bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Deep Learning Method for DOA Estimation with Covariance Matrices in Reverberant Environments
Authors: Huang Qinghua , Fang Weilun
Published: April 2022

Acoustic source localization in the spherical harmonic domain with reverberation has hitherto not been extensively investigated. Moreover, deep learning frameworks have been utilized to estimate the direction-of-arrival (DOA) with spherical microphone arrays under environments with reverberation and noise for low computational complexity and high accuracy. This paper proposes three different covariance matrices as the input features and two different learning strategies for the DOA task. There is a progressive relationship among the three covariance matrices. The second matrix can be obtained by processing the first matrix and it effectively filters out the effects of the microphone array and mode strength to some extent. The third matrix can be obtained by processing the second matrix and it further efficiently removes information irrelevant to location information. In terms of the strategies, the first strategy is a regular learning strategy, while the second strategy is to split the task into three parts to be performed in parallel. Experiments were conducted both on the simulated and real datasets to show that the proposed method has higher accuracy than the conventional methods and lower computational complexity. Thus, the proposed method can effectively resist reverberation and noise.
Linear Programming Coordination for Overcurrent Relay in Electrical Distribution Systems with Distributed Generation
Authors: Alcala-Gonzalez Daniel , García del Toro Eva M. , Más-López M. Isabel , García-Salgado Sara , Pindado Santiago
Published: April 2022

Electric power distribution networks are generally radial in nature, with unidirectional power flows transmitted from the highest voltage levels to the consumption levels. The protection system in these distribution networks is relatively simple and consists mainly of fuses, reclosers (RC) and overcurrent relays (OCRs). The installation of distributed generation (DG) in a network causes coordination problems between these devices, because the power flows are no longer unidirectional and can flow upstream to the substation. For this reason, the work proposed here analyzes the most significant impacts that DG has on the protection devices and proposes an adjustment method for the OCRs based on linear programming (LP) techniques with the aim of improving their response time to the different faults that may occur in the main feeder of the network. The distribution system selected for the study is the IEEE 34 bus system using DIgSILENT 14.1 software for its modeling and Matlab for the adjustment of the overcurrent devices. Results indicate that better coordination between protection devices are achieved if LP is used.
mmWave Four-Element MIMO Antenna for Future 5G Systems
Authors: Khan Muhammad Abbas , Al Harbi Abdullah G. , Kiani Saad Hassan , Nordin Anis Nurashikin , Munir Mehr E , Saeed Sohail Imran , Iqbal Javed , Ali Esraa Mousa , Alibakhshikenari Mohammad , Dalarsson Mariana
Published: April 2022

This paper presents an S-shape four-port Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) wideband mmWave antenna with bandwidth of 25 GHz to 39 GHz. The antenna is designed on 0.254 mm ultra-thin RO5880 with permittivity of 2.3. The dimensions of proposed S-shape antenna are 10 × 12 mm for single element and 24 × 24 mm for four-port MIMO configuration. A decoupling network is introduced to further compress mutual coupling among MIMO elements. The peak gain achieved is 7.1 dBi and MIMO assembly delivers diversity scheme. The proposed MIMO antenna is fabricated, and simulated results are found to be in excellent agreement with simulations. Through the results obtained, the proposed MIMO antenna system can be considered as a potential candidate for future mmWave devices.
Failure Detection within Composite Materials in System Engineering Applications
Authors: Bowkett Mark , Nazir Mian Hammad , Hussain Muhammad Majid , Khan Zulfiqar Ahmad , Akram Rizwan
Published: April 2022

This paper introduces essential key attributes of composite materials with a focus on carbon fibre (CF), followed by a description of common failure modes and proceeds to an investigation of stiffness of continuous CF laminates of 4-ply and 7-ply epoxy resin in pre-preg and wet layup. The three-point flexural test was performed with a Zwick Z010 machine, and the findings are presented. Continuing to real world failure scenarios and moving onto novel concept methods of live failure detection including scope for wood composites. Showing that early design considerations and further research can lead to advantages for system engineering.
An Observational Analysis of a Persistent Extreme Precipitation Event in the Post-Flood Season over a Tropical Island in China
Authors: Wu Zhiyan , Cao Jie , Zhao Wei , Ke Yuanhui , Li Xun
Published: April 2022

Featuring unique tropical land–sea contrast and mesoscale terrain, Hainan Island in China is endowed with active mesoscale convections of special regional characteristics. Persistent extreme precipitation events (PEPs) during the post-flood season, triggered by multi-scale interactions among mid-latitude and tropical weather systems, exhibit notable mesoscale features, long duration and high rainfall rates with low forecasting performance. This study is motivated by a failure to forecast a PEP in two stages with distinct characteristics and predictabilities, in the post-flood season over Hainan Island on 16–18 October 2020. Based on multiple sources of remote sensing and high-resolution rain gauge records, detailed observational analyses were conducted using a flow decomposition method. Water vapor divergence (WVD) and its three components were used to investigate the spatial distribution and temporal evolution of two stages with distinct characteristics and predictabilities during this PEP. Decomposed moisture components can be used to determine how and to what extent large- and sub-synoptic scale moisture convergence contributes to PEPs in the tropics, under similar synoptic backgrounds. Joint applications of multiple sources of remote sensing data and flow decomposed WVD are proposed to further assist predicting PEPs in terms of rainfall location and evolution.
Hydraulic Losses in Systems of Conduits with Flow from Laminar to Fully Turbulent: A New Symbolic Regression Formulation
Authors: Milošević Marko , Brkić Dejan , Praks Pavel , Litričin Dragan , Stajić Zoran
Published: April 2022

