bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preservation of Organ Function in Locally Advanced Non-Metastatic Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST) of the Stomach by Neoadjuvant Imatinib Therapy
Authors: Vassos Nikolaos , Jakob Jens , Kähler Georg , Reichardt Peter , Marx Alexander , Dimitrakopoulou-Strauss Antonia , Rathmann Nils , Wardelmann Eva , Hohenberger Peter
Published: February 2021

Background: Neoadjuvant imatinib mesylate (IM) for advanced, non-metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) of stomach is recommended to downsize the tumor prompting less-extensive operations and preservation of organ function. Methods: We analyzed the clinical-histopathological profile and oncological outcome of 55 patients (median age 58.2 years; range, 30–86 years) with biopsy-proven, cM0, gastric GIST who underwent IM therapy followed by surgery with a median follow-up of 82 months. Results: Initial median tumor size was 113 mm (range, 65–330 mm) and 10 patients started with acute upper GI bleeding. After a median 10 months (range, 2–21 months) of treatment, tumor size had shrunk to 62 mm (range, 22–200 mm). According to Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors version 1.0 and version 1.1 (RECIST 1.1), 39 (75%) patients had partial response and 14 patients had stable disease, with no progressive disease. At plateau response, 50 patients underwent surgery with an R0 resection rate of 94% and pathological complete response in 24%. In 12 cases (24%), downstaging allowed laparoscopic resection. The mean recurrence-free survival (RFS) was 123 months (95%CI; 99–147) and the estimated 5-year RFS was 84%. Conclusions: Neoadjuvant IM allowed stomach preservation in 96% of our patients with excellent long-term RFS, even when starting treatment during an episode of upper GI bleeding. Preservation of the stomach provides the physiological basis for the use of oral IM in the adjuvant or metastatic setting.
Oncolytic Virotherapy in Solid Tumors: The Challenges and Achievements
Authors: Jin Ke-Tao , Du Wen-Lin , Liu Yu-Yao , Lan Huan-Rong , Si Jing-Xing , Mou Xiao-Zhou
Published: February 2021

Oncolytic virotherapy (OVT) is a promising approach in cancer immunotherapy. Oncolytic viruses (OVs) could be applied in cancer immunotherapy without in-depth knowledge of tumor antigens. The capability of genetic modification makes OVs exciting therapeutic tools with a high potential for manipulation. Improving efficacy, employing immunostimulatory elements, changing the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) to inflammatory TME, optimizing their delivery system, and increasing the safety are the main areas of OVs manipulations. Recently, the reciprocal interaction of OVs and TME has become a hot topic for investigators to enhance the efficacy of OVT with less off-target adverse events. Current investigations suggest that the main application of OVT is to provoke the antitumor immune response in the TME, which synergize the effects of other immunotherapies such as immune-checkpoint blockers and adoptive cell therapy. In this review, we focused on the effects of OVs on the TME and antitumor immune responses. Furthermore, OVT challenges, including its moderate efficiency, safety concerns, and delivery strategies, along with recent achievements to overcome challenges, are thoroughly discussed.
Rheumatoid Factor: A Novel Determiner in Cancer History
Authors: Ugolini Alessio , Nuti Marianna
Published: February 2021

The possible interplay between autoimmunity and cancer is a topic that still needs to be deeply explored. Rheumatoid factors are autoantibodies that are able to bind the constant regions (Fc) of immunoglobulins class G (IgGs). In physiological conditions, their production is a transient event aimed at contributing to the elimination of pathogens as well as limiting a redundant immune response by facilitating the clearance of antibodies and immune complexes. Their production can become persistent in case of different chronic infections or diseases, being for instance a fundamental marker for the diagnosis and prognosis of rheumatoid arthritis. Their presence is also associated with aging. Some studies highlighted how elevated levels of rheumatoid factors (RFs) in the blood of patients are correlated with an increased cancer risk, tumor recurrence, and load and with a reduced response to anti-tumor immunotherapies. In line with their physiological roles, RFs showed in different works the ability to impair in vitro anti-cancer immune responses and effector functions, suggesting their potential immunosuppressive activity in the context of tumor immunity. Thus, the aim of this review is to investigate the emerging role of RFs as determiners of cancer faith.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs in Colorectal Cancer Chemoprevention
Authors: Maniewska Jadwiga , Jeżewska Dagmara
Published: February 2021

Since colorectal cancer is one of the world’s most common cancers, studies on its prevention and early diagnosis are an emerging area of clinical oncology these days. For this study, a review of randomized controlled, double-blind clinical trials of selected NSAIDs (aspirin, sulindac and celecoxib) in chemoprevention of colorectal cancer was conducted. The main molecular anticancer activity of NSAIDs is thought to be a suppression of prostaglandin E2 synthesis via cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition, which causes a decrease in tumor cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and increases apoptosis. The lower incidence of colorectal cancer in the NSAID patients suggests the long-lasting chemopreventive effect of drugs studied. This new approach to therapy of colorectal cancer may transform the disease from a terminal to a chronic one that can be taken under control.
Deep Learning for the Preoperative Diagnosis of Metastatic Cervical Lymph Nodes on Contrast-Enhanced Computed ToMography in Patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Tomita Hayato , Yamashiro Tsuneo , Heianna Joichi , Nakasone Toshiyuki , Kobayashi Tatsuaki , Mishiro Sono , Hirahara Daisuke , Takaya Eichi , Mimura Hidefumi , Murayama Sadayuki , Kobayashi Yasuyuki
Published: February 2021

