bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computational Workflow to Study the Diversity of Secondary Metabolites in Fourteen Different Isatis Species
Authors: Huang Doudou , Zhang Chen , Chen Junfeng , Xiao Ying , Li Mingming , Sun Lianna , Qiu Shi , Chen Wansheng
Published: March 2022

The screening of real features among thousands of ions remains a great challenge in the study of metabolomics. In this research, a workflow designed based on the MetaboFR tool and “feature-rating” rule was developed to screen the real features in large-scale data analyses. Seventy-four reference standards were used to test the feasibility, with 83.21% of real features being obtained after MetaboFR processing. Moreover, the full workflow was applied for systematic characterization of 14 species of the genus Isatis, with the result that 87.72% of real features were retained and 69.19% of the in-source fragments were removed. To gain insights into metabolite diversity within this plant family, 1697 real features were tentatively identified, including lipids, phenylpropanoids, organic acids, indole derivatives, etc. Indole derivatives were demonstrated to be the best chemical markers with which to differentiate different species. The rare existence of indole derivatives in Isatis cappadocica (cap) and Isatis cappadocica subsp. Steveniana (capS) indicates that the biosynthesis of indole derivatives could play a key role in driving the chemical diversity and evolution of genus Isatis. Our workflow provides the foundations for the exploration of real features in metabolomics, and has the potential to reveal the chemical composition and marker metabolites of secondary metabolites in plant fields.
Long-Term Dynamic Changes of NMDA Receptors Following an Excitotoxic Challenge
Authors: Granzotto Alberto , d’Aurora Marco , Bomba Manuela , Gatta Valentina , Onofrj Marco , Sensi Stefano L.
Published: March 2022

Excitotoxicity is a form of neuronal death characterized by the sustained activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) triggered by the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate. NADPH-diaphorase neurons (also known as nNOS (+) neurons) are a subpopulation of aspiny interneurons, largely spared following excitotoxic challenges. Unlike nNOS (−) cells, nNOS (+) neurons fail to generate reactive oxygen species in response to NMDAR activation, a critical divergent step in the excitotoxic cascade. However, additional mechanisms underlying the reduced vulnerability of nNOS (+) neurons to NMDAR-driven neuronal death have not been explored. Using functional, genetic, and molecular analysis in striatal cultures, we indicate that nNOS (+) neurons possess distinct NMDAR properties. These specific features are primarily driven by the peculiar redox milieu of this subpopulation. In addition, we found that nNOS (+) neurons exposed to a pharmacological maneuver set to mimic chronic excitotoxicity alter their responses to NMDAR-mediated challenges. These findings suggest the presence of mechanisms providing long-term dynamic regulation of NMDARs that can have critical implications in neurotoxic settings.
Artificial Intelligent Deep Learning Molecular Generative Modeling of Scaffold-Focused and Cannabinoid CB2 Target-Specific Small-Molecule Sublibraries
Authors: Bian Yuemin , Xie Xiang-Qun
Published: March 2022

Design and generation of high-quality target- and scaffold-specific small molecules is an important strategy for the discovery of unique and potent bioactive drug molecules. To achieve this goal, authors have developed the deep-learning molecule generation model (DeepMGM) and applied it for the de novo molecular generation of scaffold-focused small-molecule libraries. In this study, a recurrent neural network (RNN) using long short-term memory (LSTM) units was trained with drug-like molecules to result in a general model (g-DeepMGM). Sampling practices on indole and purine scaffolds illustrate the feasibility of creating scaffold-focused chemical libraries based on machine intelligence. Subsequently, a target-specific model (t-DeepMGM) for cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) was constructed following the transfer learning process of known CB2 ligands. Sampling outcomes can present similar properties to the reported active molecules. Finally, a discriminator was trained and attached to the DeepMGM to result in an in silico molecular design-test circle. Medicinal chemistry synthesis and biological validation was performed to further investigate the generation outcome, showing that XIE9137 was identified as a potential allosteric modulator of CB2. This study demonstrates how recent progress in deep learning intelligence can benefit drug discovery, especially in de novo molecular design and chemical library generation.
Non-Invasive Optical Motion Tracking Allows Monitoring of Respiratory Dynamics in Dystrophin-Deficient Mice
Authors: Svetlove Angelika , Albers Jonas , Hülsmann Swen , Markus Marietta Andrea , Zschüntzsch Jana , Alves Frauke , Dullin Christian
Published: March 2022

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common x-chromosomal inherited dystrophinopathy which leads to progressive muscle weakness and a premature death due to cardiorespiratory dysfunction. The mdx mouse lacks functional dystrophin protein and has a comparatively human-like diaphragm phenotype. To date, diaphragm function can only be inadequately mapped in preclinical studies and a simple reliable translatable method of tracking the severity of the disease still lacks. We aimed to establish a sensitive, reliable, harmless and easy way to assess the effects of respiratory muscle weakness and subsequent irregularity in breathing pattern. Optical respiratory dynamics tracking (ORDT) was developed utilising a camera to track the movement of paper markers placed on the thoracic-abdominal region of the mouse. ORDT successfully distinguished diseased mdx phenotype from healthy controls by measuring significantly higher expiration constants (k) in mdx mice compared to wildtype (wt), which were also observed in the established X-ray based lung function (XLF). In contrast to XLF, with ORDT we were able to distinguish distinct fast and slow expiratory phases. In mdx mice, a larger part of the expiratory marker displacement was achieved in this initial fast phase as compared to wt mice. This phenomenon could not be observed in the XLF measurements. We further validated the simplicity and reliability of our approach by demonstrating that it can be performed using free-hand smartphone acquisition. We conclude that ORDT has a great preclinical potential to monitor DMD and other neuromuscular diseases based on changes in the breathing patterns with the future possibility to track therapy response.
Reinforcement of the Ceramic Matrix of CaO-ZrO2-MgO with Al2O3 Coarse Particles
Authors: Mamede João , Macedo Duarte Felix , Maceiras Alberto , Silva Abílio P.
Published: March 2022