Separate flow friction formulations for laminar and turbulent regimes of flow through pipes are in common use in engineering practice. However, variation of different parameters in a system of conduits during conveying of fluids can cause changes in flow pattern from laminar to fully turbulent and vice versa. Because of that, it is useful to unify formulations for laminar and turbulent hydraulic regimes in one single coherent equation. In addition to a physical interpretation of hydraulic friction, this communication gives a short overview of already available Darcy’s flow friction formulations for both laminar and turbulent flow and additionally includes two simple completely new approximations based on symbolic regression.
A Non-Uniform Continuous Cellular Automata for Analyzing and Predicting the Spreading Patterns of COVID-19
Authors: Eosina Puspa , Arymurthy Aniati Murni , Krisnadhi Adila Alfa
Published: April 2022

During the COVID-19 outbreak, modeling the spread of infectious diseases became a challenging research topic due to its rapid spread and high mortality rate. The main objective of a standard epidemiological model is to estimate the number of infected, suspected, and recovered from the illness by mathematical modeling. This model does not capture how the disease transmits between neighboring regions through interaction. A more general framework such as Cellular Automata (CA) is required to accommodate a more complex spatial interaction within the epidemiological model. The critical issue of modeling in the spread of diseases is how to reduce the prediction error. This research aims to formulate the influence of the interaction of a neighborhood on the spreading pattern of COVID-19 using a neighborhood frame model in a Cellular-Automata (CA) approach and obtain a predictive model for the COVID-19 spread with the error reduction to improve the model. We propose a non-uniform continuous CA (N-CCA) as our contribution to demonstrate the influence of interactions on the spread of COVID-19. The model has succeeded in demonstrating the influence of the interaction between regions on the COVID-19 spread, as represented by the coefficients obtained. These coefficients result from multiple regression models. The coefficient obtained represents the population’s behavior interacting with its neighborhood in a cell and influences the number of cases that occur the next day. The evaluation of the N-CCA model is conducted by root mean square error (RMSE) for the difference in the number of cases between prediction and real cases per cell in each region. This study demonstrates that this approach improves the prediction of accuracy for 14 days in the future using data points from the past 42 days, compared to a baseline model.
Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of Tart Cherry Consumption in the Heart of Obese Rats
Authors: Martinelli Ilenia , Tomassoni Daniele , Bellitto Vincenzo , Roy Proshanta , Micioni Di Bonaventura Maria Vittoria , Amenta Francesco , Amantini Consuelo , Cifani Carlo , Tayebati Seyed Khosrow
Published: April 2022

Obesity is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, frequently related to oxidative stress and inflammation. Dietary antioxidant compounds improve heart health. Here, we estimate the oxidative grade and inflammation in the heart of dietary-induced obese (DIO) rats after exposure to a high-fat diet compared to a standard diet. The effects of tart cherry seed powder and seed powder plus tart cherries juice were explored. Morphological analysis and protein expressions were performed in the heart. The oxidative status was assessed by the measurement of protein oxidation and 4-hydroxynonenal in samples. Immunochemical and Western blot assays were performed to elucidate the involved inflammatory markers as proinflammatory cytokines and cellular adhesion molecules. In the obese rats, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy was accompanied by an increase in oxidative state proteins and lipid peroxidation. However, the intake of tart cherries significantly changed these parameters. An anti-inflammatory effect was raised from tart cherry consumption, as shown by the downregulation of analyzed endothelial cell adhesion molecules and cytokines compared to controls. Tart cherry intake should be recommended as a dietary supplement to prevent or counteract heart injury in obese conditions.
Therapeutic Effects of Citrus Flavonoids Neohesperidin, Hesperidin and Its Aglycone, Hesperetin on Bone Health
Authors: Ortiz Adriana de Cássia , Fideles Simone Ortiz Moura , Reis Carlos Henrique Bertoni , Bellini Márcia Zilioli , Pereira Eliana de Souza Bastos Mazuqueli , Pilon João Paulo Galletti , de Marchi Miguel Ângelo , Detregiachi Cláudia Rucco Penteado , Flato Uri Adrian Prync , Trazzi Beatriz Flavia de Moraes , Pagani Bruna Trazzi , Ponce José Burgos , Gardizani Taiane Priscila , Veronez Fulvia de Souza , Buchaim Daniela Vieira , Buchaim Rogerio Leone
Published: April 2022