We investigated the value of deep learning (DL) in differentiating between benign and metastatic cervical lymph nodes (LNs) using pretreatment contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT). This retrospective study analyzed 86 metastatic and 234 benign (non-metastatic) cervical LNs at levels I–V in 39 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) who underwent preoperative CT and neck dissection. LNs were randomly divided into training (70%), validation (10%), and test (20%) sets. For the validation and test sets, cervical LNs at levels I–II were evaluated. Convolutional neural network analysis was performed using Xception architecture. Two radiologists evaluated the possibility of metastasis to cervical LNs using a 4-point scale. The area under the curve of the DL model and the radiologists’ assessments were calculated and compared at levels I–II, I, and II. In the test set, the area under the curves at levels I–II (0.898) and II (0.967) were significantly higher than those of each reader (both, p < 0.05). DL analysis of pretreatment contrast-enhanced CT can help classify cervical LNs in patients with OSCC with better diagnostic performance than radiologists’ assessments alone. DL may be a valuable diagnostic tool for differentiating between benign and metastatic cervical LNs.
The Perspectives of Fertility Preservation in Women with Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Knez Jure , Al Mahdawi Leyla , Takač Iztok , Sobočan Monika
Published: February 2021

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecological cancer in developed countries. The disease is diagnosed with increasing frequency in younger women, commonly also in their reproductive age. The standard treatment of endometrial cancer is surgical in the form of hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and this precludes future fertility in younger women. The current challenge is to identify the group of women with endometrial cancer and low-risk features that would benefit from more conservative treatment options. More focus in management needs to be aimed towards the preservation of quality of life, without jeopardizing oncological outcomes. In this review, we analyze the current approaches to identification of women for conservative management and evaluate the success of different medical options for treatment and surgical techniques that are fertility sparing. We also elaborate on the future perspectives, focusing on the incorporation of molecular characterization of endometrial cancer to fertility preservation algorithms. Future studies should focus specifically on identifying reliable clinical and molecular predictive markers in this group of young women. With improved knowledge and better risk assessment, the precision medicine is the path towards improved understanding of the disease and possibly widening the group of women that could benefit from treatment methods preserving their fertility.
Prognostic Value of 5-ALA Fluorescence, Tumor Cell Infiltration and Angiogenesis in the Peritumoral Brain Tissue of Brain Metastases
Authors: Mercea Petra A. , Mischkulnig Mario , Kiesel Barbara , Wadiura Lisa I. , Roetzer Thomas , Prihoda Romana , Heicappell Patricia , Kreminger Judith , Furtner Julia , Woehrer Adelheid , Preusser Matthias , Roessler Karl , Berghoff Anna S. , Widhalm Georg
Published: February 2021

Complete resection is an indispensable treatment option in the management of brain metastases (BM). 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) fluorescence is used for improved intraoperative visualization of tumor tissue in gliomas and was recently observed in BM. We investigated the potential of 5-ALA fluorescence to visualize the infiltrative growth of BM in the peritumoral brain tissue and its histopathological correlate. Patients with BM resection after 5-ALA administration and collection of tissue samples from peritumoral brain tissue were included. Each tissue sample was histopathologically investigated for tumor cell infiltration and angiogenesis. Altogether, 88 samples were collected from the peritumoral brain tissue in 58 BM of 55 patients. Visible 5-ALA fluorescence was found in 61 (69%) of the samples, tumor infiltration in 19 (22%) and angiogenesis in 13 (15%) of samples. Angiogenesis showed a significant correlation with presence of fluorescence (p = 0.008). Moreover, angiogenesis was related to visible 5-ALA fluorescence and showed an association with patient prognosis since it was significantly correlated to shorter time to local progression/recurrence (p = 0.001) and lower one-year survival (p = 0.031). Consequently, angiogenesis in the peritumoral brain tissue of BM might be a novel prognostic marker for individualized perioperative treatment concepts in the future.
Deuterium Oxide (D2O) Induces Early Stress Response Gene Expression and Impairs Growth and Metastasis of Experimental Malignant Melanoma
Authors: Jandova Jana , Hua Anh B. , Fimbres Jocelyn , Wondrak Georg T.
Published: February 2021

