bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low Frequency of Human Papillomavirus in Strictly Site-Coded Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas, Using the Latest NHI/SEER-ICD Systems: A Pilot Observational Study and Critical Review
Authors: Panzarella Vera , Campisi Giuseppina , Giardina Ylenia , Maniscalco Laura , Capra Giuseppina , Rodolico Vito , Di Fede Olga , Mauceri Rodolfo
Published: September 2021

The aim of this study was to evaluate HPV status in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), as coded by the latest classifications and applying a combination of detection methods used in clinical practice. Forty-two patients with suspect OSCC were consecutively recruited. Patients underwent an incisional biopsy for histological OSCC diagnosis and HPV identification by PCR DNA and p16 IHC. All lesions were coded by the latest ICD-0-3.2 site/histology classifications, as proposed for OSCC by the National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Programs. Moreover, a comparative analysis review, critically evaluated by the same site-coded systems and HPV detection methods, was performed. In 40 confirmed cases of OSCC, the frequency of HPV infection was 10% (4/40). Among positive patients, two cases were PCR DNA/p16 IHC positive (high-risk HPV 51, high-risk HPV 67), two cases were PCR DNA positive/p16 IHC negative (high-risk HPV 31 + 68, high-risk HPV 66). Applying the latest site coding systems for OSCC, the frequency of HPV infection in this study and in similar, reviewed investigations was low (from 3.3% to 12.5%). These results suggested no significant HPV role in oral carcinogenesis, particularly where an updated site-coded classification of OSCCs (categorically excluding the base of the tongue) had been performed.
Evaluation of Cr(VI) Reduction Using Indigenous Bacterial Consortium Isolated from a Municipal Wastewater Sludge: Batch and Kinetic Studies
Authors: Kholisa Buyisile , Matsena Mpumelelo , Chirwa Evans M. N.
Published: September 2021

Hexavalent Chromium (Cr(VI)) has long been known to be highly mobile and toxic when compared with the other stable oxidation state, Cr(III). Cr(VI)-soluble environmental pollutants have been detected in soils and water bodies receiving industrial and agricultural waste. The reduction of Cr(VI) by microbial organisms is considered to be an environmentally compatible, less expensive and sustainable remediation alternative when compared to conventional treatment methods, such as chemical neutralization and chemical precipitation of Cr. This study aims to isolate and identify the composition of the microbial consortium culture isolated from waste activated sludge and digested sludge from a local wastewater treatment plant receiving high loads of Cr(VI) from an abandoned chrome foundry in Brits (North Waste Province, South Africa). Furthermore, the Cr(VI) reduction capability and efficiency by the isolated bacteria were investigated under a range of operational conditions, i.e., pH, temperature and Cr(VI) loading. The culture showed great efficiency in reduction capability, with 100% removal in less than 4 h at a nominal loading concentration of 50 mg Cr(VI)/L. The culture showed resilience by achieving total removal at concentrations as high as 400 mg Cr(VI)/L. The consortia exhibited considerable Cr(VI) removal efficiency in the pH range from 2 to 11, with 100% removal being achieved at a pH value of 7 at a 37 ± 1 °C incubation temperature. The time course reduction data fitted well on both first and second-order exponential rate equation yielding first-order rate constants in the range 0.615 to 0.011 h−1 and second order rate constants 0.0532 to 5 × 10−5 L·mg−1·h−1 for Cr(VI) concentration of 50–400 mg/L. This study demonstrated the bacterial consortium from municipal wastewater sludge has a high tolerance and reduction ability over a wide range of experimental conditions. Thus, show promise that bacteria could be used for hexavalent chromium remediate in contaminated sites.
Mesityl Oxide Reduction by Using Acid-Modified Phonolite Supported NiW, NiMo, and CoMo Catalysts
Authors: Hidalgo Herrador José Miguel , Tišler Zdeněk , Kocík Jaroslav , Frątczak Jakub , Hradecká Ivana , Velvarská Romana , de Paz Carmona Héctor
Published: September 2021

Mesityl oxide is standardly used to produce methyl iso butyl ketone but it can be also used to produce other useful compounds. Three catalysts were used for the reaction of the mesityl oxide reduction. They were NiW, NiMo, and CoMo supported on phonolite modified by HCl (metals/Ph-HCl). The fresh catalysts were characterized by XRD, XRF, BET surface, Hg porosimetry, SEM, H2-TPR, NH3-TPD, CO2-TPD. The materials were directly used, previously reduced in H2 or sulfided for the mesityl oxide reduction under H2 atmosphere. The reaction was performed in an autoclave at T = 375 °C, p = 50 bar (H2), and TOS = 1.5 h. The products were analyzed by GC/MS, GC/FID-TCD, ATR. The main products were methyl isobutyl ketone, 2-methyl pentane, and 2-methyl-2-pentene. Sulfided metal catalysts were the most active in the methyl isobutyl ketone, where the NiWSx/Ph-HCl catalyst showed the highest activity. For the non-previously-activated and hydrogen activated catalysts the most active catalyst was the NiMo/Ph-HCl for the production of methyl isobutyl ketone. The catalyst CoMo/Ph-HCl activated in hydrogen was the most active for the production of 2-methyl pentane compared to the other two hydrogen-activated materials.
Interferon-Induced HERC5 Inhibits Ebola Virus Particle Production and Is Antagonized by Ebola Glycoprotein
Authors: Paparisto Ermela , Hunt Nina R. , Labach Daniel S. , Coleman Macon D. , Di Gravio Eric J. , Dodge Mackenzie J. , Friesen Nicole J. , Côté Marceline , Müller Andreas , Hoenen Thomas , Barr Stephen D.
Published: September 2021