Flavonoids are natural phytochemicals that have therapeutic effects and act in the prevention of several pathologies. These phytochemicals can be found in seeds, grains, tea, coffee, wine, chocolate, cocoa, vegetables and, mainly, in citrus fruits. Neohesperidin, hesperidin and hesperetin are citrus flavonoids from the flavanones subclass that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential. Neohesperidin, in the form of neohesperidin dihydrochalcone (NHDC), also has dietary properties as a sweetener. In general, these flavanones have been investigated as a strategy to control bone diseases, such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. In this literature review, we compiled studies that investigated the effects of neohesperidin, hesperidin and its aglycone, hesperetin, on bone health. In vitro studies showed that these flavanones exerted an antiosteoclastic and anti- inflammatory effects, inhibiting the expression of osteoclastic markers and reducing the levels of reactive oxygen species, proinflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinase levels. Similarly, such studies favored the osteogenic potential of preosteoblastic cells and induced the overexpression of osteogenic markers. In vivo, these flavanones favored the regeneration of bone defects and minimized inflammation in arthritis- and periodontitis-induced models. Additionally, they exerted a significant anticatabolic effect in ovariectomy models, reducing trabecular bone loss and increasing bone mineral density. Although research should advance to the clinical field, these flavanones may have therapeutic potential for controlling the progression of metabolic, autoimmune or inflammatory bone diseases.
Plant Extracts Mediated Metal-Based Nanoparticles: Synthesis and Biological Applications
Authors: Adeyemi Jerry O. , Oriola Ayodeji O. , Onwudiwe Damian C. , Oyedeji Adebola O.
Published: April 2022

The vastness of metal-based nanoparticles has continued to arouse much research interest, which has led to the extensive search and discovery of new materials with varying compositions, synthetic methods, and applications. Depending on applications, many synthetic methods have been used to prepare these materials, which have found applications in different areas, including biology. However, the prominent nature of the associated toxicity and environmental concerns involved in most of these conventional methods have limited their continuous usage due to the desire for more clean, reliable, eco-friendly, and biologically appropriate approaches. Plant-mediated synthetic approaches for metal nanoparticles have emerged to circumvent the often-associated disadvantages with the conventional synthetic routes, using bioresources that act as a scaffold by effectively reducing and stabilizing these materials, whilst making them biocompatible for biological cells. This capacity by plants to intrinsically utilize their organic processes to reorganize inorganic metal ions into nanoparticles has thus led to extensive studies into this area of biochemical synthesis and analysis. In this review, we examined the use of several plant extracts as a mediating agent for the synthesis of different metal-based nanoparticles (MNPs). Furthermore, the associated biological properties, which have been suggested to emanate from the influence of the diverse metabolites found in these plants, were also reviewed.
Metformin Protects against Diabetic Cardiomyopathy: An Association between Desmin–Sarcomere Injury and the iNOS/mTOR/TIMP-1 Fibrosis Axis
Authors: Dawood Amal F. , Alzamil Norah M. , Hewett Peter W. , Momenah Maha A. , Dallak Mohammad , Kamar Samaa S. , Abdel Kader Dina H. , Yassin Hanaa , Haidara Mohamed A. , Maarouf Amro , Al-Ani Bahjat
Published: April 2022

The intermediate filament protein desmin is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of sarcomeres, the fundamental unit of cardiac muscle. Diabetes mellitus (DM) can cause desmin to become dysregulated, following episodes of nitrosative stress, through the activation of the iNOS/mTOR/TIMP-1 pathway, thereby stimulating collagen deposition in the myocardium. In this study, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was induced in rats. One group of animals was pre-treated with metformin (200 mg/kg) prior to diabetes induction and subsequently kept on metformin until sacrifice at week 12. Cardiac injuries developed in the diabetic rats as demonstrated by a significant (p < 0.0001) inhibition of desmin immunostaining, profound sarcomere ultrastructural alterations, substantial damage to the left ventricular tissue, collagen deposition, and abnormal ECG recordings. DM also significantly induced the cardiac expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and the profibrogenic biomarker tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1). The expression of all these markers was significantly inhibited by metformin. In addition, a significant (p < 0.0001) correlation between desmin tissue levels/sarcomere damage and glycated hemoglobin, heart rate, iNOS, mTOR, and fibrosis was observed. These findings demonstrate an association between damage of the cardiac contractile unit—desmin and sarcomere—and the iNOS/mTOR/TIMP-1/collagen axis of fibrosis in T2DM-induced cardiomyopathy, with metformin exhibiting beneficial cardiovascular pleiotropic effects.
Intranasal Administration of a TRAIL Neutralizing Monoclonal Antibody Adsorbed in PLGA Nanoparticles and NLC Nanosystems: An In Vivo Study on a Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Musumeci Teresa , Di Benedetto Giulia , Carbone Claudia , Bonaccorso Angela , Amato Giovanni , Lo Faro Maria Josè , Burgaletto Chiara , Puglisi Giovanni , Bernardini Renato , Cantarella Giuseppina
Published: April 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that progressively compromises cognitive functions. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-Related Apoptosis Inducing Ligand (TRAIL), a proinflammatory cytokine belonging to the TNF superfamily, appears to be a key player in the inflammatory/immune orchestra of the AD brain. Despite the ability of an anti-TRAIL monoclonal antibody to reach the brain producing beneficial effects in AD mice, we attempted to develop such a TRAIL-neutralizing monoclonal antibody adsorbed on lipid and polymeric nanocarriers, for intranasal administration, in a valid approach to overcome issues related to both high dose and drug transport across the blood–brain barrier. The two types of nanomedicines produced showed physico-chemical characteristics appropriate for intranasal administration. As confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), both nanomedicines were able to form a complex with the antibody with an encapsulation efficiency of ≈99%. After testing in vitro the immunoneutralizing properties of the nanomedicines, the latter were intranasally administered in AD mice. The antibody–nanocarrier complexes were detectable in the brain in substantial amounts at concentrations significantly higher compared to the free form of the anti-TRAIL antibody. These data support the use of nanomedicine as an optimal method for the delivery of the TRAIL neutralizing antibody to the brain through the nose-to-brain route, aiming to improve the biological attributes of anti-TRAIL-based therapy for AD treatment.
Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation over the Supplementary Motor Area Combined with Walking on the Intramuscular Coherence of the Tibialis Anterior in a Subacute Post-Stroke Patient: A Single-Case Study
Authors: Hasui Naruhito , Mizuta Naomichi , Taguchi Junji , Nakatani Tomoki , Morioka Shu
Published: April 2022