There are two stable isotopes of hydrogen, protium (1H) and deuterium (2H; D). Cellular stress response dysregulation in cancer represents both a major pathological driving force and a promising therapeutic target, but the molecular consequences and potential therapeutic impact of deuterium (2H)-stress on cancer cells remain largely unexplored. We have examined the anti-proliferative and apoptogenic effects of deuterium oxide (D2O; ‘heavy water’) together with stress response gene expression profiling in panels of malignant melanoma (A375V600E, A375NRAS, G361, LOX-IMVI), and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PANC-1, Capan-2, or MIA PaCa-2) cells with inclusion of human diploid Hs27 skin fibroblasts. Moreover, we have examined the efficacy of D2O-based pharmacological intervention in murine models of human melanoma tumor growth and metastasis. D2O-induction of apoptosis was substantiated by AV-PI flow cytometry, immunodetection of PARP-1, and pro-caspase 3 cleavage, and rescue by pan-caspase inhibition. Differential array analysis revealed early modulation of stress response gene expression in both A375 melanoma and PANC-1 adenocarcinoma cells elicited by D2O (90%; ≤6 h) (upregulated: CDKN1A, DDIT3, EGR1, GADD45A, HMOX1, NFKBIA, or SOD2 (up to 9-fold; p < 0.01)) confirmed by independent RT-qPCR analysis. Immunoblot analysis revealed rapid onset of D2O-induced stress response phospho-protein activation (p-ERK, p-JNK, p-eIF2α, or p-H2AX) or attenuation (p-AKT). Feasibility of D2O-based chemotherapeutic intervention (drinking water (30% w/w)) was demonstrated in a severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mouse melanoma metastasis model using luciferase-expressing A375-Luc2 cells. Lung tumor burden (visualized by bioluminescence imaging) was attenuated by D2O, and inhibition of invasiveness was also confirmed in an in vitro Matrigel transwell invasion assay. D2O supplementation also suppressed tumor growth in a murine xenograft model of human melanoma, and median survival was significantly increased without causing adverse effects. These data demonstrate for the first time that systemic D2O administration impairs growth and metastasis of malignant melanoma through the pharmacological induction of deuterium (2H)-stress.
Study of Phase Transitions Occurring in a Catalytic System of ncFe-NH3/H2 with Chemical Potential Programmed Reaction (CPPR) Method Coupled with In Situ XRD
Authors: Ekiert Ewa A. , Wilk Bartłomiej , Lendzion-Bieluń Zofia , Pelka Rafał , Arabczyk Walerian
Published: January 2021

Nitriding of nanocrystalline iron and reduction of nanocrystalline iron nitride with gaseous mixtures of hydrogen with ammonia were studied at 375 °C and atmospheric pressure using the chemical potential programmed reaction (CPPR) method coupled with in situ XRD. In this paper, a series of phase transitions occurring during the processes is shown, and a detailed analysis of the phase composition and the structure of the material is given. The influence of a variable nitriding potential on the lattice parameters of α-Fe, γ′-Fe4N, and ε-Fe3-2N phases is shown. The α phase interplanar space changes irrelevantly in the one phase area but decreases linearly with average increases in crystallite size when α→γ′ transformation occurs. The nanocrystallite size distributions (nCSDs) were determined, with nCSD of the α phase for nitriding and nCSD of the ε phase for reduction. The reduction of the ε phase can occur directly to α or indirectly with an intermediate step of γ′ formation as a result of ε→γ′→α transformations. The determining factor in the reducing process method is the volume of ε phase nanocrystallites. Those with V < 90,000 nm3 undergo direct transformation ε→αFe(N), and V > 90,000 nm3 transforms to αFe(N) indirectly. It was determined at what value of nitriding potential which fraction of the ε phase nanocrystallites starts to reduce
Silver-Modified Nano Mordenite for Carbonylation of Dimethyl Ether
Authors: Lu Qijia , Qian Weixin , Ma Hongfang , Zhang Haitao , Ying Weiyong
Published: February 2021

Mordenite (H-MOR) catalysts were synthesized by a hydrothermal method, and silver-modified mordenite (Ag-MOR) catalysts were prepared by ion exchange with AgNO3 at different concentrations. The performance of these catalysts in the carbonylation of dimethyl ether (DME) to methyl acetate (MA) was also evaluated. The catalysts were characterized by Ar adsorption/desorption, XRD, ICP-AES, SEM, HRTEM, 27Al NMR, H2-TPR, NH3-TPD, Py-IR, and CO-TPD. According to the characterization results, Ag ion exchange sites were mainly located in the 8-membered ring (8-MR) channels of Ag-MOR; evenly dispersed Ag2O particles were also present. The acid site distribution was changed by the modification of Ag, and the amount of Brønsted acid sites increased in 8-MR and decreased in 12-MR. The CO adsorption performance of the catalyst significantly increased with the modification of Ag. These changes improved the conversion and selectivity of the carbonylation of DME. Over 4Ag-MOR in particular, DME conversion and MA selectivity reached 94% and 100%, respectively.
Example on the Use of Operando Spectroscopy for Developing Mechanistic Insights into Industrial Catalysts and Catalytic Processes
Authors: Zhang Claire Chunjuan , Sung Shiang , Hartlaub Sage , Petrovic Ivan , Yilmaz Bilge
Published: February 2021

In this contribution, we present an industrial example on how tailored operando spectroscopic methodologies provide the insights needed for the development of new catalytic technologies and support their global utilization. We describe the use of operando spectroscopic methods to investigate how the CO oxidation performance of catalysts is impacted by NOx, H2, temperature, and moisture, as well as the catalyst support. This operando spectroscopic analysis provides mechanistic insights into the current diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) system and shines light on the material and process development efforts on future DOC catalysts for low-temperature emission control to meet the new regulations. This investigation has shown that at cold-start temperatures, the nitrate growth can occupy the precious metal–alumina support interfacial sites that are critical for O2 dissociation and/or oxygen transfer and hinder CO conversion. Introduction of hydrogen on the catalyst surface can inhibit the nitrate growth, which in turn keeps these critical interfacial sites open.
Update on Interfacial Charge Transfer (IFTC) Processes on Films Inactivating Viruses/Bacteria under Visible Light: Mechanistic Considerations and Critical Issues
Authors: Rtimi Sami , Kiwi John
Published: February 2021