Survival following Ebola virus (EBOV) infection correlates with the ability to mount an early and robust interferon (IFN) response. The host IFN-induced proteins that contribute to controlling EBOV replication are not fully known. Among the top genes with the strongest early increases in expression after infection in vivo is IFN-induced HERC5. Using a transcription- and replication-competent VLP system, we showed that HERC5 inhibits EBOV virus-like particle (VLP) replication by depleting EBOV mRNAs. The HERC5 RCC1-like domain was necessary and sufficient for this inhibition and did not require zinc finger antiviral protein (ZAP). Moreover, we showed that EBOV (Zaire) glycoprotein (GP) but not Marburg virus GP antagonized HERC5 early during infection. Our data identify a novel ‘protagonist–antagonistic’ relationship between HERC5 and GP in the early stages of EBOV infection that could be exploited for the development of novel antiviral therapeutics.
Tissue of Origin, but Not XCI State, Influences Germ Cell Differentiation from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Chang Yolanda W. , Overeem Arend W. , Roelse Celine M. , Fan Xueying , Freund Christian , Chuva de Sousa Lopes Susana M.
Published: September 2021

Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are not only a promising tool to investigate differentiation to many cell types, including the germline, but are also a potential source of cells to use for regenerative medicine purposes in the future. However, current in vitro models to generate human primordial germ cell-like cells (hPGCLCs) have revealed high variability regarding differentiation efficiency depending on the hPSC lines used. Here, we investigated whether differences in X chromosome inactivation (XCI) in female hPSCs could contribute to the variability of hPGCLC differentiation efficiency during embryoid body (EB) formation. For this, we first characterized the XCI state in different hPSC lines by investigating the expression of XIST and H3K27me3, followed by differentiation and quantification of hPGCLCs. We observed that the XCI state did not influence the efficiency to differentiate to hPGCLCs; rather, hPSCs derived from cells isolated from urine showed an increased trend towards hPGCLCs differentiation compared to skin-derived hPSCs. In addition, we also characterized the XCI state in the generated hPGCLCs. Interestingly, we observed that independent of the XCI state of the hPSCs used, both hPGCLCs and soma cells in the EBs acquired XIST expression, indicative of an inactive X chromosome. In fact, culture conditions for EB formation seemed to promote XIST expression. Together, our results contribute to understanding how epigenetic properties of hPSCs influence differentiation and to optimize differentiation methods to obtain higher numbers of hPGCLCs, the first step to achieve human in vitro gametogenesis.
Long-Term Maintenance of Viable Adult Rat Sertoli Cells Able to Establish Testis Barrier Components and Function in Response to Androgens
Authors: Kabbesh Hassan , Riaz Muhammad A. , Jensen Alexandra D. , Scheiner-Bobis Georgios , Konrad Lutz
Published: September 2021

A protocol for the isolation and long-term propagation of adult rat Sertoli cells (SCs) using conditional reprogramming (CR) was developed and the formation of tight junctions as an in vitro model for the blood testis barrier (BTB) was studied. Three pure primary SC lines were isolated successfully and maintained for several months without significant changes in expression levels of SC-typical markers such as SRY-box transcription factor 9 (SOX9), transferrin, clusterin, androgen receptor (AR), and GATA binding protein 1 (GATA1). In addition to AR expression, the tight junction proteins, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and the junctional adhesion molecule-3 (JAM-3), were upregulated and the SC barrier integrity was enhanced by testosterone. Peritubular/myoid cells did not increase the tightness of the SC. The cytokines, interleukin-6 (IL-6), bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2), and transforming growth factor beta-3 (TGF-β3), negatively affected the tightness of the SC barrier. We have established a protocol for the isolation and long-term propagation of highly pure primary adult rat SCs, which are able to respond to androgen treatments, to form tight junctions and to maintain the mRNA expression of SC-specific genes. By applying this new method, adult SCs can now be analyzed in more detail and might serve as an in vitro model for the study of many SC functions.
Intestinal Region-Specific and Layer-Dependent Induction of TNFα in Rats with Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes and after Insulin Replacement
Authors: Bódi Nikolett , Chandrakumar Lalitha , al Doghmi Afnan , Mezei Diána , Szalai Zita , Barta Bence Pál , Balázs János , Bagyánszki Mária
Published: September 2021

Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) is essential in neuroinflammatory modulation. Therefore, the goal of this study is to reveal the effects of chronic hyperglycaemia and insulin treatment on TNFα expression in different gut segments and intestinal wall layers. TNFα expression was mapped by fluorescent immunohistochemistry and quantitative immunogold electron microscopy in myenteric ganglia of duodenum, ileum and colon. Tissue TNFα levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays in muscle/myenteric plexus-containing (MUSCLE-MP) and mucosa/submucosa/submucous plexus-containing (MUC-SUBMUC-SP) homogenates. Increasing density of TNFα-labelling gold particles is observed in myenteric ganglia from proximal to distal segments and TNFα tissue levels are much more elevated in MUSCLE-MP homogenates than in MUC-SUBMUC-SP samples in healthy controls. In the diabetics, the number of TNFα gold labels is significantly increased in the duodenum, decreased in the colon and remained unchanged in the ileal ganglia, while insulin does not prevent these diabetes-related TNFα changes. TNFα tissue concentration is also increased in MUSCLE-MP homogenates of diabetic duodenum, while decreased in MUC-SUBMUC-SP samples of diabetic ileum and colon. These findings support that type 1 diabetes has region-specific and intestinal layer-dependent effects on TNFα expression, contributing to the regional damage of myenteric neurons and their intestinal milieu.
Regulation of Rac1 Activation in Choroidal Endothelial Cells: Insights into Mechanisms in Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Ramshekar Aniket , Wang Haibo , Hartnett M.
Published: September 2021

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. Vision loss from the neovascular form is associated with the invasion of choroidal endothelial cells into the neural retina to form vision-threatening macular neovascularization (MNV). Anti-angiogenic agents are the current standard of care but are effective in only ~50% of AMD cases. The molecular mechanisms involved in invasive MNV point to the importance of regulating signaling pathways that lead to pathologic biologic outcomes. In studies testing the effects of AMD-related stresses, activation of the Rho GTPase, Rac1, was found to be important for the choroidal endothelial cell invasion into the neural retina. However, current approaches to prevent Rac1 activation are inefficient and less effective. We summarize active Rac1-mediated mechanisms that regulate choroidal endothelial cell migration. Specifically, we discuss our work regarding the role of a multidomain protein, IQ motif containing GTPase activating protein 1 (IQGAP1), in sustaining pathologic Rac1 activation and a mechanism by which active Rap1, a Ras-like GTPase, may prevent active Rac1-mediated choroidal endothelial cell migration.
Reducing the Use of Antimicrobials as a Solution to the Challenge of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): Approaching an Ethical Dilemma through the Lens of Planetary Health
Authors: Abimbola Samuel , Otieno Melvine , Cole Jennifer
Published: September 2021

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the greatest challenges facing humanity in the 21st century. Controlled dispensation of antimicrobial drugs is the most echoed solution among many that have been postulated to counter this problem. However, the life-impacting significance of antimicrobials makes this approach a very complex one, which must be considered under the lens of health and planetary ethics. As the problem of AMR is not peculiar to only a few people, the right to know the risk, as well as decisions as to when and how antimicrobials are used should, not be granted to only a few decision makers, but be used as drivers to advance planetary health knowledge in a way that benefits individuals, society, and future generations. Within an ethical framework, implementing policies that extend the efficacy period of antimicrobials should be considered in a way that balances range, choice, and quality of drugs against stewardship activities. The challenge of AMR cannot be eliminated completely by reduced use of antimicrobials only; understanding how, where and when reduction is necessary, and social structures and patterns (as well as existing health and government systems) are required if any global/national intervention would be successful and equitable. We may well have gone past the stage of adopting precautionary principles as the danger we face presents no iota of uncertainty. The measures to control AMR’s emergence and its spread are well presented. Nevertheless, we must not ere from the path of justice and equity even in the face of certain danger.
Temperature and Precipitation Extremes over the Iberian Peninsula under Climate Change Scenarios: A Review
Authors: Pereira Susana C. , Carvalho David , Rocha Alfredo
Published: September 2021

This paper presents the results of a systematic review of temperature and precipitation extremes over the Iberian Peninsula, focusing on observed changes in temperature and precipitation during the past years and what are the projected changes by the end of the 21st century. The purpose of this review is to assess the current literature about extreme events and their change under global warming. Observational and climate modeling studies from the past decade were considered in this review. Based on observational evidence and in climate modeling experiments, mean and maximum temperatures are projected to increase about 2 °C around the mid-century and up to 4 °C by the end of the century. The more pronounced warming is expected in summer for the central-south region of IP, with temperatures reaching 6 °C to 8 °C around 2100. Days with maximum temperature exceeding 30 °C and 40 °C will become more common (20 to 50 days/year), and the heatwaves will be 7 to 10 times more frequent. Significative reduction in events related to cold extremes. The climate change signal for precipitation in IP shows a considerable decline in precipitation (10–15%) for all seasons except winter. It is predicted that heavy precipitation will increase by 7% to 15%. Extreme precipitation will increase slightly (5%) by mid-century, then decline to 0% by 2100. Significant reduction in wet days (40% to 60%) followed by a dryness trend more pronounced by the end of the century.
Uterine Epithelioid Trophoblastic Tumor in a 44-Year-Old Woman: A Diagnostic Dilemma
Authors: Aniţei Maria-Gabriela , Lazăr Diana-Elena , Pleşca Raluca Alina , Terinte Cristina , Iulian Radu , Viorel Scripcariu
Published: September 2021