A thermal protection system is subject to high forces, in particular compression, bending and wear, to aggressive environments of high temperatures, high velocity gases and particle shock. Typically, ceramic materials appear as a first barrier or outer shield over a metallic substrate responsible for the structure. When it comes to a coating due to the small thickness, the particles of the raw material are sub-micron scale, but when a shield with a few centimeters is built its structural and economic viability requires the use of wider particle size distributions. In this work, a ceramic fine-grained matrix of CaO-ZrO2-MgO was reinforced with commercial coarse Al2O3 particles. The results show that for larger size distributions, CZM-4A, replacing 63% of fine-grained matrix by coarse Al2O3 particles, the dimensional stability is obtained (ΔL = 5%) and the good mechanical properties such as flexural strength of 154 MPa, elastic modulus of 286 GPa, and hardness of 8.5 GPa, which allows to propose this ceramic composite for a structural application.
Pleuropulmonary MDCT Findings: Comparison between Children with Pulmonary Vein Stenosis and Prematurity-Related Lung Disease
Authors: Winant Abbey J. , Vargas Sara O. , Jenkins Kathy J. , Callahan Ryan , Rameh Vanessa , Krone Katie A. , Johnston Patrick R. , Keochakian Mirjam L. , Lee Edward Y.
Published: March 2022

Purpose: To retrospectively compare the pleuropulmonary MDCT findings in children with pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) and prematurity-related lung disease (PLD). Materials and Methods: All consecutive infants and young children (≤18 years old) who underwent thoracic MDCT studies from July 2004 to November 2021 were categorized into two groups—children with PVS (Group 1) and children with PLD without PVS (Group 2). Two pediatric radiologists independently evaluated thoracic MDCT studies for the presence of pleuropulmonary abnormalities as follows—(1) in the lung (ground-glass opacity (GGO), triangular/linear plaque-like opacity (TLO), consolidation, nodule, mass, cyst(s), interlobular septal thickening, and fibrosis); (2) in the airway (bronchial wall thickening and bronchiectasis); and (3) in the pleura (thickening, effusion, and pneumothorax). Interobserver agreement between the two reviewers was evaluated with the Kappa statistic. Results: There were a total of 103 pediatric patients (60 males (58.3%) and 43 females (41.7%); mean age, 1.7 years; range, 2 days–7 years). Among these 103 patients, 49 patients (47.6%) comprised Group 1 and the remaining 54 patients (52.4%) comprised Group 2. In Group 1, the observed pleuropulmonary MDCT abnormalities were—pleural thickening (44/49; 90%), GGO (39/49; 80%), septal thickening (39/49; 80%), consolidation (4/49; 8%), and pleural effusion (1/49; 2%). The pleuropulmonary MDCT abnormalities seen in Group 2 were—GGO (45/54; 83%), TLO (43/54; 80%), bronchial wall thickening (33/54; 61%), bronchiectasis (30/54; 56%), cyst(s) (5/54; 9%), pleural thickening (2/54; 4%), and pleural effusion (2/54; 4%). Septal thickening and pleural thickening were significantly more common in pediatric patients with PVS (Group 1) (p < 0.001). TLO, bronchial wall thickening, and bronchiectasis were significantly more frequent in pediatric patients with PLD without PVS (Group 2) (p < 0.001). There was high interobserver kappa agreement between the two independent reviewers for detecting pleuropulmonary abnormalities on thoracic MDCT angiography studies (k = 0.99). Conclusion: Pleuropulmonary abnormalities seen on thoracic MDCT can be helpful for distinguishing PVS from PLD in children. Specifically, the presence of septal thickening and pleural thickening raises the possibility of PVS, whereas the presence of TLO, bronchial wall thickening and bronchiectasis suggests PLD in the pediatric population.
A Recurrent FAM83H Mutation in an Extended Colombian Family and Variable Craniofacial Phenotypes
Authors: Alvarez Camila , Aragón María Andrea , Lee Yejin , Gutiérrez Sandra , Méndez Patricia , García Dabeiba Adriana , Otero Liliana , Kim Jung-Wook
Published: March 2022

Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is a collection of rare genetic disorders affecting the quantity and/or quality of the tooth enamel. AI can be classified into three major types according to the clinical phenotype: hypoplastic, hypocalcified, and hypomatured. Among them, the hypocalcified type shows the weakest physical properties, leaving rough and discolored enamel surfaces after tooth eruption. To date, mutations in the FAM83H gene are responsible for the autosomal-dominant hypocalcified AI. In this study, we recruited a four-generation Colombian family with hypocalcified AI and identified a recurrent nonsense mutation in the FAM83H gene (NM_198488.5:c.1289C>A, p.(Ser430 *)) by candidate gene sequencing. Cephalometric analyses revealed the anterior open bite that occurred in the proband is not correlated with the AI in this family.
Safety of Monoclonal Antibodies in Children Affected by SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Romani Lorenza , Calò Carducci Francesca Ippolita , Chiurchiù Sara , Cursi Laura , De Luca Maia , Di Giuseppe Martina , Krzysztofiak Andrzej , Lancella Laura , Palma Paolo , Vallesi Leonardo , Corsetti Tiziana , Campana Andrea , Nicastri Emanuele , Rossi Paolo , Bernardi Stefania
Published: March 2022

Monoclonal antibody therapies for COVID-19 have been frequently used in adults, whereas there are little data regarding the safety or efficacy of monoclonal antibody treatments in pediatric patients affected by COVID-19. We report our experience in the administration of mAb as a treatment for SARS-CoV-2 infection in children aged from 24 days to 18 years old.
Optimisation of HVOF Spray Process Parameters to Achieve Minimum Porosity and Maximum Hardness in WC-10Ni-5Cr Coatings
Authors: Rajendran Pradeep Raj , Duraisamy Thirumalaikumarasamy , Chidambaram Seshadri Ramachandran , Mohankumar Ashokkumar , Ranganathan Sathiyamoorthy , Balachandran Guruprasad , Murugan Kaliyamoorthy , Renjith Laxmi
Published: March 2022

High-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) spray coating plays a major role in many surface treatment methods, which tend to improve erosion and corrosion resistance properties. HVOF is well known for its dense and high-quality coating ability. This is due to the less in-flight exposure time, which tends to have less oxide content because of its high-velocity properties. Among the number of process parameters, porosity and hardness are predominant factors while considering wear rate and corrosion behaviour analysis. The current study aims to optimise HVOF process parameters to obtain low levels of porosity and high hardness values in the WC-10Ni-5Cr coating sprayed on 35 Mo Cr steel. The flow rates of oxygen, LPG, coating powder feed rate and spray distance are selected in this study as these have a superior influence on the final condition of the coating. Statistical tools such as the design of experiments (DoE), analysis of variants and response surface methodology (RSM) were used to achieve the desired results. As per the result analysis, the oxygen flow rate has a higher effect on the porosity value and microhardness value of the coating.
Mechanical Behaviour of Hard Chromium Deposited from a Trivalent Chromium Bath
Authors: Guillon Robin , Dalverny Olivier , Fori Benoit , Gazeau Celine , Alexis Joel
Published: March 2022

In view of new environmental directives, hexavalent chromium baths can no longer be used to electroplate thick hard chromium deposits. To meet these industrial and environmental challenges, deposits are developed from trivalent chromium electrolytes. Cr(III) coatings are usually studied from the point of view of the use properties and hardness, but their intrinsic properties remain widely unknown. The novelty of this work consists in the mechanical characterisation of these coatings. Properties such as hardness, stiffness, yield strength, and toughness of trivalent chromium deposits are determined by combining instrumented hardness tests, in situ FEG–SEM observations, and finite element simulations. These are explained according to the microstructure of the deposits, which is determined by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Their composition was characterised by glow discharge spectrometry. The structure characterisation deposits showed a more severely fractured coating of trivalent chromium than in the case of hexavalent chromium. Non-post-treated trivalent chromium deposits have a higher hardness (13 ± 1.7 GPa) and yield strength (5 GPa) than hexavalent chromium deposits. However, their stiffness (191 ± 13 GPa) and toughness (1.37 ± 0.13 MPa√m) are lower. Its mechanical behaviour is elastofragile. These differences in mechanical properties can be explained by the amorphous structure of the deposits and their high carbon content.
Game-Based Learning, Gamification in Education and Serious Games
Authors: de Carvalho Carlos Vaz , Coelho Antonio
Published: March 2022

Video games have become one of the predominant forms of entertainment in our society, but they have also impacted many other of its social and cultural aspects [...]
The Sign of Exciton-Photon Coupling in GaN-Based Triangular-like Ridge Cavity
Authors: Zhou Jing , Chen Peng , Xie Zili , Xiu Xiangqian , Chen Dunjun , Han Ping , Shi Yi , Zhang Rong , Zheng Youdou
Published: March 2022

In this paper, the behavior of exciton radiative recombination in a GaN-based triangular-like ridge cavity is studied at room-temperature. The triangular-like ridge cavity is fabricated on a standard-blue-LED epitaxial wafer grown on a sapphire substrate. Through the photoluminescence (PL) and time-resolved photoluminescence (TR-PL) measurements, a clear modulation of the original spontaneous emission is found in the microcavity, a new transition channel is observed, and the effect is angle-dependent. Furthermore, by changing the tilt angle during angle-resolution photoluminescence (AR-PL), it is found that the coupling between excitons and photons in the cavity is the strongest when tilted at 10°. By simulation, the strong localization of photons in the top of the cavity can be confirmed. The PL, TR-PL, and AR-PL results showed the sign of the exciton-photon coupling in the triangular-like ridge cavity.
High-Precision Beam Angle Expander Based on Polymeric Liquid Crystal Polarization Lenses for LiDAR Applications
Authors: Li Yannanqi , Luo Zhenyi , Wu Shin-Tson
Published: March 2022