This review presents an update describing binary and ternary semiconductors involving interfacial charge transfer (IFCT) in composites made up by TiO2, CuO, Ag2O and Fe2O3 used in microbial disinfection (bacteria and viruses). The disinfection mechanism, kinetics and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in solution under solar/visible light are discussed. The surface properties of the photocatalysts and their active catalytic sites are described in detail. Pathogenic biofilm inactivation by photocatalytic thin films is addressed since biofilms are the most dangerous agents of spreading pathogens into the environment.
Metal(II) Coordination Polymers from Tetracarboxylate Linkers: Synthesis, Structures, and Catalytic Cyanosilylation of Benzaldehydes
Authors: Li Yu , Liang Chumin , Zou Xunzhong , Gu Jinzhong , Kirillova Marina V. , Kirillov Alexander M.
Published: February 2021

Three 2D coordination polymers, [Cu2(µ4-dpa)(bipy)2(H2O)]n∙6nH2O (1), [Mn2(µ6-dpa)(bipy)2]n (2), and [Zn2(µ4-dpa)(bipy)2(H2O)2]n·2nH2O (3), were prepared by a hydrothermal method using metal(II) chloride salts, 3-(2′,4′-dicarboxylphenoxy)phthalic acid (H4dpa) as a linker, as well as 2,2′-bipyridine (bipy) as a crystallization mediator. Compounds 1–3 were obtained as crystalline solids and fully characterized. The structures of 1–3 were established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, revealing 2D metal-organic networks of sql, 3,6L66, and hcb topological types. Thermal stability and catalytic behavior of 1–3 were also studied. In particular, zinc(II) coordination polymer 3 functions as a highly active and recoverable heterogeneous catalyst in the mild cyanosilylation of benzaldehydes with trimethylsilyl cyanide to give cyanohydrin derivatives. The influence of various parameters was investigated, including a time of reaction, a loading of catalyst and its recycling, an effect of solvent type, and a substrate scope. As a result, up to 93% product yields were attained in a catalyst recoverable and reusable system when exploring 4-nitrobenzaldehyde as a model substrate. This study contributes to widening the types of multifunctional polycarboxylic acid linkers for the design of novel coordination polymers with notable applications in heterogeneous catalysis.
NLRP3 Inflammasome at the Interface of Inflammation, Endothelial Dysfunction, and Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Gora Ilona M. , Ciechanowska Anna , Ladyzynski Piotr
Published: February 2021

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), accounting for 90–95% cases of diabetes, is characterized by chronic inflammation. The mechanisms that control inflammation activation in T2DM are largely unexplored. Inflammasomes represent significant sensors mediating innate immune responses. The aim of this work is to present a review of links between the NLRP3 inflammasome, endothelial dysfunction, and T2DM. The NLRP3 inflammasome activates caspase-1, which leads to the maturation of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin 1β and interleukin 18. In this review, we characterize the structure and functions of NLRP3 inflammasome as well as the most important mechanisms and molecules engaged in its activation. We present evidence of the importance of the endothelial dysfunction as the first key step to activating the inflammasome, which suggests that suppressing the NLRP3 inflammasome could be a new approach in depletion hyperglycemic toxicity and in averting the onset of vascular complications in T2DM. We also demonstrate reports showing that the expression of a few microRNAs that are also known to be involved in either NLRP3 inflammasome activation or endothelial dysfunction is deregulated in T2DM. Collectively, this evidence suggests that T2DM is an inflammatory disease stimulated by pro-inflammatory cytokines. Finally, studies revealing the role of glucose concentration in the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome are analyzed. The more that is known about inflammasomes, the higher the chances to create new, effective therapies for patients suffering from inflammatory diseases. This may offer potential novel therapeutic perspectives in T2DM prevention and treatment.
Quantification of Pharmaceutical Bitterness Using a Membrane Electrode Based on a Hydrophobic Tetrakis [3,5-Bis (trifluoromethyl) phenyl] Borate
Authors: Wu Xiao , Shiino Takeshi , Tahara Yusuke , Ikezaki Hidekazu , Toko Kiyoshi
Published: January 2021

Technologies for quantifying bitterness are essential for classifying medicines. As previously reported, taste sensors with lipid polymer membranes can respond to bitter hydrochloride substances in pharmaceuticals. However, the acid hydrolysis reaction between the lipid phosphoric acid di-n-decyl ester (PADE) and the plasticizer tributyl o-acetylcitrate (TDAB) led to a deterioration in sensor responses during storage. Given the cost of transportation and preservation for commercialization, membrane components that maintain physical and chemical stability during long-term storage are needed. Here we present a membrane electrode based on hydrophobic tetrakis [3,5-bis (trifluoromethyl) phenyl] borate (TFPB) and a plasticizer 2-nitrophenyl octyl ether (NPOE) for the quantification of pharmaceutical bitterness; they maintain a stable response before and after accelerated deterioration, as well as high selectivity and sensitivity. It is a first attempt to use a completely dissociative substance to replace non-completely dissociative lipids. Our work offsets the long-term stability issue of a bitterness sensor with a negatively charged hydrophobic membrane. Meanwhile, we provide the opportunity to select surface charge modifiers for a membrane surface using ester plasticizers containing oppositely charged impurities.
Experience and Prevalence of Dental Caries in 6 to 12-Year-Old School Children in an Agricultural Community: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Villalobos-Rodelo Juan José , Mendoza-Rodríguez Martha , Islas-Zarazúa Rosalina , Márquez-Rodríguez Sonia , Mora-Acosta Mariana , Pontigo-Loyola América Patricia , Márquez-Corona María de Lourdes , Medina-Solís Carlo Eduardo , Maupomé Gerardo
Published: February 2021