Background: Epithelioid trophoblastic tumor (ETT) is a rare and newly defined disease, which most commonly occurs in women of reproductive age and can be a sequela of any gestational event. ETT can be present in both intrauterine and extrauterine sites. Case report: A woman of reproductive age, without specific comorbidities and with a single pregnancy and natural childbirth eight years ago, was diagnosed initially with poorly differentiated pleomorphic leiomyosarcoma on the hemostatic uterine curettage. Conclusion: Our case highlights that ETT presents a diagnostic challenge due to its rarity and histologic resemblance to other pathologies. Misdiagnosis delays effective treatment and affects survival. To date, only 8 cases of ETT of the uterus without previous gestational event and normal human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG) levels in a 60-year literature survey have been reported.
Integrating Data Mining Techniques for Naïve Bayes Classification: Applications to Medical Datasets
Authors: Changpetch Pannapa , Pitpeng Apasiri , Hiriote Sasiprapa , Yuangyai Chumpol
Published: September 2021

In this study, we designed a framework in which three techniques—classification tree, association rules analysis (ASA), and the naïve Bayes classifier—were combined to improve the performance of the latter. A classification tree was used to discretize quantitative predictors into categories and ASA was used to generate interactions in a fully realized way, as discretized variables and interactions are key to improving the classification accuracy of the naïve Bayes classifier. We applied our methodology to three medical datasets to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed method. The results showed that our methodology outperformed the existing techniques for all the illustrated datasets. Although our focus here was on medical datasets, our proposed methodology is equally applicable to datasets in many other areas.
Two Birds with One Stone: Skull Base Meningioma and Jugulotympanic Paragangliomas with Somatostatin Receptor Positron Emission Tomography
Authors: Treglia Giorgio , Raditchkova Mariana , Giovanella Luca , Stelmes Jean-Jacques , Bosetti Davide G. , Martucci Francesco
Published: September 2021

We describe the case of a 74-year-old female patient previously treated with radiation therapy for a meningioma of the skull base and with surgery for a right tympanic paraganglioma. After the morphological progression of the meningioma demonstrated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the patient underwent somatostatin receptor positron emission tomography/computed tomography (SR-PET/CT) with Gallium-68 DOTATATE for restaging. This examination showed increased somatostatin receptor expression by the meningioma and confirmed its extension as already assessed by MRI (endocranial extension, skull base involvement and invasion of the right orbit). Furthermore, SR-PET/CT detected two small right jugulotympanic pararagangliomas with high somatostatin receptor expression. Lastly, SR-PET/CT demonstrated that this patient would be an ideal candidate for peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) that can be used for the treatment of progressive/treatment-refractory meningiomas and relapsed paragangliomas with high somatostatin receptors expression, both conditions coexisting in this case.
Acute Radiation Dermatitis Evaluation with Reflectance Confocal Microscopy: A Prospective Study
Authors: Kišonas Juras , Venius Jonas , Grybauskas Mindaugas , Dabkevičienė Daiva , Burneckis Arvydas , Rotomskis Ričardas
Published: September 2021

Background: During radiotherapy (RT), most breast cancer patients experience ionizing radiation (IR)-induced skin injury—acute radiation dermatitis (ARD). The severity of ARD is determined by a physician according to CTCAE or RTOG scales, which are subjective. Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is a noninvasive skin imaging technique offering cellular resolution. Digital dermoscopy (DD) performed in conjugation with RCM can provide more information regarding skin toxicity. The purpose of this study is to create an RCM and DD features-based ARD assessment scale, to assess the association with CTCAE scale and possible predictive value. Methods: One hundred and three breast cancer patients during RT were recruited; every week, clinical symptoms of ARD (CTCAE scale) were evaluated and RCM, together with digital dermoscopy (DD), was performed. Results: According to RCM; after 2 RT weeks, exocytosis and/or spongiosis were present in 94% of patients; after 3 weeks, mild contrast cells (MMCs) were detected in 45%; disarrayed epidermis (DE) was present in 66% of patients after 4 weeks and in 93% after 5 weeks; abnormal dermal papillae (ADP) were present in 68% of patients after 5 weeks. The coefficients of RCM features (RCMcoef) alone and together with dermoscopically determined erythema (RCM-ERYcoef) were significantly associated with ARD severity grade. RCMcoef is a significant predictive factor for the clinical manifestation of ARD. Conclusions: RCM features of irradiated skin appear earlier than clinical symptoms, have a characteristic course, and allow the severity of ARD to be predicted.
Colon Capsule Endoscopy as a Diagnostic Adjunct in Patients with Symptoms from the Lower Gastrointestinal Tract
Authors: Bjørsum-Meyer Thomas , Baatrup Gunnar , Koulaouzidis Anastasios
Published: September 2021