Motor recovery is related to the corticospinal tract (CST) lesion in post-stroke patients. The CST originating from the supplementary motor area (SMA) affects the recovery of impaired motor function. We confirmed the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the SMA combined with walk training on CST excitability. This study involved a stroke patient with severe sensorimotor deficits and a retrospective AB design. Walk training was conducted only in phase A. Phase B consisted of anodal tDCS (1.5 mA) combined with walk training. Walking speed, stride time variability (STV; reflecting gait stability), and beta-band intramuscular coherence—derived from the paired tibialis anterior on the paretic side (reflecting CST excitability)—were measured. STV quantified the coefficient of variation in stride time using accelerometers. Intramuscular coherence during the early stance phase noticeably increased in phase B compared with phase A. Intramuscular coherence in both the stance and swing phases was reduced at follow-up. Walking speed showed no change, while STV was noticeably decreased in phase B compared with phase A. These results suggest that tDCS over the SMA during walking improves gait stability by enhancing CST excitability in the early stance phase.
Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Endurance Performance in Elite Female Rowers: A Pilot, Single-Blinded Study
Authors: Liang Zhiqiang , Zhou Junhong , Jiao Fujia , Gin Trenton , Wang Xi , Liu Yu , Lü Jiaojiao
Published: April 2022

Endurance, which is dependent at least partly upon the activation of the brain cortex, is important for performance in rowing. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has shown benefits for endurance, but its effects on the endurance performance of elite rowing athletes are unknown, and are examined in this study. Eight elite female rowers completed 5 km of rowing on an ergometer following stimulation of the tDCS and sham over motor cortices. Each session lasted 20 min and the current was set at 2.2 mA. Time, 500 m/split, power, time corresponding to 500 m (TC500) and power corresponding to 500 m (PC500) were recorded continuously throughout the tests. No significant differences in time, 500 m/split and power were observed between baseline, tDCS and sham. Compared to the sham, tDCS induced a percentage reduction in TC500 from baseline to 2500 m and 4000 m, and a percentage increase in PC500 from baseline to 500 m, 1000 m, 1500 m, 2000 m, 2500 m, 4000 m, 4500 m and 5000 m. One-session tDCS did not have significant benefits for rowing endurance performance in elite professional rowers, and had only marginally greater efficacy compared to sham. These findings offer knowledge helpful to the design of future studies exploring the effects of tDCS on the endurance performance of elite rowers.
Parental-Bonding and Alexithymia in Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa, Their Parents, and Siblings
Authors: Mannarini Stefania , Kleinbub Johann Roland
Published: April 2022

Anorexia nervosa (AN) patients and their family-members share alexithymia, anxiety, depression, and other psychological symptoms, in the context of altered attachment. These domains have been individually studied in the context of eating disorders; few attempts have been made to study their interaction, especially including family members. In this study, alexithymia, parental-bonding, and psychopathology were assessed in 32 Italian families consisting of an adolescent AN patient, a sibling, and their parents. We aimed to (a) describe a sample of Italian families with a child affected by AN, notably including siblings; (b) investigate interactions between assessed constructs in patients and their siblings; and (c) investigate possible intergenerational effects. Results showed high alexithymia and psychopathological symptoms in patients but not in siblings, although the latter reported high obsession–compulsion and paranoid ideation scores. Patients’ and siblings’ alexithymia correlated with psychopathology. Parents reported generally low alexithymia. Perceived parental bonding was found to be suboptimal in most participants, yet no clear relationship was found between specific parenting styles and other measured traits, nor did we find any other relevant intergenerational effect. Anorexia nervosa implies psychological difficulties for all family members. Siblings’ psychopathological traits are especially concerning and currently understudied. Implications for future research and clinical interventions are discussed.
Tumor Size and Oncological Outcomes in Patients with Early Cervical Cancer Treated by Fertility Preservation Surgery: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Gil-Ibañez Blanca , Gil-Moreno Antonio , Torné Aureli , Martín Jimenez Angel , Gorostidi Mikel , Zapardiel Ignacio , Tejerizo Garcia Alvaro , Diaz-Feijoo Berta ,   on behalf of SEGO Spain-GOG Cervical Cancer Task Forcé
Published: April 2022