Objective: To describe the experience and prevalence of dental caries in schoolchildren aged 6–12 years belonging to agricultural manual worker households. Material and Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in two groups of schoolchildren: One considered “children of agricultural worker migrant parents” (n = 157) and the other “children of agricultural worker non-migrant parents” (n = 164). Epidemiological indices for dental caries were calculated for primary (dmft) and permanent (DMFT) dentitions, and compared in terms of age, sex, and the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (SOHI). Two binary logistic regression models for caries prevalence in primary and permanent dentitions were generated in Stata. Results: For primary dentition, we observed the following dmft index: Non-migrants = 1.73 ± 2.18 vs. migrants = 1.68 ± 2.14. Additionally, we recorded the following caries prevalence: Non-migrants = 59.1% vs. migrants = 51.3%. For permanent dentition, we observed the following DMFT index: Non-migrants = 0.32 ± 0.81 vs. migrants = 0.29 ± 0.95. Further, we recorded the following caries prevalence: Non-migrants = 17.6% vs. migrants = 12.8%. No differences were observed for either dentition (p > 0.05) in caries indices and their components or in caries prevalence. When both caries indices (dmft and DMFT) were combined, the non-migrant group had a higher level of caries experience than the migrant group (p < 0.05). No relationship (p > 0.05) with migrant status was observed in either multivariate models of caries prevalence. However, age did exhibit an association (p < 0.05) with caries. Only the plaque component of SOHI was associated (p < 0.05) with caries in permanent dentition. Conclusions: Although over half of school children from agricultural manual worker households had caries in either or both dentitions and a considerable proportion were untreated lesions, the prevalence levels were somewhat lower than other reports from Mexico in similar age groups. No statistically significant differences were found in caries experience or prevalence in either dentition between non-migrant and migrant groups.
Flood Impacts on Dairy Farms in the Bay of Plenty Region, New Zealand
Authors: Paulik Ryan , Crowley Kate , Cradock-Henry Nicholas A. , Wilson Thomas M. , McSporran Ame
Published: February 2021

Flood damage assessments provide critical information for flood hazard mitigation under changing climate conditions. Recent efforts to improve and systemise damage assessments have focused primarily on urban environments with few examples for primary industries such as dairy. This paper explores the adverse consequences of flooding on dairy farms in the Bay of Plenty region, New Zealand. Ex-tropical Cyclone Debbie in April 2017 caused prolonged riverine and surface water flooding on over 3500 hectares of dairy farmland. The event provided an opportunity to develop and apply a participatory approach for collecting information about on-farm flood damage, and both response and recovery actions implemented by dairy farmers. Semi-structured interviews and transect walks with farmers revealed a range of direct and indirect damages to production and capital assets, influenced by duration of inundation, silt deposition and seasonality. Results highlight the need to identify on-farm and off-farm asset interdependencies of dairy farm systems to estimate long-term socio-economic consequences at farm-level. Enhancing dairy farm flood resilience in a changing climate will rely on farm-level response and recovery plans, proactively supported by emergency management agencies, farm service suppliers and support agencies.
Western Pacific Zooplankton Community along Latitudinal and Equatorial Transects in Autumn 2017 (Northern Hemisphere)
Authors: Long Yi , Noman Md Abu , Chen Dawei , Wang Shihao , Yu Hao , Chen Hongtao , Wang Min , Sun Jun
Published: February 2021

During the autumn of 2017, a study was conducted to assess the zooplankton community composition in three sections (two latitudinal, going from Japan to the equator, and one longitudinal on the equator) of the Western Pacific Ocean. A total of 384 species of zooplankton adults and 21 groups of zooplankton larvae were identified, with copepods being the predominant taxon. The common dominant species across the three sections were Acrocalanus gibber, Canthocalanus pauper, Oithona similis, Paracalanus aculeatus, and Oncaea venusta. Zooplankton abundance was the highest in the equator section, with a mean abundance of 258.94 ± 52.57 ind./m3. Comparatively, a low abundance was recovered from the Subtropical Countercurrent (STCC) region, while the highest abundance holding stations were located in the eastern equatorial and North Equatorial Countercurrent (NECC) regions. Pearson’s correlation, canonical correspondence analysis, and other methods were used to analyze the relationship between environmental factors and zooplankton. We found that the Shannon–Wiener diversity index and Pielou’s uniformity index were significantly correlated (p < 0.05) with concentrations of nitrite and chlorophyll a. The distribution of zooplankton was also limited by nutrients, chlorophyll a, and dissolved oxygen. In addition, we reveal differences in the abundance of species in the equatorial and latitudinal seas. We found that not only temperature and nutrient salinity, but also ocean currents and the movement of water masses, influence the distribution of zooplankton communities in the Western Pacific.
Repository Approaches to Improving the Quality of Shared Data and Code
Authors: Trisovic Ana , Mika Katherine , Boyd Ceilyn , Feger Sebastian , Crosas Mercè
Published: February 2021