Prompted by the core idea of wireless capsule endoscopy as a painless gastrointestinal examination, and the easy adoption of small bowel capsule endoscopy, the armamentarium of the capsule-based imaging platforms has grown to include colon capsule devices as well [...]
Convolutional Neural Networks for Classifying Laterality of Vestibular Schwannomas on Single MRI Slices—A Feasibility Study
Authors: Sager Philipp , Näf Lukas , Vu Erwin , Fischer Tim , Putora Paul M. , Ehret Felix , Fürweger Christoph , Schröder Christina , Förster Robert , Zwahlen Daniel R. , Muacevic Alexander , Windisch Paul
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Many proposed algorithms for tumor detection rely on 2.5/3D convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and the input of segmentations for training. The purpose of this study is therefore to assess the performance of tumor detection on single MRI slices containing vestibular schwannomas (VS) as a computationally inexpensive alternative that does not require the creation of segmentations. Methods: A total of 2992 T1-weighted contrast-enhanced axial slices containing VS from the MRIs of 633 patients were labeled according to tumor location, of which 2538 slices from 539 patients were used for training a CNN (ResNet-34) to classify them according to the side of the tumor as a surrogate for detection and 454 slices from 94 patients were used for internal validation. The model was then externally validated on contrast-enhanced and non-contrast-enhanced slices from a different institution. Categorical accuracy was noted, and the results of the predictions for the validation set are provided with confusion matrices. Results: The model achieved an accuracy of 0.928 (95% CI: 0.869–0.987) on contrast-enhanced slices and 0.795 (95% CI: 0.702–0.888) on non-contrast-enhanced slices from the external validation cohorts. The implementation of Gradient-weighted Class Activation Mapping (Grad-CAM) revealed that the focus of the model was not limited to the contrast-enhancing tumor but to a larger area of the cerebellum and the cerebellopontine angle. Conclusions: Single-slice predictions might constitute a computationally inexpensive alternative to training 2.5/3D-CNNs for certain detection tasks in medical imaging even without the use of segmentations. Head-to-head comparisons between 2D and more sophisticated architectures could help to determine the difference in accuracy, especially for more difficult tasks.
Quantum Theory of Massless Particles in Stationary Axially Symmetric Spacetimes
Authors: Moalem Amnon , Gersten Alexander
Published: September 2021

Quantum equations for massless particles of any spin are considered in stationary uncharged axially symmetric spacetimes. It is demonstrated that up to a normalization function, the angular wave function does not depend on the metric and practically is the same as in the Minkowskian case. The radial wave functions satisfy second order nonhomogeneous differential equations with three nonhomogeneous terms, which depend in a unique way on time and space curvatures. In agreement with the principle of equivalence, these terms vanish locally, and the radial equations reduce to the same homogeneous equations as in Minkowski spacetime.
Research on Driving Fatigue Alleviation Using Interesting Auditory Stimulation Based on VMD-MMSE
Authors: Wang Fuwang , Lu Bin , Kang Xiaogang , Fu Rongrong
Published: September 2021

The accurate detection and alleviation of driving fatigue are of great significance to traffic safety. In this study, we tried to apply the modified multi-scale entropy (MMSE) approach, based on variational mode decomposition (VMD), to driving fatigue detection. Firstly, the VMD was used to decompose EEG into multiple intrinsic mode functions (IMFs), then the best IMFs and scale factors were selected using the least square method (LSM). Finally, the MMSE features were extracted. Compared with the traditional sample entropy (SampEn), the VMD-MMSE method can identify the characteristics of driving fatigue more effectively. The VMD-MMSE characteristics combined with a subjective questionnaire (SQ) were used to analyze the change trends of driving fatigue under two driving modes: normal driving mode and interesting auditory stimulation mode. The results show that the interesting auditory stimulation method adopted in this paper can effectively relieve driving fatigue. In addition, the interesting auditory stimulation method, which simply involves playing interesting auditory information on the vehicle-mounted player, can effectively relieve driving fatigue. Compared with traditional driving fatigue-relieving methods, such as sleeping and drinking coffee, this interesting auditory stimulation method can relieve fatigue in real-time when the driver is driving normally.
Improved Model Predictive Control for Asymmetric T-Type NPC 3-Level Inverter
Authors: Doan Nam Xuan , Nguyen Nho Van
Published: September 2021

In this paper, a model predictive control for an asymmetric T-type NPC 3-level inverter is presented. The mathematical model and characteristics of the reduced switching topology are described. An improvement for the predicted strategy with the pre-selected candidate vectors is proposed. The simulation and experimental results are provided and show good efficiency for the proposed control algorithm. The improved algorithm greatly reduces execution time by about 18% and delivers a better load current THD than the conventional model for predictive control. For comparison, similar tests are performed on both 2-level and conventional 3-level inverters. Although the current load quality of the asymmetrical inverter is not as good as the traditional 3-level inverter, it is much better than the 2-level inverter. In addition, it has the benefits of significantly reducing overall costs, simpler hardware system design, and faster predictive processing than the conventional 3-level inverters. Therefore, this asymmetric inverter has advantages for an application with the required output characteristics like the conventional 3-level inverter and with lower cost.
Effective Strategies for Project-Based Learning of Practical Electronics
Authors: Mohd-Yasin Faisal
Published: September 2021