Background: The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of tumor size > 2 cm on oncological outcomes of fertility-sparing surgery (FSS) in early cervical cancer in a Spanish cohort. Methods: A multicenter, retrospective cohort study of early cervical cancer (stage IA1 with lymphovascular space invasion -IB1 (FIGO 2009)) patients with gestational desire who underwent FSS at 12 tertiary departments of gynecology oncology between 01/2005 and 01/2019 throughout Spain. Results: A total of 111 patients were included, 82 (73.9%) with tumors < 2 cm and 29 (26.1%) with tumors 2–4 cm. Patients’ characteristics were balanced except from lymphovascular space invasion. All were intraoperative lymph node-negative. Median follow-up was 55.7 and 30.7 months, respectively. Eleven recurrences were diagnosed (9.9%), five (6.0%) and six (21.4%) (p < 0.05). The 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 95.7% (95%CI 87.3–98.6) and 76.9% (95% CI 55.2–89.0) (p = 0.011). Only tumor size (<2 cm vs. 2–4 cm) was found to be significant for recurrence. After adjusting for the rest of the variables, tumor size 2–4 cm showed a Hazard Ratio of 5.99 (CI 95% 1.01–35.41, p = 0.036). Conclusions: Tumor size ≥ 2 cm is the most important negative prognostic factor in this multicenter cohort of patients with early cervical cancer and gestational desire who underwent FSS in Spain.
BRAF Modulates Lipid Use and Accumulation
Authors: Turner Jacqueline A. , Paton Emily L. , Van Gulick Robert , Stefanoni Davide , Cendali Francesca , Reisz Julie , Tobin Richard P. , McCarter Martin , D’Alessandro Angelo , Torres Raul M. , Robinson William A. , Couts Kasey L. , Schlaepfer Isabel R.
Published: April 2022

There is increasing evidence that oxidative metabolism and fatty acids play an important role in BRAF-driven tumorigenesis, yet the effect of BRAF mutation and expression on metabolism is poorly understood. We examined how BRAF mutation and expression modulates metabolite abundance. Using the non-transformed NIH3T3 cell line, we generated cells that stably overexpressed BRAF V600E or BRAF WT. We found that cells expressing BRAF V600E were enriched with immunomodulatory lipids. Further, we found a unique transcriptional signature that was exclusive to BRAF V600E expression. We also report that BRAF V600E mutation promoted accumulation of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and rewired metabolic flux for non-Warburg behavior. This cancer promoting mutation further induced the formation of tunneling nanotube (TNT)-like protrusions in NIH3T3 cells that preferentially accumulated lipid droplets. In the plasma of melanoma patients harboring the BRAF V600E mutation, levels of lysophosphatidic acid, sphingomyelin, and long chain fatty acids were significantly increased in the cohort of patients that did not respond to BRAF inhibitor therapy. Our findings show BRAF V600 status plays an important role in regulating immunomodulatory lipid profiles and lipid trafficking, which may inform future therapy across cancers.
A Novel Machine Learning 13-Gene Signature: Improving Risk Analysis and Survival Prediction for Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Terrematte Patrick , Andrade Dhiego , Justino Josivan , Stransky Beatriz , de Araújo Daniel , Dória Neto Adrião
Published: April 2022

Patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) have poor survival outcomes, especially if it has metastasized. It is of paramount importance to identify biomarkers in genomic data that could help predict the aggressiveness of ccRCC and its resistance to drugs. Thus, we conducted a study with the aims of evaluating gene signatures and proposing a novel one with higher predictive power and generalization in comparison to the former signatures. Using ccRCC cohorts of the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA-KIRC) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC-RECA), we evaluated linear survival models of Cox regression with 14 signatures and six methods of feature selection, and performed functional analysis and differential gene expression approaches. In this study, we established a 13-gene signature (AR, AL353637.1, DPP6, FOXJ1, GNB3, HHLA2, IL4, LIMCH1, LINC01732, OTX1, SAA1, SEMA3G, ZIC2) whose expression levels are able to predict distinct outcomes of patients with ccRCC. Moreover, we performed a comparison between our signature and others from the literature. The best-performing gene signature was achieved using the ensemble method Min-Redundancy and Max-Relevance (mRMR). This signature comprises unique features in comparison to the others, such as generalization through different cohorts and being functionally enriched in significant pathways: Urothelial Carcinoma, Chronic Kidney disease, and Transitional cell carcinoma, Nephrolithiasis. From the 13 genes in our signature, eight are known to be correlated with ccRCC patient survival and four are immune-related. Our model showed a performance of 0.82 using the Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) Area Under Curve (AUC) metric and it generalized well between the cohorts. Our findings revealed two clusters of genes with high expression (SAA1, OTX1, ZIC2, LINC01732, GNB3 and IL4) and low expression (AL353637.1, AR, HHLA2, LIMCH1, SEMA3G, DPP6, and FOXJ1) which are both correlated with poor prognosis. This signature can potentially be used in clinical practice to support patient treatment care and follow-up.
Cu Modified TiO2 Catalyst for Electrochemical Reduction of Carbon Dioxide to Methane
Authors: Anzai Akihiko , Liu Ming-Han , Ura Kenjiro , Noguchi Tomohiro G. , Yoshizawa Akina , Kato Kenichi , Sugiyama Takeharu , Yamauchi Miho
Published: April 2022