Sharing data and code for reuse has become increasingly important in scientific work over the past decade. However, in practice, shared data and code may be unusable, or published results obtained from them may be irreproducible. Data repository features and services contribute significantly to the quality, longevity, and reusability of datasets. This paper presents a combination of original and secondary data analysis studies focusing on computational reproducibility, data curation, and gamified design elements that can be employed to indicate and improve the quality of shared data and code. The findings of these studies are sorted into three approaches that can be valuable to data repositories, archives, and other research dissemination platforms.
Can Automated Hematology Analyzers Predict the Presence of a Genetic Hemoglobinopathy? An Analysis of Hematological Biomarkers in Cambodian Women
Authors: Pei Lulu X. , Leepile Tebogo T. , Cochrane Kelsey M. , Samson Kaitlyn L. I. , Fischer Jordie A. J. , Williams Brock A. , Kroeun Hou , Bonifacio Lizl , Karakochuk Crystal D.
Published: February 2021

Genetic hemoglobinopathies are the most common single-gene disorder worldwide. Some automated hematology analyzers have the capability of flagging individuals who may have hematological disorders based on complete blood count (CBC) biomarkers. We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of a hematology analyzer in identifying genetic hemoglobinopathies in Cambodian women and to determine which hematological biomarkers are the best predictors. A CBC was completed using a Sysmex XN-1000 analyzer and hemoglobinopathies were determined with capillary hemoglobin electrophoresis for 808 nonpregnant Cambodian women. Sysmex XN-1000 Interpretive Program (IP) messages, which flag potential hematological disorders, were produced from CBC results. Then, 2 × 2 tables were used to determine sensitivity and specificity of the IP message “Hemoglobin defect” to detect a genetic hemoglobinopathy. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses assessed the diagnostic ability of six CBC biomarkers to predict a genetic hemoglobinopathy. In total, 74% of women had a hemoglobinopathy (predominantly Hb E and α-thalassemia). “Hb defect” IP message sensitivity and specificity for genetic hemoglobinopathy detection were 10.4% and 98.6%, respectively. Variable selection strategies yielded a two-variable model including mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and red blood cell (RBC) count (AIC = 99.83, AUCROC = 0.98 (95% CI: 0.97, 0.99)) for the prediction of a homozygous EE disorder. Sensitivity and specificity values do not justify the use of Sysmex XN-1000 IP flag messages for identification of genetic hemoglobinopathies in Cambodian women. Development of an algorithm based on MCV and RBC biomarkers may optimize the screening ability of automated hematology analyzers.
How Should We Measure and Deal with Office Blood Pressure in 2021?
Authors: Vischer Annina S. , Burkard Thilo
Published: February 2021

Arterial hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease worldwide. Office blood pressure measurements (OBPMs) are still recommended for diagnosis and follow-up by all major guidelines; however, the recommended procedures differ significantly. In analogy, major outcome studies usually apply OBPMs, again, with a variety of procedures. This variety of OBPM procedures complicates the comparability between studies and challenges daily clinical practice. In this narrative review, we compile the most recent recommendations for office blood pressure measurement together with the major limitations and strategies and how these could be overcome.
On Grid Quorums for Erasure Coded Data
Authors: Oggier Frédérique , Datta Anwitaman
Published: January 2021

We consider the problem of designing grid quorum systems for maximum distance separable (MDS) erasure code based distributed storage systems. Quorums are used as a mechanism to maintain consistency in replication based storage systems, for which grid quorums have been shown to produce optimal load characteristics. This motivates the study of grid quorums in the context of erasure code based distributed storage systems. We show how grid quorums can be built for erasure coded data, investigate the load characteristics of these quorum systems, and demonstrate how sequential consistency is achieved even in the presence of storage node failures.
Sharp Guarantees and Optimal Performance for Inference in Binary and Gaussian-Mixture Models
Authors: Taheri Hossein , Pedarsani Ramtin , Thrampoulidis Christos
Published: January 2021

We study convex empirical risk minimization for high-dimensional inference in binary linear classification under both discriminative binary linear models, as well as generative Gaussian-mixture models. Our first result sharply predicts the statistical performance of such estimators in the proportional asymptotic regime under isotropic Gaussian features. Importantly, the predictions hold for a wide class of convex loss functions, which we exploit to prove bounds on the best achievable performance. Notably, we show that the proposed bounds are tight for popular binary models (such as signed and logistic) and for the Gaussian-mixture model by constructing appropriate loss functions that achieve it. Our numerical simulations suggest that the theory is accurate even for relatively small problem dimensions and that it enjoys a certain universality property.
Teachers’ Attitudes toward Educational Inclusion in Spain: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lacruz-Pérez Irene , Sanz-Cervera Pilar , Tárraga-Mínguez Raúl
Published: February 2021