Some universities offer specific project-based learning (PBL) courses in the third year of their electronic engineering degree to equip undergraduate students before they embark on industrial attachment and/or a capstone project. This course exposes those students to full design cycles at circuit and system levels. Students also pick up practical skills, such as component selection, circuit troubleshooting, printed circuit board design, and market analysis. This perspective offers the author’s reflections on effective learning and teaching strategies for this purpose, after running such a course for the past 10 years at Griffith University. In earlier years, students’ have complained about lack of direction and overloading, which are common issues being reported in PBL courses. In response, we have implemented scaffolding and balanced evaluation criteria for assessment, providing formative feedback, and we have designed integrated assessment items. As a result, average marks for the cohort and the percentage of students that receive the grade of high distinction have increased in the past five years. These strategies might be of help at other learning institutions that offer similar courses.
Electric and Magnetic Design of a Deployable WPT System for Industrial and Defense UAV Applications
Authors: Rosu Filip , Badescu Alina
Published: September 2021

The following paper presents a highly efficient wireless power transfer (WPT) system for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) applications. The proposed system is designed as a deployable landing pad, where UAVs can be efficiently charged at distances up to 20 cm, while the UAV is landing. The operation frequency is 50 kHz. The current work presents two major contributions that help improve this aspect: a novel RX charging pad geometry and an unconventional design of a low-voltage, high-power DC–AC inverter using discrete MOSFET transistors. Both the pad’s geometry and the inverter are designed specifically for UAV applications. The input DC to output AC system efficiency peaks at approximately 95%. The peak efficiency is obtained at power transfers of 625 W. A major difference between the present design and traditionally used state-of-the-art systems is the low DC supply voltage requirement of just 24 V, compared with typical values that range from 50 up to 300 V at similar output power.
Multi-Supervised Encoder-Decoder for Image Forgery Localization
Authors: Yu Chunfang , Zhou Jizhe , Li Qin
Published: September 2021

Image manipulation localization is one of the most challenging tasks because it pays more attention to tampering artifacts than to image content, which suggests that richer features need to be learned. Unlike many existing solutions, we employ a semantic segmentation network, named Multi-Supervised Encoder–Decoder (MSED), for the detection and localization of forgery images with arbitrary sizes and multiple types of manipulations without extra pre-training. In the basic encoder–decoder framework, the former encodes multi-scale contextual information by atrous convolution at multiple rates, while the latter captures sharper object boundaries by applying upsampling to gradually recover the spatial information. The additional multi-supervised module is designed to guide the training process by multiply adopting pixel-wise Binary Cross-Entropy (BCE) loss after the encoder and each upsampling. Experiments on four standard image manipulation datasets demonstrate that our MSED network achieves state-of-the-art performance compared to alternative baselines.
Enhancement of the Flickermeter for Grid-Connected Wind Turbines
Authors: Wang Chau-Shing , Yang Wen-Ren , Hsu Yi-Cheng
Published: September 2021

Distributed generators connected to the power system usually produce voltage fluctuations. For wind turbines connected to a grid, large changes in wind speed can cause voltage flicker at the point of common coupling. The measurement of voltage flicker caused only by wind turbines is difficult. The wind turbine under test is usually connected to a medium voltage point, in which other fluctuating loads may produce significant voltage disturbances at the wind turbine terminal where the measurement is made. Although the IEC 61400-21-1 standard specifies a method to evaluate voltage flicker caused by wind turbines, because of the complex algorithm and process of the IEC standard, there is currently a lack of measurement equipment that meets the IEC standard. In addition, some countries that use other voltage flicker standards, such as ΔV10, do not have suitable flicker measurements for wind turbines. Therefore, this study proposes an enhanced version of the IEC 61400-21-1 standard, which integrates the ΔV10 method, so that the proposed measurement system complies with the IEC and ΔV10 standards. In this study, the voltage flicker measurement system is successfully implemented, which can help engineers to predict the voltage flicker by wind turbines and assess whether a region or grid is suitable for installing wind turbines. Therefore, it can provide wind turbine companies with a quick assessment of voltage flicker to comply with the certification process.
Solar-Driven Desalination Using Nanoparticles
Authors: Kuzmenkov Dmitrii M. , Struchalin Pavel G. , Olkhovskii Andrey V. , Yunin Vladimir S. , Kutsenko Kirill V. , Balakin Boris V.
Published: September 2021

Due to the high light absorption and the possibility of localizing boiling to the interior of the receiver, nanoparticles are promising for solar-driven desalination. The paper presents an experimental study of the nanoparticle-based photothermal boiling of water with sea salt. The experiments were carried out using a laboratory-scale system with a transparent photothermal receiver of light and a closed condensate cycle. In this study, we tested three types of nanoparticles: multiwall carbon nanotubes with two main sizes of 49 nm and 72 nm, 110 nm iron oxide particles Fe3O4, and a commercial paste based on carbon nanotubes. The concentration of nanoparticles was varied up to 10% wt. We found that the nanoparticles enhance the steam generation by 23%, relative to a conventional desalinator with a black-body receiver. The best result was obtained for the 5% wt. concentration of carbon nanotubes.
Stray Flux Analysis for the Detection and Severity Categorization of Rotor Failures in Induction Machines Driven by Soft-Starters
Authors: Biot-Monterde Vicente , Navarro-Navarro Ángela , Antonino-Daviu Jose A. , Razik Hubert
Published: September 2021