Electrochemical reduction of CO2 (ECO2R) is gaining attention as a promising approach to store excess or intermittent electricity generated from renewable energies in the form of valuable chemicals such as CO, HCOOH, CH4, and so on. Selective ECO2R to CH4 is a challenging target because the rate-determining step of CH4 formation, namely CO* protonation, competes with hydrogen evolution reaction and the C–C coupling toward the production of longer-chain chemicals. Herein, a Cu-TiO2 composite catalyst consisting of CuOx clusters or Cu nanoparticles (CuNPs), which are isolated on the TiO2 grain surface, was synthesized using a one-pot solvothermal method and subsequent thermal treatment. The Cu-TiO2 catalyst exhibited high selectivity for CH4, and the ratio of FE for CH4 to total FE for all products in ECO2R reached 70%.
Silver-Carbonaceous Microsphere Precursor-Derived Nano-Coral Ag Catalyst for Electrochemical Carbon Dioxide Reduction
Authors: Li Xiangxiang , Chang Shuling , Wang Yanting , Zhang Lihong
Published: April 2022

The selective and effective conversion of CO2 into available chemicals by electrochemical methods was applied as a promising way to mitigate the environment and energy crisis. Metal silver is regarded as an efficient electrocatalyst that can selectively convert CO2 into CO at room temperature. In this paper, a series of coral-like porous Ag (CD-Ag) catalysts were fabricated by calcining silver-carbonaceous microsphere (Ag/CM) precursors with different Ag content and the formation mechanism of CD-Ag catalysts was proposed involving the Ag precursor reduction and CM oxidation. In the selective electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CO, the catalyst 15 CD-Ag showed a stable current density at −6.3 mA/cm2 with a Faraday efficiency (FE) of ca. 90% for CO production over 5 h in −0.95 V vs. RHE. The excellent performance of the 15 CD-Ag catalysts is ascribed to the special surface chemical state and the particular nano-coral porous structure with uniformly distributed Ag particles and pore structure, which can enhance the electrochemical active surface areas (ECSA) and provide more active sites and porosity compared with other CD-Ag catalysts and even Ag foil.
Preserved Voluntary Micturition Control despite Early Urinary Diversion in Infancy—A Clue to a New Strategy
Authors: Borselle Dominika , Patkowski Dariusz , Kiliś-Pstrusińska Katarzyna , Apoznański Wojciech
Published: April 2022

Micturition is an involuntary process based on spinal arcs in infants and children until a defined age. The awareness and voluntary control of voiding depends on specific areas in the central nervous system, especially cortical regions. The cells and connections between these areas develop over time and regulate the voiding process. The ability to maintain continence and to adjust physiological needs to appropriate environmental conditions is considered to be acquired through systematic behavioral education, especially toilet training. The recommendations specify the age at which to start establishing the relevant habits. The purpose of these guidelines is to achieve proper micturition control development and to avoid functional lower urinary tract (LUT) disorders. We present a case of a patient who underwent complete urinary diversion in infancy and reconstruction of the urinary tract eleven years later. For eleven years, she had an empty bladder and no toilet training. After undiversion, she regained full continence in a short space of time. The presence of proper LUT function and a controlled micturition process raises the question of the standard toilet training recommendations’ validity. The aim of our work focuses on the following question: Is toilet training the only way to achieve micturition skills and proper urinary tract function? The history of our patient and the literature reveal that voluntary micturition may develop without stimulating signals of filling from bladder receptors and independently of recommended behavioral education, so toilet training seems to not be necessary.
Positive and Negative Psychological Derailment in Chinese Adolescents and the Mechanism by Which It Affects Mental Health: A Mediated Moderation Model
Authors: Chu Jinxiong , Gao Ruixiang , Huang Xitong , Mo Lei
Published: April 2022

Psychological derailment refers to the phenomenon whereby original self-expectations are seriously inconsistent with developments in reality. Research to date has neglected the valence of derailment and the mechanism by which it affects mental health. To improve the mental health of Chinese adolescents from the perspective of psychological derailment, after validating the translated Chinese versions of the derailment measurement instruments, we conducted an empirical study on the freshmen in senior high schools and universities in China and obtained three major results. First, the study revealed the prevalence of psychological derailment among Chinese adolescents and its strong correlation with mental health indicators (depression, anxiety, stress and satisfaction with life). Second, the study found significant differences in all mental health indicators among the non-derailed group, the positively derailed group and the negatively derailed group, and suggested that positive psychological derailment may help to ease mental health problems. Third, using path analysis to establish a mediated moderation model relating psychological derailment, psychological derailment valence, self-esteem and depression, the study uncovered that the valence of psychological derailment moderated the effect of psychological derailment on depression, while self-esteem mediated the moderating effect. The implications and limitations of the study are discussed.
Monitoring of Communication Precursors in Extremely Low Birth Weight (ELBW) Newborns by Video Analysis Method: Preliminary Results
Authors: Sundas Laura , Palma Silvia , Pugliese Marisa , Roversi Maria Federica , Apa Enrico , Berardi Alberto , Genovese Elisabetta , Monzani Daniele
Published: April 2022