A novel beam steering angle expander is demonstrated by cascading two polymeric liquid crystal polarization lenses with different diopters. The lens module performs as a planar telescope, which has features such as a light weight, low cost, and high precision. The magnifier offers wide-angle, continuous steering when integrated with an active fine-angle beam steering device. The potential application for LiDAR is emphasized.
New Liquid Crystals Based on Terminal Fatty Chains and Polymorphic Phase Formation from Their Mixtures
Authors: Alamro Fowzia S. , Ahmed Hoda A. , Bedowr Noha S. , Naoum Magdi M. , Mostafa Ayman M. , Al-Kadhi Nada S.
Published: March 2022

The physical and chemical properties of three new liquid crystalline derivatives, based on an azomethine core with low-temperature mesophase—namely (4-methoxybenzylideneamino) phenyl palmitate (I), (4-methoxybenzylideneamino) phenyl oleate (II), and (4-methoxybenzylideneamino) phenyl linoleate (III)—were prepared and physically examined using experimental methodologies. Elemental analysis, FT-IR, and NMR spectroscopy were used to confirm their molecular structure. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarized optical microscopy (POM) were used to investigate their mesomorphic activity. The results revealed that compound (I) is monotropic smectogenic, possessing the smectic A mesophase, whereas the other two analogues were shown to possess the SmA phase enantiotropically. Two of the saturated and unsaturated prepared derivatives (namely I and II) were used to construct their phase diagram. The eutectic composition of the mixture examined showed a slight enhancement of the stability of the smectic A phase. Polymorphic phases were produced at the eutectic composition of the binary phase diagram of the derivative II with the 4-n-dodecyloxy benzoic acid component.
In Silico Investigation of Some Compounds from the N-Butanol Extract of Centaurea tougourensis Boiss. & Reut.
Authors: Dassamiour Saliha , Bensaad Mohamed Sabri , Hambaba Leila , Melakhessou Mohamed Akram , Sami Rokayya , Al-Mushhin Amina A. M. , Aljahani Amani H. , Al Masoudi Luluah M.
Published: March 2022

Bioinformatics as a newly emerging discipline is considered nowadays a reference to characterize the physicochemical and pharmacological properties of the actual biocompounds contained in plants, which has helped the pharmaceutical industry a lot in the drug development process. In this study, a bioinformatics approach known as in silico was performed to predict, for the first time, the physicochemical properties, ADMET profile, pharmacological capacities, cytotoxicity, and nervous system macromolecular targets, as well as the gene expression profiles, of four compounds recently identified from Centaurea tougourensis via the gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) approach. Thus, four compounds were tested from the n-butanol (n-BuOH) extract of this plant, named, respectively, Acridin-9-amine, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-5,7-dimethyl- (compound 1), 3-[2,3-Dihydro-2,2-dimethylbenzofuran-7-yl]-5-methoxy-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2(3H)-one (compound 2), 9,9-Dimethoxybicyclo[3.3.1]nona-2,4-dione (compound 3), and 3-[3-Bromophenyl]-7-chloro-3,4-dihydro-10-hydroxy-1,9(2H,10H)-acridinedione (compound 4). The insilico investigation revealed that the four tested compounds could be a good candidate to regulate the expression of key genes and may also exert significant cytotoxic effects against several tumor celllines. In addition, these compounds could also be effective in the treatment of some diseases related to diabetes, skin pathologies, cardiovascular, and central nervous system disorders. The bioactive compounds of plant remain the best alternative in the context of the drug discovery and development process.
Surfaces and Interfaces of Clay Minerals
Authors: Lazorenko Georgy , Kasprzhitskii Anton , Li Zhaohui
Published: March 2022

This Special Issue is a collection of five original articles devoted to both experimental and theoretical studies of phenomena and processes occurring at surfaces of clay minerals and related materials [...]
Barium, Lithium and Titanium Content in Herbs of Mid-Field Wet Depressions in East-Central Poland
Authors: Malinowska Elżbieta , Novak Jan
Published: March 2022

This paper presents the results of research on the Ba, Li and Ti content in six species of herbs sampled from mid-field wet depressions and from the soil. These temporary flooded depressions were surrounded by arable crops, permanent grassland and shrubby vegetation. The research area was located in the eastern part of the Mazovian Voivodeship, east-central Poland. The following plants were used in the experiment: corn mint (Mentha arvensis L.), purple marshlocks (Comarum palustre L.), silverweed (Potentilla anserina L.), yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.), yellow loosestrife (Lysimachia vulgaris L.) and gypsy-wort (Lycopus europaeus L.). The Li, Ba and Ti content of plants, bottom sediment and soil was determined by the ICP-AES method after previous dry mineralization. Of the six herb species, Mentha arvensis L. was with the greatest accumulation potential of the chemical elements. However, no excessive Ba, Li and Ti content was found in herbs growing at different distances from arable fields, permanent grassland and shrubby vegetation. The highest Ba content was found in periodically flooded soil (zone II), while the highest amounts of Li and Ti were recorded in non-flooded soil (zone III).
Common and Uncommon Errors in Emergency Ultrasound
Authors: Di Serafino Marco , Iacobellis Francesca , Schillirò Maria Laura , D’auria Divina , Verde Francesco , Grimaldi Dario , Dell’Aversano Orabona Giuseppina , Caruso Martina , Sabatino Vittorio , Rinaldo Chiara , Guerriero Pasquale , Cantisani Vito , Vallone Gianfranco , Romano Luigia
Published: March 2022

