficiency for OFDM systems. A probabilistic analysis of TR predistribution and freedom in the frequency domain, in relationship with the amplitude of its constituent samples, is carried out. This yields the theoretical framework employed in design of the proposed high computing-enhanced solutions. The proposed PSO-TR essentially make the frequency domain distribution and operation itself adaptive, that is, it adjusts to comply with the changing HPA efficiency and redundant cost during application runtime.
Effects of Low-Energy-Density Microwave Treatment on Graphene/Polyvinyl Alcohol-Modified Poplar Veneer
Authors: Wu Shuangshuang , Xu Wei
Published: January 2022

The combination of natural wood and graphene can provide a new type of material with excellent mechanical properties and thermal conductivity. However, it is difficult for graphene to uniformly penetrate the wood due to the anisotropy of natural wood and the agglomeration of graphene. In this work, poplar veneer was treated with low-energy-density microwave to expand the entry pathways for the graphene steering liquid. The porosity, weight percent gain, and chromatic aberration were used to examine the impact of the microwave time and power. We tested the mechanical properties, thermal conductivity of the graphene/polyvinyl alcohol-modified poplar veneer to evaluate its properties. At the same time, SEM, XRD, and FT-IR were used to characterize its physical and chemical structure. The results showed that low-energy-density microwave treatment increased the weight percentage gain (WPG) and porosity without affecting the mechanical properties of the poplar veneer. The graphene-modified poplar veneer with the optimal overall performance was obtained by microwave treatment at 100% microwave power for 50 s. Indeed, the micro-characterization also revealed that the microwave treatment mostly attacked the wood rays but had little effect on the materialized structure. Therefore, low-energy-density microwave treatment could be an energy-saving and efficient way to improve graphene-impregnated veneers.
Phytophthora podocarpi sp. nov. from Diseased Needles and Shoots of Podocarpus in New Zealand
Authors: Dobbie Kiryn , Scott Peter , Taylor Pam , Panda Preeti , Sen Diya , Dick Margaret , McDougal Rebecca
Published: January 2022

Foliage samples from Podocarpus totara with severe needle browning and needle loss in the lower part of the crown were observed in 2011 in the Gisborne region of New Zealand. A Phytophthora genus-specific test applied directly to the needles gave a strong positive result, and subsequent isolations yielded colonies of a slow-growing oomycete. Morphological examination in vitro revealed a Phytophthora species. Preliminary comparisons of the rDNA (ITS), and ras-related protein (Ypt) gene regions with international DNA sequence revealed low sequence similarity to species from the downy mildew genus Peronospora, as well as clade 3 Phytophthora species. Other studies have also demonstrated the close relationship with Peronospora. The species was given the interim designation Phytophthora taxon tōtara pending further examination. Here, we formally describe Phytophthora podocarpi sp. Nov. and its associated disease, tōtara needle blight.
Machine Learning Algorithms for Temperature Management in the Anaerobic Digestion Process
Authors: Cinar Senem Önen , Cinar Samet , Kuchta Kerstin
Published: January 2022

Process optimization is no longer an option for processes, but an obligation to survive in the market in any industry. This argument also applies to anaerobic digestion in biogas plants. The contribution of biogas plants to renewable energy can be increased through more productive systems with less waste, which brings the common goal of minimizing costs and maximizing yields in processes. With the help of data science and predictive analytics, it is possible to take conventional process optimization and operational excellence methods, such as statistical process control and Six Sigma, to the next level. The more advanced the process optimization aspect, the more transparent and responsive the systems. In this study, seven different machine learning algorithms—linear regression, logistic regression, K-NN, decision trees, random forest, support vector machine (SVM) and XGBoost—were compared with laboratory results to define and predict the possible impacts of wide range temperature fluctuations on process stability. SVM provided the best accuracy with 0.93 according to the metric precision of the models calculated using the confusion matrix.
Recombinant Tropomyosin from the Pacific Oyster (Crassostrea gigas) for Better Diagnosis
Authors: Nugraha Roni , Ruethers Thimo , Taki Aya C. , Johnston Elecia B. , Karnaneedi Shaymaviswanathan , Kamath Sandip D. , Lopata Andreas L.
Published: January 2022

The Pacific oyster is a commercially important mollusc and, in contrast to most other shellfish species, frequently consumed without prior heat treatment. Oysters are rich in many nutrients but can also cause food allergy. Knowledge of their allergens and cross-reactivity remains very limited. These limitations make an optimal diagnosis of oyster allergy difficult, in particular to the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas), the most cultivated and consumed oyster species worldwide. This study aimed to characterise IgE sensitisation profiles of 21 oyster-sensitised patients to raw and heated Pacific oyster extract using immunoblotting and advanced mass spectrometry, and to assess the relevance of recombinant oyster allergen for improved diagnosis. Tropomyosin was identified as the major allergen recognised by IgE from 18 of 21 oyster-sensitised patients and has been registered with the WHO/IUIS as the first oyster allergen (Cra g 1). The IgE-binding capacity of oyster-sensitised patients’ IgE to purified natural and recombinant tropomyosin from oyster, prawn, and dust mite was compared using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The degree of IgE binding varied between patients, indicating partial cross-sensitisation and/or co-sensitisation. Amino acid sequence alignment of tropomyosin from these three species revealed five regions that contain predicted IgE-binding epitopes, which are most likely responsible for this cross-reactivity. This study fully biochemically characterises the first and major oyster allergen Cra g 1 and demonstrates that the corresponding recombinant tropomyosin should be implemented in improved component-resolved diagnostics and guide future immunotherapy.
Phytic Acid against Clostridium perfringens Type A: A Food Matrix Study
Authors: Bloot Ana Paula Marinho , Kalschne Daneysa Lahis , Nogues Diego Ricardo Nunes , Amaral Joana S. , Flores Eder Lisandro Moraes , Colla Eliane , Habu Sascha , Baraldi Ilton José , Canan Cristiane
Published: January 2022

This study evaluated the inhibitory effect of phytic acid (PA) on the spore germination and vegetative cells growth of Clostridium perfringens type A, as well as its effect in combination with maltodextrin (MD) in cooked sausages. The addition of 1% PA showed a satisfactory inhibition of spores’ germination and vegetative cells growth of C. perfringens in BHI media. The inhibitory effect of 1% PA on vegetative cells was similar to the additive sodium sorbate (SS) at 10%. Subsequently, a mixture of PA-MD (1:1; w/w) was evaluated for the inhibition of C. perfringens spores in cooked sausages. The PA-MD 1.5% and 2.5% had a similar performance to SS 10% and a similar or higher performance than 0.015% NO2 (p < 0.05). In an unprecedented way, the present study demonstrated that PA inhibited spore germination and vegetative cells growth of C. perfringens, highlighting its potential use as an alternative and natural preservative for the meat industry.