Inclusive education is currently one of the main aspirations of the Spanish educational system and one of the key aspects for its achievement is teachers’ attitudes toward educational inclusion. In recent years, many studies worldwide have analyzed this aspect, but so far, any systematic review has specifically focused on the Spanish educational framework. For this reason, the purpose of this paper is to review the studies published from 2010 to 2019 whose aim was to analyze teachers’ attitudes towards educational inclusion in Spain. After a literature search in four different databases (PsycInfo, ERIC, Dialnet Plus, and Google Scholar), 34 studies were selected and reviewed. The results suggest that Spanish teachers’ attitudes toward educational inclusion are generally positive, although in some cases they are ambiguous. Teachers’ attitudes are mainly influenced by the amount of training and their contact or not with students with special educational needs. The discussion highlights that more studies with a greater methodological diversity are required in order to provide a complete analysis of teachers’ attitudes toward inclusion and that teacher training is one of the best tools to generate positive attitudes.
Numerical Study of Extremely Wideband-Modified Biconical Radiation Structures for Electronic Support Measures Application
Authors: Wu Chen , Elangage Janaka
Published: February 2021

Using the finite difference time domain (FD-TD) method, this paper studies radiation structures that can have multiple tunable frequency bands between 0.4 GHz and 4 GHz, a fixed band in [3.97, 5.36] GHz and an extremely wideband from 6.14 GHz to 68.27 GHz, where a frequency band is defined by the voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) less than or equal to two. The base radiation structure has a modified-biconical antenna configuration, called base MBA, and is fed by a square-coaxial line with characteristic impedance close to 50 ohms. A dielectric ring and an outer dielectric cover are used between the two modified cones to enlarge the frequency band and strengthen the structure. An equal number of metallic-rings can be stacked at both circular-ends of cones in the base MBA to tune the positions of the frequency bands that are lower than 4 GHz and to alter their vertical polarization (V-pol) patterns. However, compared with those of the base MBA, these stacked metallic rings do not make significant changes to the VSWR in the [3.97, 5.36] GHz and [6.14, 28.27] GHz bands and the radiation patterns in the [6.14, 28.27] GHz band. The simulation results show that the base MBA and its metallic-ring-loaded versions all have V-pol radiation characteristics at all frequency bands and have donut-shaped omnidirectional patterns only when the wavelength is bigger than the length of the structure. When the wavelength is less than the size of the radiation structure, the donut shape is modified with ripples on the V-pol radiation pattern. Sometimes deep notches could be observed when MBAs operated at the higher end of the extremely wideband. A 0.2 mm cube was used to construct the antenna structures with the consideration of using the 3D metal/dielectric printer technology to build the antennas in the future.
CNN-Based Acoustic Scene Classification System
Authors: Lee Yerin , Lim Soyoung , Kwak Il-Youp
Published: February 2021

Acoustic scene classification (ASC) categorizes an audio file based on the environment in which it has been recorded. This has long been studied in the detection and classification of acoustic scenes and events (DCASE). This presents the solution to Task 1 of the DCASE 2020 challenge submitted by the Chung-Ang University team. Task 1 addressed two challenges that ASC faces in real-world applications. One is that the audio recorded using different recording devices should be classified in general, and the other is that the model used should have low-complexity. We proposed two models to overcome the aforementioned problems. First, a more general classification model was proposed by combining the harmonic-percussive source separation (HPSS) and deltas-deltadeltas features with four different models. Second, using the same feature, depthwise separable convolution was applied to the Convolutional layer to develop a low-complexity model. Moreover, using gradient-weight class activation mapping (Grad-CAM), we investigated what part of the feature our model sees and identifies. Our proposed system ranked 9th and 7th in the competition for these two subtasks, respectively.
A Smartphone-Based Application for Scale Pest Detection Using Multiple-Object Detection Methods
Authors: Chen Jian-Wen , Lin Wan-Ju , Cheng Hui-Jun , Hung Che-Lun , Lin Chun-Yuan , Chen Shu-Pei
Published: February 2021

Taiwan’s economy mainly relies on the export of agricultural products. If even the suspicion of a pest is found in the crop products after they are exported, not only are the agricultural products returned but the whole batch of crops is destroyed, resulting in extreme crop losses. The species of mealybugs, Coccidae, and Diaspididae, which are the primary pests of the scale insect in Taiwan, can not only lead to serious damage to the plants but also severely affect agricultural production. Hence, to recognize the scale pests is an important task in Taiwan’s agricultural field. In this study, we propose an AI-based pest detection system for solving the specific issue of detection of scale pests based on pictures. Deep-learning-based object detection models, such as faster region-based convolutional networks (Faster R-CNNs), single-shot multibox detectors (SSDs), and You Only Look Once v4 (YOLO v4), are employed to detect and localize scale pests in the picture. The experimental results show that YOLO v4 achieved the highest classification accuracy among the algorithms, with 100% in mealybugs, 89% in Coccidae, and 97% in Diaspididae. Meanwhile, the computational performance of YOLO v4 has indicated that it is suitable for real-time application. Moreover, the inference results of the YOLO v4 model further help the end user. A mobile application using the trained scale pest recognition model has been developed to facilitate pest identification in farms, which is helpful in applying appropriate pesticides to reduce crop losses.
A Simple Dendritic Neural Network Model-Based Approach for Daily PM2.5 Concentration Prediction
Authors: Song Zhenyu , Tang Cheng , Ji Junkai , Todo Yuki , Tang Zheng
Published: February 2021