Errors in emergency ultrasound (US) have been representing an increasing problem in recent years thanks to several unique features related to both the inherent characteristics of the discipline and to the latest developments, which every medical operator should be aware of. Because of the subjective nature of the interpretation of emergency US findings, it is more prone to errors than other diagnostic imaging modalities. The misinterpretation of US images should therefore be considered as a serious risk in diagnosis. The etiology of error is multi-factorial: it depends on environmental factors, patients and the technical skills of the operator; it is influenced by intrinsic US artifacts, poor clinical correlation, US-setting errors and anatomical variants; and it is conditioned by the lack of a methodologically correct clinical approach and excessive diagnostic confidence too. In this review, we evaluate the common and uncommon sources of diagnostic errors in emergency US during clinical practice, showing how to recognize and avoid them.
Diagnosis of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Using Deep Learning on Ultrasonographic Images
Authors: Shinohara Issei , Inui Atsuyuki , Mifune Yutaka , Nishimoto Hanako , Yamaura Kohei , Mukohara Shintaro , Yoshikawa Tomoya , Kato Tatsuo , Furukawa Takahiro , Hoshino Yuichi , Matsushita Takehiko , Kuroda Ryosuke
Published: March 2022

Although electromyography is the routine diagnostic method for cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS), imaging diagnosis by measuring cross-sectional area (CSA) with ultrasonography (US) has also been attempted in recent years. In this study, deep learning (DL), an artificial intelligence (AI) method, was used on US images, and its diagnostic performance for detecting CuTS was investigated. Elbow images of 30 healthy volunteers and 30 patients diagnosed with CuTS were used. Three thousand US images were prepared per each group to visualize the short axis of the ulnar nerve. Transfer learning was performed on 5000 randomly selected training images using three pre-trained models, and the remaining images were used for testing. The model was evaluated by analyzing a confusion matrix and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. Occlusion sensitivity and locally interpretable model-agnostic explanations were used to visualize the features deemed important by the AI. The highest score had an accuracy of 0.90, a precision of 0.86, a recall of 1.00, and an F-measure of 0.92. Visualization results show that the DL models focused on the epineurium of the ulnar nerve and the surrounding soft tissue. The proposed technique enables the accurate prediction of CuTS without the need to measure CSA.
Applications of Optical Coherence Tomography in the Diagnosis of Enamel Defects
Authors: Popescu Mihai , Scrieciu Monica , Osiac Eugen , Bătăiosu Marilena , Vlăduțu Diana , Pascu Roxana Maria , Stănuși Andreea , Glodeanu Adina Dorina , Ionescu Mihaela , Mercuț Veronica
Published: March 2022

Developmental defects of enamel (DDEs) are deviations from the normal appearance in terms of the quantity and quality of tooth enamel. They may be genetic or acquired. The most important DDEs are hypomineralization and hypoplasia. The aim of this study was to produce “in vivo” DDE in Wistar rats by administering amoxicillin to pregnant females and to highlight these lesions after sacrifice of the pups by macroscopic and microscopic examination and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Amoxicillin (100 mg/kg) was administered to two pregnant Wistar female rats for the production of DDEs. When the pups were 2 months old, they were sacrificed, and their jaws were harvested together with their teeth. The jaws were examined macroscopically, microscopically, and by OCT. Following the macroscopic and microscopic examination, it was established that four pups had a total of 42 DDE lesions. At the OCT examination, the hypomineralization was characterized by an intense, inhomogeneous OCT signal, and the hypoplasia was characterized by the absence of the signal. Administration of amoxicillin to pregnant females of Wistar rats resulted in DDEs in their offspring. The OCT examination confirmed the presence of these lesions in the teeth of rat pups.
Automated Differentiation of Atypical Parkinsonian Syndromes Using Brain Iron Patterns in Susceptibility Weighted Imaging
Authors: Kim Yun Soo , Lee Jae-Hyeok , Gahm Jin Kyu
Published: March 2022

In recent studies, iron overload has been reported in atypical parkinsonian syndromes. The topographic patterns of iron distribution in deep brain nuclei vary by each subtype of parkinsonian syndrome, which is affected by underlying disease pathologies. In this study, we developed a novel framework that automatically analyzes the disease-specific patterns of iron accumulation using susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI). We constructed various machine learning models that can classify diseases using radiomic features extracted from SWI, representing distinctive iron distribution patterns for each disorder. Since radiomic features are sensitive to the region of interest, we used a combination of T1-weighted MRI and SWI to improve the segmentation of deep brain nuclei. Radiomics was applied to SWI from 34 patients with a parkinsonian variant of multiple system atrophy, 21 patients with cerebellar variant multiple system atrophy, 17 patients with progressive supranuclear palsy, and 56 patients with Parkinson’s disease. The machine learning classifiers that learn the radiomic features extracted from iron-reflected segmentation results produced an average area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.8607 on the training data and 0.8489 on the testing data, which is superior to the conventional classifier with segmentation using only T1-weighted images. Our radiomic model based on the hybrid images is a promising tool for automatically differentiating atypical parkinsonian syndromes.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging in (Near-)Term Infants with Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy
Authors: Parmentier Corline E. J. , de Vries Linda S. , Groenendaal Floris
Published: March 2022