The condition monitoring of induction motors (IM), is an important concern for industry due to the widespread use of these machines. Magnetic Flux Analysis, has been proven to be a reliable method of diagnosing these motors. Among the IM types, squirrel-cage motors (SCIM) are one of the most commonly used. In many industrial applications, the IM are driven by different types of starters, quite often by soft-starters. Despite rotor damages are more prone to occur in line-started motors, these kind of failures have been also reported in those ones driven by soft-starters. Related to this, the use of these type of starters may introduce some harmonic components, that could veil the magnetic flux signature of the different rotor faults. So, the aim of this study is to confirm if the Stray Flux Analysis technique maintains its reliability in these cases. Thus, this article presents the results of soft-started induction motors start-up tests, both in healthy and faulty motors. The fault components are detected by analyzing the stray flux during the starting and the study is complemented by analyzing the stray flux during the steady-state. In addition to the failure patterns, numerical indicators have been found so the identification of the failures is not only qualitative, but also quantitative. The results confirm the potential of the technique for detecting electromechanical failures in soft-started SCIMs.
Research on Decoupled Optimal Control of Straight-Line Driving Stability of Electric Vehicles Driven by Four-Wheel Hub Motors
Authors: Yang Songlin , Feng Jingan , Song Bao
Published: September 2021

The optimal control strategy for the decoupling of drive torque is proposed for the problems of runaway and driving stability in straight-line driving of electric vehicles driven by four-wheel hub motors. The strategy uses a hierarchical control logic, with the upper control logic layer being responsible for additional transverse moment calculation and driving anti-slip control; the middle control logic layer is responsible for the spatial motion decoupling for the underlying coordinated distribution of the four-wheel drive torque, on the basis of which the drive anti-skid control of a wheel motor-driven electric vehicle that takes into account the transverse motion of the whole vehicle is realized; the lower control logic layer is responsible for the optimal distribution of the driving torque of the vehicle speed following control. Based on the vehicle dynamics software Carsim2019.0 and MATLAB/Simulink, a simulation model of a four-wheel hub motor-driven electric vehicle control system was built and simulated under typical operating conditions such as high coefficient of adhesion, low coefficient of adhesion and opposing road surfaces. The research shows that the wheel motor drive has the ability to control the stability of the whole vehicle with large intensity that the conventional half-axle drive does not have. Using the proposed joint decoupling control of the transverse pendulum motion and slip rate as well as the optimal distribution of the drive force with speed following, the transverse pendulum angular speed and slip rate can be effectively controlled with the premise of ensuring the vehicle speed, thus greatly improving the straight-line driving stability of the vehicle.
An Overview on Effects of Processing on the Nutritional Content and Bioactive Compounds in Seaweeds
Authors: Rodríguez-Bernaldo de Quirós Ana , López-Hernández Julia
Published: September 2021

The effect of the different processing technologies and the extraction techniques on the bioactive compounds and nutritional value of seaweeds is reviewed in this study. This work presents and discusses the main seaweeds treatments such as drying, heating, and culinary treatments, and how they affect their nutritional value, the bioactive compounds, and antioxidant capacity. Some examples of traditional and green extraction technologies for extracting seaweeds bioactive components are also presented. The last trends and research on the development of seaweed-based food products is also covered in this review. The use of environmentally friendly extraction procedures, as well as the development of new healthy seaweed-based foods, is expected to grow in the near future.
Synergistic Antibiofilm Effects of Ultrasound and Phenyllactic Acid against Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella enteritidis
Authors: Zhang Jiaojiao , Wang Debao , Sun Jinyue , Sun Zhilan , Liu Fang , Du Lihui , Wang Daoying
Published: September 2021

This study evaluated the effect of the combination of ultrasound and phenyllactic acid (PLA) on inactivating Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella enteritidis biofilm cells and determined the possible antibiofilm mechanism. S. aureus and S. enteritidis biofilm cells were separately treated with ultrasound (US, 270 W), phenyllactic acid (PLA, 0.5% and 1%), and their combination (US + 0.5% PLA, and US + 1% PLA) for 5, 10, 20, 30, and 60 min. Biofilm inactivation, polysaccharide, and respiratory chain dehydrogenase assays were conducted. US and PLA had a synergistic effect on inactivating bacterial cells in S. aureus and S. enteritidis biofilms. The combination of US and PLA significantly decreased the contents of soluble and insoluble polysaccharides and the activity of respiratory chain dehydrogenase in the biofilm cells compared to the single treatment. Confocal laser scanning microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and intracellular adenosine-triphosphate (ATP) analyses indicated that the combination of US and PLA seriously destroyed the cell membrane integrity of the S. aureus and S. enteritidis biofilms and caused the leakage of intracellular ATP. These findings demonstrated the synergistic antibiofilm effect of US combined with PLA and offered a research basis for its application in the food industry.
Advances in Gene Editing of Haploid Tissues in Crops
Authors: Bhowmik Pankaj , Bilichak Andriy
Published: September 2021