Background: The survival of extremely low birth weight infants (ELBW) has increased worldwide. Even in the absence of major disabilities, ELBW infants show difficulty in simple language functions. It is relevant to assess early abilities, which are the base of early linguistic skills, in order to implement customized intervention programs in ELBW infants. Aims: To evaluate communication precursors of language development in ELBW infants at 12 and 24 months of correct age (C.A). To investigate the correlation of linguistic and communicative prerequisites with mental development outcome at 24 months CA. Method: 52 ELBW neonates (mean gestational age 26.6 weeks, mean birth weight was 775 g) who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of the University Hospital of Modena, were enrolled. Data were collected from archived audio-video recordings of neurodevelopmental follow-up visits. Video analysis of communicative and linguistic developmental was performed at 12 and 24 months CA. Neurodevelopmental outcome was evaluated with Mental Developmental Scales (GMDS-R). Results: The video-analysis showed that infants at 12 months CA used predominantly eye contacts and gestural turns, while vocal turns were scant. At 24 months CA, a significant change in eye contacts, vocal turns, gestural turns, and utterances (p < 0.001) occurred. The total number of utterances (p = 0.036) and eye contacts (p = 0.045) were significantly correlated to the Development Quotient (DQ) of Hearing and Language scale. Moreover, a significant correlation was found with the Personal-Social scale vocal turns (p = 0.009) and the total number of utterances (p = 0,02). Finally, the Global Quotient of the GMDS-R was related to the Vocal Turns (p = 0.034) and the total number of Utterances (p = 0.013). Conclusions: ELBW infants at 12 months CA use predominantly eye contacts and gestural turns to communicate with adults. At 24 months CA, the child’s communicative intention evolves from gestural to verbal communication. The latter is characterized by an increase in both vocal turns and the number of utterances produced during interaction. The video analysis we implement appears to be a sensitive tool for early assessment of communication and language development and to refine early intervention
Body Composition and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in a Paediatric Population
Authors: Golob Jančič Sonja , Močnik Mirjam , Švigelj Marjetka , Marčun Varda Nataša
Published: April 2022

The aim of our study was to evaluate associations between body composition parameters and several clinical parameters. A total of 206 children and adolescents (120 male, 86 female) were prospectively included. Body impedance measurement was performed in all participants. During the hospital work-up, several clinical parameters such as anthropometric measurements and laboratory and ultrasound findings were obtained and correlated to body composition parameters. There was a significant association between body composition parameters and anthropometric measurements, systolic blood pressure, insulin levels, serum creatinine, urate, liver function tests, triglycerides, cholesterols and apolipoproteins, homocysteine, vitamin D and proteins in 24-h urine. Body composition differed by gender, between participants with and without hepatic steatosis and between patients with and without left ventricular hypertrophy. Interestingly, body composition did not correlate with diastolic blood pressure, pulse wave velocity and intima media thickness. This study showed that several clinical parameters are associated with body composition in children. Obesity and body composition play an important role in the development of other cardiovascular risk factors and are not dependent on fat mass alone, and the latter might be used for cardiovascular risk determination.
Factors Influencing the Droplet Size of Asphalt Emulsion during Fabrication
Authors: Chen Xiaowei , Meng Yan , Hu Guihua , Zhou Ji , Ouyang Jian
Published: April 2022

The size distribution of asphalt droplets greatly affects the overall technical properties of asphalt emulsion, while it did not obtain much concern previously. In order to fabricate a good-quality asphalt emulsion with a small droplet size distribution, the effect of preparation parameters on the asphalt droplet size distribution, such as emulsifier dosage, asphalt temperature, shear time, pH value, and soap solution temperature, were systematically studied. All preparation parameters can affect the droplet size distribution of asphalt emulsion as well as the representative droplet diameters for the 10th, 50th and 90th cumulative volume percentile (D10, D50, and D90). The order of preparation parameters are ranked as: emulsifier dosage > temperature of soap solution > pH of soap solution > shear time > asphalt temperature. Therefore, the emulsifier dosage, the temperature and pH of the soap solution should be carefully controlled to obtain asphalt emulsion with good droplet size distribution during fabrication. Compared to D10, the D50 and D90 are more easily affected by the fluctuant preparation parameters, which are recommended to be utilized to evaluate the emulsifying effect of asphalt emulsion and judge the asphalt droplet size distribution.
Effect of Morphology, Impact Velocity and Angle of the CaO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2 (CMAS) Particle on the Erosion Behavior of Thermal Barrier Coatings (TBCs): A Finite Element Simulation Study
Authors: Liu Yao , Cao Zhijun , Yuan Jianhui , Sun Xiaowen , Su Huaiyu , Wang Liang
Published: April 2022

The erosion of the unmelted CaO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2 (CMAS) particle is one of the dominating factors that causes microcracks in thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) when an aeroengine operates under actual service conditions. The microcracks provide a pathway for the erosion of the TBCs by the molten CMAS particles, which accelerates the failure of the coating. Herein a simplified model to mimic the erosion of YSZ (Y2O3 stabilized ZrO2) TBCs by the CMAS particles with high speed is proposed. The finite element method was utilized to systematically investigate the physical damage behaviors of the TBCs by the CMAS particles under various contact configurations, impact velocities and impact angles. We show that the contact configuration has a significant impact on the residual stress of the coating surfaces as well as the formation and types of microcracks. Furthermore, the increment of the erosion velocity gave rise to irreversible deformation around the point of contact, which aggravated the stress conditions of the top layer and led to the delamination failure of the coating. Finally, the larger the erosion angle, the more mechanical energy was converted into internal energy, which accumulated in the YSZ and caused it to finally delaminate.
Antiviral Biodegradable Food Packaging and Edible Coating Materials in the COVID-19 Era: A Mini-Review
Authors: Priyadarshi Ruchir , Purohit Shiv Dutt , Roy Swarup , Ghosh Tabli , Rhim Jong-Whan , Han Sung Soo
Published: April 2022