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a major cause of neurological sequelae in (near-)term newborns. Despite the use of therapeutic hypothermia, a significant number of newborns still experience impaired neurodevelopment. Neuroimaging is the standard of care in infants with HIE to determine the timing and nature of the injury, guide further treatment decisions, and predict neurodevelopmental outcomes. Cranial ultrasonography is a helpful noninvasive tool to assess the brain before initiation of hypothermia to look for abnormalities suggestive of HIE mimics or antenatal onset of injury. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) which includes diffusion-weighted imaging has, however, become the gold standard to assess brain injury in infants with HIE, and has an excellent prognostic utility. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy provides complementary metabolic information and has also been shown to be a reliable prognostic biomarker. Advanced imaging modalities, including diffusion tensor imaging and arterial spin labeling, are increasingly being used to gain further information about the etiology and prognosis of brain injury. Over the past decades, tremendous progress has been made in the field of neonatal neuroimaging. In this review, the main brain injury patterns of infants with HIE, the application of conventional and advanced MRI techniques in these newborns, and HIE mimics, will be described.
PRAME Immunocytochemistry for the Diagnosis of Melanoma Metastases in Cytological Samples
Authors: Ronchi Andrea , Zito Marino Federica , Moscarella Elvira , Brancaccio Gabriella , Argenziano Giuseppe , Troiani Teresa , Napolitano Stefania , Franco Renato , Cozzolino Immacolata
Published: March 2022

(1) Background: Fine-needle aspiration cytology is often used for the pre-operative diagnosis of melanoma metastases. The diagnosis may not be confidently established based on morphology alone, and immunocytochemistry is mandatory. The choice of the most advantageous immunocytochemical antibodies is critical, as the sample may be scant, and the presence of pigmented histiocytes may be confounding. However, the diagnostic performance of melanocytic markers in this setting is poorly investigated. Moreover, PRAME (preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma) recently emerged as a novel marker for the diagnosis of melanoma. The current work aimed to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of PRAME for the diagnosis of melanoma metastases in cytological samples, compared to other melanocytic markers. (2) Methods: PRAME, S100, Melan-A, HMB45 and SOX10 were tested on cell block sections of 48 cases of melanoma metastases diagnosed from cytological samples, and 20 cases of reactive lymphadenopathy. (3) Results: S100 and SOX10 showed the highest sensitivity (100%), while the sensitivity of PRAME was 85.4%. PRAME, Melan-A, SOX10 and HMB45 showed a specificity of 100%, while the specificity of S100 was lower (85%), as it marked some histiocytes. (4) Conclusion: PRAME immunocytochemistry is highly specific for the diagnosis of melanoma metastasis from a cytological sample, but is less sensitive compared with other melanocytic markers.
The Past, Present, and Future in Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA)
Authors: Irure-Ventura Juan , López-Hoyos Marcos
Published: March 2022

Autoantibodies are a hallmark of autoimmunity and, specifically, antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) are the most relevant autoantibodies present in systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs). Over the years, different methods from LE cell to HEp-2 indirect immunofluorescence (IIF), solid-phase assays (SPAs), and finally multianalyte technologies have been developed to study ANA-associated SARDs. All of them provide complementary information that is important to provide the most clinically valuable information. The identification of new biomarkers together with multianalyte platforms will help close the so-called “seronegative gap” and to correctly classify and diagnose patients with SARDs. Finally, artificial intelligence and machine learning is an area still to be exploited but in a next future will help to extract patterns within patient data, and exploit these patterns to predict patient outcomes for improved clinical management.
First Characterization of ADAMTS-4 in Kidney Tissue and Plasma of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease—A Potential Novel Diagnostic Indicator
Authors: Vojtusek Ivana Kovacevic , Laganovic Mario , Burek Kamenaric Marija , Bulimbasic Stela , Hrkac Stela , Salai Grgur , Ivkovic Vanja , Coric Marijana , Novak Rudjer , Grgurevic Lovorka
Published: March 2022

Background: We have previously shown that metzincin protease ADAMTS-4 accompanies renal fibrogenesis, as it appears in the blood of hemodialysis patients. Methods: Native kidney (NKB) and kidney transplant (TXCI) biopsy samples as well as plasma from patients with various stages of CKD were compared to controls. In paired analysis, 15 TXCI samples were compared with their zero-time biopsies (TX0). Tissues were evaluated and scored (interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IFTA) for NKB and Banff ci for TXCI). Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for ADAMTS-4 and BMP-1 was performed. Plasma ADAMTS-4 was detected using ELISA. Results: ADAMTS-4 IHC expression was significantly higher in interstitial compartment (INT) of NKB and TXCI group in peritubular capillaries (PTC) and interstitial stroma (INT). Patients with higher stages of interstitial fibrosis (ci > 1 and IFTA > 1) expressed ADAMTS-4 in INT more frequently in both groups (p = 0.005; p = 0.013; respectively). In paired comparison, TXCI samples expressed ADAMTS-4 in INT and PTC more often than TX0. ADAMTS-4 plasma concentration varied significantly across CKD stages, being highest in CKD 2 and 3 compared to other groups (p = 0.0064). Hemodialysis patients had higher concentrations of ADAMTS-4 compared to peritoneal dialysis (p < 0.00001). Conclusion: ADAMTS-4 might have a significant role in CKD as a potential novel diagnostic indicator.
Short Narrow Dental Implants versus Long Narrow Dental Implants in Fixed Prostheses: A Prospective Clinical Study
Authors: Antiua Eduardo , Escuer Virginia , Alkhraisat Mohammad H.
Published: March 2022