Emerging threats of climate change require the rapid development of improved varieties with a higher tolerance to abiotic and biotic factors. Despite the success of traditional agricultural practices, novel techniques for precise manipulation of the crop’s genome are needed. Doubled haploid (DH) methods have been used for decades in major crops to fix desired alleles in elite backgrounds in a short time. DH plants are also widely used for mapping of the quantitative trait loci (QTLs), marker-assisted selection (MAS), genomic selection (GS), and hybrid production. Recent discoveries of genes responsible for haploid induction (HI) allowed engineering this trait through gene editing (GE) in non-inducer varieties of different crops. Direct editing of gametes or haploid embryos increases GE efficiency by generating null homozygous plants following chromosome doubling. Increased understanding of the underlying genetic mechanisms responsible for spontaneous chromosome doubling in haploid plants may allow transferring this trait to different elite varieties. Overall, further improvement in the efficiency of the DH technology combined with the optimized GE could accelerate breeding efforts of the major crops.
Ancient and Archaic Genomes
Authors: Vai Stefania , Lari Martina , Caramelli David
Published: September 2021

The first data obtained from ancient DNA samples were published more than thirty years ago [...]
Identification of Near-Fault Impulsive Signals and Their Initiation and Termination Positions with Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Ertuncay Deniz , De Lorenzo Andrea , Costa Giovanni
Published: September 2021

Ground motions recorded in near-fault regions may contain pulse-like traces in the velocity domain. Their long periodicity can identify such signals with large amplitudes. Impulsive signals can be hazardous for buildings, creating large demands due to their long periods. In this study, a dataset was collected from various data centres. Initially, all the impulsive signals, which are in reality rare, are manually identified. Furthermore, then, synthetic velocity waveforms are created to increase the number of impulsive signals by using the model developed by Mavroeidis and Papageorgiou, and k−2 kinematic modelling. In accordance, a convolutional neural network (CNN) was trained to detect impulsive signals by using these synthetic impulsive signals and ordinary signals. Furthermore, manually labelled impulsive signals are used to detect the initiation and the termination positions of impulsive signals. To do so, the velocity waveform and position and amplitude information of the maximum and minimum points are used. Once the model detects the positions, the period of the pulse is calculated by analysing spectral periods. Although our detection algorithm works relatively worse than three robust algorithms used for benchmarks, it works significantly better in the determination of initiation and termination positions. At this moment, our models understand the features of the impulsive signals and detect their location without using any thresholds or any formulations that are heavily used in previous studies.
Retrospective Analysis of Clinicopathological Features and Familial Cancer History of Synchronous Bilateral Breast Cancer
Authors: Huang Kai-Ling , Liu Yu-Ling , Hsu Ya-Ying , Kuo Wen-Ling
Published: September 2021

Bilateral breast cancer is a strong predictor of BRCA 1/2 mutation and hence one criterion indicated for hereditary genetic testing. The purpose of this study is to assess the characteristics of synchronous bilateral breast cancer (SBBC) and its association with personal and familial cancer traits. Patients diagnosed with SBBC in our institute between 1992 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed, and the information of clinicopathological features, personal and family cancer history were analyzed. Of the 307 SBBCs enrolled, the growing case number generally aligned with the regional breast cancer incidence after the era of population-based mammography screening. SBBC patients had similar cancer stages but worse survival outcomes than those in the standard scenario. A total of 42.0% had mixed pathological diagnoses, and 22.8% had discordant immunohistochemistry (IHC) subtypes from both sides, which contributed to treatment challenges. The correlation of SBBC with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) syndrome was strongly implied, as 20.7% of our SBBC patients with known familial cancer histories had HOBC-related familial cancers (breast, ovarian, or prostate cancers). These findings highlight the need for genetic counseling and germline mutation testing in patients with SBBC. Early PARP inhibitor treatment should also be considered in high-risk cases for outcome improvement.
Association of Continuity of General Practitioner Care with Utilisation of General Practitioner and Specialist Services in China: A Mixed-Method Study
Authors: Zhang Tao , Wang Xiaohe
Published: September 2021

Background: Continuity of general practitioner (GP) care, widely known as the core value of high-quality patient care, has a positive association with health outcomes. Evidence about the relationship between continuity and health service utilisation has so far been lacking in China. This study aimed to analyse the association of continuity of GP care with utilisation of general practitioner and specialist services in China. Method: A cross-sectional mixed methods study was conducted in 10 urban communities in Hangzhou. Quantitative data were collected from a random sample of 624 residents adopting the self-developed questionnaire. Measurement of continuity of GP care included informational continuity (IC), managerial continuity (MC) and relational continuity (RC). With adjustment for characteristics of residents, multivariate regression models were established to examine the association of continuity of GP care with the intention to visit GP, frequency of GP and specialist visitations. Qualitative data were collected from 26 respondents using an in-depth interview, and thematic content analysis for qualitative data was conducted. Results: Quantitative analysis showed that the IC was positively associated with the intention to visit GP and frequency of GP visitations. Those people who gave a high rating for RC also used GP services more frequently than their counterparts. MC was negatively associated with frequency of specialist visitations. Qualitative analysis indicated that service capabilities, doctor–patient interaction and time provision were regarded as three important reasons why patients chose GPs or specialists. Conclusions: Overall, high IC and RC are independently associated with more GP service utilisation, but a high MC might reduce specialist visitations. Continuity of GP care should be highlighted in designing a Chinese GP system.