Air pollution in cities has a massive impact on human health, and an increase in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations is the main reason for air pollution. Due to the chaotic and intrinsic complexities of PM2.5 concentration time series, it is difficult to utilize traditional approaches to extract useful information from these data. Therefore, a neural model with a dendritic mechanism trained via the states of matter search algorithm (SDNN) is employed to conduct daily PM2.5 concentration forecasting. Primarily, the time delay and embedding dimensions are calculated via the mutual information-based method and false nearest neighbours approach to train the data, respectively. Then, the phase space reconstruction is performed to map the PM2.5 concentration time series into a high-dimensional space based on the obtained time delay and embedding dimensions. Finally, the SDNN is employed to forecast the PM2.5 concentration. The effectiveness of this approach is verified through extensive experimental evaluations, which collect six real-world datasets from recent years. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first attempt to utilize a dendritic neural model to perform real-world air quality forecasting. The extensive experimental results demonstrate that the SDNN offers very competitive performance relative to the latest prediction techniques.
Combination of Primary Measures on Flue Gas Emissions in Grate-Firing Biofuel Boiler
Authors: Jančauskas Adolfas , Buinevičius Kęstutis
Published: February 2021

Increasingly stringent limits for NOx and SO2 emission are forcing the investigation of new reduction methods. This study was conducted to determine the combination of primary measures, i.e., flue gas recirculation (FGR) and excess air effects on sulfur, nitrogen and hydrocarbon emissions, in boiler flue gas. Experimental research was performed using an experimental, small-scale (20 kW) model of an industrial biofuel boiler. During combustion of sunflower seed hulls at different FGR ratios and incomplete combustion regimes, the composition of flue gas (NO, NO2, N2O, HCN, NH3, SO2, SO3, H2S, CO, and CxHy) was compared, allowing an explanation of the determinants of emission concentration changes to be provided. Increasing the flue gas recirculation ratio in the primary air had a positive effect on reducing NOX and CO with certain organic compounds. However, an opposite effect on SO2 was observed. NOX and SO2 concentrations were found to be approximately 500 mg/m3 and 150 mg/m3 under a regular combustion regime. When the FGR ratio of 50% NOX concentration decreased by 110 mg/m3, the SO2 concentration increased by 60 mg/m3. The incomplete combustion regime reduced NOX concentration by 70 mg/m3, whereas SO2 concentration increased by 100 mg/m3. The influence of primary measures presented an unclear relationship to hydrocarbon emissions, with concentrations not exceeding 18 mg/m3.
Bergamot Oil: Botany, Production, Pharmacology
Authors: Valussi Marco , Donelli Davide , Firenzuoli Fabio , Antonelli Michele
Published: February 2021

Bergamot essential oil (BEO) is the result of the mechanical manipulation (cold pressing) of the exocarp (flavedo) of the hesperidium of Citruslimon (L.) Osbeck Bergamot Group (synonym Citrus × bergamia Risso & Poit.), resulting in the bursting of the oil cavities embedded in the flavedo and the release of their contents. It is chemically dominated by monoterpene hydrocarbons (i.e., limonene), but with significant percentages of oxygenated monoterpenes (i.e., linalyl acetate) and of non-volatile oxygen heterocyclic compounds (i.e., bergapten).
Ips sexdentatus Mass-Trapping: Mitigation of Its Negative Effects on Saproxylic Beetles Larger Than the Target
Authors: Bracalini Matteo , Croci Francesco , Ciardi Emanuele , Mannucci Giulio , Papucci Emanuele , Gestri Giulia , Tiberi Riziero , Panzavolta Tiziana
Published: February 2021

Research Highlights: We investigated the negative effects of bark beetle mass trapping, especially non-target catches among the target’s natural enemies. Slot traps modified with mesh screen and escape windows were tested to improve their selectiveness. Background and Objectives: Two of the main natural enemies of bark beetles, Thanasimus formicarius (L.) and Temnoscheila caerulea (Olivier), are frequently trapped in high numbers in Ips sexdentatus (Böerner) pheromone traps, along with other saproxylic insects; this may lead to much larger pest populations in the successive 4–20 beetle generations. From 2016–2019, during I. sexdentatus mass-trapping in a pine forest of Tuscany (Italy), non-target catches were tallied. Trap modifications were evaluated to mitigate non-target catches, especially those concerning bark beetles’ natural enemies. Materials and Methods: A total of 25 bark-beetle slot traps were placed about 75 m apart in a pine stand infested by I. sexdentatus. Traps were baited with I. sexdentatus aggregation pheromone, whose main components are ipsenol, ipsdienol, and 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol. Catches were collected every 10 days from March to December. In 2019, 13 traps were modified by applying a 6-mm mesh screen on top of the collection container and by providing three 60 mm × 8 mm escape windows immediately above the screen. These “modified traps” and their captures were considered separately from the 12 remaining “standard traps.” All bark beetle species were recorded, as well as all beetle species > 8 mm. Results: Overall, target catches amounted for <10% of the total beetle catches. The most-collected species was the bark beetle Orthotomicus erosus Wollaston. Trap modification allowed the escape of larger species, resulting in the reduction of the average size of caught specimens. Even though non-target catches among predators were still high, the proportion of major predators (T. formicarius and T. caerulea) to bark beetles showed a statistically significant reduction of predator catches in modified traps, an encouraging outcome. Conclusions: Trap modifications may mitigate the problem of non-target catches during mass trapping, especially reducing catches of beetle species larger than the target. However, the key is to schedule mass trapping only during those seasons when the target adults are more active than the main predator adults, thus limiting their catches and, consequently, the negative effects on pest management and biodiversity.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Fermentation in 2020
Authors:   Fermentation Editorial Office
Published: January 2021

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