There is a paucity of studies that assess short and narrow dental implants. This prospective study aimed to evaluate the performance of both short (≤8 mm) and narrow (≤3.5 mm width) dental implants supporting fixed prostheses in the atrophic maxilla or mandible. Towards that aim, patients with short implants were included in the study. The control group was those with long and narrow dental implants (length > 8 mm and diameter ≤ 3.5 mm). Clinical and demographic variables were extracted from clinical records. During the follow-up, implant survival and marginal bone loss were evaluated and statistically analysed. Forty-one implants were included (18 and 23 implants in the test and control groups, respectively). The median follow-up time was 26 months since insertion in both groups. The results revealed that there was no implant failure and no statistically significant differences in terms of marginal bone loss. Only one screw-loosening effect occurred in the short implants group. Short, narrow dental implants could be an alternative for the restoration of severely resorbed jaws.
Flight Trajectories Optimization of Fixed-Wing UAV by Bank-Turn Mechanism
Authors: Machmudah Affiani , Shanmugavel Madhavan , Parman Setyamartana , Manan Teh Sabariah Abd , Dutykh Denys , Beddu Salmia , Rajabi Armin
Published: March 2022

This paper addresses an optimization of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) flight trajectories by bank-turn mechanism for a fixed-wing UAV at a constant altitude. The flight trajectories should be optimal and stay in the UAV flight operational area. The maneuver planning is conducted in two steps, which are UAV path planning and UAV flight trajectory planning. For the first step, the Bezier curve is employed as a maneuvering path. The path planning optimization objective is to minimize the path length while satisfying maximum curvature and collision avoidance constraints. The flight trajectories optimization objective is to minimize maneuvering time and load factor considering, minimum/maximum speed, minimum/maximum acceleration, maximum roll angle, maximum turn rate, and aerodynamics constraints. The variable speed trajectory generation is developed within allowable speed zone considering these UAV flight constraints by employing meta-heuristic optimizations. Results show that the PSO have outperformed the GA and the GWO for both steps of path planning and trajectory planning. The variable speed has succeeded in reducing the load factor during the bank-turn mechanism using the Bezier curve. The variable speed is recommended to be conducted when the result of the maneuvering path involve the lower turning radius. A simultaneous on arrival target mission has also succeeded to be conducted using the combination of the variable speed and constant speed strategies.
Drivers of Research Outcomes in Developing Countries: The Case of Lebanon
Authors: Boutros Pierre , Fakih Ali
Published: March 2022

This paper uses a unique dataset from Lebanon, a developing country with unstable political conditions, to explore the drivers of research outcomes. We use the Negative Binomial model to empirically examine the determinants of the total number of publications and single and co-authored articles. The results indicate that males are more likely to publish co-authored papers than females. Moreover, our findings show a quadratic relationship between age and the number of published papers with a peak at the age of 40. After this turning point, the publication rate starts to decrease at an increasing rate. When we run the model by gender, we find that females in large departments tend to publish more co-authored papers. We also find that full professors tend to publish more papers in Q1 and Q2 journals, while associate professors have more papers in Q2 and Q3 journals.
Preservice Teachers’ Knowledge and Attitudes toward Digital-Game-Based Language Learning
Authors: Belda-Medina Jose , Calvo-Ferrer José Ramón
Published: March 2022

There is a good body of literature about digital-game-based language learning (DGBL), but research has mainly focused on students as game players rather than as future educators. This paper reports on a research conducted among 154 teacher candidates at a higher-education institution in Spain regarding the adoption of digital games in education. It analyzes the participants’ knowledge of and attitudes toward digital games in foreign language learning. Quantitative and qualitative data were gathered through a pre/post-test, digital game presentations, and student blog posts. The research comprised five stages associated with critical thinking skills (definition, selection, demonstration, discussion, and reflection), including a game learning module. In the first two stages, preservice teachers completed the module activities and selected different games aimed at teaching English to children in preschool and elementary education. In the last two, they illustrated, discussed, and evaluated the digital games in class following a rubric and reflected on their perception in blog posts. In this four-week research based on a mixed method and convenience sampling, quantitative and qualitative data were gathered through a pre- and post-test survey about student perceptions toward the use of video game in the classroom, class discussion, and blog posts. Statistical data analysis unveiled gender-based differences related to gameplay frequency and genre preferences. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used as a nonparametric statistical hypothesis test to compare the two sets of scores resulting from the same participants, and it showed a significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) after the treatment in two of the five dimensions in the survey about teacher candidates’ attitudes toward game usage in education, namely, usefulness (U) and preference for video games (PVG). Research findings revealed preservice teachers’ positive attitudes but lack of practical knowledge about the use of digital games in foreign-language learning.
Positive Creativity Is Principled Creativity
Authors: Beghetto Ronald A. , Anderson Ross C.
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this article is to introduce an action-oriented framework aimed at clarifying and promoting a principled approach to creativity in education. A principled approach to creativity refers to the design and implementation of positive creative educational endeavors, which are guided by a set of agreed-upon commitments aimed at making a positive contribution to the learning and lives of others. We open by discussing how our conception of a principled approach to creativity connects to positive creativity and how this approach can guide creative educational endeavors. More specifically, we discuss the opportunities and responsibilities associated with a principled approach to creativity, including how educators, students, and researchers can re-conceptualize creative opportunities, creative risk-taking, creative action, and the intended and unintended outcomes that result from promoting creative thought and action in and beyond the walls of schools and classrooms.
Safety Compliance in a Sample of Italian Mechanical Companies: The Role of Knowledge and Safety Climate
Authors: Ricci Federico , Panari Chiara , Pelosi Annalisa
Published: March 2022