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in late 2019, and the catastrophe faced by the world in 2020, the food industry was one of the most affected industries. On the one hand, the pandemic-induced fear and lockdown in several countries increased the online delivery of food products, resulting in a drastic increase in single-use plastic packaging waste. On the other hand, several reports revealed the spread of the viral infection through food products and packaging. This significantly affected consumer behavior, which directly influenced the market dynamics of the food industry. Still, a complete recovery from this situation seems a while away, and there is a need to focus on a potential solution that can address both of these issues. Several biomaterials that possess antiviral activities, in addition to being natural and biodegradable, are being studied for food packaging applications. However, the research community has been ignorant of this aspect, as the focus has mainly been on antibacterial and antifungal activities for the enhancement of food shelf life. This review aims to cover the different perspectives of antiviral food packaging materials using established technology. It focuses on the basic principles of antiviral activity and its mechanisms. Furthermore, the antiviral activities of several nanomaterials, biopolymers, natural oils and extracts, polyphenolic compounds, etc., are discussed.
Roles of Silicon Content and Normalization Temperature on Cold Workability and Recrystallization of High-Grade Non-Oriented Silicon Steel
Authors: Lin Yuan , Wang Hongxia , Wang Shijia , Zhang Wenkang , Wang Lixia , Feng Zhiyuan , Wang Yide
Published: April 2022

In order to decrease the difficulty of cold workability and study the recrystallization behavior of high-grade non-oriented silicon steel, Si content and normalization temperature were optimized simultaneously. The microstructure and texture of both hot-rolled sheet and normalized annealing sheet presented a gradient distribution. With the decrease in Si content from 3.02% to 2.54% and increase in normalization temperature from 850 °C to 920 °C, Goss texture ({110}<001>) intensity at surface layer and α-fiber (<110>//RD) texture intensity were strengthened, and α-fiber texture gradually turned to α*-fiber ({1 1 h}<1/h 1 2>) in the normalized annealing sheet. Recrystallization ratio and recrystallization grain size were increased both in the hot-rolled sheet and the normalized annealing sheet. The tensile strength and yield strength of normalized annealing sheet were reduced by 65 Mpa, which decreased the cold workability difficulty and improved cold rolling yield. The cold rolled microstructure had wider shear bands which nucleated earlier but recrystallized velocity was slower because of lower cold rolled energy storage during interval recrystallization annealing, resulting in a more heterogeneous grain size distribution in the final annealing sheet.
Spray-Drying of Hydroxypropyl β-Cyclodextrin Microcapsules for Co-Encapsulation of Resveratrol and Piperine with Enhanced Solubility
Authors: Yang Xing , Shen Jian , Liu Jia , Yang Yuxin , Hu Anna , Ren Na , Cheng Zeneng , Liu Wenjie
Published: April 2022

The synergistic therapeutic benefits of resveratrol (RES) and piperine (PIP) have been proven for the treatment of various diseases. This study reports, for the first time, spray-drying of hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) microcapsules for combined delivery of resveratrol and piperine. Phase solubility studies indicated that there was a strong interaction between the active ingredients and HP-β-CD, and both active ingredients can bind stably to HP-β-CD. The results of FTIR, XRD, and DSC demonstrated that RES-PIP/HP-β-CD inclusion complexes were successfully formed, with the RES and PIP encapsulated into the hollow spherical cavity of HP-β-CD. The results of SEM showed that the spray-dried microcapsules displayed a smooth surface and uniform particle size. Upon the formation of the spray-dried microcapsules, both RES and PIP presented significantly enhanced solubility. The results of DPPH and ABTS+ scavenging activity assays showed that the spray-drying process did not adversely influence the antioxidant activity of the bioactives, and the addition of PIP increased the antioxidation performance of RES.
Cutaneous Involvement in Diseases with Plasma Cell Differentiation: Diagnostic Approach
Authors: Zanelli Magda , Palicelli Andrea , Sanguedolce Francesca , Zizzo Maurizio , Filosa Alessandra , Ricci Linda , Cresta Camilla , Martino Giovanni , Bisagni Alessandra , Zanetti Eleonora , di Donato Francesco , Melli Beatrice , Soriano Alessandra , Cimino Luca , Cavazza Alberto , Vivian Lisa Francesca , Ascani Stefano
Published: April 2022

Neoplasms with plasma cell differentiation may occasionally involve the skin. Cutaneous lesions may represent the first sign of an underlying systemic plasma cell malignancy, such as multiple myeloma, or the skin itself may be the primary site of occurrence of a hematological tumor with plasma cell differentiation. Starting from examples encountered in our daily practice, we discussed the diagnostic approach pathologists and clinicians should use when faced with cutaneous lesions with plasma cell differentiation. Cases of primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma, localized primary amyloidosis/amyloidoma, and cutaneous manifestations (secondary either to multiple myeloma or to plasmablastic lymphoma) are discussed, focusing on the importance of the adequate patient’s work-up and precise clinicopathological correlation to get to the correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment. The pertinent literature has been reviewed, and the clinical presentation, pathological findings, main differential diagnoses, treatment, and outcome of neoplasms with plasma cell differentiation involving the skin are discussed.