The accident rate in the Italian mechanical sector is still too high, and evidence-based interventions to improve safety performance are essential. To better address this, our study contributes to the understanding of how to promote safety compliance through safe behaviours by using a sample of Italian mechanical workers (n = 109). Before and after scheduled safety training, intervention data on organizational factors, as well as on individual factors affecting safety-related behaviours, were collected. Particularly, data were collected using multiple sources, including self-perception questionnaires (to measure the safety climate among the management and colleagues and the safety attitude), paper and pencil tests (to measure safety knowledge), and observations by personnel with experience in observation tasks (to measure safety behaviours objectively). A model class of competing general linear models was built to determine which of the models was best suited for predicting safety-related behaviours. The results showed that both knowledge and the management’s safety climate effectively promoted safety compliance. Crucial implications for the effectiveness of active teaching methods, along with the need for continuous training and the prominent role of the management team members in giving, through their actions, further relevance to the need to respect rules and procedures, were revealed. Finally, practical implications for researchers, corporate decision makers, government agencies, and international bodies are discussed.
Evaluation of the Long-Term Reliability of Open-Tube Diffused Planar InGaAs/InP Avalanche Photodiodes under a Hybrid of Thermal and Electrical Stresses
Authors: Choi Hyejeong , Park Chan-Yong , Baek Soo-Hyun , Moon Gap Yeal , Yun Ilgu
Published: March 2022

The long-term reliability of open-tube diffused planar InGaAs/InP APDs was investigated via accelerated life testing in this study. For the proposed life testing scheme, both thermal and electrical stresses were applied simultaneously to reduce the testing periods while maintaining statistical significance. Additionally, the Eyring model was used to extrapolate the activation energy. To determine the optimum life testing conditions, high-temperature storage tests, preliminary accelerated life tests, and main accelerated life tests were conducted. From the test results, the mean-time-to-failure was utilized to verify the suitability of the Eyring model. The proposed testing scheme, which utilizes a hybrid of accelerated stress factors, allows us to estimate the device reliability within an acceptable testing period, minimizing the time to market.
A LoRaWAN Architecture for Communications in Areas without Coverage: Design and Pilot Trials
Authors: Delgado-Ferro Felix , Navarro-Ortiz Jorge , Chinchilla-Romero Natalia , Ramos-Munoz Juan Jose
Published: March 2022

This article proposes a system based on a long-distance communications system with low economic and energy costs that allows connectivity to be carried out independently from the existing cellular coverage in the area. In addition, it describes the design, development, implementation and analysis of an Internet of Things (IoT) architecture based on Long-Range Wide-Area Network (LoRaWAN). Moreover, the system has been deployed as a prototype, and the behavior and scope of the system have been analyzed in various real environments: urban, rural and natural. The results obtained from the analysis show that the system is suitable for working in areas without coverage such as mountains.
Automatic and Interactive Program Parallelization Using the Cetus Source to Source Compiler Infrastructure v2.0
Authors: Bhosale Akshay , Barakhshan Parinaz , Rosas Miguel Romero , Eigenmann Rudolf
Published: March 2022

This paper presents an overview and evaluation of the existing and newly added analysis and transformation techniques in the Cetus source-to-source compiler infrastructure. Cetus is used for research on compiler optimizations for multi-cores with an emphasis on automatic parallelization. The compiler has gone through several iterations of benchmark studies and implementations of those techniques that could improve the parallel performance of these programs. This work seeks to measure the impact of the existing Cetus techniques on the newer versions of some of these benchmarks. In addition, we describe and evaluate the recent advances made in Cetus, which are the capability of analyzing subscripted subscripts and a feature for interactive parallelization. Cetus started as a class project in the 1990s and grew with support from Purdue University and from the National Science Foundation (NSF), as well as through countless volunteer projects by enthusiastic students. While many Version-1 releases were distributed via the Purdue download site, Version 2 is being readied for release from the University of Delaware.
High-Frequency Vacuum Electron Devices
Authors: Feng Jinjun , Gong Yubin , Du Chaohai , Cross Adrian
Published: March 2022

Vacuum electron devices at frequencies of millimeter waves and terahertz play highly important roles in the modern high-data rate and broadband communication system, high-resolution detection and imaging, medical diagnostics, magnetically confined nuclear fusion, etc [...]